Westview on the James

“Worst experience for my 15 year old son. EVER. I was thinking this would be a fun, exciting and kind camp given that it is advertised as a Christian camp. Well, not true. One counselor in particular who apparently has a reputation for meanness, unprofessionalism and so on among past campers, was absolutely inappropriate and a frank bully to many of the young boys (tweens/teens) including my son. This counselor routinely used expletives daily including the "F" word when talking or disciplining boys. I brought it up to the assistant director, program director and director thinking after I picked up my son. Long delay on them ever contacting me back. At the very least, I figured this Christian camp would ensure that this counselor would no longer be able to scream and shout curse words at boys alone and that he would require some supervision or disciplining himself. Not so. They did little to nothing. It's a small world and they should know that word travels fast. Why they feel the need to protect this one counselor who clearly is on a power trip of his own by bullying young kids is beyond me. Since then, I've learned of four other mothers in our neighborhood alone who complained to the director about the SAME counselor's interaction with their sons! When I called back to ask about this, they continued to deny that there was a problem. Stay far far away from this camp. Overpriced. Unprofessional. Not receptive to complaints. Very disappointed that a Christian camp would employ counselors that are far from good examples for our male youth.”

“We are in the middle of a very bad experience with the director of the camp Denny Flaherty. Our son went to camp last week, and on his last night (Thursday) we were called by the fire and rescue squad at 12:30 am that our son was in in ambulance on his way to St. Mary's hospital. Several children were sprayed in the eyes and face with bug spray. My husband met our son at the emergency room and was there from 1-4 a.m. WE NEVER RECEIVED a phone call from the camp explaining what had happened. Not that night, nor first thing in the morning. We called the camp on Friday around 11 am to get some questions answered. A staff member answered the phone and said the director was not there and he will call us back. He also mentioned it was a "late night at the camp" and we obviously knew about the situation. I was floored, this was the response from anybody who works at a child's camp. A parent has every right to call and ask why there child was rushed to the emergency room in the middle of the night! After that phone call, we went to pick up his belongings at the camp and still had no clarity on exactly what happened that night. A staff member said we would get a call on Monday from the director. We finally spoke yesterday, (Tuesday) and he had the audacity to ask what we could possible have to say to him! He said we were harassing his staff by leaving messages to call us! He said we were contacted by the fire squad, and took no responsibility that the camp should have called us too. We still do not know the entire story of what happened. Denny was dismissive and rude and I cannot believe a "church camp" has a man like this in charge. The way he handled this situation that was scary for our family is not at all the kind of man Jesus would be proud of.”

“You should definitely apply! I was a counselor for seven years, and it was the best decision ever!”

“Such a magical place for kids to spend time in the summer. Westview has been a part of our lives for 12 years. Our kids look forward to returning each summer, and building new memories.”

“It is a wonderful experience, due to the sports, independence, new friends and wonderful, loving staff. My son has gone the last 4 years and now wants to be a junior counselor.”

“My 13 year old son just finished up his first week of high adventure camp. He loved it! Looking forward to this being a yearly summer tradition for him!”

“My daughter has attended summer camp as well as winter camp. She loves coming back year after year!”

“Love this camp...The only complaint out of my child was the food could be better. But the activities and the scheduling was perfect.. Plans to go back again!”

“My oldest Christian has been attending camp for the last 3 summers and my youngest for the last 2 summers. They absolutely love Westview and from the moment we get home from camp they are already excited about the next summer. Westview is absolutely the best camp I have experienced for my children. They love it and we love Westview! Thank you for giving my children the chance to experience new adventures every summer.”

“I love this place! My son loves this place! I would highly recommend to anyone considering a week-long camp adventure for their children. The memories will last a lifetime!”

“This is one of the best camps in the Richmond area. And, it is a tremendous value. We sent all of our sons individually over the years and now we are sending all three at the same time. It is an iconic summer camp. Drop the kids off, they come back hoarse from singing/yelling and worn out with fun. The cabins are solid group bunking areas (bring a fan); lots of amenities / fun program; and, they know how to make the kids' happy in the mess hall - always a torture.”