Gilmont Receives State License for Summer Camp 2026, Expands Commitment to Safe and Faith-Filled Camp Experiences 

GILMER, Texas — Gilmont Camp and Conference Center is proud to announce that it has officially received its Youth Camp License from the State of Texas for Summer Camp 2026, marking an important milestone ahead of another season of Overnight Camp and Day Camp opportunities for children and families across East Texas.

Following the devastating flooding that impacted camps and communities throughout Texas last summer, the state enacted new legislation designed to strengthen youth camp safety standards. Gilmont leaders say they fully support the new requirements and remain committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and faith-centered environment for every camper.

“We know parents place enormous trust in us when they send their children to camp, and we do not take that responsibility lightly,” said Gilmont Executive Director Kenny Rigoulot. “Safety has always been foundational to our mission, and we are grateful for the many state officials, emergency management professionals, healthcare trainers, and fellow camp leaders who helped camps navigate this new licensing process.”

Gilmont’s mission is:

To cultivate a safe, sacred space where all are invited to grow closer to God, creation, others, and themselves. 

As an American Camp Association accredited camp, Gilmont has long maintained high standards for camper care, emergency preparedness, and staff training. In preparation for Summer 2026, Gilmont has continued investing in additional safety improvements and infrastructure upgrades, including:

• New backup generators
• Redundant internet systems to strengthen communication reliability ● Expanded emergency lighting
• An upgraded public address and communication system

In addition, Gilmont’s summer staff complete 12 days of intensive pre-camp training before campers arrive. Training includes CPR certification, First Aid, Stop the Bleed, lifeguard certification and aquatic safety, emergency response procedures, camper supervision practices, and Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI).

Camp leaders emphasize that one of the most important safety practices at Gilmont is the relational structure of camp life itself. Campers move throughout the day with their cabin groups and trusted counselors, ensuring that children are never navigating camp activities alone. This approach supports both safety and the strong sense of belonging that has defined the Gilmont experience for generations.

Alongside its Overnight Camp ministry, Gilmont is also preparing for another summer of Gilmont Day Camp, serving children who have completed first through sixth grade from Gilmer and surrounding East Texas communities.

Gilmont Day Camp allows children to experience the fun and formation of camp while returning home each evening. Campers participate in classic camp activities, including swimming, canoeing, archery, arts and crafts, games, Bible study, hiking, and outdoor adventures.

Day campers are organized into small groups of 10–12 children with two trained counselors assigned to each group, providing attentive supervision and relationship-centered care throughout the day. The program is designed to help children build friendships, confidence, character, and a deeper connection with God through outdoor experiences and community.

Gilmont Day Camp will offer four weekly sessions during Summer 2026:

• June 22–26
• June 29–July 3
• July 6–10
• July 13–17

Day Camp runs from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day and includes flexible pricing options to help make camp accessible for families.

“We are excited for another summer filled with worship, laughter, adventure, friendship, and faith formation,” Rigoulot said. “We truly believe camp can be one of the most meaningful and transformative experiences in a young person’s life.”

Families can learn more about Overnight Camp and Day Camp registration at www.gilmont.org.