Why don’t adults get summer camp?
If you’ve ever had a chance to see the kids out and about at Lost Creek Country Club’s Big Chiefs Camp, you probably understand why I’m asking. It’s a summer camp, complete with a camping site, in a fantastic country club setting, which includes a pool, tennis courts and some of the best golf links in town.
Then add long-time camp director Chief John Linnell to the mix, and you have the perfect recipe for summertime bliss for the kids.
John, a physical education teacher at Barton Creek Elementary, has been running the summer camp for 16 years. He jokes that he may have been there too long because some of his former campers have graduated high school and are now counselors helping take care of the younger generation at the camp.
“That’s really fun to see them as young adults working with the kids,” he said. “We want to create a fun and loving environment that is as stress-free as possible.”
John’s secret is that he stays flexible with the sessions, and he makes sure that all the kids are involved and have a chance to experience success, whether it’s on the tennis court, driving range, arts and crafts stations or just making new friends.
Just beyond the second hole of the golf course is a beautiful wooded area — a perfect, tucked-away campsite. That’s where the kids get together for their sessions, arts and crafts and meals. John, always mindful of the heat, gives them plenty of opportunities to jump in the pool, cool down with water games and go into the air-conditioned athletic club where they can play.
Another big part of Big Chiefs Camp’s success is being located in such a beautiful, secure area in Lost Creek. And the camp is open to both country club members and nonmembers alike.
“It’s an area where the parents and children feel comfortable and safe,” John said. “We have a high quality staff. We bring in a lot of students from the University of Texas and St. Edwards, along with local high school graduates. Plus, it’s close to home, so mom and dad don’t have to go too far. It’s very flexible. And you don’t have to sign up for two weeks at a time.”
Let me add to that. I’ve enjoyed Lost Creek Country Club for years. It’s one of my favorite places to bond with clients, business associates and friends.
For parents, a place with so many amenities gives us dozens of options to enjoy the day while our kids learn new skills, socialize and swim. It’s the type of neighborhood “extra” that makes this area, in my opinion, one of the best in Austin.
When I look back on my youth and my sons’, I’m struck by how many friends we made and how many skills we learned at camps like this. That’s why I think Big Chiefs Camp has been able to evolve and grow for decades — there are so many talented and outgoing kids in our neighborhood, and there are few places more convenient for parents.
I think Chief John put it best.
“The majority of the kids just love being around other kids and meeting new friends,” he said. “They love to sit and talk even when we’re playing a game of tag or capture the flag or working on soccer skills. And that’s a lot of fun to see, and it’s great for the kids.”
