Camp Hidden Valley features opportunity for volunteers
Camp Hidden valley is a camp that offers active events for kids and their parents, and a beneficial opportunity for volunteers. The camp located in White Hall, Maryland, is operated by former NH tech teacher, Mr. Dwayne Noe.
“The camp was started in 1967 by the Campfire Girls. The Boys and Girls Clubs took over management of the camp 5 years ago. Our first year of summer camp was 2015. We started day camp to offer families a reasonably priced ‘old school’ summer camp, where their children would be safe and outdoors all day,” Noe says.
This year so far Camp Hidden Valley has hosted seven weeks of summer day camp, and a 5k fundraiser run, which is the hardest in the county because of the hills and trails. “It went well; we had 170 participants. Awards were given for each age group. Chick-fil-A, Einstein Bagels and Giant Foods all donated food for the runners” Noe added. “The camp is also available for rental by scout troops, religious organizations and wedding parties,” Noe adds.
The camp also held and is holding their Annual Valley of the Haunted Trail on Fridays and Saturday nights in October which is 15 dollars per person if the ticket is purchased online, but 20 dollars at the gate. A event called Little Haunts will take place on Sundays in October, for children under ten and the charge is five dollars per person. “All profits from the camp go to support the work of the four local Boys and Girls Clubs,” Noe says.
The camp wouldn’t be able to have these events without volunteers. “We love volunteers! Volunteers are welcome for the Haunted Trail; we need lots of actors that like to scare people as well as for the Little Haunts, we need helpers for games and crafts for the children,” Noe remarked. “Next summer, students over 15 years old can volunteer during our summer camp weeks as Counselors-In-Training. Volunteers can sign up on our website (valleyofthehaunted.com),” said Noe.
If a student at North Harford needs help paying their pay to play fee, and they volunteer at Camp Hidden Valley, the camp will give money towards their fee. “We have offered to provide pay-to-play fees in the amount of $100 for students that volunteer all 6 nights of the Haunted Trail. These fees will be paid directly to HCPS after the final night of the Haunted Trail,” says Noe.
“In 2017, we will be able to serve more campers each week during the summer. We will be hiring additional staff and improving the camp facilities. NHHS alumni have been valued members of our staff, and we look forward to hiring more,” Noe mentions.
Noe and his wife are excited to keep improving their camp. “Since this is only our second year, we can only compare this year to last, but we have increased attendance at every week of summer camp, and actually had a waiting list for some weeks. We have already started sign ups for summer camp for 2017, with some families already signing up for all 7 weeks of camp,” Noe concludes about how he is excited for the future, and happy that currently the camp is successful.
