Houston Family Magazine Camp Directory: March 2021

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ADVENTURE KIDS PLAYCARE

ALLEY THEATRE

adventurekidsplaycare.com/camps

713.315.5441 Houston, TX

Katy 281.769.2398 Memorial City 713.838.1414 Sugar Land 832.886.4153 The Woodlands 936.271.2259 Woodforest 936.209.2212 TYPE OF CAMP: Day Camp AGES: 3-12 Flexibility for your family, FUN for your kids! Drop-in for an hour or stay all day. We have an option to meet every family’s needs this summer.

9AM-4PM, before and after care available.

www.alleytheatre.org/hfm

TYPE OF CAMP: Theatre Camp AGES: 5-18 Alley Play Makers camp allows your child to learn theatre skills, have fun in a diverse environment, make new friends, and discover ways to shine on and off the stage.

ALLIANCE FENCING ACADEMY alliance-fencing-academy.com 713.410.6655 Houston & Conroe TYPE OF CAMP: Sports, Day Camp AGES: 5-14 Alliance Fencing Academy’s summer and winter fencing camps are an opportunity for your child to have fun exploring one of the original and foundational sports of the modern Olympic games while picking up technical and competitive skills that will last them a lifetime.

CAMP ALLEN

CAMP CHAMPIONS

CAMP INVENTION

campallen.org

www.campchampions.com

www.invent.org/save

936.825.7175 Navasota, TX

830.598.2571 Marble Falls, TX

TYPE OF CAMP: Overnight Camp

TYPE OF CAMP: Overnight

800.968.4332 Multiple Locations Across Greater Houston Area

AGES: 8-18

AGES: 5-17

Camp Allen provides a fun & unique environment for young people to cultivate friendships, experience personal growth, and learn about the unconditional love of Jesus Christ. Located 1 hour from Houston, Camp Allen’s core values are Spiritual Growth, Positive Identity, Safety, and FUN!

Camp Champions has created a tradition of excellence since 1967.

With the facility and staff expected from a top overnight summer camp, Champions is distinguished by its focus on building strong kids.

One, two, and three-week sessions available for ages 5-17.

TYPE OF CAMP: Academic AGES: Grades K-6 Camp Invention® is the nationally acclaimed, nonprofit summer enrichment program created by the National Inventors Hall of Fame® (NIHF) for kindergarteners through 6th graders.

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CAMP LANTERN CREEK

CHRISTIAN YOUTH THEATER HOUSTON

CHILDTIME LEARNING CENTER

www.camplanterncreek.com

cythouston.org/camps

www.Childtime.com/summer

936.597.8225 Montgomery, TX

281.580.4298 Houston, TX

877.217.9528 Houston, TX

TYPE OF CAMP: Overnight, All Girl

TYPE OF CAMP: Theater Camp

TYPE OF CAMP: Day Camp

AGES: 7-17

AGES: 5-18

AGES: 6 weeks - 12 years

Tucked away on 100 acres in the piney woods of Montgomery, Texas, Camp Lantern Creek is a unique all girls sleep away summer camp that was created so girls can find their voice, try new skills, be cheered on whether they succeed or fail, get dirty, push boundaries, love nature and so much more!

Come join us Under the Sea this Summer for a fun,creative, theater arts camp! At the two week long Summer Stock camp for ages 8-18, students will be learning and performing a full Junior musical, The Little Mermaid Jr. complete with costumes, sets, and choreography culminating in 2 performances. In the weeklong Under the Sea Day Camp for ages 5-12, students will be learning the basic building blocks for Theater Arts performances including singing, acting, and dancing culminating in a showcase for parents and friends. If your child loves to perform, this camp is for you!!

At Childtime’s Camp Curiosity, your child will enjoy awesome learning experiences, fun projects, cool gear, and healthy meals. Get ready for a summer camp experience that will pique your curiosity! Connect with us at 877.217.9528 or Childtime.com.

SUMMER 2021 IN PERSON AND VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING

FOR KIDS AGES 6–12

To register or for more information, visit hmns.org.

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COOKING WITH A TWIST cookingwithatwisthouston.com/kidszone/ 713.574.9371 Stafford, TX TYPE OF CAMP: Cooking Camp/ Spring Break AGES: 7-16 3 Days of culinary learning & fun!

We provide a fun, safe & topnotch Cooking Camp led by Chef DeeDee Coleman & other first class instructors. Your kid will learn culinary skills including a multitude of fun & exciting recipes! Register your kid now, limited space available.

CORDOVAN ART SCHOOL & YOUNG ARTIST ART STUDIO

THE HEALTH MUSEUM

cordovanartschool.com

713.521.1515 Houston, TX

281.645.6580 The Woodlands, TX TYPE OF CAMP: Art Camp AGES: 5-16 Cordovan Art School is teaming up with Young Artist Art Studio for the BEST creative Spring & Summer Art Camps ever! 10,000 kids & teens have joined Cordovan camps over the past 11 years! Family owned, Over 40 camps to choose from, Ages 5-16, All skill levels, Extended care.

thehealthmuseum.org

TYPE OF CAMP: Spring Break Camp AGES: 5-13 Unleash the power of science with summer camps at The Health Museum! Campers will engage in STEM activities, such as dissecting real animal organs, veterinarian science, simulating surgery and more! Visit our website to get on the waitlist!

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HMNS SUMMER CAMP

HOUSTON SPCA

KANAKUK KAMPS

houstonspca.org

www.kanakuk.com

hmns.org/education/summer-camp/

education@houstonspca.org Houston, TX

417.266.3000 Branson, Missouri

TYPE OF CAMP: Adventure, Academic

TYPE OF CAMP: Overnight Camp

AGES: 3rd-8th grade

AGES: 6-18

Get Ready for Some Off-the-Leash Fun! Summer Critter Camp at the Houston SPCA is back and will be held in-person from June 7 – August 13, 2021. There is a variety of 10 week-long day sessions for Campers entering 3rd – 8th grade. Summer waits for no one, and your kids deserve it. So register today!

Kanakuk is a premier summer camp experience for boys and girls with locations in Branson and Lampe, Missouri. It’s 5 overnight camps provide children and teens with fun, safe and age-appropriate outdoor camping experiences that develop them spiritually, physically, emotionally and socially. Sessions run from May 29 to August 6 with 1, 2 and 4-week options.

713.639.4651 Houston, TX & Sugar Land, TX TYPE OF CAMP: Academic, Technology AGES: 6-12 From robots and rocket science to mummies and spying, students can participate in a variety of week-long camps at the Houston Museum of Natural Science!

Join us for an action-packed, faith-filled week of summer camp! Located on 1,100 forested acres one hour north west of Houston, Camp Allen provides affordable, over night camping experiences for ages 8-18.

campallen.org

936.825.7175

Currently Registering for the 21/22 School Year

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KIDVENTURE DAY CAMP

KIDVENTURE OVERNIGHT CAMP

LANGUAGE KIDS WORLD

kidventure.com

kidventure.com

www.languagekids.com

713.960.8989 Houston, TX

512.263.8992 Hunt, TX & Rocksprings, TX

281.565.1388 Greater Houston Area

TYPE OF CAMP: Day Camp

TYPE OF CAMP: Overnight Camp

TYPE OF CAMP: Academic Camp

AGES: 1st-5th Grade & 6th-9th grade

AGES: 8-13 & 13-16

AGES: 3-5 & 6-12

Kidventure Overnight Camp has been an experience like none other.

Now, more than ever, our kids need camp. The opportunity to rebuild relationships, gain confidence, and dream big has never meant more.

Join Kidventure for the summer of 2021 and be part of an adventure that will last a lifetime.

Learning another language has never been so much fun! Spanish immersion in-person camps, and virtual camps in Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, French, German, ESL and Sign Language, as well as our brand new “Build your own camp” ™ program, in which we bring our amazing camps to your home!

Kidventure will offer over 16 Camp programs across the Houston area.

Each Houston Day Camp program provides each age group with its custom curriculum, unique camp activities, and dedicated adult camp team designed to bring out the very best camp experience for every child.

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LONE STAR FLIGHT MUSEUM

THE PARISH SCHOOL

RISE AT THE WAREHOUSE

lonestarflight.org/learn/camps/

www.parishschool.org/summer

risewarehouse.com/camp

346.708.2517 Houston, TX

713.467.4696 Houston, TX

713.715.7473 Houston, TX

TYPE OF CAMP: Technology Camp

TYPE OF CAMP: Day and Overnight Camp Options

TYPE OF CAMP: Day Camp

AGES: 11-14

AGES: 2-17 (ages vary by program)

AGES: 5-12

Spring Break Camp and Merit Badge Workshops at LSFM – JUST PLANE FUN! For Scouts 11-17. New American Heritage and Electronics merit badges available plus the Aviation merit badge. And don’t forget the Pilot Maker camp for kids 10-13. Visit LoneStarFlight.org for details.

The Parish School educates children who have communication delays and learning differences, empowering them with the tools to succeed.

Through a variety of summer programs, campers build self-esteem while developing communication, social and handwriting skills in a safe, nurturing environment.

RISE offers a one-of-a-kind weeklong day camp featuring gymnastics, dance, music, and ninja: 4 camps in 1! Each day our campers cycle through these 4 disciplines, keeping them engaged and active for the whole week.

Our camp is open to ages 5-12 and runs 9am-3pm; extended care is also available!

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SCHOOL OF ROCK

XPLOR PRESCHOOL AND SCHOOL-AGE

YMCA CAMP CULLEN

Clear Lake 281.218.7625 Sugar Land 832.939.8788 Champion Forest 281.246.4475

XplorPreschool.com

www.ymcacampcullen.org

877.959.3743 Houston, TX

936.594.2274 Trinity, TX

TYPE OF CAMP: Music, Day Camp

TYPE OF CAMP: Day Camp

TYPE OF CAMP: Overnight, Adventure

AGES: 5-18

AGES: 6 wks-12 years

AGES: 5-17

Throughout the year, School of Rock offers music camps and workshops perfect for musicians of all skill levels who play guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, ukulele, and vocals. Call today, or sign up on our website!

Rock on!

Xplor’s preschool curriculum prepares children for elementary school by developing important academic, social and emotional skills. Our robust school-age programs include B&A care and camps.

www.schoolofrock.com

Nestled among the tall pines along the shores of Lake Livingston lies one of Texas’s premier camps.

Campers take part in choice-based activities in a safe, fun and supportive environment.

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PROGRAMS • EVENTS • SCOUTS • CAMPS LoneStarFlight.org

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YMCA DAY CAMP ymcahouston.org/summer-camp Greater Houston Area TYPE OF CAMP: Day Camp

Don't just grow.

Thrive!

AGES: 5-15 Offered at locations around the Houston area, our camps place special emphasis on youth choice, achievement and a sense of belonging. Activities may include sports and outdoor games, creative and performing arts, archery, engineering and nature exploration.

Now enrolling for the 2021N22 school year!

Educating children ages 2–12 who have communication delays and learning differences, empowering them with the tools to succeed.

YORKSHIRE ACADEMY www.yorkshireacademy.com 281.531.6088 Houston, TX

• Small, 1:5 faculty/student ratios • Highly qualified, master’s-level educators • Beautiful, 17-acre campus • Nationally accredited independent school • Serving greater Houston since 1983 • Financial assistance available

TYPE OF CAMP: Academic, Art/Theatre, Technology AGES: 24 months - 6th grade Yorkshire Academy’s Summer Program offers a wide array of camp options for 24 months–6th grade.

Ex.: Academics, 50 enrichment camps- such as cricket, yoga, robotics, art, Spanish, and themed camps - half day, full day, or full time care.

The Carruth Center at the parish school

Featuring an on-site pediatric therapy clinic, The Carruth Center, open to Parish students and the community.

Speech-Language Therapy | Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy | Music Therapy | Social Thinking® Mental Health Services | Developmental Testing

11001 Hammerly Blvd., Houston, TX 77043 www.parishschool.org • www.carruthcenter.org 713.467.4696

CAMP ALLEN 100 years of summer camp

Camp Allen turns 100 this year. In these turbulent, uncertain times, it is nice to see a time honored tradition continue. I don’t know about you, but it gives me great comfort to know that some things are a constant. Not only that, but they are growing and moving forward with new offerings and expansion!

To commemorate this goal, HFM spoke with our friends at Camp Allen to learn a little bit more about where they started, their milestones over the years and what the plans are for the future. It truly is a great story.

100 YEARS IS QUITE AN ACCOMPLISHMENT! WHY DO YOU FEEL CAMP ALLEN HAS BEEN ABLE TO REACH THIS MONUMENTAL GOAL?

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Summer camp, generally speaking, provides an invaluable service to families. Campers are given an opportunity to leave home and experience something completely different.

The people are new, the environment is new, and the activities are new; these things create windows for growth.

Camp Allen can cultivate an environment that keeps campers safe and opens new possibilities for developmental growth.

When we find safe places that help us connect and grow as people, those places become important. I think Camp Allen figured this out a long time ago and made it a priority. Also, it helps that Camp Allen is really, really fun.

HOW DID IT ALL BEGIN? WHO FOUNDED CAMP ALLEN? Our namesake, Rosa Lum Allen, donated her summer home on Sylvan Bay and later additional land that became a summer camp for the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. In truth, several church leaders played essential roles in creating a vision for what this place could become.

Our community owes a debt to all those who saw a need and built an idea into a solution.

That gift continues to bless our community today.

THERE ARE SO MANY CHOICES WHEN SENDING YOUR CHILD TO CAMP. WHAT ARE THE PHILOSOPHIES/ MISSION OF CAMP ALLEN? Since our inception, Camp Allen has grown to include summer camp, an outdoor education program, a hotel and conference center for groups and log cabins and lodges for personal retreats. Each maintains different guiding principles. For summer camp, we want to participate in loving God and His people.

We hope that by sharing the

story of Jesus, our campers will experience the depth of His love for us.

WHAT SETS CAMP ALLEN APART FROM OTHER TEXAS OVERNIGHT CAMPS? Camp Allen is very close to Houston (1 hour northwest) and is immersed in a beautiful natural environment that feels secluded from city life. Camp Allen is unique in that we use our proven history and combine it with modern activities.

Our camp was founded on core values that continue today: faith development, dedicated leadership, devotion to community, cultivation of positive relationships, and an outstanding safety record. The age specific camp sessions are led by experienced faith leaders who serve as outstanding role models for today’s youth. We offer big-camp activities with modern tools to help parents connect, and yet, we work hard to keep tuition affordable so that camp will be accessible to everyone.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR PROGRAMS AT CAMP ALLEN? HIDDEN GEMS? The Adventure Summit is built with “Safe Roller” technology which allows participants to continually traverse ten various elements 40 feet off the ground without ever having to transfer belays. Of course, many of our campers would rather fish in one of our two lakes or play silly camp games with their cabin mates. The schedule is built to allow each camper to experience activities suited for their personality.

WHAT IS CAMP ALLEN DOING TO COMMEMORATE YOUR 100 YEARS? ENHANCEMENTS FOR THIS YEAR? Some of our plans to celebrate 100 years of camping have been tempered by the pandemic.

However, we are still planning

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to host an outdoor gathering on May 1st to commemorate the occasion. More importantly, we are opening a 4th campsite this summer with a beautiful 7,000 square foot dining hall that all campers will enjoy for years to come.

HOW HAS COVID AFFECTED CAMP ALLEN? WHAT CHANGES HAVE BEEN PUT IN PLACE TO ENSURE THE CAMPERS AND STAFF’S SAFETY? Like everyone, the pandemic has affected Camp Allen in ways that we are still trying to quantify. Obviously, the financial circumstances are challenging but also the state of being disconnected. For an organization that cultivates community, social distancing is counter-intuitive and complex.

I can say without hesitation, the senior leadership of Camp Allen has gone to great lengths to protect our people and property.

We have learned a lot and will be better than we were before.

With a lot of hard work, Camp Allen was able to operate almost half of our weekly sessions last summer with a terrific safety record. None of our counselors, volunteers, or staff became infected with the coronavirus during camp or the week after. A few campers did bring the virus into our facility, but the spread was almost non-existent even among asymptomatic carriers. The policies used to help protect our community are outlined in detail on our website: (https:// www.campallen.org/summercamp-covid19-policies.htmlz) In short, we wore masks when possible, shrank our community exposure into small circles, reworked the schedule to be COVID safe, and kept our facility disinfected with persistent sanitization for the duration of camp. It turned out to be a winning formula.

WHAT ARE FUTURE PLANS FOR CAMP ALLEN? As an organization, we are reaching the long culmination of a significant capital campaign highlighted by the completion and opening of a fourth campsite. It is an impressive venue and something we are proud to share with our community. Plans are being created right now to expand schedules and create more connectivity. In 5 years, things will be better than they are right now; because we are constantly striving to improve.

I think Camp Allen’s history is a healthy indicator of our future.

OVER THE PAST 100 YEARS, THERE HAS HAD TO BE SO MANY WONDERFUL STORIES. IS THERE ONE THAT STANDS OUT? From a summer camp perspective, last summer we had a Mom stop her car after picking up her child and thank our President who was greeting them as they left. She explained that her family “REALLY needed this week more than we could ever know.”

We recently learned of a

graduating valedictorian who shared in his speech that his most memorable time in his education was coming to the Discovery outdoor education program at Camp Allen some 6 years earlier.

While we have had many significant milestones in our 100-year history, such as hosting a summit that featured Desmond Tutu as the keynote speaker, confirmations of Bishops, hosting the Jerusalem Peace Builders summer camp for Christian, Jewish, and Muslim youth from the Middle East and US, nothing compares to each individual encounter that a guest or camper has that brings them closer to nature and God.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE HOUSTON PARENTS TO KNOW? Camp Allen is a safe place for your kids to grow and connect. In today’s world, sending our kids off to sleep away camp might seem scarier for parents than it does for our kids. However, In a digital age where personal connection appears to be a diminishing resource, the gifts of summer camp are becoming more critical. Creating opportunities for connection with the environment, others, and God feels like something our children need now more than ever. Camp Allen has a long, steady record of safety, and we are dedicated to helping our campers grow into better people.

Summer of ‘72

Campin’ in the 80s

Register for your summer of fun at www.campallen.org

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Camp Allen has traversed over 150 miles and 100- years to reach where it is today. With a journey from 10 to 1,100 acres, 1 to 71 fulltime employees, and receiving gifted land to operating on a 6.2 million budget, the Camp Allen family is most proud and thankful for the lives transformed by God because of the ministry of this special place.

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