Camping: Hughes Aquatic Base
Colorado City, Texas
In 1980, the American Petrofina Corporation generously donated their Col-Tex Club, a recreational facility for employees of a nearby refinery, to the Buffalo Trail Council. From that initial gift, years of work and support have resulted in a unique outdoor experience for Scouters.
Through the continued generosity of Council Scouters, 1 _ acres and 100 feet of waterfront grew to 13 acres and 900 feet of shoreline. Lake Colorado City offers opportunities for all types of aquatics activities including swimming, canoeing, sailing, motor boating, water-skiing, and row boating.
In March of 1988 the property was renamed from Col-Tex Aquatics Base to the G. Newell Hughes Aquatics Base and Training Center. Mr. Hughes oversaw the initial development of the camp and had over 60 years involvement with the Scouting movement. His leadership and dedication has helped make Scouting the success that it has been for the youth of the Buffalo Trail Council.
Celebrating over 25 years with the Buffalo Trail Council, Hughes Aquatics Base welcomes your Pack, Troop, or Venture Crew to enjoy all the camp has to offer.
Campsites – There are 9 campsites available with covered picnic tables for troop overnight camping. Nearby these sites is a modern latrine facility with commodes and shower facilities for men, women, and youth.
- Ranger House and Shop – The Buffalo Trail Council is fortunate to have a professional Ranger at both of our camp facilities. Again, keep in mind that these areas are his home and office, so please do not enter without permission.
- Training Center – This large facility is a combination dining hall, meeting room, and sleeping quarters. 12 Bunks are available in the sleeping area, with men and women restrooms indoors. A large kitchen is available for preparing meals, and seating for 100 is found in the dining area. There is also a game room with TV and Ping Pong Table for recreation and lounging.
Boat Ramp – A boat ramp is available for launching motorboats that your unit may bring to the camp. The camp does have a motorboat on premises; however, it is only available for use during council sponsored events.
- Docks – There are two docks in the lake at Hughes Aquatics Base. One is reserved for swimming activities, and the other may be used for boating events. Available for use at the camp are canoes, sailboats, and rowboats.
Location
Hughes Aquatic Base is situated on the banks of Lake Colorado City. Located just west of Colorado City off of Interstate 20, the camp is an oasis for Scout Troops, Cub Scout Packs, and Venturing Crews! Take exit 212 and follow the signs to the camp, and you can’t miss it!
Summer Programs
Hughes Aquatic Base has played host for summer fun in the water for a number of years. With opportunities to earn badges such as Water Skiing, Sailing, Swimming, Lifesaving, Rowing, Canoeing, and Fishing, it is the perfect location to enjoy fun in the sun! Plans are in the works for a great 2008 Aquatic Camp!
Camp Thomas COPE and Hughes Aquatic Base Summer Experiences
Spend an exciting and challenging week of summer camp split between two great camping and activity venues! The first half of the week will be at Hughes Aquatic Base on Lake Colorado City. The second half will be at Camp Thomas, in Big Spring, at the COPE course. Enjoy two distinctly different, but interesting experiences! Or, you can just go for half a week and enjoy just one of the experiences!
While at the Ropes course, you will learn camping, cooking, team building, communication, decision making, and leadership skills. And, while you are on the lake, earn Aquatic Merit Badges such as swimming, small boat sailing, canoeing, rowing, fishing, motor boating, waterskiing, oceanography and lifesaving. Click to download an informational flyer and registration form.
CAMP DATES
- Aquatic 3 Day Sessions (Hughes Aquatic Base):
- June 12-15
- June 19-22
- June 26-29
- July 3-6
- July 10-12
- July 17-20
- July 24-27
- COPE 3 Day Sessions (Camp Thomas):
- June 15-18
- June 22-25
- June 29-July 2
- July 6-9
CAMP COSTS
- COPE or Aquatic Session (1 Session Only) - $125 per youth and $65 per adult
- COPE AND Aquatic Session (or any combination of two) - $200 per youth and $100 per adult
- DISCOUNTED FEES – If you are attending two of our camp sessions, the fee is discounted $25 per person. OR, if your Troop is attending BTSR and one of the COPE or HAB sessions, you will receive that same discount! Troops can come to HAB or COPE and enjoy a unique experience, and then go to BTSR for a week of fun there!
Click to download an informational flyer and registration form.
Click here to view the COPE/HAB video (Windows Media Viewer required).
Weekend Camping
Hughes Aquatics Base is also available as a location for a Troop campout or a Pack overnighter. There is plenty of room to set up camp, cook meals, and enjoy a camping experience not too far from home! Indoor restroom facilities are available, and Colorado City is only a few short miles away. Reservations must be made in advance by contacting the Buffalo Trail Council at 432-570-7601.
Hughes Aquatics Base is owned and operated by:
Buffalo Trail Council Inc., B.S.A.
1101 W. Texas Ave
Midland, TX 79701
432-570-7601
Click here for a camp usage permit form (PDF format).
