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 The camp was incorporated as a Texas not-for-profit corporation on August 24, 1990. The original organization was given 8 acres of property fronting Lake Travis located about 20 miles northwest of Austin. The camp was renamed ICYC in 1991 and has done business as Camp of the Hills since 1993. Currently, the camp owns 105 acres in the Texas Hill Country with permanent buildings for dining, bathing and crafts plus cabins to lodge boy and girl campers plus cottages for families.In 1992, the Internal Revenue Service determined that donations to the camp were exempt from federal income tax under section 501 (c) (3).  The goal of the Camp of the Hills is to provide a life-changing Christian outdoor experience for inner city kids age 8 through 18. Since 1991, almost 6,000 boys and girls from Texas metropolitan areas have spent one week in this beautiful, peaceful place where shooting comes from stars (not from gangs) and the major concerns aren't drugs and drive-bys but insect bites and sunburn. Day-to-day activities are directed by permanent staff augmented by carefully selected and trained university students on summer break. A squad of "junior counselors" are selected from previous campers to serve as big brothers and big sisters during each session. Junior counselors provide continuity as well as an incentive for camper excellence. These kids are paid a modest wage and the jobs are prized by campers who work hard to earn consideration for these coveted positions. For some campers, it is the first taste of accomplishment or success. They come from an environment where achievement is not prized and participation is for "chumps."  Campers pay a nominal fee ($50.00) to participate. The remainder of the cost for the week long sessions (currently $360.00) is born by sponsoring organizations (churches, clubs and individuals). Development of camp resources has come from gifts from individuals and grants from foundations and charitable organizations. Most of the labor for camp site preparation (brush clearance, water line trenching, road building) as well as building construction has been donated efforts by church youth and other volunteers. Overall direction of the camp is vested in a 21-member Board of Directors consisting of committed Christian business men and women who serve without remuneration or reimbursement of any kind. The full time staff includes an executive director who lives with his family on the property and an administrative assistant, who handles the day-to-day mounds of paperwork. During summer sessions Camp staff is augmented with a Camp Director, kitchen professionals and a nurse.  Activities are typical of summer camps everywhere: swimming, fishing, canoeing, sports, crafts, singing, reading, skits, Bible study and fun. Emphasis is placed upon programs that build self confidence and esteem. The 1-to-4 counselor-to-kid ratio guarantees lots of personal attention and instruction. For some of the children, spending time with a committed Christian who really loves them is unique and mystifying. The goal is to model unconditional acceptance and love as a prelude to understanding God's absolute affection for each child in the world, no matter the circumstances.  Camp of the Hills is not just a week of fun in the sun. Lives are changed when hope is introduced. Kids steeped in violence and poverty often lack skills and incentive to rise above their surroundings. Faith in self and confidence in God's abundant goodness can be the building block for productive, positive change in young lives. For some, it is the first opportunity to see how "others" live in the fullness of harmony and faith. For others, it is an opportunity to grow and to excel in some meaningful and constructive activity. For a few, it is a breather to reassess a new beginning without bad influences and worse choices.  |
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| www.CampoftheHills.org | ||||||||||
| Site by FaithSite.com
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