Summerfun2018 by Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch

Summer Fun2018 A product of Barton Publications, Inc.

CAMP INVENTION

A guide to summer camps and activities in and around Hays County

The evolution of summer camp

Local camp sponsors talk about the trends in day camps BY MOSES LEOS III

“Camps that exist solely as an overnight or summer camp are having harder times making ends meet. The new model involves year-around programming that includes the overnight experience, but also day camp and outdoor actives and group events.” –Sean Doles, vice president of mission advancement at the YMCA of Austin

MAD SCIENCE 2

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The look of excitement on children’s faces when they’re hands on with a science experiment is exciting for Adrianna Hagan, president of Mad Science of Austin and San Antonio. From creating non-toxic slime to taking in a chemistry demonstration, Hagan hopes the program’s day camps enrich elementary school-aged children during the often boring summer months. The experience also follows a growing trend of day camps, where parents provide their children an outlet that’s far beyond just the phone screen they tap on. Sean Doles, vice president of mission advancement at the YMCA of Austin, said the rising popularity of day camps extends to parents wanting closer access to their children. Historically, the overnight summer camp experience was conducted at locations a few hours away from major urban areas. The cost of running an overnight summer camp might not be cost effective, as the operation only exists for a few months, Doles said. “Camps that exist solely as an overnight or summer camp are having harder times making ends meet,” Doles said. “The new model involves year-around programming that includes the overnight experience, but also day camp and outdoor activities and group events.” Doles said the programs for those day camps follow two schools of thought. One centers on getting children away from technology and reconnecting with nature. “Our kids are so immersed in technology now, they’re spending so much time in front of screens,” Doles said. The second train of thought embraces technology as a tool to forward learning experiences and discovery. Doles said examples of using technology could extend to using a smartphone as a compass, for photo documentation. Popularity on day camps to overnight camps can vary on the region as well, Hagan said. In the northern part of the country, overnight camping excursions are more

BEAR CREEK

popular due to the milder weather in the summertime. “Camping on the east coast is comfortable in the summer. Camping in Summer in Texas is uncomfortable. We like our ACs,” Hagan said. “Parents are not as comfortable sending kids to camps without ACs.” Linda Dover, who “The children bond to has owned the horse, they don’t just Bear Creek Stables in ride and get off. They Hays County 26 years, kind of build a friendship for has found a niche by with the horse. It’s more offering outdoor than just riding.” focused –Linda Dover, owner of Bear Creek Stables day camps. Activities at Bear Creek Stables, which is open to elementary school children and teenagers, involves the ins-and-outs of caring for and riding horses. While camp attendance has dropped over the past few years, due in part to an influx of day camps in the area, Dover said there is still an interSTABLES est in an outdoor-only experience. She

said she often has first-time campers attend and discovers how working with horses can be a worthwhile experience. “The children bond to the horse, they don’t just ride and get off,” Dover said. “They kind of build a friendship with the horse. It’s more than just riding.” What the day-camp trend offers is the ability for more communication between parents and children, Dover said. “They feel more comfortable. They are going home every night, and not being away from parents as much, they can also tell parents the experience they had that day,” Dover said. Hagan said additional changes to the camping experience also extend to safety and precautions, which has amplified over the past two decades. While programming may change over time, such as the possibility of virtual reality in the near future, Hagan said there is still a need for children to understand how to learn away from the computer screen. “It’s great to play a game, but having the knowledge to bake cookies by yourself, or make slime by yourself, instead of going to the store to buy it, it’s nice to have those extra life experiences and skills.”

Agua Fresca Studios CREATIVE SUMMER CAMPS 9 a.m. -4 p.m. Full Day Camps 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Preschool Camp Ages 4-14 Art, Science, Photography, Music, Farming, Clay, Author/Illustrator, Ukuleles and more! Beautiful creekside studio just 15 miles from Kyle

Wimberley TX www.aguafrescastudios.com

2018 Summer Camp Guide 3

Day camp offers experiences not offered anywhere else BY MARLA COLEMAN Children learn life skills that become habits of the heart. A mother wrote about her family on a ski trip. The son got to the top of a steep hill and started to panic. The mom said, “What would you do if you were at camp?” and he proceeded to engage himself in positive self-talk that was part of the camp culture: “It may take time, it may be hard; but stick with it, and you’ll be fine!” He skied down with a huge sense of accomplishment and perseverance. It’s tough to be a kid these days. It’s tough to be a parent. In a society where the nature of the family, the work place, and the community have changed dramatically, we can no longer assume that the natural process of growing up will provide children the experiences and the resources they need to become successful, contributing adults. In sharp contrast to the traditions of growing up in the 50s and 60s, today we live in the first moment when humans receive more of their information second-hand than first! We are in a climate where it is harder to know what we need to survive, so drawing on experiences that give children healthy alternatives and opportunities to instill capabilities, the hallmarks of

AUSTIN WALDORF SCHOOL

BUDA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

• Shady Indoor Arena • Swimming

• No Rain Outs!

• English & Western Riding • Trails & Demonstrations

Experience creating summer fun & learning since 1982

512-282-0250 Easy online registration at www.bearcreekstables.com

June 13-Aug 8 (no July 4) • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

SUMMER CAMP Ages 7-16 June 4-Aug. 24, 8 am to 4 pm

Pre-K to 5th Grade Through art, cooking, games, missions, spiritual practices, storytelling and science, we will explore the Biblical story of Jacob and Esau.

OPEN HOUSE March 17: 2-4 pm • April 21: 10-12 pm

FREE CAMP T-SHIRT

FREE: RSVP to Beth Seward at children@budaumc.org

Just mention Summer Fun when registering

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Buda United Methodist Church 302 Elm Street Buda, TX 78610 512-295-6981 www.BudaUMC.org

Under the supervision of inspiring guides and passionate coaches, children can feel successful and make new friends while having the time of their lives

thriving, is the greatest gift you can give a young child. Does it really matter if my child doesn’t go to day camp, especially since she will go to overnight camp in a few years? She is only four years old – why does she need day camp? Camp provides one of the very few links with a world larger than the consumer culture we inhabit – and day camp is one important choice in a quiver of options. The camp experience helps children and youth develop an appreciation of their place and their responsibility in a much larger universe. A preschooler – or even an older child who might be reluctant to go to overnight camp – can join a community that is created especially for her to practice growing up. Why wait until age ten when the benefits of feeling connected and being able to contribute and navigate at an earlier age can be reaped? Under the supervision of inspiring guides and passionate coaches, children can feel successful and make new friends while having the time of

Badgerdog Creative Writing Summer Camp Badgerdog’s two-week workshops immerse young people in the art and magic of writing. Campers gain a new appreciation for writing, build skills and practice, and become published authors. First Baptist Church Oak Hill (Southwest Austin) June 4 to June 15 | 9 a.m. to noon July 23 to August 4 | 9 a.m. to noon Other sessions and locations open across Austin. Scholarships available.

www.austinlibrary.org www.austinlibrary.org

To register, go to http://austinlibrary.org/creative-writing-summer-camp/

their lives; they can experience belonging and contribution; they can have a sense of consistency and predictability in times of turbulence and change. Day camp can begin as early as age three, and is geared to children who get to experience camp and still return home each evening! They have the best of both worlds – the camp community which is built exclusively for kids and their own home which provides the security they need at a tender age. One day camp parent said, “While my children and I are constantly bombarded by the news which is focused on what is wrong with the world, camp is a living example of what is right.” Day camp is a terrific first experience. Reminiscent of less complicated days, when people connected with nature, thrived on inter-generational relationships, and made new discoveries, everything is designed and scaled to ensure that children feel included, cared about, and capable. Beginning camp at an early age provides important

advantages. Camp is the best demonstration of moral and spiritual order – democracy is the core purpose. Children learn life skills and behaviors that become habits of the heart. While many then move on to overnight camp, others will be content to continue the day camp experience: after all, there is a camp for everyone – and that might well be day camp! To learn more about camp and child development, please visit the American Camp Association’s family-dedicated Web site: www. ACAcamps.org or call the toll-free number 1-800-428-CAMP (2267). Marla Coleman is the parent liaison at Camp Echo in Burlingham, New York. A past president of the American Camp Association, she is a co-owner of Coleman Family Camps, which includes Camp Echo and Coleman Country Day Camp. Reprinted by permission of the American Camp Association © 2016 American Camping Association, Inc.

Little Dancer’s Workshop Ballet * Tap * Jazz * Pointe * Hip Hop Cheer * Acro * Gymnastics Lyrical * Mommy and Me * Contemporary Performance & Competition Teams

www.DanceUnlimitedBudaTX.com

1019 Main Street • Buda, Texas 78610 • 512-295-3667 2018 Summer Camp Guide 5

$6.25 million donation moves Camp Cypress forward “Today’s future scientists, problemsolvers and environmental stewards are being shaped by their outdoor experiences. Camp Cypress has the opportunity to help mold tomorrow’s leaders and give outdoor experiences to children for the first time, and we are proud to be part of this project.” –Elizabeth Moody, trustee of the Moody Foundation

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STAFF REPORT The Moody Foundation has granted $6.25 million to the YMCA of Austin in support of the Phase I campaign goal for Camp Cypress, an 85-acre overnight and day-camp along Onion Creek in northern Hays County. With a vision to create a natural oasis in close proximity to the Austin-area for Central Texas youth and families, YMCA Camp Cypress aims to become the most accessible and affordable camp and retreat center in the region. “At the Moody Foundation, we believe every Texan should have the opportunity to learn about the natural world around them,” said Ross R. Moody, trustee of the Moody Foundation and CEO of National Western Life Group. “Camp Cypress will help Austin’s underserved populations, including economically disadvantaged individuals and those with special needs, engage with their environment in a new way. Through our support of Camp Cypress, we’re proud to help create new learning opportunities for generations to come.” Although the YMCA of Austin has integrated hands-on

outdoor learning and activities through summer day camp and parent/child camping programs since the 1970s, it is also the largest YMCA in the nation without a specific campus for overnight camping and related activities. This grant brings the YMCA of Austin’s total to $15 million in its Phase I fundraising goal to raise $18 million for Camp Cypress. Phase I will include a dining hall, treehouse cabins, two bunk cabin villages, and a 12,000-square-foot enclosed competition aquatic center. The center will also support all swim programming for Hays CISD. In June 2017, Hays CISD’s board of trustees approved spending $5 million toward construction of the natatorium, which will consist of a 25-yard, 10-lane pool. Camp Cypress will also have 700-foot dual zip lines, climbing wall, archery range, ropes course, entertainment amphitheater, open-air sports space and accessible trails. All of these amenities and activities will utilize universal design to be accessible and welcoming to people of all abilities.

2018 FARM DAY CAMPS

2434 Martin Road Dripping Springs 512-829-1003

CAMP CYPRESS, 8

www.HillsofMilkandHoney.com PRESCHOOL AGE 3-4 Mon 6/11 - Thurs 6/14 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM

ELEMENTARY AGE 5-11 Mon 6/18 - Fri 6/22 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM

CHILDREN WITH AUTISM AGE 6-14 Mon 7/23 - Fri 7/27 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM

MIDDLE AGE 12-14 Mon 6/25 - Fri 6/29 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM

TEENS/YOUNG ADULTS WITH AUTISM AGE 6-14 Mon 7/23 - Fri 7/27 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM

2018 Summer Camp Guide 7

CAMP CYPRESS “Today’s future scientists, problem-solvers and environmental stewards are being shaped by their outdoor experiences,” said Elizabeth Moody, trustee of the Moody Foundation. “Camp Cypress has the opportunity to help mold tomorrow’s leaders and give outdoor experiences to children for the first time, and we are proud to be part of this project.” The Camp Cypress property was donated to the YMCA of Austin by George Yonge in 1999 with the desire to establish a camp for kids to explore the great outdoors. The property boasts a pristine, scenic and diverse 85-acre nature preserve located along a half-mile stretch of Onion Creek just off Old San Antonio Road in Buda. Camp Cypress, like Austin and San Marcos, is part of the Edwards Plateau and is on the edge of the Balcones Escarpment. Features include dramatic limestone outcrops along with beautiful Bald Cypress trees lining the creek banks. Native flora and fauna create a living laboratory for exploration and discovery. “There is a clear need to preserve more natural spaces in Central Texas where kids can be physically active, connect with nature, and just play and explore in a safe environment,” said James Finck, YMCA of Austin President & CEO. “We’re addressing a need to provide an accessible overnight camp experience; one that is closer to the city, affordable to all families, and welcoming to people of all abilities. All this while holding true to our character values taught at the YMCA - there is no greater place for that to happen than at an overnight camp. It’s a life-changing experience these kids will never forget. We’re excited to partner with the Moody Foundation to bring Mr. Yonge’s vision to reality.” Since its founding in Galveston in 1942, the Moody Foundation has supported Texas non-profits in the fields of education, health and the arts. Last year, the Foundation gave more than $80 million in grants to Texas organizations.

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FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

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  oldest private school in Hays County   nurturing Christian environment   stimulating curriculum & small co-ed classrooms   exceptional facilities on a gated hill country campus   full-service dining hall (no more packing lunch)   affordable tuition with family discounts   no admissions testing; rolling enrollment available   athletics, fine arts and leadership opportunities   accommodations for mild to moderate LD   fully accredited and known world-wide   ask about our bus transportation

San Marcos Academy 2801 Ranch Road 12, San Marcos, TX 78666 512-753-8000 smabears.org

2018 Summer Camp Guide 9

Camp Memories A sampling of teenagers, 15 to 18 years of age, were asked to share their memories of summer camp. This is what they had to say.

During the summer, I went to a camp for two days and I had absolutely no service, and I didn’t know anyone there, but I made a ton of friends and overall it turned out decent. I would return given the opportunity! The camp was a leadership camp for FFA. I learned a lot and met lots of new people.

The first summer camp I went to was called “VBS” (Vacation Bible School) and it was so fun. Keep in mind I was like 6. the camp was a week long and I went every day with all my friends from 6 a.m.-2 p.m. We did arts and crafts, play outside, get wet, and even eat like five times. My friend Kaylee and I went on some adventurous walks, and my best friend Steven would always take garden snakes back from our walks. Anyway it was such a great experience to have at a young age because I also got to learn about God and enjoy it with friends.

–Raven

–unsigned

I go to a church camp/retreat every year. It is really fun and I love going because I make a lot of good connections. We do fun activities and I usually go home with a profound experience that I will remember. People from all over Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Colorado, and Kansas City come and it’s really big most of the time. It’s way better than I made it sound, but I’m still asleep. It’s too early.

This year, I went to athletic training camp. It was a 3-day camp and we learned a lot. We learned a lot about each other and the program. Within those three days, we also learned how to tape, run a cistern, and even got CPR certified. We also got to know the GA’s and also a lot about Winter & Ashworth (Hays CISD athletic trainers). It was very new and a lot of fun.

–Faith

–Mireya

Princess Camp • June 11-14 All State Choir Camp • June 18-21 Guitar Camp • June 25-28 Boys Just Want to Have Fun • July 9-12 Songwriting Camp • July 16-19 MIDI Computer Music Camp • July 30-Aug. 2 Beatles Camp • Aug. 6-9 Musical Theatre Camp • TBA Summer Choir • Every Friday starting June 8

www.curiouschords.com Private lessons offered weekly all year!

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WEEK 5: JULY 9-13

Color Me Crazy

Whether designing the latest Project Runway styles or creating elaborate Lego structures, campers will use their imaginations to the fullest! We will explore a range of artistic styles and methods to unleash our hidden talents. Come paint, sew and build with us!

Enroll Early! Space is Limited!

2018

Swimming weekly, ﬁeld trips and guest performers highlight all of our camps!

WEEK 1: JUNE 11-15

O-ﬁsh-ally SUMMER!

Join us as we set sail for SUMMER. Let’s put school behind us and splash our cares away. Parks and picnics and glass bottom boats ﬁll each day. Grab your sunscreen and shades and let’s GO!

WEEK 2: JUNE 18 – 22

HAPPY CAMPER

Pitch your tent and roast your S’mores. It’s in our nature to be outside! After hiking and swimming, settle in at camp for some camp ﬁre stories.

WEEK 6: JULY 16-20

Ooey Gooey

We are getting messy this week! Create, envision, design all while getting your hands dirty. We will put on our THINKING caps this week and expand our minds! Don’t miss out on all the ooey gooey fun.

WEEK 3: JUNE 25-29

Buggin’ Out

Slither, hop, ﬂutter or crawl your way to a week ﬁlled with discovery, nature and BUGS. You won’t have to BUG us to have a good time this week… NATURE-ally guaranteed!

WEEK 7: JULY 23-27

ALL STARS

WEEK 4: JULY 2-JULY 6 (CLOSED JULY 4)

STARS AND STRIPES “O say can you see?” what a good time you will have celebrating our nation’s spirit. Pool splashing, lemonade stands and summer fun awaits!

Swish and she scores! Lady Spurs WIN! Join us for all American sports week. Love to bowl, play basketball, volleyball or soccer? Well we have it all. So pick the game, grab the ball and let’s hustle!

WEEK 8: JULY 30-AUG 3

Let’s Get Wild RRROOOARR! Lions, tigers and

bears OH MY! Visit our 4-legged friends at the zoo and learn all about the animal kingdom this week. Find your inner cheetah and RUN!

WEEK 9: AUG 6-9 (CLOSED AUG 10)

TREASURE ISLAND

Ahoy Maties! ARGH…Shiver Me Timbers as we sail through the week searching for hidden treasures. Can you read a map, navigate, and solve puzzles? Perhaps we will even face our fears to get a clue. Scavenger hunts and obstacle courses may just turn into an amazing race.

WEEK 10: AUG 13-17

Keep Corral Kids Weird

Unleash your inner artist as we explore the city of Austin. Join us for a week ﬁlled with tie dye t-shirts, erupting art and a scavenger hunt down South Congress. Let’s get WEIRD and create our craziest artistic visions!

WEEK 11: AUG 20-24

There’s No Place Like Camp

Who can ring the bell this year at the top of the rock wall, take the silliest photo in our photo booth or display the coolest moves on the dance ﬂoor? You won’t want to miss our end of summer celebration!

(512) 405-3700 • 6022 McNaughton, Kyle, TX (in Plum Creek) • www.rockinghorseacademy.com

BY APRIL 1

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YMCA Camps offer children and teens safe, exciting and memory-making experiences. At the Y, campers gain a sense of accomplishment, build relationships and find their sense of belonging.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR AGES 4-14! Kinder, Theme and Adventure camps offered in Hays County. Additional Camps available throughout Travis and Bastrop Counties.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER AT AUSTINYMCA.ORG F I N A N C I A L A S S I S TA N C E I S AVA I L A B L E

2018 Summer Camp Guide 11

The only times that I’ve ever gone camping was during the summer. When I was younger, my family and I would always to the the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels. There are multiple camp sites along the river and it is very family friendly. On the river, there are multiple activities you can do like swimming, canoeing, tubing, lounging, kayaking, fishing, and cliff jumping are some of my favorite things to do. My camping experience as a child was very fun and I would highly encourage any family to go out and try it. After all, it is fun and affordable.

I go to Laity Lodge Youth Camp for two weeks every summer. Last summer was my last year as a camper. It’s an amazing Christian camp where you connect with God and the people there. We do group games and at the end the best team wins. We have guy/girl split for 24 hours where we go and play fun games and eat really good food. It’s the best part of my summer every year. I’m sad to not be a camper anymore but glad I get to go back to the canyon and serve on crew.

When I lived in Arizona, I participated in a basketball camp every summer. My sister’s high school coach would organize it. we ended up working together every year. The last year, I participated was 3rd grade. Basketball is one of the things I miss about Arizona. It was my favorite summer activity.

Volleyball camp is fun. I like the game we play – the scavenger hunt is most fun. We go into the school to find what we need. Going with a big group is better. I’ve been to Colorado for the USAV Junior Volleyball Camp. That was a great experience.

–Darian

–Emily

–Annaliese

–Ryann

June 11 - August 17 An enriching, fun-filled child care program licensed by the State of Texas Camp sites at Buda Elementary and Kyle Elementary Hours: 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Two field trips and one swim trip weekly. Weekly themes for All Around the World in 50 Days! Fee assistance for qualifying families

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2018 Summer Camp Guide 13

Summer Camp Memories I went to Camp Champions when I was in 5th grade. At this camp, my 5th grade class stayed for three nights. I enjoyed the camp because we got to stay in cabins. We participated in many outdoor activities such as fishing, swimming, archery, go-kart racing, and bonfires. Also, the camp was a learning experience. We learned many things about biology and ecosystems. This camp is perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors and science, just like myself.

For as long as I can remember, I have been going to summer camp. My favorite experience at summer camp was when I was 13 years old and I went to Austin Nature Science Center Caving Camp. I showed up the very first day excited and ready to explore caves all around Austin. However, when my mother dropped me off, I realized it was an all boys camp. There was even a camping trip at the end of the week and I was really nervous about being the only girl. I sucked it up an did the camp anyway and ended up making friends that I still talk to today, five years later. They were super supportive and welcoming. This was surprising to me considering they were all a bunch of 13-yearold boys. We even had to share a tent, but it was okay because we had so much fun in Longhorn Caverns, Whirlpool Cave, bat cave, and my absolute favorite – Maple Run Cave.

–Alicia

– Lolly

Respect, Honor and the Olympic Sport of FENCING Summer Camps and Classes in KYLE and SAN MARCOS

www.TheFencingAcademy.net

CAMP FOR KIDS 8-13 COPING WITH LOSS Camp Heartsong provides a safe and supportive environment for children to explore feelings of loss. It was established for children who are grieving the death of a close loved one. Our team will offer support groups and individual counseling.

FISHING & ARCHERY CAMPING FUN MEET NEW FRIENDS! 14