Overnight summer camp is not only a fun way for kids to get outside and play, but it’s also a powerful youth development experience. We know that finding the summer camp that best matches your family's needs is a time-consuming process that begins early and involves lots of research - in particular, talking to lots people with experience in sleepaway camp. After all, summer camp is a place that is all about people.
Austin has the distinct advantage of being right in the middle of everything, which gives you a lot of options for summer camp in Texas. While Austin has a plethora of summer camping options that are not overnight, this post will provide the top resources for beginning your search for Austin Summer Camps that are resident or sleepaway camps.
AUSTIN FAMILY SUMMER CAMP FAIR
First, check out the Austin Family Summer Camp Fair, which has been an annual fixture in Austin for 16 years by the Austin Family Magazine. Usually in late January at the Palmer Events Center, it is free to attend. Many camps come to this event, so you can meet the directors and learn about each one in person.
January 2016 Austin Family Camp Fair Event: at the Palmer Events Center, January 23rd, 11 AM - 4 PM
Make sure to see the link at the bottom of the page for a helpful guide with the best questions to ask a camp director before you go. Doing research about each camp before the event will definitely increase usefulness of the fair for your summer camp search.
AUSTIN OVERNIGHT SUMMER CAMPS
Austin is on the foothills of the hill country, the heart of the traditional Texas summer camp experience. Here is a highlight of some of the top overnight camps in the Hill Country, as well as more camps in the Austin area. (Check out the Full list of Texas Hill Country Overnight Summer Camps here for more.)
URJ Greene Family Camp | Central Texas | Bruceville, TX
A co-ed Reform Jewish summer camp, URJ Greene Family Camp serves kids entering 2nd grade to 8th grade at Main Camp and kids 9th through 12th grade in a separate High School program. There are three week camp terms as well as half-term sessions. With over 60 activities to choose from, campers can balance new skill development and a whole lot of fun.
Website: http://greene.urjcamps.org/
Camp Young Judaea | Texas Hill Country | Wimberley, TX
A co-ed Jewish camp that serves children who have graduated from 1st through 8th grades, CYJ values strengthening Jewish identity and developing strong leaders who forge lifelong friends at camp. CYJ offers one, two and three week camp terms. CYJ has over 45 activities for campers to choose from, including unique offerings such as advanced tennis, yoga, and magic tricks.
Website: http://www.cyjtexas.org/
Camp Longhorn | Texas Hill Country | Burnet, TX
Located on Inks Lake, Camp Longhorn offers two and three week camp terms. For every new camper, an interview with the director is required before enrolling. Campers must have completed 2nd grade to enroll, but you can begin the interview and enrollment process the summer after 1st grade. All the Longhorn Camps are coed.
Website: http://www.camplonghorn.com/
Camp Champions | Texas Hill Country | Marble Falls, TX
Just 50 miles west of Austin, Camp Champions is situated on the beautiful shores of Lake LBJ. Campers aged 6 – 17 can attend two or three week camp sessions throughout the summer, or longer combination terms. One week camp terms are also available for K-2nd graders. During a day at camp, children pick from over 40 activities that help them learn new skills, develop lifelong interests, and have a blast. Each night culminates with a Torchlight ceremony, where the camp comes together as a community. Camp Champions has a strong focus on youth development via the 4 R's.
Website: http://www.campchampions.com/
T Bar M | Central Texas | New Braunfels, TX
T Bar M is a co-ed, non-denominational Christian summer camp for grades 1st through 11th. It is made up of two different locations and programs. At its Lake Travis property, T Bar M offers a teenage adventure camp for children in grades 7th - 11th. For campers in grades 1st - 6th, T Bar M offers overnight Sports Camp where they can choose from 11 specialty sports programs. At both locations, they offer one week camp terms.
Website: http://www.tbarmcamps.org/
