Balcones Blog

All of the lastest news from camp during the summer and beyond.

Why Kids Need to Unplug

May 05, 2026

In his book, The Anxious Generation, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt theorizes that we are “overprotecting children in the real world and underprotecting them online.” With anxiety and mental illness on the rise, Haidt recommends children need “a play-based childhood in the real world” to thrive. In short, parents are stunting their kids’ maturation by mistaking the physical safety of schedules and devices for immunity from harm. There. Article over. If you’re like me, this book was lobbed at you from every article, podcast, and social post (ironic) until I read it. Haidt’s work took me on an emotional journey from... Read more.

Camp Traditions: The Rituals That Make CBS, CBS Part 2

April 29, 2026

For about two thousand years, the global Church has followed the Liturgical Calendar, a structure for worship devised around the seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter. While technically rooted in specific church traditions, the word “liturgical” works well in a broader sense to mean a “sacred” or “ritualized” calendar that governs daily life and worship. In that spirit, Camp Balcones Springs is structured around its own liturgical calendar, framed around PHUN. Campers anticipate camp traditions like Mission: Impossible and Rodeo Roundup, as if they were Easter or Christmas (and just like Easter, I am always surprised how Mission:Impossible floats... Read more.

Camp Traditions: The Rituals That Make CBS, CBS

April 17, 2026

Camp Traditions: The Rituals That Make CBS, CBS A spotlight on beloved camp traditions — songs, ceremonies, inside jokes, annual events. Helps new families understand the culture and gives returning families a dose of nostalgia. An underrated part of joining any club is learning the rituals. Every organization has an exclusivity that fuels curiosity. The desire to have knowledge and participate in tradition drives every one of us to lean forward with intent, listening carefully so that we too can enthusiastically join in on what was once hidden from our experience. It is in that spirit that I must tell... Read more.

Term 4: Camp Pranks, The Amazing Race & Farewell to Summer 2025!

August 02, 2025

The last week of camp means lots of “raids” and “pranks” have been taking place at camp! Read more.

Term 4: Christmas in July & Harry Potter Night!

August 02, 2025

On Friday, July 25, we celebrated Christmas in July at Camp Balcones Springs! “Santa” fulfilled cabin wishes for special snacks, delivering requested treats, and cabins enjoyed a family-style meal in a festively-decorated Rio Grande Dining Hall. Other highlights included a live nativity scene at flagpole, Santa visiting activities throughout the day, a snowball fight with shaving cream at the blob dock, cookie decorating, and so much more! Read more.