Our 9 year old son just finished his second summer session (3 straight weeks of sleep-away camp in non-air conditioned cabins with no direct parental contact or tech devices allowed) at Camp Champions on Lake LBJ in Marble Falls and before we even left the property, he was asking us to sign up for next year. That right there is a glowing endorsement, folks. As budget-minded, practical parents, it was a tough sell for us at first. This camp, while phenomenal on the surface with a long history of success since 1967 and amenities & growth experiences galore, costs almost an arm & a leg. I'm saying our whole family of 3 could go to Europe for the cost of the 3 weeks for 1 kid here (an hour's drive from Austin). Why would we make the sacrifice and commit to this quite pricey annual tradition? As Brian J mentions in his excellent review, it's the 4 Rs that Camp Champions models in every staff member and enforces every day in all of the campers: Responsibility, Respect, Reasonable Risk, and Reaching out to others. You will never find another summer program with such enthusiastic and caring owners, staff members, teen counselors, and youth participants. Sure, it all looks great on paper, but it's truly fantastic in practice. Participants learn how to: live with 8 other "siblings"; share responsibility for their living space; maintain a caring community; manage conflict; support others in need; self-regulate; appreciate nature; honor elders; step up as a leader; and try something new & challenging every day. Yes, these are all lessons that we teach within our family, but there's nothing like having these kinds of experiences in an environment outside of the group of people who have to love you because you're a blood relative. The maturation that I see in my singleton child each year after the Camp Champions experience is priceless to me. What else? Fun, of course! The property is gigantic, with every kind of summer activity you can imagine, from swimming (lake & pool) to ropes course to skiing to sailing to climbing to archery to horses to go carts to arts/crafts to gaga & pickle ball. You can tour the camp virtually here: http://www.campchampions.com/campers/video-map-tour. There are also the Trojan/Spartan color battles, evening torch lighting, Sunday vespers, and hundreds of other little inside jokes, rituals, and traditions that make campers feel that they are a part of special tribe for the rest of their lives. Parents are kept informed about their child during the camp session via daily photos and owner Steve Baskin's inspiring blog. We also have access to a system where we can send as many emails as we'd like to our campers, but if your child is like mine, you won't be receiving many letters in return. Both years, we've received a measly 2 postcards the entire time -- he was having too much fun to write home! A note on diversity. This is a desirable quality which needs improvement at Camp Champions, and efforts are underway to do just that. During Summer 2016, campers and counselors from 7 different countries were represented, with about 1/3 of my son's cabin speaking a first language other than English. Recently, a foundation was started to help fund scholarships for campers who could not otherwise afford to attend. There's more to do, but I appreciate that the Baskins recognize this issue and are acting to address it. read more

This is the best camp EVER! I have been going here for 2 year's and I will defiantly come every year that I can. This camp help's you become a better person by practicing the 4 R's (Responsibility, reaching out, reasonable risk, and respect). Everybody there is nice and kind. My first day ever going, I was so nervous that I wouldn't make any friends but when I first met my cabin mates, I felt like we've been friends for ever. The cabins don't have any air conditioning but they do have fans and on the bright side it's cold in the morning but that's the fun of it. The bathrooms are grows but that stuff does not matter. What does matter is the fun of camp. Their is always so much to do. You could never get bored. From sitting at the hearth (the place were fine arts is) too climbing the rock wall, your always having fun. There are also many water activity such as pool, paddle sports, free swim, ski, knee boar, tubing, blobbing, etc. read more

Very mixed feelings. The food was relatively good, but some of it was actually past its expiration date. The bathrooms were terrible. Spiders were everywhere! In the "Spin Cycle", there were crickets around the whole thing! Other things there kinda seemed cheaply made. Some activities were pretty fun, others were really boring. The mattresses aren't comfy at all and they don't provide sheets. The cabins have explicit graffiti and don't seem to be deeply cleaned. The did have hot water for showering, but for drinking water, it comes from a hose! Despite all that, I would still go again, but do be very cautious! read more

Neither of my children had good experiences. Both were bullied and one was even struck by another camper with no resolution. If none of that had happened, their are still much more cheaper, rewarding camps elsewhere. read more

Definitely not great... It was expensive and my sister had a horrible experience there. Huge cockroach problem, extremely rude counselors, and generally unsafe conditions. I wouldn't recommend it :( read more

I went here back in maybe 2015 with my school had so much fun just wish we could have our phones

Camp champions is like a second home to me and it's my 6th year and it's the best place on earth

I sent my 6 year old niece straight from kindergarten to Camp Champions. She did the 3 week session. She had been dealing with some fear issues and i was hoping she could conquer some of them...mainly her fear of bugs/insects while having a great time with new people. The counselors were great! She blossomed more than i had ever expected. She conquered her fears, made new friends and learned new things. Camp champions will be an every summer thing now! #teamspartan read more

I went here on a school trip and it was great! The food there was top notch and made with love! The cabins were small but comfortable, the bathrooms were ok but livable. The activities were amazing! They do ropes course, rock climbing, hiking, kayaking, reptiles, team building, fishing and fire starting classes. They also have a pool with slides and a lazy river. They also teach you how to reduce waste! They also give you break time to explore and relax! Also when going to classes you can go at your own pace. This place was an amazing escape from the real world! read more

I recently visited Camp Champions and was amazed at all the camp has to offer. The camp is very well maintained and the communication with the staff was wonderful. The best part about the camp is the message they want all campers to leave with--they want every camper to grow into the champion they are intended to be. Very positive messages for children. read more

The best of the best! This wonderful camp had such a positive experience on my sons life, he is giving back and going to be a camp counselor this year! I can't wait for him to experience this from the other side and make an impact on others the way he was impacted. So special.... read more

Camp Champions is our favorite camp! Our son attended in 2014 for a two week session and we all fell in love. They promote the four R's: responsibility, reasonable risks, respect, reaching out to others. They are developing independent thinking and leadership oriented youth. They are not religious based, however the staff and most campers are highly spiritual and many faith traditions are represented. We really like the concept of not putting teenage counsellors in charge of faith development. The camp has a plethora of activities for campers to participate in each day. It is situated directly on Lake LBJ, and it offers many WaterSports, boating and swimming choices. Archery, Sports, climbing, zip lines, pool and Waterpark, crafts, and Horseback riding are just a few highlights. The staff here are professional, caring, fun and highly trained. I highly recommend camp champions. read more

I started working at Camp Champions in summer 2014 and came back to work summer 2015 and stayed to work at The Outdoor School (an outdoor education program offered during fall and spring). As a counselor and huge advocate for children to be wild and free (at the appropriate times), you get so involved with these kids in such a short period of time and before you know it you find a love in your heart you never knew existed. At camp everything we do is for the kids but its also for the counselors and leadership too. People come from all over with different backgrounds and stories and it only takes one summer, Texas weather, and some hobo packs to develop some meaningful relationships and memories. Oddly enough, I graduated with a discipline that has nothing to do with kids but I feel fortunate that I stumbled upon CC because working there set a foundation of what I want my career path to look like. I see myself working hands-on with children in anything I do and I have Camp Champions to thank for that. read more

We went to camp champions with our school (I chaperoned) and had a blast here! From the moment we got off the bus it was such a fun experience all around. Camp champions has tons of activities for all ages and types. Some of the activities: Archery Swimming Kayaking and canoeing Rock wall Zip line And so mic more Also the food was pretty good with decent options! Hope they continue to improve the food options! read more

It is an amazing place for kids and teens! My little girl gets so sad when she hast to leave. She has been going there for 6 years, and she calls it her second home. She has many pen palls all over the world that she met and camp. She has become very close with all the people there. DEFINITELY recommended! read more

Camp Champions is a fabulous camp area. I wish we could have gone during the summer. The food is acceptable but it's nothing to write home about. It is a dangerous location to be in if there is severe weather in my opinion. Metal rooves and raised cabins. But it is an excellent experience if the weather is going to be good. Archery, kayaking, fishing, learning about reptiles, rock climbing, rappelling, zip lining (older kids), etc. There's always something fun going on. We look forward to coming back someday! read more

My daughter is eight years old and has experienced the magic of Camp Champions for two summers. She LOVES camp, everything about it. As a parent, I love that she is becoming more confident, independent, and learning to problem solve on her own. All she sees is the fun. The counselors and management pour their hearts into their work. It is worth every dollar spent! read more

As a parent, I felt like the communication was excellent. I enjoyed following my boys' days by looking at photos and reading the blogs. Leading up to camp, I found the website full of information. I never felt in the dark. I also like the camp director's philosophy on child rearing and the four R's. My shy boys felt happy and healthy the entire time they were camp. They really appreciated the non-ball sport options that they had at camp. read more

Camp Champions is amazing! My daughter has gone 3 years and my son went for the first time this year. I love the camaraderie my kids are developing with their counselors, cabinmates and through the various activities. My kids are making lifetime memories and friends. read more

I was a camper at Camp Champions for 8 years, and worked as a counselor there for the past 3 summers. I have worked at day camps, elementary schools, and more, yet Camp Champions is by far the most supportive and loving team I have ever been apart of. Even when it's pouring rain, you won't find a single counselor just sitting in their cabins, instead they will be facilitating "spa-days" or cabin wide games of ninja. During ski the campers don't just sit on a boat, they go on an enchanting adventure to look for the Lake LBJ mermaid. The counselors and staff create a magical environment, ensuring each day is extraordinary for every camper. From a giant "pirate ship" challenge course, to water skiing and ceramics, camp is overflowing with activities that every child will enjoy. For most campers, what you love first about camp will be the pool or horseback, however, it quickly becomes the wonderful community that makes camp have such a special place in our hearts. read more

Camp champions not only serves as a summer camp but also fills the roles of a retreat facility and outdoor education facility! The staff here year round is phenomenal! read more

This will be my third summer working fro Camp Champions , and I can honestly say I can not think of a better place for children to spend part of their summer! Not only is camp fun and full of activities ,but also we strive to instill the four R's in every camper (Reasonable risk, Reaching out , responsibility, and respect) which they can take outside of camp and practice all year long. Camp is an amazing experience that every child should get to partake in , and Camp Champions is one of the best places to have that experience! read more

Spent 10 summers at camp champions and fell in love with it! I met some of my best friends at camp and can say with complete certainty that going to camp provided some of the best experiences in my childhood and my life! SEND YOUR KIDS TO CAMP!!! read more

I have been attending Camp Champions for the past eight summers, and they have been the greatest summers of my life. I love going to Camp because I am encouraged to try new things, and be myself. Also at Camp Champions the counselors are always looking out for me, and keeping my best interests in mind. read more

Camp Champions is one of the best experiences a parent can provide his/her child. My child is homesick for camp from the day we pick her up, and it never goes away. The activities, friends, food, location are all top-notch (huge grassy lakefront position on constant-level Lake LBJ), and the camp management is totally unique in the camp world. For the Baskins, their camp is not just a job or something they inherited from their parents or relatives - they LIVE for camp (and literally at camp - they live on-site) and what the independence, leadership and cooperation can bring into a child's life. They work with leading child development specialists and stay current on academic and practical aspects of maximizing the camp experience. They are smart, articulate, committed people who will bring the very best experience to your children. We weren't looking for the oldest camp that I or my parents went to, we were looking for the best camp. Camp Champions is it! read more