Finding Peace in Tejas: A Retreat for All

Where connections are made

Words by Abby L. Johnson Photos by Camp Tejas

For many of us who spent our childhood summers away at camp, vivid memories of bunk beds, s’mores, and that sweet combination of exhaustion and exhilaration that comes from a day well spent playing in the sun is the place our minds return to when we think of simplicity. 

In those golden days, there was little to worry about besides what might be served for dinner. The camaraderie and friendships forged during these formative years are often long lasting, and a natural longing to return to such days often nags when life gets busy, and we feel disconnected. Paul Biles once had that feeling, and unlike most daydreamers, he followed that instinct. After a few years spent working in St. Louis, Paul and his wife decided to return to summer camp. They packed up their belongings and moved to Giddings, Texas, where Paul eventually assumed the role of Executive Director at Tejas Camp & Retreat in 2013.

Tejas first opened its doors in 1981 and has been serving residents of Central Texas and beyond as a devoted space to slow down, indulge in recreation, and focus on reconnecting with oneself and the people who matter most. With the facilities and ethos of a prototypical sleep-away camp, adults and kids alike will delight in the joyous revival of summer fun. Ziplines, axe throwing, evening campfires, a lazy river, and a plethora of other individual and group experiences are all available to attendees as they explore the grounds and find reprieve from life’s stressors. 

Remember, there’s a lot of things that happen in between where you live and here. Take notice of the small towns along the way. Go discover them, get off the beaten path. You’re going on a retreat. You don’t need to race here. The retreat can start from the moment you get in your car… You’ve heard the phrase, ‘the journey is sometimes better than the destination.’

Paul Biles

Tejas retreats are customizable and work well for small groups, families, and even businesses in search of team building experiences. Retreats offer an opportunity to break free of routine and the constant distractions that keep many from truly connecting with people. And the effects of a retreat don’t end once attendees return to daily life. Paul insists, “The impact [of a retreat] is that life doesn’t have to be busy. We can take time, get to know each other, reconnect and then reenter the world [refocused].”

It is important that attendees be intentional with their time at Tejas. Paul emphasizes that retreat is more a state of mind than a particular place. “Whether it’s Tejas or another camp, a retreat, a hotel, a campground, it really doesn’t matter what it is. It’s the point of getting away, unplugging, leaving the phone at home and all the worries that will be there when you get back.” He points out that it is up to us to “create those moments; whether it’s with friends or family, take the time to be intentional with the people around you.

What to Expect
Tejas offers a plethora of activities well-suited for both team building purposes and solo unwinding from the stresses of daily life. Swimming, zip-lining, campfires, axe throwing, and fishing are just a sampling of the many pastimes available to attendees. If slowing down is more your speed, take note of Executive Director Paul Biles’ favorite way to relax: sitting on the porch, enjoying the fresh air and easy rhythm of the Tejas rocking chairs. 

Contact: 
(979) 366-2422  
1038 Pvt Rd 2191 Giddings, TX 78942
info@mytejas.org
mytejas.org
@camptejas