Camps and Conferences LogoTHE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF WEST TEXAS       
CAMPS AND CONFERENCES      
CAMP CAPERS, MUSTANG ISLAND,
and COLORADO ADVENTURE PROGRAM 
 November 2012     

 
The Diocese of West Texas has a new website
Please check out our new website.  For your convenience, links along the right side of this newsletter will take you directly to the information you need on our camping programs.
Rob Watson, Director of Camps and Conferences

Friends,Old steves hall demolishion

 

I am watching the rain fall at Camp Capers as I write this. The ground is very dry and is obviously very grateful for the water. I am also watching a very large machine with an enormous claw tear down Steves Hall. It's absolutely fascinating and a little sentimental to watch 40 years of Camp Capers history come down to the ground in just four hours. Many people have had life-changing experiences at Camp Capers while staying in the 1970s Steves Hall, and it is important that we treat the demolition of the old building with respect. 

 

The best way I know to do that is to build something wonderful in its place.  To read more on Rob's article, click here.

 

Justin Stokes, Food Services Director

It's been a busy summer and an ever eventful time.

 

My second summer here at Camp Capers went very well due in part to an extremely caring and adaptive summer staff and work crew; always present and eager to help whenever a problem presented itself. We are very blessed to have them.


Our summer staff, which came from all over Texas, converged for one summer to toil and play in the baking, no holds barred heat. There was a whirlwind of kids, dust, and water balloons with never a dull moment and it was over before we knew it. Oh, and it was hot, very hot, too hot. My kitchen summer staff once again exceeded my expectations and conquered any and all obstacles presented to them in a very efficient manner, all the while serving with a servant heart. I was amazed watching them work those long, hard 12 hour days. I am sad that it is over but excited to move forward as we now prepare for our seasons of retreats and conferences.
To read more of Justin's article, please click here.

For Justin's Lasagna recipe, click here

 

Nevetta & Darrell King  participants in our Adult Colorado Adventure Program, share their story
The Colorado Adventure Program is continuously touching lives of all ages. Mr. and Mrs. King would like to share a part of their story with our readers.

"Thank you for the opportunity to see a part of the country that's very beautiful.  Words cannot express how blessed we are as a result of your generosity.  We experienced so many firsts: 1st time to the state of Colorado; 1st time hiking; 1st being completely disconnected from our smart phone; and 1st time away from our kids, etc.  Individually and as a couple, we were blessed beyond measure.  Being surrounded by God's creation has been life changing."
Clergy + One Backpacking Trip by Rev. Robert Woody

What could be better than sharing the spectacular awesome beauty and wildness of God's creation on display in Colorado's Rocky Mountains with loved ones and friends? I couldn't think of anything better, so I decided to organize a "Clergy + One" backpacking trip for fellow clergy to the Colorado Adventure Camp at James Park, with the help of our DWTX Camps and Conferences Department.

To read more of Rev. Woody's article, please click here.
Camp Capers Low Rope Course

The new Low Ropes Course was a big hit this summer.  It encompasses 8 elements, including a new addition which will be introduced in the summer of 2013.

 

The Spider Web and the Bridge are just two elements that proved challenging even to the parents at the Father/Son and Mother/Daughter retreats. The Ropes Courses, both low and high, encourage team building and trust among one another.  Confidence comes when the various elements have been completed.   

Johnson Jeffers, Program Director at Mustang Island, reflects on an unprecedented summer

This past summer marked the fourth summer of the diocese's Sewanee Internship Program, a partnership with the University of the South - Sewanee. The internship program serves two purposes: for Sewanee students to have an opportunity to use the knowledge and skills that they learn in the classroom in a hands-on, real-world setting and for additional summer staff at Mustang Island Conference Center and environmental education programs at diocesan summer camps.

 

This past summer, we welcomed Ben Haggerty, Andrew Walters, Brelyn Yuratich, and Davis Brown. Ben and Andrew spent their time working with the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA), an organization that helps protect, conserve, and monitor the resource of livelihood in Texas: water. Brelyn and Davis served on staff for Mustang Island Family Camp, developing and implementing environmental education activities for the families in addition to working with professors at Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi. To read more of Johnson's article, please click here

In This Issue
Update from Rob Watson
Justin Stokes, Food Services Director
Nevetta and Darrell King, Colorado
Rev. Robert Woody, Colorado Clergy Trip
New Elements added at Camp Capers
Johnson Jeffers, Program Director at Mustang Island
Quick Links
2013 Sessions Now Open For All Camping Programs

2013 Mid Winter Dates
2013 Camping Sessions at Camp Capers  

2013 Mustang Island Summer Sessions  

2013 Rates for Mustang Island Summer Sessions
2013 Colorado Adventure Camp Summer Sessions    

2013 Upcoming Events -Camp Capers
Mid-Winters I - Jan 4-6
Mid Winter II - Jan. 11-13
Mid Winter III - Jan. 18-20
Craft Retreat - Feb. 1-3
Nails & Prayers Men's Retreat - Mar. 1-3
Clergy Spouse Retreat -
Spring Women's Gathering - Apr. 13-14
Reconnect  - Apr. 19-21
Spiritual Weekend Retreat - May 3-5
Camp Summer Sessions - June - August
Father/Son Retreat - Sept. 6-8
Mother/Daughter Retreat - Sept. 13-15
Vocare - Oct. 18-20
Cursillo #262 - Nov. 7-10

2013 Upcoming Events -Mustang Island
Clergy Lenten Retreat - Mar 3-6
Community of Hope Retreat - Mar 8-10
Spring Break - Mar. 14-17
Cursillo #259 - Apr. 11-4 (Spanish)
Cursillo # 260 - May 2-5
Summer Family Camp
Family Camp Labor Day - Aug 30 - Sept. 2
Cursillo #261 - Oct. 10-13
Thanksgiving on the Island - Nov. 20-22

2013 Colorado Adventure Program Trip Dates
Week 1 Adults - June 17- 22
Week 2 Adults - June 24-29
Youth Base Camp Trip 1 - July 1-6
Youth Backpack Trip 2 - July 8-14
College Base Camp - July 8-14
Directions to...
Taking Applications For...
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Why I like Camp Capers, by Justin Woods, Jr. High Camp B 

Justin was recently asked, "Why do you like Camp Capers so much?"  His answer was simple and to the point.  "Being at Camp Capers has been a great experience for me because I think camp knows the fun things kids my age enjoy.  Even though they are being serious about the teachings, they make it fun while doing it.  Camp Capers isn't all about church.  It [is] also about getting outside, having fun, and getting away."

Camp Capers has held such a special place for so many people.  It's a time of growing and learning for youth of all ages.  This is where they make friends, reunite with old friends, learn about God, and learn how to minister to each other.  This is a place and time where they learn new things, new skills,  take on challenges not normally accessible to them at home, and appreciate nature.  Youth, like adults, need time to refresh, renew, unplug, and unwind from the stresses in their lives: school, clubs, competitive activities, and a chance to be themselves, not just a brother/sister/cousin/son/daughter.  Camp gives youth the opportunity to retreat for a week and then come back home refreshed, ready to tackle the next year in their life.

Camp Capers is all about your child having a good time; it's all about them and God. 
2012 Bishop's Golf Tournament was a hole in one
Rob Watson with event organizers Mike Horridge and Jim Morrison. Ed Dohoney not pictured
The staff at the Camps and Conferences Department, Mustang Island Conference Center, Camp Capers, and the Colorado Adventure Program would like to thank Mike Horridge, Ed Dohoney, and Jim Morrison, Event Coordinators, for helping us raise money for our scholarship program. We also would like to thank all the sponsors, volunteers, and participants for all their hard work in making this event so successful and enjoyable.



KEEP THOSE GOLF CLUBS HANDY FOR THE 2013 BISHOP'S GOLF TOURNAMENT

Next year's Bishop's Golf Tournament will be November 1, 2013.  Check back with us for registration information.  In the meantime, practice, practice, practice.  The Bishop's Golf Tournament is open to golfers of any age. 

Changes in our applications for summer staff...

Applying to our different camps has gotten easier.  We have combined all of our applications into one!  Also changed is the ease of submitting the application and reference forms to the Camping Department. The forms can be completed digitally and then submitted with the click of a button, depending on your email capability.  Easy access to our application and reference form is found in our quick links box to the right of the newsletter.

For more information on the staff positions, please contact Brian Kates for Camp Capers' positions at [email protected]; Johnson Jeffers at [email protected] for Mustang Island positions; Rob Watson at [email protected] for the Colorado Adventure Program, or call the diocesan office at (210/888) 824-5387.  

We still need nurses. If you need more information about this rewarding opportunity, please contact Brian Kates at [email protected]

Open for Registration 

Camp Capers summer camping sessions begin June 9th.  Registration is now open for all summer sessions at Camp Capers.  Have your camper join us in an atmosphere of caring and acceptance. Participants are challenged to grow spiritually, physically, emotionally, and socially.  Make new friends and reconnect with old friends.  Click here for registration information. 

  

Colorado Adventure Camp for Adults and College Students -  Come and explore the forests, streams, and local towns around James Park, CO. Camps begin June 17th.  Please visit our website at www.dwtx.org/colorado for more information about this amazing adventure.    

 

Colorado Adventure Camp for Youth - Explore the Arapaho National Forest and the Indian Peak Wildnerss or choose a 26-mile-loop hike through the Arapaho Forest.  For upcoming 9th graders to graduating 12th graders. Please visit our website at www.dwtx.org/colorado for more information. 

 

Mustang Island will begin its 11th year offering Family CampCome and spend a wonderful, meaningful time with your family at the beach on gorgeous Mustang Island.  Rates have changed to accommodate families better.  Click here for more information on the rates and dates being offered.