FAQs for Camp Calleva
Why Calleva?
Calleva is the best camp in the area for outdoor adventure activities. The Markoff brothers and staff have been doing this for years and know what it takes to run a safe & fun camp. Our Grandmother started Valley Mill Camp and for as long as we can remember we have been apart of the area's outdoor education of our youth. We started Calleva 13 years ago with a new and refreshing energy on camping and promoting youth to take to the outdoors. Our staff also share our passion and this is obvious when you hear from our campers or talk to our staff. Unlike many summer camps the core of our staff are full time and know how to run fun and safe programs. We are committed to running the best programs in the area for both camps and schools. Although we are a small company, chances are we have run a program for a school or friend that you know.
Where are you located?
Riley's Lock, off the C&O before Poolesville MD. We operate a traveling program to local parks and environments related to the activity. Every morning and afternoon we all meet together for council at Riley's Lock in Poolesville, Md (at the end of River Road near Darnestown).
What is council?
This is where we meet every morning and afternoon, the campers separate into their activity camps, sing, play games, contests, awards, and most of all have fun!
What are your activity/group sizes? Staff to camper ratio? Camper ages?
Each activity has about 8-14 campers, a Head Instructor, Head Counselor, Junior Counselor or Assistant Instructor, and a CIT. Campers are ages 9-15 (Activity Camp) and 6-9 (Explorers Camp) -Boys & Girls.
What are your sessions?
At Calleva you can sign up for 1 week. Campers sign up for an activity that they will focus on primarily for that week. Campers have the option of signing up for 1 activity for 1 week, 9 different activities for the entire summer, 1 activity for the entire summer, or any combination you can dream up. Sampler week is a combination of multiple activities. See summer schedule for dates and availability.
Do you provide transportation?
Yes, transportation is provided to Riley's Lock from Montgomery County, No. Virginia, & Washington DC Area pick up points. Transportation is included in the cost.
What is the deal with Camp Outerquest and Calleva?
We have brought Camp Outerquest & Outerquest Inc. into the Calleva Family! The acquisition has led to the expanded development of Calleva's Explorer Camp. We also moved our base and office down to Riley's Lock.
Are you an overnight camp or a day camp?
We are both! Our regular Activity Camp is a local day camp on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, with regular bus routes before and after camp. However on Thursday, campers go on an overnight returning Friday for council and the regularly scheduled afternoon bus route. We also have week-long programs called High Adventures, where campers are gone for the entire week. Explorer Camp is solely a day camp and campers are transported home at the end of every day.
Where are your overnights for Activity Camp?
What makes Calleva so unique are the overnights. The overnights vary according to activity, and often vary within that activity. Overnight options are a combination of group decision, skill, & how well the group functions as a team. Parents are notified that week where their child will be overnighting and Calleva has an Emergency Action Plan for every area they visit. All overnights offer different adventures and we present those options to the group.
What are High Adventures?
These are week-long programs that are still progressive in nature. Campers get an opportunity to really submerse themselves in the activity that they love. This year's Calleva West High Adventure will challenge campers for an extended trip, backpacking for 2 weeks. Last summer's tremendously successful Sampler High Adventure will once again make it's way to West Virginia and remind folks of the good old days at Calleva.
What else do you guys do?
Calleva works with many schools in the Washington DC Area. We also have a year-round Horseback Riding School, along with private programs for churches, businesses, scouts, and birthday parties. Many people have also been to the Markoff's Haunted Forest, which is a fund-raiser to help develop and further the goals of Calleva.
How are you different than other adventure camps?
Our camp is the best in many ways. Our activity selection is unmatched for adventure programs, making our camp a more diverse atmosphere for the campers. Although Calleva is only 13 years old, the Markoff brothers have been in the camping industry their entire lives. We grew up at our family's camp and saw what we liked and didn't like and made the necessary changes we were passionate about. Our building block style of camp makes the perfect progression for the camper to grow and discover new adventures.
How much does Camp cost? Deposit, Discounts, or Scholarships?
Calleva is $435 - $450 per week. This includes transportation and an incredible overnight. Campers registering for the entire summer receive a 15% discount. Register for 4 weeks or more and receive 5% discount. Take an extra $25 per week off for each additional sibling enrolled at the same time. Scholarships available - start the process by having your child write a letter about why they would like to be apart of the Calleva experience. Let us know what you can pay.
What is different this year?
New Office! Our multiple improvements (including this website) make it easier for you to communicate with Calleva. We constantly strive to grow, evolve, and improve. Hope to see you this summer!