T Bar M Christian Summer Camp

"My head has to be where?!" "Just keep leaning back! Your head will be at the same level as your feet!" "Are you crazy?!"

It turned out they weren't crazy; this was standard teaching material for learning how to rappel for the first time. Standing atop the tall wooden tower, harness wrapped around me, rope fastened tightly, I backed my way up to the edge of the stand. The idea was that you were supposed to lean backwards, keeping your rope tight, keeping your body straight, until you were essentially standing sideways, feet secure and legs bent, as you bounced down the side of the tower.

Well, it didn't work out quite as expected, but I did ok. This was the first time I had ever done rappelling, but I experienced a few first times at T Bar M summer camp.

As a youth in a Baptist church, I went to T Bar M Summer camp a few times. It was a blast each time.

According to the website (see the Resources section), T Bar M is a non-denominational Christian Summer camp. There were many things that I remember about the camp, but one obvious thing springs to mind: the ropes-course. This is a big attraction at T Bar M, as well it should be. Although you are clipped in the entire time, as you stand high above the ground and navigate the in's and out's of the course, you can't help but feel exhilarated. Sure, your harness SHOULD hold, but you never know! This thought crosses your mind many times, even though you know that the course has been tested for safety and security countless times. A truly fun experience, the ropes course is something that should be tried by everyone that comes to the camp.

But, as with most church camps, the true focus is the fellowship. Although I had been a Christian for a few years prior to my first time at the camp it still did my heart and soul good to be able to witness to others and hear their experiences, joys and challenges, first hand. Every night there was a time reserved for a group gathering of fun, singing and celebration that was truly uplifting. Carrying on with the Texas ranch style ambiance, the group fellowship time usually took place in a large hard-wood barn. Although most assuredly a barn, this was no ramshackle hut. Solid oak columns supported this structure in style, giving the feel of a Texas ranch along with stability and beauty. Add some benches and lighting and a modern structure with a Texas feel is born. With the sides open most of the evening to let in the peaceful Texas night, the setting allowed us to commune with each other and truly celebrate in God's beauty. Quite an uplifting experience.

But the evenings weren't the only time to have fun and fellowship with each other. T Bar M was loaded with activities to do throughout the day. We did a variety of sports, ranging from soccer and football to basketball and tennis. A typical Texas ranch in size, T Bar M is sprawled out over many, many acres. This allows room for an extensive ropes course, a rappelling wall, basketball courts, football fields, many bunk houses and many auditoriums and barns.

But we also had the peace and quiet when we needed to be able to go off on our own for Bible study and learning. Depending on the youth counselors and group size, we would have Bible study in groups at certain points during the day, then go off on our own to be able to pray and study. Very peaceful, resting and studying in the Texas landscape.

Being a teenager can be a painful experience. Just trying to figure out where you are in life, who your friends are, how you relate to the opposite sex and other growing pains can be quite a battle. Camps like T Bar M and the fun and fellowship they encouraged in a Christian setting were stabilizing adventures that certainly helped me as I was growing up.

So, for a summer camp or an office team-building adventure give T Bar M in New Braunfels a try. Have fun on the ropes course and enjoy the Texas landscape all at the same time!