Camper Resources

Find pro tips and camp equipment sourcing recommendations here

For Parents: Camp Prep Tips

Parents and grandparents: Enjoy this fun two-part video on preparing for summer camp! Written by a camp parent for new camp parents.
» Watch video

Summer Weather is part of camp life, and at Camp Carysbrook, we plan for it with intention and care. This resource outlines how our location, safety planning, trained staff, and flexible programming allow us to confidently manage heat and storms while keeping campers comfortable, safe, and having fun. We hope you find it reassuring as you prepare for a great summer at camp.

Check out this resource from the Director

Parent/Caregiver Letter Writing Tips offers guidance on how to write letters that encourage independence, confidence, and joy at camp (without accidentally fueling homesickness). A few thoughtful tweaks can make a big difference in how your camper feels when they open mail from home.

Check out these Pro Tips!

This resource helps families and campers navigate the excitement and occasional challenges of coming to camp with a friend from home. This resource offers tips on setting healthy expectations, so friendships grow while campers also build new connections and fully engage in camp life.

Some best practices from Camp Carysbrook

Homesick and Happy How Time Away from Parents Can Help a Child Grow

By Michael Thompson, Ph.D.
An insightful and powerful look at the magic of summer camp—and why it is so important for children to be away from home . . . if only for a little while.
» Read article

ACA: The Camp Resource for Families

Our comprehensive summer camp resource for families—offering expert advice from camp professionals on camp selection, readiness, child and youth development, and issues of importance to families. ACA helps you find the right camp for every child.
» See more

For Parents/Guardians: What to Expect When Your Camper Comes Home

Parents/Guardians: Check out this blog about tips for re-entry after camp.
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Everything Summer Camp

An excellent source for everything summer camp from trunks to laundry bags.

Everything Summer Camp

Mabel’s Labels

Award-winning Mabel’s Labels is the leading provider of personalized labels for campers.
» See more

Dover Saddlery

Dover Saddlery is well-known for its English horseback riding equipment from saddles to helmets, boots, breeches, and other riding apparel. With products for riders of all skill levels, Dover Saddlery staff are knowledgeable and products are available at a variety of price points.
» See more

Registration

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

Summer Camp FAQs

Carysbrook Lingo

Camper Resources

Camp Location

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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.”

First-time international staff member

“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.”

First-time international staff member

“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.”

Returning staff member (US, former camper)

“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!”

Parent of 4-week returner

“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!”

Parent of 3-week returner

“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.”

“I love seeing what she learns each year from camp. She is learning skills that will be useful throughout life. She loves riding so much. She also loves being able to go camping under the stars as well. I can see a change in her attitude since coming back from camp. She seems to helping me more. You all are amazing. I appreciate you calling me to let me know about things that have happened during camp. I think you do a fantastic job.”

Parent of 3-week returner

“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 :-)”

Parent of 2-week first-timer

“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.”

Parent of 2-week returner

“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.”

Parent of 2-week returner:

“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.”

Parent of 2-week returner

“She loved the variety of activities! Both of us loved the unplugged experience. I believe she really enjoyed the night time experiences where they got to do a variety of fun, special activities. She loved her counselor! I worried that being a new camper at the age of 11 would be tough but she felt very included and made friends in and out of her cabin. She had a wonderful time! She had so much fun and it was truly a very positive experience for her. She was so “camp sick” once she left!”

Parent of 1st year 2-weeker

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

Parent of 1st year 2-weeker

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

Parent of Returning Camper

“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!”

Parent of 1st year 2-weeker

“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.”

Parent of 1st year 2-weeker

“She had a wonderful time! She has done a great job with increased independence and has wanted to take on additional tasks and be helpful more often since returning home from camp. She did not have a single complaint or criticism! She does a great job filling us in when she does, so this is a great thing!”

Parent of first-time 1-week camper

“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!”

Parent of 1-Week Campers

“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.”

Parent of New 1-Week Campers

“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”.

2025 CIT Parent