In the quiet Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia, summer adventures unfold for kids at Camp Twin Creeks. Each summer, campers arrive for two weeks away from home to explore, make friends, and step into a community shaped by tradition, spirited campfires, and plenty of fun.
Spread across nearly 140 acres of forested hills just past the Virginia border, the camp has been creating summer memories for more than 25 years. For Virginia families seeking a sleepaway camp, Camp Twin Creeks feels like a home away from home.
“We are so fortunate to enjoy a stunning camp location in West Virginia with natural beauty and almost perfect weather all summer long,” Camp Director Iain McClements says. “Our Youth Development philosophy is at the core of everything we do. While we’re offering fun activities on the surface, in the background children are growing, gaining independence, and taking away lessons that last well beyond two weeks.”
Camp Twin Creeks sits on the traditional land of the Moneton and Powhatan people. Its natural spring, Minnehaha Springs, meaning “Laughing Blue Water,” still provides fresh water to camp today.
In the early 1900s, a grand hotel stood on the property, a piece of history honored through the camp’s Banquet Dinner and its signature dish, chicken and waffles. Later, the site became Camp Minnehaha, opening in 1944 as an all-boys camp, and several original structures remain today.
When Camp Twin Creeks opened in 2001, it carried these traditions forward. Worth Hall is named for the original camp directors, and a small museum in the theatre preserves stories and memories of summers past.
At Camp Twin Creeks, growth is not just about learning to paddle a kayak or hit a bullseye in archery. It is about helping kids step into new experiences with confidence. The camp’s Youth Development Philosophy guides every moment, from staff training to daily activities, giving campers support while also room to explore.
Campers try new things, make mistakes, and find solutions on their own, all within a safe environment. This builds perseverance, confidence, and strong connections. Friendships form naturally, and cabin groups bond quickly through talent shows, campfires, and group challenges.
During each session, counselors notice each child’s growth, ask questions, and reflect on experiences with them. Campers leave not only with stories and memories but also with social and emotional skills such as empathy, leadership, and teamwork that serve them long after summer ends.
That sense of belonging starts with the staff. Supporting counselors sets the tone for how campers treat one another. The result is a community where kids feel seen, valued, and welcomed.
“I hope that campers leave feeling more confident, assured, and aware of other
s,” Iain adds. “We want them to be comfortable in their own skin, away from the distractions and pressures of home and school. Be kind, be caring, be open, and we’ll take care of the rest.”
While campers arrive excited for hiking, swimming, zip lining, or arts and crafts, the most lasting lessons often extend beyond activities. The outdoors becomes a classroom. Creek walks, ropes courses, and overnight campouts teach patience and resilience.
Some of the most meaningful moments happen in simple daily rituals. Early-morning swims, group gatherings, and flag ceremonies build a sense of belonging.
“All of camp gathers at the start and end of each day. One community together, sharing accomplishments, songs, laughter, and connection,” Iain says. “This time together is a reminder of the special energy we enjoy and the values that support everything we do.”
Campers can also select two Masterclasses each session, with options like Acting Up, DJ Yoga, Nature Exploration, Chess, Watercolor Postcards, and Stable Management. Older campers can add horseback riding or white water rafting on the New River for even more ways to explore.
Camp Twin Creeks is about more than activities. It is about who kids become. Growth shows up in quiet, everyday moments, and Iain sees it each summer. He remembers a camper who was afraid of thunderstorms.
“Each time a storm rolled through camp, he made his way to the office for reassurance. We would let him hang out, grab a book from the library, and wait for the storm to pass. Each time, he handled himself with maturity and learned to advocate for himself with confidence,” Iain recalls. “That camper reminded me of the wide variety of growth children experience while being away from home.”
For more than 25 years, Camp Twin Creeks has been a trusted summer escape for Virginia families. Beloved traditions like the Olympics, STARFISH Fuzzies, and the camp’s take on “Country Roads” echo across the hills. Many campers come back year after year, with some eventually returning as counselors.
Daily rituals such as opening and closing campfires, Polar Bear morning swims, warm towels and hot chocolate, creek walks, and the final night Banquet create the rhythm of camp life. They celebrate growth, friendships, and memories that last long after summer ends.
These shared experiences help younger campers feel like they belong, guided by role models who have been there themselves. Alumni often stay connected, keeping the camp community strong.
“We have created a wonderfully strong community that sees campers return year after year and eventually turn into the next generation of camp counselors,” Iain says. “That means traditions carry over and their appreciation and enjoyment of everything camp is passed along to new, younger campers.”
For Virginia families, Camp Twin Creeks is more than a two-week getaway. It is a place where confidence grows, friendships deepen, and independence takes root in a welcoming community.
Looking for more fun, outdoor activities for the whole family? Check out these kid-friendly hikes near Charlottesville or go for a nature walk to look for animal tracks. For more great advice on finding a camp, you may want to read about choosing a sports camp for your young athlete. data on how Virginia parents are choosing summer programs, knowing when your child is ready for sleepaway camp, and finding a STEM camp in Virginia.
AMANDA DANAHER is a busy mom of five and a contributor to VirginiaSummerCamp.com and CharlottesvilleFamily Magazine. She is passionate about encouraging and supporting other parents through honest, relatable storytelling grounded in real family life.
Amanda focuses her freelance work on Virginia-based parent and family magazines, where she draws on her journalism degree to craft clear, engaging articles that blend practical insight with empathy. Her writing reflects both professional training and lived experience, offering readers thoughtful perspectives on parenting, community, and everyday moments that matter.
Outside of work, Amanda enjoys exploring Virginia’s trails, parks, and family-friendly attractions—often with her children in tow—fueling her appreciation for outdoor adventure, local discovery, and shared family experiences.
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