Whether your child is a math whiz, artist extraordinaire, aspiring filmmaker, rock climber or sports enthusiast, a summer camp is out there for him or her in the Central Austin area. More than 40 different organizations offering summer camps are featured in this year’s edition of the Summer Camp Guide.
Academic & General
Bake Austin Summer Camps 1706 E. 38th 1/2 St. www.bakeaustin.com [email protected] Ages: 8-15 Dates: June 20-Aug. 19 Cost: $275-$325 Children of all experience levels learn how to make cupcakes, candy, sugar paste sculptures and other baking skills.
Bits, Bytes & Bots Computer Adventures O. Henry Middle School, 2610 W. 10th St. 512-415-4120 http://austintx.bitsbytesbots.com Ages: 6-14 Dates: June 6-Aug. 5 Cost: $295/week This technology-focused camp teaches robotics, programming, stop-motion movie-making, game creation and various “Minecraft” modifications.
Bricks 4 Kidz Camps Covenant Presbyterian Church, 3003 Northland Drive; Magellan International School, 7938 Great Northern Blvd.; Norris Conference Center, 2525 W. Anderson Lane, Ste. 365 512-388-9003 www.bricks4kidz.com/atx Ages: 5-14 Dates: June 6-Aug. 19 Cost: $139-$179 Campers use Lego bricks to build motorized models, play Lego games and create crafts.
campGEN Girls Empowerment Network, 4001 Speedway 512-808-4044, ext. 106 www.girlsempowermentnetwork.org Ages: Fourth-eighth grade Dates: June 20-24, July 11-15, 25-29 Cost: $300 Campers participate in interactive workshops during weeklong sessions that are designed to help girls feel more confident as they navigate girlhood.
Creative Action Summer Camps Center for Creative Action, 2921 E. 17th St., Bldg. B; First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 6800 Woodrow Ave. 512-442-8773, ext. 107 www.creativeaction.org Ages: 5-14 Dates: June 6-Aug. 5 Cost: $275-$495 Full-day camps encourage creativity, courageousness, critical thinking and confidence in a variety of activities, such as filmmaking, mural-making, writing, podcasting, creating comic books, gardening, cooking, dancing and singing.
Learning Fun 101: Robotics with LEGO Bricks Jewish Community Center, 7300 Hart Lane; Toybrary Austin, 7817 Rockwood Lane, Ste. 101 512-740-3024 www.learningfun101.com Ages: 4-14 Dates: June 6-Aug. 19 Cost: $129-$420 Campers explore programming robotics and engineering with Lego educational kits.
Mad Science of Austin Camp Bryker Woods Elementary School, 3309 Kerbey Lane; Summit Elementary School, 12207 Brigadoon Lane; St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 8134 Mesa Drive 512-892-1143 www.austin.madscience.org Ages: 4-12 Dates: June 6-Aug. 19 Cost: $150-$325 Campers design and build a variety of hands-on science projects using an inquiry-based technique.
Patricia’s Table 1510 W. 35th St. 512-434-9100 www.patriciastable.com Ages: 3-14 Dates: May 23-Aug. 26 Cost: $275-$360 Games, challenges, crafts and gardening are incorporated into hands-on cooking camps combining culinary techniques, locally grown foods and fresh flavors.
Snapology Austin Camps Casis Elementary School, 2710 Exposition Blvd.; Congregation Beth Israel, 3901 Shoal Creek Blvd.; Northwest Hills United Methodist Church, 7050 Village Center Drive; West Austin Youth Association, 1314 Exposition Blvd. 512-368-9090 http://austin.snapology.com Ages: 4-14 Dates: May 31-Aug. 15 Cost: $135-$180 Campers use Lego bricks to learn math, science, technology, engineering, art and literacy concepts.
St. Andrew’s Episcopal School 1112 W. 31st St. 512-299-9861 www.sasaustin.org/summer Ages: 4-18 Dates: June 8-26 Cost: $100-$300 St. Andrew’s Episcopal School offers a multi-week camp program with focus areas such as athletics, fine arts, science, math and technology.
Seton Health Sciences Interactive Camp Clinical Education Center at Brackenridge, 1400 N. I-35 512-324-9999, ext. 82273 Ages: sixth-12th grade Dates: June 13-Aug. 4 Cost: $400 per week (Monday – Thursday) Participants will engage in hands-on clinical simulation in Simulation Lab where medical and nursing professionals are trained.
Summer Spark Zilker Elementary School, 1900 Bluebonnet Lane 512-593-5393 www.summerspark.com Ages: first-sixth grade Dates: June 6-Aug. 12 Cost: $300/week Campers engage in creative problem-solving challenges such as physical experiments, purposeful tinkering and messy construction.
Summer Wonders ACE Academy, 3901 Shoal Creek Blvd. 512-206-4070 www.summerwonders.org Ages: 4-12 Dates: June 20-July 1, July11-July 22, July 25-Aug. 5 Cost: $475-$775 (rates rise after April 1) Creative, nontraditional classes are taught on a variety of subjects using hands-on teaching strategies that aim to inspire creative thinking.
The Number Lab 1201 W. 24th St. 512-474-6284 www.thenumberlab.com/summer/ Ages: second-eighth grade Dates: June-August Cost: $400-$500 One- and two-week math, science, and computer science courses focus on rigorous, grade-level content that campers will encounter in the fall.
Thinkery Summer Camps Meredith Learning Lab, 1830 Simond Ave. 512-469-6200 www.thinkeryaustin.org Ages: 0-12 Dates: June 6-Aug. 19 Cost: $190-$210 (half day), $325-$360 (full day) Campers expand their problem-solving skills or perform mental and physical challenges to stimulate creativity in weeklong camps.
Arts & Performance
Austin Chamber Music Center Workshop University of Texas at Austin, Sarah & Ernest Butler School of Music, 2406 Robert Dedman Drive 512-454-7562 www.austinchambermusic.org/summer-workshop [email protected] Ages: 7-18 Dates: July 7-23 Cost: $495-$900 Young musicians play within small ensembles during these workshops instructed by local professional musicians.
Austin Children’s Theater 616 Lavaca St. 512-927-6633 www.actpresents.org Ages: 6-10 Dates: June 13-17, 20-24 Cost: $197.50 Campers engage in workshops with local artists while producing theatrical, artistic and musical works.
Austin Film Festival’s Summer Film Camp St. David’s Episcopal Church, 301 E. Eighth St. 512-478-4795 www.austinfilmfestival.com Ages: 9-18 Dates: June 6-July 22 Cost: $195-$390 Camps vary in skill level and focus, including screenwriting, claymation, directing and general filmmaking.
Austin School of Fashion Design 6001 Burnet Road 512-323-0633 www.austinschooloffashiondesign.com Ages: 8-12 Dates: May 30-Aug. 5 Cost: $180 Camps cater to various experience levels in sewing and fashion illustration.
Band Aid School of Music 2309 Thornton Road, Ste. E 512-730-0592 www.bandaidschoolofmusic.com Ages: 4-18 Dates: June 6-Aug. 12 Cost: $235-$549 Aspiring musicians can choose from piano, drum, guitar, vocal and rock band classes.
Ballet Austin Summer Kids Camps Butler Dance Education Center, 501 W. Third St. 512-501-8704 www.balletaustin.org/kidscamps Dates: June 13-Aug. 19 Cost: $175–$280 Campers can dance, discover, imagine and play in a creative and playful environment. Several camps end with a presentation for parents.
Ballet Arts of Austin 2007 W. Anderson Lane 512-522-1935 www.balletartsaustin.com Ages: 3 and older (includes adults) Dates: June 13-July 1, July 18-28 Cost: $125-$900 Campers train in classical ballet technique and artistry. Curriculum includes pointe, character, Pilates, repertoire and choreography.
Dance Discovery Summer Camps 2110 White Horse Trail, Ste. A 512-419-7611 www.dancediscovery.com Ages: 3-11 Dates: June 14-Aug. 5 Cost: $140-$170 Musical theater, hip-hop, ballet, jazz and gymastics are performed at camps with themes such as “Frozen,” “Annie” and “The Wizard of Oz.”
Dougherty Arts Camp 1110 Barton Springs Road 512-974-4040 www.austintexas.gov/dougherty Ages: 5-12 Dates: June 13-Aug. 5 Cost: $389-$446 Camps encourage young artists to discover their imagination through visual and performing arts.
Fantastic Magic Camp 7500 Woodrow Ave. 512-988-3045 www.magiccamp.com Ages: 5-12 Dates: June 13-Aug. 19 Cost: $550 for two weeks Campers are taught life skills and confidence through magic. Campers learn how to juggle and use puppets, among other tricks.
Film Kids Summer Camp First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 6800 Woodrow Ave. 512-567-0778 www.austinfilmkids.org [email protected] Ages: fifth-seventh grade Dates: June 6-Aug. 12 Cost: $280 Campers make several short films and longer, full-scale movies based on their own ideas.
Game Worlds Summer Camp Austin Community College Highland Business Center, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road 512-609-0052 www.gameworldscamp.com Ages: 10-18 Dates: June 13-Aug. 19 Cost: $500-$600 Campers learn skills to create their own video games as well as programming, design, audio engineering and art skills.
Griffin School Summer Camp 5001 Evans Ave. 512-454-5797 http://griffinschool.org/arts/summer-camps-2 Ages: sixth-ninth grade Dates: June 6-July 22 Cost: $275 Campers can play in a rock band with other young musicians, produce a live radio show that will air throughout Austin or make art in various media.
Hideout Theatre Improv Summer Camps 617 Congress Ave. 512-443-3688 www.hideouttheatre.com/improv-for-kids/summercamp Ages: 5-17 Dates: June 13-Aug. 12 Cost: $200-$300 Students learn the basics of improv, storytelling and stage acting through games, stories and scene performances.
kidsActing Camp Balance Dance Studios, 4544 S. Lamar Blvd; Center Stage, 2826 Real St.; Congregation Beth Israel, 3901 Shoal Creek Blvd.; Go Dance Studios, 2525 W. Anderson Lane, Bldg. 3, Ste. 530; Khabele School Studio, 804 Rio Grande St.; Magellan School, 7938 Great Northern Blvd.; Oak Hill United Methodist Church, 7815 W. Hwy. 290 512-836-5437 www.kidsactingstudio.com Ages: 4-18 Dates: June 6-Aug. 26| Cost: $235 (one week)-$1,295 (four weeks) Multiple camps and locations specialize in musicals, acting or full-scale productions. Camps range from one to four weeks in length.
Move Your Tale—Improv for Youth ColdTowne Theater, 4803 Airport Blvd., ColdTowne Conservatory, 6929 Airport Blvd. Ste. 131 512-809-0017 www.moveyourtale.com Ages: 4-18 Dates: June 6-Aug. 12 Cost: $175-$295 Camps divided by age range and experience levels allow participants to write and perform improv sketches. Camps, each featuring a different theme, allow campers to improvise characters and stories in comedic performances.
Music Camp Orpheus Academy of Music, 3918-C Far West Blvd. 512-231-8999 www.orpheusacademy.com Ages: 4-14 Dates: June 6-Aug. 19 Cost: $300 Campers learn percussion, violin, choir singing and guitar in small groups. Activities include building rhythm, pitch and reading music.
Paramount Academy for the Arts The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave. 512-472-5470 www.austintheatre.org Ages: first-12th grade Dates: June 6-Aug. 12 Cost: $400-$600 Write, perform or do both in a number of performance-based camps. There are also stand-up comedy and songwriting camps, among other offerings.
Smudge Studios 500 W. 38th St. 512-777-1742 www.smudgestudiosaustin.com Ages: 5-11 Dates: June 6-Sept. 2 Cost: $245-$490 Programs provide campers with a variety of artistic outlets such as sculpture and mixed media creation.
Summer @ Austin Public Austin Public, 1143 N. Western Ave. 512-478-8600 www.austinfilm.org Ages: 9-18 Dates: June 13-Aug. 5 Cost: $295-$345 Campers learn about film and television techniques while also creating their own projects. There is an opportunity to work with local filmmakers; screen movies; and learn tips on writing and animation.
ZACH Theatre Summer Classes and Camps 1510 Toomey Road 512-476-0594, ext. 236 www.zachtheatre.org Ages: 3 1/2-12th grade Dates: June 6-Aug. 18 Cost: $195-$310 Zach Theatre hosts specialized classes in acting, musical theater and Broadway productions for various skill levels and age ranges. Themes for the acting- and musical-theater-focused camps include Dr. Suess, scene study, “Hairspray” and “Mary Poppins.”
Outdoors/Active
Austin Sailboat Rentals Summer Camp Lake Austin Walsh Boat Landing, 1600 Scenic Drive 512-431-1894 http://austinsailboatrentals.com Ages: 8-16 Dates: June 6-Aug. 19 Cost: $375 Geared toward beginner and intermediate skill levels, camps feature a certified sailing instructor who teaches campers how to sail or improve their sailing skills.
Camp Fire Summer Camps 1605 E. 38th 1/2 St. 512-349-2111 www.camp-fire.org Ages: 5-12 Dates: June 13-Aug. 19 Cost: $275 Campers swim, hike, perform experiments, make crafts and go on weekly local field trips in nature- and science-themed camps.
Chaparral Ice Center Summer Camp 2525 W. Anderson Lane, Ste. 400 512-252-8500, ext. 160 www.chaparralice.com Ages: 6-14 Dates: June 6-Aug. 19 Cost: $265 Campers take daily ice-skating lessons or take part in a general sports camp with emphases on skating and swimming.
Climbing Camps 512-415-0804 www.rock-about.com Ages: 10 and older Dates: June 6-Aug. 5 Cost: $399 Five-day camps entail rock climbing at various area locations, including the Austin Greenbelt, Reimer’s Ranch and Enchanted Rock.
Extend-A-Care for Kids Barton Hills Elementary School, 2108 Barton Hills Drive; Metz Elementary School, 84 Robert T. Martinez Jr. St. 512-472-9402. www.eackids.org Twitter: @eacatx Ages: 3-12 Dates: June 6-Aug. 12 Cost: $175 Weeklong sessions include sports, cooking, games, puzzles, literacy activities, and arts and crafts.
Golf in Schools Summer Camp Butler Park Pitch N’ Putt, 201 Lee Barton Drive; West Austin Youth Association, 1314 Exposition Blvd. 512-767-5566 www.golfinschoolsusa.com Ages: 4 1/2-12 Dates: June 6-Aug. 12 Cost: $140-$200 Campers learn the skills, rules and etiquette of golf from a skilled trainer through a curriculum intended to make the training fun.
Nunchaku and Monkey Kung Fu Traditional Martial Arts Academy, 4220 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 400 512-535-4404 www.traditionalmartialartsacademy.com Ages: 6-12 Dates: June 13-17, July 18-22 Cost: $200-$230 Learn monkey kung fu and how to use nunchaku, with all participants receiving a pair of foam nunchaku. No previous experience is necessary.
Progress School Camps 2200 Justin Lane 512-680-4559 www.progressschoolaustin.org/summer_camp Ages: 5-12 Dates: June 13-24 Cost: $200 Building, gardening, art and science are among the activities in which campers participate. Campers are given the chance make their own choices as to how they spend their time, including options for free play, reading and games.
Wet & Wild Adventure Camp 2008 Enfield Road 512-771-3188 www.wetwildcamp.com Ages: 6-15 Dates: June 6- Aug. 19 Cost: $350 Each week of the field trip camp offers a daily stop to a different water park, amusement park or swimming hole, allowing campers to choose the locations that most appeal to them.
Writing & Language
Badgerdog Creative Writing Summer Camp The Griffin School, 5001 Evans Ave.; The Khabele School, 801 Rio Grande St.; The Girls’ School of Austin, 2007 McCall Road 512-542-0076 www.austinlibrary.org Ages: third-12th grade Dates: June 6-July 1, July 11-29 Cost: $450 Campers write prose and poetry in this three-week creative writing workshop organized by the Austin Public Library Friends Foundation.
Camp Vámonos 6919 Reese Lane 512-453-8382 www.campvamonos.com Ages: 5-11 Dates: June 6-Aug. 19 Cost: $175-$185 Campers play, explore, build, cook, bake, and make arts and crafts while being spoken to in Spanish and English.
‘Vamos a un Viaje al Safari’ Spanish Immersion Camp Austin Eco Bilingual School North Austin Campus, 2700 W. Anderson Lane, Ste. 601 512-299-5731 www.austinbilingualschool.com Ages: 2-11 Dates: June 6-Aug. 19 Cost: $180-$300 Campers ranging from Spanish learners to fluent speakers take part in this language immersion camp with activities such as singing, dancing, and arts and crafts.
Magellan International School Camps 7130 Chimney Corners, 7938 Great Northern Blvd. 512-782-2327 www.magellanschool.org, http://campmagellan.eventbrite.com Ages: 3 years-eighth grade Dates: June 20-July 2 Cost: $400-$450 Each week campers experience a new nation, its culture and cuisine through Spanish-language immersion.
Mariposas Spanish School for Kids Camps Hyde Park Montessori, 4108 Avenue H 512-653-7369 www.mariposasspanish.com Ages: 2 1/2-8 Dates: June 6-17 Cost: $445 Campers take part in Cuba-themed camps learning Spanish through outdoor games, story time, cultural activities, cooking, music, dance and art.
Young Peoples Workshops Camps 8014 Mesa Drive 512-401-3174 www.ypwkids.com Ages: 3-12 Dates: June 1-Aug. 21 Cost: $221-245 In full- and half-day weeklong sessions, campers learn art, math, language, science and technology.
This list is not comprehensive. If your camp was not included, email [email protected] to be added to our online list.