From Power Tools to Paddleboarding…Girls Become Leaders at Unique Texas Camp

Overnight Program Teaches 21^st Century Life Skills

Somewhere between Austin and Houston is a city called Montgomery, TX. I had the pleasure of spending my Mother’s Day weekend with my family, including my two young daughters, on a unique adventure at a place called Camp Lantern Creek. The camp is tucked away in the Texas Piney Woods and is a residential summer camp for girls ages seven to 17. The day was spent quoting John Green, “Don’t Forget to Be Awesome”, talking about spreading good in the world, and sharing our concerns discussed in the Girl Rising documentary and how Camp Lantern Creek finds ways for the campers to donate to the Girl Up fund. Let’s just say I was really impressed by the amount of care and attention to detail that this camp has put into their all girls camp experience that goes beyond traditional camping.

This is not just a traditional camping experience, it is a life skills lesson for the 21st century combining the “four C’s” of 21^st Century Leadership: Critical thinking and problem solving, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity and Innovation. And Lantern Creek added its own “fifth C” to the summer camp experience – Courage.

“I’m going to camp, Mom!!!!”

The New Renaissance Girl

I had the pleasure of spending the day with Sunni Markowitz, owner of Camp Lantern Creek, whose name fits her personality. Sunni (AKA Piper, her ‘camp name’, as all the camp directors and staff receive) brought one of her daughters, “Cupcake”, a junior camp instructor and “Popsie”, the Camp Director. It was a day filled with awesome opportunities and activities for young girls including a water slide named ‘Sally Ride’ on one of the two camp lakes and a pots and pans musical park called ‘Maya’s Playground’, after Maya Angelou, of course!

Says Markowitz, “We think of Lantern Creek as a place where a girl can completely be herself. She’s not afraid to sing loud or play hard or get dirty. That kind of fun fearlessness is our greatest measure of success.” It’s noted that young girls are especially vulnerable with self-esteem issues and Lantern Creek is a wonderful avenue for young girls to be able to work with successful and inspirational women that serve as mentors as a part of the Bright Lights program. The campers have opportunities to take risks and learn skills like using power tools, changing a flat tire, paddle boarding, master public speaking and many more crafts and activities that are conducive for a brave and confident life.

The camp is accredited by the American Camp Association which sets over 250 standards that they must meet; everything from business practices, to programming, and health. The combination of having traditional summer camp activities with visual and performing arts, Lantern Creek creates a wonderful environment for girls to discover their own unique strengths and grow through these life-changing experiences.

All Cabins have Central A/C (or even Heat!)

South Cabin

Camp Lantern Creek offers:

Full theater stage and art studio
Classes that include drama, singing, painting and textile arts
Ropes course
Pool, lake and multi-story water slide
Rosie’s Riveters, a class designed to teach girls how to use real world tools

Watch this Video on How to Inspire Your Girl for Life!

One of the fun art projects you see while touring the camp facilities!

Creative Thinking Skills and Camper Centered Approach

First and foremost, Sunni is adamant that campers are always put first. Their focus is on the individual’s needs, abilities, interests and learning styles. With a focus on teaching creative and critical thinking skills every camper is given the opportunity to be herself. All activities are open to all skill and experience levels to help foster self-confidence, self-esteem and leadership. Camp Lantern Creek girls are encouraged to be active, responsible participants in shaping their camp experience.

Parent Information!

OK, parents, I know you still have lots of questions and I assure you that all of them will likely be answered in the well designed Parents Info Section on the Camp Lantern Creek website here. It includes a packing guide, account registration and even a downloadable Parent Guide!

Camp Lantern Creek Store!

So How Do We Apply?

Simple! Camper Applications are done through the Camp Lantern Creek website here and there are three sessions still available:

Summer Camp Sessions:

June 14-26 (2 weeks)
June 28-July 10 (2 weeks)
July 12-17 (1 week) Note: This session is for those new to camp or younger, or for anxious parents. 🙂

Fun Dining Hall where Bright Lights Mentor Sessions occur

Camp Lantern Creek’s Mission: Our mission is to create and sustain a magical environment where campers try new things every day while making lifelong friendships

Brie playing on Maya’s Playground

Position Opportunity! Are you a nurse and want to work at Camp Lantern Creek? Camp Lantern Creek is looking for a nurse for their summer camp sessions and they are willing to work in trade for the position. Contact Sunni at Camp Lantern Creek regarding the position.

Psst! This is not just a girl’s summer camp! Camp Lantern Creek also rents out for family reunions, school retreats, group retreats, team building and special occasion events! Ask about their rooms available for rent.

Rooms and Ropes Courses for Rent