Interview With
Alyson Gondek
We’re located on the top of beautiful Lookout Mtn in NW GA. We have 170 acres of hardwood forests, rolling meadows, streams and pastures. We like the fact that it’s a little cooler on the mountain top than in the city. We’re only 25 miles to Chattanooga, a fun city filled with cultural opportunities. From Atlanta, it’s about a 2 & ½ hour drive north. Or if you’re driving from Nashville, it’s about a 2 & ½ hour south. We were founded in 1981 by my Mom & Dad. They were college teachers and when they married in 1959, they had a dream of owning a camp together. Our strong foundation stems from their highly regarded reputation and leadership. They wanted a place where children can build lifelong friendships and everlasting memories. Today, we have deep-seeded traditions, a close family atmosphere and strong, caring staff that makes campers feel secure, welcome & reassured.
We believe that Summer Camp is more than just learning to paddle a canoe or shoot an arrow. It’s about making new friends, learning to get along with others and gaining independence. Our philosophy involves being a partner with parents to provide wholesome activities for children in a safe and nurturing environment. We offer a program that promotes growth and the development of children’s personalities, along with positive moral and spiritual paths. We teach children to learn to live, play and work together with others. Overall, we provide supportive relationships, challenging opportunities and a chance for kids to be kids – without Mom or Dad. Camp Woodmont offers security, comfort and predictability. That’s what we’re all about.
One of the best things about Camp Woodmont is trying new activities. Campers choose a daily schedule of activities based on individual interests.
Typical session lengths: one or 2 week sessions Pricing: $725/one week & $1150/two weeks (after April 1st price goes up)
While nice facilities and activities are important, they should not be the main factor in selecting the right camp for your child. The most significant factor in camping is the quality and character of the individuals who work with your children. That’s why our method of hiring is different from other camps that rely on the internet or an outside hiring service. Other camps with very large staffs must rely on international students to fill their needs. But because we’re small, we can be choosy. We travel throughout the SE and meet face-to-face with each applicant looking for the brightest and best young women and men. Our counselors are college-aged role models that exhibit the highest qualities of character, morals and standards. We have known many of them since they were campers. Being comfortable with who’s working with the campers’ gives parents’ peace of mind.
Unlike other camps that can accommodate hundreds campers, Camp Woodmont has a very limited enrollment. We average 65 to 85 campers each week. But because we’re small, we provide a close, family-like atmosphere. This is where the “comfort factor” comes into play, especially with first-time campers. The Directors and Staff get to know each camper on a first-name basis. It’s all part of our “camp community,” where kids can be kids without Mom or Dad.
In a world where it’s difficult for kids to fit in, camp gives kids a level playing field. CW offers security, comfort and predictability.
The benefits of Summer Camp are enormous! And the impact of camp on the human spirit lasts a lifetime. We can never underestimate the simplest lesson or the briefest wink of time during the summer when children are learning about strong morals, values and building character. CW provides happy childhood memories that will last a lifetime.
