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Comments
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7/8/25 |
3 |
5 |
5 |
3 |
3 |
I attended Camp Waldemar for two summers in the late 70s. My mother would have loved to have attended when she was younger but her family couldn't afford it so when she got me in, off I went. I have semi-traumatic memories from my time there. Yes, the camp is beautiful. The activities are A+ and the food is amazing. And as much as I said I couldn't believe the grading of table manners, I can't deny that it did make an impact and I have remembered many of the lessons we learned there. For me, I found that there were some pretty mean girls there - which is to be expected when you get young girls together. I get it. But there were some cruel antics and the staff were not nurturing and did'nt do a great job of watching out for bullying or holding those perpetrating it accountable. Sounds like it still is the case from many comments.
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1/19/24 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
best camp ever i am a hiltoper and am going back to be a counselor the only bad part was swimming
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10/11/22 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I attended Waldemar in the 1970's. My mother signed me up when I was three. I loved my four summers there. I will say for making friends and loving the traditions, it helps to come as young as possib. I was ten. It is not an easy camp. If all you want if for you daughter to just have fun and have neat activities, this is not the camp for her. I have heard some people refer to it as a finishing school and I have a times lovingly said that Waldemar is part boot camp and part girls finishing school and part early 20th century Girl Scouts. They do expect you to do your very best. The table manners I learned lasted a life time. I am from a wealthy family and I was raised eating in the kitchen with a maid. I was not invited to dine with my parents. So, my table manners were not great. It took be a couple of summers to make a perfect score of 10. The most lasting thing I got was being in a world of girls who learned to do for themselves every summer.
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11/30/20 |
1 |
3 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
When I was 8-10, I decided that I wanted to go to Waldemar. I was a legacy kid, so it seemed like the right fit. Instead, I was met with the worst summer of my entire life. The activities were fun, but my biggest issue was with the head of the camp, Marsha Elmore. At Waldemar, you're forced to take three bites of everything they serve, even if you don't like it. I've never had any eating disorders, but I can't eat foods like mashed potatoes or baked beans without getting sick. After multiple occasions where I threw up because of being forced to eat these foods, Marsha called me into her office. There, she called my parents and belittled them and me. I sobbed the entire time. I'm in high school now, and I've always been a respectful young woman, but Marsha Elmore is the rudest and most condescending person I have ever met. I don't think that inflicting such terror on a child is Christian-like or mannerly. Mystic, the camp I go to now, is a far better choice.
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5/29/18 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I attended this camp for 7 years and will be a counselor this year. I have to say some of these reviews both surprise and amuse me. We have to remember this is a summer camp, aka sending a child to be with other children who are still learning to behave like decent human beings. Waldemar gets this-that's why they have the rules that they do. You can't complain about rich snobs while simultaneously outing yourself as one. The classic rich person mentality is expecting other people to do things for you and Waldemar basically says too bad; you're going to learn to take care of yourself or we aren't doing our job. I'm going to college soon and I needed to learn how to clean my living space and to build social skills. Here's the thing with summer camps: you can't expect them to be 100% perfect all the time. My first years weren't great either, but I didn't get bitter and leave, and over the years I've noticed a change in both myself and my peers. These lessons work, but only if we let them.
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3/19/18 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Camp Waldemar in Hunt, Texas is a beautiful, all girls summer camp that teaches sportsmanship, friendship, loyalty and manners. Waldemar is a gift to our daughters that we consider part of their education and upbringing. I'm happy they've loved every minute of being there! They've made friends that will last a lifetime.
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8/24/16 |
5 |
3 |
4 |
1 |
4 |
I have my Grand Daughter at Waldemar each year. She loves it but is frustrated because she never gets a medal or recognition. That fact is your weakest attribute or evaluation which I would post as a ZERO. My reason is simple...while at the ceremony in Aug 2016, I noted that a single MEDAL was given in TEAM SPORTS like soccer---if I am wrong please correct but if you only give medals in team sport you have a big problem. How can you rate a single person in a team sport-example I ran Little League of 2000 boys and girls for years. Had I singled out one of the children for a medal when a whole team won a championship, the IRATE MOTHERS would have run me out of Houston-and not in a nice way. You wo You cannot be fair and impartial when you give a single medal to a child on a team. My grand daughter was in swim relay and her tribe won but she did not get a medal. If you budget does allow for a huge number of trophies / medals I suggest you review and something for the team. Thanks. HD
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7/3/14 |
1 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
http://www.waldemar.com/Content/About... "Yardstick for Table Grades" #22 was accidentally omitted. #22. Should you succeed at the above rules of dining, you will be well on your way to becoming a STEPFORD WIFE! Congratulations, ladies.
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3/5/13 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
My daughter is the first person in our family to go to camp and we are from a small town. She is not a spoiled rotten brat with all sorts of designer stuff. I miss her terribly while she is gone, but I think it will end up being one of the best experiences of her life. She loves this camp and it has been wonderful for her. Her self confidence and poise are noticeably better. She has made some wonderful friends who all seem very sweet. She has had to deal with a few girls who were spoiled rotten, but that is a necessary skill in life. Also, those girls are definitely the exception not the rule. Strong moral character and kindness are greatly encouraged and rewarded. I feel very fortunate that we are able to provide her with this wonderful opportunity. Oh , and the manners...for this much money, I am thrilled to get something more than just fun!
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6/17/12 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
2 |
2 |
its a lovely camp and your girls will learn great manners. but they will be social outcasts if they dont own everything "in-Style". the girls are spoiled, ignorant and fake. i went for 7 years and thought i had made friends but now i receive the cold shoulder from them all. i will never forget when a fellow camper was talking about how she wanted the Indian students at her school eradicated. if you dont want your daughter/s to turn out socially inept and damaged dont send them to waldemar.
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SYSTEM: 6 positive duplicate or disallowed ratings automatically removed |
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2/14/11 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I went to Waldemar for eight summers and returned as a counselor and I can say that Waldemar was truly the best experience of my entire life and my favorite place in the world. The friends I made there are one I will have for a lifetime. I am very disheartened by some of negative reviews. It is all all girls camp, so it comes with all the issues that can arise from that. There is nothing abnormal about it. I can say this from experience as a camper and a counselor. The facilities are four-star, the values taught are still a large part of my life and the staff is one I will never forget. Camp is what you make it. The girls with the bad attitudes are the ones who do not return but of you look forward to each day and meet the best girls in the world, then I know Waldemar will mean as much to your daughters and granddaughter thy way it did to me. But as a tip, it can be much harder to get accustomed to camp if you start any later than 13.
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11/5/10 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I attended Waldemar as a camper for eight summers, and I can honestly say Waldemar changed my life! This traditional camp stands for so many good things and the staff there strive to keep it as strong as it was when it was started in 1926. Waldemar's mission wants each camper to grow "spiritually, mentally, and physically" and I truly believe each and every girl does! These bad reviews must have been by campers who didn't have a good time, and I feel sorry for them.... I had the time of my life and so did my entire family! I feel very blessed to be a part of Waldemar.
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8/31/10 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
A once wonderful camp has fallen to declining standards, unfortunately. While they still rule with an iron fist (I'm afraid to say), they neglect their charges dreadfully. We won't be returning.
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7/9/10 |
2 |
5 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
I went to this camp for 7 years and was miserable the entire time. The camp is lovely, no doubt, but the fellow campers were rich entitled brats who created cliques and brutalized other campers who did not fit into the wealthy Texas socialite mold. The staff turned a blind eye, often because they came from the same culture or because they did not dare discipline the children of such powerful parents. This is NOT a nurturing place. This is basically a summer finishing school.
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6/12/10 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I LOVE WALDEMAR!! I was not a camper but I have been on the counselor staff the last 5 summers! I enjoy my time here every summer and look forward to it each year. The tradition, staff and campers are second to none! I have every thought to become old and blonde at this Texas fountain of youth! J. A. H. waterfront swimming head 2010!
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6/11/10 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I was not a Waldemar camper.I started as a counselor in 1993 during a break from grad.school. I was impressed by the traditions,the expertize of the staff(which requires time/experience)& the emphasis for campers to be well rounded persons of good character. Waldemar is set on the North fork of the cool clear Cypress tree lined Guadalupe River. Songs & laughter surround the buildings which rival those of a small village in Switzerland. Meals consists of homemade yeast rolls,fresh spinach salads, chocolate crepes,and other gourmet treats. I so loved Waldemar & the Elmore family that I never left! I got a "real" job in nearby Kerrville, met my husband, bought a home built in 1937 by the builder who built the original Waldemar buildings and I STILL go to camp every chance I get! This summer I am helping with the Camp Store. I thank God for Waldemar and the opportunities it offers its' campers and staff. I believe there is no experience like it in the world! Amy S. Blanks, MS, LPC
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6/2/10 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I attended Waldemar as did my daughter and,now, her daughter. My mother went to Mystic but she chose to send me to Waldemar. It was and is one of the finest experiences any girl could have. The ideals and programs set forth by the founder in 1926 are as relevant today as they were eighty plus years ago. The skill building in over 20 activities, the emphasis on manners and politeness and the friendly competition are the hallmarks of Waldemar. Tradition is important but many girls come to camp every year who have no connection to Waldemar and they are part of the tradition from the moment they arrive. Expectations for the staff and the campers are high and,therefore, the experience is of the highest quality. There is no finer camp in America.
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5/19/10 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
This is a phenomenal place for young women to aide in character, spiritual, and moral development. My daughter will be attending for her 4th summer this year and we could not be happier with this place as our camp of choice. We are not a multigenerational camp family nor do we come from one of the big city money families. She loves Waldemar with whole heart and looks forward to her month with her friends all year. She has learned a lot, made many friends that she keeps in touch with during the school year, and she is growing into a mature and lovely young lady who holds the Waldemar ideals now throughtout her daily life. I am amazed that there are any negative comments at all given our experience.
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12/11/09 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Ok first of all i am tired of reading these comments from all of these rude counslers. Do not get yourself into something like this if you are just going to talk bad about Waldemar. I have had an amazing experience. I am not some spoiled rich, bratty, snobbing girl. If you are wondering what term to go to i say 2nd term. Everyone there is from other places around America instead of just Texas. I am from Arkansas and everyone knows that Arkansas is a poor state. I just hate reading all these rude and physco reviews from the counslers. They can keep there opinions to their selves and obviously what they are saying is not effectng how if people sen their daughters or not because every year both terms are full. Waldemar was probably the greatest thing my mom ever signed me up for. The food is great, the friendships are everlasting, the activites are fun,and the nice "respectful" counslers are some of the best people i have ever met. I completely recomeend coming to Waldemar.
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9/27/09 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
AMAZING CAMP!!! i love it!!!! i go there its my third year AMAZING none of my friends are snobs there very sweet!!!! BEST FOOD IN THE WORLD
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8/12/09 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
This is a camp for spoiled rich girls. If you want your daughter to learn decent values of stewardship, love of country, compassion for others, this is not the place. If you want your daughter to go through Texas Rush Week, by all means, send her here, but if you want your daughter to have character building experiences, this is not the place!
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7/29/09 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
My daughter is attending her 6th year at Waldemar. I can't say enough about the wonderful experience that we have had there. The friendships that my daughter has cultivated will last a lifetime. She has gained skills and been exposed to opportunities that she wouldn't have living in the "city." She has learned excellent manners, how to conduct herself with others and how to be a thoughtful leader. This camp is built on tradition and isn't some "hip" in the moment kind of place. You have to appreicate tradition and values to enjoy this place. If you are looking for all teeny-bopper counselors, you will be disappointed. Waldemar is a Christian camp built on Christian principles, but it isn't an in your face religious experience. If this is what you are looking for, go to Kanakuk. If you want your daughter to be exposed to the beautiful outdoors along the Guadalupe River, make wonderful friends, develop outstanding skills...go to Waldemar. I didn't attend there, but wish I had!
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6/19/09 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Camp is camp and this is not camp. This is a summer prep program for girls whose parents want to rid their household of unwanted brats for a month. No need to bash this place. It is certain the brainwashed dingbats who attend are very content. Let them be; just don’t call it camp…
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6/11/09 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
This camp is highly overrated in my opinion. It helps if your Great Grandmother attended. Also important that you have younger sisters, cousins, etc. who will be eligible to attend later. Counselors range in age from women on Social Securtiy to young girls from the nearby small towns in the area. A select few are fortunate to get a young motivated, inspirational kampong leader. There are many frivolous rules. It is true there are some very devious girls who seek out other unsuspecting campers to make their life miserable. Worse, the camp leaders do not see through these trouble makers, buying into their ugly deeds. Only a "select few" are chosen for leadership rolls. All others are required to dutifully cheer on these chosen ones on a daily basis. We wanted a camp that taught Christain values, leadership skills, developed self esteem and the opportunity for lasting friendships. Friendships were made but overall the staff was very disappointing.
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6/8/09 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
3 |
5 |
Well i love camp waldemar it is my fave camp ever. Except i didnt like my cabin or my counselur and my bff was bieng such a juark. BUt the everthing there is awesome it is one of the nicest camps you could ever go to i know tons of people that will always be my friends and there are really nice cabins there i mean this camp make every other camp look like jumk really it a reallly nice place to llive for the summer its the best place ever. plus we have a 5 star chef i the food is so yummy i enjoy this camp more than anything and well a day hasnet gone by about thinking about camp waldemar. THe only thing i would change if the staff would be nicer and you would get more attention but there reeally isnt anything wrong with this camp.!! hope to see you this summer !!Bi !!this is the best camp a girl coulld wish for and we even have the quadualpe in our front yard it is
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5/30/09 |
3 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I have been attending this camp for four years, and this upcoming summer will be my fifth. I love this camp so much. The food is amazing, the cabins are very nice, and i have made friends for a life time. Most of the counselors are very nice and know what they are doing. The only complaint i have is last year i had a CRAZY counselor... but she wasn't there for long!
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5/27/09 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I went there for 4 years and now my daughter is returning for her second year. It is a magical place that I would love to be all the time. I agree that there are occassionally some"brats" in a kampong or 2, but come on, these are little girls - high drama at all times! I wouldn't send my girls anywhere else!
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5/20/09 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I was an eight year camper at Waldemar. As a nine year old, coming to camp not knowing anyone, camp was probably the best thing that ever happened to me. The friendships that you make with both fellow campers, as well as counselors and staff are unbelievable and unforgettable. Waldemar lives up to its prestigious reputation, and thankfully so. I have returned as a counselor for two summers now, hoping to give back to the camp in appreciation to what I got out of it. I hope to give the campers the same experience I had, if not more. Waldemar is a wonderful place to spend a month of your summer, and I wouldn't have spent 10 summers any other way.
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5/12/09 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
My daughter attended this camp one year. We are not poor and she is just as good as the other girls but the only word dhe used to describe the other girls was brats. I will not send her back with those snobs.
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4/21/09 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
2 |
3 |
I attended for several years when I was in middle school. The camp is beautiful and the activities and food are first class. It is super-expensive but you probably get what you pay for. However, there is a huge snob factor as most of the campers come from monied families and many girls (myself included) suffered when we had an obnoxious spoiled girl in our kampong and the staff didn't do much to curtail it.
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2/1/09 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
I've attended, and watched other generations attending, Waldemar for decades. I had nothing to compare it to until a relative attended another girls' camp in Hunt (while she was wait-listed at Waldemar). This other camp charges about 90% of what Waldemar does and, seems to offer only about 1/2 the value, if that much. While Waldemar's facilities are almost out of a storybook and the activities many and taught by counselors who really know what they're doing -- I didn't realize just how rare this was until observing the camp attended by the friend. Not only is Waldemar incredibly well-run, but because there are so many girls wanting to attend -- the camp always maintains a full roster, meaning no cutbacks in quality, programming, or expectations of its campers and counselors. While there are 4th-generation campers here, the camp bases admission on the order that applications are received. It's hard to explain Waldemar's incredible draw; see the website, esp. the "Waldemar Creed"
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10/2/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
2 |
This camp has been around since 1926, so they must be doing something right. I went there for 6 years in the 1960's and sent my daughter there 4 years (only 2 in long term). I used to say that it is like a cross between a prison camp and a country club. Everything you do counts for points, including getting table grades (Only pass to the left! Hair must be pulled back! Must take at least 3 bites of everything!) Each girl becomes a member of one of 3 tribes, and there are Field Days, with competition in every sport. Medals are given at the end for arts and crafts. All the points are totaled at the end of the term to determine which tribe wins the Plaque, and it is a very big deal. I learned a LOT there and made friends for a lifetime. The staff is excellent. They biggest drawback at this time are some of the campers. It only takes one spoiled brat princess in your kampong (cabin) to make life difficult while you are there for 30 days, and that is why my daughter chose not to return.
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7/6/08 |
3 |
4 |
3 |
4 |
3 |
I must be honest, my experience at Waldemar was not good. The food (served by waitresses, might I add), was delicious, but I was graded on my table manners and forced to eat with frivolous etiquette. Swimming classes in a freezing, slimy, moss-filled river were mandatory, and my cabin counselor was a middle-aged mother. Very nice, but difficult to relate to, and lacks the "cool and fun" aspect of a counselor. I will admit, I attended the one-week session, which is known to serve the camp no justice, but I know that I will not be spending another summer at Waldemar.
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6/24/08 |
3 |
1 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
I worked at this camp. It just not worth the cash! There is one Counselor to seven girls in the bunks. I worked a 24 hour day and only got payed about a buck an hour. The air was out in are bunk and no fan and no power to plug one in. The bath room show was covered in black mold and I was never able to clean it all. I had to beg for bleach! The toilet flood often, and I found pop in the shower one day. The girls where never tolled that I was the law and the director would bring me in every day to tell me that the girls had tolled her how mean i was to make them do there cleaning duty. Most of the girl that went to this camp end up working there just to be there. But they will tan and leave your kid on there own.
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6/5/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I've been attending Camp Waldemar since i was nine and i leave for my last time tomorrow. Eight years at this camp has changed my life. It is the best thing my parents have ever done for me.
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3/2/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
This is a wonderful Texas girls camp. My daughter has attended for three year and loved every minute of it!
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