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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about camp, volunteering, and our organization.

For Parents - General

Is camp really free?

Yes — completely. Thanks to a generous grant, every camper attends at no cost in 2026. There are no registration fees, no hidden charges, and no fundraising requirements. All meals throughout the week are included. Campers may want to bring a small amount of spending money for the gift shop and concession stand, but even that is entirely optional.

Applying is simple. Click the Apply Now button on our website and complete the online application form. You'll need to provide basic information about your child including their needs and any medical considerations. Once submitted our team will review your application and contact you within 48 hours.

We review every application within 48 hours and will notify you of your child’s acceptance by email or phone. Because each session is limited to 18 campers, we encourage families to apply early — spots fill quickly. Once accepted, you’ll receive registration forms to complete your child’s enrollment.

Each session is intentionally limited to 18 campers. We keep our numbers small on purpose — so every child is known by name, receives individual attention, and never gets lost in the crowd.

Both camp sessions are open to boys and girls ages 11–17.

We believe it can be one of the best first experiences your child has away from home. Our entire camp is designed with patience, kindness, and love at its core. Our staff and volunteers are trained to help campers feel safe, comfortable, and genuinely welcomed from the moment they arrive. Our goal is simple — we want your child to have so much fun they can't wait to come back next summer.

We understand. These moments happen, and we are fully prepared for them. Our volunteers include people with real experience supporting children with special needs. When a camper needs a break, we have quiet spaces and caring staff ready to step in — with patience and without judgment. Your child will never be made to feel embarrassed or different for needing a moment. We've got them.

A licensed registered nurse will be on site for the entire duration of camp, supported by additional qualified personnel. Your child's health and safety are our highest priority, and medical support is available around the clock. We ask that you fully communicate your child's medical needs on the registration form so we can prepare appropriately before camp begins.

All meals are prepared by the Circle Six dining hall, which has extensive experience accommodating special diets and food allergies. Simply list your child's dietary needs on the registration form, and we will make sure the kitchen is fully prepared before your child arrives. When in doubt, contact us directly and we'll make sure nothing is overlooked.

Every day is packed with fun and structure. Mornings begin with breakfast at 8:30, followed by morning worship and activities. Lunch is at noon, with a built-in restful afternoon break before more activities. After supper, we gather for our evening program. You can download the full daily schedule from the 2026 Camps page on our website.

We know how hard it can be to be away from your child for a few days. To keep campers fully engaged in the experience, phones are collected from campers upon arrival. However, you are always welcome to contact our camp staff directly, and we will arrange a check-in with your child. You will never be out of reach if needed.

Everything you need to know is in our Camper Information Packet. Download it directly from the 2026 Camps page — it includes a full packing list, what not to bring, and everything to expect for the week.

Yes, West Texas Camps & Retreats is a faith-based camp rooted in Christian teaching from the Bible. We are not affiliated with any specific church or denomination — campers and families of all backgrounds are welcome. In practice, Christ-centered means each day includes a short devotion and worship time. Our faith shapes how we treat every single camper — with unconditional love, dignity, and grace. Camp is held at Circle Six Baptist Camp, which is affiliated with Baptist organizations.

Every sleeping area has at least three trained adult staff members present throughout the night. These are not volunteers who slip away after lights out — an adult will be awake and attentive to monitor camper safety and assist any child who has difficulty sleeping or needs support during the night.

We maintain a ratio of one adult for every three campers. In addition to adult staff, we have trained volunteer support staff who assist with activities and daily camp life under direct adult supervision at all times.

For Parents - Distance and Location

Where exactly is Circle Six Baptist Camp?

Camp is held at Circle Six Baptist Camp in Lenora, Texas — an established camp facility with everything needed for a safe and adventurous week. You can explore the facility at circlesixranch.com.

Circle Six Baptist Camp is conveniently located for families across West Texas. Lubbock is approximately 90 minutes away. Lamesa is approximately 35 minutes. Big Spring and Midland are approximately 30 minutes. Odessa is approximately 50 minutes.

At this time, transportation is not provided — families are responsible for drop off and pickup at Circle Six Baptist Camp. If transportation is a barrier for your family, please contact us directly at 806-319-5512, and we will do our best to help find a solution.

Circle Six Baptist Camp is a fully equipped residential camp facility with everything your child needs for a safe and fun week. Visit their website at circlesixranch.com to see photos and learn more about the grounds.

Every adult on our camp property — including visiting family members — is required to have a completed criminal background check and child protection training on file. This policy exists to protect every child in our care, and we take it seriously. Texas State Youth Camp regulations and Circle Six Camp policy both require it without exception. Because of this, spontaneous visits are not possible. We know that may be hard to hear, but it means your child is surrounded by vetted, trusted adults every single day. You are always welcome to call and check in with staff at any time during the week.

Your child's safety is our top priority. A licensed nurse is on site at all times for day-to-day medical needs. In the event of a serious medical emergency, campers will be transported to Martin County Hospital in Stanton, Texas — less than 10 miles from camp. Parents will be notified immediately. We ask that all emergency contact information be completed thoroughly on the registration form so we can reach you without delay.

For Parents - ASD Specific

How is the camp environment adapted for sensory sensitivities?

We understand that sensory sensitivities are real, and we have planned ahead for them. Music is kept at lower volumes during worship and outdoor activities. Bean bag chairs and comfort items are available for campers who need to feel grounded and secure. For campers who are light-sensitive, indoor activity alternatives are always available. Fidget tools and sensory gadgets are available throughout the day. Our goal is simple — every camper should feel comfortable enough to have fun.

While our volunteers and staff are not licensed or clinically certified in autism support, many bring real personal and professional experience working with individuals on the spectrum. Every volunteer is required to attend an orientation led by an autism professional before camp begins — so your child is supported by people who understand, not just people who care.

We will do everything we can to help your child engage with the camp experience. Our schedule is structured and predictable, which we know works well for many campers on the spectrum. We recognize, however, that every child is different. If, after reviewing the schedule, you have concerns about whether the 2026 session is the right fit, we encourage you to reach out directly to our camp director before applying. We would rather have that conversation with you now than have your child feel unsuccessful at camp. Please don't give up on us — if 2026 isn't the right time, we want to help you find a path forward for the future.

Every camper communicates differently, and we want to meet your child where they are. It starts with you — the application includes questions specifically designed to help us understand how your child communicates best. From there, we develop an individual communication plan, so our staff knows exactly how to connect with your camper from day one. If you have questions about this process before applying, contact us, and we'll walk you through it.

Absolutely — and we want you to. The more we know about your child before camp, the better we can prepare. Start by sharing as much detail as possible on the application. If your child has needs that require a deeper conversation, we are happy to meet with you one-on-one — by phone or in person — to make sure every concern is addressed before your child arrives.

For Parents — Visual Impairment Specific

Will my child need a guide or assistant?

Every camper is paired with a dedicated volunteer buddy who stays with them throughout the day — during activities, meals, and transitions. No camper navigates camp alone. Your child will have a consistent, familiar face by their side from the moment they arrive.

We recognize that visual impairment is not one-size-fits-all. The process starts with you providing thorough information on the application about your child's specific level of vision and their day-to-day needs. From there, we carefully match each camper with a volunteer buddy who has the experience and understanding to support them at exactly their level — so every camper can participate fully and confidently.

Yes. While Circle Six Baptist Camp is a traditional summer camp facility, we have carefully reviewed the areas your child will use and are confident they are safe and navigable for visually impaired campers. With a dedicated volunteer buddy by their side at all times, your child will always have the support they need to move through camp safely and independently.

For Volunteers

Do I need special training or experience to volunteer?

The most important things you can bring are a positive attitude and a genuine desire to serve. Everything else — the specific skills and knowledge you need to support our campers — will be covered during volunteer orientation before camp begins. If you have a heart for kids, you belong on our team.

We have four main volunteer roles: Buddy (paired one-on-one with a specific camper), Cabin Hand (supporting camper care within a cabin group), Medical Support (for licensed medical professionals), and General Volunteer (activity support, setup, and day-to-day camp operations). Each role is described in detail on the volunteer application.

Volunteers commit to a total of five days — one day for required orientation and training, plus four days of camp. Your full presence for all five days is important for the continuity and safety of our campers.

Yes — every volunteer must complete a criminal background check, including a search of the national sex offender registry. This is non-negotiable and exists entirely to protect our campers. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Yes. All volunteers are required to attend an orientation session before camp begins. The date, time, and location will be communicated to you as part of the application process once you are accepted.

Buddy volunteers and cabin hands sleep in the same dormitory areas as the campers. You are there to support campers around the clock — day and night. All meals are provided for volunteers throughout the week. This is a full residential experience and one of the most rewarding weeks you will have all year.

Yes — and we would love to have you back. If you are interested in volunteering for both the ASD Adventure and Bold Explorers sessions, simply indicate this on your application.

Your skills are especially valuable to us. Medical volunteers assist with medication administration, general first aid, and ongoing health monitoring throughout camp — watching for signs of dehydration, fatigue, or other conditions during activities. In the event of a medical emergency you would work alongside our on-site registered nurse to respond quickly and effectively. If you are a licensed medical professional and want to serve, please indicate this on your application.

We are not set up to facilitate academic course credit at this time. However, volunteers who need documented service hours can earn up to 80 hours through their time at camp, which can be verified for scholarships, honor societies, or other volunteer-hour requirements.

Complete the volunteer application on our website at wtxcamps.org. Once submitted, our team will review your application and follow up with the next steps, including background check instructions and orientation details.

About the Organization

Is West Texas Camps & Retreats a registered nonprofit?

Yes — West Texas Camps & Retreats is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Your donations are tax-deductible as permitted by law.

West Texas Camps & Retreats was founded by Wayne and Penny Davis, who serve as officers of the organization. Wayne and Penny are the parents of a child with autism and have spent many years in camp ministry working alongside special needs campers and families. Their vision is deeply personal — they know firsthand what it means to search for a camp experience that truly fits your child, and they built this organization so no other family has to search in vain.

West Texas Camps & Retreats is funded entirely through the generosity of individual donors and foundations who believe every child deserves a camp experience. If you would like to support our mission, visit the Donate page on our website.

You can donate online at wtxcamps.org or mail a check payable to WTX Camps to P.O. Box 928, Lubbock, Texas 79408.

Absolutely. 2026 is our inaugural year, and we are just getting started. We plan to expand our camp offerings in future summers, and our long-term vision is to build a dedicated special needs camp facility in the Lubbock area — a permanent home where every child with special needs can belong at camp. Your support today helps make that dream a reality.

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