The Vista Vault: Alumni Spotlight ep.2

Welcome to The Vista Vault, second edition, our monthly blog series where we reconnect with former campers and counselors to relive their unforgettable experiences at the best Texas summer camp, Vista Camps. Each month, we’ll open the vault and take a trip down memory lane, highlighting the journeys, stories, and impact Vista Camps has had on those who’ve spent their summers on the banks of the beautiful Guadalupe River between Kerrville and Hunt, TX, in the Texas Hill Country. From life-changing friendships to funny camp moments, join us as we explore where they are now and how their time at camp helped shape who they’ve become. Stay tuned for exciting stories from our amazing Vista alumni!

Name: Brent Dollar

What years did you attend or work at Vista Camps? 1989 (counselor), 1990 (division leader and program director), 1991 (program director)

What was your favorite camp activity or tradition? As a counselor I loved teaching JFF and being a Sioux Tribe Sponsor, and as PD I really enjoyed every aspect of camp.

Who was the camp counselor or mentor that influenced you the most during your time at Vista? Freddie Hawkins, Tony Gallucci, Ronnie Harlow, Matt Lewis, Randy Schaeffer, BC Wall

Did you take any life-lessons away from camp? Camp taught me there are things in greater than life than serving and focusing on just yourself, and I think it set the foundation of how wanted to be when I became a father.

What are you up to now, both personally and professionally? My wife and I are empty nesters, and we have four fur babies (two rescue dogs and two rescue cats), and I’m the Creative Engagement Division Director with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services - but I’m planning to retire soon!

What is one thing you learned at camp that you still use today? Freddie taught me how to treat people with kindness and get the best out of them, and how to have fun on the job.

Do you have a favorite memory from camp that still sticks out today? Sitting on the porch after hours with friends, watching the kids and counselors have so much fun and make lifelong memories, having the honor of learning from Freddie and earning his trust and respect, and “Midnight Cafe” (ask Matt Lewis, BC Wall, and Randy Schaeffer about that. LOL)

What was your favorite camp song or tribe cheer? Anything Tony Gallucci would sing! (editor’s note - Play the Cat Song Tony!)

What advice would you give to current Vista Camps campers/counselors? Enjoy every moment in the Vista bubble, don’t be afraid to try something new, and realize you’re in a very special place that most folks will never get to experience.

How has your experience at Vista Camps shaped your life or career? It completely changed my life! I arrived at a time when my life was rudderless, and Freddie took a chance on me. The experience helped me not only mature and grow, but also taught me to find joy in the simplest things and appreciating how precious life really is.

If you could go back to camp for a day, what’s the first thing you’d do? Visit and catch up with old friends and look around to see what’s changed and what is still the same.

Would you like to be featured, or can you think of someone who you’d like to see featured on The Vista Vault: Alumni Spotlight? Send them this link and have them fill out their information!