Owners

Building on the guiding concepts of the mission and philosophy, the traditions since 1923, and the pioneering spirit of the women before me, I want to create in Camp Carysbrook, a microcosm of the world in which we want to live. I believe that the Camp Carysbrook experience is part of the antidote to the challenges of the modern girl. Juxtaposed to a culture overwhelmed with technology and anxiety, it is my intention that the girls of Carysbrook experience nature unplugged and mentorship by a community of women who share similar values and empower each other by example to find curiosity and connection in their environment, with their peers, and within themselves. I am committed to leveraging individual and combined strengths to overcome differences and foster a community of women that cultivates trust, respect, and belonging.

It is my goal to make the Carysbrook experience for young women accessible to a wide variety of campers and staff from diverse backgrounds of race, religion, culture and socioeconomic status representative of the world in which we live outside of the camp environment. I believe that approached with open-mindedness, our differences have the potential to help us grow as women and learn about ourselves and the world around us. I am proud to develop and nurture an inclusive culture and collaborative spirit. Speaking up and listening to others is not just encouraged here, but expected.

I strive to exceed the expectations of the campers and families we serve as well as our staff and our alumnae. Taking the initiative to find new and innovative solutions to daily challenges and have fun doing it is a hallmark of the staff we hire. We prioritize collaboration and asking for help when you need it. This proactive approach to problem solving requires us to effectively calibrate risk while still thinking creatively and strategically to provide an exceptional overnight camp experience for girls. I am committed to deconstructing the myth that strong, capable women do not thrive together at work, and to lead by example to replace it with the reality of a professional, supportive workplace and community for our campers and staff. Curiosity, collaboration, and creative problem-solving are real life skills that extend beyond the summer.

I believe that the primary outcome of the Carysbrook experience is joyful and fun yet more than a superficial, fleeting moment. It is the exuberance of a hard-earned, complex combination of learning and growing your character at work and play, while overcoming obstacles and challenges inherent to adventure and living off the grid in a rustic environment. This is where we form the memories and friendships that stand the test of time. And it is these formative experiences that help to develop the skills necessary to become self-assured women who thrive with purpose and resilience anywhere in the world. A summer to remember is not just a moment in time but a lasting connection and legacy. 1923-forever.

Colleen Hagan Egl

Colleen’s Vision for Camp Carysbrook

Camp Location

Memories and Reflections of Camp Carysbrook

“This summer that I’ve spent working at Camp Carysbrook has easily been the best summer of my life so far. It’s a truly incredible experience as you watch young girls be themselves in a place where no one judges, gossips or argues.”

“Our daughter has gone to Carysbrook for 3 summers now and each year my wife and I come away more impressed with all that the camp has to offer. She has built great friendships that persist throughout the year while camp is out.”

“Carysbrook brings out the very best in my daughter. She feels loved, and she feels confident to take all kinds of risks.”

“This past summer I spent at Camp Carysbrook was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Deciding to apply for this job was the best decision I have ever made, I had the absolute best summer of my life. I can’t wait until next year.”

“I just spent 8 weeks of my summer in the most magical place in the world. Nights are spent cuddled around a fire with campers and friends alike, and girls are challenged to grow and find themselves, while always being accepted for who they are. Here, life is simpler and makes more sense.”

“I went to Carysbrook over 50 years ago! The Prestons ran the camp then. It was a transformative time for me, and I have loved the mountains ever since…what a magical time it was!”

“Camp Carysbrook is a safe place to try new things without fear of failure. Every summer left me with a fortified sense of confidence.”

“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 met my most cherished friends at camp, had experiences that I would have never experienced outside of Carysbrook (riflery, archery, rappelling, caving….) and had an opportunity to be independent in a safe setting.”

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