YMCA Unveils New Name, Designs For Accessible Camp Project On Onion Creek

Camp Moody will cost families less than half the average of other Texas summer camps, and through funds raised in its annual appeal, the Y will offer scholarships to children from low-income families…

The YMCA of Austin unveiled the new name and innovative designs for its accessible 85-acre camp project at its 65^th Annual Celebration week at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum.

YMCA Camp Moody, supported by a $6.25 million gift from The Moody Foundation, will fulfill a vision to create a natural oasis in close proximity to the Austin-area for youth and families. This new YMCA camp aims to become the most accessible and affordable camp and retreat center in the region.

With the Moody gift and a $500,000 challenge grant from The J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation, the Austin Y is also launching the public phase of its $18.3 million capital campaign.

“Too many of our kids are spending too much time indoors, inactive, and in front of screens,” said Ellie Falcao, Co-Chair of the YMCA’s capital campaign. “But YMCA Camp Moody will help get thousands of kids into the outdoors. That’s why we’re inviting the entire community to get involved. This is a once-in-a-lifetime project that will touch lives for generations to come.”

Located 15 miles south of Austin along Onion Creek in northern Hays County, the camp will give children, teens and families a chance to experience the outdoors through YMCA programs.

Open to all members of the community, Camp Moody will offer financial assistance for low-income youth and transportation options from designated sites across the area. YMCA of Austin members will also receive discounted rates on camp programs.

The first phase of the project will include a dining hall, treehouse cabins, two bunk cabin villages, a 15,000-sqaure-foot enclosed competition aquatics center (which will also support all swim programming for the Hays Consolidated ISD), 700-foot dual zip lines, climbing wall, archery range, ropes course, entertainment amphitheater, open-air sports space and accessible trails.

All of these amenities and activities will utilize universal design to be accessible and welcoming to people of all abilities.

Although the YMCA of Austin has integrated hands-on outdoor learning and activities through summer day camp and parent/child camping programs since the 1970s, it is also the largest YMCA in the nation without a specific campus for overnight camping and related activities.

True to the YMCA’s commitment to ensuring access to programs and services for all, Camp Moody will significantly increase access to meaningful outdoor experiences by focusing on those issues that have traditionally been barriers:

• Financial Access: Camp Moody will cost families less than half the average of other Texas summer camps, and through funds raised in its annual appeal, the Y will offer scholarships to children from low-income families.
• Geographic Access: Camp Moody is located within a 15-mile drive from downtown Austin, which is half the distance of any comparable camp. This proximity to town will also make the property an attractive venue for families, businesses, nonprofits and other groups that would like a “retreat” from the city.
• Physical Access: Few opportunities exist for individuals with special needs to experience outdoors in a meaningful way. Camp Moody will be constructed to allow children and adults with disabilities to access the property and activities along with their able-bodied peers.

The Camp Moody property was donated to the YMCA of Austin by George Yonge in 1999 with the desire to establish a camp for kids to explore the great outdoors. Features include dramatic limestone outcrops along with beautiful Bald Cypress trees lining the creek banks. Native flora and fauna create a living laboratory for exploration and discovery.

“There is a clear need to preserve more natural spaces in Central Texas where kids can be physically active, connect with nature, and just play and explore in a safe environment,” said James Finck, YMCA of Austin President & CEO. “We’re addressing a need to provide an accessible overnight camp experience; one that is closer to the city, affordable to all families, and welcoming to people of all abilities.”

Founded in 1953, the YMCA of Austin is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The YMCA of Austin currently serves more than 65,000 active members and provides program services to an additional 60,000 people citywide.

The YMCA puts Christian principles into practice through programs that promote good health, strong families, character values, youth leadership, community development and international understanding. More details are available at www.austinymca.org/ymcacampmoody.