Transitions

I’m sure you have heard the phrase, “the more things change -- the more things stay the same.”  This phrase has always seemed to be on the cryptic side to me.  But when I apply it to Camp Doublecreek, it makes sense.  If there’s a place that’s changed over the years, it’s Camp Doublecreek.

Physically, the camp has gone through dramatic changes.  When Doublecreek opened in 1971, it consisted of the Red Building, which was half the size it is now, a pool which didn’t have a fence or sidewalk, and a tennis court without a fence (that feature encouraged long rallies). We had one water fountain, one bus, one tree (maybe), a van and a camp pickup truck that was built during the Eisenhower Administration.

From those austere and barren beginnings, Doublecreek has morphed into the camp that features waterslides, a laser tag area, and a forty-foot tall rockwall, a playscape, a miniature golf course, shades, and buildings which functions range from storing sports equipment to a place to make arts and crafts.  Did I mention that we now have grass and trees – lots of trees?

Doublecreek has been special from the first day Uncle Carter drove the blue van to the front door of the red building where Aunt Trudy was waiting on the front porch to greet the campers.  I wish I could describe the vibrant atmosphere with makes Doublecreek so unique.  You can’t describe it – you just have to experience it.  The Doublecreek experience was fueled, developed and nurtured by Uncle Carter and Aunt Trudy for over forty years.  It is a grand testament to both of them that they created this wonderful camp and that their spirit continues after their passing.

The ownership of Doublecreek has passed from Uncle Carter and Aunt Trudy to their daughters, Judy Kirtley and Jane Neal.  Both of these women have a deep investment in Doublecreek.  Judy is in charge of the camp nurses and often serves as the camp nurse.  Her husband, Bruce, has on countless occasions been the reason our swimming pool and buses continue to run.  Judy’s daughter, Tracy Jane Johnson, worked as a counselor and riding instructor.  Her son, Scott, was a counselor and also served as Camp Director from 2002 until his passing in 2007.  Scott’s wife, Deana, served as our mini-camper counselors for many years.

Jane Neal set up Doublecreek’s horseback riding program.  Despite the fact that Jane and her husband, Pancho, live in Burleson, TX, they often make their way down to Round Rock to check in on camp.  All of Jane’s sons, Dan, Drew, Tim and Paul have been counselors at Doublecreek.  Her oldest son, Dan Neal, is the current Director of Camp Doublecreek.

There is a logical symmetry to having Judy and Jane step into the void left by Uncle Carter’s and Aunt Trudy’s passing.  The physical look of Doublecreek may change, the programming may change, but the heartbeat remains the same.  Campers still smile and laugh as they run from one activity to the next knowing that they will be cared for and loved.  Yes, the owners may have changed, but the love remains the same.

 Joe Ray