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Rob Watson, Director of Camps and Conferencesrob.watson@dwtx.org(210/888) 824-5387

Camp Capers418 FM 1621Waring, TX 78013camp.capers@dwtx.org

Duncan Park2992 James Basin RoadWard, CO 80481 laura.kean@dwtx.org

Mustang Island Conference Center6981 Hwy 361 Port Aransas, TX 78373 lynn.corby@dwtx.org

About Us Episcopal Diocese of West Texas Camp ProgramsSummer 2017 brings new chances to swim in the sparkling waters off the Gulf Coast, explore the pristine forests of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, and create friendships that last a lifetime in the Texas Hill Country. Dedicated to bringing people together to experience the transforming love of Jesus Christ and equipping them to share His love with the world, the Department of Camps & Conferences celebrates the new and ongoing programs at Mustang Island Conference Center, Duncan Park, and Camp Capers. All are invited to attend a session and grow alongside this dynamic, Christian community.

“BEHOLD, I make all things new.” - Revelation 21:5Join the summer camp ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas, where children, adults, and families encounter the love of Christ in one another and are invited into a mindful life of learning and faith. Each location offers a unique experience - a traditional, overnight summer camp for children entering grades 3 - 12 at Camp Capers, a trip and travel program at Duncan Park, Colorado for adventurers of all ages, and a family-centered weekend getaway at Mustang Island Conference Center. Make time to meet new friends from throughout Texas and beyond, ignite your spirit of adventure, encounter the stirring of the Holy Spirit in the beauty of God’s creation, seek a closer relationship with Christ, and have fun!

Scholarships Are AvailableFor more information and to register, visit www.dwtx.org/camps

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EXPERIENCES

Inside

A refreshing energy fills the air at Duncan Park, filtering through the pine trees and aspen groves. Comfortably furnished cabins and lodge rooms make this rustic camp a true mountain retreat. Duncan Park’s Summer Camp programming for youth, college students, and adults runs throughout the summer. Duncan Park is located 20 miles west of Boulder, CO and surrounded on three sides by nationally protected forests. Removed from the fast pace of modern life, this off-the-grid retreat center allows people to reconnect with faith, with self, with nature, and with each other.

All camps include roundtrip airfare from San Antonio, TX to Denver, CO where an Adventure Guide meets the group and drives them to Duncan Park. Backpacking camps can take up to nine hikers, from beginners to seasoned trekkers, and the adventure camps can host up to 30 campers.

Planted on the ocean’s edge, Mustang Island Conference Center provides a restful retreat for body, mind, and spirit.

From morning strolls along the shoreline to evening prayers at the setting of the sun, Mustang Island Family Camp fills each day with opportunities to connect with your loved ones, to foster a life of faith, and to appreciate the beauty of God’s coastal creation. Recharge from your daily grind with a refreshing, beach getaway.

Weekend sessions of Family Camp span 4 days and 3 nights, beginning with dinner on Thursday and finishing with a scrumptious lunch after Sunday morning’s worship service. Every room at the conference center has a private balcony view of the beach and is a short walk from the dining hall.New for Summer 2017, the Mid-Week session of Family Camp (July 17-19) will begin early Monday afternoon and end Wednesday afternoon. The rates for this abbreviated session are noted on brochure insert. Each day, Family Camp staff lead activities for children and families including surf lessons, a variety show, youth game night, environmental projects, and a special Family Camp art project. The dynamic Mustang Island cooks prepare and serve three delicious meals each day, and a family-friendly worship service, led by an Episcopal priest, concludes your evening. Recognizing the preciousness of unplanned time, all activities are optional, and there is plenty of time for playing on the beach as well as relaxing. Boogie boards, surfboards, sand castle supplies, and s’mores ingredients are provided. Guests are invited to bring favorite floaties, fishing rods, family members, and friends, too! After all, this is your island home.

“ I really enjoy the ability to spend time with my family—away from the day-to-day—and not having to plan anything. It really makes a stress free time to just enjoy being together.” - Steve, returning Family Camp participant

“ Location was beautiful. Meaningful conversations with folks. Variety show was SO cute! Loved how God connected us with families who had wisdom in areas where we were struggling. They were an answer to our prayers!” - Nikki, first time at Family Camp

“ I loved how everyone made the kids feel important. The way they got them to open up and participate in activities. The kids loved it. We all loved it.” - Bettye, attended Family Camp with grandkids

Summer calendar filling fast? Consider Spring Break Family Camp (March 13 - 17) and Labor Day Family Camp (September 1 - 4), for a long weekend with soul refreshment. Families can unplug from smart phones and reconnect with each other, making time to play, pray, sing, and break bread together. Family Camp is for people of all ages. So call your relatives, pack your sunscreen, and sign up today!

A team of paid and volunteer staff members brings energy and enthusiasm to each session of Summer Camp. To work at Camp Capers, each person must pass a comprehensive application process, including a background check, professional references, face-to-face interviews, and a week of onsite leadership training. A team of Program Staff facilitates continual feedback throughout the summer, as well. Each week Episcopal priests and lay leaders serve as spiritual teachers and program guides in the roles of Dean, Chaplain, and Teacher. Select high school juniors and seniors volunteer as co-counselors, serving as peer role models and supporting the head counselor for each cabin. The transition from camper to junior counselor is part of the ongoing traditions at Camp Capers, and each co-counselor also receives thorough training and guidance as they grow into this vital leadership position.

Summer 2017 introduces Duncan Park’s first session for younger campers! The Jr. High Camp is open to youth entering eighth and ninth grade in the fall. Activities will include day trips like Rocky Mountain National Park and outdoor rock-climbing, games and sports on-site at Duncan Park, hiking excursions, Bible study, and worship services. Campers will fly with a chaperone to Denver on Sunday and then return to San Antonio with a chaperone on Friday. The high school Adventure Camp infuses each day with a new adventure activity, including whitewater rafting, hiking, and rock climbing. Campers get to experience the wild beauty of Colorado first-hand, meet new friends, and learn more about God and themselves. This session is open to rising 10th graders through graduated 12th graders.

The Explorer’s Camp is a mixture of off-site adventure activities, time to enjoy Duncan Park, and an overnight backpacking and camping excursion. Backpacking equipment is provided. This session is also open to rising 10th graders through graduated 12th graders.

The Backpacking Camp challenges campers to meet the mountains up close and personal. Upon arrival at Duncan Park, the group learns basic backcountry survival skills, and then spends four days and three nights hiking the trails in the Roosevelt & Arapaho National Forests with experienced guides. Backpacking equipment is provided; session open to rising 10th to 12th graders and college students.

Renew - Reflect - Connect allows adults from throughout the diocese and beyond to recharge physically and spiritually, leave email inboxes behind, and enjoy a few days in the mountains. Optional activities include whitewater rafting and horseback riding, a day at Rocky Mountain National Park, and other local hikes. This session is open to all adults, 22 years and older.

Duncan Park also offers a Backpacking Camp for Adults to prove that there is no age limit on adventure. This session is open to everyone, 22 years-plus, with no previous backpacking experience necessary. Led by experienced trail guides, hikers will learn tips and tricks for a successful long hike, and then complete a multi-day trek through the stunningly beautiful Colorado Rockies.

“ My favorite part of the trip was seeing God’s creation. Our first campsite we were next to this creek and the mountains were BEAUTIFUL! Spiritually, being with God’s creation made me realize that sometimes it’s okay to let go! It’s important to get out of your routine to try something different.” - Anne, Youth Backpacking Camp

“ This was the first ‘church camp’ I’ve ever attended, and I can’t think of a better way to strengthen my relationship with God. I’m already planning a return trip for next summer and would encourage others to do the same!” - Cody, Explorers Camp

Camp Capers Summer Camp8 camp sessions from June 4 to August 12

Duncan ParkSummer Camp Programs for Youth & Adults6 sessions from June 18 to August 5

Mustang Island Conference Center Mustang Island Family Camp12 weekend sessions plus 1 mid-week session from June 1 to September 4

This year Camp Capers celebrates 70 years of providing fun, life-changing opportunities in a welcoming, Christian environment, and you’re invited to join the party! Time passes differently at Camp Capers Summer Camp. Days unfold as campers kayak along the Guadalupe River, sing praise songs in the open-air chapel, form Christian community with friends new and old, and end the day with prayer under starry skies. Adventure waits around every corner with campers conquering the high-ropes challenge course together, exploring the great outdoors on Camp Capers’ 188 acres, or taking a flying leap into the swimming pool. A week at camp plants the seeds for lessons and friendships that continue to bear fruit over a lifetime.

Summer Camp at Camp Capers gives children and youth the chance to connect with peers from throughout Texas and beyond, learn self-confidence, engage in Bible teachings and worship services, and have a blast in the spectacular Texas Hill Country. Each week-long session revolves around faith, friendship, and fun. Up to 170 campers attend each session, determined by the grade campers will start in the forthcoming fall semester. From the youngest campers, to graduated seniors heading off to college, opportunities abound to make a new friend, achieve a new goal, or explore a new understanding of what it means to follow Christ.

Camp Capers is 45 miles outside of San Antonio, located in the rolling Texas Hill Country. Campers move through the week with their cabin groups, each led by a dedicated, well-trained college age counselor, volunteer co-counselor, and program staff. A typical day at camp begins around the breakfast table in the dining hall before sending out the different cabins for morning teaching and activities. Lunch is followed by a rest period and an afternoon that has time blocks for swimming in the river or pool, adventures on ropes course elements like the Big Swing and Rock Wall, crafts, camp-wide games, and sports. After dinner, there is a different camp-wide activity each night, like Human Clue or a variety show, followed by an evening vespers service and cabin Bible study. Senior high campers get to spend one night sleeping under the stars on an overnight campout.

“ Night chapel was my favorite part of the day; you could feel the energy of everyone coming together as one as we all opened up to God. Thank you for giving me this amazing opportunity that I will never forget.” - Marianne, first-time camper after attending Sr. High A

“ This was Caidan’s first time at camp, and he LOVED it. He loved the music, counselors, and the garden. He can’t wait to go to Mid-Winter Camp and Summer Camp each year from here on out. Thank all of you for sharing God’s love and may God bless each one of you.” - Jr. High A camper parent

Duncan Park Programs for Youth

Duncan Park Programs for Adults

Spring Break and Labor DayFamily Camp 2017

Leadership