- Together is better. A family that prays together, and plays together, stays together! The time at Family Camp sets a tone for when you get home. It reminds you of the importance of praying and playing together regularly.
- Make time to huddle. Pick a time … in the morning, just before bed, whenever is best for your family. Sit around the table without distractions to talk and listen and know one another.
- Don’t Waste Fun. In fact, weave fun into your rhythm of life.
- Add to your family. There are still amazing College Students living for Jesus … at T Bar M they are grafted into your family for a week of great impact (on the kids AND the parents)
- Timely Reset. Your annual reset doesn’t have to happen in January. Pick a week in the summer for your family’s time to look back and reflect as well as make goals and look forward to the rest of the year.
- Goodnight Goodies are always a good idea. Topping off the day together with warm cookies and milk is a special treat (and the cookies are good too!)
- Let your kids see you be silly. Dress up for the theme night, let the belly laugh come, go all in at the kickball game, even if you whiff. Kids need to see you play … and well, you need to play.
- Welcome Home! As alumni, we can’t WAIT for you to come “home” to Camp as a family! Show your family the place that had such an impact on your life.
- God is writing amazing stories. Gather with other adults to hear what God is doing and how He is carrying them through the hard. It is quite a gift to hear and share these stories.
- God is good, all the time. He just is. Take a week to get away and be reminded of that very Truth.
"There is an old rustic camp in Spicewood, TX where “Breakfast at Rio Grande” ignites a flood of nostalgic feel goods buried deep in our bones… I’m talking about a little place called Camp Travis.
If we’re counting (and we always do) it’s been almost 24 years since my first summer as a Travis Camper. I was thirteen and thirsty for attention, affection and the appeal of the world. And in the midst of those cravings, Camp Travis became a little taste of heaven on earth, better than anything this world had to offer. I still remember the moment God called me to abandon the lifestyle I was chasing to follow Him. After lights out that night, I called my Coach over to my bed and whispered to her, “I won’t ever be the same again.” And I wasn’t.
As a Coach, I watched this same story unfold in the lives of my Campers, and as I got to be a part of it, my heart beat faster and harder, as if it was in sync with the very heart of God. I knew there was something about this Camp thing I was created for.
Years passed, and just when I thought Camp had disappeared in my rear view mirror, God made my way back through the Camp Travis gate and down the dirt road for one last summer in the Rio. It was the most fun I’ve ever had, and the icing on the honey bun cake was when the Programs guy smiled and asked me for a cup of yogurt. A couple of months later, on the Rio porch, he asked me to marry him.
Together, we’ve been at this Camp thing since then, traveling Texas with Discover and making the shift from Sports to Base Camp. But after two years of working on Facilities, we’re ready to get back to the nitty gritty of camp life!
“So I said, ‘What about breakfast at Rio Grande?!”
We’re humbled and grateful God is making our way back through the gates of Camp Travis with the big ole gift of stewarding such a sacred place and people for his namesake, this time, with our three boys in tow. We are so excited for them to get a taste!
As we reflect on the story God has been writing, we are in awe of the redeeming notes throughout it. It’s a story that boasts of God’s faithfulness amidst our failures, testifying of Christ alone. And to that, we are filled with joy!
Hoop Diggity and Andele Andele!!"
- Kara Overby
On October 7th, 2024, we gathered for the 3rd Annual T Bar M Classic - and what a day it was! With over 90 golfers coming together to enjoy some friendly competition and support a cause close to our hearts, the energy was high at Kissing Tree Golf Club.
Thanks to the generosity of our players, sponsors, and donors, an incredible $93,000 for our Campership Fund. These funds will make it possible for even more kids to experience the life-changing impact of Camp: A place where they’ll grow in their faith, deepen friendships, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
From the moment our golfers hit the course to the final putt, the atmosphere was filled with camaraderie, laughter, and a shared purpose. Teams teed off and had some fun along the journey with holes featuring a ball launcher, skit clothes, and a hole-in-one contest. There were plenty of moments that reminded us that while golf is fun, this tournament is about so much more.
We have the privilege of serving with our time, our talent, and our treasures. All are given to us by God to invest in His Kingdom. To our players and sponsors, thank you for serving T Bar M Campers with all three.
Time: Busy lives and busy schedules often present challenges to gathering, so thank you for spending the day with us on the course.
Talent: Thank you for connecting us to those who joined The Classic and for connecting us to families who may benefit from Scholarships.
Treasure: You helped raise $93,000 for the Camper Scholarship Fund in one day! Your treasures will go directly to helping send a child to Camp who would not be able to come without your support.
Events like the T Bar M Classic are only possible because of the amazing support from sponsors, players, and everyone who believes in the impact of a week at Camp. Your participation doesn’t just make the day a success - it makes Camp possible for so many kids who otherwise wouldn’t have the chance to come. If you would like to continue supporting Camper Scholarships or know someone who would, find out more here.
Special shoutout to our title sponsor, Keith Wing Custom Builders, and all the incredible teams who made this event one to remember. Your generosity and enthusiasm have made a tangible impact, and we can’t thank you enough for partnering with us in this mission. Check out all our amazing sponsors here.
As we wrap up another successful T Bar M Classic, we’re already looking forward to next year’s tournament. Until then, we celebrate the amazing results of this year and the countless lives that will be changed because of it.
Thank you for making the 3rd Annual T Bar M Classic one for the books!
Where Love and Camp Meet: The Impact of the Campership Fund
At T Bar M, we believe every kid should experience the fun, growth, and deeper faith that Camp brings. Thanks to our Campership Fund, made possible by generous Donors, Campers who might not otherwise have the chance are able to come, play, and experience God in powerful ways.
Life-Changing Moments at Camp
Each scholarship opens the door for Campers to dive into a week filled with new friendships, fun, and Jesus. As one Base Camper shared, “I love that I get to grow my faith in God. Thank you for getting me to Camp!” It’s not just about the activities - it’s about hearts being shaped for eternity.
Another Camper expressed, “My favorite thing was Trail Guide because I got close to God and learned memory verses.” Whether it’s learning about Jesus or conquering the blob, Camp is full of moments that last far beyond their time with us.
Community that Transforms
At Camp Travis, the impact goes even deeper. One Camper shared, “At Camp, I learned and grew to walk the way Jesus did, to not live for things of this world.” Here, it’s all about the community - believers coming together, encouraging one another, and building lifelong relationships rooted in faith.
For many, T Bar M becomes a second home. One Camper reflected, “Camp Travis truly is like home to me.” That sense of belonging and spiritual growth is what makes T Bar M special: Campers leave different than they came, carrying the love of Christ with them.
Your Gift, Their Growth
Thanks to the Campership Fund, stories like these happen every summer. A Camper shared, “No matter how broken you are in life, my Father will pick me up and help shape me to be a citizen of heaven.” That’s the kind of transformation your generosity makes possible!
If you want to be part of this life-changing impact, consider supporting the Campership Fund here or learn more about The Classic, one of the events that helps make camp possible for so many
30 people. 8 churches. 6 vehicles. 1 mission. 3 things I discovered along the way.
- “Roadblocks” are a means to deeper faith and higher praise (1 Peter 1:6-7)
- There is so much power in the way we love one another (John 13:35)
- God uses broken people for His glory! (Psalm 115:1)
"This summer, the Discover Camp team was sent out on mission in the great state of Texas for the 9th time! In case you are unfamiliar, Discover Camp is our traveling Day Camp program that partners with local churches to bring Camp to different cities across Texas. The heart and mission of Discover Camp is to connect campers to the Gospel, connect families to the local church, and connect staff to each other. You can probably imagine some of the complications we encounter as a traveling Camp program: flat tires, dead batteries, Houston traffic, and Midland dust storms to name a few. These things can be easily seen as roadblocks in the way of the Discover Camp mission, and they are difficult! But they can also be seen as opportunities and not just obstacles. 1 Peter 1:6-7 says, “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith- more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire- may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” This summer I “discovered” that those inconveniences and roadblocks are a means to deeper faith and higher praise. God is good (all the time!) and that rings true even when things seemingly go wrong. The adversity that we navigate during the summer is an invitation to trust and depend on God more and more.
The second thing I discovered is that there is so much value and power in the way that believers love one another. This seems like an obvious statement, but I get to watch it firsthand while being on mission with our college students. When we walk into a restaurant or gas station, we are often wearing matching shirts or just being loud and campy. As you can imagine, this draws attention to us very quickly. Discover Camp staff is not known for flying under the radar in public places. This can be a stressor for me as a director, but when I take a step back, I get to watch the staff engage with each other in a way that draws others in to ask questions. John 13:35 says, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” When our dynamics pose a question, we get to respond with why we’re together. We are together because we all have a passion for sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with people all over Texas. We get to be the Church everywhere we go (even in a Buccee’s!)
Lastly, I discovered that God can absolutely use a group of broken 18 to 25-year-olds for His glory. Every week we get to watch lives be edified and transformed by God’s grace. This doesn’t just include the K-5th graders, but also the Discover Camp staff, host families, church staff, and anyone else we encounter along the way. God is so kind to allow us to take part in what He is doing to build His kingdom and give Him glory. It is truly humbling, and such an honor. Not to us, O Lord!
“If you live gladly to make others glad in God, your life will be hard, your risks will be high, and your joy will be full.” -John Piper "
-Cassie Richey (Discover Camp Women’s Director)
What a sweet view we have from the front row, watching the Lord move in and through the people and place of T Bar M. We can’t stop thanking Him for all He's done this summer. And this week, we’re especially thankful for you, our Alumni family.
But first, let's give a big warm welcome to the 248 new Alumni! These Coaches just wrapped up their first summer as T Bar M Coaches. Welcome to the Alumni Family! We couldn’t be prouder of each one of you.
And to our seasoned Alumni—wow, did you show up this summer. Here's just a glimpse of how:
- 81 Alumni said "yes" to our brand-new "Adopt a Cov" program. In May, we paired Alumni with Covenant Group Leaders, and throughout the summer, Alumni sent prayers, encouragement, and care packages to Coaches across all five Camps. Don't worry, we’ll definitely be doing this again next year and adding in our Work Crews too!
- 124 of your kids served at Camp this summer as Coaches, Base Crew, Travis Crew, and Leadership staff. We can’t help but wonder … who will be the first Alumni Grandkid to serve as a Coach?
- 217 of you gathered at Base Camp Lunch, Day Camp Closing, or Camp Travis Coffee Huddles when dropping off or picking up your Campers. Laughing, sharing stories from "way back when," and praying over what the Lord is doing in your kids' lives today was a highlight of our summer.
- 28 Alumni families joined us at Family Camp. And guess what? We’re breaking ground on a brand-new Family Camp right next door, set to open in 2027! We’ll have plenty of room for all your families. Time to start planning!
Some of the best conversations we shared around the table with you, our Alumni, were filled with laughter, memories of great Camp moments, and the ways the Lord has prepared us all for where we are today. And we know that doesn’t stop with the summer. So, we’re planning lots of opportunities to Let the Fun Continue
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s ahead:
- Football Tailgates: Alumni and current Coaches will be gathering for some football fun at a college game near you! Follow @tbarmstaff on Instagram for the latest updates and keep an eye on your emails.
- FUAGNEM February: Alphas vs. Omegas will go head-to-head all month long. Get ready to show off those bowling skills—competition is heading to the lanes!
- Camp Travis Family Weekend: Gather your Camp Family (or your family now) and join us at Camp Travis for a spring weekend full of fun! More details coming soon.
- Family Workdays: Come lend a hand! During Bro Week and Training Week, we’ll have a list of chores ready for everyone to help prepare Camp for the upcoming summer.
- Discover Camp turns 10: Our traveling day camp, Discover, is hitting its 10th anniversary this summer! We’ll be gathering Alumni from D252/Discover Camp to celebrate and send off this year's team at the end of May.
We cannot wait to see you in the month ahead!
Each Sunday this summer, Alumni gathered at Base Camp in the Sanctuary to pray for the week ahead. We shared the same story each week because we believe it is worth repeating as well as an encouragement and challenge for us today.
It didn’t take long for a young Camper named Fred to note who to follow his first few hours at Base Camp. The college guys they called Coach. Later that evening at Team Meeting, this young Camper most likely couldn’t even remember his Coaches’ actual names after meeting them just three hours prior. But there was no doubt he was watching them closely.
As the hype of Team Meeting turned to a slower moment of worship, one of Fred's Coaches began to quiet his heart, close his eyes, and focus on the words being sung, the staff behind him noted Fred doing the exact same thing. Fred stilled his body, closed his eyes (peeking through one eye every now and then to watch his Coach), and also began to worship.
Your last Team Meeting/Main Thing could have been two weeks ago or two decades ago, but there is no doubt folks are still looking at you and at your life. Your coworkers, your neighbors, your family, and your friends all see the way your life worships Jesus. Some will mimic your actions, some will ask great questions, some will dive deep into knowing Jesus with you. You might not be dressed in a theme t-shirt, Teva's and shorts, or painted the color blue or red, but we are confident of this ... the impact you have now to show others Jesus is just as important as the days you served within the gates of T Bar M.
We are grateful. Grateful for what the Lord did through you then, and what He continues to do through you now.
Reflecting on this summer, we are reminded of the powerful truth in Psalm 115:1: 'Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness.' The Bible says that glory is even more exclusive than we think — only God himself is glorious!
From the rookie Campers to the seasoned Coaches, we've witnessed joyful life-change. Our theme, 'Glory Days,' has guided us in shifting our focus from personal achievements to honoring God's name. As we look back, we see a summer filled with moments where Campers chose to put God first, celebrating His works and love. These experiences have shown us that living 'not to us' is about finding joy in serving others and glorifying God in all we do.
There is a race run at Camp Travis each Wednesday of the summer. In looking through the epic photos, we can't help but see God's Word coming alive. And if we listen closely enough, we see how it reminds us how to run the race we are in daily (just with less mud ... hopefully).
The course is set for the Dual Dash. Partners are tethered together. The Start is lined with those cheering. The bibs are on. The hearts are pumping. It's time to run the race.
Some Campers are all in to compete. Some step in hesitantly perhaps, pushed by a bit of FOMO. Some are convinced by a Camper or Coach who believe in them. And some don't know how they got to the starting line. But they are all there. They are all about to compete in the Dual Dash.
As those competing line up, the other half is lining the sidelines. They are waiting for their heat, their time to run. Their waiting is productive as they hand out water and cheer on those taking the next hard steps in the race.
They are an important part of the event, the morning, and the experience, there is no doubt in that.
As an adult, you see the photos of the race and think about how much fun these Campers are having, how proud you are of them for doing this hard thing and how there is NO way you could ever do such a race at your current age.
And then you lean back in your chair and let your mind settle in and you see those photos transform into the race you are running right now. The race that the Lord has put in front of you ... your life.
Like the Campers at the mud obstacle, some look all in ready to go. Some look hesitant and timidly taking the next step. And some look like they tripped right into the situation. Our days have hard, messy things in them. Sometimes we feel strong enough, in step enough, with the Lord to dive straight in. While other times, we timidly take the step with The One (God) we are tethered to, and realistically sometimes, we feel thrown into the race, not really ready.
In the same way our Travis Campers do, we keep going, taking the next wise step. Sure, sometimes we feel like God is pulling us faster than we wish, and that's why we tether ourselves to Him. We scale the hard climb, we lift the heavy burden, we move through the obstacles and when the time is right, we cheer on the ones in the race.
Those competing take step after step to get to one place. The finish line.
And we are doing the same, tethered to our Author and Perfecter of our faith, we take one hard climb, one burden carried, one more obstacle.
It's worth every step, our finish line is Heaven! And as hyped as a Camp Travis Finish Line party is ... Heaven is going to be even better. And there we get to give God all the Glory!
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." - Hebrews 12:1-2
And sometimes ... we just need to suit up in the right way for the race ... at least at Camp Travis we do!
Braxton Zella, former Camper, Coach, and Director encourages and challenges us while sharing his journey and the impact T Bar M has had in his life.
"We’re all on a journey. The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan illustrates this journey by telling the story of a traveler or pilgrim in a foreign land heading toward a celestial city. This journey truly begins as the kindness of God transfers the traveler from the domain of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).
The journey toward heaven involves joy and triumph, accompanied by triall and tribulation. My journey involved fear; it sought to rule me. Conquering fear in my life began on the heels of some moms talking about a summer camp in New Braunfels at a little league baseball game. This was the catalyst for God to work in the hearts of my parents to send me to camp, which was the ultimate medium God would use to capture my heart and begin my journey with Him. In 2006 (D’Vine Impact) I walked through the gates of T Bar M for the first time as a camper riddled with fear. I left a week later more confident than I’d ever felt.
Throughout the rest of my adolescence, and many more summers as a camper, I ended all of those weeks of camp with similar strides in confidence and Biblical identity formation. Mid-way through college I found myself serving for a couple of years on summer staff. Then I took the leap into a year on the Timothy Team, and shortly after that my journey led me to take a job as the Discover Camp Men’s Director.
That scared kid in 2006 didn’t know that his journey would lead him to grow up to be a camp director for a few years, but he dreamed of it. That scared kid also didn’t believe that his journey would ever see that day that the kindness of God would have him conquer fear, but he certainly believes it now. If you’re reading this it’s likely that God has used camp to impact your journey also. I’d challenge you to reflect on God’s kindness, patience, and mercy – all freely given to you (Ephesians 2:8-9) – along your journey.
Lastly, let me remind you that the Christ-centered adventure never ends. That list of core values that we all signed in the staff handbook every summer while we were dreaming about our next meal (or our CC’s) wasn’t just a formality or a spiritual waiver. Living out the Christ-centered adventure (Colossians 3:17) demands that you be a servant leader (Philippians 2:1-11), that you excel still more (1 Thessalonians 4:1), that you practice God’s truth in relationships and conduct (2 Timothy 3:16), that you grow in wisdom, physical fitness, and in relationships with God and others (Luke 2:52), that you remember that it’s all about His kingdom, by His power, for His glory (Matthew 6:13), and that you never stop having fun along the journey (John 10:10).
“My name is now Christian, but my name used to be Graceless.” -John Bunyan, The Pilgrim’s Progress"
--Braxton Zella