15 Years of Camp Quest Texas!
Happy anniversary, Texas! Camp Quest Texas is celebrating its 15th year and has earned its “learner’s permit!”
In a fun-filled car themed week in June, campers enjoyed lower than normal temperatures for Texas as they observed Festivus, constructed cardboard cars, and boogied down at the annual dance!
Camp Quest Texas has a vibrant culture that includes singing, skits, and chants, with a special dinner song that adds to the sense of identity and pride among campers and staff. To ensure everyone is prepared, they engage in a game of assassination, ensuring all have their “three Bs:” Badge, Bandana in their cabin color, and water Bottle. Festivus, an evening activity, helped teach modern cultural humanist heritage, features activities like the “feats of strength” (small carnival games) and “airing of grievances” (skits presented by counselors). The camp offers ziplines and horseback riding, and color-coded cabins foster friendly rivalries and strong cabin identity and pride. Unique activities like dissecting owl pellets adds to the fun and educational experience that Camp Quest Texas offers. Congratulations on a successful session, Texas!
Wishing the Best for Ohio and Northwest
We’re absolutely thrilled for what’s in store for Camp Quest Northwest and Camp Quest Ohio!
Sending best wishes for an amazing week at camp for Northwest and Ohio as they begin their sessions. We are eager to learn about the wonderful things that happened and can’t wait to hear (and share!) your stories next month!
Volunteer Spotlight Nominations
We know our volunteers are doing incredible things!
Help us showcase volunteers in our monthly newsletter by submitting your nominations to recognize and thank people who have made a significant impact, display outstanding dedication, and show their passion and commitment towards creating an unforgettable camp experience.
Save the Date: Leadership Summit
Kansas City, here we come! Mark your calendars for November 1st-3rd for the 2024 Camp Quest Leadership Summit in the Heart of America.
We have booked the Hilton Kansas City Airport and will be sharing more details soon. Please let us know if you plan to attend by submitting an interest form!
We’d love to announce our 2025 Summit location at this year’s gathering. Where should we go next? We’re happy to consider both campsites and hotels near our affiliates (or elsewhere)! Below is a quick spot to let us know.
National Support Center Services
Announcements & Reminders:
- The phone number for National has changed to 540-209-7978 to provide a more direct line than our previous Zoom number. Please update your records as needed!
- PRAESIDIUM HELP LINE (866-607-7233): An anonymous reporting system for all red-flag behaviors, including child sexual abuse allegations or suspicions, available to camps, parents, and campers 24/7.
- The National Support Center Open Office Hours will be closed on Weds, July 3rd and Friday, July 5th while Alyssa is at Camp Quest Northwest. We’ll resume Office Hours on Friday, July 12th.
- In 2021, we created a new branding guide without input from affiliates and we regret that we didn’t come to you first. We’d like to follow more democratic and transparent policies for the future, including in our national brand. There is no action needed at this time; camps running smoothly is our first priority. We will reach out soon to ask for your thoughts and opinions, both informally and to your board leaders.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us through email or Discord. We’d also like to know if there are any urgent needs in our community that we may be able to alleviate. Looking for board members, volunteers with specific skills, or ideas for programming or equipment? Let us know by sending us an email, or pop in to an upcoming office hours session.
- 1st Wednesday of every month, 8-9pm Eastern with Alyssa
- Every Friday, 1-2pm Eastern with Alyssa and Jenny
Thanks so much for all that you do, and happy camping!