Deep in the heart of the mighty state of Texas, where the tumbleweeds roll and the armadillos roam, there's a bunch of wild and woolly kids who are crazy about one thing - the glorious game of chess! Now, these ain't your ordinary cowpoke kids. Nope, these are 'Chessaroo Champions,' and they're as sharp as a prickly cactus on a hot summer's day. Their leader is none other than Checkmate Charlie, a cowboy hat-wearing, lasso-tossing, chess-playing whiz kid. With his trusty horse, Knight Moves, and his band of Chessaroo Champions, he's set out on a mission to make chess the official sport of Texas. He's got a checkered bandana and a grin as wide as the Rio Grande. And let me tell you something, he plays chess just like he rides a horse, fast and fearless! Every day after school, you'll find these Chessaroo Champions huddled around chessboards at the local schoolhouse, flicking pawns and sliding bishops with such fervor that it would make a rattlesnake jump. Their favorite move? The Texas Tumbleweed Twist, where they spin their queens around the board like they're dancing at a hoedown. Don't be fooled though, these Texas tots may love a good laugh, but when it comes to chess, they play harder than a longhorn in a rodeo. They're as passionate about their pawns as they are about their pecan pies. Checkmate Charlie and his Chessaroo Champions are the most chess-tastic kids in all of Texas, y'all. So saddle up, it's time for the wildest game of chess this side of the Mississippi!
Read morebest chess programs in Granbury, TX
DEBUT Creative Center & Theater-Studio is a dual-language (English–Russian) program where kids explore creativity, confidence, and self-expression. From theater and dance to fencing and stage performance, children can try new activities and discover their unique talents. Small class sizes let instructors give each child personalized attention, helping them feel comfortable, supported, and confident as they learn. Kids build artistic skills while also developing social confidence, teamwork, and poise on stage and in everyday life. Our programs celebrate each child’s individuality, combining fun, hands-on experiences with a focus on personal growth—all while keeping Russian language and culture an important part of the curriculum.
If you've ever had the privilege of spending your summer at El Tesoro as a camper, a counselor, or contributing in any other role, your presence at our upcoming events will help us commemorate and honor the cherished history of our beloved camp. We're planning to share stories, photos, and precious memories spanning nine decades, and we'd be thrilled if you joined us. The Camp Fire Camp El Tesoro, established in 1934, has been a welcoming haven for generations of campers, with its iconic swinging bridge being a memorable landmark for many. El Tesoro, which translates to "The Treasure" in Spanish, is a 223-acre sanctuary nestled between Fall Creek and the Brazos River in Granbury, Texas. Our camp offers a breathtaking panorama of the serene river and the vast open spaces of the blackland prairie. Our natural terrain and indigenous landscape offer our visitors a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of the modern world. This idyllic oasis currently hosts co-ed overnight campers, day campers, grief campers, teachers, students keen on learning about nature, and groups seeking to foster connection and indulge in outdoor adventures. In 2010, Camp Fire First Texas launched a Capital Campaign aimed at renovating and upgrading the facilities at Camp El Tesoro. This initiative is essential to ensure that the enchanting spirit of the camp continues to be enjoyed by future generations. We're committed to preserving and enhancing the magic of Camp El Tesoro, enriching the lives of campers for many years to come.