History

For Girls. By Girls. With Girls. Go Girls!

Founded in 1927, Camp Mont Shenandoah embraced the ideals of America’s “camp movement” which was a reaction to the perceived physical and moral decline associated with urban living at the time.

In the 1920s, it was unusual, even groundbreaking, for girls to go off into the woods for weeks at a time to develop self-reliance, strong character, and appreciation of nature’s beauty through outdoor adventure.

This 60-acre family-owned operation remains true to its original mission and continues to operate exclusively “for girls, by girls and with girls.” In addition to three-week and six-week sessions, CMS offers an introductory week-long session for the girl who has never been away to camp or is not quite ready for an extended time away from home.

Camp’s historic, rustic-style buildings were designed to blend with the surrounding landscape. Many of those original buildings continue to support the daily living of today’s campers, who come from all across the United States.

Now a new page of history has been added, as Camp Mont Shenandoah has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register.