BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
Celebrating the Past, Planning for the Future
Camping has been a cornerstone of the YMCA of Greater Houston for over a century, with roots dating back to 1910. YMCA Camp Cullen, located on 500 acres of scenic land near Trinity, TX, has been a key part of this tradition since it opened in 1975. Since then, Camp Cullen has played a vital role in youth development, offering an opportunity to escape everyday life, explore the great outdoors, build self-esteem, and make lasting friendships and memories. For 50 adventure-filled years YMCA Camp Cullen has served more than 355,000 individuals through Summer Camp, Outdoor Education, Group Retreats and Family Camp. Throughout this half-century of service, the YMCA of Greater Houston has strived to ensure that Camp Cullen is for all, providing financial assistance to children and teens across the region, offering new and exciting opportunities to everyone.
Securing our Future
As the YMCA looks to the next 50 years, Camp Cullen’s commitment and focus on youth development and nurturing the potential of all children has never been stronger. The young people in our community deserve a dynamic place where they can learn practical skills, develop positive values, and break away from the growing pressures of technology and everyday life. To further this mission, Camp Cullen must continue evolving and adapting to deliver more transformative experiences through nature and adventure.
Help us prepare for the next 50 year’s of Camp Cullen’s history through a transformative gift to our Capital Campaign.
Donations to the Camp Cullen Capital Campaign ensure that Camp Cullen has the resources to continue offering life-changing opportunities for all.
The Sky Trail is an innovative aerial adventure designed to promote confidence, active play, and personal growth for campers of all ages. Featuring patented safety systems and modern zip-line elements, it provides a secure and thrilling experience while fostering cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development. By reducing wait times and encouraging engagement, the addition of a Sky Trail will strengthen connections among campers, minimize idleness, and offer outdoor challenges that build resilience and alleviate stress.
PROJECT COMPLETE: This capital investment has been generously sponsored by the Hamill Foundation
The addition of a Splash Pad at YMCA Camp Cullen offers a fun, safe, and inclusive water play experience for campers of all ages. Featuring sprayers, fountains, and splash buckets, it provides a refreshing way to cool off, reduce wait times for water activities, and encourage social interaction, regardless of swimming ability. With accessible features and non-slip surfaces, the Splash Pad serves as a vital gathering space, keeping campers cool while they enjoy active, engaging play.
NEED: $3,000,000
YMCA Camp Cullen relies on ongoing maintenance to ensure safe, welcoming facilities for campers and families. To sustain these efforts, we’re growing our Maintenance Endowment Fund, supporting repairs, infrastructure upgrades, and natural space preservation. With a total goal of $3 million, your contribution will secure camp’s future while offering lasting recognition and inclusion in the YMCA Camp Cullen Legacy Circle.
NEED: $750,000
YMCA Camp Cullen brings children from diverse backgrounds together for transformative summer experiences. Through critical bonds with role models, campers develop social skills, leadership abilities, self-confidence, and strong character values. For many children receiving financial assistance, camp offers a rare opportunity to learn, grow, and combat summer learning loss, making these experiences essential for their development.
At Camp Cullen, we help unleash the full potential within every child. Our programs aren’t just camp activities, they’re stepping stones on the path to nurturing capable, independent, and empathetic young individuals with strong character ready to create a positive impact in their communities. This is only possible through individuals and corporations who donate generously to our cause.
