Camp Olympia? (Houston, Dallas, San Antonio: house, campers, prices) - Texas (TX) - City-Data Forum

Samsondps · 02-07-2019, 09:02 AM

We are looking into summer camp options for our 9 yr old son and would greatly appreciate any thoughts, insights, etc. on Camp Olympia.

numbersguy100 · 02-07-2019, 09:28 AM

We did a family camp there last year and loved it (we'd have gone again this year but the dates didn't work for us). Staff is great, fantastic facilities/grounds, the food was even good. It's also non-religious which is important to us, but limits camp options considerably in the South/Texas as most seem to have a religious component. I don't think Longhorn is religious but we don't want to send our kids there either. If we sent our kids to camp in Texas, we'd probably send them to Olympia. The only downside to my wife and me is that the cabins are too "nice" which is why we are likely to send our kids either to New England or to the Northwoods in Minnesota/Wisconsin where things are often a lot more rustic. Again, that's complete personal preference for what we want for our kids. Many are the exact opposite and want nice accommodations for the prices that one pays these days for summer camp. I think there is a preview day in March that coincides with the overnight family camp where you can go for the afternoon and see how you like things. The family that runs/owns the camp is very nice and I am sure would answer any questions you have.

Samsondps · 02-07-2019, 10:57 AM

Thank you very helpful!

tcualum · 02-07-2019, 12:02 PM

My sons have gone to Camp El Tesoro in Granbury for years and love it. The camp has been operated by Camp Fire of Fort Worth since the 30's and they do an excellent job. Our family isn't religious and my kids are quite comfortable there.

TurtleCreek80 · 02-07-2019, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by numbersguy100

We did a family camp there last year and loved it (we'd have gone again this year but the dates didn't work for us). Staff is great, fantastic facilities/grounds, the food was even good. It's also non-religious which is important to us, but limits camp options considerably in the South/Texas as most seem to have a religious component. I don't think Longhorn is religious but we don't want to send our kids there either. If we sent our kids to camp in Texas, we'd probably send them to Olympia. The only downside to my wife and me is that the cabins are too "nice" which is why we are likely to send our kids either to New England or to the Northwoods in Minnesota/Wisconsin where things are often a lot more rustic. Again, that's complete personal preference for what we want for our kids. Many are the exact opposite and want nice accommodations for the prices that one pays these days for summer camp. I think there is a preview day in March that coincides with the overnight family camp where you can go for the afternoon and see how you like things. The family that runs/owns the camp is very nice and I am sure would answer any questions you have.

Camp Longhorn’s accommodations are rustic as far as Texas camps go. No A/C, no housekeepers, the same metal bunkbeds that have been there for 3 generations of campers.

numbersguy100 · 02-07-2019, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TurtleCreek80

Camp Longhorn’s accommodations are rustic as far as Texas camps go. No A/C, no housekeepers, the same metal bunkbeds that have been there for 3 generations of campers.

I do appreciate that. Our friends have a lake house basically right next to it on Inks so we see it every summer from the water (and my best friend attended and was a counselor at the other location). Just not a camp we're interested in for our family.

texstout · 02-12-2019, 10:22 AM

Hi - I just happened to see this posting. My son (10) went to Camp Olympia last summer and LOVED it. Probably his most defining experience to-date. He didn't know anyone at all and had a great time (and he sometimes struggles socially). He is going back this summer along with his broth (who will be 9). He has also recruited a couple of friends to attend with him this summer. They will all be at Term 4. My son does the Golf intensive academy at Camp Olympia, but most kids do not. If you are interested, you should attend Family Camp weekend and the next Dallas Merit Party at Top Golf. Not many kids from Dallas seem to go to it, but a lot attend from Houston, San Antonio and even Mexico. (One of my son's counselors was from Mexico as was a couple cabinmates). Lots of activities and the cabins have A/C. Let me know if you have more questions.

Samsondps · 02-12-2019, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by texstout

Hi - I just happened to see this posting. My son (10) went to Camp Olympia last summer and LOVED it. Probably his most defining experience to-date. He didn't know anyone at all and had a great time (and he sometimes struggles socially). He is going back this summer along with his broth (who will be 9). He has also recruited a couple of friends to attend with him this summer. They will all be at Term 4. My son does the Golf intensive academy at Camp Olympia, but most kids do not. If you are interested, you should attend Family Camp weekend and the next Dallas Merit Party at Top Golf. Not many kids from Dallas seem to go to it, but a lot attend from Houston, San Antonio and even Mexico. (One of my son's counselors was from Mexico as was a couple cabinmates). Lots of activities and the cabins have A/C. Let me know if you have more questions.

Thank you very good to know!