A summer camp for generations
Camp Blue Ridge was founded in 1969 by Sheila and Morris Waldman with the founding principle that every child who entered their gates would be acknowledged and welcomed into their camp family. Over 50 years later their legacy continues with their son Joey, his wife Lori and daughter Rikki at the helm.
Joey attended his first summer at the age of 10 and quickly fell in love with the wealth of activities and special events camp offered him along with the opportunity to travel and explore local attractions throughout the Blue Ridge and North Georgia region. Those experiences became the foundation upon which camp prospers today with the creation of a completely camper selected activity schedule that rotates every three days. Coupled with field trips to area attractions and a wealth of special events such as Color War, the District Games and our beloved Mud Run, we can offer our campers a hand tailored experience that can’t be matched.
As camp has grown, we’ve worked to extend our reach by enhancing our programs and special events. In the late 80’s we created a teen program that allows our older campers to combine traditional camp activities with extended offsite travel. Today, that program has grown and now allows that same population to transition into the next generation of CBR staff .
Throughout the years, our 250-acre property nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains has become home to many generations of camp families. We remain focused on holding onto our traditions while still working to improve and enhance our beautiful facilities for those generations to come. Over the years we have completed projects such as our new dining hall, cabin renovations that include air conditioning, upgraded waterfront decking, onsite relocation of our ski program and a new gym.
In the off season, camp remains a popular destination for retreat groups, family reunions, celebrations and even the nationally acclaimed Warrior Dash event. As a family, we pride ourselves on remaining true to our legacy by creating an environment that welcomes all, fosters memories and celebrates tradition.
Meet Our Family
Joey & Lori Waldman
An integral part of the Camp Blue Ridge family are owners/directors, Lori & Joey Waldman. With a combined 80 years of camping between them, they remain dedicated to the beliefs and ideas of what camp does for a child.
Joey was just 11 years old when his parents, Morris and Sheila Waldman, founded Camp Ocala in 1970. Starting his employment in 1975, his 5 years as a counselor and a certified aquatics instructor, prepared Joey for his athletics director position when his parents started Camp Blue Ridge. He has been a camper, counselor, unit leader, a head counselor, athletic director, program director, an assistant director and of course, now, runs Camp Blue Ridge with all the knowledge and heart he has gained.
Lori taught for 33 years, every grade from 2nd through high school. She started working at Camp Blue Ridge when she and Joey married. Having been to summer camp herself in her early years, her love of camp was already there. At Camp Blue Ridge, she is the healthcare manager, super camp mom and the off-season retreat/conference center coordinator.
Together she and Joey work closely with their director, assistant directors, head counselors and staff to make sure every child has a fun, safe summer making memories and friends that last a lifetime in a really inclusive environment. Along with their daughters, Rikki and Alexa, they welcome campers, staff and their families into their Camp Blue Ridge family.
Some of our Favorite Moments
At Camp Blue Ridge, as a camper, you’ll get more than endless fun activities, you’ll make friends that last a lifetime. Not only do many of our campers spend summer after summer at camp, but many also come back to work as a counselor, passing the torch onto the next generation.