Discover the History and Charm of Camp Allegro, a Magical Summer Camp

The History and Charm of Camp Allegro

Nestled in the lush green forests of upstate New York lies a hidden gem called Camp Allegro. For over 50 years, Camp Allegro has been a magical place where children and adults alike can unplug from their stressful daily lives and connect with nature and each other. From the moment you drive down the long dirt road leading to the heart of camp, you can feel the restorative energy taking hold.

Camp Allegro was founded in 1972 by the Smith family, who wished to share their great love of the outdoors with others. They started off small, with just 10 campers that first summer. Word quickly spread about the fun activities, nourishing food, and warm community found at Camp Allegro. Over the decades, generations of campers have come back year after year to this sanctuary in the woods. It's a place where time seems to slow down, friendships are forged, and everyone feels free to be themselves.

The Lay of the Land

Camp Allegro sits on 250 acres of pristine land with a private lake, rolling hills, and dense forests. The camp features a variety of accommodations from platform tents to log cabins. The focal point is the large dining hall which serves three delicious and hearty meals every day. Nearby is the rec hall which hosts evening activities like campfires, talent shows, and movie nights.

Other facilities include a sports field, archery range, ropes course, hiking trails, arts and crafts barn, and a lake house for swimming. Everything is designed to help campers unplug and embrace the great outdoors. At Camp Allegro, days are filled with activities like canoeing, tie-dye, capture the flag, and singalongs by the campfire.

A Place for Personal Growth

For many campers, Camp Allegro is not just a fun summer getaway but a transformative life experience. Away from the pressure and distractions of school and technology, campers have the space to get creative, develop new skills, and gain confidence and independence.

The staff are incredibly caring mentors who create a nurturing environment. Campers are encouraged to move beyond their comfort zones and try activities like waterskiing, hiking and solo camping. These experiences build resilience, mindfulness and an appreciation for living in the moment.

Many campers discover their passions such as art, music, or athletics while at Camp Allegro. The bonds formed with fellow campers, many who return for years, provide an invaluable sense of community. Camp Allegro has impacted generations of campers by shaping them into more capable, environmentally conscious and caring individuals.

Beloved Traditions

Over 50 years, Camp Allegro has developed many cherished traditions that make it feel like one big family. Every summer kicks off with the iconic welcome campfire where the energy is palpable. New campers are initiated with skits while returning campers reunite through songs and cheers.

Evening activities are a hallmark of the Allegro experience, with favorites like Casino Night, Carnivals, and game show competitions that pit cabins against one another. Packing the dining hall for meals is another highlight as the cooks dish out crowd pleasers like burgers, mac and cheese, and s'mores by the fire.

The last night of camp brings bittersweet tears during the farewell lantern ceremony. Lit lanterns are passed from counselor to camper as they share fond memories from the summer. Campers vow to return next year as they believe that once an Allegro camper, always an Allegro camper.

What to Expect as a Camper

Ready to become part of the Allegro family? Here's a glimpse into the typical daily life of a camper:

Morning

Your day starts bright and early with the morning "wakey wakey" wake up call followed by a mad but fun scramble to get dressed and ready in time for flag raising. After saluting the flag, you'll enjoy a hearty homemade breakfast prepared by the talented camp cooks. Pancakes, eggs, yogurt parfaits are camp favorites!

Late Morning

Mornings are filled with activities of your choosing. Shoot some hoops on the basketball courts, work on an art project in the creative arts barn, or master your tennis game on the courts. Instructional swim takes place at the lake for all ages to boost their skills and confidence in the water.

Afternoon

After a replenishing lunch, the options are endless! Join your cabin mates for a group activity like the exhilarating high ropes course or a team building game on the sports field. Arts & crafts, boating at the lake, and outdoor exploration are also popular afternoon activities.

Evening

After dinner, the real fun begins! Retreat to your cabin to freshen up before the evening activities kick off. Every night is something different - learn some campfire songs, compete in a game show, or let loose at the dances. Late-night talks with your cabin provide the perfect end to an action-packed day.

Lights Out

By the time "lights out" rolls around, you'll be ready to drift into a peaceful and cozy night's sleep...until the wakey wakey call kicks off another incredible day! Camp Allegro guarantees nonstop fun and forever friendships.

Camp Allegro FAQs

Is Camp Allegro just for kids?

While Camp Allegro caters especially to youth ages 7-16, we also have Family Camp weekends in late August that allow parents and children to experience camp together. Adults 18+ can join one of our Counselor-In-Training programs to volunteer with camp programming while still enjoying activities.

What kind of medical care is available onsite?

Safety is our top priority. An on-call nurse lives at camp 24/7 to administer medications, provide care for minor injuries/illness, and handle any emergencies. For more advanced care, we are located just 20 minutes from a major hospital.

What communication options are there for parents?

We know parents like to stay in touch, so we allow campers to write letters home. Parents can also call our camp director with any questions or concerns. For emergencies, we will contact parents immediately. Photos and updates are shared on our password-protected online portal.

What are the cabins like?

Our cozy cabins have between 8-12 campers and 2 counselor leaders. Campers sleep in comfortable single beds and store gear and clothes in a footlocker. Cabins have electricity and bathrooms with private showers nearby. Platform tents also available.

What food is served at camp meals?

Our camp chefs serve amazing family-style meals, often with fresh ingredients from local farms. Expect comfort foods like pasta, chili, burgers, sandwiches along with fresh fruit and veggies. Vegetarian/gluten-free options always available.

Is your camp nut-free? What about other allergies?

We aim to be a nut-free facility for campers with severe allergies. Parents must note any food allergies/restrictions during registration so we can accommodate dietary needs. Gluten-free and vegetarian options available at all meals.

What is the cancellation/refund policy?

Full refunds are provided up to 4 weeks before your session starts, less a $100 cancellation fee. 50% refunds are given for cancellations 2-4 weeks beforehand. No refunds are provided within 14 days of your session.

Come Join the Camp Allegro Family!

Camp Allegro promises endless opportunities for growth, adventure and friendship in the great outdoors each summer. Feel the magic the moment you step foot into this special place nestled in the woods. Join us around the campfire under the stars to become part of a community that will be in your heart forever. We can't wait to meet you!

FAQs

What kind of activities can my child do at Camp Allegro?

Some of our most popular activities include canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, swimming, hiking, ga-ga ball, basketball, soccer, capture the flag, tie dye shirts, arts & crafts, campfires & s'mores! We have activities for all interests.

What does a typical day at camp look like?

A typical day starts with breakfast, flag raising and cabin clean up. Campers then rotate through activities like instructional swim, sports, boating and arts & crafts. After lunch is rest hour followed by more afternoon activities. Evenings bring all-camp games, campfire and special events.

What is your staff to camper ratio?

We maintain a ratio of 1 counselor for every 6 campers. Counselors live in cabins with their campers and accompany them to all activities. We also have specialist activity instructors and healthcare staff onsite 24/7.

What training and background checks do your staff undergo?

Our counselors complete 2 weeks of extensive training on safety procedures, behavior management, fostering inclusion and more. All staff undergo criminal background checks and staff with access to campers are CPR/First Aid certified.

What COVID-19 precautions have you implemented?

We follow all state guidelines including masks, distancing, sanitization, and grouping campers in "cohorts." We also conduct daily health screenings for campers & staff and have isolation facilities if needed. Safety is our priority.