FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Summer 2023

As we get closer to the summer, our goal is to provide you as much certainty as possible so you can prepare and know what to expect for summer 2023. We will communicate regular updates, available by email and on your My OTX dashboard. Specific information regarding your session will be available two weeks prior to the start of your session in your Travel Itinerary.

OPENING & CLOSING DAY

Opening day will begin in the early afternoon on Sunday, and Closing Day will begin in the morning on Saturday. Look for detailed information for your session in your Travel Itinerary. No matter the logistics, we will kick off camp in our unique OTX style and also provide campers with a memorable close to their session!

TRAVEL TO & FROM CAMP

Camp OTX is located one hour west of San Antonio between Bandera and Tarpley. There are 4 available travel options to and from Camp OTX. Private automobile (preferred), charter bus (from cities where demand is sufficient), commercial airline to San Antonio, or private aircraft to Kerrville, Texas. Full Travel itineray details are available on the My OTX dashboard two weeks prior to your camp session.

MEDICATION & FIRST AID

If your camper takes any medication (prescription or over the counter) on a daily or as needed basis, send the medication form and the corresponding medications together in their original containers to Camp OTX by May 1st, 2023. Over the counter medications that are taken daily must be sent by May 1st as well. No over the counter medications, vitamins, or supplements will be accepted on Opening Day. It is not necessary to send basic over-the-counter medications that your child does not take on a daily basis, such as those for fevers or colds, etc. Camp OTX provides these medications when determined necessary by the Health Center Staff. Only inhalers, EpiPens, injectable medications, ADD medications, brand new prescriptions (prescribed within 7 days prior to arrival of camp) can be brought to camp on Opening Day without incurring a late fee. There is a $20 medication service fee for all medication processing, handling, and packaging. For medications other than the listed exceptions above received on Opening Day, there will be a $55 late fee (in addition to the $20 medication service fee) and a potential 48 hour delay to process medication.

Each camper must receive a physical on the Camp OTX Physical Form. This form is available after you complete the Health Registration section on the My OTX dashboard. A primary care provider signature is required on both sides of this form. Immunizations are mandatory. No exemptions or exceptions

At Camp OTX, safety is our number one priority. Camp OTX has a Health Center staffed by an on-site primary care provider and nurses. A full-service clinic is located 8 miles away in Bandera. If your child becomes ill or injured while at Camp OTX, the parent(s) will be notified if the camper is seen by the camp physician, or if, at the sole discretion of the Camp OTX Medical Staff, notification is necessary. Should medical bills be incurred, parents are fully responsible for payment.

Otx Activities

Activity Selection

Each child will receive a unique, individualized morning activity schedule once they arrive at camp. This morning activity schedule is based on the camper’s preferences designated in advance on your MyOTX dashboard. The Activity Preference Selector is now available to designate your camper’s preferred activities! Each of a camper’s three morning activities will be attended four times per week (MondayThursday). Age and gender restrictions may apply.

Elective Activities

When selecting morning activities, campers also have the option to choose elective classes. Elective activities are classes that occur only once. A chosen elective class replaces the camper’s otherwise regularly scheduled activity just once during the week during whichever activity period(s) the given elective occurs. These elective classes will be considered as your camper’s first choice. All morning activity information can be found on your My OTX Dashboard.

Schedule Changes

Campers may change their morning activity schedule to further individualize their experience. Campers will have the opportunity to change their activity schedules each week. Most activities are also open in the afternoon during Stampede!

Otx Cabins

Camp OTX cabins are arranged by age group and gender. A typical cabin arrangement is 10-13 campers with 2-3 counselors. Cabins are fully air-conditioned and campers sleep in comfortable bunk beds. All cabins have in-cabin shower, bathing, and toilet facilities with touch free soap dispensers, faucets, and commodes as a part of the cabin.

Cabin Assignments

One of the many features that sets Camp OTX apart is that cabinmate requests are allowed, but not required. Campers are assigned to cabins according to age, development, grade, and session. Requests for one or two cabinmates may be submitted via your My OTX dashboard up to two weeks prior to the camp session. Requested cabinmates must be no more than 12 months apart in age. No more than four campers from the same school or social group will be placed in the same cabin. Camp OTX will make an effort to accommodate mutual cabinmate requests; however, requests are not guaranteed. Final placement is at the sole discretion of the Camp Director. Camp OTX is unable to honor team requests.

Birthdays

We love birthdays at Camp OTX! Campers with birthdays while at camp are celebrated in many ways. They start their day with an announcement and celebration at the Morning Show, and their entire cabin gets a birthday bag with decorations, hats, and other fun items. The birthday boy or girl receives a Stampede Fast Pass and a treat at lunch to share with the cabin while the entire camp sings "Happy Birthday!" Additional birthday packages to send to your camper on their special day are available for purchase online at the Camp OTX Store.

Store Deposit

Camp OTX has a Camp Store that is open up to three times a day for campers. The stores carries a robust variety of items from drinks and snacks, to camp branded merchandise, to small gifts. A deposit should be made in the camper’s store account if extra purchases are desired: $150 per week is suggested (e.g., $300 for a two week session and $150 for a one week session). The store account operates in a similar fashion to a checking account, and the unused balance can be refunded. We believe this system will teach your camper independence and assist in their development of budgeting and decision making. However, in the event your camper’s store balance falls below $25, you will be notified on the dashboard of your My OTX account. Additional store funds can be added if you wish through your My OTX account or by calling the camp office at (830) 850-0033.

ALL CASH MUST BE TURNED IN TO THE OFFICE ON THE FIRST DAY OF CAMP. NO MONEY IS ALLOWED TO BE KEPT IN THE CABIN.

Packing List

A complete list of what to bring is available on page 15. A regulation uniform is not required. All clothing and luggage must be marked with camper’s first and last name. Food, water balloons, silly string, and inappropriate clothing are prohibited. Please refer to the website for more details on what to bring: campotx.com > Parents Guide > FAQs > While at Camp DO NOT pack any prescribed or over-the-counter medication in your camper’s luggage. Refer to the Medication Dispensation Policy on your My OTX dashboard for further clarification.

Camper Insurance

All campers are required to purchase low-cost, no-fault, medical insurance. The fee for this coverage is minimal, but purchase is a requirement for enrollment at Camp OTX. Please refer to the Camp OTX Policy Agreement on your camper’s My OTX dashboard for further details.

Restrictions

All activity, medical, and medically verifiable dietary restrictions must be submitted through the My OTX dashboard. If a restriction is required, please provide specific instructions in the online restrictions or allergies sections. We endeavor to prioritize your camper’s well-being and will try to adhere to disclosed restrictions within reason. In addition, we will attempt to accommodate requests related to chronic medical conditions and camper health or medical issues. However, Camp OTX cannot guarantee that all requests will be met. Each case is considered on an individual basis. All campers enrolled at Camp OTX must comply with the Essential Eligibility Criteria of a Camp OTX Camper (found in the Health Forms). While many camper health or medical conditions are effectively managed during the camp session, final approval for enrollment is at the sole discretion of the Camp Director. Please refer to the Camp OTX Health Registration section on your camper’s My OTX dashboard for further details.

Camp Visits

To avoid disturbing the Camp OTX program, we do not allow family and friends to visit during the camping session. Family and friends are welcome for Closing Day.

Camp Moms

Camp Moms serve as a mom away from home to your child, and as an excellent resource for camper families. All first time camper families will receive an update phone call from a Camp Mom a few days into their camper’s session. You may contact the Camp Moms at any time at campmom@campotx.com or call (830) 850-0033 and ask for the Camp Mom office.

Postcards

Digital postcards from your camper and his or her counselor will be sent to the primary account holder via the My OTX dashboard during the camp session.

Cell Phones

In order to fully experience Camp OTX, campers are not allowed to bring cell phones or other mobile communication or transmittable devices (like iPads, iPods, Apple Watches, etc.) to camp. In addition, campers are not allowed to receive or make telephone calls, text, or email while in attendance at Camp OTX. Parents should feel free to contact a Camp Mom if they need to discuss something related to their child or contact the camp office or Camp Director in case of an emergency.

Dining Hall

At Camp OTX, we strive to provide campers with delicious food options, many made from scratch the same day, while recognizing the importance of balancing nutrition and healthy eating. At every meal, campers have the option to eat from the preset menu or the alternate Market Fresh line. This line offers a healthy breakfast bar and, for lunch and dinner, a robust salad bar with rotating options such as wraps, soups, pastas, make your own tacos or potatoes. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, fresh fruit, and garden salads are also available during most meals. Food options are also available in the Camp OTX Store.

YOUR MY OTX DASHBOARD IS THE HUB FOR