Ghany Gatherings

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 of the day, we cover the details that help everything feel smoother and less overwhelming.

Our goal is to help parents and campers arrive feeling prepared, confident, and excited for the start of a wonderful summer at Alleghany.

ShipCamps

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 so much more than just a fun experience. We talk about the role it plays in a child’s emotional growth, independence, and development, and why we believe it is more important now than ever.

These are the women I lean on in this work, and I’m so grateful to share this conversation with you.

If this resonates, we would love for you to subscribe and follow along with The Camp Mastermind Podcast as we continue the conversation.

The Camp Mastermind Podcast

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 the separation.

This episode is a helpful companion for any parent feeling excited, nervous, unsure, or all of the above as camp approaches.

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 here.

We especially recommend watching this one on our YouTube channel so you can see everything we’re talking about. All links included below!

Many items are on this page of our website. 

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 communication during camp, and even the return home. Along the way, we gently explore how our words, even when rooted in love, can sometimes land differently than we intend, and how small shifts in communication can make a meaningful difference.

This episode is designed to help parents feel more confident, more prepared, and more aligned with the experience we are creating for your camper.

We are also so excited to introduce Maggie and Jameson on the podcast for the first time. I hope you enjoy hearing their perspectives as much as I do.

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 also talk about something deeper, the independence and decision-making that comes with having a store account, choosing how to spend money, and even how to spend free time.

And of course, we could not resist sharing a few fun previews of new merch for the summer, so be sure to listen through to the end!

A fun and helpful listen for all families.

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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 Manuela. 

Alleghany FAQs

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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

[email protected]

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 responds with care and intention, and why these moments, while sometimes uncomfortable, are often where some of the most important growth happens.

This is a helpful listen for current families, new families, and anyone considering camp who wants a deeper understanding of how we approach this part of the experience.

Resources:

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 we can do this work better for the families we serve.

In this conversation, we open that dialogue up to you.

We talk honestly about the concerns we hear from parents, the realities of the camp industry today, and how we, as directors, are responding. Our goal is simple: to build trust, create transparency, and form a true partnership with families.

This episode is for everyone, but it may be especially helpful for new or camp-curious parents who are navigating questions, hesitations, or uncertainty about the camp experience.

I am so excited to introduce these incredible women to the Alleghany community, and I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did!

Additionally, this group recently launched our own podcast, The Camp Mastermind Podcast, so check that out as well! :)