Camp Misty Meadows

Much to my dismay my council, GS Texas Oklahoma Plains, closed my girls' favorite camp, Camp Timberlake, in Azle, TX.  This left me with few options when sending the girls to camp this Summer.  We have 2 other camps available: Stevens Ranch in Nemo, TX which is an 1.5 hour drive from my town and Camp Kiwanis in Amarillo, TX which is 336 miles or a 5.5 hour drive from my house.  I don't know the exact numbers on the attendance to the Amarillo camp, but the numbers have to be low.  I would not feel comfortable driving nearly 6 hours and dropping off my daughters for a week of camp.  If they were injured or sick I could not get to them fast enough.  Plus, that is a serious commitment taking on that drive.  I have heard rumors our council was looking into chartering buses for the girls, but once again I would NEVER load my daughter onto a bus to travel 6 hours without putting my eyes on the camp or staff.  Stevens Ranch is a nice enough camp, it is an equestrian camp and has a large pool, but the cabins are spread out lessening the safety and efficiency of the camp and the one experience I had with the camp I saw SEVERAL rattle snakes and even more scorpions.  It is not on my "consideration" list.  I feel cheated in my council with the lack of camp choices.  It's sad that as a GS, my girls have such poor options where other councils in my mind are overly blessed.  In this day and age where many girls are being raised in 2 households due to divorce or extenuating circumstances, I would think this issue needs to be addressed.  Not welcoming girls from other councils means that girls who are visiting their father or mother out of state or city for the Summer, may feel discouraged and choose not to attend a GS camp.

Our lack of "choice" camps however, did not discourage my girls from attending and as a parent and GS Leader I explored other options and councils.  I have to say GS does not make this easy on parents.  For the most part GS discourages girls from camping outside of their council.  One reasoning is that outside council girls are taking spots for their council members.  This I can sort of understand, but it is a lesson in supply and demand.  If the demand goes up because other council members are not satisfied with their own camps this should be a direct message to GS to invest in the camps that are heavily attended.  Second, the new on-line registration system can be a nightmare when you try and register an out of council member for a camp.  Without getting into the details... let's just say it is a complete mess. And finally, the funding and maintenance for the camps are provided by the councils themselves, so in their mind allowing outside girls in essence, eats a way at the hard earned cookie cash the girls within that council earned.  Many councils are charging a higher fee for camp attendance, if you are not a council member.  This point really irritates me.  My argument here is that each council must provide maintenance to these camps year-round, despite who attends.  And secondly, my daughters earned cookie cash as well.  The fact GS chooses not to evenly distribute the monies earned amongst the councils, is not my daughters' fault.  It's not like we are free-loaders by attending a different camp.  Plus, I truly believe the camp fee covers all the campers cost during their stay.  My daughter does not use more than $350 in water expenses or food.

Setting my soapbox aside, I chose to send my daughter to Camp Misty Meadows (San Jacinto Council) this Summer in Conroe, TX about a 3 hour drive from my house.  My mother lives in Houston and I could stay with her in the event my daughter needed anything during her camp stay.  What a FABULOUS experience!!!!!
I am so glad the closing of Camp Timberlake forced me to seek other options because I had no idea what camping outside my council was like.  WOW!  Camp Misty Meadows was everything I could ask for in a great camping experience:  friendly, loving, tight-knit camp staff, beautifully maintained camping grounds, good food, well organized activities and super nice cabins.  The minute we turned onto the dirt road leading to the camp I could see a big difference.  The dirt roads are meticulously maintained.  Check in was an absolute breeze in an air-conditioned lodge.  The girls were checked in based on their age level and camp for that week.  I estimate it took about 10 minutes to see the nurse and check my daughter in for camp.  The camp offered an e-mail address to send letters to your camper daily.  Also they posted pictures of your camper daily as well!  Sadly the horses were ill with a virus and the girls were not able to ride.  The council accepted the inconvenience in the best interest of the horses and contacted all the parents prior to their camp date, explained the situation, and offered refunds or an opportunity to attend a different camp.  We chose to stay at Camp Misty Meadows and were just as thrilled with our experience.  Camp Misty Meadows is an equestrian camp with immaculate maintenance of the horse stalls and equestrian facilities.  This camp shares 1000 acres with it's sister camp, Camp Arnold, which offers lake activities like fishing and canoeing.  Sharing the space is a brilliant idea and conserves resources.  While our experience at Misty Meadows was wonderful and I am inclined to just return year after year, the experience has peaked my interest.  How do the Girl Scout camps compare?  As a blogger I am interested in trying other camps and reviewing our experience.  Parents deserve to be well informed about the GS facilities, staff and experience.  Don't feel like you are forced to use your own council resources.  Active leaders should explore and reach out to other councils.  By interacting with other council websites, facilities, and leaders we learn how things can be done differently and in some cases better.
Please feel free to briefly rate or review any GS Camp your daughter has attended below in the "Comment" section.  All info. is helpful to parents and campers.

Summer Camp Synopsis

PLEASE:  If you have had an experience with any of the camps listed and would like to use my rating scale based on your personal experience, I know my readers and myself would appreciate your input. Email me at GirlScoutLeaderx2@gmail.com
I will include your rating below.

My council, GS-TOP (Girl Scout -Texas Oklahoma Plains) closed my daughters' favorite GS camp, Camp Timberlake, forcing me to look for "other" options this Summer.   Did you know your daughter can attend ANY GS-USA camp facility?  In fact you do not have to be a registered Girl Scout to attend a GS Camp.  Is your daughter visiting grandparents?  Consider sending her to an out-of-state Girl Scout Camp.  This would be a wonderful experience for your daughter to co-mingle with girls from a completely different part of the country, create new girl scouting experiences, develop new GS pen pals and offer grandparents a much needed break!  I call this a Win-Win situation!  Did you have a troop member move?  Maybe a few troop members would like to join her at camp this Summer in her new state or council.  I've decided to do a comparison of all the camps offered in and near Texas.  I have family in Houston and a lake house near Austin expanding the list of possibilities.  Bare in mind Cookie Bucks are NOT transferrable between councils which is a sad fact.  I would love to see GS-USA make all the camps more accessible to every Girl Scout, despite the council in which you reside.  I think this would force councils to improve their camps and give girls more opportunities. 

All of the information on Summer Camps was collected from GS Council web sites and additional sources that could be found on the internet.  Council web sites vary greatly on content, presentation and user friendliness. 

UPDATE:  Since I have written this post my girls have tried out 2 camps in Texas with GREAT results!  Please read my personal experience with Misty Meadows Camp in Conroe, TX, north of Houston (GS of San Jac) and Camp Texlake GS of Central TX), west of Austin.  I have created a rating scale to better quantify the camp's assets:  1 star being the least favorable and 5 stars being the most desirable.

Girl Scouts of Texas-Oklahoma Plains (GS-TOP)- My council recently closed Camp Timberlake in Azle, TX.  The closure of this camp leaves only 2 options for Summer Camps for the girls in this service unit.  The GS-TOP web site is user-friendly and stocked with good information including downlaoded and interactive forms.  The Summer Camp information on-line is limited however.
http://www.gs-top.org/camp

Camp Stevens Ranch (300 acres near Glen Rose, TX) located 75 niles southwest of Fort Worth.  This camp boasts a historic farm house that has been remodeled several times and a dining hall with award-winning architecture.  Camp features:

• Horseback Riding
• Archery
• Crafts
• Swimming

Camp Kiwanis (381 acres in the Texas Panhandle) located in Armarillo.  Formerly called Camp Amaryllis in 1928.  All cabins are made of stone and wood and are air-conditioned!
Camp features:

• Horseback Riding
• Archery
• Ropes
• Challenge Course
• Cookouts
• Hiking
• Arts & Crafts
• Sports
• Star-gazing 
• Swimming

Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas: Shares the Dallas council region and offers great Summer Camp alternatives to the GS-TOP council which are easily accessible from Dallas.  GS-NE Texas boasts 6 camp locations.
http://www.gsnetx.org/Default.aspx?tabid=113

Camp Bette Perot (1400 acres near Palestine, TX) located 115 miles Southeast of Dallas.  Home to the award-winning equestrian center and Teja Equestrian Riders.  Camp features:

• Extensive Horseback Riding
• Archery
• Ropes
• Challenge Course
• Sports/Game area
• Hiking
• Extensive Nature Study Sites
• Swimming 

Camp Gambill (wooded 54 acres near Sumner, TX) loctaed 115 miles northeast of Dallas near Paris, TX.  This camp has modern cabins.
Camp features:

• Hiking
• Sandy Waterfront Pond
• Canoeing & Kayaking
• Swimming
• Sand Volleyball
• Discover Marine Life

Camp K (Kadohadacho) (150 acres on Lake Texoma) located in Pottsboro & Camp Rocky Point (60 acres on Lake Texoma) located near Denison, both about 75 miles north of Dallas.  Used for troop camping ONLY.

Camp Whispering Cedars (60 acres) located 20 minutes from downtown Dallas.  Appears to be day-use ONLY camp with swimming pool, archery and nature study.
3/2018 UPDATE: It is an older camp that is currently used for camping, not just day camp.  GS-NETX council has been renovating it the past couple of years so access has been limited.  They recently built a STEM center, putting in a new swimming pool, cabins are being renovated, and much more!  Camping will resume again, not sure if just troop/SU weekend camps or if resident camp will resume in 2019.  There is a grand re-opening celebration  this spring.


Girl Scouts of Central TX:  camps@gsctx.org

Camp Kachina (244 acres on Lake Belton) located 60 miles North of Austin on IH-35.  4 of the lodges are air conditioned.  Camp features:

• Equestrian Center—for summer camp only 
• Archery course—covered with protective screen
• Girl-created nature center
• Campfire Circle—center of camp with designated campfire space and benches for seating
• Waterfront activites--kayaks, canoes, sailboats
• Hiking Trails

Camp Texlake (455 acres on Lake Travis) located 35 miles northwest of Austin on Hwy 71. After $5 million in renovations, Texlake has a state-of-the-art dining hall with air conditioning available. **Personal Perks which I love:  Drive-up Pick Up (You don't even get out of your car, staff loads luggage**

Camp features:

• Curiosity Cabin—Science and nature center
• Teddy Boehm Swim Center—Junior Olympic-sized pool
• Challenge Course
• Boat Dock—Accommodates sailing, skiing and fishing activities
• Starcke Lodge—Enclosed activity area accommodates 100
• Feller Pavilion—Covered outdoor activity area with five picnic tables & restrooms
• Archery Range
• Sports Field and Covered Sports Court
• Nature Trail & Orienteering Course
• Camp Texlake Horse Program- Houses 10 council-owned horses

Camp Wood Lake (49 acres on Lake Brownwood) located 122 West of Waco, TX is the smallest of Austin's GS camps and the most primitive.  It appears the camp does not have A/C.  However, this location is more convenient to Dallas.  Camp features:

• Arts Building—indoor program space
• Archery Range—secluded archery range
• Swimming Pool
• Boating Area—contains a dock, 6 canoes and 3 paddleboats

Any questions regarding these camps or to register: (512) 264-1044 or e-mail:  carolinek@gsctx.org

GS Central Texas also maintains Girl Scout houses throughout 46 Central Texas counties. The Girl Scout houses are available for Girl Scout use by reservation throughout the year and are managed by Girl Scout volunteers.  Some Girl Scout houses are available for overnight stays. The Chamber of Commerce in each community can provide information on attractions and places to visit near by.  Looking for a place to stay?  These houses provide wonderful travel stops, camping and lodging possibilities for troops.  For a complete list and photos of these house please click here: http://www.gsctx.org/about/facilities/girl-scout-houses

GS Central Texas also offers Zilker Cabin a unique meeting and overnight facility only 5 minutes from downtown Austin.
http://www.gsctx.org/about/facilities/zilkercabin

Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest - Southern New Mexico & West Texas (GS-Desert SW):
http://www.gsdsw.org/content/camps-a-properties/camps.html

Camp Mitre Peak located 150 miles Southwest of Odessa, TX.  Appears to be an old and primitive camp purchased by GS in 1947.  Snuggled in the beautiful landscape of the Davis Mountains.
Camp features (appear to be):

• Equestrian Center
• Archery Range
• Swimming Pool
• Hiking Trails

Camp Pioneer (22 acres in Upper Valley in El Paso) located just north of El Paso, TX.  One of the oldest GS owned camp since 1938.  Many 2nd and 3rd generation GS have camped here and shared memories.  Camp features:

• Swimming Pool
• Hiking Trails 
• GS related activities
• Camping

 Any questions regarding these camps or to register: (800) 238-7760

Girl Scout Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma & Texas - has a fully interactive .pdf camp brochure.  The current 2013 Summer Camp brochure is ALREADY on-line.  An impressive display of technology, kuddos to the Diamonds!
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BxmKOgaq8OF7ODhrUmJ5VTFqclE/edit 
http://www.girlscoutsdiamonds.org/JoinToday/CampProperties/DiamondsProperties
 
Camp Cahinnio (400 acres near Booneville, AR) located 93 miles southeast of Fayetteville, Arkansas.  This camp boasts a 23 acre lake, air-conditioned dining facility, tree house lodging and tipi.  Camp features:

• Water activities: canoes & sandpipers
• Extensive Hiking Trails 
• Archery Range
• Camping
• Arts & Crafts Pavilion 

Camp Taloha (165 wooded acres near Pine Bluff, AR) located 45 miles south of Little Rock.
Camp features:

• Water activities
• Hiking Trails 
• Archery Range
• Camping
• Lakeside Pavilion with fireplace

Camp High Point (163 acres in the Ouachita Mountains) located West of Little Rock on the Arkansas Oklahoma border.  This camp is complete with 3 elevated sky or tree houses and butterfly gardens.  The camp includes an underground storm shelter that doubles as a large, cool indoor activity space.   Camper Cabins are made of stone and wood.  The pool is currently not operational.  Camp features:

• Extensive Hiking Trails 
• Archery Range

Camp Noark (300 acres nestled  in Ozark hills) located 25 miles east of Fayettteville, AR.  Air-conditioned Friendship.  Camp features:

• Extensive Hiking Trails 
• Large playing field
• Arts & Crafts Pavilion  
• Canoeing

Camp Crossed Arms (400 acres in Ozark hills along the Salado Creek near Floral, AR) located 100 miles north of Little Rock, AR.  Camp has woods and mountains, air-conditioned dining facility, craft pavilion and brand new pool.
Camp features:

• Hiking Trails 
• Horse Corrals and Pastures
• Natural Rock Climbing
• Canoeing
• Creek Stomping
• Archery
• Crafts

Camp Kemp (40 acre property near Texarkana) is ideal for troop camping and is NOT open for Summer Camps.  The camp locted 180 miles east of Dallas boasts a pond, wildlife-viewing area and various hiking trails it is a great place for meetings, day events and overnights. The Kamba Hut is an open-air cabin with a small lavatory. The newest facility, the Conifer Clubhouse, has heat and air conditioning, a large open space, a caterer’s kitchen, and men’s and women’s restrooms. Camp Kemp’s close proximity to Texarkana along with the new Clubhouse facility and the Challenge Course make this property ideal for team building events.

Girl Scout of Greater South Texas - Council emcompassing Harlingen, Corpus Christi, McAllen, Laredo and Victoria TX.  This council offers 2 camps.
Camp Bayview (18 acres near Bayview, TX) located 250 miles south of Corpus Christi, TX near the ocen with a lush tropical setting.  The camp offers a large dining hall, recreation lodge, bungalows, outdoor amphihtheatre, covered pavilion, 2 conference rooms and swimming pools.  Camp features:

• Hiking Trails 
• Outdoor Skill Building
• Arts & Crafts
• Nature Crafts and Identification
• Cook Outs
• Conservation
• Swimming
• Sports & Games  

Camp Green Hill (wooded 50 acres near Mathis, TX on Lake Corpus Christi) located 40 miles NW of Corpus Christi.

• Hiking Trails 
• Outdoor Skill Building
• Arts & Crafts
• Nature Crafts and Identification
• Cook Outs
• Conservation
• Sports & Games   
• Primitive Camping
• Swimming
• Water Activities like canoeing

 To get more info. on these camps or to register call 1-800-477-2688 or email tcastillo@gsgst.org

Girl Scout of Greater South Texas - has 3 summer resident camps and 6 day and camping facilities.
http://www.gssjc.org/newsdata.cfm?n=241

Camp Arnold (479 acres near Conroe, TX) located 40 miles north of Houston.  Campers will enjoy a number of accommodations, including lodging near the water in a fishing village, up near the treetops in Treehouses or nestled in the middle of camp in tents, yurts or cabins. Camp features:

• Hiking
• Outdoor Cooking
• Fishing
• Crafts
• Swimming 

Camp Misty Meadows (328 acres in Conroe) located 40 miles north of Houston.  The Robert and Janice McNair Equestrian Center includes four riding arenas and a herd of 40 horses waiting to be ridden, loved, hugged and groomed by summer campers.
**Personal Perks:  Kind, friendly staff, immaculate camp grounds**
Camp features:

• Rifle Ranges
• Archery
• Horseback Riding
• Swimming

Camp Casa Mare (43 acres on the ocean Galveston Bay) located near Seabrook, TX 35 miles south of Houston.  Often called "The Camp House by the Sea".  This precious land was purchased in 1957 for $100,00.  Camp features:

• SAILING
• Fencing
• Drama
• Crafts
• Swimming

For more info.about San Jacinto's Resident Camps, visit www.gssjc.org/residentcamp or call (713) 292-0300.

For more information on day camps in or near Houston and great places to stay on Galveston Island:
http://www.gssjc.org/camp.cfm


Girl Scout of Southwest Texas -  serves primarily the San Antonio region.  Information on camp features unavailable on GS-SW Texas web site.
https://www.girlscouts-swtx.org/the-program/sample-menu-2/2012-02-21-23-52-45/resident-camp.html

Camp La Jita (236 acres of Texas Hill Country land along the beautiful Sabinal River) located near Utopia, Texas 85 miles west of San Antonio. The John F. Camp family donated the land in 1946 for Camp La Jita. This camp is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), and received 100 percent satisfaction for the last four site visits, which take place every 3 years. Developed exclusively for the camp profession, this nationally recognized program focuses on program quality, health and safety issues, and requires us to review every facet of our operation. The display of the ACA logo is a privilege reserved for camps that have met the criteria.


Camp Mira Sol (47 acres near Guadalupe River) located near Comfort, TX 50 miles northwest of San Antonio.  This GS camp is nestled in the Texas Hill Country on a plateau overlooking the Guadalupe River. With a past rich in Native American history, it was designated an African American Girl Scout Camp in 1949.  It is the perfect place for beginner and experienced campers alike to enjoy the great outdoors.


For information on Oklahoma camps:
Eastern Council - http://www.girlscoutseastok.org/mecgs/Camp_Facilities.asp
Western Council - http://www.gswestok.org/pathways/camp-pathways/

Camp locations and addresses are not commonly listed on the internet as a safety precaution.  You will need to contact the GS council for directions.

GS owns a host of Girl Scout Houses, Cabins, Camp Grounds and Day Camps that would prove to be wonderful meeting places, traveling stops or inexpensive/free lodging on trips.  Keep GS camps in minid when planning your next GS Troop trip or excursion.

You can check out little known facts and archived, interesting newspaper articles on ssome of these camps on a Vintage Girl Scout Museum site.  This site has many interesting reads:  http://www.vintagegirlscout.com/campTX.html