Activities at Camp Billy Gibbons are a great way to celebrate summer

Carl Kieke
·3 min read

It’s not too late for members of Scouts BSA to sign up for a session of summer camp at Camp Billy Gibbons.

There are four mini-sessions to choose from, each taking three nights and four days. The first one begins June 10, with the last ending June 24.

Up to 40 merit badges may be offered during the two-week period, along with several other opportunities for fun and experience. Scouts need to arrange their schedule before arriving, with the understanding that some popular activities fill up fast.

Troop leaders can access the camp leaders’ guide at texastrailsbsa.com. The earlier you plan, the greater the likelihood you will get the items you want.

Camp Billy Gibbons is located south of Richland Springs, 18 miles off the main highway. Count the cattle guards as you cross them; when you cross No. 14, you are in camp.

Scouts have the option of signing up for a full week (two mini-sessions). Each mini-session is $200 per Scout; a full week is $350. For adults, the prices are $120 and $170. If leaders can attend only certain dates, cost is $25 per day.

It’s not all work, though. Several fun activities are included in the program. There will be various game tournaments, a social event for Order of the Arrow members, free swims in Brady Creek (with ample lifeguard coverage), campfires and opportunities for archery and rifle shooting as time permits.

And let’s not forget the free times to hang with buddies or create your own fun.

If camp isn’t for you, think about Sailing Camp at Lake Fort Phantom Hill later in June. Find information at texastrailsbsa.com.

Upcoming events

  • Girl Scout adult leader CPR/First Aid class June 3, San Angelo. $60 per adult. Deadline has passed; check at gsctx.org under Discover tab, activities, events calendar or customercare@gsctx for availability.

  • National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, 102 Cedar St., Abilene, offers art activities each Saturday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at no charge. 325-673-4586

Deadlines

  • Saturday for Girl Scout Coding Bonanza (for Scouts entering second or third grade) June 8 at Abilene Public Library. $5 per Scout. customercare@gs-top.org or 800-582-7272; or megan McBurnett, 817-735-5322 or mmcburnett@gs-top.org.

  • June 8 for “Time Capsule Tour” June 15, The Grace Museum, Abilene. For Girl Scouts entering 4th grade or older. $10 per Scout, $6 per adult. Register at customercare@gs-top.org or 800-582-7272. Information: Amanda Haas, 806-553-3182 or ahaas@gs-top.org.

Watch the internet

There are many events (a lot of them virtual) you can join. Keep up at gs-top.org or gsctx.org for Girl Scouts; and at texastrailsbsa.com for Cub Scouts/Scouts BSA.

For the girls: There are a number of summertime events now up on the Girl Scout sites. Many of them are virtual, so you can do them from your own home. And many are free to participate. Subject areas are varied; take a look and see what you like.

Contact Carl Kieke at 325-673-3552 (voice only); or kiekec@suddenlink.net. Deadline is Monday for publication the following Monday.

This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Activities at Camp Billy Gibbons are a great way to celebrate summer