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Plano ISD to move fifth-grade camp to Camp Jolt at Lake Texoma after CCAC closure
Summary
After closing of Camp CCAC, Plano ISD staff recommended Camp Jolt (Lake Texoma) for fifth-grade science camp in 2025-26, and outlined logistics to preserve the overnight experience for all fifth graders.
Plano ISD officials told the Board of Trustees on May 6 that the district will move its long-running fifth-grade science camp program to Camp Jolt at Lake Texoma for the 2025-26 school year after the closure of the district's previous site, CCAC.
Chief Learning Officer Lori Taylor and district outdoor-learning staff summarized a rapid site search and visits to multiple camps after CCAC announced its closing. They said Camp Jolt 'Journey on Lake Texoma' met key criteria for program continuity: maintained grounds, strong leadership, and space to provide hands-on outdoor learning experiences resembling the traditional camp.
Camp Jolt offers fewer dormitory beds than CCAC, and the site is farther from Plano, staff said. To accommodate these differences the district plans to run more camp sessions, explore charter-bus options in combination with Plano ISD transportation, and adjust logistics. Officials projected a modest budget increase tied to transportation and added sessions but said they expect the Education Foundation's support to minimize the district's net budget impact.
Staff emphasized the educational and social benefits of the overnight camp: teamwork, confidence, experiential STEM learning and memories cited frequently by graduates. Trustees and several board members who serve as chaperones recounted their own camp experiences and pressed staff on safety, chaperone participation trends, and accommodations for students with disabilities. Staff said district-wide participation remains strong (about 80 percent of fifth graders) with a modest decline since COVID, and they described outreach and open-house practices to reassure parents.
Superintendent Williams and staff also said the district has begun planning expanded outdoor-learning programming at the Holyfield Outdoor Learning Center to complement off-site camp experiences and to broaden STEAM-focused opportunities. No formal board action was required; staff presented the plan and requested continued board support for implementation and budget adjustments as needed.
Trustees praised staff for maintaining the overnight camp model and said they valued the Education Foundation and PTA assistance with scholarships, supplies and logistics that help ensure students who cannot afford associated costs still attend.
