COVID-19 UPDATE
As concerns about COVID-19 grow daily, our desire as a ministry is to respond with wisdom and discernment and use trusted and available resources. Camp of the Hills places a high priority on guest, camper, and staff safety, and we are continuing to monitor the news and reports about COVID-19.
At this time, we plan to be fully operational for our spring retreat/rental guests, outdoor education groups, and summer camp ministry as scheduled. However, we are postponing the 30th Camp Birthday event that was scheduled for April 18 as a precautionary measure to follow recommended state and local guidelines for containment of COVID-19.
Many of our spring rental groups have cancelled or postponed their retreats. This loss of income, along with the expected decrease of charitable gifts, will create a challenge to cover basic overhead expenses at camp over the next several months. If you are in a position to make a gift to help camp in these uncertain times, it would be deeply appreciated.
We are currently evaluating procedures for summer camp admittance (such as screening for temps, health history, travel history, respiratory status), and we will share that information as we have more clarity on the impact in our region, and the regions we serve, as we get closer to summer camp starting.
As of today (3/16/20), there are no known cases of Coronavirus in Burnet County or by any guests at Camp of the Hills. Because this is a developing issue that is rapidly changing, we are monitoring several federal and local health agencies, like the CDC and State Health Departments, for updates, recommendations, prevention, and containment. As we learn new facts about this virus and the impact it can have on camp, we will strive to take the necessary precautions and make improvements to better ensure the safety of our staff and guests.
As a ministry we believe God is in control of this situation and we do not need to let panic and fear outgrow our faith. Our prayers are with all those directly and indirectly impacted by this, and we look forward to the good that God will weave in and through these difficult times.
COTH Programs & Ministries Overview
Summer Camp
We offer 9 sessions of week-long faith-based summer camps for youth ages 8-18. We also offer four 2-week discipleship & service camps (Poiema) for youth ages 15-18 that are interested in being counselor assistants. See our Summer Camp tab above for more info on camper registration, summer staff positions, and volunteer opportunities.
Outdoor Education
During the school year, we work directly with teachers and schools to offer field trips that nurture students’ relationship with nature and weave academic content into outdoor activities. Programming is available for half-day, full-day, overnight, and week-long trips for PreK-12th grade. Visit our Outdoor Education tab above for more details.
Immerse Internships
This program consists of 9 months of work training, life skills, and spiritual development for young adults ages 18+. College students in a variety of majors needing credit or internship hours are encouraged to meet one-on-one with staff to formulate a plan that will align this experience with their school’s requirements. Its a great opportunity to build work experience and mature in ones’ relationship with God and others.
After-school Program
This program is in partnership with Marble Falls Middle School for students in 6th, 7th, & 8th grades. It extends the care available for students until 6pm. It focuses on building relationships through fun activities like games, team building, arts and crafts, and assures that kids have a positive and encouraging environment to go to until someone is able to pick them up.
Rentals & Retreats
Our cabins, cottages, kitchens, meeting rooms, and grounds are available for hosting events and retreats throughout the year such as business meetings, staff development, church retreats, family reunions, etc. Renting our facilities during the off-season helps make summer camps and fields trips more accessible to those coming from low-income communities. For more info on how to partner with us, see the tab above.
OUR PURPOSE
To love well, to pursue excellence, to partner with our community, & to live out God’s goodness here at camp. Watch the video below to learn more.
OPPORTUNITY
Camp of the Hills is a ministry dedicated to showing God’s love to our campers and making our camp experiences accessible and supportive of the needs of youth from low-income and vulnerable communities from all across Texas.
LIFE SKILLS
Our staff is specially trained to engage with a broad spectrum of social, emotional, & behavioral development needs so that campers from vulnerable backgrounds can receive the support they need to experience the best week of camp possible.
ENGAGING EXPERIENCES
Our activities engage youth in adventures that help them explore the outdoors, leadership, team work, relationship building, self reflection, spiritual development, and belonging.
