The Virginia Elks Youth Camp, in continuous operation since 1950, is for deserving girls and boys of the Commonwealth of Virginia between the ages of eight (8) and thirteen (13). It is nonsectarian and operated without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age or handicap. Every effort is made to select youth who are sociable and in good health. The camp is operated for four weeks each summer. The first two weeks are for the girls and the last two weeks for the boys. The camp is an accredited member of the American Camping Association and its Camp Director is an active member of the Virginia's Section of the A.C.A. The 137 acre camp is located in the beautiful mountain area of the Alleghenies on the Cow Pasture River, eight miles north of Clifton Forge on State Route #42 in Bath County. The Virginia Elks Youth Camp is the State Project of the Virginia Elks Association consisting of 31 lodges located throughout the state and the National Home Lodge located in Bedford, Va. All campers who attend the Virginia Elks Youth Camp have a great chance to bring home an award, as well as many great memories. Ribbons are awarded for our "Land Olympics" and "Water Olympics" activities. Also, outstanding camper plaques are given to those campers who earn them. The Arts and Crafts Director plans and assists campers with many different and exciting activities which also may be brought home by each camper. The camp offers one of the most ideal and beautiful swimming spots that could be desired. Quite different from the modem swimming pool, it is fed by cool, sparkling mountain streams from the surrounding hillsides and is of sufficient size to make swimming a challenge as well as a pleasure. The area is roped off for non-swimmers, beginners and swimmers so that each group can be handled safely. Good fishing and canoeing are also part of the fine waterfront program. All activities are under close supervision of trained and qualified staff members. Weather permitting, practically all activities are of the outdoor type, with basketball, softball, volleyball, soccer, camp-wide games and races keeping the youngsters busy from early morning until taps at 9:30 p.m. Instructions in cheer-leading, modem dance, singing, painting and crafts are activities enjoyed by the girls as well as the sports programs. The large dining hall is used for program activities on rainy days, plus the camp provides a fine craft opportunity featuring leatherwork items. Opening and closing campfires, along with other camp-wide events, such as "earth ball", candy carnival, staff hunt, and water carnival are enjoyed by all. A modem kitchen, staffed by qualified cooks, provides excellent meals. The camp participates in the summer Food Service Program for Children sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture. (Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against in any USDA related activity should write immediately to: Administer, Food and Nutrition Service - USDA - 3101 Park Center Dr., Alexandria, VA 22302)
A trained staff of 25 men and women handles the administration and program. The staff includes Camp Director and Assistant, Program Director, Waterfront Director, Arts & Crafts Counselor, Program Counselors, Dining Hall Steward plus full time nurse and 13 cabin counselors. The Health and Safety program is under the direction of a doctor licensed by the State of Virginia who supervises all health related incidents at camp. Arrangements are made to use the facilities at the Alleghany Regional Hospital in nearby Low Moor, Va. in case of serious illness or accident, and a camp vehicle is always available for taking campers to the hospital. All campers live in cabins under the supervision of a Cabin Counselor with each cabin holding as many as eight campers. Two large shower buildings are located near the cabin rows so that the campers can practice good habits in regard to personal cleanliness and hygiene. Blankets and linens are provided by the camp while the camp laundry washes all, clothes of each camper during their stay. Each camper provides his own personal items such as sneakers or shoes, warm sleeping garments, dungarees, T-Shirts, shorts, socks, underwear, bathing trunks, towels and washcloths. The Elks Lodges who sponsor the camper, pay the cost of the one-week camp, plus his or her transportation and may assist in providing clothing if necessary. The camping season runs from mid-June until early August. For further information, contact your local Elks Lodge whose number can be found in your telephone book. The camp's summer phone number is 540-862-9489. Directions to Elks Youth Camp
If you are using a GPS, enter: N 37° 54' 58.6" W 79° 44' 43.2". For those driving, take exit 29 (VA42 North) off I64 west, turn right, go 7 miles and look for the "George Washington National Forest" sign on the right. Slow down immediately as the road to the Camp is the next left (Indian Hill Lane). Follow it about 3/4 mile to the Camp sign on the right. If coming in on VA42 south, it is 9 miles south of Millboro and turn right at the sign.
