Our Response to HB1/SB1

A Positive Update for Camp Liberty Families

Our hearts and prayers remain with the families and communities so deeply impacted by last year’s tragic flooding in the Hill Country. We continue to remember the lives of Heaven’s 27, and we believe every effort to strengthen camper safety should be taken seriously.

At Camp Liberty, the safety and well being of campers has always been one of our highest responsibilities. We support strong safety standards, careful emergency planning, trained staff, and clear communication systems. We are committed to operating safely, responsibly, and in compliance with the intent of the law.

Recently, a newly enacted Texas camp law created uncertainty for many rural camps because it included a technical requirement for end-to-end fiber optic internet service. While the goal of the law was to strengthen safety and communication, this specific requirement did not account for rural areas where fiber infrastructure has not yet been built.

Camp Liberty is located in a rural area where fiber optic internet is not available to us in any practical way. However, Camp Liberty does have dependable high speed internet, redundant internet service, and reliable communication systems that support daily operations and emergency response.

The concern was never whether camps should have strong communication systems. They should. The concern was whether safe, prepared, responsible camps should be unable to operate because of one specific form of internet service that is not available where they are located.

Temporary Solution Reached

We are thankful to share that the state has agreed to a temporary solution that allows camps unable to meet the fiber optic requirement to operate this summer while the issue returns to the Texas Legislature for a long-term solution in the 2027 legislative session.

This is a positive and workable result for Camp Liberty and for many other rural Texas camps.

With this temporary solution in place, Camp Liberty is operating as planned this summer.

Staff are being hired and trained. Facilities are being prepared. Programs are moving forward. We look forward to welcoming campers for a full and safe summer season.

No Compromise on Camper Safety

This update does not change our commitment to safety.

Camp Liberty continues to maintain and strengthen our safety practices, including emergency planning, staff training, weather monitoring, health procedures, child safety screening, communication systems, and coordination with local emergency responders.

Camper safety has always been foundational to Camp Liberty, and it always will be.

Thank You

Thank you to the many families, churches, friends, and supporters who prayed, contacted state leaders, shared camp stories, and helped give Texas camps a voice.

Your advocacy made the difference.

We are also thankful for the elected officials and state leaders who listened, recognized the impact on children and communities, and helped create a responsible path forward.

Why Camp Matters

Camp builds confidence, friendships, responsibility, resilience, and memories that last for years.

For Camp Liberty, camp is also a ministry. It is a place where young people hear biblical preaching, worship God with other campers, grow spiritually, and are encouraged in their relationship with Christ and their local church.

Texas children deserve the chance to experience camp safely, meaningfully, and without being shut out by a technicality.

Camp Liberty Is Moving Forward

Camp Liberty is operating as planned this summer.

Thank you for your trust, your prayers, and your partnership.

We can’t wait to see you at camp!

How We Keep Campers Safe

At Camp Liberty, camper safety is not an afterthought. It is part of how we prepare, train, staff, and operate. We believe parents and churches should have confidence that their children are being cared for by trained, screened, and responsible adults in a structured camp environment.

Here are several of the ways Camp Liberty works to protect campers and maintain a safe summer program.

Child Safety Training

Every Camp Liberty volunteer receives a background check, goes through child safety screening, and is trained in child safety and abuse awareness. We use MinistrySafe child safety training to help our team recognize warning signs, maintain proper boundaries, prevent abuse, and respond appropriately to concerns. Anyone with a history of child endangerment, child abuse, sexual abuse, or other related disqualifying charges is not permitted to volunteer or serve at Camp Liberty.

CPR and First Aid Training

Our staff receives CPR and First Aid training so they are better prepared to respond quickly and appropriately in the event of an injury, illness, or medical emergency.

Stop the Bleed Training

Camp Liberty staff also receive Stop the Bleed training, which equips them to respond to serious bleeding emergencies while waiting for emergency medical services to arrive.

Trained Activity Operators

High-risk activities at Camp Liberty are led or supervised by individuals who have received proper training for those specific activities. This includes careful instruction, supervision, equipment checks, and safety procedures for activities that require additional oversight.

Emergency Planning

Camp Liberty maintains emergency action plans for severe weather, fire, evacuation, medical emergencies, missing campers, and other serious situations. Staff are trained on emergency procedures so that they understand their responsibilities if an emergency occurs.

Weather Monitoring

We monitor weather conditions during camp and use weather alert tools to help us make timely decisions. When conditions require action, camp leadership is prepared to adjust the schedule, move campers to safer areas, or activate emergency procedures.

Camper Supervision

Campers are supervised throughout the camp day by counselors, staff, and activity leaders. We maintain structured schedules, assigned cabin groups, and clear expectations so campers are accounted for during meals, services, activities, and transitions.

Health and Medication Procedures

Camp Liberty uses organized health and medication procedures during camp. Medications are turned in and distributed through the camp health process, helping ensure that campers receive needed medication safely and appropriately.

Communication Systems

Camp Liberty uses communication tools appropriate for a rural camp setting, including radio communication and other layered systems. These help staff communicate during normal operations and respond quickly if a situation requires attention.

Coordination with Local Responders

Camp Liberty is committed to working with local emergency responders when needed. Our emergency planning includes procedures for contacting emergency services, directing responders to the proper location, and coordinating care during an incident.

A Culture of Accountability

Safety is not only about policies. It is about culture. Camp Liberty expects staff and volunteers to conduct themselves with integrity, follow safety procedures, maintain proper boundaries, report concerns, and take seriously the responsibility of caring for campers.

Our Commitment

Camp Liberty is committed to providing a safe, Christ-centered environment where campers can grow spiritually, build friendships, enjoy outdoor activities, and make lasting memories. We continue to review, strengthen, and improve our safety practices because the children entrusted to us matter deeply.

Protecting Campers. Preserving Camp.