Parent FAQ
General 🗺️
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Our mission is to equip young men with the skills to become confident leaders by allowing them to practice leadership basics in the outdoors using time-tested military concepts.
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STX is a U.S. Army term meaning “Situational Training Exercise.” These are scenario‑driven, mission‑oriented exercises designed to train small‑unit skills. At camp, boys take on age‑appropriate missions like search and rescue.
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Yes. While Squad STX is not an ROTC program, many high school boys attend to gain early exposure to fieldcraft, land navigation, and small‑unit skills that support future ROTC participation. Our instructors teach age‑appropriate versions of the fundamentals used in ROTC field training exercises (FTX).
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Squad STX is designed for motivated boys ages 12–18 who want real outdoor adventure, leadership practice, and hands‑on skills. It is not a punitive boot camp, and campers must want to attend.
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No. Squad STX is a challenging but fun outdoor adventure camp for boys who want to learn leadership and basic fieldcraft. We are not a boot camp or behavioral program, and campers must want to be here.
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Our boys camp is for ages 12-18 while our Father & Son Camp Weekends are for boys ages 10-18 and their Dads.
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Boys camp sessions typically include three squads of three to four boys each. Father & Son camp weekends usually have four to six father‑son pairs. Our small enrollment ensures close mentorship and a tight‑knit group experience.
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Squad STX sessions are held at Dinosaur Valley State Park in Central Texas.
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Yes, Squad STX offers a 3‑day, 2‑night Father & Son Weekend for boys ages 10–18 and their dads. It’s a fully outdoor, hands‑on experience with shelter building, missions, trail navigation, campfire cooking, and time together under the stars. See full details here.
Camp Life ⛺
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Campers sleep under the stars or under tarps we provide. We do not use traditional tents. Instead, boys learn how to set up tarp shelters and sleep outdoors in the Texas State Park environment.
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We serve hearty, high‑protein meals cooked outdoors by campers and staff in the field or at basecamp. Breakfast includes eggs, bacon, sausage, tortillas, oatmeal, and apples. Lunch is a military MRE (Meal Ready‑to‑Eat), and several components can be saved as snacks throughout the day. Dinner rotates between chili, rice and beans, hot dogs, and mac & cheese.
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Outside snacks are not necessary or permitted. We provide plenty of protein for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Parts of the daily lunch (military MREs) can be saved and snacked on throughout the rest of the day.
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No, all screens and personal electronics are not permitted.
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Instructors always have phones to contact a camper’s emergency contact if needed, but parents should not expect updates during the program. Squad STX is fully unplugged so boys can focus on the experience.
Safety 🛡️
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Squad STX staff are trained former or current U.S. Army officers with experience working with adolescents. Activities take place inside Texas state parks and follow established safety protocols. Squad leaders have two-way radios and mobile phones available in case an issue arises.
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Squad STX is directed by former U.S. Army infantry officers trained in outdoor and field operations. Our instructors are ROTC cadets personally recruited from Texas universities by our camp director. All activities take place inside Dinosaur Valley State Park and follow park safety protocols.
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All staff are trained in Wilderness First Aid, and first aid kits are carried at all times. If an issue arises, instructors can contact a camper’s emergency contact or park staff immediately.
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Due to the rugged nature of our program, we may not be able to accommodate all dietary restrictions. Please contact us before registering to discuss your son’s needs and confirm eligibility.
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If significant thunderstorm activity is forecasted, the session may be cancelled for a full refund. Non‑threatening storms (rain or lightning without severe conditions) may result in modified activities.
Prep 🧳
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Please see our detailed packing list on the Preparing for Camp page.
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No prior experience is required, but the camp is physically and mentally demanding. It is 100% outdoors, and we do not use tents. Campers must want to attend and be prepared for heat, hiking, and outdoor living.
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Campers will hike four to eight miles a day and 35–50 miles total through state park trails, carrying 10–30 pounds in potentially hot or wet weather.
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Heat Training is required conditioning to help campers safely handle Texas heat. Before camp, boys must complete four one‑hour hikes over two weeks (two per week), gradually increasing pack weight and breaking in their boots. Their first hike with boots and a backpack should not be the first day of camp.
Heat Training reduces the risk of heat exhaustion, prepares campers for long hikes and field exercises, and helps them arrive confident and mission‑ready. See full Heat Training requirements.
Registration 📋
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Refunds are available if requested at least two weeks before the session start date, minus a $125 non‑refundable deposit. Registrations made within two weeks of session start include a 24‑hour grace period, also minus the deposit. Refunds are NOT given for early departures due to heat stress (conditioning is required) or homesickness.
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Yes, we offer several discounts to save on tuition. Please call or text Dustin at 903-883-6398 for your coupon code before registering.
20% Early Bird Discount (before Christmas)
20% Bring a Friend/Sibling Discount
15% Returning Camper Discount
10% Military, Police, or Firefighter in the Family