Echo Hill Ranch, the Jewish family summer camp founded by the parents of musician and humorist Kinky Friedman, holds a special place in the memories of thousands who passed through its gates in the Texas Hill Country. Established in the 1950s by Dr. Tom and Min Friedman, the camp became known not only for its horseback riding, swimming, and music, but also for its emphasis on Jewish values and community.

The Friedmans wanted a place where Jewish children from Texas and beyond could enjoy the outdoors while feeling connected to their heritage. Campers remembered Friday night services under the stars, shared songs around the campfire, and the warmth of a community where everyone felt like family.

Kinky Friedman, who went on to fame as a musician, satirist, and Texas political figure, has often reflected on how Echo Hill shaped his worldview. The camp fostered creativity, inclusivity, and a spirit of resilience—values that have carried through both his career and the lives of generations of campers.

Though Echo Hill Ranch closed in 2013, its legacy continues in the stories, friendships, and traditions it nurtured. For many, the camp remains a symbol of the unique ways Jewish culture has flourished in unexpected corners of America.

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Source: Forward, Culture Section, August 2025