Find adventure, find yourself.

Camp La Jita is one of the most important sites for Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas and has been a touchstone for generations of Girl Scouts. Its history—it celebrated 75 years of campers in 2022—and its incredible landscape on the banks of the Sabinal River near Utopia, Texas, make La Jita a true gem.

Approximately 1.5 hours to the west of San Antonio, the camp is both accessible to many girls and families in the Southwest Texas region but also remote enough to give a truly unique experience to many that visit.

Camp La Jita encompasses a tremendous wealth of significant Texas prehistory and history that includes the La Jita Archaeological Site, a prehistoric campsite located on the Sabinal River terrace within the camp property that was named a State Antiquities Landmark in 2021. In prehistoric times, the infamous Therapod dinosaurs stalked shallow waters near our modern campsite, leaving footprints in the limy mud below Council Rock and along the Sabinal Riverbed.

Summer Camp 2026 registration is open!

When open for resident camp in the summer, sessions are available for girls entering grades 2-12 based on the fall school year.

At La Jita, girls have fun with a variety of activities, including horseback riding, archery, a ropes course, arts and crafts, swimming, stargazing, and singing by the campfire. Time is spent building friendships, learning new skills, and discovering the great outdoors.

Session costs vary depending on activities, and financial assistance is available. Learn more on our Summer Camp Forms and FAQs page.

2026 Summer Camp Registration

We have six weeks of camp, and each week has a camp-wide theme. All programming and activities for all age groups connect to that theme.
Each age group (Brownies, Juniors, etc.) participates in their own, age-appropriate activities and badgework.
All campers will have the opportunity to see the horses in action, but we only have two weekly horse-focused sessions, “Bluebonnets” for Juniors and “Blazing Stars” for Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors.
Leadership sessions for Equestrian Aides and CIT Is are available each week.
Girls will also work toward earning badges each week that can be purchased in the Trading Post.
All campers will stay in air-conditioned units.

Included each week:

White Camp La Jita T-shirt to be tie-dyed
Camp La Jita 2026 patch

In compliance with the Texas Department of State Health Services, we have created and made public an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for Camp La Jita in Utopia. Please review this plan thoroughly if your child is attending Camp La Jita. We’ve also made available our La Jita Town Hall meeting from November 2025 to give context to the new rules regarding youth summer camps. If you have any questions, please contact our Customer Care team at customercare@girlscouts-swtx.org.

Do you have a complaint regarding Camp La Jita? Click the button below to be directed to the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Camp La Jita Weekly Sessions

Click on each week to see all available sessions, including leadership sessions. Questions? Visit our Summer Camp Forms and FAQs page.

B - Brownies | J - Juniors | C - Cadettes | S - Seniors | A - Ambassadors

Campers will be divided up by age group (with Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors together), but they may be listed below alongside other ages if they have the same session title/description.

Week One: June 7-12 - “Water Blast” toggle arrow

Session: “Splish, Splash, Camp Splash” (B,J) | $400

Get ready to dive into a week full of water-filled adventures! Campers will learn the importance of water safety while having a blast with water games, challenges, and activities that will keep them cool all week long. From archery with water balloons to outdoor water relays, creative splash-filled fun, and our thrilling camp regatta where teams race their homemade boats to victory, every day will bring something new. Whether it’s learning skills to stay safe around water or simply enjoying water play with friends, this week is the ultimate splash zone. For Thursday night’s dinner, come dressed as your favorite sea adventure character (mermaid, pirate, sea captain, sea animal, etc.).

Session: “Tides of Time” (C,S,A) | $400

Make a splash this week as we dive into the world of water fun and discovery! Campers will learn the importance of water safety while enjoying exciting games, splashing challenges, and even archery with water balloons. But that’s not all—campers will step into the shoes of archaeologists, uncovering the mysteries of the past through hands-on digs, artifact adventures, and explorations of how water has shaped civilizations. From ancient treasures to water play, this camp is the perfect mix of safety, fun, and discovery. Campers will also build their own homemade boats in our first regatta and race to victory. For Thursday night’s dinner, come dressed as your favorite sea adventure character (mermaid, pirate, sea captain, sea animal, etc.).

Session: “Counselor-in-Training (CIT) I” (grades 9-10) | $400

Are you enthusiastic and ready to lead? Do you love being a great role model to your fellow campers? Then join us this summer as a Counselor-in-Training (CIT) I! CITs will assist camp staff in daily activities, have opportunities to create and lead programming of their own, and develop their leadership skills alongside camp staff members and fellow CITs. All CIT Is must have completed their CIT training and must apply and participate in a round of interviews with council staff.

Horse Session: “Bluebonnets” (J) | $450

Discover the joy of horseback riding at Camp La Jita. Learn essential skills like controlling your horse and maintaining a walking pace. Enjoy arena lessons and a leisurely trail ride while developing your horsemanship. Experience hands-on activities such as grooming, feeding, and learning the fundamentals of caring for horses. Experience girl-led activities and classic camp fun between riding sessions. The week will end with a Horse Showcase, where campers can proudly demonstrate the skills they’ve learned for their families.

Horse Session: “Blazing Stars” (C,S,A) | $450

Giddy up and get ready for a week of horse-filled fun! Whether you’re a beginner rider building confidence or an experienced rider looking to refine your skills, this camp is designed just for you. Campers will take part in riding lessons tailored to their skill level, with instructors guiding them at their own pace in a safe, supportive environment. Along the way, they’ll enjoy horse-themed games, fun activities, and plenty of time to bond with new friends and the great outdoors. The week will end with a Horse Showcase, where campers can proudly demonstrate the skills they’ve learned for their families.

Session: “Equestrian Aide” (grades 9-12) | $450

Saddle up for a summer of responsibility, teamwork, and horse-powered fun! This special camp is open to girls who successfully completed the Equestrian Aid (EA) Training in November. As an EA, you’ll work alongside our barn staff to help keep the horse program running smoothly. Your days will be filled with hands-on experiences—preparing horses for sessions, leading younger riders, feeding and grooming horses, cleaning stables, and assisting with other important barn duties. Not only will you gain valuable skills and confidence, you’ll also help create unforgettable experiences for other campers in the horse program.

Week Two: June 14-19 - “Outdoor Artist Retreat” toggle arrow

Session: “Outdoor Artist Retreat” (B,J,C,S,A) | $400

Step into a world where creativity meets nature at this Outdoor Artist Retreat! Develop your artistic skills through the creative arts and draw inspiration from the natural world around you. Beyond the studio, artists will explore self-care practices such as yoga, breathing techniques, and making tranquil music. For Thursday night’s dinner, come dressed as your favorite insect, such as a butterfly!

Session: “Counselor-in-Training (CIT) I” (grades 9-10) | $400

Horse Session: “Bluebonnets” (J) | $450

Horse Session: “Blazing Stars” (C,S,A) | $450

Session: “Equestrian Aide” (grades 9-12) | $450

Week Three: June 21-26 - “Passport to Play” toggle arrow

Session: “Passport to Play” (B,J) | $400

Pack your passport for a week of global fun! Campers will explore exciting games and activities from around the world. From energetic outdoor challenges to creative team games, campers will discover how kids play in different countries and cultures. Along the way, they’ll learn teamwork, sportsmanship, and a new appreciation for the joy of play across the globe. Get ready to laugh, run, and compete in a week full of friendship and international fun! For Thursday night’s dinner, wear a shirt/jersey of your favorite sports team!

Session: Passport to Play: Worldwide Games (C,S,A) | $400

Get ready to go global! Campers will embark on an action-packed week exploring games, sports, and challenges from around the world. Each day brings new adventures—think relays inspired by international traditions, group challenges that test leadership and problem-solving, and friendly competitions where teams represent different countries. Campers will also have the chance to design their own “world game” and challenge others to play it! As the sun sets, the fun continues around the campfire with an International Games Festival Night—an evening of laughter, songs, s’mores, and global-themed challenges under the stars. For Thursday night’s dinner, wear a shirt/jersey of your favorite sports team!

Session: “Counselor-in-Training (CIT) I” (grades 9-10) | $400

Horse Session: “Bluebonnets” (J) | $450

Horse Session: “Blazing Stars” (C,S,A) | $450

Session: “Equestrian Aide” (grades 9-12) | $450

Week Four: June 28-July 3 - “Messy Adventures” toggle arrow

Session: “Mess-tastic Explorers” (B,J) | $400

Welcome to Mess-tastic, where the mess is the magic. Get ready for a whirlwind of messy adventures as campers dive into hands-on experiments and creative chaos. From colorful explosions to squishy slime and everything in between, campers will explore the fun side of science. Each day brings new surprises and messy challenges, encouraging campers to unleash their curiosity and embrace the joy of discovery. For Thursday night’s dinner, wear a wacky outfit and get ready for a glow-in-the-dark dance!

Session: “Messy Makers: DIY Adventure Week” (C,S,A) | $400

Get ready to roll up your sleeves—things are about to get delightfully messy! Spend the week creating, experimenting, and making a splash with hands-on DIY projects. From gooey slime labs and fizzy science experiments to wild tie-dye designs and messy creations, each day is packed with creative chaos. Campers will also tackle team challenges, upcycle everyday items into art, and compete in messy, fun-filled competitions that put their creativity and problem-solving skills to the test. For Thursday night’s dinner, wear a wacky outfit and get ready for a glow-in-the-dark dance!

Session: “Counselor-in-Training (CIT) I” (grades 9-10) | $400

Horse Session: “Bluebonnets” (J) | $450

Horse Session: “Blazing Stars” (C,S,A) | $450

Session: “Equestrian Aide” (grades 9-12) | $450

Week Five: July 5-10 - “Mystery Camp” toggle arrow

Session: “Mystery Detectives Camp” (B,J) | $400

Put on your detective hat and grab your magnifying glass—mystery awaits! Campers will become junior detectives, following clues, solving puzzles, and figuring out “who done it” in a week full of fun adventures. Campers will explore hidden treasures, crack silly codes, and work together on exciting challenges that make every day a new mystery to solve. With teamwork, laughter, and lots of detective fun, this camp is the perfect place to make friends and become a super sleuth! For Thursday night’s dinner, come dressed as your favorite detective (think Scooby-Doo, Inspector Gadget, Sherlock Holmes, etc.)

Session: “Secret Agent Academy: Mystery Camp” (C,S,A) | $400

Calling all undercover agents! Campers will step into the thrilling world of espionage and detective work. Campers will crack codes, follow clues, and solve mind-bending mysteries while learning the secrets of spy craft. Each day brings high-stakes missions, from completing escape room puzzles to gathering evidence and interrogating suspects to uncover “who done it.” By the end of the week, each agent will have sharpened their detective skills, solved complex cases, and unlocked the secrets of becoming a master spy—all while having a blast with friends in a thrilling, immersive environment! For Thursday night’s dinner, come dressed as your favorite detective (think Scooby-Doo, Inspector Gadget, Sherlock Holmes, etc.).

Session: “Counselor-in-Training (CIT) I” (grades 9-10) | $400

Horse Session: “Bluebonnets” (J) | $450

Horse Session: “Blazing Stars” (C,S,A) | $450

Session: “Equestrian Aide” (grades 9-12) | $450

Week Six: July 12-17 - “Island Explorers” toggle arrow

Session: “Tiki Time Adventures” (B,J) | $400

Say aloha to summer fun! Campers will set off on an exciting island adventure—exploring the “island of Camp La Jita” through creative crafts, tropical games, and outdoor challenges. Each day brings new discoveries as we dive into island life, from treasure hunts to team activities inspired by Hawaiian traditions. We’ll finish the week with our End-of-Summer Luau, complete with festive music, tasty tropical treats, and plenty of pool time! For Thursday’s dinner, come dressed for a luau! Parents will enjoy an ohana (family) day with campers on Friday.

Session: “Island Explorers” (C,S,A) | $400

Grab your flip-flops and get ready for a week of sunshine, sisterhood, and serious island vibes! This week is all about celebrating YOU— with tropical crafts and splash-tastic games! Each day brings new discoveries as we dive into island life, from treasure hunts to team activities inspired by Hawaiian traditions. We’ll finish the week with our End-of-Summer Luau, complete with festive music, tasty tropical treats, and plenty of pool time! For Thursday’s dinner, come dressed for a luau! Parents will enjoy an ohana (family) day with campers on Friday.

Session: “Counselor-in-Training (CIT) I” (grades 9-10) | $400

Horse Session: “Bluebonnets” (J) | $450

Horse Session: “Blazing Stars” (C,S,A) | $450

Session: “Equestrian Aide” (grades 9-12) | $450

girl scout outside smiling and holding up girl scout promise sign

Summer Camp FAQs

Find the answers to your questions and helpful forms and resources.

LEARN MORE

The campgrounds can be rented by troops, groups within Girl Scouts, and outside groups.

Want to reserve a room or activity at Camp La Jita?

Camp Archaeology and Paleontology

Learn about the La Jita Archaeological Site and the dinosaurs that once roamed the area.

LEARN MORE

Camp La Jita is proud to be accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), with whom we have received 100 percent satisfaction for the last four site visits, which take place every three years.

Developed exclusively for the camp profession, this nationally recognized program focuses on program quality, health and safety issues, and the requirement that we review every facet of our operation. The display of the ACA logo is a privilege reserved for camps that have met the criteria.