YMCA of Greater Houston Celebrates 50 Years of Camp Magic at YMCA Camp Cullen

HOUSTON, TX -- The YMCA of Greater Houston proudly celebrated 50 years of YMCA Camp Cullen this October with two memorable events: Roots to Branches: Celebrating 50 Years of Camp Cullen Magic in downtown Houston on October 23, and the Alumni Family Camp Weekend from October 24–26 at the scenic 500-acre camp near Trinity, Texas. Both gatherings connected generations of campers, staff, families and supporters to honor the camp’s enduring legacy and its lasting impact on the Houston community and beyond.

Since opening in 1975, YMCA Camp Cullen has welcomed over 355,000 campers and guests, becoming a cherished place where outdoor adventure, friendship, and personal growth come together to create lifelong memories. These milestone celebrations further highlight the camp's rich history while looking forward to an exciting future filled with new opportunities for discovery, leadership and belonging.

“For 50 years, YMCA Camp Cullen has been a place where kids and families discover their best selves through adventure, connection and nature,” said Stephen Ives, president and CEO, YMCA of Greater Houston. “Through these celebrations, we recognize our roots as we launch into a future where every camper can continue to grow, lead and thrive at YMCA Camp Cullen for generations to come.”

The festivities began on October 23 at the Roots to Branches: Celebrating 50 Years of Camp Cullen Magic event, held at The Grove in downtown Houston. This special evening welcomed guests into a relaxed, yet stylish setting, encouraging everyone to trade black-tie attire for a more casual, fun atmosphere. The welcoming spirit of YMCA Camp Cullen was felt throughout the night as longtime contributors to the camp’s journey were honored, and the unveiling of the 2025 Camp Cullen Hall of Fame inductees took place. The following were inducted into the Hall of Fame: John H. Duncan Sr., Roy H. Cullen, The Hamill Foundation, and Tom O’Connor.

The celebrations continued as YMCA Camp Cullen hosted its Alumni Family Camp Weekend from October 24–26, 2025, welcoming back campers, staff, and their families. As guests returned to the scenic Trinity property, they reconnected, reminisced, and created new memories while enjoying classic camp activities and bonding around campfires. Filled with laughter, friendship, and new memories, the weekend gave alumni the opportunity to pass on beloved traditions and the magic of camp to the next generation.

As the YMCA of Greater Houston looks toward the next 50 years, YMCA Camp Cullen remains committed to nurturing the potential of every child. In a world filled with constant distractions, YMCA Camp Cullen offers a place for young people to unplug, build confidence, and grow in a safe environment.

Guided by its legacy and commitment to inclusion, the YMCA of Greater Houston continues to ensure Camp Cullen is truly “for all,” providing financial assistance so every child can experience the magic of camp. To carry this mission forward for generations to come, the YMCA of Greater Houston introduced the Camp Cullen 50^th Anniversary Capital Campaign, a giving initiative to help ensure the camp has the resources to continue offering life-changing opportunities to campers.

For more information about the YMCA of Greater Houston and YMCA Camp Cullen, visit https://ymcacampcullen.org/ and follow the organization on Facebook @YMCACampCullen and Instagram @YMCACampCullen.