The origin of Square & Round Dancing emerged into the light of history on March 19, 1651, for on that day was published the first English Dance Book, John Playford's epochal English Dancing Master. It was the War of 1812 which ensured the popularity and development of the square-dance in this country. The New Englanders kept on with the English contras but the rest of the nation refused to dance the English dances and would do nothing but the French squares. At this point, some smart American invented "calling". The fiddler or leader of the orchestra merely kept telling the dancers what to do next. The prompter could and eventually did sign the calls. When new songs scored hits, the better callers invented dances for them. Thus the form of the modern square came into existence.
There were many individuals that not only loved to Square Dance but they also loved to camp. The Texas State Camping Squares originated from a seed planted at Bandera in October 1968. Callers Johnny Mathis, Ruben Klein, Blackie Hardy, and Grace Cope sponsored a square dance with 18 rigs present. In the beginning, campouts were held any place a building was found large enough for a square dance without any concern for having complete hookups. Usually these places were near water to provide for fishing or swimming. Today, there are many more members and rigs and our accommodations are much better with complete hookups. We still have the same great friendships and fun stuff to do. The TSCS currently has six association Camping Clubs and the organization is a member of the Texas State Federation of Square and Round Dancers. We enjoy visitors so feel free to visit and camp with any of the TSCS Camping Clubs or any TSCS Campout.
From this site you may obtain information about the Texas State Camping Squares (TSCS), its history, campouts, officers, and newsletter. We invite you to look around, link up, and enjoy your visit.