Since 1999, Great Adventure Camp at the Cat Spring Retreat has been providing children with a safe and fun experience of a lifetime, while inviting them to experience Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Why do families love our camp? Not only are summer camp prices very affordable, but our small camp size helps every camper feel welcomed and part of our camp family! All our campers build meaningful relationships with our counselors and grow from their personal experiences.
Our camp experiences provide children with the opportunity to discover who they really are by interacting with nature, making new friends, enjoying fellowship and cultivating character traits that will allow them to be our future leaders.
GAC is licensed by the State of Texas. We are a nonprofit, 501 c (3) organization. We rely on tax-deductible donations to keep our prices low and to provide camper scholarships to those that otherwise would not be able to attend.
ABIGAIL FONTENOT
ABOUT GAC
DIRECTORS
JAY Barrera
“I am convinced that camp provides a safe and fun space that no other place can offer a child. There are many hardships that kids face today. I love that camp gives them a week to experience love, safety and joy. This is so important in helping children understand their value. Kids can just be kids at camp! I love seeing campers come year after year. Camp becomes a second home to them. My life and my family’s lives have been changed by GAC and I feel honored that I get to play a part in their camp experience”
"Even just one week of camp, can change someone’s life. I am honored that I have had so many years seeing the impact that camp has on people’s lives each summer.”
Starting as a counselor, Abigail has been on staff at the Great Adventure Camp for 8 years. She has had the opportunity to work with children in various ways all over the world.
Abigail is currently getting her Master’s in Counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary.
Jay Barrera is a licensed minister and was a youth pastor before becoming a director of the Great Adventure Camp. He is a Licensed Paramedic and Battalion Chief of EMS Training working at HCESD-48 Fire Department during the school year.
MARYELLEN TAYLOR
Maryellen Taylor has taught elementary and high school and was a children’s pastor before becoming a director at the Great Adventure Camp. Maryellen has 4 children and 12 grandchildren.
"I grew up going to a camp and realized how important that was to me. When I became a children’s pastor, I wanted those children to have a camp experience so I rented a place, and hosted my first camp. Later, I was given the opportunity to go into camping full time. I jumped at that offer. I truly believe camp can be life changing to a child. Children make life long friends here! For many, it's the first time away from home. GAC is a place they can become more confident, have others care about them outside of family, and they learn how to just be a kid without the worries and pressures of outside life."
