Frequently Asked Questions

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  An overnight camp experience can prove to be one of the most significant growth experiences for a child. Living with cabin mates and counselors, participating in a wide range of activities outdoors gives kids a chance to learn things like teamwork, self-confidence, self-reliance, and new skills.  The best part is they have fun while learning! We always strive to send your son/daughter back to you a little better than they came to us.  

  We are implementing stricter policies regarding screening and cleanliness using recommendations from the CDC.  We are also restricting the number of campers gathered in a specific location. The health of our campers and staff is always an important part of a successful summer camp.   

  Yes, everything we are doing aligns with the CDC and ACA guidelines.  We will continue to follow their recommendations for safety in the coming year.  We also report to the American Camping Association Accreditation Board.  They often have more stringent guidelines regarding camper health and safety.  

  *Update (6/1/2021):  Texas Governor Greg Abbott has released updates to COVID mandates for the state. The health and safety of our campers, staff, and camper families is our top priority, and we will continue to practice our safety protocols, including health screens, and social distancing.  Mask wearing is highly recommended but will not be mandated. Learn more about our summer camp safety plan. 

 No! On May 18th, Governor Abbott issued an executive order stating, "No government entity, including a county, city, school district, and public health authority, and no government official may require any person to wear a face covering or to mandate that another person wear a face covering.

Camp RIO is subject to the new order and will no longer require face coverings for campers,  staff, and visitors.       

Overnight campers will, however, be given a COVID test when arriving at camp.

   No! All children are welcome to experience Camp RIO. We are open to all children ages 5-14 from any school district.  We want all kids to come have fun at camp!  

 Universities all over the Southwest-primarily Texas and Arkansas. Each year, we’ll recruit actively on multiple college campuses. 

We aggressively try to hire an ethnically diverse group of counselors. We believe it’s great for kids to experience teamwork with people from various backgrounds who care about each other, live by a high set of standards and values, and give their all for our campers. It’s a powerful statement to our campers.
We strive to also reach within our local community. We are very proud of our community and will strive to hire the best staff from the RGV. As we continue to grow over the coming years, we will create summer jobs for our own former campers.

We also proudly hire camp staff from overseas. We believe that the unique skills and culture they bring to our camp makes the rigorous recruitment process worthwhile!

In addition to the rigorous application and interview process, all counselors commit to a strict “no alcohol” policy during the summer, even on their time off. It’s part of our counselors’ demonstrated commitment to our camp and kids, first and foremost!

Camper Drop-off will be on Sunday between 2-4 pm and Pick up will be Saturday 10-11 am. If you need to request a different drop-off time, please contact our Summer Programs Manager, Conor Murray. 

Campers riding the bus from San Antonio and Austin will arrive Sunday evening and will return Saturday evening. CLICK HERE to see Opening and Closing Schedule.

 While many times campers come to our infirmary feeling ill because they are overtired or a little homesick, some campers do actually have an illness that must be cared for.  Our nursing staff will treat their symptoms and call you only if your camper spends the night in the infirmary, visits repeatedly with the same medical concern, has to visit our local doctor or hospital or if the nurse has a question about your camper’s medical form.  

  Security is extremely important at camp. Our staff is in constant contact with one another, and the camp office, via hand-held radio. Our gate is locked and equipped with video surveillance 24/7, and we employ a night watch person during the summer to ensure that no unauthorized people are at camp outside of normal business hours. All visitors must stop by our office and be checked in. Anyone visiting camp during the summer also must go through a security check and are given an identifying name tag. Visitors must also be accompanied by camp staff at all times. Any persons not cleared to be at camp are immediately identified, approached, and asked to leave camp.  

  Safety is always our top priority at camp. We are actively pursuing accreditation from the American Camp Association- meaning that we are meeting or exceeding more than 300 standards of health safety, and program excellence. Our staff goes through a minimum of one week of staff training and are certified in First Aid and CPR. All of our staff have to pass strict background checks as well as finger-printing prior to working at camp.  

  We have a nurse on duty at camp every session. Our nurse distributes all medication to campers (over-the-counter or prescription), cares for illness and responds to any emergency situations. In addition, our staff is trained in First Aid and CPR. The closest hospital to camp is less than 5 minutes away as is our camp doctor.  

   Don't worry, we are happy to help you. Simply contact us and we will get you all the information you need.