Alford Lake Camp

★★★★★Margaret Carter

I spent 14-15 2 Glorious Summers here in 1974/75 It created a lifelong love of hiking, camping and it is very old and always for girls. They have a library with every journal going back to 1890s Best camp ever. Safe. Amazing counselors. The owners the BEST . Head of camping association

★Cecily Brennan

I went to ALC in 2001 and it was single-handedly one of the worst and most traumatic experiences of my life. I was incredibly homesick, suffering from severe anxiety and throwing up almost every morning due to the anxiety and panic attacks. The camp director at the time, Betsy, told my parents it was best for them not to come for parents weekend and that they were “handling” everything. when the 3.5 weeks were up I was totally traumatized and continued to suffer lifelong trauma from the experience. I don’t fault the camp entirely, it was my parents as well who should have demanded to step in based on the letters I was sending home but I believe they truly trusted ALC knew what they were doing. I have 2 daughters and one on the way and I wouldn’t dream of sending any of them to ALC.

★★★★★Tory Tomlinson

My kids love Alford Lake and the friends they have made there. They like to do different things, but Alford Lake offers a variety of activities that keep them both happy, from sailing and paddleboarding to art, archery, drama, and tennis. Campers have a lot of flexibility in setting their schedules, which encourages independence and self-confidence. The spirit of the camp is positive, supportive, and fun. I don’t think my kids even miss their phones.

★★★★★Danielle Mysliwiec

I spent 9 summers at Alford Lake, 7 as a camper and 2 as a wilderness trip leader. Camp allowed me a break from the social dynamics of my school setting and gave me the freedom to be the girl I wanted to be - confident, independent, a leader and someone surrounded by deep and long lasting friendships. The environment instilled values in me that are at my core this day - respect for nature, presence, exploration, taking on and taking challenge with enthusiasm. I learned the incredible value of a handwritten letter! (living away from technology was an incredible gift) and choosing my own path each day.

★★★★★Holly Johnson

I attended ALC for 7 summers as a kid, and now my own daughter is about to go back for her third year. Camp gave me a chance to leave school and home stresses behind and come to a beautiful place, be with special people, and learn to be kind, brave and thoughtful. Every year I made new friends and took on new challenges from completing a hiking trip to being in the musical to participating in the annual swim across the lake. I built my self confidence and my values there and I am glad to see my daughter gaining those same things but in her own way and following her own interests. In discussing camp with other parents I have heard some concerns come up more than once. Some parents worry about "sending away" their daughter or forcing her to be too independent too fast. As long as the parent doesn't think of it as "sending away" their camper won't either. They will skip off to join the fun and generally be too busy to feel homesick. The don't forget home, and they are required to write home at least once a week, but the focus of camp is on getting the most out of their special summer experience. As for being away forcing kids to be too mature, I think ALC actually lets girls grow up slower. They don't have to put on any affectations. There is room to be silly, goof around, laugh at jokes and be unselfconscious. They put away the electronics, trade in their fashion for basic blue shirts and shorts, and just have fun. What a gift that is!