Brainy Ridge is located at Blue Ridge School in St. George, Virginia.

Yes, Brainy Ridge offers transportation.

As we get closer to the start of camp, additional details will be available. If you need transportation to or from Blue Ridge School in St. George, Virginia, please let us know!

Transportation arrangements will be made based on availability and demand. If you have any specific transportation needs or questions, feel free to reach out to the Brainy Ridge team for more details.

The camp packing list is available in the UltraCamp Document Center for your convenience. Please be sure to review it carefully as you prepare for camp.

We’d like to emphasize a few important items to remember:

• Reusable water bottle: Staying hydrated is key, and we encourage all campers to bring their own reusable water bottle.

• Sunscreen: Protecting against sunburn is essential, so don't forget to pack sunscreen.

• Bug spray: To keep the bugs at bay, make sure to include some insect repellent.

When you arrive at camp, our staff will guide you through the check-in process. You’ll need to:

1. Complete any necessary forms: If you haven’t already submitted all required paperwork, there may be a few forms to fill out at check-in.

2. Medical check: Our medical staff will review your child’s health information and any medications being brought to camp. A lice check will be performed and temperature will be taken. Be sure to have medications in their original bottles, and if applicable, a pill organizer.

3. Meet the counselors and tour the facilities: Your child will have the opportunity to meet their counselor and get settled into their room. Staff will be available to help your camper with unpacking and to ensure that there are no restricted items/medications/food in the bunks.

Our staff will be available to answer any questions and help you get your camper settled in for a smooth transition.

At the end of camp, here’s what to expect for check-out:

1. Arrive at the scheduled check-out time: Please be on time for pick-up. If you are running late, contact the camp office to let them know. There is an awards ceremony on the final morning of each camp. Families are encouraged to attend to hear about your camper's week! Information about awards ceremony times will be released in the latter half of the camp week.

2. Sign out your camper: A staff member will ensure you’re authorized to pick up your child and will ask you to sign out. You’ll also be given any remaining belongings or items.

3. Complete medical check-out: A medical staff member will review your child's week and return leftover medications and supplies.

3. Discuss the camper’s experience: This is a great opportunity to speak with the counselors or camp staff about your child’s time at camp and ask any questions you might have.

Please remember that early check-out or late pick-up needs to be arranged in advance. We want to ensure a smooth, safe, and enjoyable experience for all campers during both check-in and check-out.

Our staff members are carefully selected to ensure the safety and well-being of all campers. To be considered for a position, all staff must go through a thorough process that includes:

• Interviews: Every potential staff member is interviewed to ensure they are a good fit for the camp environment.

• References: Staff are required to provide references that are reviewed as part of the selection process.

• Background Check: All staff undergo a comprehensive background check to ensure a safe environment for the children.

Additionally, to ensure they are fully prepared, our staff members participate in:

• Pre-Camp Training: Before camp begins, staff complete extensive training to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary for their roles.

• Condition-Specific Weekly Training: Each week, staff also complete specialized training to address the unique needs of the campers and the conditions they may face.

We take these steps seriously to ensure our staff is not only qualified but also prepared to provide a safe, positive, and enriching experience for all campers.

Supervision and individualized attention are essential for creating a safe and enriching camp environment. Brainy Ridge Camps generally maintains a 1:3 or 1:4 ratio for all camps.

Campers will stay in the school dorms, with multiple rooms in a hall making up your camper's "bunk". Each room is supervised by one counselor, who is responsible for ensuring a safe and supportive environment. Each room accommodates 2 to 4 kids, allowing for a more personalized experience. This setup helps foster a sense of community among the campers while also ensuring that every child receives the attention and guidance they need throughout their stay.

It’s natural for campers to miss home, especially if it’s their first time away.

Our staff is trained to support campers through homesickness with a compassionate and proactive approach:

• Encouragement & Engagement: We keep campers busy with fun activities, helping them stay engaged and build friendships.

• Supportive Staff: Counselors provide reassurance, listen to concerns, and help campers develop confidence in being away from home.

• Letter Writing: Campers are encouraged to write letters home, which can be a comforting way to share their experiences.

• Gradual Adjustment: In most cases, homesickness fades as campers settle in and enjoy their time.

• Communication with Parents: If a camper is struggling significantly, camp staff may reach out to parents to discuss the best approach.

Our goal is to help campers gain independence while ensuring they feel supported and cared for throughout their stay.

To help campers fully immerse themselves in the camp experience, we encourage families not to send cell phones due to limited service and internet access. If a phone is brought, it must remain inside the cabin at all times.

There are still plenty of ways to stay in touch:

• Camp Communication: If you need to reach your child, contact the camp office, and we’ll ensure they receive your message.

• Letters: Campers are encouraged to write letters home to share their experiences.

• Care Packages: Parents can send or drop off care packages during check-in for campers to open later in the week.

• Emergency Contact: In case of an emergency, camp staff will notify parents immediately.

We believe that limiting phone use helps campers build friendships, develop independence, and enjoy outdoor fun. Thank you for supporting this positive camp environment!

Note: During Type 1 Diabetes Camp, campers may keep their phones if used as a medical management device.

The camp’s food is prepared in the school kitchen by SAGE Dining Services, a trusted provider known for their commitment to quality and nutrition. They work closely with us to ensure all meals are delicious, nutritious, and catered to the needs of our campers.

We are happy to accommodate any dietary requirements or restrictions, such as allergies, vegetarian or vegan preferences, gluten-free, or other specific needs. Please note that the Blue Ridge School is a nut-free campus. If your child has any special dietary requests, please let us know in advance, and we’ll ensure those needs are met during camp.

Our goal is to provide a variety of tasty and balanced meals that keep our campers energized and satisfied throughout the day!