Elise McConnell, Event Chair, Camp El Tesoro 90th Anniversary
Meet Elise McConnell, Our Camp El Tesoro 90th Anniversary Event Chair
For nearly a lifetime, Elise McConnell has been deeply connected to Camp Fire Camp El Tesoro. From her first visit at just five years old to now leading the Camp El Tesoro 90th anniversary celebration, her journey with the camp is nothing short of remarkable. As a camper, counselor, mother, and now grandmother, Elise’s story is a testament to the lasting impact Camp El Tesoro has on generations of families. In her own words, Elise reflects on her cherished memories and ongoing commitment to the camp that has played such a significant role in her life.
Elise’s Journey with Camp El Tesoro
Elise, group photo with camp counselor and buddies, 1964
I became aware of Camp Fire First Texas and their Camp El Tesoro, when I was five years old, on an outing with my sister’s Camp Fire group to camp. I fell in love with the rustic beauty of the camp and found as a young child I felt freedom, I felt at home and secure and safe, as I ventured to summer camp. As teenager and young adult, El Tesoro gave me confidence in trying new activities and made me realize I was very competent in many ways. I went on to be a camp counselor and waterfront director.
Elise, with fellow counselors, 1972
As my life moved on and I moved away to Washington DC, I stayed connected by donating to camp. As a young mother, I moved back to Texas and began volunteering and heading up a variety of camp committees.
I hoped that at least one of my children would love El Tesoro as much as I had. Fortunately, as I had three sons, Camp Fire became co-ed. All of my sons loved camp, too. It provided them with the same freedom, I felt and honed their leadership skills. All were counselors and two of them moved on into leadership positions during summer camp.
Elise’s grandchildren walking in the creek at Camp El Tesoro, 2022
Now, their children are beginning to enjoy El Tesoro. Although they are too young for summer camp, they have already experienced Family Camp! Appreciating the outdoors and learning new things.
Elise at El Tesoro de la Vida volunteering with her son and daughter-in-law, 2019
I am still enjoying camp, with my children, grandchildren and camp friends. I was able to volunteer for six summers (one week each) at El Tesoro de la Vida. It is a week of camp dedicated to children who have lost a loved one. It is an incredible experience of sharing grief for the children and a profound and humbling experience for the volunteers. I was blessed to be able to participate. I am currently volunteering to work on ET’s 90th Year Celebration. My continued involvement with Camp El Tesoro, Camp Fire First Texas, provides continuity with my past and joy as I experience it today.
Join us in celebrating camp
el tesoro’s 90th anniversary!
Whether you spent your summers at El Tesoro as a camper, a counselor, or in any other capacity, your presence at these events will help us remember and celebrate the rich history of our beloved camp. We will be sharing stories, photos, and memories from the past 90 years, and we invite you to join us.
Come for Just the Day or the Whole Weekend!
