Ghany Gatherings

A Day in the Life of Camp Alleghany's Operations Coordinator Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes to keep Camp Alleghany running each day? In this episode, Elizabeth sits down with Operations Coordinator Katie to talk about her camp journey, how she found herself in one of the most unique jobs at camp, and what a typical day actually looks like. From coordinating the Green Team an...

Six days may not seem like enough time to change a child, but at Alleghany, we know just how much can happen in less than a week. In this episode, Elizabeth sits down with Mini Camp Director Maggie Meyer and Office Manager (and Mini Camp mom!) Mary-Curtis Powell to reflect on an unforgettable week at camp. Together, they share favorite moments, funny stories (including our new Perry Weather statio...

Closing Day is almost here! In this episode, Elizabeth, Stephanie, and Mary-Curtis walk families through everything they need to know to make Closing Day go smoothly. From parking lot and pick-up logistics to bus rider procedures, what to bring (don't forget your photo ID!), and what to expect when you arrive, we'll help you feel prepared for the day ahead. We also spend some time talking about th...

You're almost here! In this special bonus episode, Elizabeth is joined by Mary-Curtis and Laura for a quick Opening Day checklist designed for families on their way to camp. Think of this episode as a companion to our original Opening Day podcast—not a substitute. If you're looking for detailed explanations and a deeper dive into Opening Day logistics, we encourage you to listen to that episode as...

Meet the incredible women leading camp this summer! In this special episode, Amy, Stephanie, and Elizabeth sit down with our 2026 Head Counselors to learn more about their camp journeys, the experiences that shaped them, and what they're most excited about for the summer ahead. From favorite camp memories and lessons learned to the moments and people who helped make them who they are today, you'll...

The 2026 camp season is officially underway, and we thought it would be fun to pull back the curtain and give you a glimpse into life behind the scenes during our first week at Camp Alleghany! Join Elizabeth, Stephanie, Amy, and Mary-Curtis for a casual, laughter-filled conversation recorded together in the same room (a rare treat for us!). We share who is already here at camp, what we've been wor...

What do all the colors at Camp Alleghany mean? In this fun and informative episode, we take a closer look at the many colors that are woven throughout the Alleghany experience. From age groups and counselor color groups to Blue and Gray team colors, Blues & Whites, and some of the traditions that make camp so special, we're breaking down what it all means and why these traditions continue to m...

Opening Day is one of the most exciting days of the summer, but we know it can also bring a lot of questions, especially for families who are new to Alleghany. In this episode, Elizabeth, Stephanie, and Mary-Curtis walk through Opening Day step by step so families know exactly what to expect when they arrive at camp. From timing and check-in to luggage, goodbyes, forms, medications, and the flow o...

This episode is a special one. A few weeks ago, you heard from my dear friends in the camp world on Ghany Gatherings (Episode 11). Now, I’m excited to share something new. The four of us have launched our own podcast, The Camp Mastermind Podcast, and I’m featuring our very first episode here: Why Summer Camp? In this conversation, we speak from a deep and meaningful place about why summer camp is...

Sending your child to camp can bring up a lot of feelings, and not just for your camper. In this episode, Elizabeth is joined by Wellness Counselors Jameson and Angiemil for a thoughtful conversation about emotionally preparing as a parent. We talk through the emotions that can come with sending your child to camp, what may be underneath those feelings, and practical ways to prepare yourself for t...

This one is just plain fun. In this episode, Elizabeth, Stephanie, and Mary-Curtis share their favorite things for camp. From footwear to trunks, sunscreen to camp-friendly cameras, and so much more, this is a light, entertaining conversation full of ideas you may not have thought of. If you’re looking for inspiration for this summer, or even for a birthday or holiday gift, you might just find it...

What we say to our children about camp matters more than we often realize. In this episode, Elizabeth is joined by Mini Camp Director Maggie Meyer and Wellness Counselor Jameson Sellers, both alumnae and camp moms, for a thoughtful conversation on how to set your camper up for success. We walk through the full timeline of the camp experience, from the weeks leading up to camp, to Opening Day, to c...

The Camp Store is more than just a place to grab a sweatshirt or toothpaste, it is an important part of the camp experience. In this episode, Elizabeth is joined by Store Managers Jennifer and Sarah, both alumnae and 'Ghany moms, to talk all things Camp Store. We cover what the store is, what we carry, and how campers make purchases, along with the logistics parents often have questions about. We...

In this bonus episode of Ghany Gatherings, we’re sharing a recording of our second Spring Q&A session of 2026. Hear questions from parents and campers on everything from trunks and laundry, to bugs and critters, and everything in between, along with Stephanie and Elizabeth’s thoughtful responses and conversation. This episode also features three of our 2026 Head Counselors - Lily, Sammy, and M...

In this bonus episode of Ghany Gatherings, we’re sharing a recording of our first Spring Q&A session. Hear questions from parents and campers on everything from packing to weather, along with Stephanie and Elizabeth’s thoughtful responses and conversation. Alleghany FAQs Elizabeth@campalleghany.com Stephanie@campalleghany.com  

Homesickness is one of the most common and most meaningful parts of the camp experience. In this episode, Elizabeth is joined by Program Director Stephanie and Wellness Counselor Angiemil Pérez Peña to talk honestly about what homesickness really is, what may be underneath those feelings, and how we support campers through it at Alleghany. We walk through how homesickness can show up, how our team...

In this episode, I’m joined by three of my dearest friends in the camp world, fellow directors Jalisa Danhoff, Amber Grundy, and Anne Izard. These women are not only leaders in their own camps, but also part of my personal support system in this unique and often demanding work. Together, we have spent years talking through the realities of camp, supporting one another, and continually asking how w...

Packing for camp can feel like a lot, especially the first time. In this episode, I’m joined by Program Director Stephanie and special guest Courtney Clawson, camp mom, co-Head of Family Camp, and our Lifeguard Instructor, to walk through it all from multiple perspectives. Between Courtney’s experience packing for younger Junior Camp campers and Stephanie’s experience with older girls, from LITs t...

In this episode, Elizabeth is joined by Program Director Stephanie and Office Manager Mary-Curtis for an honest conversation about the “what ifs” that parents often carry into the summer. From homesickness to making friends, navigating a rough day, or not quite clicking with tentmates, we talk through the most common concerns we hear from families each year. We share how we approach these moments...

In this episode, Elizabeth is joined by Nurse Katie and Dr. Lauren to talk all things health, wellness, and medication at Camp Alleghany. From how our Infirmary operates, to how we handle illness and injuries, to important medication policies (including exactly how to package medications from home), this conversation covers it all. We also touch on emergencies, communication with families, and the...

In this episode, Elizabeth and Mary-Curtis walk through how communication works at camp—from camper letters and Camp Stamps to our No Package Policy and why it exists. They also share what families can expect in terms of updates from camp, including daily newsletters, weekly emails, and when you may hear from us directly. This episode will help you feel prepared, connected, and confident heading i...

In this short and sweet episode, Elizabeth and Mary-Curtis break down the Campanion app and why you should download it before camp even begins. From uploading forms, to receiving important updates from camp, to viewing photos of your camper, this simple tool will help you stay connected and prepared all summer long. 👉 Download Campanion (CAMP-anion) in your app store and log in using your CampMin...

This episode is for everyone—from new and returning families to those who are just beginning to consider camp. We walk through what weather really looks like at Alleghany, from everyday rain to more significant storms, and share how we plan ahead, adapt in real time, and keep safety as our highest priority. Email Elizabeth: Elizabeth@campalleghany.com   Email Stephanie: Stephanie@campalleghany.com...

This is a fun one—and one you won’t want to miss! Whether you’re a new family, a returning camper, an alum, or joining us for Family Camp, there’s something here for everyone. In this episode, you’ll get to meet our incredible Site Manager, Garrett O’Dell, and hear the story of how he came to Alleghany and the many ways he has helped shape camp over the years. From small details to major projects,...

This is a must-listen for both new and returning families. In this episode, we walk through Camp Alleghany’s approach to lice—where we’ve been, what we’ve learned over the years, and what our current prevention plan looks like today. We share the history behind our policies, why they’ve evolved, and what we’re asking of families as we prepare for the summer ahead. This is an important episode to h...