Items were displayed at the Tyler Rose Garden Museum as part of the silent for Camp Tyler's annual Round Up fundraiser. (Jennifer Scott/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Donning their best denim and snazziest cowboy boots, supporters gathered for the annual Camp Tyler Round-Up on Friday at the Tyler Rose Garden Center, celebrating the outdoor school’s 80 years of service to the East Texas community.

“Camp Tyler is built by the community for the community, and at 80 years old, we’re still receiving incredible support, and we are very appreciative,” said Kathy Lagesse, executive director of Camp Tyler. “We need continued support to redo, replace, remodel, and build new, exciting things for the kids to enjoy when they come out to Camp Tyler.”

Construction on the camp first began in 1945, and by late 1949, the main lodge, two winterized cabins, and the director’s house were ready to welcome their first group of campers. Today, Camp Tyler spans over 300 acres of forest and farmland, attracting schools and groups from all over East Texas and beyond.

“The people who started Camp Tyler had a vision, and because they followed through, we have a camp that’s now 80 years old,” said Bud Worthen, president of the Camp Tyler Foundation.

Celebrating this milestone, the fundraiser drew hundreds of people who enjoyed drinks, dinner, and games while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the museum.

“We don’t want to wear them out, but we need their donations to keep us going,” Worthen said. “It’s really important to keep fundraising for Camp Tyler.”

When asked how many attendees had personal ties to Camp Tyler, more than half of the room raised their hands.

“A lot of people here either attended Camp Tyler as children, had family events or summer camps there, or their families invested in it years ago,” Lagesse said.

In January, Camp Tyler unveiled two brand-new cabins that accommodate 32 kids each. These cabins feature updated bathrooms, a gathering area, a bunk area for counselors with their own bathroom, and enhanced security systems. One of the showers is also equipped with accessible features for individuals with disabilities.

Looking ahead, the next major project is the installation of a recessed fire pit between the two cabins.

“It’s so beautiful,” Lagesse said. “It has a cinderblock border and overlooks the lake. It’s something both cabins will be able to enjoy with their classes in the evening.”

As with anything that’s been around for at least eight decades, Camp Tyler requires regular maintenance to keep its facilities and grounds in top shape. The natural beauty of the camp and its iconic structures have weathered time, and ongoing upkeep is essential to preserve the experience for future generations of campers and supporters. A significant portion of fundraising efforts is dedicated to infrastructure improvements.

“Over time, no matter how much maintenance is done, things are bound to start breaking down,” Worthen said. “Right now, we’re focused on replacing the water line, which has been in place for a long time and is a big expense. We have about 7,000 feet of water line at the camp, and it’s time to replace it. We’ll start from the front and work our way to the back with a brand new line. It may take a year to complete, as we’ll have to do it in stages, but as we raise the funds, that’s our main focus right now.”

The fundraiser also provided an opportunity for the foundation to recruit younger members for the board.

“We want to bring on younger board members to help carry the torch forward,” Worthen said. “We’re looking for fresh ideas on how to keep this wonderful place going.”

For more information on how to support Camp Tyler or join on fundraising efforts, visit camptyler.org.