2005 Kids Summer Camps

An annotated list of several places where kids could be going this summer to enjoy physically and mentally invigorating activities

Fri., April 29, 2005

Child's Day

Summer is a-comin' in, and the kids are a-goin' out. Here, corralled and updated by our man Wells Dunbar, is an annotated list of several places where those kids could be going out to and thereby enjoying a busload of physically and mentally invigorating activities. They want, what? Inline skate classes? A soccer camp at which to get their Pelé on? Horse-riding in the sunset? Maybe songs around the campfire with a fistful of s'mores? You can find the likes of those, and much more, listed below. (And don't forget to check online for updates.)

General Camps

CALUSIO CREATIVITY CENTER hones young imaginations through weeklong sessions of creativity-inducing programs, along with physical activities like swimming and field trips. Several dates to choose from. Ages 5-12. June 6-Aug. 5, 8am-6pm. 5446 Hwy. 290 W. #106, 892-5975. www.calusio.com.

CAMP DOUBLECREEK Round Rock's Doublecreek offers exciting lessons in archery, tumbling, swimming, gun safety, horseback riding, and more. Li'l pardners may then unwind with arts & crafts, on their miniature golf course, or in the veggie garden. Ages 4-13. May 30-Aug. 12. Shuttle service to and from available at several Austin locations, 255-3661. www.campdoublecreek.com.

CAMP HEATWAVE is the AISD's answer to the dog days of summer. Offered at four local elementary schools – Davis, Doss, Mills, and Pease – kids discover diverse facts about animals, science, sculpting, and Texas history, all while having fun over eight weeks of adventure. First through sixth grades. May 31-July 22, 7:30am-6pm. Various locations, 414-0371. www.communityeducation.org/summer.htm.

CAMP ON THE MOVE is the ultimate for theme park aficionados – and which kid isn't? Traveling by air-conditioned bus, campers go on field trips every day, traveling to Schlitterbahn, Fiesta Texas, and Gattitown. Pickups and drop-offs available. Sessions begin May 30. Camp on the Move, PO Box 163444. 658-6240, 658-6285. www.camponthemove.com.

CAMP QUALITY TEXAS is a free, community-based camp for kids diagnosed with cancer that assures adequate medical supervision. Each camper is paired with a trained companion to aid him or her in swimming, archery, horseback riding, arts & crafts, and more! Web site also includes wish lists and volunteer info for the charitably inclined. Applications deadline: May 6. Ages 4-17. July 17-22. Camp Tyler, 903/534-9701. tx.campqualityusa.com.

CHILD'S DAY is offering a swim- and gym-intensive summer camp for your K through second-grade kids. Field trips and theme parties also abound, along with their optional "I.Q. Kids" computer classes or vocal and keyboard lessons. Ages 4-7. May 31-Aug. 8, Mon.-Fri., 7am-6pm; 6:30pm pickup optional. 2525 Wallingwood Dr. #100, 327-3274. www.childsday.com.

EXPECT SUCCESS at Sri Atmananda Memorial School offers "experiential, exploratory, fun activities for children" entering fourth, fifth, and sixth grades. Activities include experiential activities to discover unique abilities, creating and labeling a realistic brain, "mind mapping," and more. Weeklong camps available. June 13-July 1, Mon.-Fri., 9am-4pm; early drop-off and late pickup available. 4100 Red River, 451-7044. www.childsday.com.

ROCKY RIVER RANCH Give your daughter an unforgettable summer with a learning adventure at this storied Wimberley ranch that offers everything from rappelling and rifle training to drama and archery. Ages 6-15. June 5-Aug. 5. 100 Flite Acres Rd., 512/847-2513. www.rrrcamp.com.

RONDA'S MONTESSORI GARDENING lets the wee ones (2-5 years) get their hands dirty this summer, learning the basics of gardening. And mud, mud, mud! June 1-Aug. 19, 8am-5:30pm; part time and full time available. 4300 Mount Vernon Dr., 707-8635. [email protected].

STEPPING STONE SCHOOL and its Junior Genius Adventure Camp is too cool. At any of their locations, theme zones cover everything from Shakespeare's Nook for budding bookworms to a High Tech Headquarters teaching computer basics. With a plethora of planned field adventures and optional enhancement programs, Stepping School looks to provide one fun summer. Ages 5-12. Times, tuition, and programs vary by center. Various locations, 459-0258. www.steppingstoneschool.com.

TEXAS SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF offers a variety of excellent services for the deaf, hearing-imparied, and their loved ones this summer. Fun, educational programs are grouped by grade and include a family weekend retreat, drivers education, and high school credit courses. Beginning June 3. 1102 S. Congress, 462-5353. www.tsd.state.tx.us/outreach/
summerprograms.htm.

Camp Discovery

WET AND WILD ADVENTURE CAMP shuttles budding beach bums across Central Texas to more than 35 lakes, streams, and swimming holes. Still want more? How about Lazer Tag, bowling, Schlitterbahn and … Fiesta Texas? Heaven to the water babies. Ages 8-14. Weeklong camps begin May 31. Morning drop-off in Oak Hill between 7:30 and 8am, or at West Enfield between 7:30 and 9am. Afternoon pickup from 5:30 to 6pm at Oak Hill or Austin High School. 892-2224. www.wetwildcamp.com.

YMCA CAMPS It's fun to play at the YMCA. Affordable programs on sports, the arts, summer fun, and much more are offered to everyone kinder through teen and in between, with that traditional Y emphasis on character. Sessions starting May 31. Various locations, 1715 E. Sixth #100, 236-9622. www.austinymca.org.

Art & Music Camps

AUSTIN CHAMBER MUSIC WORKSHOP offers chamber music coaching, movement and rhythm classes, music appreciation, and games for the elementary school set, and an intermediate to advanced class for those in middle to high school. Hosted at St. Stephen's Episcopal School, the program culminates in student concerts. Elementary camp, June 20–July 1, 9am–1pm; intermediate/advanced, July 6–22, 9am–5pm. 2900 Bunny Run Rd. 6000 FM 3237, 454-7562. www.austinchambermusic.org.

AUSTIN SCHOOL OF MUSIC has been doing its thing for nine years now, offering intensive music training that culminates in a performance at Antone's. Sending your pride and joy to this camp also gets you a CD and DVD starring, you guessed it, the campers themselves! For the sonic youth to the Rock and Roll High Schoolers. Rock & Roll Camp Ages 10-19. Multiple sessions beginning May 31. Drum Camp Ages 10-19, June 13-17. Jazz Camp Ages 10-19, July 5-16. 2428-B W. Ben White, 476-7666. www.austinschoolofmusic.com.

GIRLS ROCK CAMP This nonprofit feminist camp boasts an impressive roster of volunteer instructors kicking righteous behind in the grrrl-punk and indie-realms. Ages 8-18. July 25-30. Girls Rock Camp, Portland, Ore., 503/445-4991. www.girlsrockcamp.org.

NATURAL EAR MUSIC CAMP lets your children channel their creative chaos with their Rock 'n' Roll Summer Camp. There are two three-week camps for Austin kids and an immersive two-week sleepover camp. Day Camp Ages 8-18. June 6-23, July 11-28. Residential Camp June 12-24 for ages 10-14, July 17-29 for ages 11-18. 3607 Manchaca Rd., 447-5910. www.naturalearmusic.com.

UMLAUF SCULPTURE GARDEN takes its terrific children's workshop a step further this summer. Utilizing limestone, found objects, and whatever isn't nailed down, groups carve, mold, and create to their hearts' content in the Umlauf's serene surround-ings. Ages 8-10, June 6-10, 9am–12:30pm; Ages 11-13, June 13-17, 9am–12:30pm. 605 Robert E. Lee, 445-5582. www.umlaufsculpture.org.

Theatre/Dance Camps

DOUGHERTY ARTS SCHOOL is offering an awe-inspiring number of options for the creatively inclined. This includes their Creative Kids Preschool, Summer Arts Adventure, Art Academy programs, a Summer Film Fest camp, and their August Arts blast – something for all ages and artistic temperaments. Ages 31Ú2-12. Classes begin May 31. 1110 Barton Springs Rd., 397-1468. www.cityofaustin.org/dougherty/youth.htm.

DRAMA AT ST. EDWARD'S The Hilltoppers offer two theatre camps this summer: Shakespeare on the Hill, where young adults work on, rehearse, and ultimately perform one of the bard's plays; and Summerstock, where high-schoolers collaborate with college students on both Shakespeare and a musical. Shakespeare on the Hill: June 20-July 1, 9am-12:30pm, or 9am-4pm. Summerstock Austin: July 9–Aug. 14, 9am-5pm. 3001 S. Congress, 448-8400. www.cityofaustin.org/dougherty/youth.htm.

KIDSACTING One of Austin's favorite year-round acting schools also has summer camps that feature lessons in what it takes to mount a play, make a movie (using video), and all that sort of Hollywood stuff, culminating in a live show for family and friends at the end of camp. Additional classes focus extensively on different aspects of stage and screen. So many disciplines to choose from! Various weeklong camps. May 31-Aug. 14. 5811 Burnet Rd., 458-5437. www.kidsactingstudio.com.

TEXAS ARTS PROJECT Hosted at St. Stephen's Episcopal School, TAP offers an intense, collegiate-style sleepaway camp for the performance-bound. Kids choose their major (dance, acting, or musical theatre) and supplement it with electives fitting their art, culminating in a performance for family and friends the final day. Ages 13-18. June 5-25. 2900 Bunny Run, 327-1213. www.sstx.org/theatrefocus.

THE MAGIC CAMP Your children will be able to enjoy the wonderful world of magic, puppeteering, and juggling in an atmosphere of fun. With a teacher-to-camper ratio of 5-to-1 and numerous guest performers, this camp experience is guaranteed to be a magical one. Ages 6-12. Four two-week sessions from June 6-July 29. Fulmore Middle School, 201 E. Mary; Ridgemont Elementary School, 5005 Caswell; 288-1596. www.magiccamp.com.

ZACH SCOTT THEATRE CENTER With full-day Summer Theatre Variety Camps ("Cirque de ZACH" & "Austin's Weird!" to name a few) for the 5-13 set, intensive acting, comedy, and writing workshops for kids ages 14 and older, and half-days on science and theatre, Zach Scott offers lots of options for creative kids this summer. Camps beginning May 31. 1510 Toomey, 476-0541 x1. www.zachscott.com/education/
kid-varietycamp.html.

Instructional Camps

AQUATIC SCIENCES ADVENTURE CAMP Your kids will love this aquatic exploration of the Edwards Aquifer. Fun trips will be held at the Aquarena Center, Guadalupe River, and Barton Springs pool. Tubing, snorkeling, and glass-bottom boat riding are sure to make a splash! One-week resident camps and two-day day camps available. Ages 9-15. Sessions begin May 30. Texas State University, San Marcos, 512/245-2329. www.eardc.txstate.edu/camp.html.

ASIAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER extends an open invitation to children of all ethnicities this summer. Events focus on Asian languages and traditional arts. Ages 6-12. May 31-Aug. 12, 8:30am-5:30pm. 11713 Jollyville Rd., 336-5069. www.asianamericancc.com.

YMCA Camps

AUSTIN CHILDREN'S MUSEUM This summer camp reads like a greatest hits of summer fun. Half-days for the wee ones tackle dinosaurs and science, outer space, math, and more, while the elders spend the full day learning about unexpected art, the future & high tech, cooking & baking, and more. Ages 4-10. Programs start May 30. 201 Colorado, 472-2494. www.austinkids.org.

AUSTIN SAENGERRUNDE KINDERCHOR CAMP is a free experience for kids, with a camp covering German culture through song and dance, games, and crafts. Ages 4-12. July 11-15, 9am-noon. 1607 San Jacinto, 914-8628. [email protected].

BADGERDOG CREATIVE WRITING CAMPS offers pint-sized Prousts a chance to write and revise poetry and prose with the support of a professional writer. This year, the Dog offers courses for grades six through eight, and nine through 12. Aside from honing their craft, kids get to see their work culminate in a published anthology and public reading. Also, Camp BadgerPup guides grades three through five through a poetry, fiction, and dramatic writing introduction. Programs beginning June 6. 3401 Webberville Rd., 223-5100. www.badgerdog.org.

CAMP INDIGO hopes to nurture spiritual realization through movement/dance, storytelling, gardening, nature walks, and more. Ages 5-14. July 18-22, 9am-3:30pm. 2806 Del Curto, 512/447-7772. www.divineconsciousness.org.

CENTER FOR YOUNG CINEMA is for kids interested in filmmaking, animation, writing film scripts, music videos, and more. This series of summer camps sets your children up in small classes so they can get attention from the professionals. At the end of it all, you'll be able to see your kid's work at the public screening! Courses available for all levels of experience. Ages 10-18. Orientation begins June 11. 906 E. Fifth #106, 236-8877. www.motionmac.org.

GIRLSTART CAMP Does your little girl love math, science, or technology? Send her to this awesome camp, which has different sessions focusing on sticky science, digital video and advertising, design, and investigating. Girls in grades four through eight. Beginning June 6. Girlstart Tech Center, 608 W. 22nd, 916-4775. www.girlstartcamp.org.

HOSPICE AUSTIN'S CAMP BRAVE HEART is open for kids and young adults who've experienced the death of a loved one. Counselors and staff will guide campers through this cathartic three-day camp. June 8-10, Aug. 9-11. 342-4700. www.hospiceaustin.org.

HUSTON-TILLOTSON PREFRESHMAN ENGINEERING PROGRAM helps students by emphasizing study and research on mathematics, physics, engineering and computer science, and technical writing. Junior or high school students must complete an application, submit two letters of recommendation, complete a 100- to 200-word essay, and provide the latest grade report. June 8-July 28. 900 Chicon, 505-3139. www.hospiceaustin.org.

INLINE SK8 SKOOL Let Fritz Blaw (Austin's "Best Kids' Inline Skate Teacher") and co-counselors Jilian and Heather teach your kids how to skate, with beginner to advanced classes, and featuring activities like freestyle skating, roller golf, capture the flag, and daily grind sessions at the ARC mini skate park. Ages 6-12. Weeklong half-day camps, June 6-July 29. Mon.-Fri., 8am-noon. 554-4034. www.motorblade.com.

LA PETITE PROVENCE Your fidgety Francophiles will be paraded through all things Parisian at La Petite Provence. Fun language learning, cooking, gardening, and more are included. Ages 5-12. July 25-Aug. 13, Mon.-Fri., 9am-noon. 441-1284. www.lapetiteprovence.org.

MAD SCIENCE Give your Einstein or Curie a Mad Science experience this summer. With a gang of different locations and pricing options, your kid can learn the intricacies of Morse code, constellations, rockets, pollution, chemistry, gravity, and more. Ages 4-12. Starts June 6. Various locations, 892-1143. www.madscienceaustin.com.

SUMMER CHESS CAMP Campers will be taught by instructors who are all the best in their field and also teach chess as full-time professionals. All students receive a chess board and pieces, camp T-shirt, trophy, score book, work folder, and more. June 27-July 1. Sessions meet in the morning (9am-noon), in the afternoon (1-4pm), or all day (9am-4pm). St. Gabriel's Catholic School, 2500 Wimberley Ln., 888/65-CHESS. www.chesscamp.com.

Ronda's Montessori Garden

TEXPEDITIONS is held – where else? – at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. Their Story of Texas Players dutifully cover the history of our state, flag, and (cough, ahem, cough) IMAX theatre in these weeklong courses. Ages 7-12. July 11-Aug. 1, Mon.–Fri., 9am–4pm. 1800 Congress, 936-8746. www.thestoryoftexas.com/
education/texpeditionssummer.shtm.

YOGA CAMP FOR KIDS Everybody needs a little ohmming sometimes. Here, children will learn yoga postures through storytelling and playing games. So, even if you don't have the time to find your chi, at least let the littl'uns in on the nirvana. Two separate camps are available, grouped by age. Ages 5-12. June 6-10 available for ages 5-8; July 11-15 for ages 9-12. Yoga Yoga North, 2167 Anderson. 380-9800. www.yogayoga.com.

Sports Camps

AUSTIN ROCK GYM Are your kids sweaty with cabin fever, mucking up your walls with sneaker prints or bouncing off the ceiling from suffocating boredom? At Austin Rock Gym, they'll actually be encouraged to climb around like the little monkeys they are – and they'll learn to do so safely. Classes grouped by age: 6-8, 9-11, and 12 and older. May 30-Aug. 19, 9am-1pm. 4401 Freidrich, 416-9299. www.austinrockgym.com.

AUSTIN WALDORF SCHOOL delivers an insane array of excitement this summer. Their Summergarden Camp for ages 4 through 6 is filled with storytelling, gardening, arts and crafts; Camp Roadrunner for those 6 through 10 covers nature trails, Español instruction, tons of sports, and more. These are rounded out by specialized sports camps on basketball, volleyball, and ball handling, in addition to their summer acting workshop. Summergarden and Camp Roadrunner June 13-Aug. 5; acting workshop starting June 6; sports camps starting June 13. 8702 South View, 288-5942. www.austinwaldorf.org.

CAMP AVALANCHE/CAMP SUB ZERO These camps get your would-be Hammels and Hamiltons outta the sweltering heat and onto the ice. Kids get to skate every day and even play in a snow park; they'll also enjoy (heart)warming activities such as swimming, hiking, fishing, and volunteering. Ages 5-9 & 10-13, both camps begin June 6. 14200 N. I-35, 252-8500. www.chaparralice.com.

GOLDEN VISTA EQUESTRIAN CENTER Can't get your kids to stop begging for a horse? Send them here for any one of several sessions. From beginner to advanced, your child will care for a horse, learn handling and grooming, and ride, ride, ride! Teaching your children responsibility while satisfying their need to horse around will provide them (and you) with a happy summer. Several drop-off points available. Ages 7-18. Starts May 30. 9513 Hwy. 183 S., 243-3500. www.goldenvistaequestriancenter.com.

ROWING DOCK sets sail to Town Lake for all-boating, all-floating action! Day camp explores introductory rowing and water safety, while older kids dive deeper into rowing's athletic and competitive aspects through the Dock's morning courses. Grades six and above. Day camp: May 31-Aug. 1. Morning courses: June 13-15, July 25-29, Aug. 8-12. 2418 Stratford Dr., 459-0999. www.rowingdock.com.

SUN DRAGON KARATE CAMP FOR GIRLS features Kyokushin-style karate, self-defense, writing exercises, and even more. Their one-week camp is suitable for all skill levels. Ages 6-12, June 20-24. 203 E. Riverside, 416-9735. www.sundragon-martialarts.com.

Soccer Camps

LONGHORN SOCCER CAMP, run by Austin's Longhorn Soccer Club, is the oldest overnight camp in South Texas. Located at Blinn College in Brenham, the camp offers goalkeeper and field player programs. June 19-24. PO Box 204021, 512/990-1234. www.longhornsoccerclub.org.

ROBERT KETTLE SOCCER CAMP offers a lot more than just soccer for the baller in your family. With gymnastics, trampolines, a 60-foot climbing and rappelling wall, horseback riding, canoeing, a junior Olympic swimming pool, basketball, volleyball, and pingpong, we're not sure the little champ will have enough time to dribble! Ages 8-17. Four weeklong sessions, beginning June 12. Texas Sports Ranch, Crosby, 888/GYM-CAMP. www.robertkettlesoccer.com.

ST. EDWARD'S UNIVERSITY SOCCER CAMP conducted by head coach Brian Young, offers a boys and girls competitive day camp and a weeklong boys residential camp at the gorgeous, rolling South Austin university. Session I: June 20-23, 9am-noon, ages 5-15; Session II: July 18-21, 9am-noon, ages 5-15; Boys Select Week Residential Camp: July 17-21, ages 9-18. 448-8507. 3001 S. Congress, 448-8400. www.stedwards.edu.

TATU'S ALL-STAR SOCCER CAMP is a weeklong residence camp from the man who brought you Tatu's Indoor Soccer Palace. Ages 9-17. June 12-17. Trinity Valley Community College, Athens. www.tatusoccer.com.

TEXAS A&M SOCCER CAMP offers four weeklong sessions at the Aggie Soccer Complex in College Station, and one slightly shorter session for ages 5 to 10. Ages 5-18. Sessions starting June 7. www.texasamsoccercamp.com.

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SOCCER CAMP has something for every level this summer. Their Team and Advanced camps are both residential, while their day camp is perfect for younger beginners. Day camp: June 13-17. Resident camp, June 8-12, July 7-11. Advanced Camp & Team Camp, June 7-11, July 6-10. 471-3624 www.texassoccer.com.

VOGELSINGER SOCCER MINI-ACADEMY based in San Rafael, Calif., is coming to Austin's St. Stephen's School in June. The traveling academy offers intense two-week courses in either field playing or goalkeeping. Ages 12 and up. June 6-19. 2900 Bunny Run, 327-1213. www.vogelsingersoccer.com.

WOLFGANG SUHNHOLZ SOCCER ACADEMY Suhnholz, the eminance grise of the Austin soccer community, offers two weeklong day or residential camps at Southwestern University in Georgetown. Ages 8-16. June 18-22, June 22-26. 512/258-2277. www.suhnholzoccer.com.

Looking for a certain mixture of hydrogen and oxygen in which to soothe your broiling integument? Austin Parks and Recreation Depart-ment's Aquatic and Safety Division operates 47 public pool facilities – 27 neighborhood pools, 12 wading pools, six municipal pools, the Emma Long waterfront, and Barton Springs Pool. Most of the neighborhood pools open the last weekend in May or in early June, and close in early August; check the PARD Web site for times and locations: www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/pools_schedule.htm.