BestAdventureCamps.com > Best West Virginia Adventure Camps > Burgundy Center for Wildlife Studies
Burgundy Center for Wildlife Studies
Capon Bridge, WV
Visit Our Burgundy Center for Wildlife Studies Website
304-856-3758
michelem[AT]burgundyfarm.org
660 Margaret Sullivan Lane
Capon Bridge, WV 26711
WINTER (OFF-SEASON) OFFICE ADDRESS:
3700 Burgundy Rd.
Alexandria VA 22303
CAMPER AGES: 8 - 15
TYPE OF CAMP: Overnight/Sleepaway.
CAMPER GENDER(S): Coed Campers.
BRIEF CAMP DESCRIPTION: Hike, swim, and hunt for butterflies, warblers, foxes and salamanders in a secluded 500-acre WV wildlife sanctuary. This unique overnight nature camp has a high staff:camper ratio, independent projects and a non-competitive attitude. Interweaving music, arts, games and laughter with nature, the knowledgeable, dynamic, caring staff develop a lasting community -- campers return year after year. Located just 100 miles west of DC metropolitan area.
CAMP INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES OFFERED:
Adventure, Wilderness/Nature, Swimming, Science, Academics, and more. Nature Camp
CAMP LOCATION: BCWS is located in a remote, open valley in the Appalachians of West Virginia, a 2.5 hour drive west of Washington DC. The entire 500 acres is a wildlife sanctuary, with access to thousands of nearby acres. Find photos on our website and on Facebook.
CAMP FACILITIES: The main lodge includes an all-purpose gathering room with open fireplace, science workporches, dining porch, infirmary, library and modern public lavatories. The dormitories are screened porches, letting in fresh air and night sounds. The stream and pond are close to the main lodge and the canopy walkway is a 10 minute walk away. The advantage of BCWS is that we our facilities are clustered in one corner of the sanctuary, leaving the forest, meadows and wide diversity of wildlife relatively undisturbed.
CAMP PROGRAM INFO: BCWS summer camp was founded in 1963, and has been in continual operation ever since. The camp nurtures in children and teens a respect and sensitivity to the natural world through greater knowledge of self and nature. The campers develop this through direct interactions with nature and the staff, through learning scientific information, and through gaining experiences as part of a community.
BCWS is accredited by the American Camping Association. Exploration of the natural world is interwoven with games, song, story, music arts, hiking, and swimming. Campers are introduced to plant, animal and earth science, participate in overnight trips, and then pursue their strongest interests in a project of their own design. Each afternoon brings a new selection of activities. Children and teens learn and live together in a friendly, non-competitive community.
There is one staff member for every two campers. Groups are small and there is plenty of individual attention. Evening programs are occasionally small group choices, but more often whole group gatherings. The director is directing for her 30th year. The staff are high school, college, graduate students and teachers, most of whom were once BCWS campers themselves, and are knowledgeable in specific areas of the natural world. They bring their education, experience, energy, creativity and sense of humor to each moment.
An Adult Weekend was created at the request of parents who were themselves wishing to remain at BCWS in the cool green foliage, watching the sunset from the mountaintop, sleeping to the sound of owls and katydids, waking to birdsong, and trying their hands at the various activities and inactivities. The population includes adults in their 20s to 70s, some of whom are entirely new to the program. Some are constantly active, some take time in the hammocks, by the pond, or on a solitary stroll. The staff are always available with workshops or hikes, but all the schedule is optional for participants. The food includes vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, and upgrades during the weekend for adult palates.
CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: Entry level at age 16 are 50% kitchen staff, but are paid and considered full staff. However, training is extensive and first years are apprenticed with more experienced teachers.
CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Financial aid available: must apply with registration.
CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Senior Program (ages 11-15) $1675
Session 1: Sunday, June 25 - Saturday, July 8
Session 2: Tuesday, July 11 - Tuesday, July 25*
Session 3: Wednesday, August 2 - Tuesday, August 15 *Note: session 2 is designed for campers who have already attended the Senior Program, and is intellectually and physically more rigorous.
Junior Program (ages 8 -10) $975
Sunday, August 20 - Saturday, August 26
Adult Weekend (ages 21+) $235 / $415
Friday, July 28 - Sunday, July 30
for more details about the different programs, come to burgundycenter.org
SUMMER CAMP JOBS:
BCWS is currently hiring for both spring and summer of 2017. If you are a high school, college student or college graduate, with a good knowledge base in nature, send your resume to bows[AT][AT]earthlink.net and we'll send you an application.
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