On June 15, Camp Alleghany joyfully kicked off its beloved “Mini Camp” week! Now in its 22nd year, Mini Camp has become a cherished tradition, offering a one-of-a-kind, one-week experience specifically designed for younger girls who are new to the world of sleepaway camp.
Launched in 2003, Mini Camp is tailored for rising 2nd–5th grade girls who have never attended Camp Alleghany before—and in many cases, have never been away from home overnight. It’s a gentle and cheerful introduction to camp life, giving first-time campers a true taste of the traditions, routines, and magic that make Alleghany such a special place.
The goal of Mini Camp is simple: to help each camper and her family decide whether Camp Alleghany is the right fit for them, all while enjoying a fun-filled week of adventure and discovery. Throughout their stay, Mini Campers dive into a full schedule of classic ‘Ghany activities—from arts and crafts to swimming, archery, canoeing, drama, and more—led by our experienced Term Camp counselors.
While these trained counselors oversee activities and guide the campers through their days, tent responsibilities are lovingly handled by a dedicated group of Camp Alleghany alumni who return each summer specifically for this week. These alum counselors, many of whom once spent their own childhoods as Campers, bring with them a wealth of experience, cherished camp traditions, and a genuine love for the Alleghany community.
Their deep familiarity with the rhythms of camp life allows them to seamlessly create a warm, supportive, and fun-filled tent environment. Campers are comforted by their calm presence and inspired by their camp spirit, while younger staff members gain valuable insight by observing their thoughtful leadership in action.
At the same time, this arrangement gives our Term Camp counselors the opportunity to focus on intensive pre-camp training, team bonding, and preparation for the season ahead—all while still actively participating in activities and forming early connections with the Mini Campers. It’s a model that blends mentorship, tradition, and growth in a way that benefits every member of the camp family.
This year’s Mini Camp came with a little extra adventure: rain! But even soggy skies couldn’t dampen the campers’ spirits. With raincoats zipped, boots on, and big smiles, our girls embraced each moment—proving once again that a little weather can’t stand in the way of camp fun. Their resilience and cheer made for an even more memorable experience, as puddle-jumping and creative indoor fun added to the week’s charm.
This year, Mini Campers dove right into the full Camp Alleghany experience by following a traditional Term Camp schedule, giving them a true taste of life at camp. Each day, they rotate through a wide variety of activities—ranging from arts and athletics to the waterfront—just like full-term campers. They eat meals together in the Dining Hall, enjoy Rest Hour in their tents, and end each day with special evening activities designed just for them.
Highlights this year included a cozy Mini Camp Campfire, a camp-wide scavenger hunt to help them get to know the grounds, and the ever-popular “Wacky Races,” a fast-paced relay game filled with laughter and teamwork. The week wrapped up with a celebratory Mini Camp Banquet, a beloved tradition that gave everyone a chance to reflect, celebrate, and say goodbye—at least until next summer!
It’s important to remember that Mini Camp isn’t a substitute for Alleghany’s traditional three-week Term Camp—it’s a special, one-time opportunity designed to help new campers ease into the full experience. Once a girl has completed Mini Camp, she’s ready to move into Term Camp in a future summer. In fact, many of our Mini Campers are so enthusiastic after their week that they head home for a short break and return later in the season for Second Term!
One of the unique and beloved traditions of Mini Camp is its official color: tie dye! Camps often use colors to represent different groups, and for Mini Campers, the vibrant swirl of tie dye symbolizes the energy and excitement of their first ‘Ghany experience. It also represents the many colors and roles they’ll step into over the years as they grow with us—from camper to leader and everything in between.
From their very first barge ride across the river to their final evening around the campfire, Mini Campers are fully immersed in the spirit of Camp Alleghany. They form fast friendships, try new activities, learn camp songs, and begin to understand what it means to be part of this supportive and spirited community.
Mini Camp is just the beginning—but what a beginning it is! We can’t wait to see this amazing group of girls return in the summers to come, ready for even more adventure as new, proud ‘Ghany girls.
