Dear Pines Families,

Summer is almost here and our excitement is TO THE HEIGHTS!

Our summer staff training begins in a few days, and we are finishing final preparations around camp for your arrival. We are so grateful for the privilege of serving your family. 

As we head into summer, we want to update you regarding the camp safety legislation recently passed in Texas. 

Here are the main things that are helpful to understand about these laws, safety, and The Pines:

1. The Pines has submitted our license renewal to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), along with our updated Emergency Action Plan (EAP).  We are awaiting its final approval and our pre-summer inspection. The DSHS has indicated that camps with pending applications can continue to operate under their existing licenses. We fully anticipate running camp as normal this summer.

2. The Pines has been licensed for 37 years and participates in annual reviews and inspections. We are accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), with our most recent inspection being last year. Much of the new Texas state legislation was already part of our policy and practice at The Pines.

3. It’s our priority to make sure kids have the best week of their summer, while making every effort to ensure their well-being. Here are ways we've refined safety and security processes, leading up to this summer:

• Updated Emergency Action Plan meeting all new state requirements

• Expanded fiber optic internet with cellular backup for uninterrupted communication

• Added battery backup to essential communication systems

• Strengthened partnerships and communication with local first responders

• Conducted a comprehensive security audit with a leading external firm

• Confirmed that all buildings are located outside FEMA flood plains

4. All updates regarding licensing will be announced on our homepage at thepines.org and on our social media pages. Follow us now on Instagram or Facebook to stay in the loop!

We can’t wait for your child to join us for the best week of their summer. At The Pines, that means Mass and adoration under the East Texas pines, bonfire at the summit, friendships made at Winners' Circle, and counselors who pray with them and call them by name. It means encountering Jesus and going home changed because of it. And we take very seriously the responsibility of making sure our campers get to do all of that, while parents enjoy a peaceful week, confident their children are safe and well cared for.

For almost four decades, The Pines has served families like yours, and we are honored that you entrust your child(ren) to us. We are praying for you and counting down the days until we get to welcome you back to Big Sandy.

If you have any questions, please reach out anytime at registrar@thepines.org, 

God Bless and Go Trees! 

Josh “Whataburger” Wattenbarger

Executive Director

The Pines Catholic Camp