Elks Camp

Texas Elks Children's Services, Inc.
1963 FM 1586
Gonzales, Texas 78629
Phone: 830-875-2425
Fax: 830-875-5455

2008 Application

Note: Adobe Reader is required to download and print the application

Eligibility

Any child with a special need, between the ages of 7 and 15, who is a resident of the state of Texas is eligible for admission to Texas Elks Camp. An admissions committee thoroughly reviews each application. No child is denied acceptance on the basis of his or her income level, ethnic origin, race, creed, color or religion. There is no fee. Campers are accepted on a "first-come, first-serve" basis.

Purpose

Texas Elks Camp provides special needs children with an opportunity to try new things and to make new friends. Campers are encouraged to make their own decisions and become more independent. The final results are an improved self-esteem and a willingness to accept new challenges. Parents often notice dramatic positive changes after only one week at camp.

Facilities

Texas Elks Camp is located in the heart of Texas on 8 rural acres between Luling and Gonzales. Campers live within the 18,000 square foot air-conditioned building, which is totally accessible for all handicapping conditions. Our neighbor, Palmetto State Park, is accessible for fishing and hiking. The Gonzales Elks Lodge provides a large swimming pool.

Activities

- Swimming
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Athletics
- Field Trips
- Bowling
- Dance

- Arts and Crafts
- Cookouts
- Horseback Riding
- Team-building
- Leadership Skills
- Talent Show

Participation and learning, not competition and winning, are stressed in each of these activities.

State-Licensed Youth Camp

Staff

All counselors at Texas Elks Camp must have a commitment to special needs children and some experience working with children or a background in camping. All counselors go through a week of intense training to prepare them to work with special needs children. Most counselors at Texas Elks Camp are majoring in therapeutic recreation, special education, elementary education, social work, nursing or pre-med. In addition to the counseling staff, Texas Elks Camp also employs a camp director, registered nurses, certified bus drivers, kitchen personnel, office personnel, maintenance personnel and housekeeping personnel.

Health and Safety

All staff members at Texas Elks Camp are trained in First Aid and CPR. Lifeguards are on duty at all aquatic activities. A licensed nurse and/or counselor trained in emergency medical procedures is with the campers at all times. Our nurses have a fully equipped office with first aid supplies. A doctor is on call at all times and has provided our nurses with standing orders. The nearest hospital emergency room is ten minutes away and an EMS unit can be at camp within eight minutes. Finally, the camper to counselor ratio is an excellent 3:1.

General Information

Meals	Texas Elks Camp provides campers with three balanced meals per day. Campers are given a snack before bedtime. Because of the heat, fresh water is always available.
Mail	Campers are given time the first two days to write home to parents. Parents are encouraged to write during camp, but phone calls are prohibited except in the case of an emergency.
Medication	All prescription medications brought will be dispensed only in accordance with written doctor's orders.

To Apply: call 830.875.2425

Applications not available until January 2.