Safety is our top priority.
Fun. Safe. Gospel. is more than a motto — it's our daily mission. Every activity we design is grounded in joy, structure, and purpose.
Our campus is intentionally built for both excitement and safety: physically through thoughtful supervision and policies, emotionally through respectful relationships and clear boundaries, and spiritually through a Christ-centered foundation.
Whether it's a camper's first time fishing, kayaking, or joining a Bible study under the trees, we want every child to encounter the love of Jesus in an environment that's secure, meaningful, and unforgettable.
Every director, lead, counselor, and adult staff member is carefully selected through an application, interview, reference-check, and training process.
Before working at camp, adult staff complete background screening, including Third-Party background checks for county and Multi-Jurisdictional Database and Sex Offender Search with Identity Research.
All staff are trained in child safety, emergency procedures, abuse prevention, camper supervision, and our Never Alone / Rule of Three policy.
Supervision is ongoing. At Camp Anothen, we take the safety of every camper seriously — and that starts with accountability.
Our "Never Alone" policy, also known as the Rule of Three, ensures that no staff member, volunteer, or leader-in-training is ever alone with a camper.
Whether walking to an activity, taking a restroom break, or helping with sunscreen, there must always be at least three people present — typically a staff member and two campers, or two staff with one camper.
All swimming and pond activities are overseen by third-party certified lifeguards trained in emergency response, CPR, and aquatic safety.
Lifeguards give a water safety presentation to campers before any water activity begins. Swim tests are administered at the start of each pool session to determine pool readiness.
Counselors are in the water with their campers — not just watching from the sidelines.
Our Discovery Camp program is developmentally appropriate and created just for preschool-aged campers, with smaller counselor ratios and sensory-friendly activities.
Discovery Campers enjoy a slower-paced schedule — our littlest campers are nurtured in a calm, joyful, and fun environment that helps them experience nature and thrive.
Many of our counselors teach preschool during the school year and are very familiar with this age group.
Let's face it — Texas summers are hot. We spend the entire day playing in the woods, swimming in the pool and ponds, and running in our fields.
Campers should arrive with sunscreen already applied and bring spray-on sunscreen for reapplication. Staff are trained to assist younger children with reapplication only with another screened adult present.
Clearly marked water stations are placed throughout camp. Shaded areas and water play are built into every day to help campers stay cool and refreshed.
Campers' physical well-being is closely monitored throughout the day. All medications are stored securely and administered only by camp staff.
Staff are trained to recognize signs of illness, injury, heat-related stress, or allergic reactions and respond immediately.
Medical visits are logged and reported to parents, giving every family a structured, attentive approach to their camper's health.
Campers are only released to parents or guardians listed in their camper application, or to individuals with a verified parent/guardian pick-up code.
We uphold clear behavioral expectations to create a safe and respectful environment for every camper.
When disciplinary situations arise, staff respond with consistent procedures prioritizing safety, accountability, and resolution. Repeated or serious concerns are documented and communicated with parents.
Our goal isn't only to address the moment, but to guide children toward making responsible, respectful choices moving forward.
Campers are expected to manage their belongings responsibly, with counselor help. We provide designated areas for item storage throughout the day.
Lost items are collected and stored in a central location — families are encouraged to label everything clearly. Parents are always welcome to call us about a lost item.