Adventurers
and hearty early settlers came after
the Indians. Japonica, Texas, was founded
here as an early Texas stagecoach stop.
And in 1924, E.J. "Doc" Stewart founded
Camp Stewart for Boys, which he owned
until his death in 1929. W.N "Bill" James was
director and owner from 1929 to 1966,
when he sold to former camper, Silas
B. "Si" Ragsdale, Jr. and
his wife, Kathy Coffey Ragsdale. Silas
B. Ragsdale III(Jeepers),
part owner and Co-Director, is in charge
of the day-to-day operations. Jeepers
literally grew up at Stewart, and has
worked in every facet of the camp from
the kitchen, horses, cabin counselor,
etc.
Continuity in such activities as
riflery, Red Cross swimming, Camp
Archery Association, Horseback, United
States Tennis Association, etc.,
not only helps build lifetime skills,
but provides a measurable rate of
accomplishment outside the camp environment
Agarita Challenge Course boasts
a spectacular covered Climbing Wall.
Conquering the challenge of obstacles
on one’s climb to the top builds
self-confidence, personal strength
and fosters teamwork. The covered
wall has four climbing sides, with
varying surfaces and degrees of difficulty,
to keep it a challenging activity.
The Stewart Rifle Range is an official
50-foot range located in a gully
on the fringe of camp. Under certified
instructors, campers learn the fundamentals
of safety and good shooting habits
as well as earning Camp Rifle Association
rankings.
All ages take riflery. Stewart furnishes target .22's including lighter weight
rifles for the youngest campers. Campers who prefer may bring their own single-shot
target .22's, which are kept under lock and key at the range.
When the NRA sponsored Summer Camp Postal Matches, Stewart campers
won more honors than any other participating camp in the nation.
Stewart has a unique and outstanding
music program under the direction
of C. Ridge Floyd, composer, singer
and character. In addition to the
spontaneous and happy songs of the
Dining Hall, campers may join the
camp chorus and/or band. The choir
meets several times a week during
the first part of rest period for
rehearsals and instruction, as does
the band. The groups often perform
at local girls’ camps and sometimes
are invited to sing at a local church.
To insure qualified instruction
for their campers, Camp Stewart and
Heart O' the Hills jointly sponsor
certification clinics in riflery, archery,
lifesaving and water safety, horseback,
climbing wall, advanced first aid,
etc., for staff and counselors prior
to the beginning of regular orientation.
Stewart prides itself on having qualified
and skilled instructors.
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