Camp Strake Campsite 9

Welcome to Camp Strake Campsite 9, a distinguished destination within the Campgrounds & RV Parks category, offering an exceptional outdoor experience for local users and visitors. Nestled in a serene, rural area near Coldspring, Texas, Camp Strake is a premier, state-of-the-art facility spanning 2,816 acres, bordered on three sides by the expansive Sam Houston National Forest. Campsite 9, like others at Camp Strake, is designed to provide a rich and immersive camping experience that blends the tranquility of nature with modern conveniences and diverse program offerings.

The environment at Camp Strake Campsite 9 is defined by its picturesque location within the East Texas Piney Woods. Tall, majestic pines provide ample shade, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere even on warmer days. The campsite is typically set in a U-shape, centered around a covered pavilion, offering a communal space for groups to gather. The proximity to the Sam Houston National Forest ensures a genuine wilderness feel, with abundant opportunities for wildlife observation and a profound connection to nature. The Lone Star Hiking Trail, the longest hiking trail in Texas, is easily accessible from Camp Strake, inviting hikers to explore miles of scenic beauty. The camp also boasts a 28-acre lake, a focal point for various aquatic activities and a natural haven for fishing enthusiasts. During construction, great care was taken to preserve the natural flora, and visitors will find an assortment of wild plants and flowers, including the vibrant Pride of Barbados, along the numerous hiking trails. The serene landscape, coupled with the fresh air and natural sounds, creates an ideal escape from urban life.

As a leading establishment in the Campgrounds & RV Parks sector, Camp Strake Campsite 9 provides a comprehensive array of services to ensure a comfortable and enriching stay. For campers, this includes well-maintained facilities such as modern shower and restroom units, conveniently located along the main campsite roads and shared by a few campsites. Each stall in the shower houses is ADA compliant, ensuring accessibility for all. Troop vehicle parking is available at the top of the U-shaped campsite layout, with easy road access. While campers typically pitch their own tents, the campsites offer wooden platforms for tent setup, elevating them off the ground. Electricity is available at the campsite pavilions, providing a crucial modern amenity.

Beyond the immediate campsite amenities, Camp Strake offers extensive services supporting its broader programs. The George and Mary Josephine Hamman Dining Hall is capable of serving hundreds of campers three meals per day, with a separate delivery road to ensure uninterrupted service. For those with specific dietary needs, Camp Strake strives to accommodate medical or religious requirements, with a dedicated form for prior notification.

The camp also emphasizes safety and well-being, with water stations available throughout the camp to combat dehydration, and guidance on proper hydration practices. Although personal valuables are not directly secured by the camp, units are advised to bring lockable storage containers. A check-in building at the entrance facilitates arrival procedures, including medical screenings and campsite assignments. While there is no public phone for Scouts, messages can be relayed through the camp office in case of emergency.

Camp Strake Campsite 9 is part of a larger, state-of-the-art facility renowned for its modern amenities and unique features, distinguishing it within the Campgrounds & RV Parks landscape. The camp offers 20 camping pavilions across its various campsites, each equipped with protective covers and electric power.

Key features of Camp Strake include:

• Aquatics Center: A resort-style water park and pool, along with a 28-acre lake, provide ample opportunities for swimming, water polo, water basketball, water climbing, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and rowboating. The John R. Curry Observation Tower overlooks the lake, adding to the scenic appeal.
• STEM Center: The Eco-STEM Center, designed by Gensler, allows campers to earn merit badges in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, with exclusive programs like Strake Odyssey, the NASA Stars & STEM Program, and Train Like an Astronaut Program (SCUBA), thanks to a unique Space Act Agreement with NASA.
• Adventure Activities: A 40-foot rock wall climbing tower with four stations, a high-ropes course, and a double zip line traversing the lake offer thrilling challenges. The ATV Experience allows Scouts to explore trails while learning to drive top-tier ATV equipment.
• Shooting Sports Complex: Dedicated ranges for archery, rifle, pistol, and shotgun provide a safe and controlled environment for learning and practicing shooting skills.
• Extensive Trail System: Over 11 miles of trails are available for walking, biking, and ATVs, with direct access to the Sam Houston National Forest and the Lone Star Hiking Trail. There are also marked nature trails, a 5K orienteering course, and a geocaching course.
• Patsy and Stan Stanley Campfire Arena: A large arena with seating for over 1,000 campers, perfect for ceremonies and gatherings.
• Sports Fields: Facilities for various sports, including a 9-hole disk golf course (bring your own frisbees) and Gaga ball pits.
• Fishing: Catch-and-release fishing is permitted in the camp's lake; campers should bring their own equipment, and fishing licenses are not required.

Camp Strake is specifically designed to facilitate growth in leadership and outdoor skills, aligning with the objectives of scouting programs. The individual campsites, including Campsite 9, serve as a base for these transformative experiences.

Camp Strake Campsite 9, as part of the broader Camp Strake offering, provides various opportunities for individuals and groups to engage with its services. The camp is open for weekend camping, council and district activities, and use of the Conference Center. Reservations for campsites and program areas can be made through the Sam Houston Area Council's reservation system, often requiring a 50% deposit with full payment due 14 days before the reservation date. Reservations typically close 5 days out, so any final adjustments should be made at least a week prior.

Special camps and programs are regularly offered, including:

• Summer Camp: A week-long council-organized overnight camp providing opportunities for Scouts to earn merit badges.
• Winter Camp: Another excellent opportunity for Scouts to earn merit badges taught by experienced adults.
• STEM Camp: Focuses on STEM-related merit badges and the unique NASA Stars & STEM program.
• Camp Odyssey: A space-focused camp diving into astronomy, rocketry, and cosmic exploration.
• Trail to Eagle Camp: An intensive program for Scouts working on Eagle-required merit badges.
• Full Throttle: Half-day participation in various program areas and merit badge classes.

For those interested in purchasing related goods, the Sam Houston Area Council's Scout Shop and Camp Strake's Trading Post offer a range of camping gear, Scout apparel, merit badge books, and camp swag. Preordering summer camp merchandise often comes with discounts, with items available for pickup at the Trading Post. Campers are encouraged to bring essential items like water bottles, personal first aid kits, sunscreen, and insect repellent. While the camp aims to provide a comprehensive experience, certain personal items like electronic devices are discouraged to promote a full outdoor immersion.

Camp Strake Campsite 9 offers a robust and engaging experience for anyone seeking to explore the outdoors, develop new skills, and connect with nature, all within a well-equipped and supportive environment.