A: There is a health-care provider living on-site during each week of camp. Parents will be contacted by the Camp Director in case of illness or injury.
A: Campers are grouped by age level and gender.
A: Arrival
Please note the day and date that your child’s camp session begins.
Grades 1-6 arrival is between 3PM and 4PM (Live Oak, Redwood & Cedar)
Grades 7-10 arrival is between 3:30PM and 4:30PM (Discovery & Horizon)
If you are bringing more than one camper, come during the earliest time. If your child is in Live Oak unit, you will need to bring your camper’s luggage across the bridge so you can help your child move into their cabin. All other campers will leave their luggage at the correct unit sign, and then proceed to the parking area. We reserve the right to change cabin unit assignments. Please do not cross the bridge before 3PM, as the staff is involved in preparation.
The green health form, yellow consent form and any medications should be in hand when you arrive at camp. Campers should have a swimsuit (preferably wearing it under their clothes) and towel in their backpack and ready to swim on Sunday afternoon.
Departure
Please note the day and date that your child’s camp session ends. At each session’s end, there will be a closing ceremony beginning at 6:30PM. Parents are invited to the ceremony, which will conclude at approximately 7:15PM. Please be prompt in picking up your children--they will be anxious to see you and tell you about their week at El Tesoro!
A:
Yes, in fact, we encourage you to! There is nothing like a letter from home, so please write your camper regularly. Cheerful encouraging notes from home are always appreciated. You may want to mail a letter before your child leaves for camp so that it will arrive at the beginning of the week. Please don’t send candy, cookies or gum as they are not allowed at camp. Mail and email
BunkNotes will be distributed everyday at lunchtime. Camp address:
Camper’s Name and Unit Name (i.e. Live Oak, Cedar, etc.)
Camp El Tesoro, 7710 Fall Creek Hwy, Granbury, TX 76049
Q: What is the camp store? What is the suggested amount to deposit?
A: The camp store is a little store for campers to purchase drinks, snacks and souvenirs. Prices range anywhere from $0.50 - $15. T-Shirts are $10. Campers can visit the store daily and after the closing ceremony. We recommend that campers have $25 in their account per week. At the end of camp, whole dollar amounts will be refunded; any balance less than a dollar is automatically donated to our camp scholarship fund.
Q: What does the weekly theme mean?
A: Weekly themes are used to add a little bit of flair to each camp session. The themes will influence choices concerning arts & crafts, all-camp activities, cookouts, etc. Regular camp activities will be offered every week regardless of the theme.
Q: Can I come to camp to visit my child or call them?
A: We ask that you not visit or call your child while at camp. An overnight camping experience is designed to foster independence in your child. We promise to call and consult you if any issue such as homesickness occur. Please contact our camp office and speak to the Director if you need to pass a message to your child. We have a no cell phone policy at camp.
Q: What is the food like?
A:
Camp El Tesoro provides three meals a day at camp. For breakfast we offer a hot meal line as well as cereal and fruit. Lunch and dinner includes a hot meal served family-style and a salad bar. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are also available if the menu does not appeal to your child. Part of the camp experience is participating in meal set-up and clean-up (KP). Every child in a cabin takes a turn and shares in this responsibility.
Q: What do you do about the heat?
A:
Even if it’s hot outside, camp is a great place to be! Campers easily adapt to living in the summer heat by staying hydrated, resting during the hottest part of the day and wearing cool cotton clothing. Camp staff are trained to recognize heat problems and take steps to minimize them. We plan quiet activities during the hottest part of the day and campers swim daily - sometimes two or three times a day! We require that each camper bring a water bottle with his or her name on it. We will see that it is filled with water, which always makes the heat more bearable.
Q: What are the cabins like?
A: Live Oak and Redwood Cabins (1st – 5th grade) are screened cabins sharing a central Casita (restroom).
Cedar Cabins (6th grade) are screened cabins with electricity sharing a central Casita.
Discovery Cabins (7th & 8th grade) are enclosed cabins with electricity and restroom facilities.
Horizon Lodge (9th & 10th grade) has electricity and restroom facilities.
A: With years of experience, we've learned four things about homesickness: (1) that by watching for early signs, homesickness is usually avoidable; (2) that once parents/guardians are out of sight, counselors and other campers come into a child's focus and the fun starts; (3) that parents/guardians are usually more uneasy about leaving their children than children are in leaving their parents/guardians and, (4) the parent/guardian's attitude about their child being away from home has a strong impact on children.
Parents/guardians can help prevent homesickness prior to arrival at camp by speaking of the camp experience in a positive manner. NEVER tell your child that you may not make it without them or that you think they may miss home too much to stay away that long. Let them know how much you love them and want them to have a great experience in growing up!
A: We have a Lost & Found for just such a thing!!! The most important thing to do is before your child leaves for camp is to label everything!! Secondly, do not send anything that is irreplaceable. Send older clothes, towels, etc., that if lost or misplaced you can do without. Learning to be responsible for your own items is a big lesson at summer camp. Please check the Lost & Found before leaving camp on closing night. All unclaimed items will be held at the Camp Fire Office in Fort Worth until August 31. Articles will not be held after this date.
Q: Do you offer scholarships?
A:
Yes, El Tesoro Camperships are available for families who qualify for financial assistance. Please contact the camp office by email (
CampET@CampFireFW.org) or at 817-831-2111 to get an application and instructions. After turning in your application and required information, we will mail you a letter letting you know if your child was awarded a campership. Camperships range from 5% - 95% depending on the information provided. Campership applications are due by April 1st.
Q: What is you cancellation policy?
A: Your $100 deposit is non-refundable. If you give written cancellation notice at least 2 weeks prior to the first day of your session, you will receive a 50% refund of your balance or your entire balance will be applied to next year’s summer camp. No refunds will be made to those who cancel after this date.