Parents... we understand that sending your child to camp is a big step, and we know you want the best for your child. This section of the site is geared to equip you with important information that parents want to know in making a decision to send their child to Olympia, as well as information to prepare you and your camper for camp.
Camp Olympia offers two week and three week terms starting in May and ending in August.
2010 Summer Dates & Prices Term 1: June 7 - June 20 (14 days) $2,645
Term 2: June 21 - July 11 (21 days) $3,585
Term 3: July 12 - August 1 (21 days) $3,585
Term 4: August 2 - August 15 (14 days) $2,645
A $250 NON-REFUNDABLE, NON-TRANSFERRABLE deposit is required to reserve a space for 2010, and you can REGISTER ONLINE HERE (SECURE). The tuition balance is due by May 1st. If you prefer to download and print the application, click here to access our Downloadable Forms. In addition to our application, other forms, such as our medical form and activity choice form are available to download as well. To view our Cancellation Policy, click here.
Tommy & Kathy Ferguson have been the Directors of Camp Olympia for over 35 years. They have dedicated their lives to camping and truly believe in its benefits for children. Olympia takes great pride in its personnel, from the camp counselors to our support staff. It is our common goal to see young people grow mentally, physically and spiritually in a safe, fun-filled environment. Olympia is blessed with an outstanding year-round staff that plan and prepare for your child's camp experience.
Our full-time staff of directions recruit counselors from colleges throughout the United States in an effort to find outstanding role models for our campers. From over 400 applicants, approximately 50 are invited to join our returning staff. The full-time staff interviews applicants, verifies at least 3 references of the applicant and conducts a background check on each applicant.
Our staff bonds together for a rigorous week-long counselor training clinic prior to camp. From this, our counselors emerge with a firm understanding of the Olympia program along with a high level of safety consciousness. At a ratio of four campers to each counselor, everyone is assured of individual attention. Additionally, each counselor agrees not to drink while employed at Camp Olympia.
If you are interested in applying for a counselor position at Camp Olympia, click here.
SAFETY & ACCREDITATION
We've never taken safety concerns lightly. The American Camping Association (ACA) sets the best standards in the camping industry and that is why Camp Olympia chooses to be accredited by the ACA. We proudly display the ACA accredication logo as a stamp of approval. ACA Accreditation is the best guarantee of professionalism in camping, and it lets you know we have taken the time to insure our program and our site meets the strictest codes of safety and excellence. You'll find improvement on going throughout our program, environment, staff, campers and procedures. We have an "open door" and are eagerly awaiting your praise or concerns.
Fun is only second to safety! Camp Olympia is proud to be the recipient of the Safety 1st Award from Markel Insurance for the last three years... 2007, 2008 & 2009! The Director of Safety Education at Markel explained that Olympia was selected for this esteemed safety award "based on your proven safety record, which demonstrates your superior commitment to safety. We're proud of the work you've done to keep the children in your care safe." In selecting recipients of this award, Markel pays close attention to the camp's training and facility improvements.
MEDICAL CARE
Olympia has two registered nurses on site at all times. They treat minor illnesses, provide a little TLC and decide who needs to see the doctor. If the need arises, the Trinity hospital is only ten minutes from camp. You will be contacted if you campers needs outside medical attention. Your camper must have a Medical Form on file at Olympia, completed and signed by a doctor and a parent before attending camp.
Camp Olympia takes pride in providing healthy and delicious meals for children to enjoy. See what the experts are saying about the meals we offer!
"The meals provided at CampOlympia are reduced in sugar, total fat, and saturated fat, and provide good sources of whole grains, fiber, calcium, and vitamins A and C."
Lynne W.
Scott,
MA, RD, LD Ann McMeans, RD, LD
Assistant Professor Sr. Pediatrics Dietitian
Dept. of Medicine TexasChildren'sHospital
BaylorCollege of Medicine BaylorCollege of Medicine
With several food choices, there is always plenty of food, and seconds are encouraged. It is important to us that each child's special dietary needs are met. Please indicate any special needs on the Camper Personal Information Sheet, which is available on our downloadable forms page.
Want to know what parents think about Camp Olympia?Here is an example of what parents are saying about Camp Olympia....
"I just want to say THANK YOU for providing my children with all the wonderful things that you do. The difference all the counselors make in their lives...being the role models that sometimes even a parent can't fill. They view them all as people they want to be like...fun, positive, grounded, fair, loving, friendly, encouraging, helpful, respectful ...I could go on. Both of my sons talked about the CLP program...and someday becoming counselors themselves! I know it's a lot of work for everyone, but again, the impact on their lives is enormous. Also, the friends that they have made are also unlike most friends they have in their day to day life. I think of it as pure friendships. Not encumbered by outside influences - school, appearance, abilities. People who touch our lives and make a difference...help us to find the people we are capable of becoming. The activities, the food, the beautiful camp grounds are incredible, but it's all of you, the people that make a difference. I am blessed that they have been able to have this experience."
- Sara; Richardson, Texas
We provide convenient transportation from several of the larger cities in Texas to Camp Olympia. We also provide transportation to and from Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport.
Camp Olympia's Country Store is full of toys, games and clothing that campers love. Campers are able to purchase items in the store only with the merits that they earn. Parents appreciate that campers are asked NOT to bring money to camp (unless for transportation purposes). Each camper will go to the Country Store once a week for the opportunity to spend his/her earned merits.
Our merit system works as an incentive rather than a disciplinary measure. It is based on the theory of logical consequence. Positive behavior results in a merit received; negative behavior results in a demerit taken. This system promotes a positive environment and encourages personal responsibility. Each camper can choose to save their merits or spend them in Olympia's Country Store.
Parents can shop the Country Store in person on Opening and Closing Day, as well as anytime at our Online Country Store. We will gladly deliver any purchased items to your camper while he/she is here.
Campers do not have access to a phone, but they are encouraged to write home as often as possible. Parents appreciate that our counselors take the time to send you mail during the term. Please feel free to call and talk with our staff or your camper's counselor at any time for information, concerns or suggestions about your camper's stay. When requesting to speak with a counselor, a message will be taken and the call returned at a specific time. You can reach us at 936.594.2541. Our FAX is 936.594.8143.
MAIL & PACKAGES
We encourage you to write your camper frequently. At camp, mail is a BIG DEAL! Your camper will enjoy receiving cards, e-mails and packages. CANDY and FOOD ITEMS are NOT ALLOWED in the cabins because they attract ants. Parents and friends are asked not to send such packages. Camp disposes of all suspicious packages appropriately.
Camp Olympia can makes sending care packages very convenient. Olympia has its very own Care Package Service... just send it "SPECIAL DELIVERY" and let us take the hassle out of shopping, packing and mailing! These packages have a variety of cool, fun items that are gender and age-specific, and they are a camper favorite! In addition, we will hand-deliver any items purchased from our Country Store to your camper while he/she is at camp. Please remember mail is not delivered on Opening Days or Sundays.
Camp Olympia allows parents to email their camper during their stay at camp. Please put your child's name and cabin number in the subject line and send to campermail@campolympia.com.
The mailing address is: The email address for camper mail is: Camp Olympia campermail@campolympia.com
723 Olympia Drive
Trinity, Texas 75862
If cancellations occur within seven days prior to your camp term, half of the tuition will be refunded. No deductions will be made for late arrivals or early departures. In cases where a camper is withdrawn upon doctor's orders, a refund of $20 for each remaining day will be refunded upon request. Camp Olympia reserves the right to dismiss any camper whose behavior is detrimental to other members of the camp organization. Any camper bringing illegal drugs, alcohol, cigarettes or smokeless tobacco to camp will be subject to dismissal. In the case of misconduct or rules violation, there will be no refund of camp fees.
Do you offer a 1-week term? Camp Olympia does not currently offer a one-week term. Several years ago, Olympia did offer a one-week term. While many campers attended, we learned the campers have a better camping experience with either a two-week term versus a three-week term, as they have more time to establish relationships, participate in more activities, and grow in the body, mind, and spirit.
How are counselors recruited? How are they trained? Our counselors are recruited from over 20 colleges and universities throughout the United States. Olympia has a very thorough hiring process of its college-age counselors, which includes interviewing, contacting references, and conducting criminal background checks of all candidates. From over 400 applicants, approximately 50 are invited to join our returning staff each summer.
Additionally, each counselor agrees not to drinkor smoke while employed at Camp Olympia.
Our counselors bond together for a one-week, rigorous training clinic prior to the start of camp. From this, our counselors emerge with a firm understanding of the Olympia program along with a high level of safety consciousness.
What is the counselor to camper ratio? Thought the state of Texas only requires a 1 to 10 counselor to camper ratio, Olympia goes above and beyond by striving to staff 1 counselor to every 4 campers in each cabin. We firmly believe that each camper should receive individualized attention for our outstanding counselors.
Will you be able to work with my camper's specific dietary needs? It is important to us that each child's special dietary needs are met. Prior to camp, we ask that you indicate any special needs on our Camper Personal Information Sheet and on the Medical Form. Additionally, upon arriving to camp, if necessary or desired, your camper can meet with our chef to ensure that the proposed menu meets his/her needs.
How would my child's medicine be distributed? Are there any nurses on site? Olympia has two registered nurses on site at all times. They will distribute any necessary medicine to your camper at designated times during the day and night. Our nurses also treat minor illnesses, provide a little TLC and decide who needs to see the doctor. If the need arises, the Trinity hospital is approximately ten minutes from camp.
What is a typical day like at Camp Olympia? Campers stay busy at camp! From our "Wake-up" Radio Show to "Lights-Out" at bedtime, our day is packed with fun!
7:45 AM - Wake-up 12:45 PM - Lunch
8:15 AM - Breakfast 1:30 PM - Rest Period
9:15 AM - COLOCO 2:50 PM - Snack Time
9:25 AM - Spartan/Athenian 3:00 PM - Activities
10:15 AM - Refreshments 6:30 PM - Dinner
10:30 AM - Activities 8:00 PM - Nightly Program
12:00 PM - Radio Show/Free Time 10:00 PM - "Day is Done"
Are the cabins air-conditioned? YES! Each cabin has air-conditioning, in addition to a ceiling fan. Additionally, our dining hall and most other indoor facilities are air-conditioned and have ceiling fans.
Will I be able to call my child at camp? Campers do not have access to a phone and are not permitted to bring cell phones to camp. Instead, campers are encouraged to write home as often as possible. Parents should feel free to call to talk with a staff member or one of your camper's counselors at any time for information, concerns or suggested about your camper's stay.
Am I able to email my camper? At camp, mail is a BIG DEAL! We encourage parents to write letters or emails your camper. All emails for your camper should be sent to campermail@campolympia.com
Is Olympia accredited? What does being accredited by the American Camping Association mean? The American Camping Association sets the best standards in the camping industry, and we proudly are ACA certified. Being ACA accredited is the best guarantee of professionalism in camping because it lets you know we have voluntarily taken the time to insure our program and our site meets the strictest codes of safety and excellence. Click here to learn more about ACA accreditation.
Does Camp Olympia provide transportation for Opening and/or Closing Day? Camp Olympia does offer transportation to camp for Opening Day from several Texas cities. However, it is important to note that a minimum of 15 campers is necessary from each of the designated areas in order to provide transportation.
Olympia does provide transportation to and from Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport. We request that all arrivals should be arranged between 10:00AM and 1:00PM on Opening Day and all departures should be scheduled between 11:00AM and 1:00PM on Closing Day.
What is an Early Bird? Early Birds are campers that sign up for next year's summer camp on Closing Day. Early Birds secure their spot for the following summer, are rewarded with 50 merits, receive their official Early Bird T-Shirt, and have extra time at our Early Bird Party on the last full day of the camp term.
Do you suggest any other resources for helping families get prepared for sending their camper to camp for the first time? Olympia recommends an excellent resource book, by Dr. Christopher Thurber and Dr. Jon Malinowski, named The Summer Camp Handbook. This book is now available for online reading at http://www.summercamphandbook.com/. It has wonderful pointers on what to look for in choosing a camp, how you know if your camper is ready, and how to handle homesickness.
Tommy & Kathy Ferguson have been the Directors of Camp Olympia for over 35 years. They have dedicated their lives to camping and truly believe in its benefits for children. Olympia takes great pride in its personnel, from the camp counselors to our support staff. It is our common goal to see young people grow mentally, physically and spiritually in a safe, fun-filled environment. Olympia is blessed with an outstanding year-round staff that plan and prepare for your child's camp experience. 
We've never taken safety concerns lightly. The American Camping Association (ACA) sets the best standards in the camping industry and that is why Camp Olympia chooses to be accredited by the ACA. We proudly display the ACA accredication logo as a stamp of approval. ACA Accreditation is the best guarantee of professionalism in camping, and it lets you know we have taken the time to insure our program and our site meets the strictest codes of safety and excellence. You'll find improvement on going throughout our program, environment, staff, campers and procedures. We have an "
