Winter Blast Camp and Video

Winter Blast Camp was loads of fun!  We had snowball fights, had S'Mores, drank hot chocolate, and went on a hayride!


To see more photos of Winter Blast Camp, please email us at:  info@campdoublecreek.com and we will set you up on our Shutterfly site.

Check out our video from this week:  https://vimeo.com/150430456

Enjoy!!!

My Favorite Things About Christmas

Christmas is a season of sensory overload.  We are bombarded with images and sounds of the season.  Everywhere you turn you will see visuals of Santa Claus, Elves, Angels, Reindeer, Christmas lights and ornaments.  Starting shortly after Halloween, I find catalogs in my mailbox from companies I’ve never heard of encouraging me to celebrate the season and save money by ordering products from their catalogs. They entice me by saying their candle holder, one-size-fits-all sweater, or scented hardware will make the perfect Christmas gift.

It’s a season of entertainment.  From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, there is a flood of Christmas-themed TV specials and movies.  Every year we have a new batch of “Christmas” movies coming down the chimney.  I have one “rule of thumb” about whether or not I watch a Christmas movie.  If the movie trailer is accompanied by the phrase “Instant Classic,” I don’t bother.  Call me “old-school,” but a movie doesn’t become a classic over a weekend.  When two or three generations can sit and enjoy a movie year after year, then it can be considered a classic.

My list of classic Christmas movies is a short one. My choice for the ultimate Christmas movie is ‘It’s a Wonderful Life.”   This is a heartwarming story about dealing with broken dreams and the belief that what he has done in his life doesn’t matter.  How George Bailey comes to realize that, yes, he has had a wonderful life makes me nod my head and smile every time I see it.

There is one more movie I have to mention as a “Christmas Classic.”  This Christmas movie doesn’t have any references to Santa or elves.  In fact, it isn’t even set during Christmas time.   Many movie critics have labeled this movie the worst movie ever made.  They are not wrong.  The name of this odious opus is “Plan Nine from Outer Space.”  The story line features grave robbers from outer space.  Why is this a Christmas movie, you ask?  It’s because every Christmas my family gathers at our house to watch it.  We call it “Pizza and Bad Movie Night.”  This movie has it all – hammy acting, incoherent writing, inept direction, cheesy special effects – complete with a flaming paper plate passing as a flying saucer. Now that’s entertainment!! Best of all it is our family tradition.

So there you have it! My favorite things about the season involve family traditions, heartwarming movies, good food, giving, and reflecting on the wonderfulness of life. It also doesn't hurt to include a few "bad" movies in the mix. I wish you and yours a wonderful Christmas season!

-- Joe Ray

Winter Blast Camp is Coming Soon!

The excitement for Winter Blast Camp has already begun! Join us Monday, 12/28 through Thursday, 12/31 for shaving cream, cheetos and much more!  They are already playing some of the games at Director Dan's house!

The Under-Appreciated Holiday

Of all the holidays we celebrate, Thanksgiving is the stepchild.  Thanksgiving falls between Halloween and Christmas.  If you go by merchandise sold in conjunction with this holiday, Thanksgiving barely moves the needle. Everyone knows when we have Christmas (December 25th) and Halloween (October 31st), but Thanksgiving? It’s on a Thursday.

You see Halloween decorations go up in neighborhoods in late September and Christmas decorations going up around Thanksgiving.  I get the feeling that Thanksgiving is simply the kickoff for Christmas.  I’m writing this article on Veterans’ Day, another unappreciated holiday, but that’s another article.

Personally, I like Thanksgiving for many of the same reasons other people enjoy this holiday.  I like to eat, watch football, and eat some more.  What makes watching football and eating extra enjoyable is I’m with my family – both families.  Our usual Thanksgiving schedule goes like this:  We eat lunch with one family, hang out a few hours, go to a football game, eat Thanksgiving dinner #2 with the second family on Friday, then spend Saturday watching football in a stupor.

It sounds so cliché to talk about giving thanks on Thanksgiving, but that’s what I do.  I’m grateful for my family, my wife, Susan, my mother and father, who are about to turn 92 and 93 respectively, my brother and sister, and a growing tribe of nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, nieces-in-law and nephews-in-law and nieces-in-law to be.

I think about grandmothers, grandfathers, aunts and uncles who are no longer with us, but I smile thinking of them – especially Aunt Trudy and Uncle Carter. Physically, they are not with us, but their legacy lives on.

During Thanksgiving, I realize how lucky I am.  No, my life isn’t perfect, but it takes longer to list things I am grateful for than it takes to list things I need.  Like the song says (and I paraphrase), “You can’t always get what you want; but if you have what you need you are really ahead of the game.”

Enjoy your families and let them enjoy you.  Laugh at your uncle’s jokes even if you have heard them before.  I apologize ahead of time to my nieces and nephews for saying for the umpteenth time as I plow into my dinner, “My body is a temple and I’m about to expand it.”  It really was funny in 1999.  My cats really like Thanksgiving.   After two solid days of eating, they have a bigger and fluffier lap to sleep on.

I hope all of you have a wonderful, stress-free, and happy Thanksgiving.

-- Joe Ray

Scary Influences on Our Kids and the Answers Camp Offers

Whether voluntarily or involuntarily, today’s kids are spending an inordinate amount of time in front of screens, including TVs, computers, tablets, and phones.   The other day, Brooklyn, Director Dan’s 2-year old daughter, was “talking” to Siri on the iPhone.  Dan wondered if she realized that the “person” she was talking to didn’t really have a personality.  It’s a wild concept to think that our children are comfortable interacting with a computer or phone like a person.  Further, it’s scary that a screen is part of their social interactions.  According to the Academy of Pediatrics, the average 8- to 10-year-old spends nearly eight hours a day with a variety of different media, and older children and teenagers spend more than 11 hours per day.

In a recent C.A.M.P. conference, Dr. David Welsh spoke on the negative effects of electronic media on our children’s lives, such as: inhibiting children’s ability to recognize emotions in others, becoming immune to violence, behaving more aggressively, arguing more with authority figures (e.g., parents, teachers), infringing on reading and studying time, promoting a sedentary lifestyle and contributing to the obesity epidemic, as well as losing the ability to focus on what is most important, deep thought, and problem-solving.  Technology is a poor substitute for personal interaction.

Camp is a powerful antidote for the many scary influences facing children today.  At camp, we are totally “unplugged.”  We require our campers and counselors to turn in their cell phones at the beginning of the camp day and they are not used again until the end of the day.   In addition, we have some parents who will not allow media use at the end of the day until they have dialogued with the camper about the day.  Camp promotes personal interaction between campers and counselors and encourages team-building.  Additionally, being physically active all day counteracts a sedentary lifestyle.  The type of activities and challenges at camp encourage focus, thought and problem-solving.  Camp provides campers with the opportunity to be outside in nature, breathing fresh air and enjoying the benefits of exercise and healthy activities.

This is why one of our core values is P.I.C.!!! – problem-solving, interpersonal skills, and creativity.  We strive at Doublecreek to be a safe, fun place for your camper.  But the ultimate benefits in today’s society can be broader than we comprehend.  Thank you for sending your kids to camp!!

-- Susu

Thank You DC Family

Thank you all for the kind words, the thoughtful messages and for being part of the Doublecreek family. Aunt Trudy left some mighty big shoes to fill, and a legacy that every child should feel special when they come into the gates of Camp Doublecreek.

Aunt Trudy -- You Have Left Handprints on Our Hearts

We are so blessed to have been a part of the world of Mrs.Trudy Lester. 
She was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher, motivator, and a legend. But to all of us that knew her, she was simply Aunt Trudy. We will miss her dearly.

Aunt Trudy -- Camp Legend

Saturday, September 12th, our camp legend, Aunt Trudy, joined Uncle Carter in Heaven. Mary Ann (Trudy) Lester was born in Pampa, Texas November 21, 1927 to Dr. D. H. and Clarice (Dodson) Truhitte. Her father was a pastor and the family moved to various churches in Missouri and Texas until 1942 when he was called to pastor Hyde Park Baptist Church in Austin. Mary Ann graduated from Austin High School in 1944. She attended Mary Hardin-Baylor after high school where she became "Trudy" which was a shortened version of her maiden name; and "Trudy" she has been ever since. She married Carter Lester on December 22, 1945. They were married 68 years until his death in March 2013.

Trudy graduated from the University of Texas in 1966 with a degree in Elementary Education.  She taught at Dawson and Pillow Elementary Schools in the Austin ISD until 1971 when she and Carter bought a cotton farm southeast of Round Rock. Together they founded Camp Doublecreek.

Once Doublecreek started, they were known as Uncle Carter and Aunt Trudy.  The new nicknames suited them.  They were truly an aunt and uncle to all the campers who came to Doublecreek and to all the counselors who worked for them.  Under their guidance, the camp flourished and grew from a camp with 32 campers on the first day to a camp that routinely has over 300 campers each day.

Trudy had a special touch that made the ordinary become unique.  Aunt Trudy made a camper’s day brighter in every way – it didn’t matter if she was greeting campers as they got off the bus or leading Sing-Song.  Aunt Trudy loved the campers and they loved her back.  During the last three or four summers, Aunt Trudy needed assistance moving from her golf cart to her seat at Sing-Song.  There was never a shortage of counselors and campers waiting to help Aunt Trudy.

Aunt Trudy was a wonderful woman who would do everything she could for you.  Her legacy lives on through the lives of thousands of campers and counselors who will remember her fondly with wonderful memories and lots of smiles. Her amazing legacy will live on in the hearts of all of us impacted by her inspirational life.

 Joe Ray

Please watch a video about the impact Aunt Trudy has made on all our lives:

https://youtu.be/_vWABVZ3dZs

Reflections on an Amazing Summer!

Watch our video where Director Dan reflects upon all the great times we had this past summer at Camp Doublecreek.

Best of the Summer!

Watch our video from our final week of camp!!!  We brought back favorite activities, games, and crafts from the summer!  It was a blast!!!  Here's the link:

https://vimeo.com/137046236

DC Challenge

This week’s theme is “DC Challenge.”  Dan and Griffin designed a unique challenge course appropriate for each age group.  This challenge employs skills that are taken for granted until someone has to perform the task in front of their group.

Station 1: A camper sits on a scooterboard and rolls to the designated finish line.  What does the rest of the group do?  They follow behind the scooterboard.  The temptation to run ahead is quelled by the fact that going ahead will not accomplish anything.  The team cannot advance until the task is complete.

Station 2:  The “Spidernet” station is where campers crawl under a series of ropes and bungee cords.  What is their reward?  They get to crawl through a mud pit.

Station 3:  The campers run or slide down a 40-ft. slip-n-slide, then sprint to one of our spray misters.

Station 4: The “Chewing” station sounds easy until you have to do it.  One member of the team has to chew and then swallow one Starburst candy.  First of all, Starbursts are not that easy to chew. Secondly, try chewing when everyone is screaming at you to chew faster.

Station 5:  Campers must ride or push the scooterboards completely around the circle drive.  At the finish of this task, someone has to drink a bottle of Gatorade or Powerade – again, not as easy as it sounds.

Station 6:  The campers head to the pool and one camper swims and dives to retrieve a Powerade bottle and swims back.

Station 7:  The group heads down the road leading to Ag.  They take a right and roll a tire down a dirt road.  This requires patience and persistence which most groups run out of halfway down the road.

Station 8:  The campers run back and go through the slip-n-slide, then through the water mister again.  After everyone in the group is through the mister, the clock is turned off.

The final time for each group can be modified.  Time can be subtracted by a great performance of the group at Sing-Song, or when one of their counselors wins a Counselor Challenge.

What does the DC Challenge instill in campers?  Does it instill a sense of pride or teamwork?  Don’t over-analyze the DC Challenge.  A lot of work went into the design and setting up of the course.  When the lead campers finished the course, they returned to the course to cheer on the rest of the group.   When everyone finished, I saw lots of cheering and smiles.  When you take up a challenge, you are trying to overcome obstacles.  What’s unique about the DC Challenge is that you can have fun while also having a sense of accomplishment!

Here's the link to this week's video:  https://vimeo.com/136375369

Final Fling Week

This is a tough article to write.  I’m writing about Camp Doublecreek and I’m not there.  I wish I was there, but I’m getting ready for the school year.  It’s interesting that we had quite a few teachers working at Doublecreek this year and several of us had something in common:  we worked right up to the last day possible.  I’m writing this article while sitting in an air-conditioned library.  Never mind the heat and humidity -- I’d rather be at Doublecreek! (Now that sounds like a familiar slogan.)  To keep this article relevant to the week, Dan has agreed to send me some daily high points.  Below is the written interaction between us:

Monday:
Dan - "I am so grateful for our terrific counselors.  I can tell each staff is working hard to finish the summer strong for the campers!  Things went very smooth today.  Not to mention we had a great Sing Song with Improv songs, skits and dancing."

Joe Ray - "The staff has worked creatively and tirelessly this summer.  With this group, there is always good news and bad news.  The good news – some will be back next summer; the bad news – some will have to move on."

Tuesday:
Dan - "It was great to see the Junior Counselors (JCs) take so much initiative today.  It gives a great glimpse into next summer. Today started the pick up point singing competition.  The campers and counselors did a great job.  Unfortunately. you have been replaced on your bus and now it is Griffin's White Bus (it does not hurt any that he is judging the contest.)":)

Joe Ray - "We've watched the JCs grow from campers into counselors.  Their evolution from, in some cases, mini-campers into counselors has been a joy to watch.  I often forget they are still in high school.  And, I will be happy to share my bus song with my nephew (Griffin) for a week."

Wednesday:
Dan - "The small group of counselors-in-training (CITs) are really stepping up and helping to cover groups. In addition, they taking out trash and restocking for the whole camp.  Many exciting games took place today in all age groups.  Some I do not remember playing this summer."

Joe Ray - "I have to give a special shout out to Dy’Rius, Eugene, Tommy and Rachel for the splendid job they did with our CITs.  This summer our CITs were awesome.  They were so eager and were a huge help around camp."

Thursday
Dan - "Today we crowned the winner of the pick up point singing competition.  Congrats to Henry for not only winning, but creating a new camp song!"

Joe Ray - "The pick up point counselors have done a great job maintaining our tradition of singing and entertaining on the bus.  One week, a camper asked me mid-morning when we were going home and when I asked, 'why?' he said because he loved play trivia on his bus."

Friday:
Dan - "Today went in true final style.  We had a great Sing Song: where I messed up 'Singing in the Rain' (that is why I let you lead the songs), the campers acted like the counselors as we passed out awards, the pool was drained as everyone swam in it and CvC (camper versus counselor soccer) came down to the wire with the series tied going into today's match.  Ultimately the counselors prevailed, but it fueled the fire for next summer!"

Joe Ray - "There are not enough awards to give for our staff.  Our lead counselors, Amber, Austin, Calvin, Dara, Dayna, Eugene, Gabe, Griffin, Parker, Sarah, Shannon, and Todd, provided incredible leadership and stability to rest of the staff.  Finally, Dan, Kim, Rachel and Susan kept the camp running on an even keel all summer. It is no surprise to me that this week was such a success."

I would like to thank the parents, grandparents, and legal guardians who trusted us with your children.  Without you we would not have a camp. Yes, this was the best summer ever.  Summer #45 is in the books.  I can’t wait for next summer!

 -- Joe Ray  

Have you ever heard of Fred and Ethel, Fred and Ginger, Fredand Wilma, Ricky and Lucy, Bonnie and Clyde, Sonny and Cher, Romeo and Juliet, and Superman and Lois Lane? I’m sure you get the idea so we can stop now!  These are famous couples, both real and imaginary, who have made their mark on history, literature, film and television.  Some couples are easily recognized while others have drifted into obscurity.

This week is Mr. and Mrs. Doublecreek Week.  We have five couples who may not be famous anywhere else, but at Doublecreek they are really a big deal!  This year’s couples are Griffin and Dara, Marisa and Nick, Katie and Hunter, Chad and Cassidy, and Rachel and Gabe.  They are going all out to win the coveted title of “Mr. and Mrs. Doublecreek.”

The couples compete in the following categories:  formal wear, swim wear, singing and dancing, and talent competition.  Of course, competition such as formal wear requires a leap of faith by the audience.  Expecting counselors to don evening dresses and tuxedos after playing with campers in Texas during August is a tad unrealistic.  But, they use a tried and true method employed often at Doublecreek:  imagination!!  They strut their stuff wearing fake boas, loud blazers, ridiculous shoes, boots or heels, oversized bowties, and crazy unkempt wigs.  They pretend they are “puttin’ on the Ritz” and the audience pretends they’re watching a Paris fashion show.

Swim wear can best be described as “floaties on parade.”  The highlight this year was a CPR demo which will never be confused with anything seen on “Baywatch.”

Thursday was the singing and dancing portion of the competition.  Since singing and dancing is what we do best at Doublecreek, this was a great show!  We had Katie, Hunter, Cassidy, and Chad combining to bring us a Broadway-style number complete with balloons, glitter and all the 7^th and up campers.  Nick and Marisa gave us a terrific two-step number that included a show-stopping entrance and exit which had Nick and Marisa riding off into the sunset – Hollywood-style.  Rachel and Gabe showed off their best dance steps to the tune “Footloose” while being backed up by our quick-stepping CITs.  Finally, Griffin and Dara treated us to a charming duet, by singing “Loveis an Open Door” from the movie “Frozen.”

In the end, Dara and Griffin won the coveted title of “Mr. and Mrs. Doublecreek.”  They join a 

growing line of deserving couples who have earned this title.  This title was won by performing onstage.  But Griffin and Dara are hardly our only deserving Mr. and Mrs. Doublecreek counselors.  We have dozens of potential candidates who give it up for our campers every period of every day.  They just don’t have the crown and scepter to show for it.

-- Joe Ray

Here's the link to this week's video:  https://vimeo.com/135716257

This week is “Glee Week” at Camp Doublecreek.  I must confess I’m not really up on Glee.  It was just this week that I realized that Glee and High School Musical were not the same show.  I have only a rudimentary understanding of Glee – there is some semblance of a plot line and a lot of singing.

However, Glee at Doublecreek started not on Monday this week, but the previous Friday.  TV writers would be proud to have created the scene we had at Sing-Song.  With a great deal of ceremony, sentiment and class, Griffin Reeder proposed to Dara Whiteside. Griffin and Dara are two of our favorite counselors and met and fell in love at Doublecreek. The scene had everything:  roses, memories, lots of clapping and cheering, more than a few teary eyes, and followed by lots of singing and dancing.

Then on Monday, July 27, 2015, Andrea Neal, the lovely wife of our Director, Dan Neal, gave birth to Sadie Carter Neal, who is the younger sister of the incomparable Brooklyn Grace Neal.

In light of Griffin and Dara’s engagement and Sadie’s arrival, Doublecreek Glee Week turned into real life romantic and joyful melodies.  With Dan being out to spend time with his family I did have moments where tunes like "I'm So Lonely" by Bobby Vinton or "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" by Elvis or Hank Williams (personally I think Elvis sang it better).

I’ve been very proud of our staff this week.  Starting with our office staff, adventure team, horseback riding crew, pool crew, group counselors and CITs, all have pitched in and enabled Doublecreek to run as smoothly as possible.  Many have taken on extra duties.  More than once this week, I’ve remembered something that needed to be taken care of, and when I checked, it had been done.  To these mystery staff members who took care of business, “Thank you!”!  These counselors make me think of the song "Men In The Ranks" because they know how to get things done.

I suppose most Glee episodes need to have drama to be memorable.  Thankfully, we have a different way to make things memorable at camp.  Our Glee episode has made me want to sing and dance.  But, in the true spirit of the show, I’ll refrain from doing either one and leave it to our talented counselors.

-- Joe Ray

Here's the link to this week's video:  https://vimeo.com/135002734

Watch our video from Week 7 -- DC World Cup. There was lots of soccer action and thrills, as well as horseback riding, swimming, rockwall and other great activities. Enjoy!!!

https://vimeo.com/134763237

World Cup Doublecreek Style

This is the week!  It’s soccer time at Doublecreek .  Forget the Women’s World Cup, Men’s World Cup, Gold Cup, Silver Cup, Bronze Cup, Iron Cup, and Tin Cup.  This is the Doublecreek World Cup.  Some might ask, “Don’t you think you’re going a tad overboard calling it the World Cup when only campers and counselors at Doublecreek play?”  Hey,  if the NFL, NBA, and MLB declare their champion a “world” champion, why can’t Doublecreek?

It works like this.  Grades Five and up campers will have six teams; third and fourth grades will have four teams.  The chairman of this endeavor, Austin Willliamson, will divide up the counselors and assign campers to each team.   Don’t worry about teams having unfair advantages based on talent being concentrated on one team.  This is Austin Williamson handling our soccer league, not Sepp Blatter.  Payments under the table are not going to happen.

There are the teams for the 5^th and Up groups:  USA, Mexico, Germany, Tanzania, Azerbaijan, and Armenia.  The teams for the 3^rd and 4^th Grades are:  USA, Mexico, Germany, and France.

We used to have teams named after cartoon characters, or we simply named them by color.  Naming the teams after countries has added a whole new dynamic to the contest.  We are planning an Opening Ceremony.  Will it match the Beijing Olympics?  We’ll see.  But you can’t have an Opening Ceremony without singing the national anthems of the countries.  I’ve never heard the Armenian national anthem, but I’m sure it will be something.  A camper asked me if these countries have “fight” songs.  I asked if he meant a national anthem.  He was emphatic that he knew the difference between a national anthem and a fight song, and did Azerbaijan have a fight song?  I told him I was sure they did.  So if you have a child scouring the Internet for the Azerbaijan fight song, you can blame me. (Just a thought – what would the good ‘ole USA use as a fight song?)

Anyway, back to the Doublecreek World Cup.  Everyone involved is into the World Cup with everything they’ve got.  We have games going in two venues.  In the true spirit of international cooperation and good will, no quarter is requested and none is given.

What I find particularly interesting is how campers and counselors have adopted their assigned countries.  For one week, they are proud to be Germans, Armenians, Tanzanians, Frenchmen (or Frenchwomen), etc.  Several participants either brought or made replicas of their country’s World Cup shirt.

While I’ve seen intense competition on the pitch, I haven’t seen tears shed by the losers.  In spite of the semi-fierce competition, it’s all been in fun!  That is a buzz word at Doublecreek – have fun!  We have fun every week, but this special week we had fun singing, Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole!

—Joe Ray

Camp Doublecreek Pop Mash Up 2015

Watch our extremely talented Doublecreek Staff as they sing, dance, swim, ride, and fly to this year's Pop Mash Up!

Discovery on the Doublecreek Channel!

The theme at Doublecreek this week is “Shark Week.”  Forty years ago the specter of sharks as the ultimate feeding machine was forever etched in our psyche with the release of the movie “Jaws.”  The pulsating theme and the climactic duel between the shark and three men manning the doomed fishing boat, the “Orca,” became a cultural phenomenon.  Sharks have always frightened us, but “Jaws” made some people afraid to swim in a lake, much less the ocean.

Sharks are now so ingrained in the public imagination, cable channels devote an entire week to them.  Every summer the Discovery Channel airs “Shark Week.”  Well, Doublecreek has it’s own version of “Shark Week” which is about having fun with sharks – not dispensing information about the silent killers.

Allow me to digress a moment.  Why does the Discovery Channel devote a week to sharks?  I guess it’s for the ratings.  They will show sharks one week and then the next week could be about Alaskan Bush People or Airplane Repossession – whatever people will watch.  Programming evolves or stays the same based on the interests of the viewing public.

The programming at Doublecreek is always evolving.  Take a look at the photos of the campers fifteen years ago.  There was no rockwall, no paintball field, no waterslide, no indoor/outdoor soccer field, no 4-square cage, no gaga ball pit, no gun safety, and no miniature golf.  Go back thirty years and you will see only one flag pole in the middle of the circle drive and archery targets but no covered shed where campers could sit.  We had Sing-Song at the Big Shed.  We didn’t have the Dance Barn – we had a tent.  I could go on and on about the physical changes to the campus, but there are other changes.  Soccer was played sparingly – today it is played 2-3 periods during the day.  Doublecreek has caught up to the rest of the world.  Games such as freeze tag, tether ball, and horse shoes have all but disappeared.  They have been replaced by Lava Lake, Rolly Polly Bowling, and Knockout, among others. Some of the games should strange, but campers know what they are and how to play them.  Some games are the same – 4-square and Blooperball are the same after 30-odd years.

Another thing that hasn’t changed is that Doublecreek is a place of discovery.  You find out many things about yourself.  You can discover that rockwalls can be scaled, waterslides can be fun, and horses are not scary.  Some discoveries made at Doublecreek are significant, others are subtle.  It was through Doublecreek that I realized I wanted to go into education.  That is a common trait among counselors, beginning with Aunt Trudy.  I counted over three dozen counselors who became teachers or who are studying to be teachers while working at Doublecreek.  There are many counselors who became doctors, lawyers, business owners, and law enforcement officers.  Did they discover their life’s work going through a summer at Doublecreek?  Who knows?

One discovery I’ve seen at Doublecreek is that if a camper comes to Doublecreek, it’s because they will have an opportunity to ride horses, swim, play soccer, dance, play paintball, scale a climbing tower, or participate in countless other activities.  If a camper returns year after year, there are other factors at work.  I believe it has to do with a caring and energetic staff.

Discovery is a fluid process at Doublecreek.  We may not learn very much about sharks, but as campers and counselors go through a day, then a week, and maybe several weeks together, they can discover many things about each other, but most importantly, they discover more about themselves.

 -- Joe Ray

Here's the link to this week's video:  https://vimeo.com/133718895

Everybody Dance Now!

It is third period on Thursday and the 1^st Grade Girls have just finished the Scavenger Hunt (actually it’s a clue hunt, but that doesn’t matter), so what do they do next?  They dance!  This week’s theme is “Dancingwith the Counselors” at Camp Doublecreek and Friday at Sing-Song all the groups will be dancing with their counselors.  Every chance they practice.  They are very serious about this, but not too serious.  Groups want to do well, but they want to have a good time doing it. 

I watched the 2^nd Grade Boys practice their routine to “Let It Go” from the movie from the movie "Frozen.” You haven’t lived until you watch 2^nd Grade Boys try to channel their inner Princess Elsa. Later I saw the 3^rd Grade Girls practicing their dance to “Thriller.”  What a camp!  The boys channel their inner Elsa while the girls channel their inner zombie.

Group dancing takes place on Friday.  On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday this week at Sing-Song, we have pairs or semi-pairs dancing.  We have 15 counselors who “volunteer” to dance with a camper.  Campers enter a drawing to be one of the lucky partners of the counselors.  Once the pairs are decided, the fun really begins.  The groups who are scheduled for Tuesday do not have much time to pull a routine together, but they always come up with routines that are clever and fun to watch.

Fifteen pairs (or should I say, 14 pairs and one group of ten), put on a great show.  I’m not sure who had more fun – the dancers or the audience.  It doesn’t matter.  This isn’t "American Idol."  We don’t have judges; we don’t have a trophy. While it’s not “Dancing with the Stars,” all our performers are winners!

-- Joe Ray

Here's the link to our "Dancing with the Counselors" video:  https://vimeo.com/133397322

Red, White and Blue

Red, White and Blue

With the 4^th of July right around the corner, the phrase “Red, White, and Blue” takes on a special meaning.  I’m talking about our flag, our country, and the freedoms we enjoy.  All families have special ways of celebrating July 4^th:  picnics, family reunions, trips to the lake, cookouts, and fireworks.

Doublecreek spends the entire week celebrating July 4^th.  In the past we celebrated in a style unique to Doublecreek.  Early on we had cookouts.  The day before the 4^th, Uncle Carter would fire up the grill and grill hot dogs for the entire camp.  When you have less than 100 campers, that’s an option we do not have now with 300+ campers.

Later we had 4^th of July parades.  We would decorate everything that moved.  Golf carts, wagons, trucks, tractors, horses, goats, and campers were all decked out with every combination of red, white and blue you could imagine.  One year, we had a marching band made up entirely of kazoo players.  Hearing “You’re a Grand Old Flag” played by kazoos was truly a memorable experience.  The only problem we had with our parades was the audience or lack thereof.  With the exception of Uncle Carter, Aunt Trudy and the camp nurse, everybody else was in the parade.

For the bi-centennial celebration in 1976, we were very ambitious.  We tried to re-enact Washington crossing the Delaware in the pool.  We used wading pools as boats.  It was spectacular – except for all the boats capsizing and the entire company swimming to the side, it went very well!

Recently we’ve had groups singing an assigned song – usually a military song.  Every summer, Uncle Carter would lead a stirring rendition of “The Army Air Corp” song.

Uncle Carter served his country with pride during World War II along with millions of men and women of the “greatest generation.”  Except for going AWOL (away without leave) once (I’m not sure it was even noticed), he served with distinction.  I should mention that when he went AWOL, it was for a very good reason – to attend my parents’ wedding, where he gave away the bride.  It’s a pretty good story, but that’s another article.

However you celebrate the 4^th, remember to either thank or honor those who have served our country.  I’ll remember Uncle Carter for the way he served his country, for the way he led his life, and the wonderful influence he had on me and thousands of Doublecreek campers and counselors. 

I will be sure to thank my father for his service and for being a wonderful father to me.  I will thank my nephew, Griffin Reeder, for serving his country now and for being a nephew I am truly proud of.

I apologize for hijacking this article to show my love and appreciation to members of my family.  Please forgive me.

If you have memories of Uncle Carter or if you would like to thank members of your family for their service, please post on our Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/CampDoublecreek

If I can do it, you can do it.  Hey, it’s a free country.

-- Joe Ray

Here's the link to the video from Red, White and Blue week:  https://vimeo.com/132842968

This week was Doublecreek's Got Talent! Boy, did we ever have some talented campers! We had dancing, singing, gymnastics, tumbling, and even some horseback riding in the show! Here's the link to our video this week! Enjoy!

https://youtu.be/ATCd80RhEdI

Want to See Some Talent?

This week’s theme is “Doublecreek’s Got Talent.”  Boy, do we have talent!  Want to hear singing?  Come to Doublecreek.  Want to see dancing?  Come to Doublecreek.  Want to see tumbling and gymnastics?  Come to Doublecreek.  Want to see magic?  Wait for the next David Copperfield special.

We have a building called The Dance Barn.  It’s where we have Sing-Song.  It is also where we have an activity called “dance party.”  This is place for 4-Square, sitting and chilling, and listening to music.  Listening is not the right word.  Counselors act as DJs while campers and counselors sing and dance to the music.  I often wander through the area to take in the sights and sounds. What strikes me the most is to listen to campers take the microphone and belt out songs that range from “Let It Go” to 1980’s rock ballads.

This week at Sing-Song you will see campers singing, dancing, and doing handstands, cartwheels, round-offs, and splits.  I believe some intrepid campers will also do impressions.  We held “try-outs” Monday afternoon during second snack time.  Maybe try-out is not the right word.  Campers told us what they wanted to do; we asked for a short demo; and then told them to practice really hard because they were in the show.  We are not looking for jaw-dropping talent – we are looking for campers who want to express themselves.  All the acts are special on a certain level because when campers take the stage, they are taking a huge risk.  I’m always surprised by who wants to perform.

I still remember one talent show from the early 1970’s.  We had a camper who did a split into a handstand on a balance beam (yes, we had balance beams and tumbling tables at one point).  Another camper juggled eggs, but not very well – all were broken within 10 seconds.  Fortunately, Uncle Carter stopped him before he destroyed the entire carton.  One boy solemnly came to the stage, opened a book, and began singing “The Star-Spangled Banner.”  We all looked uncertain about what to do until Uncle Carter stood and placed his hand over his heart.  We all followed his lead.

But the last act was . . . well, let me give you some background.  A shy girl came to camp.  She was staying with her grandparents while her parents were moving to New York.  She was to fly up to meet them when they were settled.  I was the 11-14 year-old group counselor then.  She kept to herself and seemed disinterested in every aspect of camp.  I was surprised when she told me she wanted to represent our group in the talent show.  Since the only other act was a boy who could make squeaking noises by placing his hand under his armpit, I told her she was on.

On the day of the talent show, she showed up at the pickup point with a guitar case.  So after the eggs on the floor and a very squeaky rendition of our National Anthem, a girl who up to this point had hardly said a complete sentence since she came to Doublecreek took the stage.  After adjusting her guitar, she began to play and sing “The Night They Drove OldDixie Down.”  It was beautiful; it was perfect.  While she played, not a sound was heard.  When she finished, she waited. For two, maybe three long seconds, there was absolute silence.  Then we came out of our trance and the crowd erupted into applause.  I’ve forgotten the girl’s name, but I’ll never forget the smile on her face after her performance and for the rest of the week.

Because of a talent show, a camper was willing to embrace and be embraced by the Doublecreek Family. 

-- Joe Ray

What Does It Take to be a Super Hero?

This week is Super Heroes Week at Camp Doublecreek.  What is a Super Hero?  What does it take to be a super hero?  Could you be a super hero?  There is a Super Hero Quiz you can take to find out which Super Hero you would be.

On a scale of 1 to 5, “1” being a definite “No” and “5” being a definite “Yes,” I answered 47 questions pertaining to super hero status. Some questions made sense, such as:  Do you like to fly?  Do you like to wear a cape? Are you a persistent do-gooder? Are you good at acrobatics?  Are you athletic? Are you a fast runner? Are you obviously powerful?

I honestly didn’t see any relevance to being a super hero on some of the questions.  Maybe you can help me.  Here’s a sample:  Do you like redheads?  Do you have long hair?  Are you beautiful?  Are you young at heart?

I took the test and guess what?  According to the survey, I am . . . wait for it . . . “Superman!”  Well, I’m sort of like Superman.  I scored 60% on the Superman scale when I answered the questions honestly (like a 61 year-old man would).  I guess I’m the “geezer” version of Superman.

But what are the characteristics that make a super hero?  It’s a long list.  Studying the list, I made a connection.  I see these traits every day.  Here is a sample of some super hero traits:  careful, cautious, confident, creative, curious, exuberant, dutiful, intelligent, light-hearted, logical, savvy, stead, serious, whimsical, adventuresome, dedicated, and finally, one-of-a-kind.

As I said, I see these traits every day at the activities all around camp. I see counselors displaying super hero traits in all kinds of situations.  While the situations I observe are not the fictional saving-the-world scenarios, they are real to everyone involved.  The seriousness of the scenarios seen at Camp Doublecreek range from helping a camper overcome their fear of heights to go down the zip line to watching campers figure out who made the winning gesture while playing “Giants, Wizards, and Elves.”

Actually, it’s not just counselors who exemplify super hero traits at camp.  I see campers displaying super hero traits that I have come to appreciate.  Some campers are very curious – they never tire of tracking Rollie-Pollies or Ladybugs.  Want to see some bravery?  Watch a camper stand at the top of the water slide tower, take a deep breath, and then go for it!  The examples of campers and counselors discovering new skills and experiencing new adventures are endless.

For identification purposes, the trait “one-of-a-kind” sets all super heroes apart.  It’s how you know one super hero from another, how Batman differs from Superman.   The campers and counselors at Doublecreek are all one-of-a-kind.  They are all special.  I’m lucky.  Most people have to buy a comic book to see a super hero.  Me, all I have to do is start the bus in the morning.

Doublecreek Dash

Week 2 Super Hero Week 001

The Great DC Race

This week, Camp Doublecreek embarks on the Great DC Race. Movie buffs will wonder if this is Camp Doublecreek’s way of paying homage to the 1965 movie, “The Great Race,” starring Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, and Natalie Wood.  After all, this is the 50th Anniversary of the release of this above average movie.  I don’t think so!

I don’t remember Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis engaging in drawing each other’s portrait in twenty seconds using ketchup and mustard like we did this week at Sing-Song.  The contest was short, but very intense!  It is hard to capture the essence of a person with condiments better suited for a hamburger, but the eight teams gave it their all.

I have no idea what obstacles and challenges these teams are going to be put through this week, but I have no doubt they will be met with energy and resourcefulness – two traits all Doublecreek counselors must have.

Challenges come in various ways.  Some challenges don’t seem like challenges at all, such as:  getting campers off the bus, getting campers from one activity to another, and handing out snack cards and lunches.  I’d better hold up on saying handing out lunches is not a challenge.  Getting the correct lunches in the hands of 300+ campers every day is no easy task.  But thanks to our fabulous office staff, it goes surprisingly smooth.

Many of our activities have built-in challenges.  Horseback requires our riding staff to keep campers safe while having fun.  This can be challenging since many of the campers have never approached a horse, much less ridden, until they come to Doublecreek.

There are challenges at swimming to help campers feel comfortable in the water.  For many campers, their first experiences of putting their head under water, going off a diving board, and down a 40-ft. waterslide, happens at Doublecreek.

We have challenges at the rockwall.  Again, keeping campers safe while allowing campers to push themselves to reach new heights (literally), is a challenge for both campers and counselors.

It is always a source of satisfaction to see campers succeed at things they are not comfortable with at first or just making the attempt.  It is not always important to succeed – it is important to just try!

So, back to the Great DC Race – unlike the movie version which is full of contrived, challenges, Doublecreek campers and counselors take on very real challenges every day.  This is one of the important core values of Camp Doublecreek!  If you offer children the opportunity to meet challenges, you are giving them the chance to build character.

-- Joe Ray

DC Great Challenge 1

DC Great Challenge

Preparing for the 1st Day of Camp

Horseback Riding Lessons at Camp Doublecreek

Horseback riding lessons: This program has a limited enrollment available on a first-come, first-served basis and has an additional fee of $30.00 a week. This program features western-seat equitation. Students will receive daily 25 minutes of horsemanship instruction along with 25 minutes of riding instruction. The horsemanship portion of this class includes learning about the behavior of horses, breeds, colors, grooming, tack, common illnesses, and other pertinent information.

http://www.campdoublecreek.com

DC Rap Video -- Get Ready for Camp!!

We're so excited that camp starts next week!  Get ready!!!

Camp Doublecreek's Pop Mashup 2013

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHeP_SLI_Lw

Camp Doublecreek's Pop Mash up 2012

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Apc_1FX-as

Enjoy our Camp Doublecreek Staff Dance Mash Up 2014!!

https://youtu.be/i12MiE9LgYI

Camp Doublecreek Staff Pop Mash Up 2014. This video features our talented camp counselors!!! They are the best!

Visit our website at: http://www.campdoublecreek.com

History of Camp Doublecreek

Check out our new video that tells the story of the beginnings of Camp Doublecreek!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCTjR2vGxmM

Cranking It Up!!!

We're Cranking It Up for Summer!

Crank it Up -- Getting Ready for Summer Day Camp

It’s that time of year.  Winter is totally behind us; summer is right around the corner.  It is spring.  We do not get much of spring here in Texas, but while it is here I really enjoy it.  I love the different shades of green I see while driving in the country.  I love the wildflowers.  I really love all the newborn animals.  In short, I go through a rejuvenation.

Spring is a busy time at Doublecreek.  It takes a lot of work by a lot of people to get Camp Doublecreek ready for the summer. Every spring we can count on wearing out at least one lawnmower or edger keeping the grass under control.  We go through gallons of paint sprucing up the buildings.  But this is nothing compared to the thousands of gallons of water it takes to fill the pool.

Starting in May, counselors begin working at Doublecreek to get camp ready.  Everything from the pool to the buses, from the buildings to the dressing rooms is swept clean.  This is a special time.  A lot of sweat and bonding happens as we’re getting ready for summer.

There is always something new being introduced at Doublecreek.  It may be a new building we are putting up or a new game or activity we are planning.  This year we have the new and improved Aunt Trudy's Mini Room, Indoor/Outdoor Soccer, and Spikeball.

But the most interesting new element is a human element.  Every year we have new counselors join our staff.  I see many of them waiting nervously for their interview.  For most of them, this is their first job interview.  The next time I see them they are more relaxed, because the next time I seen them they are Doublecreek counselors.

A new counselor is apprehensive, but eager.  They have significant training and work to do before they say “Good morning! to their first camper.  We try as hard as we can to make sure they are ready.  Just like we work as hard as we can to get the campus ready.

I’ve gone through 44 springs at Doublecreek getting ready for the summer.  There is one constant about getting camp ready – it is never ready.  I can’t remember a single time when the night before camp started that Aunt Trudy, Uncle Carter, Scott, or Dan said, “Well, that’s it – there’s nothing more to do.”  There is always one more thing to do.

So if you are a new counselor or a new camper and you are so nervous and excited about your first day at Doublecreek you can’t sleep, I have one thing to say to you:  “Relax and welcome to the club.”


Go few some of our great camp videos on YouTube.