Summer Camp FAQs

Find answers to common questions about sessions, activities, and life at Camp Carysbrook.

Our small size makes for a tight-knit community where you know each camper and staff member’s name.

At Camp Carysbrook, we believe the opportunity to try new things without fear of failure as well as to develop a strong work ethic and perseverance is critical to the development of young women which is why we offer instruction at five skill levels in all of the 18+ activities (beginner through advanced) at camp.

What sets Camp Carysbrook apart is our dedication to developing independence by empowering campers including designing their own schedule of activities daily. Campers listen to announcements in the Dining Hall after meals and have the opportunity to participate in any activity open that day including as many as they choose during an activity period with the exception of scheduled activities. The only scheduled activity programming at Carysbrook are daily swimming lessons, optional horseback riding lessons, and trips out of camp. For safety purposes, all campers participate in swim lessons. Campers earn points for themselves and their team, work towards mastery of the various skill levels, and ultimately earn charms for their pennant before they leave camp.

This allows campers to practice decision-making, goal-setting, and time management disguised as fun as they customize their schedule daily based on their new and developing interests. As a result of our many years offering this model of activity programming, we have found that girls are more likely to step outside their comfort zone and expand their interests, hobbies, and skills for a formative camp experience and memories to last a lifetime. In contrast to a highly scheduled environment in school and outside of camp, this level of personalization and choice are liberating for campers and result in new levels of engagement and creativity.

Our staff come to Carysbrook through several avenues, including our website, university and professional organizations, and international J-1 visa sponsors such as Camp America and IENA.

All new and returning staff go through our interview process and required background checks. We look for people who are excited to work with children, contribute to a community, and help campers grow in confidence, independence, and friendship.

Before campers arrive, all staff complete both online and in-person training to prepare them for their responsibilities. Training covers camper supervision during activities, in the cabin, and at meals; health and safety procedures; Red Cross First Aid and CPR; Carysbrook’s traditions and community values; and responding to emergency scenarios.

Our counselors are supported by a leadership team that includes Assistant Head Counselors, Assistant Activity Coordinators, Rec Ranger Girl Coordinator and GoToGirl Coordinator. These leaders provide guidance and coaching throughout the summer, helping counselors navigate challenges and ensuring campers receive support when they need it.

Our goal is for every staff member to understand their responsibilities and work together to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive community where every camper can grow and belong.

At Camp Carysbrook, American Camp Association (ACA) Accreditation means our camp is evaluated against nationally recognized standards designed to support your camper’s safety, health, and well-being. But what does that look like in everyday camp life?

  • Confidence in the people caring for your camper: ACA accreditation includes standards for staff screening, qualifications, and training, reinforcing our commitment to responsible care.
  • Preparedness for the unexpected: Emergency planning standards help staff prepare to respond to unexpected situations and protect campers.
  • Care when your child needs it: Health and wellness standards address medication management, illness, injuries, and access to appropriate care.
  • Safety built into activities: From swimming and outdoor adventure s to sports and games, safety standards help guide activity planning, staff preparation, and risk-management.
  • Supervision you can feel confident in: Staff training and supervision standards help ensure campers are guided, supported, and appropriately supervised throughout their day.
  • A camp day that runs smoothly: Standards for program planning, facilities, and camp operations help create an organized environment where campers can focus on learning, trying new things, and having fun.

For parents and caregivers, ACA Accreditation offers more than a seal of approval. It provides added reassurance that the people, plans, and practices behind your camper’s summer experience are held to nationally recognized standards, so you can feel more confident while your camper builds friendships, gains independence, and makes lasting memories at Camp Carysbrook.

The American Camp Association is the only nationwide accrediting organization for all types and designs of organized camps. ACA standards focus on health, safety, and risk management practices. ACA standards establish guidelines for designing and implementing policies, procedures, and practices and indicates to the public that the camp administration has voluntarily allowed a peer review process in which its practices are compared to standards established by professionals and authoritative sources associated with the camp industry.

Read more…

At Camp Carysbrook, your camper’s safety and well-being are at the heart of everything we do. We want every camper to enjoy a summer filled with friendship, growth, adventure, and fun. Behind that experience are safeguards, staff training, and emergency procedures designed to help us respond thoughtfully and effectively if something unexpected happens.

We take seriously the trust families place in us. While we cannot anticipate every situation, we believe preparation matters. Our goal is to reduce risk, prepare our staff, and protect the well-being of our campers and staff.

Camp Carysbrook is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), which establishes standards for camp operations, including emergency preparedness and risk management. We maintain crisis management plans, review our facilities and procedures, and train staff to respond to a range of emergency situations. We have also conducted a threat assessment of our facility and worked with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office to develop procedures and response teams.

Families play an important role, too. Before camp, please review camp rules and safety expectations with your camper. We explain and practice our procedures so campers understand what to do if an emergency occurs, without creating unnecessary worry. These preparations help everyone respond more confidently when it matters.

In an emergency, our first priority is the safety and well-being of campers and staff. Our crisis communication plan includes notifying parents and caregivers as soon as it is appropriate and safe to do so. We understand how important communication is to families, and we are committed to sharing accurate information as promptly as circumstances allow.

At Camp Carysbrook, learning to live in a community is an important part of the camp experience. Our approach to behavior emphasizes clear expectations, personal responsibility, accountability, and helping campers learn from their mistakes. We want campers to feel supported while understanding that their choices affect the people around them.

On the first day of camp, cabin staff review camp rules, boundaries, and the reasons behind them. Campers also review the expectations outlined in the Camper Code of Conduct and Anti-Bullying Policy, which parents and caregivers review with their camper before arrival.

Throughout the session, campers earn points for themselves and their teams by contributing to the camp community. This includes participating in cabin cleanup, upholding their cabin code, treating others with respect, and managing their behavior in accordance with camp expectations.

When a camper’s behavior falls outside those expectations, staff work to understand what is happening, reinforce the boundary, and help the camper identify a better way forward. Depending on the situation, this may include a conversation, a warning, and an opportunity to make a different choice. If the behavior continues after a warning, a point may be deducted. Some behaviors require a more immediate response (automatic point off), particularly when safety is involved.

Points deducted are reported by the camper to her team captains and recorded by the Head Counselor. At the end of the session, the three campers with the highest point totals are recognized at campfire or banquet.

Some behaviors that compromise physical, social, or emotional safety result in an automatic point deduction once expectations have been explained and reviewed with campers. Behaviors that seriously threaten the safety or well-being of another camper or staff member may result in immediate dismissal when necessary to protect the camp community.

Our staff complete a week of training before campers arrive, including training in positive behavior management and supporting campers through challenging situations. Physical or verbal abuse by campers or staff is not tolerated.

In addition to the point system, Camp Carysbrook recognizes campers who demonstrate outstanding citizenship with respect to our shared values of honor, integrity, loyalty, leadership, and service. An Honor Camper consistently demonstrates strong moral and ethical character and looks for ways to make the broader Carysbrook community a better place. This recognition celebrates a camper’s positive impact on the community around her.

For additional details, please review the Camp Carysbrook Handbook.

It is our goal to partner with parents/guardians to work together to determine if the Camp Carysbrook program will be a positive experience and is suitable for your camper prior to her enrollment. Safe participation in the programming at Camp Carysbrook requires certain physical, mental, emotional, and social health abilities, and you will understand that we are limited as to the types of accommodations we are able to provide by the scope of our program and facilities. As each camperโ€™s ability to participate is unique, decisions to accept a participant are made on an individual basis. As such, we request that parents and caregivers review the “Essential Eligibility Criteria” in the Camp Carysbrook Handbook and contact Erika with any further questions upon enrolling their camper.

Check out this handy chart or take the quiz to help you decide which session is right for your camper.

Please refer to the Camp Carysbrook Handbook for more details regarding this option to protect your investment. Camp Carysbrook is no longer able to directly offer refunds due to illness. Purchase of this option is optional and is an independent contract between you and the insurance company.

The chart below should help you understand the entire flow of Program Protector.ย 

First, the parent/caregiver submits their order. Next, CampMinder will mark this camper as having purchased Program Protector within their record. CampMinder will alert Tripmate in step 2b once the camper has been enrolled. Theyโ€™ll reach out to the parents with important information about Program Protector, and hopefully, the cycle will end there. However, if the parent does need to use their Program Protector plan, theyโ€™ll contact Tripmate directly, who will then contact you to confirm their claim. Instructions for contacting Tripmate and filing a claim can be found in materials emailed to the parent from Tripmate upon enrollment.

Remember, cancellation must be two (2) days or more before the session begins. Program Protector is only available to campers residing in the United States. And the Enhanced Plan is NOT available to families residing in New York.

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Our sessions are thoughtfully structured to offer flexibility while preserving the sense of community that makes camp special. Families can mix and match from our set session options to create the length of stay that works best. This approach keeps arrivals and departures consistent, helping campers build stronger friendships and enjoy a smoother, more connected experience all summer long.

The 1-Week Intro Session is designed especially for new campers as a gentle introduction to the Camp Carysbrook experience. Itโ€™s perfect for families who want to help their camper build confidence being away from home. After completing the intro session, most campers are ready to join a longer stay, where they can fully immerse themselves in camp life.

Campers who attend for 2 or more weeks have more time to build on the skills and confidence they developed during the first weekโ€”and to truly enjoy the rewards of their hard work. With extra time, they can deepen friendships, explore more activities, and fully experience the traditions and rhythm that make Carysbrook so special. The 1-Week Intro also overlaps with our 3- and 7-Week sessions, ensuring a great mix of new and returning campers.

We donโ€™t recommend adding riding lessons during the 1-Week Intro Session. With only ten activity periods and more than 18 activities (plus trips!) to choose from, it can be challenging to fit in the three time slots needed for riding lessons. Because riding is also weather-dependent, cancellations can be disappointing in such a short stay.

That said, 1-Week campers still have special opportunities to spend time with the horses! Weather permitting, they may get to participate in a barn overnight or enjoy a horse experience as part of an evening programโ€”just the right amount of horse time to spark excitement and confidence for a longer session next summer.

Complete the Registration Form. If there is a WAITLIST for your session preference, be sure to register for the Waitlist and if there is another session you are interested in, contact Erika in the office.

Once a session is 90% full, administrative staff creates a Wait List where campers interested in a session are held until staff can confirm a space for them in a cabin of their age group or until a spot becomes available. We recommend registering on the Wait List if you are interested in a particular session as people do withdraw up to April 1st. To guarantee a spot in a session, choose a session without a Wait List.

At Camp Carysbrook, we believe that our differences make us stronger and that every camperโ€™s experience is enriched by a welcoming and inclusive community. From our owners and leadership team to our staff and campers, weโ€™re committed to creating an environment that brings together people from many backgrounds and life experiences; united by a shared love of camp and our guiding philosophy and mission.

We work hard to ensure camp is a physically and emotionally safe space where every camper and staff member feels valued, respected, and supported.

To uphold that commitment, our staff receive training focused on building understanding, empathy, and respect for others. Campers also take part in age-appropriate cabin discussions that help them appreciate differences, practice kindness, and contribute to a caring, connected community.

Weโ€™re proud to partner with the Camp Carysbrook Alumnae Association to welcome and support a wide range of campers and staff, helping our community reflect the world beyond camp and the values we aim to live by every day.

Health Form 2 is the American Camp Associationโ€™s form the medical professional completes at the camperโ€™s physical. Health Form 1 has been integrated into the new CampMinder health system. You can print this form by logging into your CampMinder account and selecting the Print button. If you are still having trouble, please contact the office for assistance.

The Health Form 2 is specifically crafted for summer camps by the American Camp Association with whom we are accredited. The provider who completed your sports physical should be able to complete the Health Form 2 possibly without another appointment, however Camp Carysbrook requires a current Health Form 2 (within 12 months of her arrival at camp) for the camp-specific, overnight setting endorsed for suitability for your camper by their health provider.

A shortcut to your online registration account is:

My Camp InTouch Account

If you experience difficulties, try deleting your browser history. Google Chrome and Firefox are the recommended browsers. If you are still having trouble, try a desktop computer or please contact CampMinder at 303-444-2267 or by going to “help” in your Camp In Touch account and clicking “Submit a Help Ticket”.

Arrival & Departure & Transportation

Please plan ahead for changeover days. Staggered arrival times help us welcome each camper and keep traffic moving safely.

Opening Day Drop-Off

Express Drop Off is a smooth transition into camp for your camper, building strong cabin bonds as everyone arrives together and goes to the cabin to pick out their bunks together, and minimizing homesickness as all parents/caregivers leave at the same time allowing campers to quickly make new friends and get the support they need from their counselor/s.

Drop-off is between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM on the first day of each session: Sunday, June 20, June 27, and July 11.

Please arrive at the time assigned to your camper’s 2026โ€“27 school grade. If you’re dropping off multiple campers, use the youngest camper’s grade.

  • 9:00 AM: CITs

  • 10:00 AM: GoToGirls

  • 11:00 AM: Grades 1โ€“3

  • 11:30 AM: Grades 4โ€“5

  • 12:00 PM: Grades 6โ€“8

  • 12:30 PM: Grades 9 and up

CITs and GoToGirls arrive early to get settled before helping welcome other campers.

A buffet lunch is served at 1pm.

Pick-Up Day

Please sign up for a time-slot to pick up your camper at the end of her session by the Friday before her departure! We ask that you arrive promptly at your designated time so that staff can focus on programming and facilities sanitation for the next session.

Pick-up is between 9:30 and 11:00 AM on the last day of each session: Saturday, June 26, Saturday, July 10, and Sunday, August 8.

Please reserve your pick-up time through our Summer 2027 SignUpGenius.

Please stick to your assigned times and drive carefully. We appreciate your help keeping changeover safe and smooth for everyone!

Transportation

Charter bus service is available for a fee based on interest to the following destinations: Charlottesville, Richmond, Alexandria (DC Metro area). Refer to the Handbook and sign up using your Camp InTouch account.

Shuttle service is provided for a fee to/from Roanoke Airport (ROA). Refer to the Handbook and sign up using you Camp InTouch account. We recommend that you confirm the time of arrival/departure with the Director, Erika prior to booking.

Pack for the way camp really works

  • Bring at least two sets of sheets. Sheets can get dirty or wet, and a clean set can make all the difference at bedtime.
  • Pack for cool nights. Bring a sleeping bag or warm blanket.
  • Leave room for the trip home. Crafts, awards, and new camp treasures need space, too. Pack with your camper so she knows where everything is.
  • Keep essentials handy. Put a swimsuit, towel, and water bottle at the top of her bag or in a separate bag.
  • Break in new shoes. This includes riding boots and rain boots. Flip-flops are great for the shower, but sturdier shoes are best for exploring camp.
  • Bring a sturdy, clearly labeled laundry bag. Laundry is sent out Wednesday and returned folded on Friday. One-week campers do not send laundry out.

A few useful extras

  • A waterproof watch: Campers love having the independence of keeping track of time and getting to activities, swim lessons, and horseback riding on schedule. Water-resistant watches are available in limited quantities in the camp store.
  • A Crazy Creek-style trail chair: Great for card games in the cabin, sitting around the campfire, and watching activities from the bleachers. Check out EverythingSummerCamp’s Carysbrook chair.

Label everything!

Please label clothing, shoes, bedding, toiletries, water bottles, and other belongings with your camper’s name. It makes returning lost items and sorting laundry much easier.

Refer to the Packing List on our website and be sure to review what NOT to pack in the Handbook.

If you do not already have some of the equipment like a trunk or โ€œCrazy Creekโ€ camping chair or personalized labels, thenย http://www.everythingsummercamp.com/camp-carysbrook is a great source. Most campers and staff have either the UnderGrad Steel Footlocker Trunk 32x18x16.5″ or the Happy Camper Steel Footlocker Trunk 32x18x13.5″.

Outdoor shops like LL Beanย and REI also carry many items on the packing list as well. And ask friends and neighbors if your camper is just starting out and you just want to borrow and test out the equipment.

The best way to reach Erika Schlichter, the Director is to schedule a time to chat:

https://calendly.com/campcarysbrook/30min

Homesickness is normal!

We recommend the mantra Name It, Normalize It, Navigate It.

Homesickness is simply missing the familiarity of home and the people you love while adjusting to a new environment. Even the staff miss home sometimes! Let your camper know that these feelings are normal and that there are ways to work through them.

A few ideas to practice before camp:

  • Write in a journal or write letters home.
  • Talk with someone who has experienced homesickness and worked through it.
  • Make a list of activities and experiences she’s excited about.
  • Remind her that you believe she can handle the challenge, even when it feels hard.

Most often homesickness develops on day 2 and has resolved itself by day 4 or 5 resulting in a positive and empowering experience for the camper. Please express any concerns about homesickness to your camperโ€™s counselor or the Director. Do NOT discuss an early pickup with your camper as that disempowers them to work through the difficult feelings and emerge with new confidence on the other side. The Director or another staff member will contact you if the homesickness does not resolve itself with these tried and true strategies.

Your confidence in her ability to navigate new experiences can make a real difference. Learning to work through homesickness is part of the independence and resilience campers develop at Carysbrook.

For another perspective, some parents recommend Homesick and Happy by child psychologist Michael Thompson, PhD.

Upon arrival, new campers will meet their GoToGirl, a high-school-age returning camper who helps them learn the ropes, explore camp, and make connections. Cabin staff are also trained to support campers experiencing homesickness.

Practice independence before camp

Camp is a wonderful place to build independence. Your camper will feel more confident if she can:

  • Shower independently.
  • Apply sunscreen and insect repellent appropriately.
  • Check for ticks and tell a staff member if she finds one.
  • Find what she needs in her trunk or suitcase.
  • Keep track of her schedule and belongings.

She doesn’t need to know everything before she arrives. A little practice makes a big difference!

Whether itโ€™s her first period or not, getting your period at camp can seem like a huge wrinkle in your plans for carefree, outdoor summer adventure. But only if you let it!

As an all girls camp, you have never been in better company! You will not be the only one and there are plenty of people you can talk to and ask for help, from your counselor or the nurse to your cabin mates. It can be as private as you would like it to be, but most everyone not only understands but has been there themselves.

Worried about swimming? Talk to the Head of the Dock or your swim instructor. They will be willing to make accommodations for you if necessary. And at the same time, remember, some of the greatest athletes in the world are swimmers AND they are women who do not let their period stop them from doing what they love.

Like most other things at camp, itโ€™s best to know before you go and have a plan you are comfortable with so it doesnโ€™t cramp your style once you arrive. If you do get cramps, the infirmary has OTC medicines like Advil or Pamprin. If you have a medication you would like to bring, just make sure that it is in its original container and bring it to the nurse at check in. Pack some pads or tampons just in case and rest assured that we have more at the camp store and in the health center. When you think about it, getting your period at camp is something all the women at camp have experienced and are here to help and support you.

So donโ€™t wonder or worry and let it overshadow your time at camp! We have all been waiting a long time for this summer of fun and we are way too empowered to let anything stop us!

After you have registered your camper online, you can access all forms online via your Camp InTouch Account. All paperwork is due no later than May 15th to ensure proper planning for a great camp experience for your camper. For easy access to the Handbook as well as the Health Provider form, click here:
ยป Camp Carysbrook โ€“ Camper Forms

Only electronic, NOT PAPER, forms will be accepted. To protect your camper’s privacy, please upload the completed forms to your Camp InTouch Account.

Can I send my camper a package?

Carysbrook has a no-package policy. We accept traditional envelope mail and postcards only.

Old-fashioned letters are treasured at camp, so send some before and during her stay! In urgent or time-sensitive situations, you can email a one-way message to info@campcarysbrook.com.

Forgot something? The camp store carries many necessities and plenty of Carysbrook camp wear. Please coordinate with Colleen or Erika if you’re concerned about something your camper left behind.

What can I buy in the camp store?

Our camp store offers merchandise online and in person during designated camper free time. Information about available merchandise will be shared on opening day.

You can order items for delivery to camp or have merchandise shipped. If you don’t know your camper’s team yet, choose โ€œNew Camper T-Shirtโ€ and our staff will make sure she receives the right one.

What if I don’t hear from my camper?

Surprisingly, not hearing from your camper can mean she’s having a wonderful time! Between activities, new friendships, and everything happening around camp, some campers simply don’t find time to write.

If you’re concerned, please call the camp office. We will contact you if we have a concern that needs your attention.

We also share camp photos through our Google Photos albums and post updates on social media, so you can follow along with the fun. Check your email after dropoff for a link!

ยป Camp Carysbrook โ€“ Daily Schedule

After Evening Program, campers have at least 30 minutes to get ready for bed. Lights are out and Taps is played at 9:30pm and all is quiet on cabin row. Junior campers (1st-5th grade) settle in with a story read aloud by a counselor or senior camper. Intermediate campers (6th-8th grade) may read quietly on their own with a flashlight until 10pm. Senior campers (9th-11th grade) can either read quietly on their own with a flashlight or work on banquet with the CITs until 11pm.

Even if your camper typically has trouble getting to sleep at home, don’t assume she will at camp! Campers are usually ready for bed after a full day of fresh air and activities by 9:30pm. If you have any concerns about bedtime routines or anything else, please contact the Director.

Hard- soled boots and an ASTM approved helmet are required for horseback-riding. For maximum safety, it is best for the camper to bring her own helmet fitted for your camper. You can find quality, reasonably priced helmets and other gear at: http://www.doversaddlery.com

Campers staying for more than one week will have an opportunity to send out their laundry once a week. It is important to have an extra set of bedding regardless of the session length as this is changed at least once per week for health reasons. Laundry will go out on a weekday morning and will be returned two days later. Make sure your camper’s laundry bag is sturdy! Mesh laundry bags tear easily. Nylon bags work best.

The laundry is sent out by each camper but all clothing should be clearly marked with the camper’s name to ensure any misplaced items can be returned to your camper! Your camper’s laundry bag will be separated into darks and whites, which will be washed separately, dried together, folded, and wrapped in the laundry bag to be returned to your camper at camp. The laundry service is included in tuition for up to 10 lbs. of laundry for 1+ week campers. Any overages will be charged to your camper’s store account.

Birthdays are celebrated at camp with singing and cake chosen by the birthday girl. Her counselor will be sure to make it a special celebration throughout the day. You are welcome to leave a package at drop off with a handful of decorations but the campers enjoy doing this themselves with their counselors to decorate the cabin. Please contact Erika if you have any questions.

Camp meals are typically served โ€œfamily style,โ€ or โ€œbuffet styleโ€ by staff members. Our menus are made of delicious, kid-friendly, nutritional recipes planned with hungry, growing girls in mind. The food is primarily โ€œenginerableโ€ so that many dietary restrictions, allergies, and picky eaters can navigate the menu and includes fresh vegetables and fruit whenever possible. Careful attention is given to providing food free of additives and artificial coloring. A healthy balance of lean meats and a balanced nutrition profile is the goal.

If your camper has any dietary restrictions, please complete the dietary restrictions section in the CampInTouch online health profile as well as the Camp Carysbrook Food Allergen/Dietary Restriction Form. Specialty diets e.g. vegan, keto, etc. cannot be accommodated.

Camp Carysbrook provides vegetarian and nut-free options at meals. If your camper has allergies or restrictions that prevent her from eating certain foods including wheat, dairy, etc., please inform us in the Camp InTouch health profile. We try to make every effort possible to accommodate these circumstances, however due to availability, minimum order quantities, and shipping times, you are advised to provide food substitutions to guarantee products and increase your camperโ€™s comfort at meals. Fruit is provided daily at 2:45pm as a snack. Nutritionist-recommended replacements/supplements provided at drop-off may be available at this time only at the Health Center.

We have a mix of new and returning campers, and they are assigned throughout the cabins to promote a friendly and welcoming environment. We also have a variety of ways to mix campers up to give them a broad range of potential friendships including meals, teams, and cabin assignments. It is encouraged and promoted to uphold the motto โ€œmake new friends, but keep the old.โ€

Of course! We encourage you to visit camp. Please consult the Camp Carysbrook Calendar for Fall and Spring Open House Dates!

Cabin Life

On average, 4 to 7 campers live in rustic-style cabins with 1 to 2 counselors served by a centrally located bathhouse. Each camper has a single bed (bunkbeds) and shared space for personal items. Counselors-in-Training (CITโ€™s) live in a cabin on their own with their counselor nearby.

A quick note about the G-House

Campers and staff share our dormitory-style bathhouse, affectionately known as the G-House. Because it uses well water and a septic system, a few small habits help keep everything working:

  • Use only the water you need and turn off the tap.

  • Hold down the toilet handle for a few extra seconds to flush fully.

  • Flush toilet paper only. Feminine products and applicators belong in the trash.

Thanks for helping us care for our facilities and the environment!

We are happy to accommodate cabin requests; however, we limit the number of friends to a cabin to no more that 1 or 2. We want each child to have a positive experience at camp and do not want new campers to feel isolated. Our cabin assignments are carefully made to promote an accepting and inclusive atmosphere. Cabins are organized based on grade (age).

Your camperโ€™s safety and comfort are very important to the staff. It is paramount that you discuss any and all concerns (anxiety, etc) or habits (bedwetting, sleepwalking, etc.) with the Director to ensure that the staff is equipped to handle any situations that may arise. Rest assured we treat each camper with sensitivity and respect.

Our overall ratio is 1:4.

A footlocker-size container works best for keeping personal belongings together. It will be stored at the bed and used as a dresser. If a footlocker is not available to your camper, a suitcase is a suitable alternative. Linens and bedding are best transported in a duffel bag.

If your camper is traveling, Ship Camps service is available for Carysbrook campers for reduced rates with traditional shipping services like FedEx, UPS, and DHL. Simply pack your campers’ duffel bags, trunks, luggage, sporting equipment, and more, and their hassle-free service will collect them directly from your doorstep. Keep up with our real-time tracking, too, all the way to on-time delivery to your camperโ€™s future bunk. Ship campers’ larger luggage items including trunks and duffel bags directly to the camp address to their camper’s attention!

A note from the nurse

Before arrival, please review the Carysbrook Handbook and update us on any changes to your camper’s health, medications, or other relevant information.

Medication reminders:

  • Bring all medications, including vitamins, in their original containers.
  • Prescription medications must be in the camper’s name, and the dispensing instructions on the container will be followed.
  • If your camper regularly takes medication, consult her healthcare provider about whether and how to continue it during camp.
  • Any medication required by campers or staff, prescription or over-the-counter, is kept in a locked cabinet in its original container/PillPack and is dispensed by the Health Care Manager before/after each meal or when necessary. You will have a chance to meet and talk with our Healthcare staff on opening day.

Please follow all medication submission and administration instructions in the current Carysbrook Handbook.

Head lice prevention

Our Healthcare staff performs head checks upon arrival to help prevent the spread of head lice. Please let us know if your camper has been exposed to head lice in the month before camp.

Remind your camper not to share personal items such as hairbrushes, hair ties, hats, helmets, and pillows.

Ticks & Lyme disease

Ticks are part of spending time outdoors in Virginia. We perform routine tick checks and train staff in tick prevention, removal, and recognizing potential signs and symptoms of Lyme disease.

Help your camper prepare by packing insect repellent and reviewing how to apply it according to the product label. Talk with her about checking for ticks and telling a staff member if she finds one.

If we find a tick during a routine check, we’ll share the relevant information with you at pick-up. If your camper develops symptoms that concern you after camp, contact her healthcare provider.

For current prevention guidance, visit the CDC’s Lyme disease prevention resources.

We do not have Visiting Days scheduled as we try to minimize the amount of people coming and going from camp for the safety of your campers. In fact, Camp Carysbrook staff attribute the decrease in homesickness since 2021 to the lack of disruption of the camp experience as a result.

The program is designed to allow the campers a daily choice of activities, giving each individual the opportunity to select daily activities, set goals, and make decisions based on her interest.

1 week $75
2-4 weeks $125
5-7 weeks $200

The camp store carries basic necessities, Carysbrook clothing and store accounts are also used to bill trips and other activities outside of camp like caving, rock climbing, etc. These trips are optional and a $20 expense will be debited from your store account if your camper participates to offset transportation costs.

If your camper will be attending a session that includes the very last night of camp, she will be a part of the final banquet. Some campers simply wear their white shorts and white shirt, however many campers dress up in a white sundress or similar to make the occasion more festive. The CITs reveal a decorated and themed sit-down meal and toasts and we say aloha to another summer to remember.

Why do campers wear white?

Wearing white to Saturday afternoon dinner (lunch) is a long-standing Carysbrook tradition. It’s also when campers exchange their letters home for ice cream!

Save those white shorts and shirts for Saturday. If your camper is staying through the final banquet on August 7, she may also want a white sundress or white top.

What’s the GREEN and BROWN team tradition?

New campers are randomly assigned to the GREEN or BROWN team at opening campfire on their arrival Sunday evening. The teams are not disclosed until they’re announced with the appropriate fanfare! When the Green and Brown teams unite to compete in a friendly match against the staff (Purple Team), combined they represent the Blue team.

Team events encourage sportsmanship, leadership, trying new things, and being a good teammate. They’re also a fun way to mix campers and build friendships. Reassure your camper that team assignments aren’t something to worry about. Just enjoy the surprise!

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Memories and Reflections of Campย Carysbrook

โ€œCamp 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.โ€
First-time international staff member
โ€œI believe that I gained professionally in the aspects of communication and collaboration with others, particularly those who I hadnโ€™t met! Personally I know that iโ€™ve grown more confident in myself, which will hopefully impact positively further in my life.โ€
First-time international staff member
โ€œI 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.โ€
Returning staff member (US, former camper)
“Each year she goes to camp she comes back with an affinity for nature. Sheโ€™s more independent and courteous. We love all that camp has to offer!โ€
Parent of 4-week returner
“She continues to come back from camp with increased accountability and independence. Itโ€™s wonderful to watch her develop her self esteem and confidence in herself. She wrote us 1 letter this summer because she โ€œwas busy having so much fun!โ€
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
โ€œI 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.โ€
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 โ€œcamp sickโ€ 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
โ€œThey 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!โ€
Parent of 1-Week Campers
โ€œBoth 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.โ€
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

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