Low Cost Environmental Summer Camp Invites New Campers, Counselors in June 2020

Last year, Appalachian Headwaters, a new nonprofit organization [*see accompanying side bar], created Camp Waldo, an environmentally focused summer camp in southern West Virginia. The goal of the camp is to connect kids from the region with the environment through outdoor learning and exploration. Campers engage in ecology and environment programs daily, learning to understand our ecosystem and to become wise stewards of the earth’s natural resources.

         Campers and counselors are invited to apply to join a three-week overnight camp from June 13 – July 3rd. Welcome are any children, boys and girls, who are currently 3rd-6th graders. Specific information and applications are found at www.campwaldo.org. 

Additional Details

Where: Camp Waldo takes place at a recently renovated historic camp in the big bend of the Greenbrier River, approximately 15 minutes from Hinton, West Virginia. There is a large dining hall, stages, sports fields, a basketball court, archery range, a garden, a greenhouse, and honey bee yards. Recently renovated cabins accommodate two counselors and eight campers. Each cabin has two private bathrooms with private showers.

What: This summer there will be a three-week overnight camp from June 13 – July 3rd with around 104 campers, 26 counselors, and several administrative staff. Campers will spend each morning in an ecology program, designed to connect the campers and staff with nature and thoughtful environmental stewardship. Campers will also enjoy activities like creative writing, music, visual art, theater, basketball, soccer, archery, chess, yoga, gardening, and beekeeping. Campers will explore the outdoors through activities like camping, backpacking, and paddle trips.

Who: Both campers and counselors are invited to join Camp Waldo this summer.

• Campers: Applications are sought from current 3rd-6th graders, both boys and girls. There is only one session in 2020, but plans are afoot to continue expanding the camp in the future, adding more capacity, increasing the age range, and adding a second session. The charge to families is $200 for the entire three-week session of the camp – significantly less than the actual cost (less than 10%) of running the camp. Reduced or even entirely waived fees are available for any family that cannot afford it.

• Counselors: Applications are welcome from college students or soon to be college students. Each Camp Waldo counselor is expected to be present from June 4th – July 3rd. All counselors are paid $1,500 and provided with housing, three hot meals a day, and ten days of staff training. There will be opportunities for paid internships after camp concentrating on organic farming, native plant horticulture and honey bees.

How: More information, photos, and camp applications are available on the website: www.campwaldo.org.