Frequently Asked Questions:

What do I do to register?

Simply complete the camper application online. A deposit of $250.00 or full payment must accompany each application for each camp session. The deposit is refundable until March 1. The deposit is part of the tuition. If you do not wish to pay the deposit of $250 via credit card, mail a check for the deposit to
Kickapoo Kamp
3047 Colony Dr.
San Antonio, Texas 78230
Your application is not considered complete until we receive your deposit. We will send you a letter of acceptance by email if there is space for your daughter in the term you requested.

Can Campers stay more than one term?

Yes, Kickapoo has several families that take advantage of the safe and productive environment to enroll their daughter/daughters for five to six weeks. Twice the amount of time means twice the friends and twice the fun!! A few campers like to attend the two-week term at the first of the summer and return for three weeks during the last of July.

Is Kickapoo a licensed residential summer camp?

Yes, Kickapoo is licensed by the State of Texas, which inspects each camp annually for compliance with the strict code of standards for Texas camps. Kickapoo is also an active member in the state camping association, Camping Associate for Mutual Progress.

What if a camper gets homesick?

With over 85 years of experience, we’ve learned three things about homesickness: (1) by watching for early signs, homesickness is usually avoidable; (2) once parents are out of sight, counselors and other campers come into a child’s focus and the fun starts; (3) parents are usually more uneasy about leaving their children than children are in leaving their parents; (4) a parent’s attitude about their daughter being away from home has a strong impact on children.

Parents can help prevent homesickness prior to arrival at camp by always speaking of the camp experience in a positive manner. NEVER tell your daughter that you may not make it without her or that you think she may miss home too much to stay away that long. Let her know how much you love her and want her to have a great experience in growing up! Lots of mail and one or two approved “care packages” always cheer up a camper.

Remember, if you tell your daughter that you will pick her up if she is unhappy, she will test your statement! Leave your options open; let them know that you and the camp director will make a decision together.

Click here to see more on homesickness prevention.

How do you select counselors?

Counselors are the key to any good summer camp experience. All of our counselors are carefully chosen based upon their character, personality, skills, and dedication to children. Many of our counselors have been previous campers with us and are ready to give back a little of what they received during their years as a camper. All of our new counselors have completed at least one year of college. Former campers who have attended camp for at least five years may be a junior counselor the summer before their freshman year in college. Kickapoo’s camper to staff ratio is 4 to 1.

What kind of training do the counselors have?

Counselors are selected for each activity based on prior experience in the activity. Many members of our staff are returning counselors or have had experience at other camps. All waterfront counselors who teach swimming, canoeing, and water skiing are lifeguard certified. Swimming counselors are also certified to teach swimming. A former camper or counselor with several years’ experience with our riding program heads the horseback riding staff. All counselors receive training on all aspects of the job at a staff orientation that is held during the weeks before campers arrive. During orientation, counselors learn strategies for working with and motivating campers, plan for special activities during the camp term, learn about policies and procedures of Kickapoo Kamp, and participate in CPR certification classes.

What are the cabins like?

Each cabin is self-contained with a central area for the bunk bed and separate rooms for the sink, shower, and toilet. The cabin for our youngest campers houses 6 girls with 2 counselors, while the others hold from 8-12 campers with 2 counselors. Each cabin has a large fan, but air-conditioning is not available at our facility. Our evenings are cool and days are comfortable so it is not really necessary.

How are the cabin placements determined?

Campers are placed in cabins by grade and age. A camper can ask to be in the same cabin with a friend as long as they are in the same grade or age group and attend for the same length term. Parents who would like to request that their daughter be in a cabin with a friend of the same age or grade should make their request on the application or via email. Final responsibility for confirming cabin request confirmation lies with each camper’s parents. Kickapoo tries to meet every request, but the director makes the final decision.

What about camper mail?

Camper mail is delivered to and picked up from Kickapoo daily. Address camper letters to:
Camper’s Name, Cabin Name
304 Upper Turtle Creek Rd
Kerrville, TX 78028

Mail from home and friends are essential to a positive camp experience. Nothing takes the place of a handwritten letter from a loved one. We suggest you mail the first letter the week before the camp term starts so that your daughter receives mail at the very first mail call! Packages are especially treasured by our campers, but please avoid sending an item on the “What not to Bring to Camp” list. These items are bit allowed at camp, and our limited storage space prevents us from being able to hold any packages until the end of the term.We suggest that you limit packages to no more than 2 or 3. A large number of packages could interfere with your daughter’s involvement in camp activities. Thanks to our partnership with eCamp, campers may receive emails while they are at Kickapoo. Instructions on how to send and pay for email is provided on the Kamp Photos/Email page of our website. The directions and the password that allows access to eCamp, is mailed home in the spring.

Can we call our camper or can she call us?

No phone calls to a camper are allowed and they do not have access to a phone to call home. If you want to check on your daughter, you are more than welcome to call the office. We will answer your questions and check with your daughter’s cabin counselors and the first aid attendant if necessary. Please feel free to call as often as it takes to make you comfortable with your daughter’s camp experience.

Are there any special activities at the close of the term?

Two and Three Week Campers!
Yes, our closing activities begin with class demonstrations on the Friday of the closing weekend. After class demonstrations, parents may take their daughters into town for dinner, shopping and relaxation. That evening we have a final singsong presentation and a special campfire ceremony where the blanket is awarded to the winning tribe. The evening activities conclude around 10:00pm. The camper has cabin parties after the parents have gone into Kerrville for the night. On Saturday, our parents are invited to the Final Awards where each camper receives ribbons, certificates, and activity charms. Plaques and trophies are awarded to the outstanding campers in several categories. Campers and parents are on their way home around 1:00p.m.

One-Week Campers!
Parents arrive Sunday around 1:30pm for your daughter’s closing activities. The award packets will be given out at the end of our Sunday lunch and pep rallies. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to observe your daughter participating in horseback riding and water activities. Following the class demonstrations, your camper’s belonging will be ready for pick-up in our activity shed.

Why should my daughter attend Kickapoo Kamp?

Our history and our smaller size set us apart from other private girls’ camps. Limiting our enrollment to around 100 campers allows us to emphasize the “family” atmosphere we feel is so important. All campers, from age 6-17 know each other and all the counselors by name. Our evening activities are all-camp activities so all ages participate together. Relationships develop among girls of all ages, not just within the campers own age group.

Kickapoo offers a fun environment that helps to build self-confidence, self-awareness and self-acceptance.

Our counselors are wholesome role models who share common values and are dedicated to children. We offer a variety of activities that challenge and interest every camper. Kickapoo is a place with well-maintained facilities, exciting programs, delicious home-cooked meals, experienced staff, and a family environment conducive to a fun-filled, learning camp experience.

For over 85 years, generations of families have enjoyed the traditions and shared the memories of their summers spent at Kickapoo Kamp. This tradition has been carried on by three generations of the Ford-Findlay family who are genuinely committed to a quality camp experience for your daughters.