Activities
From Trail Rides to Tie-Dye
Riding
At Camp Strawderman, riding is one of our main activities. There is nothing quite as exciting as a ride in our ring surrounded by the stunning mountains which overlook camp. We pride ourselves on a stable of over 30 camp-owned horses, who will nuzzle you with love before whisking you away for a morning lesson or afternoon adventure. We encourage all campers to take advantage of our professional instruction and beautiful animals.
Riders are grouped according to ability with classes in beginning, intermediate, and advanced equitation. Each girl is given the chance to ride a variety of horses according to her proficiency. All our riders are invited to display their newly developed equestrian talent in a horse show, before qualified judges, at the end of each two-week session. (See calendar for riding event dates.)
Of course, all our horses need a little TLC. So, all campers have the opportunity to learn grooming and horsemanship. It’s a chance to take an active role in the care and feeding of these beautiful animals and enjoy a special bond with a four-legged friend.
Swimming
Swimming is one of the most popular activities at Strawderman. Every camper takes swimming. Swimmers are grouped according to ability from beginner to advanced.
Instruction includes lessons in the basic strokes and water safety, as well as synchronized swimming and stunts for the more advanced swimmers. All our instructors are Red Cross certified, and we have one lifeguard on site for every ten girls at our fresh water pool.
In addition to swim lessons, campers participate in competitive swim meets, supervised free swims, pool game days, and a perennial favorite, the bi-annual Water Pageant – a summer highlight which showcases the many diverse talents of our campers and to which all our neighbors in the surrounding Shenandoah communities are invited.
There is also a daily afternoon free swim, “Dip,” where campers can enjoy playtime at the pool or just drift around in an inner tube, all under the watchful eye of our lifeguards.
Arts & Crafts
At Strawderman, part of our mission is to offer our campers a truly well-rounded experience, where each girl can explore and express her creativity in countless ways. That’s why Arts & Crafts plays as important a role in daily activities as sports and physical fitness do.
Almost every one of our campers becomes engaged in the art room throughout each session. Our instructors are exceptional artists and gifted teachers who work individually with each camper to uncover her hidden talent. Emphasis is on arts and craft skills that campers can continue to do at home.
Lessons and projects are offered in:
Painting
Decoupage
Paper crafts
Polymer clay
Papier-mâché
Basket making
Cross-stitching
Needlepoint
Weaving
For a small extra charge, campers ten years and older may take Loom Beading, where they learn to design and create beadwork on a loom.
In addition, many campers participate in set design for the annual Water Pageant, working on elaborate painted sets. The Arts & Crafts program also provides props and materials for:
Campfire programs
Olympics
Christmas in August
Archery
Archery has always been offered at Strawderman, but since the Hunger Games series, it has become wildly popular!
Lessons are taught at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. All archers are instructed in safety, care of equipment, and skill improvement.
Campers thrill at their growing prowess in:
Bow alignment
Draw length
Release
Target shooting
There is a scheduled Archery Tournament in which our Bowgirls can show off their archery skills and compete for ribbons.
Tennis
Dance
Tennis instruction is offered at all levels, from beginners to advanced, and follows U.S.T.A. guidelines.
Classes include:
Basic instruction on strokes
Rigorous drills
Fun and games for younger girls
Campers enjoy singles and doubles play and compete in tournaments throughout the summer.
Campers of all ages learn routines and dances of varying styles and cultures. Aerobics is also taught as part of the dance program.
The season culminates in a Final Dance Show, showcasing all they've learned.
Choir
Girls who enjoy singing choral music can join one of our two choirs:
Senior Choir
Junior Choir
Both choirs are non-auditioned and open to all. They sing at Sunday services in our open-air Chapel in the Pines.
There is no more beautiful sound than the harmonious voice of our choirs as it is carried across our valley every week.
Grooming
We offer riders ten years of age and older the opportunity to take an active role in the care and feeding of our stable of horses by learning grooming and horse care.
Grooming helps young campers become familiar and comfortable around these magnificent animals, which often become more like “big pets” to many of the girls. Ribbons for grooming are awarded at every horse show.
