Which Texas Summer Camp is Your Favorite?

Summer camps rule here in Texas. Even if you never attended one as a child, you likely know those who did – and those people are easy to spot. They often begin conversations with “One time, when I was at camp…” And if you were (or are) a camper or counselor, extrapolating any former camp experience to a current life situation is easier than playing Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon. The lessons learned, memories made, and friends cherished have a lasting impact. Below are a list of eight Texas camps that many attended as kids. Take a look and vote for the our state’s most storied and beloved summer camp.

Champions

Champions

Camp Champions, located on sparkling Lake LBJ, boasts over 50 different daily activities, like water-skiing, wall-climbing, and hydroflying. That’s right, hydroflying. The camp also takes pride in its international community, welcoming youngsters from across Texas and the world

Heart O' the Hills

Heart O' the Hills

Easily spotted thanks to its signature red-roofed, inn-style cabin just off the highway, Heart O’ the Hills has been around since 1953. You can catch the campers at Heart O’ the Hills riding horses, swimming, and participating in the camp’s special “Seminar Day.”

La Junta

La Junta

La Junta has been in operation since 1928, offering boys of all ages the chance to learn important life skills through sports, activities, and outdoor living. A unique feature of La Junta is its “Rough Riders” tradition, which takes the camp’s eight top riders on a camping and ranching excursion.

Longhorn

Longhorn

Camp Longhorn opened in 1939, and, though things started small,  the camp now boasts three locations. Longhorn has all the trademark sports and activities of any camp, but its claim-to-fame is The Blob, which sends daring campers flying high in the air and splashing into the lake.

Mystic

Mystic

1926 was when it all started for Camp Mystic, the all girls Christian camp with its own glowing “Mystic” sign atop the hill they call Sky High. To fuel up and stay nourished for the term’s Mystic-only sports and activities, the gals at Mystic are treated to sweet Blue Bell every day after lunch.

Stewart

Stewart

Stewart has been a summer reprieve for Texas boys since 1924. Situated on more than 500 acres, this summer retreat gives campers the opportunity to embrace the outdoors. When the boys turn 13, they are able to participate in Stewart’s Condor Specialty Programs.

Vista Camps

Vista Camps

Vista Camps takes the cake on being the oldest, operating and going strong since 1921. Vista is unique in that it is comprised of two separate camps – Rio Vista for boys, and Sierra Vista for girls. Though each camp is distinct and separate, they do get together at times for dances, picnics, and more.

Waldemar

Waldemar

Since 1926, Waldemar has been committed to being a place of fun and growth for girls across Texas. The camp teaches girls the importance of faith, friendship, character, and self-esteem. And good manners – the campers are graded on their etiquette at mealtimes.

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