History

Virginia’s oldest overnight camp for girls established in 1923 & celebrating our 100th summer to remember

History

Camp Carysbrook, Virginia’s oldest overnight camp for girls, was established in 1923 by Miss Sarah Caperton Preston who continued to run the camp until her death in 1965. Her sister, Katherine Preston, assisted in operating the camp. The sisters lived in Norfolk where Miss Caperton directed a dancing school. Following in the traditions of the Prestons, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Cumisky directed the camp from 1965-1971 and Katherine Syer Heath directed Carysbrook from 1971-76.

In 1979, Toni Musso Baughman purchased Camp Carysbrook fusing new traditions with those of the Prestons operating the camp from 1980-2001. Her daughters Rachel Baughman Gannaway, Laura Baughman Devereux and Sarah Baughman continued to operate Camp Carysbrook until May 2019 when they sold the business to former Carysbrook Director, camper parent, staff member and camper Colleen Hagan Egl and her husband. Colleen comes from a long line of family who have treasured their times at Carysbrook since the 1930’s and shares the same love of camp and empowering girls so characteristic of the leadership of both the Prestons and the Baughmans. Colleen’s vision is for Camp Carysbrook to continue to be the panacea to the challenges of the modern world and a place dedicated to developing strong, authentic, curious, connected young women.

Registration opens soon!

Campers have the option to stay for 1-7 week sessions. Contact the office for availability in wait-listed sessions.

Call: (540) 382-1670 or Email: info@campcarsybrook.com

Camp Location

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Memories and Reflections of Camp Carysbrook

“When I thought of how I wanted next year to go, there was no reality in which camp wasn’t included. Camp Carysbrook is a completely unique place and I feel like the gates are filled with completely unique people. We all have something that sets us apart but at camp, that doesn’t divide us, it makes us stronger as a community. I have crossed paths with people I never thought possible because of camp and each person I have met, I have been able to learn and grow from. I have made friends that I hope to keep for a lifetime. Each year I have been at camp, I discovered something new about myself and I have realised just how capable I am. So I want to be in a position to help campers (and staff) discover those feelings for themselves. In a way, I’m upset that I discovered camp so late in life because in my 2 short years of being a counsellor, I have become so much stronger and so much more resilient, but I’m proud to have a hand in helping each girl who comes to camp to reach their potential as soon as possible.”

Akerah AllenStaff

“I’m so proud to be spending another summer at Camp Carysbrook because of the pure joy camp brings to campers and the staff team. The opportunities for developing skills extends far and wide and the professional experiences I’ve gained can’t be found in other places. The love people have for camp and the community around it is so strong and this gets passed on to new staff members who always ensure campers have a summer to remember. I don’t know why I would want to spend my summer anywhere else!”

Jane RussellStaff

“There is a place at Carysbrook for all girls – bold, shy, athletic, musical and those who can’t carry a tune. Camp Carysbrook encourages campers to believe and trust in themselves and discover their unique abilities.”

Toni M. Baughman

“Over the years as a parent of campers, it has become increasingly clear how the Carysbrook experience influences the empowerment of girls and the paths they choose.”

Jean SchlichterParent

“I am proud to be a part of this staff team because I know how hard everyone works to make the campers’ experience the best it can be, and to be part of that is something I would never trade for anything else. I am also proud to be able to say that I can have an impact on these girls’ lives even in the smallest ways, and that is my favorite thing about being on this team.”

Lillie RuddyCamper & Staff

“I’m proud to be able to contribute to camp’s legacy and assist girls in self-discovery and enjoyment. I love being able to experience such an uplifting community and encourage campers to try out new skills and activities they would’ve never thought to try. Camp has made such a positive impact on my life, and I can’t wait to share that with others!”

Clara MilesCamper & Staff

“I am so proud to be part of the first Carysbrook staff team for the next 100 years to continue camp’s powerful legacy. Carysbrook is so special to me and a place that girls can find their true selves in an unplugged and supportive environment. The close community is unlike anywhere else I’ve been, where I’ve made lifelong friendships and connections that continue to inspire me year after year. I’m excited for campers’ and staff’s lasting impacts to create a strong foundation for future summers to remember.”

Genevieve WillensCamper & Staff

“I’m proud to join a long line of women who have contributed so much to the Carysbrook community. I can’t wait to be able to empower other girls and women and help them grow. I am so proud to be able to pass on and keep alive the same lessons that I have learned from the camp community.”

Honore WillensCamper & Staff

“I am proud to be a part of such an uplifting and welcoming community that allows people to try new skills without the fear of failure. I chose Carysbrook this summer because of the empowering staff culture. I have grown so much at camp and look forward to continue to grow my professional development skills. The all-girls environment is inspiring and I look forward to giving back to this community that has given so much to me. Seeing the campers improve at the lake and getting to see the counselors developing their skills and strength within the cabins is inspiring and so fulfilling.”

Jamie SimeoneCamper & Staff

“I’m proud to be a part of the staff team this year because I have the opportunity to give back to the community that has taught me so much and has helped me grow as a person. I’m also thrilled to know that I get to work with staff who are so uplifting and I can share my love of camp with. I honestly could not imagine spending my summer anywhere else and I can’t wait to experience all the opportunities that being a staff member has to offer.”

Braden Cressell-SimmonsCamper & Staff

“I’m proud to be part of this team as a way to reciprocate everything I’ve gained from camp back to the Carysbrook community. Throughout my summers as a camper and staff member I gained many lifelong friends and beneficial life skills that I am grateful for every day. I’m proud to have the opportunity to assist campers in discovering themselves and their passions at camp. Carysbrook is an incredibly unique community that allows girls to truly be themselves and thrive in doing so, and I can’t wait to be part of the impact!”

Becky HelmCamper & Staff

“I am proud to be a part of this team because I know how resilient, kind and fun loving the staff culture is at Carysbrook! I chose Camp Carysbrook because of the wonderful opportunity it gives girls to connect with each other, themselves and nature. Camp is able to do this due to its unique community whose foundation has been built through years of dedicated effort.”

Kristi MeyersCamper & Staff

History

History

Registration opens soon!

Campers have the option to stay for 1-7 week sessions. Contact the office for availability in wait-listed sessions.

Camp Location

Memories and Reflections of Camp Carysbrook

“There is a place at Carysbrook for all girls – bold, shy, athletic, musical and those who can’t carry a tune. Camp Carysbrook encourages campers to believe and trust in themselves and discover their unique abilities.”

“Over the years as a parent of campers, it has become increasingly clear how the Carysbrook experience influences the empowerment of girls and the paths they choose.”

“I’m proud to join a long line of women who have contributed so much to the Carysbrook community. I can’t wait to be able to empower other girls and women and help them grow. I am so proud to be able to pass on and keep alive the same lessons that I have learned from the camp community.”

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