Read below for our most frequently asked questions! We also encourage you to check out our blog as many more questions and concerns are addressed there in more detail!
What is the food like?
What if my camper has food allergies?
What if a child gets homesick? How do I prepare my child for leaving home?
What type of shoes are appropriate?
Why are tent requests not granted? Why is it so important to not stay in a tent with a friend?
How may I communicate with my camper while she is at camp?
What mailing address do I use to send my camper letters and packages?
I went to Alleghany as a camper and was a blue/gray. Will my camper have a “color?”
May I send food to my camper?
May I visit my camper during the term?
What if I have a concern about my camper but I’m afraid to tell the camp?
What happens if my camper’s birthday occurs while she is at camp?
What is the food like?
The food at Alleghany receives the highest praise from campers and parent evaluation surveys alike! The kitchen staff prepares three balanced meals a day. There is always an option for fresh fruit and/or vegetables, as there is a fully stocked salad bar, and campers are encouraged to take a ‘taste’ or a ‘serving’ of all the healthy food that is prepared. Every other day we have ‘snack day’, when campers receive a healthy snack between their morning activities, such as yogurt, fruit, or granola bars. This is a fun communal activity when the whole of camp gets together on the blacktop to recharge before the next class. We have milk and cookies on most nights, and the camp store is also open after dinner for limited sweet snacks and a small soft drink, should a girl wish to partake. To read more about our mealtimes at Alleghany, please click here
What if my camper has food allergies?
We can also accommodate all special dietary requirements, ranging from food allergies to vegetarian, etc.- simply indicate this on your registration and health forms. Our kitchen staff stores and prepares allergen-free food separate from the other food, and will ensure that anyone with special dietary needs has a full balanced meal every time. Our medical staff eats all meals with us and is always prepared should a camper have an allergic reaction during a meal. To read more details about this, please click here.
What if a child gets homesick? How do I prepare my child for leaving home?
It is important to tell your camper that she or a tentmate might get homesick and that is O.K. That is a part of camp and if anyone does, there are folks there to help if help is needed. Be assured that we work as a team to make sure your child is happy, and our nurturing counselors and staff are trained in working with homesick campers. We offer more information about preparing your child for camp in the Parent Handbook, so be sure to read this thoroughly for more tips.
What type of shoes are appropriate?
Children are not permitted to walk around in open toe shoes. If they want to walk around camp in sandals, they need closed-toe options (such as Keens) and not open-toed ones, like Tevas. Crocs are a popular alternative at camp. Flip-flops may only be worn to the showers and Lunch Under the Apple Tree on Thursdays. River shoes are recommended for swimming, and required for canoeing.
Why are tent requests not granted? Why is it so important to not stay in a tent with a friend?
Your child already knows “Jenny” and if they are in the tent together, she’ll get to know fewer new children. If they don’t stay together, your camper will not only meet new friends in her tent, but will also meet the children in Jenny’s tent. Also if your child stays with Jenny in a tent, the other two children in that tent will definitely be left out from the start. You can read more about our policy on this in the Parent Handbook.
How may I communicate with my camper while she is at camp?
Campers may not have cell phones in camp and the camp office does not allow campers to receive calls, unless in the event of a family emergency. A web-based means to send current messages to your camper is through our app called Campanion. Traditional postal service delivery is made through the postal service in Caldwell. You may send mail and encourage relatives to do the same. Outgoing mail is slow; many families receive letters from their camper a week or so after it is sent. All communication should remain upbeat and positive. Please refrain from remarking how each relative, pet, and neighbor misses the girl dreadfully and relating all the events she is missing back home. Inquiring about the camp schedule, weather, activities, and asking questions are great ways to encourage your camper during her camp experience.
What mailing address do I use to send my camper letters and packages?
Camp Alleghany’s mailing address for campers is:
Camper’s First Name and Last Name (don’t forget this!)
Camp Alleghany for Girls
Junior/Senior Tent # ____
428 Camp Alleghany
Road Caldwell, WV 24925
I went to Alleghany as a camper and was a blue/gray. Will my camper have a “color?”
Your camper, by virtue of your legacy, will be the same color as you were. If your camper does not have a family member who attended camp previously, she will be assigned a color (requests for a particular color are not typically honored or guaranteed).
May I send food to my camper?
There is NO FOOD allowed in the tent area. Girls may not bring food in from home, nor will food mailed to them be permitted on tent row. Food in tents attracts mice, bugs, raccoons and other critters, so it stays in the Dining Hall.
May I visit my camper during the term?
Alleghany does not have a visitation day during the term, but we welcome you to visit and see our facilities and meet our staff on Opening or Closing Days!
What if I have a concern about my camper but I’m afraid to tell the camp?
Open and honest communication with us about your camper is extremely important. If we don’t know about a concern or a problem, we won’t be as prepared to handle it if something should happen. If your camper wets the bed, takes certain medications, has specific fears, etc, these are all things that we strongly encourage you to communicate with us so that we can best care for your camper and make camp the most pleasant experience possible for her. All information will remain confidential.
What happens if my camper’s birthday occurs while she is at camp?
If your camper’s birthday occurs while she is at camp, she will receive a birthday cake at dinner. The other campers and counselors will sing to her (several times!) during the day, and her counselor will be sure to make it a special celebration for her throughout the day. You are free to send her mail at the address listed above.