All Star Sports Camp
The camp promotes teamwork and sportsmanship through healthy competition via sports and active games, Soccer Zone owner Darren Brown said. The camp encourages children to discover new talents and refine natural abilities while having fun and exploring a variety of sports, Brown said. DETAILS Ages 5–14. Weekly June 8–Aug. 21. 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., with early drop-off and late pickup available. $179 per week (half-day camp), $279 per week (full-day camp). Sibling and multiweek discounts are available. No registration deadline. SoccerZone South Austin, 9501 Manchaca Road, Austin. 512-280-2244. www.soccerzonesouthaustin.com
Aquatic Science Adventure Camp
The Aquatic Science Adventure Camp at Texas State University has been the top science summer camp in Central Texas for more than 25 years, Camp Director Aaron Swink said. Campers learn about aquatic biology, chemistry, geology and ecology and participate in scuba diving, river rafting and rock wall climbing. DETAILS Ages 9–15. June 15–July 24. All day. $150 (two-day nonresident camp), $650 (five-day resident camp). No registration deadline. Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos. 512-245-2329. www.eardc.txstate.edu/camp.html
City of San Marcos Summer Fun Program
Educational games and activities are combined in an eight-week recreational program. Campers take off-site field trips once a week. Breakfast and lunch are provided. DETAILS Ages 7–14 (and younger children who have completed first grade). Weekly June 15–Aug. 1. 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. $32 (per week for San Marcos residents), $50 (per week for nonresidents), $250 (entire program for San Marcos residents), $395 (entire program for nonresidents). Registration begins April 1 for residents, April 27 for nonresidents. Locations: TBD. 512-393-8400. www.sanmarcostx.gov Twitter: @cityofsanmarcos
Coach Z’s Basketball Camps
Each camper receives individualized instruction from collegiate coaches to develop skills for each position. Campers participate in competition while learning the fundamentals of basketball. DETAILS For students entering prekindergarten to high school seniors. Weekly June 8–26. June 8–11 (grades 3–12), June 13–14 (grades 9–12), June 22–26 (grades prekindergarten–2 and grades 6–12). Times vary by camp. Cost: TBA. No registration deadline. Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos. 512-245-6019. www.txstatebobcats.com
Extend-A-Care for Kids
Weekly sessions include softball, basketball, soccer, field trips, swimming, cooking, games and puzzles, reading and arts and crafts. Campers attend one to two swim trips per week, one field trip each week and participate in sports camps in the morning. DETAILS Ages 3–12. Weekly June 8–Aug. 14. 7 a.m.–6:30 p.m. $175 (per week, financial assistance available for qualifying families). Registration deadline: May 26 (June 8–12, 15–19 camps); June 9 (June 22–26, June 29–July 3 camps); June 23 (July 6–10, 13–17 camps); July 7 (July 20–24, 27–31 camps); July 21 (Aug. 3–7, 10–14 camps). Elm Grove Elementary School, 801 FM 1626, Buda; Kyle Elementary School, 500 W. Blanco St., Kyle. 512-472-9402. www.eackids.org Twitter: @eacatx
Junior Summer Math Camp
The Junior Summer Math Camp engages students in grades 4–8 in hands-on activities and discovery learning. The camp is open to students of all math backgrounds. Students learn pre-algebra and algebraic concepts in fun ways while learning together. DETAILS Incoming grades 4–8. June 8–19. 8 a.m.–noon. $350. Registration deadline: April 15. San Marcos High School, 2601 E. McCarty Lane, San Marcos. 512-245-3439. www.txstate.edu/mathworks/camps/half-day-jsmc.html
Learning Fun 101
Students explore programming with LEGO robotics and engineering at the Learning Fun 101 Camp. DETAILS Incoming kindergarten–7th grade. Weekly June 8–26, July 13–Aug. 7. Times vary by location. $128 (four-day camp July 13–16), $160 (all other camps); $20 early registration discount (March 25). No registration deadline. Hays Hills Baptist Church, 1401 N. FM 1626, Buda (June 8–12, July 27–31); Patton Elementary School, 6001 Westcreek Drive, Austin (June 15–19, July 13–16); Ralph Pfluger Elementary School, 4951 Mash Lane, Buda (June 22–26); Elm Grove Elementary School, 801 FM 1626, Buda (July 20–24, Aug. 3–7). 512-740-3024. www.learningfun101.com
Ricci Woodard Softball Camps
Campers participate in softball-related drills, water games and scrimmages against fellow campers. Campers receive instruction from Texas State University softball players and staff. DETAILS Ages 6–18. June 15–18. Times: varies by camp. $150 (morning session), $235 (day session), $275 (elite commuter session), $375 (elite residential camp). Registration deadline: June 5. Bobcat Softball Stadium, 255 Charles Austin Drive, San Marcos. 512-245-3707. www.rsvpbook.com/RWSummercamps2015 [email protected]
San Marcos Dance Studio camps
Children, teenagers and adults can explore a range of dance styles, including hip-hop, jazz, ballet, tap and contemporary. Children’s camps—such as the “Frozen” camp or the Hip-hop Diva camp—will include crafts and games. Each week’s camp includes a different theme and ends with a performance for friends and family. There are also technique camps offered for experienced dancers which will include ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary and hip hop. DETAILS Ages: See below. June 3–Aug. 9. $150 per camp. San Marcos Dance Studio, 1405 N. Bishop St., San Marcos. 512-588-2006. www.sanmarcosdancestudio.com
San Marcos Nature Center camps
The SMNC offers 11 weeks of science-based summer camps. Campers explore the tiny microbes that inhabit local ponds and the 4.5-ton Iguanodon that roamed the Texas Hill Country millions of years ago. DETAILS Ages: See below. No registration deadline. San Marcos Nature Center, 430 Riverside Drive, San Marcos. 512-393-8447. www.sanmarcostx.gov/naturecenter
• Wild Times in Texas: Campers discover the past, explore the present and talk about the future of Texas wildlife. Children learn about dinosaurs, explore what archaeologists do and visit Natural Bridge Wildlife Park on June 10. Ages: Kindergarten–5th grade. June 8–12. 8 a.m.–5:15 p.m. $155. Limited to 20 campers.
• Mid-Summer Magick Camp: campers make nature-themed crafts featuring fairies, elves and trolls. The camp also includes a field trip to Jumpy Place on June 17. Kindergarten–5th grade. June 15–19. 8 a.m.–5:15 p.m. $147. Limited to 20 campers.
• Mayhem Week: This camp is all about making a mess with chemistry experiments, water balloon catapults and mud. The camp also includes field trips to the San Antonio and Austin zoos. Each day ends with water play, so swimsuits are required. Kindergarten–5th grade. June 22–26, Aug. 3–7, 8 a.m.–5:15 p.m. $147 (Aug. 3–7), $151 (June 22–26). Limited to 20 campers.
• It’s a Small World Camp: Campers learn about the natural world on a miniature scale. Campers learn how to use microscopes and prepare slides. Campers also visit Playscape, Rio Vista Pool and the Austin Nature & Science Center. Kindergarten–5th grade. June 29–July 3. 8 a.m.–5:15 p.m. $143. Limited to 20 campers.
• Fin and Feather Camp: Children learn about local species. Campers create a birding “life list” as well as fish on the San Marcos River. Campers also dissect fish or birds. Kindergarten–5th grade. July 6–10 (fish dissection), Aug. 10–14 (bird dissection). 8 a.m.–5:15 p.m. $154. Limited to 20 campers.
• River Rat Nature Camp: This camp pairs environmental education with recreation activities at the nature center, Rio Vista Pool, playscape and city parks. Kindergarten–5th grade. July 13–17, July 27–31 and Aug. 17–21. 8 a.m.–5:15 p.m. $147. Limited to 20 campers.
• Wild Rice Rangers Camp: Children learn about conservation by working alongside the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan’s conservation crew. The camp includes a field trip to the Meadows Center. Ages: 10–13. July 20–24. 8 a.m.–5:15 p.m. $149. Limited to 15 campers.
Stop Motion Animation Film Camp
Students make their own stop-motion or Claymation short movie, building characters and sets using computer programs and film and editing the animation. DETAILS Ages 8 and older. June 8–12 and Aug. 3–7. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $245. Registration deadline: May 15 (Buda), July 15 (San Marcos). First United Methodist Church Buda, 302 Elm St., Buda; Texas State University Evans Liberal Arts Building, 601 University Drive, San Marcos. 512-971-8050. www.theaterplaceplus.com Twitter: @thetheaterplace
Summer Theater Camp
Campers spend two weeks singing, dancing and acting as they learn the craft of theater and prepare for a full production on the last day of the camp. DETAILS Age 7 and older (students are divided by age groups). Aug. 10–21. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $270 (early and late care available for an additional fee). Registration deadline July 15. Texas State University Theater Building, 601 Moon St., San Marcos. 512-971-8050. www.theaterplaceplus.com Twitter: @thetheaterplace
Texas State University Autism Summer Camp
Designed to promote social, language, communication and physical activity, the camp has served children with autism living in Central Texas since 2010. Activities include music, arts, crafts, games, dance, yoga and swimming. Texas State University students serve as camp counselors and work one-on-one with children. DETAILS Ages 5–12. Mon.–Thu. July 6–30. 9 a.m.–1 p.m. $110 (one session), $220 (two sessions), $313 (three sessions) and $396 (four sessions); scholarships available. Registration deadline: June 1. Travis Elementary School, 1437 Post Road, San Marcos. 512-245-8259. www.hhp.txstate.edu/Camps/Autism-Camp.html [email protected]
Texas State University Play and Inquiry Workshop
Texas State University’s Department of Curriculum and Instruction offers the camp, whose activities include art, music, woodworking, science and language arts. DETAILS Ages 3–8. Mon.–Thu. June 15–July 2. 8:30–11:30 a.m. $90 (one child), $165 (two children), $240 (three children). Registration deadline: June 1 (flexible). Bonham Pre-Kindergarten School, 1225 Hwy. 123, San Marcos. 512-245-3680.
YMCA summer camps
The Hays Communities Branch of the YMCA provides camps throughout the summer offering safe and enriching camp experiences that include the outdoors, sports and LEGO engineering. DETAILS 512-523-0099. www.austinymca.org Twitter: @ymcaaustinhays
• Man vs. Nature Camp: Campers learn skills they need to survive in the wilderness and gain a greater appreciation for nature. Activities include building shelters, starting fires safely, learning first aid and identifying edible plants. DETAILS Ages 8–12 (June 8–12, Aug. 10–14). ages 12–15 (July 13–17). 9 a.m.–1 p.m. $115 (members), $145 (nonmembers). Registration deadline: May 25 (June 8–12), June 30 (July 13–17), July 31 (Aug. 10–14). 1695 Old San Antonio Road, Buda.
• Half-Day Sports Camps: Campers develop sports skills, specifically fundamentals and sports technique. Activities include skills drills, games and swimming in the outdoor pool. DETAILS Ages 6–14. Weekly June 8–25 and July 27–30. 9 a.m.–1 p.m. $75 (members), $125 (nonmembers). Registration deadlines: June 5 (June 8–11), June 12 (June 15–18), June 19 (June 22–25) and July 24 (July 27–30). 465 Buda Sportsplex Drive, Buda.
• First Kicks British Soccer Camp: Children ages 3–4 learn soccer basics through fundamental activities, games and fun soccer challenges for an hour per day. Parents are invited to join. DETAILS Ages 3–4. July 20–24. 8:30–9:30 a.m. $104 (members), $114 (nonmembers). Registration deadline: July 5.
• Buda Sportsplex Drive, Buda Mini Soccer Camp: The camp includes games, competitions and skill-building activities designed to enlighten and develop for 1.5 hours per day. DETAILS Ages 4–6. July 20–24. 9:30 a.m.–11 a.m. $118 (members), $128 (nonmembers). Registration deadline: July 5. 465 Buda Sportsplex Drive, Buda.
• Half-Day Player Development Camp: This camp places an emphasis on soccer skill development and mastery of core techniques through small group practices and coached games. DETAILS Ages 6–16. July 20–24. 8:30–11:30 a.m. $154 (members), $164 (nonmembers). Registration deadline: July 5. 465 Buda Sportsplex Drive, Buda.
• LEGO Engineering Camp: Campers explore the tools and techniques of superheroes and engineers. Engineering curriculum challenges campers to design, build and save a city using ingenuity and imagination. DETAILS Ages 5–12. July 6–10. 9 a.m.–noon (ages 5–7), 1–4 p.m. (ages 8–12). $150 (members), $200 (nonmembers). Registration deadline: July 3. 465 Buda Sportsplex Drive, Buda.
Young Writers Camp at Texas State University
The camp aims to inspire creative thinking and writing. Central Texas Writing Project writing teachers guide students through various writing styles and methods of self-expression. DETAILS Ages 6–18. June 22–July 2. 9 a.m.–12:15 p.m. (elementary school), 1–4:15 p.m. (middle and high school). $250 (discount for siblings). Registration deadline: May 31. Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos. 512-245-3680. www.worklife.txstate.edu/SummerCamps.html
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