Camp Balcones Springs Review

This is my 8-year-old son s second summer at Camp Balcones Springs. He was supposed to go for one week last summer but he was having so much fun that we extended it to 2 weeks. This summer he begged to go for three weeks. He was the happiest I have seen him when we dropped him off at camp. He couldn t wait to get there and meet new friends and his counselors. The staff was so excited to see him again and he ran and gave them the hugest hugs. They are the best. You can tell CBS picks the absolute best candidates as counselors. I can t say enough about Balcones Springs. It is such a special place where kids get to let loose and have fun without gadgets or electronics. My son came home last summer with a new self confidence he gained at camp. I can t wait to hear all about his experience this year. The smile and joy on his face in camp photos makes me feel so good as a mother. He will probably beg me to go for a month next summer!

Both of my kids are going to camp there this summer. My daughter who is 11 this is her third year, my son who is 7 is there this summer and has asked to stay a second week! They are having a blast. Not only do my kids love it there, my daughter grew in social confidence the last two summers! We love the personal staff and the founder Christine and Marietta! An extra plus the kids get to try to learn things we haven't exposed them to like Horseback riding and Wakeboarding!

We can't say enough about Camp Balcones Springs -- the care given and the experiences presented to our boys are exactly what we were looking for in a summer camp! Their staff is more like family -- the kind you DO want to see year after year. Our boys have enjoyed the classic camp activities and I've seen them both grow as individuals and a part of something bigger. I do love too that the facility is shared with the community during off months as a Retreat and special events venue.

the summer of 2015 was my first time there and it was AWESOME!!! can't wait to go again!

My 7 year old daughter attended CBS for the first time this year. We were nervous about sending her off for 10 days (she only spent one night away from home previously). She loved it! The counselors were amazing, and she absolutely loved them. She made great friends in her cabin that she talks about all the time. She experienced a camp hangover when we got home. She loved it so much she wanted us to take her back, immediately. We'll be back next summer!

FANTASTIC, SUPPORTIVE, AMAZING CAMP! This is my daughter's second summer at Camp Balcones Springs and she LOVES her time there. From the organized, thoughtful office staff to the fun and caring counselors, this whole team makes sure your children feel they belong. FIVE STARS!

This is the second time my son has gone to camp at this location. All the workers and staff members are kind, sweet and pleasant. My son has always been happy and satisfy with this camp. This year he really enjoy his camp buddies and his camp leaders. He did the first time as well, just want to clarify that. He always has a blast and seems to have endless fun and activities for the kids. He's even had his first dance with a girl that asked him to dance, wish I would have been there to see that. I think it was square dancing, but so happy that he didn't decline and accepted and gave it a try. But over all, great camp for all ages. Its definitely a summer camp that you should let your child experience. I can't read all the reviews, but I do hope they are all positive, and if that is not the case, just remember some people are just hard to please. But for my son's experience he loves going and creating new adventures and memories. WE LOVE CAMP BALCONES SPRINGS!!!!!!!!!

June 2019
My son hasn t stopped talking about camp since he got in the car. So many wonderful stories to share with us about his many experiences.
The Sunday morning speaker about your purpose really made an impression on him; he was almost able to quote the entire speech to me! He really clicked with one counselor- it was like he could tell he was always on his side or something. Age 10 and he said mommy, I really took care of myself this year sunscreen, teeth, no blisters or bites! I cannot imagine the tough jobs of these camp leaders the late nights of these sugar shack raids and hiding and pretending etc- man, that s a lot. And the kids just LOVE it. Somehow you ve found a balance of absolute fun and that grounding that makes childhood so magical.

June 2017
Camp Balcones Springs and The Retreat at Camp Balcones Springs are magical places. All of the staff are so very kind and helpful. The facilities are lovely. The whole experience feels personal. My children had a wonderful time when we visited-- watching them run along the water, being tailed by the sweet camp dogs, under a canopy of large trees, with the sun shining on us will forever be one of my most precious memories.

Camp Balcones Springs is a little slice of heaven. Wonderful facilities, beautiful, tranquil setting, amazing food, loads of activities, and most of all, truly hospitable staff providing excellent service. Highly recommend!!

I enjoyed every minute of my stay at CBS. My cabin was cozy, comfortable and clean. Very peaceful!
The staff was awesome, food was great! Christine and Chef were so nice to share recipes! Looking forward to my next Retreat!

I can't say enough about Camp Balcones Springs. Both of my boys have attended Camp and just loved it. They also went to Costa Rica one year with CBS! The caring staff, super fun activities and delicious food are just some of the things that sets CBS apart. My oldest son enjoyed the experience so much he returned as a counselor for two years to make a difference in shaping young lives.

Beautiful setting, warm, accommodating and professional staff, wide variety of activities with wonderful facilities. I can't wait to go back!!

My daughter has been going for several years. We love this camp for the amazing staff/counselors, great activities, clean/airconditioned rooms, and amazing food. CBS is always the highlight of my daughters summer!

Our extended family of 20 spent Thanksgiving at Camp Balcones. So much fun! I felt like we were in a Ralph Lauren advertisement. I know the camp from my boys summer experiences but the transformation for retreat season is awesome! Canoe races, fire pits, yoga, family photo ops galore, turkey trot race, climbing wall, food..food...food and the most comfortable bed ever! Thank you Christine and the Balcones team.

Worst Camp ever I was harassed by camper and counselors they threw me into lake ted locked me in a closet and stole my money please don't waste your money on. this camp

I was nervous about my 2 young sons first sleep away camp experience. I wanted to wait to review until I had some direct feedback from the kiddos. They were so excited after our tour of the camp and the owner, Christine, could not have been kinder or more understanding of my mom nerves. She answered all my silly questions with such assured tenderness and made me feel at home. The boys had some of the most enriching and wonderful experiences of their lives and want to work toward earning funds to contribute to their camp tuition every year now. They came back so confident and happy and learned so much about life outside and made such great new friends. The staff were so helpful and kind and the kids adored them. We could not be more thrilled with Camp Balcones Springs.

We love Camp Balcones Springs! It is so much more than a summer camp! Beautiful AIR CONDITIONED Cabins, EXCELLENT food and amazing counselors. So many activities such as sailing, fishing, archery, swimming, rock climbing, horseback riding, zip lines, water skiing and tennis...the list goes on and on. This will be my daughter's 9th consecutive year and she can't imagine not spending her summer at CBS! Christine Baskin and her staff work hard to make every child and family feel important, respected and loved. Kids come home more mature and full of confidence. If you are looking for a summer camp for your kids, look no further. Camp Balcones Springs is the BEST CAMP EVER!

My family and I came here for a Project Sanctuary Retreat. The staff were amazing! The food was so good! We went ziplining, did yoga on horseback, and fishing, just to name a few. It was so relaxing. The room had a log cabin interior. It was so cool! I recommend checking it out.

Beautiful amazing place with even more amazing people!

This summer camp is awful!!!! I sent my Daughter here and she was bullied so much for the week she was there and some kids are sent there for 2 weeks. Do not waste you money on this camp!

Our son and daughter had an awesome time as campers for two weeks at Camp Balcones Springs this summer! They had brand new experiences with the ropes course elements, tubing, horseback riding, pickle ball, and team competition. We've been home for a few weeks and they are still singing their team cheers and both have worn their team shirts to school already. When we got home my son wanted to practice folding the flag so he can be ready next summer if he wants to volunteer at flagpole. They both grew in confidence and courage and had so much fun!

What an awesome resort, camp area. Visit here for sure!

I have taught children for more than 20 years. You just know when a place gets it right- Camp Balcones Springs gets it right. Professional, motivated staff, dozens of life enriching activities, chef prepared food,and an almost perfect balance between personal growth and zany fun!

A quote from my son on day one speaks volumes.. I m never leaving!

Daniel Adams

Super...wonderful staff and the whole place was a treat. The camp "dogs" were fun to play ball with too

I worked here back in college, and now my daughter loves to spend her summers at CBS! She'd stay all summer, if I could afford it, and she dreams of being a counselor someday! It is a great place - gorgeous setting and facilities plus amazing people that love camp and kids!

This camp is phenomenal. There are truly no words to accurately describe this little heaven shrouded by the beauty of nature. I myself have gone there three times and am already dying inside knowing that I must wait another year to return to this glorious camp. I always look forward to returning, as there's nothing bad about this camp. (Besides the Texas heat, but all indoor structures are air-conditioned.) The counselors are unforgettable, and your memories will last you a lifetime. My mom couldn't be more jealous that she cannot attend.You know the saying, :Money can't buy happiness."? Well, money can buy you a camp experience, and from there, you're set. It just one big, huge happy family. I can't recommend this place enough. There is truly no where else like it. They're so much more than a summer camp.

Most of the staff from our previous visit has since departed. The facilities are ranch like and rustic, chic with much stone and wood decor.

Camp Balcones Springs has become an extension of our family. Four years ago, my children attended their first sleepaway camp experience and now they can't wait to go back each summer. As a parent, I was nervous about leaving my children for the first time. Now, my husband and I look forward to the time when the kids are at summer camp. The staff communication is amazing! I even received personal telephone calls from each of the counselors to just say hello and give an update on the first week of camp.

As campers, my children have made great friends. They have become super independent, and each year they try something new. Favorite camp activities include horseback riding, cooking class, swimming in the lake, arts & crafts and theme night parties.

If you are thinking about camp for your child, go tour! Meet the staff! You will be sure to fall in love with Camp Balcones Springs!

I've been going here for five years as a camper and it is one of the best things that I have ever experienced!

My sister had a beautiful fall wedding weekend here. It took a while to find a venue to host 100+ guests for the weekend but Balcones Springs was the PERFECT place. We stayed Thursday - Sunday and spend time at the lake, shooting range, fire pits, and so many other great spots around the property. I can't even begin to tell you how kind the staff is and how delicious the food was!!!! SO hard to find a venue with great food, staff and amenities. The whole family + all the guests are STILL raving about the weekend.

Absolutely beautiful! Incredibly friendly and professional staff. The cabins are cozy and the grounds are perfect for retreats. I look forward to coming back!

Truly a transformative expierience for both of my kids !They each have matured and grown up here over the years, all while having so much fun!!! The best part is the amazing people they meet, who become lifelong friends. The laid back atmosphere combined with high standards cannot be surpassed.
CBS in a word : special !!!!

My daughter has attended CBS for 9 years because she loves the friendships she's developed. The activities are crazy fun and the food is yummy. While the camp has rules, they promote individual accomplishments over team competition.