Though they had facilitated recreational activities for children on the shores of Fern Lake since 1931, Vernon and Maggie Hilliard officially founded Camp Fern in 1934 with the addition of residential cabins built from logs sourced from the surrounding area.
The original activities offered, including English horseback riding, swimming, canoeing, riflery, archery, arts & crafts and educational programs on the natural ecosystem of the Piney Woods of East Texas, all remain.
Through the years, more have been added - including water skiing, tennis, boxing, fencing, drama and a ropes course.
Additionally, Camp Fern seeks to provide unique cultural experiences - such as the 2015 visit from the Bolshoi Ballet from Moscow, Russia.
[3] On the last night of camp, the result of the session-long competition is announced by revealing that year's "feather" - painted in the winning tribe's color - on a wooden plaque that resembles a Native American headdress.