The Gift That Keeps on Giving
Why a Week at Camp Cullen is the Perfect Holiday Present
It may feel early to think about summer when we’re still shopping for holiday gifts, but savvy families know that planning ahead for YMCA Camp Cullen isn’t just smart—it’s the gift that creates memories lasting far longer than any toy under the tree.
More Than a Gift—An Investment in Your Child’s Future
As you make your holiday shopping list this season, consider giving something truly transformative: a week or more of summer camp at YMCA Camp Cullen. While the latest gadget or trendy toy might bring temporary excitement on Christmas morning, overnight camp offers experiences that shape character, build confidence, and create friendships that last a lifetime.
Why Register Now for Summer 2026?
Save Big with Early Registration: Lock in the lowest price of the year when you register now for 2026 summer sessions using code EARLYBIRD26. Hurry—early bird pricing ends December 31! Secure your child’s adventure today and save big. Plus, our new user-friendly registration system and flexible payment plans make securing your child’s spot easier than ever.
Peace of Mind: Popular sessions fill quickly. Registering early ensures your child gets their preferred dates and specialty tracks—whether they’re passionate about equestrian programs, water sports, teen leadership, or adventure activities.
Something to Anticipate: The holidays can feel fleeting, but a camp registration gives children months of excitement and anticipation. Imagine your child’s face lighting up when they unwrap an envelope revealing their summer adventure—and the conversations that follow as they dream about their upcoming experience.
What Makes Camp Cullen Special?
Nestled on over 500 acres along the shores of Lake Livingston, YMCA Camp Cullen has been creating transformative summer experiences since 1975. Accredited by the American Camp Association and licensed by Texas Department of Health & Human Services, Camp Cullen meets the highest standards for health, safety, and program quality.
Adventures That Build Confidence
From horseback riding and zip-lining to water sports and climbing towers, Camp Cullen offers activities that challenge campers to step outside their comfort zones. These aren’t just fun experiences—they’re opportunities for children to discover strengths they didn’t know they had and build confidence that carries into every aspect of life.
Focused Interest Tracks
Camp Cullen’s specialized tracks allow campers ages 7-17 to dive deep into their passions. Whether your child dreams of becoming an accomplished equestrian, mastering water sports, developing leadership skills, or embarking on teen adventure expeditions, there’s a track designed to fuel their interests and connect them with like-minded peers.
Character Development Through Core Values
Every activity at Camp Cullen reinforces core values: caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith. Through the Ragger Goal Setting Program, campers learn to set personal goals and develop perseverance and self-discipline. These aren’t just summer lessons—they’re life skills that serve children well into adulthood.
Global Perspectives
Our diverse international staff brings unique skills, traditions, and perspectives from around the world, fostering global citizenship and cultural understanding. Campers don’t just learn about the world—they experience it through the eyes of counselors who become mentors and friends.
Magical Evening Traditions
Nightly campfires create some of camp’s most cherished moments. Under a canopy of stars, campers share stories, sing songs, roast marshmallows, and forge bonds that transcend the summer. These gatherings embody what camp is truly about: connection, community, and the simple joy of being together.
Top-Notch Facilities and Equipment
Camp Cullen provides high-quality equipment—from mountain bikes to stand-up paddleboards—ensuring campers have everything they need for safe, exciting adventures. And forget boring camp food! Our talented chef creates delicious meals that please even the pickiest eaters, from specialty options to beloved campfire classics.
The Gift of Independence and Growth
Overnight camp offers something screen time and structured activities at home simply cannot: the opportunity for children to develop independence in a safe, supportive environment. Away from parents (but never alone), campers make their own decisions, solve problems, and navigate social situations—all while supported by trained, caring counselors.
Parents consistently report that their children return from Camp Cullen more confident, independent, and mature. They’ve made new friends, tried activities they never thought they’d enjoy, and discovered capabilities they didn’t know they possessed. This growth doesn’t happen overnight—it happens over nights at camp.
Perfect for Every Child
Whether your child is an experienced camper or this would be their first overnight adventure, Camp Cullen creates an inclusive environment where everyone belongs. Flexible scheduling allows campers to customize their experience, choosing activities that match their interests and comfort levels.
For children who might feel nervous about being away from home, the structured yet flexible programming, combined with caring counselors and the built-in community of fellow campers, creates the perfect environment for that first independent adventure.
A Legacy of Excellence
Camp Cullen’s commitment to excellence extends beyond programming. Despite facing challenges including a devastating fire in 2010 and the COVID-19 pandemic, the Camp Cullen family has always rallied together, emerging stronger and more dedicated to providing safe, inclusive, nurturing experiences. Camp Cullen just celebrated 50 years of fun, which is a testament to the lasting legacy of our premier overnight camp.
This resilience reflects the spirit we instill in campers: challenges are temporary, community matters, and growth comes from overcoming obstacles together.
The Perfect Holiday Surprise
You’ll be giving a gift that represents something priceless: experiences over things, growth over entertainment, and memories that will shape who your child becomes. It’s about about the activities they’ll try, the friends they’ll make, and the memories they’ll create. It’s a gift that says, “I believe in you and want to give you opportunities to discover who you’re meant to be.”
Making It Happen
With flexible payment plans available, giving the gift of camp is more accessible than families might think. The holidays provide the perfect opportunity to make this investment in your child’s future.
Financial assistance is also available for qualifying families, because we believe every child deserves the Camp Cullen experience regardless of their family’s financial situation.
Don’t Wait
While it might seem early to plan for summer, sessions fill quickly once registration opens. Families who register early not only save money but also secure their preferred dates and specialty tracks.
This holiday season, give more than a moment of excitement—give a summer of adventure, growth, and memories. Give the gift of Camp Cullen.
Ready to make this the most memorable gift under the tree?
Learn more about YMCA Camp Cullen, explore our programs, and register now at YMCACampCullen.org.
Because the best gifts aren’t found in stores—they’re discovered under the stars at Camp Cullen, where every child’s summer adventure awaits.