Camp Strawderman Celebrates Nearly 100 Years of Empowering Girls

EDINBURG — For almost a century, Camp Strawderman has served as a transformative experience for girls aged 6 to 17, providing them with opportunities to build confidence, create lifelong friendships, and engage in outdoor activities. Established in 1929 in Shenandoah County, Virginia, the camp spans 300 acres and continues to be a cherished summer destination for generations of girls.

Camp director Jeanne Mockard emphasizes the camp’s mission: “It’s our mission here at Camp Strawderman to make girls happy, so they will share their happiness with others.” The camp offers a diverse range of activities, including horseback riding, swimming, arts and crafts, and archery, fostering not only enjoyment but also personal growth. The camp’s website highlights that girls develop a lasting sense of self-respect and commitment to family, friends, community, and nature.

Rich History and Legacy

The camp is named after the original owners of the property, the Strawderman family. It was founded by Margaret “Barca” Hoffman, whose father, Dr. Samuel Hoffman, inherited the land from the Strawdermans, Hessian farmers who settled in the area in 1789. Initially, Barca brought friends to the farm for horseback riding and hikes. By 1929, she established Camp Strawderman, fostering an inclusive environment that welcomed all.

Mockard notes the significance of the camp’s history, saying, “Barca learned from her father — how to welcome everybody the same.” For over 50 years, the camp was directed by Hoffman and her niece, Margaret Hoffman Gouldman. Today, Mockard, a former camper herself, carries on this legacy, continuing to shape the camp’s future.

A Day in Camp Life

Campers rise early at 7:00 a.m., greeted by the sound of a bell, followed by cabin duties that encourage teamwork among the girls. Morning activities commence at 9:00 a.m., featuring classes in various disciplines such as tennis, dance, and loom beading. Many counselors are former campers, including Anna Jarrell, who began attending Camp Strawderman in 1950 and has returned every summer since.

“Camp is where passions come alive,” Jarrell reflects. The equestrian program is particularly popular, allowing girls to ride and care for horses like Aldie, a blind horse who offers a unique learning experience. “We teach all levels,” Mockard explains, highlighting that even beginners can enjoy their summer at the camp.

Lunch at 12:30 p.m. provides campers with a chance to share stories from their morning activities while eagerly anticipating mail from home. It is a moment of joy as they receive letters and small packages, reinforcing connections with family and friends.

Post-lunch activities range from yoga to supervised swims. As the day progresses, the dinner bell rings at 5:30 p.m., often leading to lively sing-alongs among the cabins. The day concludes with a campfire, where girls gather to share songs and skits, solidifying the bonds they have formed throughout their time together.

Special events punctuate the summer, including merit-based honors, horse shows, swim meets, and a synchronized swimming water pageant. “We really want them to have a joyful summer,” Mockard states, underscoring the camp’s commitment to fostering positive experiences.

Building Lasting Connections

For fourth-generation camper Pippia Moffatt, Camp Strawderman is a place to make new friends and embrace a family legacy. Originally from Australia, she cherishes the two weeks she spends at camp, where her mother also formed lifelong friendships. “I’m glad to be here,” the 8-year-old says, radiating excitement.

Other campers, like Bennet Hyland from Maryland and Addy Miller from Alexandria, share similar sentiments about their favorite activities and the friendships they have formed. “It’s tighter and stronger,” says Mae Williams, a 16-year-old from Connecticut, reflecting on the unique nature of camp friendships.

The sense of community is palpable, with campers like Stella Lee noting how quickly bonds form. “It’s because a lot of the girls that come here are more independent,” she observes, highlighting the supportive environment that encourages connections.

Program director Valerie Webdell shares her own experience of finding acceptance at camp. “You could build community,” she recalls, emphasizing that even in a technologically advanced world, the camp experience remains vital. “They don’t have phones here… I think kids are really hungry for it — they just don’t know it.”

As the camp approaches its centennial celebration, Mockard reflects on its enduring legacy. “What these young women have gone out and done in the world, how they’ve managed to stay connected, that’s our legacy,” she asserts. After 96 years, Camp Strawderman continues to thrive, fostering joy, friendship, and personal growth for generations of girls.