Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of the Texas Hill Country, Camp Longhorn Burnet provides an idyllic setting for young adventurers to explore, learn, and grow. Located in Burnet, Texas, the camp sits on the serene shores of Inks Lake, offering breathtaking views and a multitude of outdoor activities. Since its founding in 1939 by Tex Robertson, a University of Texas swimming coach, Camp Longhorn has grown into a cherished institution, steeped in traditions that promote lifelong friendships and personal growth.

Camp Longhorn operates with a guiding philosophy that emphasizes the development of character, leadership, and a positive self-image. Through the camp’s unique “Attawaytogo” spirit, campers are encouraged to embrace challenges, celebrate achievements, and recognize the value of positive reinforcement.

Catering to boys and girls across various age groups, Camp Longhorn Burnet offers a co-ed environment where campers from 2nd grade through 11th grade can engage in a wide array of activities. From water sports and outdoor adventures to creative arts and team sports, the camp provides a diverse program that meets the interests and developmental needs of each age group, fostering an inclusive community where every camper feels valued and inspired.

Programs Offered by Camp Longhorn

Camp Longhorn in Burnet, TX offers a dynamic array of programs designed to engage campers in a variety of activities that foster growth, teamwork, and personal development. Each program is tailored to fit the needs and interests of different age groups, ensuring a fulfilling experience for all campers.

Description of the Programs

Camp Longhorn’s programs encompass a wide range of activities, from traditional camp sports and water activities to arts and educational pursuits. The camp’s hallmark is its balanced approach, allowing campers to experience everything from canoeing and rock climbing to crafts and drama.

Length of Sessions

The sessions at Camp Longhorn vary to accommodate the preferences and schedules of different families. They offer:

Two-week sessions: These are the most popular, giving campers ample time to immerse themselves in camp life and form strong bonds with peers.
Three-week sessions: These extended sessions are available for campers who wish to enjoy a longer period at camp, offering a deeper and more enriched experience.
Full summer option: For the ultimate Camp Longhorn experience, campers can stay the entire summer, participating in a full range of activities and special events.

Specialty Programs

Camp Longhorn also offers specialty programs that focus on specific interests:

Arts Program: Includes activities like painting, sculpture, drama, and music, allowing campers to explore their creative sides.
Sports Program: Emphasizes skill development in sports such as basketball, soccer, volleyball, and swimming.
Science Program: Engages campers in hands-on, fun scientific activities, including nature hikes, astronomy nights, and simple experiments.

Typical Daily Schedule

A typical day at Camp Longhorn is structured to provide a balance of activities, meals, rest, and free time. The schedule might look something like this:

7:30 AM: Wake up and cabin cleanup
8:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00 AM: Morning activities (rotating through the specialty programs)
12:00 PM: Lunch
1:00 PM: Rest hour
2:00 PM: Afternoon activities (free choice of sports, arts, or science)
6:00 PM: Dinner
7:00 PM: Evening activities (camp-wide games, guest speakers, or talent shows)
9:00 PM: Campfire and night activities
10:00 PM: Lights out

This schedule ensures that each day is filled with opportunities for learning, recreation, and relaxation, fostering an environment where campers can thrive both personally and socially.

Accommodations in Camp Longhorn

Camp Longhorn in Burnet, TX provides comfortable and functional accommodations designed to enhance the camping experience while ensuring safety and community building among campers.

Sleeping Arrangements

Camp Longhorn offers cabin-style accommodations, which are central to its community-driven ethos. These cabins are designed to foster camaraderie and teamwork:

Cabins: Typically house 10-12 campers along with 2-3 counselors, ensuring close supervision and a family-like atmosphere. The cabins are rustic yet well-maintained, equipped with bunk beds and storage areas for personal belongings.
Specialty Cabins: For older campers or specific programs, specialty cabins are available that might offer slightly different layouts or amenities to suit older age groups.

Dining Options

Camp Longhorn is committed to providing a variety of nutritious and delicious meal options that cater to the needs of all campers:

Meal Plans: The camp offers a communal dining experience with meals served three times a day in the dining hall. The menu is diverse, rotating regularly to provide a range of options and ensure that campers enjoy a balanced diet.
Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the importance of inclusive dining, Camp Longhorn accommodates special dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-specific meals. Parents can discuss their child’s dietary requirements with the camp staff before the session begins to ensure appropriate meals are provided.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

The bathroom and shower facilities at Camp Longhorn are conveniently located and designed for cleanliness and accessibility:

Facilities: Separate bathroom and shower facilities for boys and girls are strategically placed near the cabins. These facilities are communal, with private stalls for showers and toilets.
Maintenance: The facilities are cleaned and maintained multiple times a day to ensure hygiene and comfort for all campers.

These accommodations are part of Camp Longhorn’s commitment to providing a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable camping experience, allowing campers to focus on growth, learning, and fun during their stay.

Activities in Camp Longhorn

Camp Longhorn in Burnet, TX offers a wide variety of activities that cater to different interests and skill levels, ensuring that every camper has the opportunity to try new things, hone existing skills, and enjoy their summer to the fullest.

List of Activities Offered

Campers at Camp Longhorn can participate in an extensive range of activities, including:

Water Sports: Summer camps, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and waterskiing on Inks Lake.
Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, rock climbing, ropes courses, and camping.
Sports: Basketball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, and softball.
Creative Arts: Crafts, painting, drawing, sculpture, and drama.
Educational Activities: Nature studies, astronomy sessions, and environmental education.

Special Events or Traditions

Camp Longhorn is rich in traditions and special events that build community and create memorable experiences:

Council Ring: A weekly gathering where campers share stories, perform skits, and participate in traditional campfire songs and activities.
Color Wars: A camp-wide competition where campers are divided into teams to compete in various sports and creative challenges.
Banquet Night: An end-of-session celebration that features a themed dinner, awards, and recognition of campers’ achievements.
Attawaytogo Day: A unique celebration of camp spirit, where campers and staff acknowledge and reward acts of kindness, effort, and achievement.

Skill Development Opportunities

Camp Longhorn is committed to the personal development of each camper through structured skill development opportunities:

Leadership Training: Older campers have opportunities to lead groups, organize events, and mentor younger campers.
Skill Mastery: Campers can achieve different levels of proficiency in various activities, such as swimming or archery, earning badges or certificates.
Personal Growth Workshops: Programs designed to enhance self-esteem, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

These activities and opportunities at Camp Longhorn are designed to ensure that campers not only have fun but also grow as individuals, learning valuable life skills and making lasting friendships.

The staff of Camp Longhorn

Camp Longhorn in Burnet, TX prides itself on having a dedicated and well-trained staff who ensure that the camp environment is safe, educational, and fun. Here’s an overview of the staffing structure, hiring process, and training at Camp Longhorn.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

Camp Longhorn maintains a low staff-to-camper ratio to ensure that each camper receives personalized attention and supervision. Typically, the ratio is:

1:4 for younger campers (ages 7-10)
1:6 for older campers (ages 11 and up)

This ratio helps to foster a nurturing environment where all campers feel supported and engaged.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

The hiring process at Camp Longhorn is rigorous to select individuals who are not only qualified but also passionate about working with children in a camp setting:

Background Checks: All potential staff members undergo thorough background checks.
Interviews: Candidates go through multiple rounds of interviews to assess their suitability for the role and their ability to handle the responsibilities involved.
Experience and Education: Preference is given to applicants with prior experience in child care, education, or related fields. Many staff members are education majors, former campers, or individuals with a strong background in recreational leadership.

Training and Certifications

Staff training at Camp Longhorn is comprehensive, ensuring that all team members are equipped to handle any situation that may arise:

Pre-Camp Training: Before the camp season begins, all staff undergo extensive training that covers camp policies, safety protocols, emergency procedures, and activity leadership.
CPR and First Aid Certifications: All staff members are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid. Additional training in water safety is mandatory for those involved in aquatic activities.
Ongoing Professional Development: Throughout the camp season, staff receive ongoing training and support to refine their skills and adapt to evolving best practices in camp management and child care.

This structured approach to staffing ensures that Camp Longhorn remains a safe and enriching environment where campers can thrive under the guidance of caring and capable professionals.

Safety and Health in Camp Longhorn

Camp Longhorn in Burnet, TX places a strong emphasis on maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all campers and staff. Here’s how they manage safety protocols, health facilities, and emergency procedures:

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Camp Longhorn has implemented a comprehensive set of safety protocols designed to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of everyone at camp:

Regular Safety Drills: Campers and staff participate in regular drills to practice how to respond in the event of fire, severe weather, and other emergencies.
Activity-Specific Safety Rules: Each activity at camp has detailed safety guidelines that are strictly enforced. For instance, all aquatic activities are supervised by certified lifeguards, and appropriate safety gear must be worn during sports and adventure activities.
Secure Campgrounds: The camp is equipped with secure entry points, and all visitors are required to check in at the main office to ensure a controlled environment.

On-Site Health Facilities and Staff

To address health needs promptly and efficiently, Camp Longhorn provides the following healthcare facilities and staffing:

Health Center: The camp maintains a well-equipped health center staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, including nurses and on-call physicians.
24/7 Availability: Medical staff are available around the clock to handle any health issues that may arise, ensuring that medical care is accessible at all times.
Medication Management: The health center staff also manage and administer medications as needed, following strict protocols to ensure safety and accuracy.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

In the event of an emergency, Camp Longhorn follows a well-defined set of procedures to ensure rapid and effective responses:

Emergency Response Plan: The camp has a detailed emergency response plan that outlines specific steps for various types of emergencies, from medical issues to natural disasters.
Communication with Families: In case of an emergency, the camp has protocols for promptly notifying families and keeping them informed about the situation and their child’s well-being.
Collaboration with Local Authorities: Camp Longhorn works closely with local emergency services and hospitals to ensure that additional medical support can be provided quickly if needed.

These measures are part of Camp Longhorn’s commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment where campers can enjoy their activities with peace of mind, knowing that their health and safety are a top priority.

Cost and Registration in Camp Longhorn

Camp Longhorn in Burnet, TX offers a well-organized registration process and a clear breakdown of costs, payment plans, and financial assistance options to ensure that families can plan effectively for their children’s camp experience.

Cost of Attendance

The cost of attending Camp Longhorn varies depending on the length of the session and the specific program. Generally, the fees include:

Accommodation and Meals: All lodging and meals are covered in the cost of attendance.
Activities and Equipment: Access to all camp activities and the use of any necessary equipment are included.
Health Care: On-site medical care provided by qualified health professionals is also included.

Parents should note that additional costs may arise for things like camp merchandise, special outings, or optional activities, which are usually outlined during the registration process.

Registration Process and Deadlines

Registration for Camp Longhorn typically opens several months in advance of the camp season, with deadlines usually set early in the year to ensure adequate planning and preparation:

Online Registration: Parents can register their children through an online portal, where they fill out necessary forms and provide medical and dietary information.
Deadlines: Specific registration deadlines are communicated on the camp and through promotional materials. Early registration is encouraged as spots fill up quickly.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

Camp Longhorn offers flexible payment options to accommodate different family needs:

Payment Plans: Families can choose to pay the camp fees in installments, with specific terms set out at the time of registration.
Refunds and Cancellation: The camp provides a refund policy which typically includes a non-refundable deposit. Detailed information about refunds for cancellations made on certain dates is available during registration.
Cancellation Insurance: Families may also opt to purchase cancellation insurance to cover unexpected changes in plans.

Availability of Scholarships or Financial Aid

Understanding that the cost of camp may be a barrier for some families, Camp Longhorn offers scholarships and financial aid:

Scholarships: Need-based scholarships are available to help reduce the cost for families in need.
Financial Aid: Additional financial aid options may be available through various programs and donations made by alumni or community members.

These financial support mechanisms are part of Camp Longhorn’s commitment to making camp accessible to as many children as possible, ensuring a diverse and inclusive environment.

Camp Longhorn in Burnet, TX charges fees based on the program chosen (Longhorn Rangers or Traditional Camp) and the duration of your child’s stay (number of weeks). Here’s a breakdown of their fees:

Tuition:
- 1 Week: $2,317
- 2 Weeks: $4,479
- 3 Weeks: $5,927

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Longhorn

Preparing for a stay at Camp Longhorn in Burnet, TX involves understanding what to pack, becoming familiar with camp rules and policies, and receiving tips to ensure both campers and parents are comfortable and confident about the upcoming camp experience.

Packing List

Camp Longhorn provides a recommended packing list to ensure campers have everything they need for a comfortable and safe stay. The list typically includes:

Clothing: Enough comfortable clothing for the session (shorts, t-shirts, swimwear, etc.), including a jacket or sweater for cooler evenings.
Footwear: Durable shoes for activities (sneakers, hiking boots) and sandals or flip-flops for more casual use or showers.
Bedding: Sleeping bag or bed linens and a pillow.
Personal Items: Toiletries, sunscreen, bug spray, hat, sunglasses, and a water bottle.
Optional Items: Books, writing materials, and a camera (non-digital if preferred).

Rules and Policies

Camp Longhorn enforces certain rules and policies to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all campers:

Technology Use: To encourage interaction and participation in camp activities, the use of personal electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops is typically restricted or prohibited.
Visitation: There are specific visitation policies in place, which generally allow parents to visit on designated days to minimize disruptions to the camp program.
Behavioral Expectations: Campers are expected to follow behavior guidelines that promote respect, safety, and inclusiveness among all camp participants.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

For many children and their parents, this may be their first experience with a summer camp. Here are some tips to ease the transition:

Open Communication: Discuss what the camp experience will be like focusing on exciting activities and new friendships.
Practice Independence: Encourage your child to practice skills like making their bed or choosing their clothes to prepare them for the independence they will enjoy at camp.
Stay Positive: It’s normal for both parents and children to feel some anxiety about being apart. Focus on the positive aspects and growth opportunities that the camp provides.
Packing Together: Pack together to ensure that your child knows what they are bringing and understands the purpose of each item.

By following these guidelines and preparations, parents and campers can feel more prepared and excited about the upcoming camp experience, ensuring that both can enjoy this valuable opportunity to the fullest.

Camp Longhorn in Burnet, TX stands as a beacon of youth development, offering an enriching environment where children can explore their interests, develop new skills, and forge lifelong friendships. With its stunning location in the Texas Hill Country, diverse range of activities, and a commitment to fostering a supportive community, Camp Longhorn ensures a memorable and impactful summer experience for every camper. The camp’s dedicated staff, comprehensive safety measures, and well-rounded programs reflect its enduring commitment to nurturing young minds and spirits in a safe, fun, and dynamic setting.

For parents seeking a place where their children can grow both personally and socially, Camp Longhorn represents an ideal choice. Here, campers are not only engaged in fun and challenging activities but are also encouraged to embrace new experiences, learn resilience, and build character in ways that resonate far beyond the camp’s shores. As campers return year after year, they reaffirm the lasting value and deep impact of their Camp Longhorn experience—a testament to the camp’s pivotal role in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.