Clifton, Texas—June 8, 2026—Excitement filled the air as campers gathered at Lake Whitney Ranch in Clifton, Texas, on Sunday, June 7, 2026, to begin the first official camper week of the 2026 season. The staff was ready to welcome them, anticipating a summer filled with fun, friendship and faith-building experiences.
From June 7 to July 5, registered campers will attend Lake Whitney Ranch each week, based on age group. A team of enthusiastic counselors will guide them through various activities designed to inspire creativity, teamwork and personal growth. Campers will enjoy arts and crafts, STEM classes, Go Karts, ropes courses, horses, boat rides, group games, water and land activities, praise and worship. Each day will provide opportunities to learn new skills, make lasting friendships and create cherished memories.
While summer camp at Lake Whitney Ranch has been a tradition for more than a decade, preparing for the 2026 summer camp season was a little different. Recent state legislation on safety and emergency preparedness plans was enacted following the tragic losses at Camp Mystic last summer from a flash flood. While most requirements only enhanced the emergency plans already in place, the new fiber-optic cable requirement raised concerns about whether camps could open, especially since most are located outside urban areas. Hector Perez, director of Lake Whitney Ranch, noted that the nearest fiber-optic cable is approximately 10 miles away from the ranch. Because the rocky soil requires specialized, costly installation equipment, it would be virtually impossible for Lake Whitney Ranch to have the cable installed that far. Fortunately for Lake Whitney Ranch and scores of other Texas camps located outside urban areas, those requirements were ultimately waived for 2026, allowing the use of alternative communication methods.
The staff at Lake Whitney Ranch collaborated closely with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to ensure compliance with the new summer camp licensing regulations. While Perez awaits word on whether fiber-optic cable will be required for the 2027 season, the Lake Whitney Ranch summer camp program will continue to follow the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) approved by the DSHS for the 2026 season.
“Our goal is to provide a safe and nurturing environment where campers can explore their interests, challenge themselves and deepen their relationship with Jesus,” said Olga Falakiseni, summer camp director for Lake Whitney Ranch. “We’re thrilled to embark on this summer journey with our campers and look forward to witnessing their growth and joy throughout the season.”
Newly elected Texas Conference President Ismael A. Castillo visited the summer camp staff last week as they prepared for the start of the summer camp season. “It is a blessing to see how much this summer camp season has been bathed in prayer,” Castillo said. “Campers of all ages have been making decisions for baptisms at summer camp through the years, so we know how important it is for them to have this time in God’s creation.”
Parents will have access to the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) prior to their camper’s registered week. In addition, the camp will share highlights, photos and important updates on social media throughout the summer camp season at https://www.facebook.com/SummerCampLWR and/or https://www.instagram.com/summercamplwr.
While we have already seen God’s hand at work, we request your continued prayers for the campers and staff to have a summer full of fun, fellowship and life-changing encounters with Jesus like never before.
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By Tamara Michalenko Terry, M.A., APR, Public Relations and Editorial Services director for the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
About Lake Whitney Ranch
Lake Whitney Ranch (LWR) is a faith-based retreat center and camp located in Clifton, Texas. It is owned and operated by the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, based in Alvarado, Texas, which oversees more than 350 congregations and 21 schools throughout Texas. On June 5, 2026, LWR celebrated the 20th anniversary of purchasing the first half of the property. The total property is nearly 1,000 acres of beautiful Texas countryside, with stunning cliffs and lake views. Find more information under “About” at LakeWhitneyRanch.org.
