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

“Camp impacted me by helping with my confidence, gaining new friends and creating memories for the campers that will last a lifetime is something I will never forget.”

“I believe that I gained professionally in the aspects of communication and collaboration with others, particularly those who I hadn’t met! Personally I know that i’ve grown more confident in myself, which will hopefully impact positively further in my life.”

“I got a lot better with my leadership skills and was able to learn a lot about myself, how I work best and grow in my professional skills.”

“Each year she goes to camp she comes back with an affinity for nature. She’s more independent and courteous. We love all that camp has to offer!”

“She continues to come back from camp with increased accountability and independence. It’s wonderful to watch her develop her self esteem and confidence in herself. She wrote us 1 letter this summer because she “was busy having so much fun!”

“With every summer, she grows to love Carysbrook more and more. We love that she gets to experience being herself with girls of all ages, learning new things, and connecting with nature in a safe and positive environment.”

“She had the BEST time at Camp Carysbrook this year and cannot wait to return next year! Her cabin counselors were amazing. She also tried new activities and made friends which is exactly what we were hoping for :-)”

“I really appreciate the director’s communication with me and support for my daughter when she was feeling homesick! I’m impressed with how prompt and thorough her emails were despite being, I’m sure, quite busy with the campers.”

“She made good friends and loved her counselors. I was so touched to see her counselor get bit emotional when saying goodbye to her and her cabin mates. I wish that I had given her a big hug as I’m so appreciative of their care and love for all these girls. Very, very grateful for them.”

“My daughter loves the fact that she can earn ribbons and awards for doing activities. First thing my daughter mentioned is that she was shy at first but quickly overcame her shyness and could be herself. She wants to go back for 4 weeks because of the friends she made there.”

“Everything was professional and organized. I really appreciated the communication and pictures, especially as a new parent.”

“She feels like she is a part of the Camp Carysbrook family. Carysbrook has helped foster her independent spirit.”

“She was crying when I picked her up at the end of her two weeks and said immediately she wants to come back next year!”

“She absolutely LOVED her first camp experience at Carysbrook. Thank you SO much for helping to make this a magical and memorable place and experience for these wonderful young women.”

“They loved watching their counselor make a fire. Both girls were able to tell me what needed to be done to do it. They loved sleeping in the barn and also the caving!”

“Both of them loved everything about it – even the showers and toilets. They loved learning where everyone was from and all the activities to choose from.”

“I am really impressed with the time that the Carysbrook staff puts into the CIT program – to develop the CITs for a job as a future counselor as well as beneficial general life skills”.

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