As summer approaches, families across Central Texas are looking for ways to keep their children active and engaged. The YMCA of Central Texas offers a wide variety of summer camp experiences, designed to suit the needs of all children at its locations in Round Rock, Cedar Park, Hutto, Georgetown, Burnet, and Waco.

With half-day specialty camps, full-day outdoor camps, full-day adventure camps and overnight options, the YMCA of Central Texas ensures that every child can find a summer program that fits their interests and schedule.

“We're here to serve all—that's always been our mission,” Chief Marketing Officer Laura Arredondo said.

Half-day specialty camps

For families seeking a flexible camp schedule, the YMCA offers half-day specialty camps at all locations. These camps, running from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., focus on specific interests such as:

• Sports (gymnastics, basketball, soccer and multi-sport programs)
• Science, technology, engineering and math
• Robotics
• eSports
• Cooking

Half-day camps are ideal for younger campers or those who want to explore new activities while still having downtime at home. Parents who are YMCA members can also take advantage of on-site workout facilities while their children participate in camp sessions.

Full-day outdoor camps

For families needing all-day child care, the YMCA provides full-day outdoor camps. These camps offer a mix of structured indoor and outdoor activities, ensuring a well-balanced experience.

Campers engage in:

• Outdoor recreation: climbing towers, ziplining, archery and water activities
• Group games: kickball, baseball, soccer and paintball
• Indoor games, arts and crafts and other creative activities

To keep campers comfortable, water play, shaded areas and indoor cool-down sessions are built into the daily schedule. Campers who attend full-day adventure camp at the CHASCO Family YMCA, will also be the first to use the brand-new outdoor swimming pool.

YMCA's Adventure Academy Camp brings the thrill of summer camp to schools across Williamson County. These indoor day camps offer a dynamic mix of activities, providing a fun and engaging environment for kids. Campers can participate in sports, arts and crafts, and STEM activities.

Overnight camps

The YMCA also offers overnight camps at YMCA Camp Twin Lakes, which is adjacent to Twin Lakes Family YMCA in Cedar Park. These camps, available as mini (two to three nights) stays or full-week stays, give children the opportunity to develop independence and lifelong friendships while engaging in exciting outdoor adventures.

Camp activities include:

• Canoeing and other water activities
• Adventure challenges, like rock climbing and ziplining
• Evening programs, including campfire nights and social events

“These cabins are really nice," Arredondo said. “They have a small kitchen, air conditioning and clean showers. It’s like glamping for kids.”

With a 55-acre facility, campers have ample space to explore, learn new skills and make lasting memories.

Register today

The YMCA of Central Texas is committed to making summer camp affordable and accessible to all families. Financial assistance is available to help cover camp costs, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to participate, explore new activities and build confidence in a supportive environment, regardless of one’s inability to pay.

Whether children are exploring a new hobby in a half-day specialty camp, tackling outdoor challenges in an adventure camp, or experiencing the excitement of overnight camp, the summer programs offered at the YMCA of Central Texas offer a great combination of fun, learning and personal growth.

Learn more

YMCA of Central Texas has locations in Round Rock, Cedar Park, Hutto, Georgetown, Burnet, and Waco. For more information or to register for a camp, visit the YMCA of Central Texas’ website.

The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Mary Katherine Shapiro with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.