Ghany Gatherings

Ghany Gatherings is the official podcast of Camp Alleghany for Girls, a traditional overnight summer camp located on the Greenbrier River in West Virginia. Hosted by Director Elizabeth Shreckhise, this podcast is created for current camp families and for those exploring whether summer camp is the right fit for their child.

Through thoughtful conversation and practical guidance, we cover camper logistics and parent reminders, as well as camp safety, staff training, homesickness, leadership development, and the “why” behind our policies and traditions. Whether you are preparing your daughter for her first overnight camp experience, choosing a summer camp, or simply wanting deeper insight into how camp builds confidence and independence, this is a space to stay informed and build trust.

Pull up a chair and gather with us.

Episodes

7 days ago

1hr 1 min

Four Alleghany moms (three of whom have only boys!) sit down for a heartfelt conversation about what it's been like watching their sons fall in love with Camp Greenbrier. From lifelong friendships and unforgettable traditions to resilience, independence, and the surprising emotional depth of the camp experience, we reflect on what it means to raise camp boys while spending our own summers creating camp magic for girls at Alleghany. Along the way, we share funny stories, favorite letters, touching memories, and the moments that made us realize camp had become part of who our sons are. While this episode shines a spotlight on Camp Greenbrier, it's ultimately a love letter to the power of summer camp and the incredible gift of watching our own children experience the same kind of growth, belonging, and joy that shaped each of us.
Elizabeth@campalleghany.comhttps://www.campgreenbrier.com/ 

Jul 14, 2026

52 min

This week on Ghany Gatherings, we're taking you behind the scenes of one of the most transformative experiences in our Leaders-in-Training (LIT) program: the wilderness backpacking trip. Elizabeth sits down with 2026 Head of LIT Daisy Scott and Leadership Program Director Amy Wilson to talk about everything from the day-to-day adventure and challenges to the incredible growth they witnessed along the way. If you've ever wondered what really happens on the LIT backpacking trip, or why it's such an important part of developing future leaders at Alleghany, this fun, candid conversation is one you won't want to miss.
Leaders-in-TrainingElizabeth@campalleghany.com 

Jul 7, 2026

48 min

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 and overseeing deliveries to troubleshooting plumbing, chasing away unwanted critters, monitoring the weather with our new Perry Weather station, "Bolt," and yes... occasionally putting on a bee suit, no two days are ever the same!
Katie also shares a little about her life outside of camp (including her faithful companion, Pepper!) and gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the countless details that help make the Alleghany experience so special.
Whether you've ever wondered who keeps the lanterns lit, the Snack Shack stocked, or camp running smoothly, this episode offers a fun glimpse into one of the most important roles at Alleghany.
Operations@campalleghany.comElizabeth@campalleghany.com 
 

Jun 30, 2026

1hr 7 min

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 station, "Bolt," making quite the debut!), and the incredible growth they witnessed in our youngest campers.
Mary-Curtis also offers an honest parent's perspective, sharing the worries she had before sending her daughter to Mini Camp and how those fears quickly gave way to confidence as she watched her daughter thrive.
Whether your daughter attended Mini Camp, is preparing for a future summer at Alleghany, or you're simply curious about what camp can accomplish in just six days, we think you'll love this conversation.
Mini Camp
Elizabeth@campalleghany.com
Info@campalleghany.com 
MiniCamp@campalleghany.com 

Jun 23, 2026

1hr 6 min

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 the emotional side of Closing Day. After days or weeks of independence, friendship, and camp routines, many campers experience a transition period as they return home. We discuss what that can look like, why it's completely normal, and how parents can best support their daughters as they settle back into everyday life.
Whether this is your family's first Closing Day or your tenth, we hope this episode helps you feel informed, prepared, and excited to reunite with your camper!
Happy listening, and we'll see you soon!
Closing Day ProceduresElizabeth@campalleghany.comStephanie@campalleghany.comInfo@campalleghany.com 

Jun 18, 2026

18 min

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 well. This one is simply a collection of last-minute reminders and helpful tips as you make your way to camp.
We cover everything from luggage and forms to medications, lice screenings, parking lot logistics, and what to expect once you arrive on both sides of the river.
We also introduce Laura, our summertime Office Assistant and longtime Ghany Girl, who shares a little about her camp background and role on the Alleghany team.
Whether you're a first-time camp family or a seasoned veteran, this episode is full of practical reminders to help your Opening Day go as smoothly as possible. So press play on your drive to camp, take a deep breath, and get ready for an incredible summer.
We can't wait to welcome you to Alleghany!
Elizabeth@campalleghany.com  Info@campalleghany.com 
Detailed Opening Day episode
Lice episode  
Medications episode
Forms episode
Campanion app episode 

Jun 16, 2026

33 min

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 get an inside look at the leaders who help make Alleghany such a special place.
We laughed, reflected, and even got a little sentimental as we talked about the people and experiences that make Alleghany feel like home. Whether you're a first-time camp family or a longtime Alleghany parent, this episode is a wonderful opportunity to get to know the women who will be guiding, mentoring, and caring for our campers this summer.
Elizabeth@campalleghany.com  Stephanie@campalleghany.com 

Jun 9, 2026

43 min

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 working on to prepare for campers, some unexpected challenges, a few funny mishaps, and plenty of stories from the first days of the summer.
Whether you're a longtime Alleghany family or brand new to camp, this episode is a fun way to experience the excitement, anticipation, and occasional chaos that come with getting camp ready for another incredible season.
We hope you'll enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed recording it. And if you like this more informal style, stay tuned! Whenever we can find a few spare minutes during the summer, we'd love to share more behind-the-scenes conversations and adventures from camp.
Happy listening!Elizabeth@campalleghany.comStephanie@campalleghany.comInfo@campalleghany.com 

Jun 2, 2026

49 min

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 matter year after year.
We're also excited to introduce Amy, our 2026 Leadership Program Coordinator! Amy joins us to share a little about herself and the important role she will play in helping guide and mentor our oldest campers as they grow into leaders.
Whether you're a first-time camp family trying to learn the ropes or a longtime Alleghany alumna looking to reminisce, this episode offers a colorful glimpse into some of the traditions, connections, and spirit that make Camp Alleghany unique.
The Colors of Camp Elizabeth@campalleghany.com  Stephanie@campalleghany.com 

May 26, 2026

1hr 4 min

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.
ShipCampsLuggage ForwardPacking episodeSetting Your Camper up for Success episodeCampanion AppMedication episodeLice episodeElizabeth@campalleghany.comStephanie@campalleghany.comInfo@campalleghany.com 

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