“To put into words why I come to camp would be to ask why the sun shines and why the sun sets. Camp is a place that allows you to learn about yourself…and to learn about others. You are allowed to live life to the fullest every day. Camp Mont Shenandoah is a place that creates a home for all, a shoulder to cry on, a friend to call and a song to sing as you fall asleep. So, in a few words, I come to camp to love, to live and feel the joy at being alive! Once you have been touched by camp, the feeling last forever.” – Camper | Alexandria, VA

History

Founded in 1927 by Nannie West, Camp Mont Shenandoah is one of the oldest girls’ camps in Virginia. The exceptional Mont Shenandoah experience has kept families returning for generations and inspired numerous campers to return as counselors.

Camp Mont Shenandoah has been owned and operated by members of the same family for three generations. In the 1930’s, Nannie sold the camp to May “Ma” Withrow and Eva Gravatt who operated the camp until they sold it in 1948. The purchasers were Mary Lib Patrick, Hazel Cox and Clarence Meadows (former Governor of West Virginia). In 1967, Mary Lib Patrick gave her shares to her daughter, “Sis” Patrick Warner. The remaining shares of the camp were purchased by Bill and Mary Glenn Carrington, Mimi Knight and Hal McVey. Bill Carrington acted as the camp’s director through 1996 and Mimi Knight was the program director until 1983. In 1996, Ann, daughter of Sis Warner, became the third generation of owners of Camp Mont Shenandoah. Ann is the current director, overseeing the day-to-day operations.