August 4, 2018
Barbara is writing this:
Mason is spending two weeks at Camp Longhorn.  We can not call or go see him.  We can send him messages through a closed website.  He can send us postcards via "snail mail."  We know he is having a great time.  He is really really missed.  Our home is so very quiet without having Mason here to run through the house hollering for his mom if she is home or for me if she is not home.

The Camp puts out information every day that tells about some of the activities.  The camp also takes pictures and posts them on their closed website.  I will share some pictures.  Below you can read their posting for the first five days of camp:

Session 4 at Camp Longhorn  2018

July 29, 2018 Campers Arrive

Welcome to Camp Longhorn!! Regardless of all the fun activities and memories that 

lie ahead for all campers and counselors, this is the most fantastic day of Camp. 

For both old and new campers, friendships are quickly made or rekindled and laughter 

echoes in every corner of the hills and dales. Counselors welcome campers from the 

instant they step off the buses, and all campers are directed to their cabins to begin 

settling in. After all cabin mates have arrived and the misplaced luggage has been 

recovered, the first day rounds begin with a trip to the Pit Stop (the Camp Infirmary)

to drop off medication and listen to a first aid talk, a journey to receive and label 

stylish new Camp uniforms, and an expedition to the Chow Hall to find the cabin dinner

table. After the formalities, it is off to explore the lake, pool, or lagoon for a water 

activity, and then back to the cabin to prepare for dinner chow. After a hearty meal

and a joyous evening campfire, the weary travelers settle in for their first night in a 

new bed, surrounded by warm friendship and soothing crickets. This first night of 

Camp may be the most special, as every camper dreams about upcoming events and 

joys in the cool breeze of a summer night.

Longhorn Lingo

For some of you old-timers, the terms described here will bring back fond memories. 

If you’re new to Camp, this page can help you decipher letters home like this one:

Dear Mom and Dad,

After Gum Drop, on my way to Chow, I went to the library and then stopped by the 

drive-thru window to ask about the merit pin I lost at an ole’ faceful when I was O.D. 

(on the same day my cabin had K.P.). Then we blobbed before quiet time! Tomorrow is 

Frog Day and Funtastics! I LOVE CAMP!!!

Love,

Your Campfire Lighter :)

ALL CAMP INSPECTION

Because cleanliness is of the highest importance to Camp Longhorn campers and 

counselors, All Camp Inspection is the perfect way to relate tales of good hygiene 

to those who may still be learning it. Girls Camp and Boys Camp assemble separately, 

and there is often a skit performed by the oldest cabins to express the importance 

of quality cleanliness. Campers are instructed to check their fingernails, teeth, ears, 

and hair for disorder and are then gently directed on how to repair a situation. All 

Camp Inspection is an invaluable tool for keeping Camp clean and healthy, with a twist 

of humor and glee.

BLOB

noun: 1. An enormous inflated air mattress that floats on the surface of the upper and 

lower lakes at Camp Longhorn upon which campers jump from a raised platform 

2. Campers’ favorite activity at Camp!!!

verb:

-- blobbed, blobbing, blobs

1. To leap onto the blob, typically with the intention of bouncing one’s cabin mates off

the blob and into the lake. Campers then swim back to the ladder and patiently wait 

their turns to jump back on! 

An exception to this fun ritual is Whole Cabin on the Blob Day, when campers make a 

concerted effort to get the entire cabin on the blob. As a reward for such cooperation 

and camaraderie, campers who help in the effort leave this activity with the rewarding 

sound of an extra clink in their merit pins as they head off to the next activity.

CAMPFIRE LIGHTER

“Hail to those Campfire Lighters, Hail to those Longhorn campers. Hail, Hail to all those 

campers, Campers of the Day…”

In the longstanding tradition of evening Campfire, two campers from the Boys Camp and

the Girls Camp are selected as representatives of good character and positive deeds. 

These campers are known throughout the cabin and the Camp for their enthusiasm and 

encouragement, as they positively influence all around them with the selfless Camp

Longhorn spirit. This is one of the most coveted honors at Camp, as a camper is widely

recognized as a person of good moral example. These campers help light the traditional

campfire in the evening before the festivities can begin, and they return onstage at 

the end of the campfire to help quiet all campers before Taps is sung at night.

CHOW

What do apple crisp, macaroni and cheese, and dinosaur (chicken) nuggets have in 

common? They are all important parts of chowtime, of course! In fact, campers love 

the chicken fried steak, green beans and mashed potatoes so much (the Thursday 

Special), we've made a t-shirt for it. Camp Longhorn campers and counselors are well 

fed for healthy activity and summertime afternoons. The kitchen staff works day and 

night to provide the right balance of cereals, vegetables, meats, and desserts for all 

the hungry tummies at Camp. Peanut butter sandwiches and salads are always available, 

and campers are encouraged to eat healthy meals with the daily “Merit Food” designated

by a cabin counselor. To ensure a clean and wholesome dining experience, campers are 

assigned a metal tray at their first meal in the Chow Hall, for which they are responsible

all term. Following every meal, campers are excused from the table by their counselors 

and then wash their personal trays with a series of scrubs and disinfectants. The 

open-air Chow Hall is a wonderful place to satisfy hunger after a series of activities

and to fuel up for more!

“COME OUT!”

Preparing three healthy meals a day for 500 campers is a feat worth recognizing! 

All day, the Chow Hall staff stays busy preparing delicious, healthy food to keep 

active bodies going strong. And their efforts do not go unnoticed. Campers look 

forward to Chow Time, and when the meal is especially yummy, a chant of gratitude 

rises and wafts into the air, growing louder with each refrain. “Come out!” campers 

shout. “Come out! Come out!” When the air is saturated with cheering, the cooks 

leave the kitchen for a minute to be recognized, followed by loud applause for such 

good home cookin’!

DIVISION

While Camp Longhorn encourages friendship regardless of age, separations known as 

Divisions help divide the camp into smaller groups. Division I is the youngest age group, 

encompassing those campers entering third grade through fifth grade. Division II is 

the next group, comprised of campers entering sixth grade to seventh grade. Campers 

entering eighth grade or ninth grade are considered Division III, while Division IV 

includes campers entering tenth grade and eleventh grade. Each Division has certain 

surprises and events throughout the term, including sleepovers, movie nights, and 

after-dinner activities.

DRIVE-THRU WINDOW

The Drive-Thru Window is an integral part of the typical Camp Longhorn day. Need 

directions? Want the cabin’s Funtastics schedule? Lost your hat? Lost your cabin? 

All of these answers can be found at the Drive-Thru Window, which is located on one 

outside wall of the office and is continuously staffed by friendly people in the know!

INSPECTION

Cleanliness is a high priority at Camp Longhorn, teaching campers to respect their 

appearance and their possessions as they learn to live with others in a cabin. These 

lessons are reinforced through daily morning cabin inspections, in which campers sweep, 

organize, and clean their floor, bunks, and trunks to improve their living quarters. 

During morning activities, Mrs. Eye in the Girls Camp and Mr. Eye in the Boys Camp will 

wander through all the cabins to determine the cleanest cabin in every Division (age 

group). A decision is made and the “Eye Award” is presented in the evening at Campfire 

to the lucky cabin that was decidedly the cleanest. As a reward, the appointed cabin is 

excused from inspection the following morning for their previous days’ cleaning efforts. 

At the end of the term, the cabin that has won the Eye Award the most times is 

treated to a super secret surprise.

KP

KP stands for Kitchen Patrol! Originating from an old military tradition, cabins take turns

 having KP for the day. On their assigned day, the cabin will go to chow early each meal 

to eat and then take their positions along the KP line. While each camper is expected to 

clean their own tray, the cabin in charge of KP performs various duties such as collecting

and washing the cups and silverware, checking to make sure campers and counselors 

clean their tray completely and pick up trash. KP teaches the campers about hard work 

and teamwork. As a reward for a job well done, these hard-working cabins get to bounce 

on the blob before Quiet Time!

LIBRARY

While to the common ear, the word “library” may conjure images of dusty reference 

books and rows and rows of book-lined shelves, the Camp Longhorn version of “Library” 

is a restroom. Libraries are located near each cabin, and include showers, toilets, sinks 

and an ol’ faceful. Feel free to check out the library when you visit!

MAIL CALL

Mail Call is the highlight of many a Camp Longhorn noontime. The efficient Camp mail 

center is dedicated to delivering packages, postcards, letters, or printed messages sent 

through the Camp website to campers eager to receive them. The Officer of the Day 

for each cabin is responsible for retrieving the mail from the mail room and distributing 

it to his/her cabin mates. Feel free to send letters, packages, or online messages, but 

nothing edible please (ants like sugar, too…).

MERITS

One of the most significant novelties of Camp Longhorn is the Merit System. Through a 

series of good deeds throughout the term, campers earn merits from their counselors. 

To the naked eye, these may seem ordinary orange plastic discs, but to a camper eager 

to spend their “money” at the Merit Store, these pieces are as good as gold. Campers 

can earn merits for doing a variety of activities, including eating the “Merit Food” at 

chow, helping the Officer of the Day clean the table at chow, encouraging a friend in a 

time of need, or being the first camper in the cabin ready for evening Campfire. Not so 

prized is a D-merit, which is the taking away of a merit. This happens when a camper 

shows disrespect, unkind words to another or the simple slamming of a door. Campers 

understand the meaning of a D-merit and strive hard to earn a merit back. There are no 

hard feelings between a camper and a counselor after receiving a D-merit. Counselors 

gather up a camper’s daily merits at the start of each day, recording the total in the 

cabin book, letting the campers start each day with five merits on their merit pen.

Campers keep their merit pen with them at all times so that counselors can hand them 

out all day long.

O.D.

The Officer of the Day, known by all as the “O.D.,” is the leader of the cabin for the 

day. This is the most important task of any camper, as he/she is in charge of the

 whereabouts of all cabin mates, and is responsible for the reporting of the cabin to 

and from every activity. The O.D. is also responsible for cleaning the table at chow 

time, picking up mail at mail call, and leading the cabin in the lord’s prayer before 

bedtime. All campers look forward to being the Officer of the Day, so their leadership 

talents can truly shine.

WINTER CARNIVAL

After Camp is over, the spirit of summer is not lost to the seasons. Throughout the 

winter months, Camp staff visit various cities around Texas, Oklahoma, New York, 

Louisiana and more to inspire and excite campers old and new about the wonders of 

Camp Longhorn. These carnivals are wonderful places to earn merits, play games, and 

reunite with old friends. A video that highlights Camp memories is shown to all 

Carnival-goers, and all Camp adventurers leave feeling joyous about the upcoming year 

and nostalgic about the past one. Carnivals underline the importance of Camp spirit, so 

look for a carnival in an area near you. 

OL' FACEFUL

Water is a basic necessity to all people, but it is a requirement for all campers and 

counselors active on warm summertime days. So we make sure that water fountains

are stationed around Camp in strategic areas to ensure hydration. These, however, are 

no ordinary water fountains, but are commonly known as “old facefuls” to all members 

of the Camp Longhorn community. Not only do campers tend to get a face full of water 

as it shoots out in a cool, refreshing arch, but lots of drinking is encouraged by a series 

of humorous signs at each ol' faceful. “Frog Juice,” “Dr. Pepper,” “Grotnot,” or “Fire 

Water” are popular flavors. Often, campers will choose their favorite “drink” to fill 

their water bottles before Quiet Time and before bedtime.

PETTING ZOO

At Camp’s petting zoo, kid goats, fawns, kittens, bunnies and ponies eagerly await the 

time when campers come open their cages to smother them with loving attention. Baby 

turkeys, turtles and chicks regularly get in on the action too. Each day, campers trek to 

the petting zoo - neighbor to the corral – to pet these furry, fluffy creatures. Some 

lucky bunnies, turtles or kittens also get to experience temporary “homes away from 

home” when Chiefs “rent” an animal to campers, who leave behind a merit as collateral 

for the animal’s safe return at the end of the day. And at the end of the term, some 

really lucky critters wiggle their way into campers’ hearts (and homes) on V-Day!

PIT STOP

While Camp Longhorn is one of the most fantastically fun and safe places on earth, 

accidents do happen. The Pit Stop is the Camp infirmary, always ready with a bandage, 

bug spray, medicine, or a friendly hug. The Pit Stop is always open, regardless of the 

hour, with a nurse on call throughout the evening. On the first day of Camp, campers 

are directed immediately to the Pit Stop to turn in any medicines they are required to 

take while they are otherwise at home. This keeps the medicine off campers’ minds and 

under constant air-conditioned supervision, allowing the nurses to dispense medication 

as directed by parental or printed instructions. The Pit Stop is a friendly location, 

ready to send campers back to their cabin to play with a speedy recovery.

QUITE TIME

Shhhh . . . Every afternoon, counselors and campers are encouraged to recuperate from 

an active day with an hour and a half of quiet relaxation. Campers are not allowed to get 

off their bunks or socialize with other campers, but are expected to peacefully enjoy 

their own thoughts and memories. Campers often spend this time writing letters to 

home, reading books, or resting their eyes. Several times throughout the term, 

“National Sleep Day” is announced to promote a quality respite from a fun-filled day. 

Quiet Time is the perfect time for a much-needed siesta for every camper and 

counselor on the warm days of summertime. Following this period of relaxation, 

afternoon refreshments provide a welcome snack and a drink for all campers and 

counselors ready to socialize and begin afternoon activities.

SWIM BAY

While campers are taught many new abilities and lessons at Camp Longhorn, one of the 

most significant skills they will acquire is a new appreciation of water activities. As Camp

Longhorn founder Tex Robertson was an Olympic swimmer, one of his legacies has been 

the proper knowledge and technique of basic strokes. Located in the lake, Swim Bay has 

become the nexus of this education, combining healthy swimming practice with proper 

instruction of strokes. Campers are encouraged to challenge themselves in the water to 

prepare for the Mile Swim near the end of the term. Counselors are constantly watching

and cheering to guide the campers to swimming victory at every Swim Bay activity, yet 

the satisfaction of a good day’s swim almost seems to be just enough.

 ***** On the first day, the camp was evacuated because there was a pop-up fire near the camp.  They returned on the third day of camp.)

The Park Road fire at Inks Lake State Park. July 29, 2018

(Camp Longhorn mentioned towards bottom of article..)

Park Road Wildfire quick facts

500 acres have burned and 10 percent of the fire is contained

Some evacuated residents can now return home; there are no reports of homes lost or injuries

Inks Lake State Park and the fish hatchery were also evacuated

Evacuated residents can take shelter at the Burnet Community Center

---

BURNET COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — The forward progression of the 500-acre Park Road wildfire in Burnet County has been stopped by firefighting crews Sunday evening.

The fire, started around 3 p.m., led to the evacuation of 50-70 homes and 400 visitors from Inks Lake State Park. 

As of 8:30 p.m., the fire burned 500 acres and is 10 percent contained, the Texas A&M Forest Service reported. There are currently no reports of damage to homes or injuries from the wildfire. 

There are, however, reports of some outbuildings damaged or destroyed by fire. 

The fire started along Hoover's Valley Road/County Road 116, on the southern boundary of the park, and then breached the park boundary, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. 

Residents in the 6000 block of CR 116 to Park Road 4 along with Inks Lake State Park have been evacuated, the Burnet County Sheriff's Office says. 

Residents on Deer Springs and any resident east of FM 3509 and County Road 143 are now allowed to return home. Park Road 4 and County Road 116 is still closed, officials said in an 8:45 p.m. update.

Evacuated residents can take shelter at the Burnet Community Center at 401 E. Jackson St. in Burnet.

****Camp Longhorn, which is hosting around 800 children on the first night of summer camp, moved their campers and staffers to their C3 on Inks Lake location because of the possibility of a change in wind direction.

The camp says its facilities are not in danger and they expect to return to their Camp Longhorn Indian Springs in the morning.******

Kari Hines, a spokesperson for the Forest Service, says this fire is different from the three previous large wildfires in Burnet and Llano counties in July because of its proximity to homes and a state park with hundreds of people.

July 30, 2018   second day

Update on the fire in the vicinity of Indian Springs

The wildfire that forced us to relocate yesterday has been mostly contained and did not approach Camp. As a precaution, we transported all Indian Springs campers and staff to our C3 on Inks Lake location on Sunday afternoon. Campers have been participating in regular activities at C3. All of our nursing staff, EMT, and camper medicines are here with us. We hope to be able to return home to Camp Longhorn Indian Springs soon.

All Camp Come Home Day! We're Going Back! Thank you, C3!

KP: Raccoons

Cookout: Broncos, Zebras, Falabellas

Campfire: Girl & Boy Wranglers

Marshmallow Roast: Fillies, Appaloosas, Gators, Gophers

Birthdays!: Catherine Youngblood

Campfire

Campfire is a longstanding tradition at Camp Longhorn, filling the evening with spirit and laughter. After all campers and counselors have filed into the Campfire amphitheater in respectful procession to honor the evening, the counselors leading the festivities greet all guests with an explosive “Welcome to Campfire!” The Campfire Lighters are announced and the cabin inspection winners are revealed before the nightly skits can begin. Throughout the term, each cabin will have an opportunity to perform a small informal play that emphasizes humor and Camp spirit. These skits are often followed by a nightly “counselor skit,” in which a short activity is created to amuse the audience. As the evening draws to a close, the Campfire Lighters return to the stage to lead the Camp in singing 'Taps' to the cool evening air. After this song is complete, the Chiefs (the oldest cabin in Girls Camp) will begin a series of soothing lullabies to the campers and counselors. These soft sing-a-longs help end a day of fun with a moment of reflection and peace, as campers trail back to their cabins for a story before bedtime.

Cookout

On certain mornings throughout the term, younger cabins are treated to a special 

breakfast at the Camp treehouse. At this extraordinary spot, campers enjoy a delicious 

breakfast burrito cookout, followed by a nature hike down to some ancient Native 

American caves. Campers are encouraged to watch for arrowheads along this sacred 

trail, as they prepare to listen to the great mysteries of the natural world in the Texas 

Hill Country. Counselors share the stories behind the beautiful caves and cliffs and tell 

the secrets of this land. 

July 31   Day 3

Funtastics

To fully enjoy the afternoons and mornings at Camp that are the most sun-friendly, certain sets of activities are designated as “Funtastics.” These activities, which occur almost every other day, are times when campers and counselors can free themselves from hats, close-toed shoes, and shirts, and can freely romp in swimsuits and shorts to their Funtastic activities! These activities are so exciting that they are specifically saved for these Funtastic days, and campers can look forward to shaving cream fights, slides at the waterpark, the trolley (a zip line that begins at the top tower and ends in the lake), and the underwater house.

The Merit store opens today

Announcements for Wednesday, August 1, 2018

National Attawaytogo Day! Letters Home Due!

KP: Bobcats

Cookout: Ponies

Campfire: Fillies, Appaloosas, Palominos, Coyotes, Roadrunners

Marshmallow Roast: Broncos, Zebras, Rattlesnakes

Announcements for Thursday, August 2, 2018

National Camp Song Day!

KP: Palominos

Cookout: Rattlesnakes

Campfire: Falabellas, Broncos, Zebras, Gophers, Gators

Marshmallow: Roadrunners, Ponies

Announcements for Friday, August 3, 2018

Postcards Due!

KP: Appaloosas

Cookout: Gophers, Gators

Birthdays!: Hunter Parry

Frog Day

Frog Day is held at Swim Bay, where campers arrive to enjoy a variety of exciting activities, including standing on an inner tube on the water, using a scuba mask, reading a secret message underwater, swimming through the sunken Tunnel of Love, and chomping a marshmallow below the surface of the water. While these may seem like unusual, and possibly unappetizing activities to the common eye, these silly rituals have become a magnificent part of the Camp Longhorn term, and campers look forward to increasing their skills and activities as the weeks progress. The final thrilling event of these festivities is the Frog Day skit: the afternoon entertainment is highlighted by the epic struggle that occurs between King and Queen Frog (daringly played by heroic counselors) and their numerous nemeses that come to threaten the peace of the lake. In honor of Frog Day festivities, campers receive merits for wearing pieces of green throughout the day.

Movie Night

It’s Movie Night! Campers and counselors are given clues throughout the day to try to guess the film for the evening, and are greeted by popcorn snacks or popsicles when they enter movie night. Favorite Camp films have included “The Princess Bride,” “The Goonies,” “Finding Nemo,” and many other Disney classics. After a long week of fun activities without television, this is a great time to kick back with a pillow and blanket and remember what the outside world must be doing on a typical Friday night. When the film has ended and movie night is over, campers are rewarded for their late night with a sleep-late morning on Saturday, where they can sleep one hour later than usual. And, of course, they are greeted at chow with perfectly plump pancakes. 

Announcements for Saturday, August 4, 2018

Sleep Late Today! No Inspection!

KP: Falabellas

Campfire: All Girls Camp, All Boys Camp

Marshmallow Roast: Coyotes

Birthdays!: Ethan David, Mike Wisinski

Hoss Show Tryouts

This mornin' we're wrangling up the posse for Wednesday's show at the corral!

All Boy/All Girl Campfire

Tonight instead of the normal all-Camp Campfire, the Boys and Girls Camps will each have their own separate Campfires.

Marine/Marina Mud

This is the day that campers entering the ninth grade are officially inducted into the Marines and Marinas corps through a roll in the mud with campers cheering them on in support. This overwhelmingly fun series of activities helps bring spirit to these campers who may be otherwise professionals at Camp Longhorn activities. Counselors, posing as generals and lieutenants, provide silly and loud leadership for these new “recruits” as they gently tease them with new clothing styles and random tasks. Each marine and marina is instructed to carry a “weapon” at all times (a water bottle or toothbrush will certainly suffice), and to greet their generals and lieutenants with (giggling) respect and honor. The highlight of this “training program” is known as “The Mud Pit,” where generals and lieutenants heroically lead their troops into a pit of soggy mud with cannonball dives and flying leaps. Marines and marinas look forward to this filthy experience to further their fun adventures and create lots of great memories.

Man Day

This afternoon the Boys Camp has all of the waterfront to themselves for the manliest of times, as Big Bros and Lil Bros will complete the Pact of Brotherhood.

All Camp Picnic

Instead of the open-air Chow Hall this evening for dinner, the entire Camp meets on the grass for an All Camp Picnic. Campers and counselors are treated to hot dogs, watermelon, and all the beauty of a summer evening. This is a special dinnertime to celebrate warmth, friendship, and the pure love for summer that makes Camp such a special place.

Free 'n' Easy

Taking a break from regular activities, Free ‘n’ Easy is a more relaxed schedule that allows campers a bit of variety from their normal activities. Favorites during this time include water slides, trolleys, crocwalks, and the Lazy River!

Announcements for Sunday, August 5, 2018

No Inspection!

KP: Roadrunners

Cookout: Broncos, Zebras, Falabellas

Birthdays!: Trey Gurry

Church Mountain

Instead of a traditionally enthusiastic Campfire, this evening’s activities are a bit more serious. Cabins process quietly through a nature path to Church Mountain, an outside amphitheater that overlooks the hills and valleys of the Texas Hill Country. This awe-inspiring sight is offset by the sunset, and soon all campers and counselors are assembled to reverently honor friendships and peace. Because Camp Longhorn is non-denominational, campers and counselors are encouraged to reflect on the warm memories they have had throughout their time at Camp as they listen to different counselors speak about their positive experiences. This solemn evening is highlighted by soothing songs and the beauty of nature. One particular highlight of the evening is the traditional Friendship Flash with the Inks Lake branch of Camp Longhorn. As each amphitheater faces each other across a vastness of natural hills and dales, both camps “wave” back and forth to each other with timed flashlight signals. Church Mountain is a wonderful way to remember the power of friendship and personal values.

Early Bird

Early Birds (counselors dressed in garb as colorful as any bird you'll find around these parts) flit and squawk from cabin to cabin dropping off applications for campers to fill out for next summer. Early Birds are earned invitations to come back to camp next year and we're betting our cabins are filled with them!

Gum Drop

Campers and counselors assemble on the soccer fields, looking skyward in search of the airplane that will roar overhead and drop gum into the open arms of campers and counselors. The ensuing rain of chewing gum falls magically to the ground, only to be immediately plucked by scrambling campers and counselors who hurry to find pieces of chewing gum hidden in the grass before the next drop comes!

New Activities

We like to keep things exciting at Camp Longhorn - no summer boredom here! In this spirit, campers receive a new schedule of activities to attempt and try to attain their bar in! Those activities for which a camper has mastered all the requirements will be circled on the plaque they receive at the end of the term. (It’s a great challenge to pass as many activities as possible during a term.)

Backwards Day

Backwards Day is no ordinary day at Camp Longhorn. Everything is in reverse! The oldest cabins go to Chow first, and campers are encouraged to wear their clothing backwards and to walk rearward on the way to Chow. From the wake-up music, to the last evening activity, Backwards Day is full of great silliness and fun.