Alkulana History & Information

 

Our Vision:
Camp Alkulana’s vision is to be a family that embodies the abounding love of God in a way that transforms the world around us.

Alkulana History and Information:
Camp Alkulana is a year round ministry of the Richmond Baptist Association with a targeted summer ministry to inner city children.

The camp has been in continuous operation since it began in 1915. The kerosene lanterns, which shone from the windows of the first cottage, appeared as bright eyes shining through the forest. Thus, the Indian word, "Alkulana," meaning "bright eyes" became the official camp name.

Camp Alkulana is located in Millboro Springs, Va, deep in the Alleghenies. The proximity of the camp to the George Washington National Forest provides it with boundless space and endless program resources. Some of the activities offered during the summer are hiking, cave exploring, camping out, cooking out, rock climbing, rappelling, ropes course, swimming, crafts, Bible study and worship.

Though the camp is in Millboro Springs, we consider our ministry in Richmond because we serve the children and youth of Central Virginia. Throughout the year in Alkulana offers ongoing supports in Richmond to its campers through large group gatherings, a mentoring program for older campers, and a targeted leadership program for its junior counselors.

Our Mission:
Camp Alkulana’s Mission is to reveal God’s love to low-income and at-risk children and youth of Central Virginia so that they might realize the intrinsic value in themselves and others.

Camp Alkulana values:
• Knowing God through Jesus Christ
• Growing spiritually through Bible study and worship
• Showing God’s love through our actions
• Serving God by serving others
• Recognizing the individuality and potential of each person
• Strengthening interpersonal skills
• Experiencing nature through outdoor activities
• Having fun in a safe environment

 
Meet the Director

Beth Reddish Wright first came to Alkulana as a counselor in 2001, and has been involved in some capacity ever since!  In February of 2009 she began as director of the Camp and year round ministry of Alkulana.

Beth graduated from Stetson University in DeLand, FL with a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities, and from Boston University with a Master of Social Work.  She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in English Literature at Virginia Commonwealth University.

In addition to her work with Alkulana, Beth has gained experience from working in other areas of non-profit work in Richmond and Florida.  She has a passion for the ministry of Alkulana, and is committed to sustaining the positive impact that Alkulana has had in children’s lives for decades, and to expanding its reach in Richmond's ever changing communities.  To contact Beth, you can email her at campalkulana@gmail.com.