Camp Doublecreek, a children’s summer camp serving Central Texas for over 50 years, will extend its community outreach at two different locations this summer: Lone Oak Barn in Round Rock and Reunion Ranch in Georgetown. Staff members planned to host camp at a new location in Pflugerville this year, but when those plans fell through due to construction delays, they found a new way to serve local families.

Dan Neal, third generation owner and director of Camp Doublecreek, said the camp’s mission is to ensure that every camper leaves with the knowledge that someone believes in them, thus fostering belief in themselves.

“We feel that we can move our mission and still complete the work of serving kids no matter where we’re at,” he said.

This year’s camp theme is “Adventure Awaits.” Campers ages 4 to 14 will get to participate in activities such as sports, water games, outdoor games and crafts at both the Round Rock and Georgetown locations.

“The campers will have an amazing experience at both locations,” Neal said. “There will be a variety of activities that will be amazing, whether they’re at Lone Oak Barn or Reunion Ranch.”

A day in the life of a camper at Camp Doublecreek begins before they ever step onto the property, as campers are picked up from 10 convenient spots across the Austin area and ride a bus to camp each day.

Neal said the transportation vehicles set the tone for the camp. When campers get on the buses, they are met with enthusiastic staff members who lead camp songs.

He said the Camp Doublecreek buses are known as ‘singing buses’ in the community because “there are over 30 songs we sing every single summer.”

Once children arrive at camp, staff members set expectations for the day during an assembly, followed by snack time and the first round of activities. Neal said camp activities include arts and crafts, archery, rock climbing, gaga ball, four square and other sports.

In addition, both locations of Camp Doublecreek will have inflatable amusement rides this year. Neal said hosting camp at two different locations will help campers who attend all summer stay engaged and prevent boredom.

“Every week will be a new exciting adventure,” he said.

He said the campers will get to walk away with two different experiences, but both positive and focused on the same mission of promoting confidence in children.

Engaging in activities is one way staff members help campers gain confidence in themselves. According to the camp’s website, “Trying new things can be scary, but we help our campers build confidence by challenging them in a safe and supportive environment. Whether it's trying a new sport or learning how to mount a horse, we want our campers to feel proud of themselves for taking risks and trying something new.”

Neal said one of his favorite parts about working at Camp Doublecreek is watching campers gain leadership skills and growing up to become staff members. Assistant Director Rachel Chuey said that over 60% of the camp’s staff this year are former campers.

“It’s amazing they had such good experiences as kids that now they want to give back to kids in the future,” Chuey said.

Camp Doublecreek staff members plan to continue making a positive impact on childrens’ lives this summer.

“We’re excited about summer,” Neal said. “We know the campers are going to have a great time.”

To learn more about Camp Doublecreek, visit www.campdoublecreek.com/.

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