In just a few weeks Lake Texoma will play host to hundreds of school age children who will embark upon an adventure that will create lifelong memories - Summer Camp! Lake Texoma is perfectly suited for camp activities. Its big body of water, sandy beaches and tall cliffs present plenty of opportunities for fun and adventure. Summer camp is all about building friendships, learning responsibility, improving skills and most of all, having a blast! The Prothro Center, All Saints, Baptist, and Methodist camps have become year round retreats where church leaders and members come to plan for the future and build deeper relationships with their faith. The serene surroundings and peaceful atmosphere of these church camps are well suited for thought, reflection and relaxation. This summer, however, these tranquil respites will be anything but quiet. Instead the shores of Lake Texoma will ring with the laughter of children splashing on the beaches, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, tubing, sailing, fishing and jumping on the "Blob". Kids will put their cell phones, iPads, iPods, laptops and computers away for a few days and explore nature. Their days will be dedicated to building new friendships, developing leadership skills and confidence. For some it may be the first extended stay away from home - an experience they will never forget! The Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas and the Circle 10 Boy Scouts of America have camp facilities on the shores of Lake Texoma. Life skills were already being honed long before they arrived at camp, as these boys and girls held bake sales, car washes and of course, sold cookies, to earn credits for camp. Favorite activities include Archery, arts and crafts, nature studies and skits. The boys and girls will pitch tents, gather around camp fires, study nature, earn badges, and most of all giggle and laugh. At Cross Point in Kingston, OK, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes will be holding a camp where the emphasis is on Xtreme, as cliffs are rappelled and a challenging ropes course, skeet shooting, water sports and intense competition combine to help youngsters build leadership and athletic skills. Camp Victory in Cartwright, OK, also offers ropes courses, water activities, zip line and climbing wall along with morning devotionals and evening service. All the activities are designed to challenge them physically, build relationships with others, and build a closer relationship with their faith. Karate Kamp is a weekend overnight camp filled with fun, friendship and martial arts. The emphasis is placed on self-control and discipline. There will be a Karate workout each day on the beach, in the water or at the campsite. Kids will enjoy swimming, games, an evening walk with colored lights, roasting marshmallows and of course - make S'mores over a campfire. Teens from all over North Texas will attend week-long camps sponsored by churches and non-profit organizations at private camps. The private camps partner with organizations that plan and facilitate the summer camp sessions. There are horseback riding camps, camps for underprivileged kids, and those with mental or physical challenges. Camp Dragonfly, a grief camp for children and teens, is a weekend retreat led by professional clinicians and trained staff and sponsored by Home Hospice of Grayson, Cooke and Fannin Counties. We all grieve in our own way; however children grieve differently than adults. Some children have behavior problems, struggle with school work, become argumentative or fearful, hesitate to be away from a parent, or don't want to be alone. All activities at Camp Dragonfly are designed to help children heal. "Camp is about life and living," said director Jolene Senek, LBSW, CT, GC-C. "What they learn here can last a lifetime." Over the years, thousands of kids have participated in the "Texoma experience" - growing in maturity and faith - and gaining friends and memories that will last a lifetime. If you would like to know more about the Summer Camps on Lake Texoma and in the Greater Texoma Area, visit www.texomaconnect.com.