FAQs

TRAVEL

There are four options for traveling to and from Camp OTX:

1) Arrive by automobile.

2) Ride a Camp OTX sponsored chartered bus.

3) Fly into San Antonio International Airport to then be transported to camp via camp shuttle.

4) Fly into Kerrville Municipal Airport, located 36 miles from camp, to then be transported to camp via camp shuttle.

Parents are encouraged to personally pick their campers up at the close of camp; however, campers may travel home to select cities via bus or be transported to San Antonio International Airport to board commercial flights home. Transportation fees are charged for these services.

Charter buses run to and from Camp OTX for most sessions from the following cities when the demand is sufficient:

  • Houston
  • Austin
  • San Antonio

Fee for the bus is based on the city of departure.

Campers who wish to fly either to or from camp via commercial airline can be met at or transported to the San Antonio International Airport. 

Camp OTX offers fully staffed luxury charter bus service from several cities in Texas when demand is sufficient. Several of our camp families take advantage of this extremely economical and convenient travel option. Also, it is a great way to kick-off the camp experience as campers meet new friends and connect with the OTX staff on the trip.

A Premier Charter Bus Experience
Our goal is to provide a premier and convenient travel experience. We work together with reputable charter bus companies in trying to provide a premier experience based on a variety of factors including reliability, driver friendliness, professionalism and quality. 

Travel Staff Training
As part of our staff training and orientation, staff are trained on their travel supervisory responsibilities including travel safety, health, camper monitoring, emergency procedures and check-in/check-out protocols. 

Electronics Restrictions
Due to privacy concerns and to create a premier experience free and “un-tethered” from electronics, transmittable devices such as cell phones or tablets with data plans are not permitted at Camp OTX. Non-transmittable devices such as iPod, mp3 players or tablets without data plans, are permitted while traveling but are not permitted once at Camp OTX. Upon arrival, all electronic devices are labeled and secured and delivered back to the camper at the end of the camp session.

Meals
We request that all campers pack their own lunch for the trip to Camp OTX. Camp OTX provides lunch and a snack (where applicable) for campers traveling home from camp. All charter buses are supplied with sanitization supplies and bottled water for camper use.

Luggage Tags
We request that luggage be restricted to two (2) pieces, a trunk and a duffle. In addition, campers may bring a small carry on such as a back-pack or satchel. In most cabins, trunks are stored under bunks and cannot exceed 15 ½” in height. For those traveling by bus or plane, luggage tags are mailed around two weeks prior to the beginning of each camp session. Please be sure to clearly mark and tag each piece of luggage with these tags. Upon arrival, Camp OTX Staff will unload and assist campers with their luggage. For further convenience, campers may choose to ship their luggage to and from camp via FedEx or Ups.

Camp OTX offers staffed shuttle service to and from San Antonio International Airport. Parents may book flights on the airline of their choice in accordance with Camp OTX’s departure and arrival windows. Upon arrival, all campers are greeted by Camp OTX Staff and escorted to our shuttle for transport to Camp OTX. Camp OTX luggage personnel are on hand to load luggage once identified by each camper at the baggage claim.

Premier Airport Experience
Our goal is to provide a premier and convenient travel experience. Camp OTX staff is on hand at San Antonio International Airport for all arrivals and departures. We will make every effort to meet camper at the gate (as long as permitted) or otherwise will meet camper at terminal exit upon arrival and escort the camper to the baggage claim area. Charter buses park in close proximity to the baggage claim area and are monitored and supervised by Camp OTX Staff. Also, camp luggage staff is on hand to assist campers with moving their luggage from the carousels to the charter bus. Travel manifests are generated from information provided in the travel section of each camper’s My OTX account. Please make sure the flight information provided is accurate and correct.

Travel Staff Training
As part of our staff training and orientation, staff are trained on their travel supervisory responsibilities including travel safety, health, camper monitoring, emergency procedures and check-in/check-out protocols. 

Electronics Restrictions
Due to privacy concerns and to create a premier experience free and “un-tethered” from electronics, transmittable devices such as cell phones or tablets with data plans are not permitted at Camp OTX. Non-transmittable devices such as iPod, mp3 players or tablets without data plans, are permitted while traveling but are not permitted once at Camp OTX. Upon arrival, all electronic devices are labeled and secured and delivered back to the camper at the end of the camp session. However, campers who fly are allowed to bring cell phones for convenience of communication in route to and from Camp OTX.

Meals
Camp OTX provides lunch and a snack (where applicable) for campers traveling home from camp. Lunch is provided to all campers upon departure from camp. Transportation to the airport is supplied with sanitization supplies and bottled water for camper use.

Flight Delays
Camp OTX will make best efforts to communicate with parents regarding flight delays for departing campers; however we ask each parent or guardian monitor their camper’s flight status. In the case of a flight delay, of course our staff members will supervise, monitor and assist the parent or guardian in making alternative arrangements for each camper. With regard to inbound flight delays, we ask that each parent or guardian notify the Camp OTX office as soon as they are aware of any change in schedule.

Unaccompanied Minors
While Unaccompanied Minor (UA) policies vary by airline, typically they apply to children under the age of 12 flying alone or not traveling with an accompanying passenger over the age of 12. It is the parent or guardians responsibility to understand and comply with UA policies based on the airline of choice, including payment of any and all UA fees. In most cases, airlines require contact information for the pick-up designee at the arrival airport. Information regarding the Camp OTX Staff designee is sent out approximately two weeks in advance and can otherwise be found by contacting the Camp OTX office (assignments typically finalized in May). 

San Antonio Airport
The San Antonio International Airport services eleven (11) airlines, offers 260 departures each day and non-stop jet service to 27 national and international gateway cities. Major airline service includes Southwest, American, Delta, United, and Frontier. San Antonio International airport offers non-stop flights to Houston, Dallas, New Orleans, and many other major cities. 

Luggage Tags
We request that luggage be restricted to two (2) pieces, a trunk and a duffle. In addition, campers may bring a small carry on such as a back-pack or satchel. In most cabins, trunks are stored under bunks and cannot exceed 15 ½” in height. For those traveling by bus or plane, luggage tags are mailed around two weeks prior to the beginning of each camp session. Please be sure to clearly mark and tag each piece of luggage with these tags. Upon arrival, Camp OTX Staff will unload and assist campers with their luggage. For further convenience, campers may choose to ship their luggage to and from camp via FedEx or UPS

There are many places to stay near Camp OTX. We suggest you make your reservations well in advance. First-class hotel facilities are available in Kerrville, Boerne, and San Antonio, all within 1 hour from Camp OTX.  There are also several nice lodging options in Bandera.

You may also visit the Chamber of Commerce websites for Bandera and San Antonio, or any online travel review guide, such as Trip Advisor.

Each session begins on a Sunday. Opening day procedures are designed to make the parents’ and campers’ experience as smooth and efficient as possible. An Opening Day Guide, as well as check-in procedures and luggage service, are provided to all families arriving via private automobile. Campers arriving via chartered bus or airplane receive assistance with luggage and are moved into their cabin immediately upon arrival.

Specific information regarding Opening Day schedules and events are sent via the Travel Itinerary on the My OTX dashboard to all enrolled campers prior to the beginning of their camp session. Opening Day drop off will be in the afternoon.

Camp OTX is located 8 miles southwest of Bandera, Texas (1 hour west of San Antonio) in the scenic Texas Hill Country. 

Camp OTX
8839 Farm to Market Rd. 470
Bandera, TX 78003

Phone: (830) 850-0033
Fax: (713) 827-8110

Each session closes on a Saturday. Closing day is a memorable time for campers to end a premier session at Camp OTX! Specific information regarding Closing Day schedules and events are sent via the Travel Itinerary on the My OTX dashboard to enrolled campers prior to the beginning of their camp session. The Closing Day Ceremony takes place in the mid morning.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Camp OTX will require screening prior to camp. Screening is a very useful tool in helping to keep camp safe and healthy. Normal screening requirements include protocols to help mitigate the risk of communicable disease transmission in our close community. Screening will include temp checks, questionnaires, and verifications that campers are free of communicable disease and asymptomatic. Pre-camp testing is a useful screening tool and may or may not be required depending on current health conditions. Keep in mind that campers come from across the country and several countries abroad. Our commitment is to do what is reasonable and necessary to keep camp as safe as possible. All screening requirements will be communicated and are subject to change on a session-by-session basis. Camp families will receive screening requirements a few weeks prior to the start of the camp session.

The Health Center is staffed by a primary care provider and at least 2 registered nurses. Additional physicians and a full-service medical clinic are located in Bandera, 8 miles away. It is the camp policy to notify parents of an illness, accident or injury in the event the camper is seen by the Camp Physician. Should medical bills be incurred, parents are fully responsible for payment.

Vigorous hand-washing always has been and will continue to be part of our daily routine. And, as always, Camp OTX will maintain its high standards for sanitization, including our full time Cleaning Crew.

Camp OTX will facilitate the mandatory service of pre-packing campers’ medications in preparation for camp. Camp families must send their medication(s) directly to Camp OTX. There is a fee for this service.

All pills/capsules (prescription and non-prescription) taken on a routine basis will be individually packaged and sorted according to day and time of administration. If prescription medication is not in pill/capsule form (liquids, eye drops, topical, etc.) they will be dispensed as indicated.

All medication must be delivered to camp at least 3 weeks prior to the camper’s arrival.

Campers that have any type of allergy, whether food, drug, environmental or other, must notify Camp OTX via the Health Form or in writing before the camper’s session begins. All allergies are entered into the camper’s database. The “Camp OTX Allergy Form” must be filled out indicating the allergen, the reaction and the treatment if exposure occurs. If the camper has a potentially life threatening allergy, a black band will be placed on their wrist on their arrival, with their allergy written on the band. Food allergies must be discussed with the Food Services Director in advance of the session and alternatives planned for the session. Supplemental foods are usually requested.

Camp OTX takes water safety very seriously and has developed water safety policies in accordance with guidelines issued both by the American Red Cross and the American Camping Association.

Before participating in any water activity at Camp OTX, each camper must complete a mandatory swim test supervised by our waterpark staff. At that time, all campers are fitted for life jackets under the supervision of the waterpark staff. Life jackets are color-coded by size. Campers are required to wear a life jackets when participating in all waterfront activities. The only exception is limited to the waterslide area where the camp ratio of swimmers to lifeguard never exceeds 2 to 1 and the pool. If a camper fails the swim test, he/she will be required to wear a life jacket at all times.

Campers who pass the swim test receive a permanent “swim bracelet,” which assist the lifeguards in assessing swim ability in each of our areas. Those who do not pass the swim test do not receive a swim bracelet and must wear a life jacket when participating in all waterfront activities, including the water slides. In addition each camper is issued a “swim tag” that is required for admittance into our main waterpark area. Camp OTX implements check in/check out system in the waterpark area to assist in camper monitoring and water safety.

Camp OTX lifeguards are certified by the American Red Cross. In addition. Backboards and AED’s are both available to the waterpark staff should a situation arise requiring their use.

Camp OTX reviews its water safety policies on an annual basis.

Sun Protection is taken very seriously at Camp OTX. In addition to dispensation and application of sunscreen prior to participation in all waterpark activities, Camp OTX trains its staff to encourage sun protection through consistent application of sunscreen. Protective clothing, such as UV rated swim shirts, are also encouraged. While Camp OTX encourages campers to bring their own sun protection, sunscreen is available in most program areas and UV rated protective clothing is available at the camp store.

In addition, Camp OTX employs a monitoring system through its restriction protocols that assist summer staff in identifying and caring for campers who are particularly sensitive to sun exposure.

Camp OTX strives to provide delicious food options that kids enjoy, while recognizing the importance of nutrition and healthy eating. At every meal, campers have the option to eat from the main hot food line, Express Eats line, or an always healthy breakfast bar in the morning or soup, salad and potato bar at lunch and dinner. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and fresh fruit are also available during most meals.

All activity, medical and dietary restrictions are reviewed once submitted during registration. Campers with chronic medical conditions including, but not necessarily limited to, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, heart conditions, etc. are welcome at Camp OTX as long as the camper can thrive within the Essential Functions defined. Each condition is considered on a case by case basis and final acceptance is at the sole discretion of the Camp Director in consultation with the Medical Team.

In order to make reasonable efforts to protect the public health of our entire camp population, Immunizations are mandatory for camp attendance – no exemptions or exceptions.

In order to make reasonable efforts to protect the health and safety of each individual camper, only inhalers, EpiPens, injectable medications, ADD medications, and new prescriptions (newly prescribed in the week prior to attendance) can be brought on Opening Day. There is a $75 handling fee for any other prescription medications brought on Opening Day, other than these exceptions. In addition, Camp OTX cannot guarantee the proper dispensation of medications within the first 48 hours of receipt. No over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or supplements will be accepted on Opening Day. Thank you for your cooperation.

WHILE AT CAMP

To send your camper mail or packages, please address as show below:

Camp OTX
Attn: (Camper Name)
Session (number or letter), (Cabin # if known)
8839 FM 470
Bandera, TX 78003

Candy, food and gum are not allowed to be brought or sent to Camp OTX. Likewise, water balloons, water guns, silly string, and glow sticks should not be sent. All such items will be confiscated and discarded. They will not be returned. Firearms, ammunition, fireworks, knives, and other items deemed dangerous, are strictly prohibited.

Cell phones and other mobile communication or transmittable devices (except in authorized camp activities) are strictly prohibited. Other electronics, such as iPads, iPods, Apple Watches, video cameras, video games, computers, etc., are also prohibited. Any such item brought or sent to camp will be taken up and returned on Closing Day. Camp OTX is not responsible for theft or damage to any camper personal property.

Ideas of things you can send would be books, magazines, activity books, games, cards, stuffed animals, hair accessories, colored pens or markers, and accessories for the Special Events.

Parents, relatives and friends are requested not to visit campers during the session. Campers are not permitted to leave camp during the session with parents or friends. We ask your full cooperation in this policy as it is for the well-being of the camper and camp.

Candy, food and gum are not allowed to be brought or sent to Camp OTX. Likewise, water balloons, water guns, silly string, and glow sticks should not be sent. All such items will be confiscated and discarded. They will not be returned. Firearms, ammunition, fireworks, knives, and other items deemed dangerous, are strictly prohibited.

Cell phones and other mobile communication or transmittable devices (except in authorized camp activities) are strictly prohibited. Other electronics, such as iPads, iPods, Apple Watches, video cameras, video games, computers, etc., are also prohibited. Any such item brought or sent to camp will be taken up and returned on Closing Day. Camp OTX is not responsible for theft or damage to any camper personal property.

Clothing displaying profanity or inappropriate content is prohibited. Campers should not bring backless shirts, halter tops, crop tops, or any low cut, tight, or revealing apparel.

Telephone calls from parents or friends to campers should be limited to an emergency basis. Please feel free to call the Camp Mom if you need to discuss something relating to your child. Campers are not allowed to use the telephone during their stay at Camp OTX except for radical emergencies. Campers are allowed to receive e-mail messages. Email packages are available online through your My OTX account or the Camp Store. Emails are printed at 8 A.M. daily and delivered by 2 P.M. through the Camp Post Office.

No extra money is needed at camp except for personal items such as toothpaste, shampoo, stamps, camp t-shirts, canteen/snack items, extra craft items, etc. A deposit should be made in the camper’s store account; $200 is suggested for two and three week sessions, and $100 is suggested for one week sessions.

The Camp Store operates in similar fashion to a checking account and the unused balance is refunded. In the event your camper’s store balance falls below $25, you will be notified via your My OTX Dashboard. Additional store funds can be added through your My OTX account or by calling the camp office at 830-850-0033.

All money must be turned in to the office on the first day of camp. No money is allowed to be kept in the cabins.

The Camp OTX daily schedule allows campers to participate in a wide variety of activities, both in structured and non-structured settings. Whether it is the excitement of learning a new skill during Morning Activities, the freedom of Stampede, the energy and impact of our nightly Worship Services, or the non-stop fun of Special Events, the Camp OTX program has something for everyone!

A TYPICAL DAY AT CAMP OTX:

  Wake-Up
  Morning Show
  Breakfast/Cabin Clean-Up
  Team Competition
  Wind Down
  First Activity
  Second Activity
  Third Activity
  Lunch
  The Big Chill
  Stampede
  Dinner
  Worship Services
  Special Event
  Devotional/Showers
  Hit the Hay

Morning Activities are primarily designed for campers to learn or improve upon a skill from one day to the next. Each camper will receive a unique, individualized morning class schedule based on the camper’s indicated preferences. All classes are a first-come, first-served basis. Each camper will be able to change his or her class schedule upon arrival at camp. Age and gender restrictions for some activities may apply.

Each scheduled Morning Activity generally meets once daily, Monday through Thursday, with a total of three activity periods each day.

All areas of camp are staffed and open recreationally every afternoon during our camp-wide free time known as Stampede. Campers are able to participate in as many activities as they’d like. Qualified staff is assigned to supervise each activity, while those not assigned are free to take kids to different activities of the camper’s choosing. Organized Tournaments and Clinics are advertised and offered each Stampede allowing campers to benefit from instruction in a specific areas, as well as participate alone or with a group in structured play.

Stampede is often referred to as the camper’s favorite time of the day because all activities at Camp OTX are open, with campers having the opportunity to do “whatever they want” at this time. Stampede lasts about 2 hours each day.

Campers can pack in a duffel, plastic, or hard side trunk no more than 15” tall (to slide easily under the bunk). Wheels on trunks are not recommended.

No regulation uniform is required. Clothing displaying profanity or inappropriate content is prohibited. Campers should not bring backless shirts, halter tops, crop tops, or any low cut, tight, or revealing apparel.

All clothing and items brought to camp must be marked with camper’s first and last name.

Do NOT pack any prescribed or over-the-counter medication in your camper’s luggage. Refer to the Medication Dispensation Policy on your My OTX dashboard for further clarification.

Candy, food and gum are not allowed to be brought or sent to Camp OTX. Likewise, water balloons, water guns, silly string, and glow sticks should not be sent. All such items will be confiscated and discarded. They will not be returned. Firearms, ammunition, fireworks, knives, and other items deemed dangerous, are strictly prohibited.

Cell phones and other mobile communication or transmittable devices (except in authorized camp activities) are strictly prohibited. Other electronics, such as iPads, iPods, Apple Watches, video cameras, video games, computers, etc., are also prohibited. Any such item brought or sent to camp will be taken up and returned on Closing Day. Camp OTX is not responsible for theft or damage to any camper personal property.

Camp OTX firmly believes that all campers deserve to have a premier camp experience, and any camper behavior that negatively affects the experience of others should be addressed in a decisive and timely fashion. Camp OTX has developed a system of Camper Monitoring designed to prevent, identify and resolve camper behavior issues. Components of Camper Monitoring include:

Monitoring of Camper Behavior
Camp OTX employs a system of camper monitoring that involves cabin counselors, senior summer staff (“Top Staff” – older Camp OTX staff who oversee a small group of cabins), and Permanent Staff. One of the primary goals of our camper monitoring system is to be in a position to quickly identify and resolve any camper misbehavior. Our cabin counselors are the first line of “defense,” but all staff members, including the Top and Permanent Staff, are trained to work together to attempt to eliminate misbehavior of any kind.

Permanent Staff
Certain members of the Camp OTX Permanent Staff are tasked with designing, implementing and evaluating our camper monitoring program. These Permanent Staff members try to stay current on recent trends and thoughts on preventing, identifying and resolving behavioral issues, including bullying. In addition, these Permanent Staff are proactive during the summer in responding to behavioral issues that arise among campers. As issues come to their attention, whether through formal or informal channels, one or more of these Camp OTX Permanent Staff members becomes involved.

Training of Summer Staff
Camp OTX trains our Summer Staff in efforts to help them recognize, prevent and resolve camper misbehavior issues, such as bullying. This includes training prior to camp, during our Staff Orientation (required of all summer staff member with very few exceptions), as well as ongoing training and evaluation during summer.

Camper Supervision Rules
Camp OTX has developed policies and guidelines aimed at adequate supervision and monitoring of campers. For example, we go to great lengths to avoid situations where campers are not directly supervised by staff members at all times. Since most campers who bully or otherwise misbehave tend to do so in the absence of adult supervision, we strive to eliminate those situations.

Opening Day Meetings
On the first night of camp, Camp OTX conducts age- and gender-specific meetings with all campers. During these opening day meetings, a member of the Permanent Staff reviews our behavioral policies and guidelines and outlines the consequences of misbehavior (ranging from a meeting with Permanent Staff, to loss of camp privileges, to expulsion from camp in extreme cases). A Permanent Staff member will also review the formal and informal ways a child may report misbehavior by another camper or staff member. We want campers to feel safe and empowered to stand up for themselves, and to know they have options for dealing with difficult situations.

One-on-One Meetings and Daily Checks
We conduct “Camper Evaluations” once per week, during which members of the Top Staff meet with the counselors in their assigned cabins and documents a formalized report for each camper. The primary purpose of this meeting is to identify any behavioral issues that might be causing problems in the cabin. These reports are then reviewed by members of the Permanent Staff. In addition, Top Staff members are tasked with informally checking with each of their assigned cabins each day. Again, this helps keep us informed as to how the campers in a cabin are getting along, and if the counselors are having any difficulty managing behavioral issues.

Camp Moms serve as a mom away from home and strive to help make the experience of sending a child to camp as smooth and worry-free as possible for both the camper and parents. Camp Moms have a network in place that enables them to meet camper’s needs, address issues such as homesickness, and give 1st time camper status reports to camp families a few days into their camper’s session.

Cabins at Camp OTX are arranged by age group and gender. The typical cabin arrangement is 9-12 campers with 2-3 counselors. The air conditioned cabins are comfortable and modern and have in-cabin restroom and shower facilities. Campers sleep in bunk beds with deluxe mattresses; each sleeping area has a shelf and access to an electrical outlet (for fans or clocks). 

We love birthdays at Camp OTX! Campers with birthdays while at camp are celebrated in many ways. They start their day with an announcement and celebration at Good Morning OTX and their entire cabin gets a birthday bag with decorations, hats, and other fun items. The birthday boy or girl receives a Stampede Fast Pass and a homemade cake at lunch to share with the cabin while the whole camp sings “Happy Birthday” to the camper! Additional birthday packages to send to your camper on their special day are available for purchase via the Camp OTX Store.

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