LOCATION:

Situated on 200 acres in Hunt, Texas, just 15 miles from Kerrville and 70 miles northwest of San Antonio, Camp La Junta lies between a mile of crystal clear, cypress shaded, Guadalupe riverfront and the scenic rolling hills of the heart of Texas hill country. Abundant cypress and oak trees provide a canopy of cooling shade on much of the grounds.

ENROLLMENT:

Of the 210 boys who enroll in each session, an overwhelming

majority (175) stay for the entire four weeks; others enroll for two weeks. Numbers are equally divided among grades, with approximately 25 boys representing each grade. Ninety percent of campers hail from Texas; the other 10 percent are from throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and Mexico. More than 80 percent of campers return from year to year. A camper must be fluent in English to enroll. Campers are divided into four age divisions: Wranglers (first through third grades), Cowboys (fourth and fifth grades), Tophands (sixth and seventh grades), and Advanced Campers (eighth grade). Boys are placed in cabins with others in the same grade. 

PROGRAM OFFERINGS:

The well-rounded program provides each boy with ample opportunity to pursue his own individual interests while maintaining a pace and activity schedule suitable to his needs. In the weeks before camp, each camper selects ten favorite activities; based on this, an individualized schedule of classes based on age and experience is prepared to ensure that personal goals are attained.

Over the years, activities at La Junta have evolved to meet the preferences and needs and capture the interests of its campers. La Junta offers a well-rounded mix of traditional camp activities, innovative programs, and camp-wide team competition. Among the activities offered are riflery, archery, horseback riding, swimming, canoeing, sailing, water-skiing, scuba, kayaking, fishing, golf, tennis, arts and crafts, mountain bikes, camp craft, Indian lore, soccer, softball, volleyball, the challenge course, go carts, trail bikes, rappelling, flying, orienteering, overnight trips, and hunter safety. In addition,

numerous minor activities are included within the curriculum of others; for example, swimmers not only get ample opportunity to improve existing strokes and learn new ones but also to enjoy the La Junta rapids and the rope swing.

La Junta's award system is built into all camp activities. Campers receive patches for each activity in which they participate and chevrons for each level of proficiency within the activities. They are encouraged to set realistic goals, and counselors monitor success as the term progresses. A board on which 100 patches may be proudly displayed is provided to each boy as a lasting reminder of his achievement at La Junta.

STAFF:

The 60 member summer staff is mostly male, although a small number of women assist with the youngest campers. All staff members instruct activities and participate in cabin life. Typically one senior counselor over the age of 21 and one junior counselor live in each cabin. On average, more than 60 percent of the staff returns to La Junta from year to year, and about half are past La Junta campers, many of whom have gone through the camp's Counselor-in-Training program.

New staff members are selected for their maturity, activity skills, and, most importantly, desire to work with young people. All staff members are high school graduates or have completed the Counselor-in-Training program. La Junta's pre-camp orientation ensures that the entire staff is well prepared for opening day.

BACKGROUND AND PHILOSOPHY:

Since 1928, Camp La Junta has provided success-laden, exciting, confidence-building experiences in an all-boy environment. La Junta, a Native American phrase meaning "the meeting place," was founded to provide an opportunity for young boys to escape the rigors of city life, to excel at exciting activities, to appreciate the outdoors, to gain independence, and to build self-confidence and an enhanced self-image. Although independence based, competition is an important part of La Junta; in addition to emphasizing  sportsmanship and individual contribution to a team effort, the camp challenges each boy to meet his dreams and aspirations. The camp's philosophy is: "A young man should be encouraged to make the most of his mental and physical capabilities, thereby increasing his self-confidence and self-image."

OUR FINANCES and DATES:

All La Junta staff members receive a guaranteed salary as well as a potential bonus. Every guarantee is based solely upon age, while the potential bonus is based upon the number of summers of experience and travel distance. Our bonus system was created as an incentive to bolster performance and enjoyment during your summer.  Everyone who puts forth 100% effort and enthusiasm daily will receive their entire bonus. All figures are per four week session. A typical summer includes two of these terms. In addition, housing, all necessary staff clothing, laundry facilities and daily meals and snacks are provided.