Real Estate Photographer in Marble Falls, TX

Experience Camps is coming to Marble Falls, also offering services to Hill Country flood survivors

MARBLE FALLS, Texas – Losing a loved one can derail a child’s life, and it often causes them to miss out on everyday childhood experiences.

That’s why Experience Camps was created 15 years ago. It offers week-long summer camps across the country for kids who are dealing with grief.

The youngest campers are eight years old, and as kids get older, they begin to mentor the younger campers. It’s a full circle of giving, love, and emotion.

To the excitement of many Texas families, the nonprofit is opening its very first camp in the state in summer 2026.

There will be a week-long camp in August for the kids, and a weekend camp in May for the whole family.

KSAT got a tour of the campgrounds in Marble Falls, where many lives will be changed next summer.

Take it from Lia and Isaac Gracia, who lost their dad six years ago.

Their mother quickly registered them for Experience Camps, and by the next year, they were at camp building resilience, confidence and truly honing in on their feelings.

“Before I started camp, I was nervous. I didn’t want to try anything, I didn’t want to do anything,” 14-year-old Lia said. “But after I went to camp, it opened me up to new things that I wasn’t able to do.”

“I feel like I was super kept to myself before camp, but when I went to camp, I was wanting to go out a lot,” 12-year-old Isaac said.

It’s all the fun of a regular summer camp, but with freedom to grieve, talk about loss, meet with therapists daily, and make lifelong friends.

“One time, they allowed us to grab glass plates, put them in a Ziplock bag, and like throw them, and you’re able to actually get your feelings out. That was amazing!” Lia said. “Then you can paint on a canvas your story. Different colors means different feelings. It’s so amazing to do all these things and actually have ways to get it out.”

The siblings said it is an immediate relief each summer when they get to camp and immediately feel understood.

“It’s pretty amazing to have all these people surrounding you and definitely to have all the comfort around,” Isaac said.

It’s not just the kids who understand grief; it’s the counselors, too, who are typically adults between the ages of 25 and 35.

“I’m a volunteer counselor because I lost my dad 15 years ago. Another co-counselor I have lost her brother when she was young,” said Lauren Zima who is now an Experience Camps board member.

Zima is a former host on Entertainment Tonight and when she began opening up about her grief on social media, a representative from Experience Camps contacted her and offered her volunteer opportunities.

She was so inspired by the camp mission that she became a board member and is now helping open Experience Camps’ first-ever Texas location.

“We partner with existing for-profit camps like the wonderful Camp Champions who’s helping us out here in Marble Falls. And we come in at the end of their for-profits summer, and we use their facilities before they shut down for the summer,” Zima said.

She said kids in Texas had been asking for a local location for years.

“We’ve had a waitlist of kids wanting to use our programs in Texas. Actually, some of the kids who are siblings of the Uvalde victims had been using the online resources,” Zima said.

KSAT got to tag along on Zima’s first tour of their new location with Camp Champions Executive Director Eric Hillis.

“I’m actually really looking forward to building the schedule with y’all!” Hillis said as he pointed out art buildings, basketball courts, a giant pool, rock climbing, obstacle courses and the calm, beautiful lake.

Hillis and Zima began discussing which activities the Experience Camps kids might enjoy doing this summer.

“We have, I would definitely say, do kayaking. We’ll have paddleboards. The bigger boats, they all have to work to paddle together in the same direction,” Hillis said.

Those are all things Zima has seen become positive metaphors for kids dealing with loss.

“The physical activities build the strength back in these kids. Then they get this hour of group grief counseling every day with a volunteer grief clinician. We have different prompts that help them open up,” Zima said.

The plans for the Texas location were already in motion when the July 4 floods hit the Hill Country this summer.

“I’m in regular contact with some of the Mystic parents because we want to support them as much as we can. A few things that we’re exploring are doing a specific retreat just for victims of the floods, where we would have our grief clinicians really cater to them. This is the type of counseling you guys might need based on what you’ve been through,” Zima said.

Zima said flood survivors from Mystic and beyond could have their own time and ability to process their loss in a joyful environment.

“If the right intervention happens, you can bring joy and resilience and build incredibly empathetic, wonderful kids, even when they’ve been through the worst. When they come to camp, you see their shoulders drop, you see them think, ‘Oh, I’m around people who get it. I don’t have to put on a mask here,’” Zima said.

Once kids are campers, they can return each year.

“A camper who loses a parent at age eight, their questions about grief, their struggles with grief are very different when they’re 15, 16. So they can come back to camp every single year. That’s part of our framework,” Zima said.

When it comes to new campers, Lia and Isaac’s message is this: “Just don’t be nervous. Give it a chance because it actually helps you out in the end, and it gives you a different perspective of everything, and it comforts you. It helps out a lot.”

Sign-ups have already begun for next summer’s sessions. Anyone who wants to register or get information can go to the Experience Camps website.

Copyright 2025 by KSAT - All rights reserved.

Texas, sometimes called the Lone Star State, certainly stands alone as one of America's most diverse and interesting places to travel within. From the arid deserts to its west to the hilly forests and Gulf coastline to its east, the lower 48's biggest state is full of things to do, landmarks to see, and numerous small towns to stop at along the way. Let's look at 10 of these towns that rank among the best in 2025. Here, you will get the inside scoop on what makes these places special, whether it is historic sites, natural beauty, or cultural attractions.

Gruene

Gruene (pronounced "green") is a town just outside of the larger city of New Braunfels in central Texas. Located along the Guadalupe River, Gruene is best known for its historic district, where the cotton industry in the town's earliest days built much of the infrastructure, a lot of which still stands today.

The centerpiece of this community is Gruene Hall, Texas’s oldest continually operating dance hall, where live music and two-stepping, a dance that perfectly matches the western vibes of Gruene, have been a tradition since 1878. Come and see who is performing next in 2025!

A walk through the town’s streets will allow you to see the rest of the amenities it has to offer, including a selection of shops and delicious eateries like the Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar, a spot with great views of the nearby river.

Marble Falls

Set against the backdrop of Lake Marble Falls (a widened section of the Colorado River), this town, which shares its name with the sizable body of water, is an ideal getaway for vacationers looking for a dose of beautiful nature.

Marble Falls has easy access to the waters of Lake Marble Falls while hiking at the nearby Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge is another popular activity for outdoor adventurers. Don't forget about the Bluebonnet Trail, a pathway that winds through meadows full of eye-catching Bluebonnet flowers. Come in the springs to see the bloom at its peak. Additionally, Marble Falls is home to the famous Sweet Berry Farm, where you can pick your own seasonal fruits, a perfect activity for the whole family. The season for picking in 2025 will range from September 20th to early November.

The nearby Marble Falls Walkway of Lights, which will be held during the 2025 holiday season, illuminates the lakefront with thousands of colorful lights, creating a magical atmosphere that will give you a reason to visit this winter.

Wimberley

Wimberley is a gem in the Hill Country of East Texas, with many wonderful natural parks nearby and a cozy downtown area to match. Nestled at the junction of the Blanco River and Cypress Creek, Wimberley features natural attractions like the renowned Blue Hole Regional Park, a must-visit on a hot summer day. Here, crystal-clear waters make for idyllic swimming holes beneath the ancient cypress trees that populate the area's woodlands. Hikers can get a panoramic view of the surrounding Hill Country at Old Baldy, a popular local landmark that requires you to climb a 218-step staircase to reach its top.

Wimberley’s rich artistic community can be explored by all at its monthly market days, where vendors gather int own to offer handcrafted goods and locally picked produce. This town also contains several great museums, including the Cowboy Museum (with the Pioneer Town, a fully constructed village resembling a town seemingly taken straight from the set of a Western movie, with tours and other activities available) and the Wimberly Valley Museum.

Comfort

A fitting name for such a place, this town is a charming little place where one can find peace in the middle of Texas's Hill Country near San Antonio. Yet another Texas town that was founded by German immigrants in the mid-1800s, Comfort has preserved its historic character, with more than 100 buildings dating back well over a century.

Start your trip here at the Comfort Heritage Foundation Museum, a place where you can learn more about the German population here, from past to present, and the pioneer lifestyle of the original settlers. Make a point of spending an afternoon at the nearby Guadalupe River too, where tubing is a particularly popular activity.

The lands around Comfort are also ideal for grape growing, making this region quite the spot for many of Texas's best vineyards. Visit some of the tasting rooms right in town, like Newsom Vineyards' location just off Front Street, or go to one or more of the vineyards for yourself, with Bending Branch Winery and Singing Water Vineyards just a short drive away.

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg holds tightly onto its German heritage while maintaining the typical Texan hospitality. The town’s deep-rooted German culture is celebrated through its food, festivals, and architecture, with highlights including the Pioneer Museum and the Vereins Kirche, a replica of the town’s first public building. Be sure to indulge in authentic German fare at local eateries or sample wines at one of the many vineyards in the surrounding area, making Fredericksburg a prime destination for all you foodies out there.

Nearby, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area offers some more outdoor-oriented activities, with hiking trails along its unique rocky features and a picnicking area spread throughout. Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, located just south of Fredericksburg, is another option close by and contains trails straddling the Live Oak Creek.

Salado

Salado is conveniently located along the I-35 corridor between Austin and Waco, making it s popular escape for residents of the two larger cities. Many who come here opt to stay at the iconic Stagecoach Inn. Open since 1852, it is Texas’ oldest continuously operating hotel.

The town’s history dates back to the mid-1800s, officially having been incorporated in 1867, and its heritage is preserved in landmarks like the ruins of Salado College and the historic Baines House.

Beyond its historic offerings, Salado is also known for its scenic beauty, with Salado Creek giving visitors a tranquil spot for picnicking, going for a walk, and fishing. Stillhouse Hollow Lake is also located a short drive north of town, providing you with several spots along its shores to swim, fish, and launch a boat. Chalk Ridge Falls Park is a must-visit attraction on the eastern edge of the lake, known for its waterfalls and boardwalks.

Jefferson

Jefferson is located in the densely forested Piney Woods region near the border of Louisiana. Once an important and wealthy riverport, this town is now a treasure trove of antebellum homes, quaint bed-and-breakfasts, and other charming amenities housed in original buildings.

A good place to start is at the Jefferson Historical Museum to learn more about this region. You can also take a unique tour and soak in the sights by taking a ride on the Jefferson Railway, a narrow gauge railway that now offers guided tours. Jefferson is also known for its ghost tours, as it is often called the “Most Haunted Small Town in Texas.”

Caddo Lake is another major draw to the area. Just a short drive east of town, this lake is considered the biggest naturally formed lake in the entire state and lies within Caddo Lake State Park.

Llano

Llano captures the beauty and frontier spirit of Texas This town is also famous for its annual Llano Earth Art Fest, where visitors can marvel at intricately balanced stone sculptures along the riverbank of the Llano River, which flows right through the center of town.

Llano’s rich history is showcased at the Llano County Historical Museum, where exhibits on the town’s past as a cattle-driving and mining hub can be viewed. The iconic Llano County Courthouse, built in 1893, is another landmark that offers a window into the earliest days of this area when cowboys roamed and the Wild West was still alive and well.

Llano is also not too far from Inks Lake State Park, a beautiful nature preserve with rental cabins as camping is available as an option to stay the night. Enjoy the trails, beaches, and fishing spots you can find along the shore here.

Smithville

Smithville is a charming Texas town with a proud history as a railroad hub. Discover its fascinating past at the James H. Long Railroad Park and Museum. You can also enjoy a delightful and educational visit to the Smithville Heritage House & Museum, which offers insights into other parts of the town's history, including its founding and the preservation of its original buildings.

Smithville is proud of its connection to the beloved movie Hope Floats, which has made it a popular spot for fans who love to visit the various local locations featured in the film. The town also boasts a vibrant arts scene, with lively events like the Smithville Music and Film Festival attracting visitors from all around, creating a welcoming and creative atmosphere.

Since it's close to the beautiful Colorado River, you have great options for fishing and boating just moments away. Not far from here is the Vernon L Richards Nature Preserve, a lovely green space that you can easily reach on foot by crossing the river. It offers a peaceful natural escape with well-maintained walkways along the scenic river, making it a perfect spot for relaxing walks and enjoying nature.

Alpine

Alpine is the quintessential small West Texas town in its high desert. Surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Davis Mountains, one can easily find the charms of this place in either its natural beauty or its cozy dowtown area.

Known as one of the main gateways to Big Bend National Park, Alpine is a popular choice for visitors looking to cozy up in a comfortable hotel or inn after exploring the park. But don’t miss out on what the town itself has to offer! Take a stroll around and enjoy attractions like the Museum of the Big Bend, situated on the Sul Ross State University campus. This charming museum offers an engaging glimpse into the region’s rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural surroundings.

Another wonderful outdoor adventure spot is the nearby Davis Mountains State Park. You can enjoy the campgrounds and several hiking trails, and don't miss the Hobby Eberly Telescope at the McDonald Observatory. It's truly a fantastic natural treasure of Texas!

Experience Texas in 2025

If you're feeling bored in Texas in 2025, it might just be because you're not exploring the right spots! These ten charming small towns are only a taste of what this wonderful state has in store. Whether it's the breathtaking natural beauty of Wimberly and Alpine or the rich history of Salado and Gruene, there's so much to discover and enjoy. Why not use this list as a starting point to plan your next exciting road trip today?