The San Marcos, Buda and Kyle area is home to a variety of summer camps for children of all ages and interests. Parents can choose from academic, day, overnight and sports camps. This list is not comprehensive.

ACADEMIC

Aquatic Science Adventure Camp The Aquatic Science Adventure Camp at Texas State University has been a science summer camp in Central Texas for 30 years. Campers learn about aquatic biology, chemistry, geology and ecology and participate in scuba diving, river rafting and a ropes course. The camp is geared toward children ages 9-15. Dates: June 3-Aug. 3. Cost: $349 (five-day camp), $699 (six-day overnight camp) Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos 512-245-3541 www.eardc.txstate.edu/camp.html
Future Aerospace-engineers & Mathematicians Academy camps El Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos, San Marcos CISD and Texas State University partner on the summer camps, which are funded through a grant from NASA. Campers learn problem-solving skills through algebraic and engineering ideas. Transportation is provided to the camps. Students are encouraged to bring a sack lunch, but lunch will also be available through SMCISD. There is an application process, and not all students who apply will be accepted to the camps. Registration closes March 23. The camp is geared toward children ages 9-14. Dates: July 16-21 (fourth grade), July 16-21 (fifth grade), July 23-26 (sixth-eighth grade) Cost: free for SMCISD students El Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos, 211 Lee St., San Marcos (fourth-fifth grade) Goodnight Middle School, 1301 Hwy. 123, San Marcos (sixth-eighth grade) 512-245-7802 www.txstate.edu/fama/
Mathworks Junior Summer Camp San Marcos The Mathworks Junior Summer Camp engages students of all math backgrounds in hands-on activities and discovery learning. Students learn pre-algebra and algebraic concepts in fun ways while also building teamwork skills. The camps are geared toward children entering third through eighth grade. Dates: June 4-15, 8 a.m.-noon Cost: $400. Financial need scholarships are available. San Marcos High School, 2601 E. McCarty Lane, San Marcos 512-245-3439 www.txstate.edu/mathworks/camps
Young Writers Camp at Texas State University Camps inspire creative thinking and writing. Teachers with the Central Texas Writing Project guide the students through various writing styles and methods of self-expression. Camps are available to children ages 6-18 years old, and all writing skill levels are welcomed. Dates: June 18-28, 9 a.m.-12:15 p.m. (ages 6-10); 1-4:15 p.m. (ages 11-13 and 14-18); registration deadline is May 28 Cost: $250 per child or $225 per child for siblings Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos 512-245-3680 www.hr.txstate.edu/worklife/familyfriendly.html

ARTS

San Marcos Dance Studio Summer Camps Children explore a range of dance styles, including hip-hop, ballet, tap and jazz. These themed children’s camps—such as the “Moana” camp or “Descendants” camp—include a full dance class, snack time, crafts and games. Each week’s camp is a different theme and ends with a performance for guests. Children ages 3-10 are invited to attend. Dates: Weekly camps will be held from June-August. Check the website for dates for specific camps. Cost: $150 per camp San Marcos Dance Studio, 1405 N. Bishop St., San Marcos 512-588-2006 www.sanmarcosdancestudio.com
Summer Theater Conservatory Campers spend two weeks singing, dancing and acting as they learn the craft of theater and prepare for a full production on the last night of the camp.  The camp is geared toward children age 7 and older. Dates: July 30-Aug. 10, 9 a.m.-5 p.m; registration deadline is July 1 Cost: $575 (before April 15), $700 (after April 15) Texas State University School of Music, 601 University Dr. San Marcos 512-971-8050 www.theaterplaceplus.com
The Happy Painter Summer Camp The Happy Painter allows campers to embrace their creative side creating crafts with either multimedia tools or clay. Snacks and drinks will be provided. The camp is geared toward children ages 6-11. Dates and times: June 18-22 and 25-29, July 16-20 and 23-27 Cost: $160 per week or $40 per day 145 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos • 512-805-2800 www.thehappypaintersm.wixsite.com/thpsmtx

DISCOVERY

City of San Marcos Discovery Camps The San Marcos Parks and Recreation Department offers nine themed weeks of exploring, adventure and discovery. Lunch is provided by San Marcos CISD. The weekly camp fee includes field trips to various locations, two trips to the San Marcos Discovery Center and a trip to the Rio Vista pool. The camp is geared toward children ages 5-10. Dates: weekly from June 11-Aug 10, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; registration begins April 2 (residents), April 23 (nonresidents) Cost: $150 per week (residents), $175 (nonresidents) Dunbar Recreation Center, 801 MLK Drive, San Marcos 512-393-8400 www.sanmarcostx.gov/discoverycamp
City of San Marcos Quest City of San Marcos Quest The Quest camp offers campers an opportunity to discover San Marcos  and surrounding cities through field trips to destinations in and out of San Marcos. Destinations include parks, zoos and museums. The camp is sponsored by the San Marcos Parks and Recreation Department. Lunch is provided by San Marcos CISD. The camp is for ages 5-10 years up. Dates: July 9-13 and Aug. 13-17, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Cost: $115 (resident), $130 (nonresident) San Marcos Recreation Hall, 170 Charles Austin Drive, San  Marcos 512-393-8400 www.sanmarcostx.gov/1187/camp-quest
San Marcos River Quest Campers of all skill levels paddle for 86 miles down the San Marcos River to Gonzales, Texas, as part of the Epic Adventure Summer Camp San Marcos River Quest. After paddling 10-20 miles a day, campers rest along the river and prepare a campsite along the river. All meals, lodging, and major gear is provided. The camp designed for ages 13-17. Dates: June 16-23 Cost: $975 Olympic Outdoor Center, 602 N. I-35, San Marcos 512-417-6127 www.myepicadventures.com
YMCA Summer Theme and Adventure Camps Campers in each camp participate in various daily activities, including organized games, arts and craft projects, field trips and swimming through different themes. Previous field trips have included Jumpoline, the Austin Aquarium,  McKinney Falls State Park, Wonder World Park, South Austin Rock Gym and Enchanted Rock. Both camps encourage teamwork, discipline, faith and leadership. The camp is geared toward children ages 5-13. Dates: June 11-15, 18-22 and 25-29; July 2-6, 9-13, 16-20, 23-27, 30-Aug. 3; Aug. 6-10, 13-17, 20-22. Times vary by camp. Cost: $145 (YMCA of Austin members during week of July 4), $175 (nonmembers during week of July 4), $178 (YMCA of Austin members all other weeks), $213 (nonmembers all other weeks) Carpenter Hill Elementary, School, 4410  RR 967 Buda and Negley Elementary, 5940 McNaughton, Kyle 512-236-9622 www.austinymca.org/programs/summer-day-camp

GENERAL

Camp Ole Campers participate in a variety of art and reading activities as well as other exercises designed to strengthen their minds and bodies. Children also learn about Hispanic culture and heritage. The camp is geared toward children ages 5-12. Dates: TBD Cost: free El Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos, 211 Lee St., San Marcos 512-878-0640 www.sanmarcoscentro.org
City of San Marcos Summer Fun Program Games and activities are combined into an eight-week recreational program. Campers take off-site field trips once a week. Breakfast and lunch are provided. The camp is for children ages 7-14 and younger children who have completed first grade. Dates: Weekly from June 11-Aug. 10 (except July 9-13), 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; registration begins April 3 (residents), April 24 (nonresidents) Cost: $32 (per week for residents), $50 (per week for nonresidents), $250 (entire program for residents), $395 (entire program for nonresidents) Location: TBD 512-393-8400 www.sanmarcostx.gov/1025/summer-fun
Extend-A-Care for Kids Weekly sessions include softball, basketball, soccer, field trips, swimming, cooking, games and puzzles, literacy activities, 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. This year’s theme is “Around the World in 50 Days.”The camp is geared toward children ages 5-12. Dates: June 4–Aug. 17. Registration deadline: May 4 (June 4-8, 11-15 camps), May 18 (June 18-22, June 25-29 camps), June 1 (July 2-3, 5-6, 9-13 camps), June 15 (July 16-20, 23-27 camps), June 29 (July 30-Aug. 3, Aug. 6-10), July 13 (Aug. 13-17). 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Cost: $190 (per week for first child), $180 (for additional children) Buda Elementary School, 300 N. San Marcos St., Buda Kyle Elementary School, 500 Blanco St., Kyle 512-472-9402 www.eackids.org
Texas State University Autism Summer Camp Children read, create crafts, play games and take age-appropriate field trips during the weeklong camp. There is no camp July 4. The camp is geared toward children ages 4-5 who have not yet attended kindergarten. Dates: June 11-15, 18-22, 25-29; July 2-6, 9-13, 16-20, 23-27, 30-Aug. 3; Aug. 6-10, 13-17, 20-22 Cost: $145 (YMCA of Austin members during week of July 4), $175 (nonmembers during week of July 4), $178 (YMCA of Austin members all other weeks), $213 (nonmembers all other weeks) Hays Communities YMCA, 465 Buda Sportsplex Drive, Buda 512-236-9622 www.austinymca.org/branches/hays-communities-ymca
YMCA Kinder Camp Children read, create crafts, play games and take age-appropriate field trips during the weeklong camp. There is no camp July 4. The camp is geared toward children ages 4-5 who have not yet attended kindergarten. Dates: June 11-15, 18-22, 25-29; July 2-6, 9-13, 16-20, 23-27, 30-Aug. 3; Aug. 6-10, 13-17, 20-22 Cost: $145 (YMCA of Austin members during week of July 4), $175 (nonmembers during week of July 4), $178 (YMCA of Austin members all other weeks), $213 (nonmembers all other weeks) Hays Communities YMCA, 465 Buda Sportsplex Drive, Buda 512-236-9622 www.austinymca.org/branches/hays-communities-ymca

SPORTS

All-Star Sports Camp The camp promotes teamwork and sportsmanship through healthy competition via sports and active games and encourages children to discover new talents and refine natural abilities. The camp is geared toward children ages 5-13. Dates: June 4-Aug. 17, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Cost: $189 per week (half-day camp), $289 per week (full-day camp). Sibling and multi-week discounts are available. SoccerZone South Austin, 9501 Manchaca Road, Austin 512-280-2244 www.allstarsportscamp.org
Bobcat Athletics sports camps Texas State University hosts camps throughout the summer with focuses on baseball, softball, men’s and women’s basketball, football, soccer and volleyball. Dates: varies by camp Cost: varies by camp Location: varies by camp 254-855-5744 (baseball),  512-245-6019 (women’s basketball), 512-245-2587 (football),512-245-3383 (soccer), 512-245-3707(softball), 512-245-3832 (volleyball) www.txstatebobcats.com/sports/2010/7/27/GEN_0727104955.aspx?tab=campsclinics
Challenger Sports British Soccer Camps With programs for different age groups, the curricula includes a variety of foot skills, technical drills, tactical practices, freestyle soccer, small-sided games, coached scrimmages, and a mini tournament play. The camp is geared toward children ages 5-16. Dates: June 18-22, 25-29; July 23-27 Cost: $89-$168 Hays Youth Soccer Complex, 100 Hays Youth Drive, Buda (June 18-22) Gregg Clarke Fields 1500 W. Center St., Kyle (June 25-29) Hays Communities YMCA, 465 Buda Sportsplex Drive, Buda (June 25-29, July 23-27) 512-416-7705 www.challengersports.com
Danny Kaspar Basketball Camp This fundamental-oriented camp emphasizes shooting, passing, ball handling and movement without the ball through a blend of drills, games and contests. Lunch is provided for students in second-ninth grades. Dates: Aug. 6-9 Cost: $255 (full day) $140 (morning or afternoon) Strahan Coliseum, 700 Aquarena Springs Drive, San Marcos 512-245-3832 www.dannykasparbasketballcamps.com
Sterling Hunter Summer Camp Beat the summer heat under the Sterling Hunter Summer Camp’s covered riding arena. Campers will have daily private riding lessons, learn horse-keeping and grooming techniques and do horse-themed arts and crafts. The camp is for children ages 6-16. Dates: June 18-22 and July 9-13, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Cost: $325 (June 18-22) and $350 (July 9-13) Sterling Hunter Jumpers Riding Stable, 13304 Wright Road, Buda 512-673-7476 or 512-779-4794 www.sterlinghj.com
Strength and Speed Athletic Training Camps Campers will do strength, running mechanics, acceleration, agility and speed development training to become better athletes. The camp is for ages 12-18. Dates: June 4-29 and July 2-30 Cost: $250 per four-week program 2626 Hunter Road, Ste. 105, San Marcos 512-216-0748 www.str8training.com