About Camp Varsity
Camp Varsity is located in Madison, Virginia and serves youth ages 8-15. We offer one-week sessions with options for campers to attend up to three weeks. "Come As You Are" Culture: We work to support our Staff and Campers in a way that they feel safe and free to be themselves. Camp Varsity values and respects Staff and campers from all backgrounds and walks of life. We are passionate about sharing our love of nature, campfires, laughs, lake mud, friendships, music, camp games, fun and all other things CAMP!
Camp Varsity is a rustic, overnight summer camp that encourages “back to play and back to nature” in a fun, un-plugged authentic Camp environment. Our 125-acre farm is situated at the base of Gaar Mountain on the edge of Shenandoah National Park in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains.
Caring for the Earth is an important part of our mission and is a part of the decision-making at our Camp: from composting our kitchen scraps, partnering with local farmers to collect our food waste after meals, recycling, growing kitchen herbs. We have a beautiful Camp Garden that utilizes earth-friendly growing methods.
Camp Varsity first formally opened as a small, athletic summer program in 1966 and has grown over the years to a full, well-rounded traditional summer camp that averages around 135 campers per week and approximately 700 - 800 campers each summer. Camp has always operated on the premise that everyone that comes to Gaar Mountain is part of the Camp family; it has been and continues to be second home to many, many campers, Staff and alumni.
values
Our core values are the same as they have always been: to provide a safe space to help kids gain a stronger sense of self and foster a strong connection with nature, others, and the camp community. Camp Varsity continues to be a place for exploration, play, and friendly competition; where kids gain self-esteem, forge new friendships, and create memories that last a lifetime. Most of our day is spent fully outdoors. The rustic aspect of Camp continues to be an important part of our program: no screens (cell phones, laptops, tablets) and lots of fresh mountain air.