Deep in the heart of Texas, where the sky is as big as a cowboy's grin, there is a group of adventurous kiddos who participate in the most thrilling activity of all - fishing! Meet the Texas Tadpole Troop, led by their fearless, finned leader, Captain Catfish Charlie! Captain Catfish Charlie wasn't like other heroes. With his glistening scales, enormous whiskers, and a cowboy hat perched precariously on his head, he was a sight to behold. He guided the Tadpole Troop on fishing expeditions, not in the ocean, but in the many rivers and lakes scattered across Texas. These were no ordinary fishing trips; they were quests for the most cunning, most elusive aquatic creatures Texas had to offer. The kids, equipped with fishing rods taller than a longhorn's horns, and filled with more courage than a rodeo rider, followed Captain Catfish Charlie into the wilderness. Ten-gallon hats bobbing, they waited with bated breath for that first tug on their line. They weren't afraid of the slimy catfish or the wiggly worms. Heck, they were Texans! They loved the stuff. Every time their fishing line danced, their hearts would race faster than a jackrabbit chased by a coyote. Whether they caught a tiny minnow or a giant bass, each day was celebrated with laughter, high fives, and lots of "Yee-haws!" Living in Texas and fishing with Captain Catfish Charlie, the Tadpole Troop was learning more than just how to catch fish. They were learning about patience, friendship, and the joy of just being kids. Because in Texas, each day is as big and bright as the stars at night!
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For over 50 years, Frontier Camp has been dedicated to making disciples of Jesus by sharing God’s Word amidst the beauty of His creation. Since our founding in 1969, we’ve been licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services and are proudly accredited by the American Camping Association. We’re also a member of the Christian Camping and Conference Association. Our mission is to use Christian camping and outdoor recreation as a means to support local churches in fulfilling the Great Commission—evangelizing people of all ages and discipling believers toward deeper maturity in Christ. Frontier Camp offers a dual ministry: during the summer, we host a 10-week youth camp, and throughout the rest of the year, we serve as a retreat facility for churches and like-minded religious organizations. Whether through summer camps or retreats, our goal remains the same: to expose people to Christ and encourage their spiritual growth through His Word and by reflecting His character in everything we do. While we provide top-notch recreation and exciting programming, the heart of our camp is the spiritual impact, rooted in the truth of God’s inerrant Word.
At ASC, we prioritize the growth and development of our campers. We aim to foster a sense of independence and boost confidence in their unique abilities. Our objective is not just to provide an adventurous experience, but also an environment where they can explore new things and are comfortable in expressing their true selves. We recognize the significance of cultivating meaningful relationships with others. We encourage our campers to become better friends, to collaborate effectively in a team, and promote peaceful conflict resolution. It's not just about the individual, but about how they contribute to a positive social dynamic. We inspire our campers to have a curiosity for exploration. The world is a beautiful place to discover and we foster a sense of respect for the environment and all its inhabitants. Above all, we want our campers to develop a deep love for Austin Sunshine Camps just as much as we cherish them. Austin Sunshine Camps has been offering enjoyable, overnight summer camp programs to children in the greater Austin area, completely free of cost since 1928. We continue this tradition by offering free programs to not only returning campers but also new campers who either meet the eligibility for free or reduced school meals or are part of the foster care system. We believe in providing an enriching summer experience without any financial burdens.