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CTO SUMMER CAMP GENERAL INFORMATION

Transportation to camp: We ask that parents/guardians drop off and pickup kids at the camp location. If that is not possible, we can work to find carpool options. We can also arrange to pickup/dropoff kids at the airport if necessary. Please contact us prior to purchasing airplane tickets so we can coordinate transportation.

Electronics Policy: CTO has a NO ELECTRONICS POLICY during camp, so any electronics, including cell phones, will be collected at the start of camp and put away for the remainder of camp. Also, do not bring tablets, iPads, computers, video game devices, iPods, MP3 players, etc. We take lots of photos during camp and share those on our CTO Texas Facebook page. We will provide contact numbers in case you need to reach your child at camp, and your child can call you from a staff person's phone anytime they need to.  

Packing: Please keep in mind that storage space is limited, so try not to over pack. If you aren’t sure if you should send it, please ask. Also label all your child’s stuff. We do our best to keep track of “lost and found” items, but your child’s gear is their responsibility. 

WHAT TO BRING:

  • Bible (modern translation) If you don't have one, let us know and we will get one for your child. 
  • Footlocker, large plastic bin, suitcase or duffle bag to hold keep clothing together             
  • Clothes for duration of camp (we can do laundry if necessary)
    • At least 2 pairs of jeans or pants for hunting camp
    • Shorts
    • Shirts – long and short sleeved, a couple of dark colored or camo shirts for hunting
    • Socks & underwear for the week
    • Swim suit and goggles or swim mask
    • Old pair of shoes that can get wet/muddy (for fishing at the lake or pond)
    • Hunting boots and a second pair of shoes for running around (tennis shoes). Flip flops are not recommended due to scorpions and other critters.  
    • Light jacket or hoody
  • Head lamp
  • Laundry bag for dirty clothes
  • Sleeping bag (or twin size sheets) and a pillow
  • 2 towels
  • Hat/cap (required)
  • Polarized sunglasses (Required for fishing...just get a cheap pair that you don’t mind losing)
  • Toiletries
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent (35% DEET is recommended)
  • All necessary medications in original containers, along with written instructions – Must be checked in with camp staff. State rules require all medication to be dispensed by camp staff. We have basic medications: Ibuprofen, Tylenol, and Benadryl.
  • About $20 to $30 in spending money.
  • NEW FOR THIS YEAR: We asking parents to NOT send snacks or drinks. What has been happening is the kids are eating only the snacks and not meals. Also, kids will not be allowed to keep food in the sleeping areas to prevent ant infestations and messes. If your child is a picky eater, let Kim know and she will work with you to make sure your child has something available that they will eat. 

Hunting Camp Equipment

  • We have all the guns and ammunition needed at camp. If your child wants to bring their own .22, shotgun, rifle, or bow, they can if they have used it before, it’s in good working order and it is sighted in. Please contact Kevin Potts (210-372-3580) with any questions on this. All weapons will be checked in with camp director and kept under lock and key until used. If the gun is not accurate at the range, we will not allow it to be used to harvest an animal, but rather let your child use CTO guns for hunting. We have plenty of fishing rods and tackle. You can bring your own rod, but please limit it to one and a small tackle box with tackle for bass, catfish and bluegill.
  • Hunting knife (not required and must be checked in with the camp director)
  • Folding camp chair (label the chair)  
  • Youth Hunting/ Fishing License: All youth under 17 are required to have a current hunting license ($7). If your son doesn’t already have a license, you can purchase these at Wal-Mart, Academy, Bass Pro Shops and other outdoor stores. You must provide your child’s social security number when applying. You can also purchase online through http://tpwd.texas.gov/business/licenses/online_sales/index.phtml. Please remember to bring this to camp.

Saltwater Camp Equipment 

  • If you have adequate fishing gear for saltwater you can bring it. If not, please leave what you have at home and use ours.
  • Headlamp or Flashlight

  • Exempt Angler Tag: All youth participants need to get an exempt angler tag for $3 in case they catch a red drum over the maximum length to keep as a trophy. You should be able to pick these up at Walmart, Academy or other stores that sell licenses. You will need to know your child’s social security number at time of purchase.

  • Kids 17 and over need a fishing license.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does  a typical day at camp look like?

Our daily schedule varies since it depends on hunting and fishing conditions, but typically we start each morning with our hunting groups that go out before daylight, while another group might get to sleep in. Then everyone meets back up to eat breakfast together when the hunting/fishing groups return. Late morning, we all head out for skills training followed by lunch then our breakout groups for discipleship, quiet time or swimming during the heat of the day. In the late afternoon, the hunting or fishing groups will head out. Dinner is served when those groups return, followed by everyone being around the campfire each night to discuss the day as well as a deeper discussion of our Question of the Day. 

How can I get hold of my child during camp? 

You can reach your child by contacting the director or staff. A list of phone numbers will be provided with the camp paperwork that goes out in May. 

How can I see photos? 

We will also be posting lots of photos during camp to the CTO Texas Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/CTOTexas/) 

What do you serve for meals?

A typical breakfast includes “Texas eggs” (eggs, bacon, potatoes,) in a tortilla. Some days we will have waffles, bacon and fruit. We usually graze for lunch around 1 pm – leftovers, sandwiches or sausage wraps and fruit. We encourage kids to eat lots of fruit. We do offer snack foods they can prepare themselves (ramen noodles, instant oatmeal, microwavable mac-n-cheese, PB&J, etc.) At dinner, there’s always plenty of food with meals prepared by camp staff. Spaghetti, BBQ, hamburgers, lasagna, Mexican casserole, fried fish and whatever they harvest during the week are staples of the dinner menu, along with vegetables and a dessert. We have lemonade, tea, water and ice always available. We also serve OJ, milk, coffee and hot cocoa.

What if my child has food allergies or is a picky eater? 

Please report any allergies to food, medicines or insect, etc. in the campers profile. Also, be sure to update your child’s medical information and email a photo of your health insurance ID card (front and back) prior to camp. If your child has an epi-pen or inhaler, he or she will be asked to keep it with them at all times. If your child is a picky eater, we always provide options if they absolutely refuse to eat certain foods. You can contact Kim Potts to discuss any of the particulars.

How do you keep kids safe in the Texas heat? 

During camp we will make sure the kids drink plenty of water, remind them to put sunblock on and stay cooled down in the shade. Also, we try to limit outdoor activities during the heat of the day by having our devotion and quiet times in the afternoon. If we notice that a child is getting over heated, we will send that child indoors and make sure they stay hydrated.  

How can I find out about animal upgrades for camps?  

Each child will have an opportunity to harvest a base animal. However, for an additional cost, kids may upgrade to exotics based on the landowner's pricing and animal availability. CTO does not set this price, this is the landowner's pricing, so you would pay the upgrade fee directly to the ranch. We usually get the landowners upgrade list and pricing in May. If you are interested, contact Kevin Potts at 210-372-3580 and he will get you the pricing for that. 

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