The Strawderman Page
From the Director
Jeanne Mockard
Dear Alumnae and Friends of Strawderman,
My favorite spot at camp is the Old House porch. I love everything about it: its history, its smell, its view. The craftsmanship of the house is remarkable; after more than two centuries, we have had to do very little. Its foundation is strong. Nothing makes me happier than sitting in the age-smoothed woven rocking chairs, looking toward the Rec Hall, past the archery field and towards North Mountain–all while listening to the sound of laughter, slamming cabin doors, and singing. The Old House is, somehow, the heartbeat of Strawderman, but its first beat was a century before Barca ever set foot on the porch.
Originally, our beloved Old House was not Barca’s; it was the Strawderman house first. It was their hands that formed the foundation of a family home with babies born, clothes woven on a spinning wheel, land cleared, crops planted, and family celebrated.
The Old House watched as its family forged a life in the valley in the early days of our country. It saw generations of family, friends, neighbors, and visitors enter through its breezeway–and one of those visitors would become the founder of Camp Strawderman.
Barca stood on the foundation of that house for her first childhood views of the valley as her physician father, Dr. Hoffman, cared for Leah Strawderman, the last of the Strawderman family. Leah lived in the Old House until her death, willing the house and property to Barca’s father. It was the same house that watched Barca grow up, inviting her friends for fun overnights in the Old House–splashing in the creek, cooking in the fireplace, and sleeping upstairs.
But we all know that camp is more than the foundation laid by the Strawdermans. When I can find a rare moment in the summer to sit on the porch during the delightful busy-ness of a camp day, I am filled with gratitude for the other foundation here–the one that Barca laid when she decided to start a girls camp. This foundation can only be experienced firsthand. You can sense its strength by standing in the colors line before dinner singing “The Golden Day is Dying,” or by climbing to the Rocks and sliding back down, by walking arm in arm to get a soda, or by singing cabin songs every Sunday after lunch in the Dining Hall. This foundation, magical and enduring, lives on in the hearts and souls of our campers.
Barca’s vision and legacy ensured that camp would extend well beyond her life. Her niece Margie’s unwavering loyalty upheld that foundation. As Director, I have the honor of continuing to uphold, strengthen, and ensure that it will be strong far beyond my tenure as Director.
I invite you to read this newsletter with the knowledge that our camp’s foundation is solid. We have a talented and wonderful staff. We are working on dedicated Board development, capital projects, and our new status as a nonprofit. You will read about our summer, our property, and our plans. Get to know our staff, campers, and board members; engage with us by joining our alumnae network. Find ways to get involved. Most importantly, know that you are always a part of the Strawderman family. We would love to hear from you–Strawderman will forever be your summertime home.
The Old House as viewed from Outlook Cabin.
From the Program Director
Valerie Webdell
As a child returning to camp each summer, I looked forward to every tradition. I knew that on Thursdays I would be hiking (and carrying bug juice,) that the smell of camp between the Rec Hall and dining hall would be the same every year, and that every other Saturday I would enjoy a Strawderman sandwich. I spent every first week at home after camp saying “If I were at camp right now I would be standing in line at the store,” or “If I were at camp right now Taps would have just blown.” There is a steadiness to the camp’s rhythms and traditions that is reassuring. In a world where less and less is certain, it is comforting to know that there is a place where some things remain constant.
This isn’t to say that tradition should be inflexible.. Any architect knows that skyscrapers need to have some give in order to stay upright; they must be able to move with the wind, or they will fail. Structural integrity requires flexibility and this is true of camp’s structure, too. During Strawderman’s ninety-six years, while many of our traditions have remained the same, we have
also needed to be flexible and adapt to a changing world.
The most recent adaptation provides a great example of this. For a variety of reasons–including the pandemic and counselor availability–we made the move to a six-week summer. This meant we needed to look at the overall program to determine the most important things to keep and also the things we needed to let go of. One of the big changes we made was to Water Pageant. WP is a vital part of camp tradition, but the giant task of producing one means that almost the entire session revolves around it. With a shorter summer, we needed to leave room for some of the other activities to be showcased. To meet this challenge, we decided to produce a pageant every other summer, with the option to participate in a play/musical in the non-pageant years. This is less time consuming, freeing the schedule to highlight other activities–like a dance show, or an archery tournament. Campers who attend the same session each year can now be exposed equally to all activities, and they get a more rounded experience over time.
Alumna Bess Collins (TenEyck) has been coming for the past three years to direct both the pageant and the play/musical, and she understands the need to adapt, saying “When I first came to Strawderman, I always wanted to come for Water Pageant. My great aunt was the 1945 lead, so I had grown up hearing about this unique, whole-camp production. There was something so exciting about parading down to the pool together, ready to present a show we had all worked hard to bring about. When we were ready to bring the Pageant back after our switch to six weeks, I was only too eager to help continue this important Strawderman tradition. However, it really is a lot to accomplish in two short weeks! And to keep the excitement for WP alive with a shorter summer schedule, alternating years with a smaller theatrical production feels like the perfect balance.”
Bess with Jeannie and Valerie on Water Pageant Day. Also pictured: Noel, who played “Toto.”
In 2025 Water Pageant was The Wizard of Oz. It was a hit with campers, counselors, and parents. 2026 will be a play/musical year at camp. Bess already has some great ideas–I can’t wait to see what she has up her sleeve!
Water Pageant is just one example of successful adaptation. With the change to six weeks, we have also made the schedule flexible in terms of what happens when. In 2024 (and in 2026) Christmas in August became Christmas in July. The campers started calling it “CIAIJ” and went on celebrating. Shakespeare now moves around depending on the calendar, and it is paired up with a camp-wide “Meddi-val Faire.” We try to schedule in more down time for campers–to hang with their friends, find their own fun, and to get creative without the distraction of technology.
These adaptations are just a few of the adjustments we have made, but the important thing to know is that tradition was, and is, still a vital part of who we are. Our girls still rely on the daily rhythm of camp, but our traditions guide rather than bind. This flexibility–and the adaptability of our amazing staff–keeps the heart of Strawderman beating as strongly now as it did when Barca first created camp.
—Valerie
Alumna Spotlight
Erin Bagnell (Rutherford)
What years did you attend Strawderman?
1985-1998
What is your current job?
I’m an account strategist at a public relations agency called The Hodges Partnership.
How did you first hear of camp?
“Aunt Margaret,” Margie, was my great aunt so we spent some time at Strawderman before I was old enough to attend. When my parents came to pick me up my first summer in Dumpty, I begged them to let me stay another two weeks. And they did:)
What was your favorite cabin?
T.A. will always have a special place in my heart. Those were the years that friendships deepened and “to make friendships that will last through life” really rang true. Other things I love about T.A.? Watching storms from the porch and being visited by horses while in the John.
Two things camp taught you about life:
Camp taught me the value of true friendships, and taught me that friends come in all forms. “There are no strangers at Camp Strawderman, only friends you haven’t met.” Strawderman also taught me that a perfectly made bed is a wonderful way to start the day.
In what ways are you and your cabin mates still connected?
Our group chat keeps us up-to-date on each other’s lives - and also keeps us laughing. We try to spend a weekend together as a group every couple of years. Now that I have kids that go to camp, changeover days are like a reunion for me - I love running into old friends that also have Strawderman campers now.
Favorite campfire song:
I don’t know the name of it! The one that goes “we’re going this way, that way, forward, backward over the Irish Sea” - it makes me giggle!
Most mischief you ever got into at camp:
I’ll never tell! But at the top of the list is the time we wrapped the dinger from the bell in maxi pads so it didn’t make any noise. I think I recall Anna’s voice over the intercom saying “Everyone wake up! It’s time to get up!” in lieu of the morning bell.
Favorite camp memory:
There are too many to pick a favorite! Any time I was laughing hysterically is a favorite memory. One time, we were trying to stay up after taps without our counselor knowing. One of our cabin mates was incapable of doing anything quietly and the hilarious memory of giving her lessons on how to tip-toe makes me cry with laughter.
As a board member, what are you most excited about when thinking about the future of camp?
I’m excited to celebrate camp’s 100th anniversary in just a few years! I have such fond memories of the 75th anniversary and reconnecting with so many old friends. The 100th anniversary provides us with a fun opportunity to celebrate the past while looking to the future and taking steps to ensure that Strawderman can continue to welcome campers for another 100 years.
News and Events!
Happenings and Future Plans.
It’s an exciting time for camp. Over the past several years we have been very busy in several areas: the camp property, the programming (see program director’s notes,) and our nonprofit status/alumnae engagement. Plus, we are starting to think about a very important occasion! (Hint: What was the first year of Camp?)
1. Property
We have restored and re-opened Wigwam, Outlook, Puddleby, and Whippoorwill. We are in the process of restoring The Buttonhole to serve as an OG cabin. Extensive pipe repair around the spring is continuing, ad there will be a completely new well in the Meddi. The Rec Hall is getting a new roof and the Old House is on our radar for restoration. Arborist Mark Belknap, whose wife Karen is a Strawderman alumna, has worked with us for several years to evaluate the trees in and around camp. We are working with him to plan an event to plant seedlings around camp (this could be an alumna event!). and build a long term plan for tree growth on the property.
2. Nonprofit/Alumnae Development
We are excited to engage with you more as we more fully lean into our nonprofit status. Your time at camp is a part of Strawderman’s story—we know how much camp means to you. We are sure you have ideas, thoughts, and ways you might like to be involved. You can help us by Joining the Alumnae network. If you have not already done so, here is a link to get started:
https://campstrawderman.campintouch.com/ui/forms/application/alumni/App
If you have already registered, the link to login to your Camp account is here:
https://campstrawderman.campintouch.com/v2/login.aspx?cx=a
In your CampInTouch account, there is a more detailed form which we hope you will complete. To find it, login to your camp account (and look under ‘forms.’ We will never share information without your permission. We can’t wait to connect!
3. Centennial Celebration
2029 will mark one-hundred years of Camp Strawderman. Stay tuned for details on a 100th year celebration!
Camper Spotlight
Byrd Emmett
Byrd, (left,) sits outside of Wits End with her friend, Noli.
First Summer: 2023
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Age: 13
How did you first hear about Strawderman?“
I heard about camp Strawderman from my Mom’s work colleague, and it seemed like a great camp for me to go to.
How many years have you attended camp, and what cabins have you been in?
I have attended camp for three years, and I have been in Tweedles, Outlook, and Wits End.
What are two things you love about camp?“
I love the sense of community and all of the activities Strawderman has.
What is your favorite campfire song?
I love all of the campfire songs, but my two favorites are O Shenandoah and Rock-a-my-Soul.
What is one favorite camp memory?
Honestly, my favorite memories I have of camp are just during day to day life. I love things like Fourth of July and the horse show, but there is something special about a regular day at camp. I love things like getting sodas with my cabin mates, and riding everyday.
If you were trying to convince another girl to come to camp, what would you tell them ?
If I were convincing another girl to come to camp, I would tell them that everyone there is so nice and inclusive, you would never feel left out. They have so many activities and things to do that you would never be bored.
What is your favorite Strawderman meal?
My favorite camp Strawderman meal has to be slop. I don’t think it tastes the same outside of camp though. My mom tried to re-create it and it was good, but it wasn’t the same.
Who is your favorite horse?
I love all of the horses, but if I had to choose my favorite I would choose Roman or Frank.
Afterglow 2025
Join us next year!
By now you have heard of Afterglow, which is our family camp—a very different experience than our regular fun camp, but no less enjoyable. For four days in August, a large group of Strawderman alumnae, families, and friends gathered at camp. During this time we did all of the usual things—horseback riding, swimming, tennis, archery, yoga, and arts and crafts. We had some favorite Strawderman meals (including Strawderman sandwiches) and also had a catered BBQ dinner by Shaffer’s Barbecue—(hint; coming for this meal alone is worth the price of admission!) Many of our alumnae brought their families and kids for the first time—it is so fun to see children experiencing the magic of Strawderman with their families!
We roasted s’mores and sang campfire songs, enjoyed happy hour while staff babysat the children, hiked, and even had a contest to make fashion outfits with nothing but duct tape, trash bags, and scissors. The fashion show was judged by the OG-aged family campers!
A special moment for the Staff happened when we helped to execute a marriage proposal! Ben, who is now engaged to OG Caitlin Cruz, proposed on a hike to Schloss—and she said “Yes!” When they arrived back at camp, the staff was lining the road with candles and singing “I See the Moon.” Caitlin’s eyes were NOT at all dry, and neither were ours! We continued to celebrate them with a champagne toast in the dining hall.
We would LOVE to have you consider joining us for Afterglow 2026. Families, couples, and friends are all welcome. It’s a wonderful way to get outdoors and spend some time with people you love. Registration will open in the spring, but if you are interested, please email kcosgrove@campstrawderman.com.
Counselor Spotlight
Virginia Ballowe
Virginia (middle,) leads the Meddi in a kick line.
First Summer: Summer 2016
Country: United States
Age: 21
When you are not at camp, what do you do? I am a current Junior at The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. I am a Neuroscience major on the pre-medical track!
How did you hear about Strawderman, and what made you keep coming back? I started going to summer camps when I was in Kindergarten, and tried a new one each year until 2016, when I began at Strawderman after a family friend’s recommendation. I never looked back. Strawderman is a true summertime home and lives and breathes its ideals. Its commitment to cultivating a growth-promoting, confidence-boosting, and happiness-filled environment is what kept me coming back for so many years. I am so grateful to have been given the grace to grow up at Strawderman; I’ve been shaped by all of the amazing, inspiring women I’ve met there and carry a bit of them with me wherever I go.
What is one of your favorite camp memories? It’s no secret that I have a lot of energy around camp—especially at the tennis courts. If you walk by the tennis courts during lesson hours you will hear me cheering people on. One of my favorite days this past summer was when one of my campers, Atley, started cheering on her classmates during drills without any of the counselors prompting it. Pretty soon, the entire class began complimenting each other on their tennis skills. Atley, if you’re reading this, keep being your awesome self! You rock!
What is the silliest tradition at Strawderman?
The silliest (and also one of my most favorite) tradition at camp is the Olympics! It’s truly one of those moments where you can say that no one else in the world is doing the same thing that you are—and it’s awesome! Each cabin makes up their own country and compete for themselves in hopes of winning the ever-treasured woodals (wooden medals). This past summer, my co-counselor, campers, and I represented the prized town of “Left field” where all of our outfits, mannerisms, and more were very unexpected (one could say they came out of left field!). The Olympics is a great day that unites the camp together in fun, competition, and laughter.
What would you tell other potential counselors who are considering coming to camp?
Do it!! Not only have I developed great skills at managing big groups, working with peers, and healthy communication, I’ve met people from across the nation and across the globe that I consider to be my very best friends. I’ve built resilience, maturity, patience, and self-confidence. There’s a special magic that’s built at Strawderman! Furthermore, you have the opportunity to learn from strong, independent women and have great role models surrounding you.
What is your favorite Strawderman meal?
There are too many to choose from!! I think I can only narrow down to two—grilled cheese day and chicken tender day! I also love Pioneering and Cookout food (I want to give a special shout-out to my co-counselor Mia for building the best fires!)
What is your favorite Activity at camp?
TENNIS!! As a camper, I took 2 hours of tennis because I loved it so much. As a counselor, it makes me so happy to see the campers enjoy it and improve their game.
What is the most important lesson that camp taught you?
Camp has taught me that it’s okay to be different—my favorite of Strawderman’s Ideals is “to bring out the hidden possibilities that lie within each girl, and to help her find herself.” Strawderman creates a community that lets young girls grow without fear of ridicule, bullying, or fear of not fitting in. I grew up surrounded by Strawderman women who inspired me to be myself and celebrated what made me unique. Strawderman has instilled within me confidence and self-reliance—you can be whoever you want to be (and even wear silly mystery day outfits!)
How do you think Strawderman has helped to prepare you for your future career and life?
Strawderman gives campers and counselors alike the opportunity to build amazing interpersonal skills. Without wifi or technology, we talk to each other all day—an experience so many people don’t get to have in today’s world. The skills I've learned at Strawderman have helped me collaborate with my peers in college, nail important interviews, communicate with professors, and talk to future employers. I’ve also gained emotional intelligence and the ability to reason through difficult situations with a level-head and healthy mindset. Furthermore, as someone who wants to be a parent when I am older, co-counseling taught me a lot about open-communication, united fronts, and creating an encouraging environment for the campers (I couldn't have done it without the best co-counselor in the world, Mia!!).
Want to get involved?
Here are some ways you can contribute to the life of Strawderman:
Sign up as an alumna.
Tell your friends and their friends and families about camp, and encourage them to check out our brand new website to find out more. Do you know any girls who would make great campers? Connect them with us so that we can reach out!
Send us your stories. We want to know a favorite memory or experience from your time at camp. If you have one, please email it to vwebdell@campstrawderman.com.
Offer to pick up a counselor at the airport before camp starts—and then join us for dinner at camp! Our counselors from 2026 will be arriving between June 14-16. This is a great opportunity to get to know a new staff member and welcome them to camp!
Come see what we are up to next summer! If you would like to visit camp for a morning or afternoon, please email Jeannie at jemockard@campstrawderman.com. We’d love to show you around.
The Centennial is coming! Although we are in the very early stages of planning, it’s not too early to start thinking about it! Do you have a desire to be involved in the planning? If so, email vwebdell@campstrawderman.com.
The Ideals of Camp Strawderman are:
To make girls so happy they will share their happiness with others.
To create friendships that will last through life.
To develop strong, healthy bodies through regular exercise, good food, and rest in the pure mountain air.
To create a love for God’s out-of-doors and a reverence for his handiwork.
To bring out the hidden possibilities that lie within each girl, and to help her to find herself.