CAMP du BALLON ROUGE

Applications should be available in January 2025.

TO BE SURE YOU RECEIVE AN APPLICATION WHEN THEY ARE RELEASED, MAIL YOUR NAME, YOUR CITY, YOUR CHILD’S NAME, AND THEIR AGE TO INFO@TOURETTETEXAS.ORG.

If your child is 19-20, a previous dBR camper, and would like to be considered for Counselor-in-Training, please request the CIT app, which should be completed IN ADDITION to the regular app.

Sending your wish, by red balloon, into a clear, blue Texas sky with hopes that it will come true – anything is possible at du Ballon Rouge!

du Ballon Rouge (dBR) is a unique time and place. Held annually in the hill country of Texas, dBR provides a setting for children with Tourette’s syndrome to experience events and activities that can change the quality and outcome of their life.

“To enrich the lives of children diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome, through a unique outdoor experience that offers acceptance, provides hope, promotes discovery, and creates the opportunity to establish relationships with others affected by TS” – that’s our mission!

Acceptance. 
Campers feel better because they can relax, have fun, and not be concerned about hiding their symptoms.  They feel accepted because of who they are and not excluded because of their disorder.

Hope.
Campers express hope, through challenging activities, interaction with others, and a supportive staff, that their lives can be successful and fun. Discovery.  Campers are exposed to activities and situations they may not have previously experienced.  Smiles of accomplishment and understanding fill the weekend as campers discover unknown talents and interests.

Relationships.
The weekend provides the setting for participants to make new friends.  New campers may be shy and uncomfortable with their new surroundings.  However, new friendships can begin to develop immediately and continue to grow throughout the weekend.  Many campers have shared similar experiences, remained in contact, and do things together once the weekend has ended.

The Program
The program, founded in 2003, is designed for Texas children between the ages of 6 and 18 whose primary diagnosis is Tourette’s syndrome (TS).  Many participants exhibit other TS related conditions such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and attention deficit disorder (ADD).  We are able to accommodate the needs of most campers, but the weekend outing has some limitations in accepting children whose needs are beyond the scope of its resources.  Campers must be able to handle daily routines such as dressing and personal hygiene. Campers are assigned to cabins based on their age and gender.  They experience activities both as a cabin and as a group.  The weekend may include activities such as fishing, horseback riding, canoeing, arts and crafts, ropes challenge course, swimming, and team sports.  The environment is fun, safe, and positive, and campers, while challenged to reach their individual potential, are not required to participate.

The Facility
DBR will be held at Camp Olympia, a unique camping and retreat facility located in Trinity, Texas on Lake Livingston. The CO staff is professionally trained and is compassionate and supportive of each special needs group.  You may access their website, www.campolympiaretreats.com, for more information.

Counselors and dBR Staff
The staff of dBR are volunteers dedicated to providing the best experience for our campers.  Our staff includes adults with Tourette’s syndrome, outdoor experience, and medical training.  Staff members attend training sessions and are prepared for the weekend.  With properly executed parental authorization, the medical personnel handles all medications and medical issues for campers.

Help Sponsor a Child at Camp!
Even with all our wonderful volunteers giving of their time and knowledge, Tourette Texas still pays approximately $350 for each child at dBR. Make a difference for a child and help us pay their way to Camp in 2025!

Please send $100.00 for a virtual red balloon to help sponsor a child:  
                        Camp du Ballon Rouge
                        c/o Tourette Association of Texas

3919 River Forest Drive
                        Richmond, TX  77406

All donations are tax deductible in accordance with IRS regulations.