This is the second in a series of posts I will be doing over the next few weeks focusing on summer camps in the Austin area. Last week's post was on Science and STEM-based camps (check it out, if you haven't already!). Today's post features arts-based camps, including visual art, drama/theater, film, dance, and music. Next week's post will be devoted to Enriched Family's March round up of kids and family activities in Austin. I will be back to posting on summer camps in two weeks and will feature a variety of sports camps.

If you ever have suggestions for topics you would like to see Enriched Family cover in a blog post, please send them to hello[at]enrichedfamily.com.  

Please note, the following is provided for informational purposes only; the information is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge, but there may be omissions, errors or mistakes, and no guarantees are made.

Visual Art

Camp name: Austin Artery

Details: We are inspired by the Teaching for Artistic Behavior philosophy, as well as Montessori and Reggio Emilia. The primary focus is on the process of making art rather than finished product. Ultimately, at this camp we focus on developing creativity, collaboration, patience with the process of bringing a vision to life, and a love for learning. Your child will not come home with the same creations as the other children because we leave space for the children to synthesize information and play. Each child needs a firm foundation in the Elements & Principles of Art as well as basic technical skills. We will spend time each day on an activity that develops these skills so that our students can strengthen their artistic practice. Mindfulness is an important part of a creative practice. We begin each day with quiet reflective moments and journaling activities that promote self-knowledge and emotional well being. Camps are hosted at four locations in Austin. 

Details by location:

• North location (Austin International School, 4001 Adelphi Ln); week long camps are offered for ages 5-7, June 11-15 (Steam Camp 1 for K-2nd grade); June 18-22 (Art Masters); June 25-29 (Illustrate & Write Your Own Book for K-2nd graders); July 2-6 (four-day Art & Nature camp - $220); July 9-13 (Fiber Arts Camp); and July 16-20 (Clay Creations). Week long camps are also offered for ages 8-11, June 11-15 (Steam Camp 1 for 3rd-5th graders); June 18-22 (Art Masters); June 25-29 (Illustrate & Write Your Own Book for 3rd-5th graders); aJuly 2-6 (four-day Art & Nature camp - $220); July 9-13 (Fiber Arts Camp); and July 16-20 (Clay Creations).

• North location (United Christian Church, 3500 W Parmer Ln); week long camps are offered for ages 5-7, July 23-27 (Theater Arts & Puppets); July 30-August 3 (Origami & Paper Crafting); August 6-10 (Steam Camp 2 for K-2nd graders). Week long camps are also offered for ages 8-11, July 23-27 (Theater Arts & Puppets); July 30-August 3 (Origami & Paper Crafting); August 6-10 (Steam Camp 2 for 3rd-5th graders).

• Central location (AHB Community School, 4001 Speedway Austin); week long camps are offered for ages 5-7, June 11-15 (Origami & Paper Crafting); June 18-22 (Art & Nature camp); June 25-29 (Fiber Arts Camp); and July 9-13 (Clay Creations); July 16-20 (Illustrate & Write Your Own Book for K-2nd graders); July 23-27 (Art Masters); July 30-August 3 (Steam Camp 1 for K-2nd grade); and August 6-10 (Steam Camp 2 for K-2nd grade). Week long camps are also offered for ages 8-11, June 11-15 (Origami & Paper Crafting); June 18-22 (Art & Nature camp); June 25-29 (Fiber Arts Camp); July 9-13 (Clay Creations); July 16-20 (Illustrate & Write Your Own Book for 3rd-5th graders); July 23-27 (Art Masters); July 30-August 3 (Steam Camp 1 for 3rd-5th graders); and August 6-10 (Steam Camp 2 for 3rd-5th graders).

• South location (Whole Life Learning Center, 10801 Old San Antonio Rd); week long camps are offered for ages 5-7, June 25-29 (Clay Creations); July 2-6 (four-day Art Masters - $220); July 9-13 (Origami & Paper Crafting); July 16-20 (Steam Camp 1 for K-2nd grade); July 23-27 (Steam Camp 2 for K-2nd grade); July 30-August 3 (Illustrate & Write Your Own Book for K-2nd graders); August 6-10 (Art & Nature camp); and August 13-17 (Fiber Arts Camp). Week long camps are also offered for ages 8-11, June 25-29 (Clay Creations); July 2-6 (four-day Art Masters - $220); July 9-13 (Origami & Paper Crafting); July 16-20 (Steam Camp 1 for 3rd-5th graders); July 23-27 (Steam Camp 2 for 3rd-5th graders); July 30-August 3 (Illustrate & Write Your Own Book for 3rd-5th graders); August 6-10 (Art & Nature camp); and August 13-17 (Fiber Arts Camp).

Hours: Each week long camp is held Monday through Friday, 9am-3pm. Early care begins at 7:30am daily and aftercare is available until 6pm after camp each day, and can be purchased when you sign up for camp. During early and after care, children are divided into small groups and rotate stations spending one hour at the drawing and open studio station, and thirty minutes at the art history book station. 

Cost: Five-day camps are $250. 

Camp name: Cuernavaca Arts Cooperative Summer Art Academy

Details: The Cuernavaca Arts Cooperative is a cooperative support group for visual artists that live in or near the Lake Hills neighborhood in Austin, TX. Each summer we have four sessions of camp, each with their own focus and flair. Each session has a different teaching team of two local artists and two (or more) local teen helpers. Together they use their own strengths and interests to design a session that is really fun and unique. We value artistic freedom (no cookie cutter projects), and building artistic skill and confidence. Being local is such an asset because the kids are free to explore in a safe and nurturing environment (close to home with lots of friends!).

Area: SW Austin; Lake Hills Neighborhood 

Kids Camp: Ages 7-12 (ages 11 and 12 have the option of requesting teen camp, which requires discussion and approval; work will be adjusted to keep it age appropriate). Morning and afternoon sessions available (9am-12pm and 1-4pm). Supervised lunch is available for children attending both the morning and afternoon session. After care is not offered. Camp sessions are July 30-August 3 and August 6-10. Tuition is $180 per session ($160 tuition + $20 supplies).

Teen Camp: Teen camp takes place in the evening from 6-9pm. It will follow a two week format with alternating days for 2D and 3D projects. Each topic will have five, three-hour long sessions. Students can choose to do one or both. If you have an older child (11+ that you think would prefer the teen camp, please contact camp for approval). 3D projects (sculpture/ceramics): M/W/F, M/W -- July 30, Aug 1, 3, 6, 8. 2D projects (drawing/painting): T/R, T/R/F -- July 31, Aug 2, 7, 9, 10. Tuition is $200 per session ($170 tuition + $30 supplies).

Drama/Theater

Camp name: kidsActing Studio

Details: kidsActing, Austin’s favorite and longest-operating year-round school for young performers, has offered award-winning summer camps for children ages 4-18 since 1980. This year we’re going all out with single and multiple week camps, all of which culminate in performances for friends and family. Camp details by type and location follow below:

Multi-week camps are offered at the Central/East Austin location - Center Stage Theater (2826 Real St). Ages 8-18.

• June 11-July 1: Treasure Island; M-F (9am-4:30pm); performances are the weekend of 6/29-7/1. $995 for the full camp.

• July 9-August 5: School of Rock; M-F (9am-4:00pm); performances are the weekend of 8/3-8/5. $1295 for the full camp.

Week long, Triple Threat camps (Sing! Dance! Act!), M-F (9am-4pm) are offered for ages 5-16 at a variety of locations around and near Austin in June, July, and August. Please see website for details. $335/week. 

Week long, Adventures in Acting camps (no singing), M-F (9am-4pm) are offered for ages 6-14 at a variety of locations around and near Austin in June, July, and August. Please see website for details. $335/week. 

Week long, Glee! The Greatest Show Choir camps, M-F (9am-4pm) are offered for ages 7-14 at a variety of locations around and near Austin in June, July, and August. Please see website for details. $335/week. Early drop off and late pick up options are available

In addition, half day camps are also offered. 

*kidsActing received the Austin Family Magazine 2017 Readers' Poll Favorites Award, the Austin Chronicle Best of Austin Hall of Fame, and the Nurture My Child 2017 Best Acting/Theater Camp Award

Camp name: Zach Theater Summer Camps South Location and North Location

Camp details by location:

• South/Central Location (1510 Toomey Road); full day, week long camps (9am-4pm) will be offered for grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12 during the weeks of June 4-August 16. Full day, week long camp prices range from $300-350. Extended Care is available from 8:30am-5:30pm for all full day camps. Half day, week long camps (Morning [9-12] or afternoon [12-4] sessions are $195/week) will be offered for ages 3.5-5, June 11-16; June 25-29; and July 23-27. Camp themes vary by week and age. Please see South Location website (link above) for further details.

• North Location (12129 Ranch Road 620 North, Suite 310); full day, week long camps (9am-4pm) will be offered for grades K-2, 3-5, and 6-12 during the weeks of June 4-August 16. Full day, week long camp prices range from $300-350. Extended Care available from 8:30am-5:30pm for all full day camps. Half day, week long camps (Morning [9-12] sessions are $195/week) will be offered for ages 3.5-5, June 18-22 and July 2-5. Camp themes vary by week and age. Please see North Location website (link above) for further details.

*My children have participated in summer camps at the Zach Theatre Central location and have enjoyed them

Arts Combinations: Drama, Film, and Visual Arts

Camp name: Creative Action

Details: Creative Action offers a wide variety of high-quality, creative, and engaging camps that empower campers to envision and create their own art—all while promoting social and emotional development. Led by experienced staff, camps are offered at three convenient locations in North Central, East, and South Austin, and include a variety of themes to choose from all summer long. While in a safe and welcoming environment, we empower campers to envision and create their own films, perform on stage, and explore the visual arts.

Details by location:

• North location (Koenig Lane Christian Church, 908 Old Koenig Lane); week long camps are offered for ages 5-7, June 4-June 29 and July 9-August 3. Camp themes include Movie Magic: Animation Lab, On Stage: Spooky Stories, On Stage: Musicals, On Stage: Superheroes, Art Party: Street Arts, Art Party: Comic Books, Movie Magic: KR8TV, and Movie Magic: Music Videos. Two-week long camps are offered for ages 8-11, June 4-June 29 and July 9-August 3. Camp themes include Film Academy: Animation, Theatre Academy: Sketch Comedy & Improv, Art Academy: 3D, and Film Academy: Musical Comedy.

• East location (Creative Action, 2921 E. 17 St., Building B); week long camps are offered for ages 5-7, June 4-June 29 and July 9-August 3. Camp themes include Art Party: Paper Mache & Sculpture, Art Party: Street Art, Movie Magic: Music Videos, Movie Magic: Animation Lab, On Stage: Spooky Stories, Movie Magic: KR8TV, On Stage: Musicals, and On Stage: Superheroes. Two-week long camps are offered for ages 8-11, June 4-June 29 and July 9-August 3. Camp themes include Art Academy: Murals, Film Academy: Animation, Film Academy: Suspense, and Theatre Academy: Musicals.

• South location (Eden Park Academy, 6215 Manchaca Rd); week long camps are offered for ages 5-7, June 4-June 29 and July 9-July 20. Camp themes include Movie Magic: Music Videos, Movie Magic: Animation Lab, Art Party: Paper Mache & Sculpture, Art Party: Street Arts, On Stage: Musicals, and On Stage: Superheroes. Two-week long camps are offered for ages 8-11, June 4-June 29 and July 9-July 20. Camp themes include Film Academy: Action, Art Academy: Graphic Novels & Zines, and Theater Academy: Drama.

Camper ages: Ages 5-11

Hours: M-F, 9:00am-4:30pm (drop off between 8:45-9am). Extended care is available 8-9 a.m. and 4:30-5:30 p.m. for an additional $50/week per child.

Cost: One-week camps are $295 and two-weeks camp are $590.

*Winner of “Best Camp” in the Austin Chronicle’s 2017 “Best of Austin” poll

Film

Camp name: Austin Film Festival’s Summer Film Camp

Details: Austin Film Festival’s Summer Film Camp returns in June for its 16th year of screenwriting, filmmaking, and claymation classes. Summer Film Camp offers a variety of fun, enriching day camps for boys and girls ages 9-18. All finished films premiere at the Summer Film Camp showcase at Galaxy Highland Theatre on Sunday, August 5th.

Available dates, ages, and cost: Week long, full day camps (M-F, 9am-5:30pm) with filmmaking and claymation are offered for ages 9-12, June 11-July 27. $370/week. Morning and afternoon classes are also held June 4th through July 27th.

Area: Central/East Austin - St. David’s Episcopal Church (301 E 8th St)

Camp name: Austin Film Society Summer Camp

Details: For more than two decades, the Austin Film Society has served as the hub of Austin’s vibrant film community. Summer @ Austin Public has offered a unique opportunity for youth to work with local filmmakers and experience the magic of filmmaking at our facility @ Austin Public, just minutes away from the 51st Street campus! Whether it’s developing a script idea, producing an animation project, or now learning how to produce a TV show, AFS programs provide a fun, nurturing space for exploration and collaboration.

Area: Central/East Austin - Austin Public (1143 Northwestern Ave.)

Camp themes and ages by week:

• June 4-8, Animation Creation: Session 1 (ages 9-11)

• June 11-15, Express Yourself - Girls Camp (ages 12-15)

• June 18-22, Mystery/Spy (ages 12-15)

• June 25-29, Documentary Workshop (ages 14-17)

• July 16-20, Sci-Fi (ages 12-15)

• July 23-27, Action Adventure (ages 9-11)

• July 30-August 3, Animation Creation: Session 2 (ages 11-13)

Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm, Monday through Friday

Cost: $345/week

Dance

Camp name: Balance Dance Studios Summer Camps

Details: Balance Dance Studios - Creating Balance by using dance training as a means through which to not only create exceptional dancers, but to build character and teach valuable life lessons. Week-long, half and full day camp sessions will be offered. 

Half Day Camps - M-F, 9:00am-1:00pm for ages 3-5 | $225/week ($25 discount before 4/1)

• June 11-15-Moana's Bravery

• June 25-29-Anna's Love (Frozen)

• July 2-6 (excl. 7/4)-Incredible Honesty

• July 9-13-Coco's Determination

• July 16-20-Dory's Dependability

• July 23-27-Star Wars' Courage

• July 30-Aug 3-A Dinosaur's Goodness

Full Day Camps - M-F, 9:00am-4:00pm for ages 6-9 (& 10+ for Cupcakes camp) | $325-$350/week ($25 discount before 4/1)

• June 18-22-Cupcakes & Cartwheels ($350)

• Aug 6-10-Cirque de Balance ($325)

Area: South Austin, 4544 S Lamar Blvd #200

*Received the 2017 Nurture my Child Best of Camp Award for “Best Dance Camp” 

Camp name: Joyce Willett School of Dance

Details: Joyce Willett Dance (JWSD) is a family owned business in Austin for over 30 years! We pride ourselves in excellence and offer classes for the beginner to the professional level dancer age two to adult. JWSD dance camps are a little different each week as we shape each one to compliment our themes to create a new dance experience week after week! Dancers are divided into groups based on age and will experience ballet, jazz, tumbling, acting , hip-hop, dance games, crafts, dress-up, dance routines, camp activities and more! Each Friday at 2:40pm we have a camp performance! Week long camps will be offered at two locations in North Austin. 

North - Research Studio Location (12687 Research Blvd.) - M-F, 10am-3pm for ages 4-11 | $200/week (1 child);  $375/week (2 children); $550/week (3 children). Extended care: 8am-10am is $50 for the week - M-F ($50 additional fee per child). Extended care: 3pm-5pm is $40 for the week - Monday-Thurs. ($40 additional fee per child).

• June 25th-29th: Disney Magic Dance Camp

• July 9th-13th: Michael Jackson Dance Camp

• July 16th-20th: Hawaiian Adventure Dance Camp

• July 23rd-27th: Royal Adventure Dance Camp

• July 30th-Aug 3rd: Summer Dance Party Dance Camp

• August 6th-10th: Hip Hop Dance Camp

• August 13th-17th: Best Dance Moves Ever! Dance Camp

Northeast - Windsor Studio Location (5811 Berkman Drive #117) - M-F, 10am-3pm for ages 4-12 | $200/week (1 child);  $375/week (2 children); $550/week (3 children). Extended care: 8am-10am is $50 for the week - M-F ($50 additional fee per child). Extended care: 3pm-5pm is $40 for the week - Monday-Thurs. ($40 additional fee per child). Drop-in fee per hour is $7 per child.

• June 25th-29th: Disney Magic Dance Camp

• July 9th-13th: Michael Jackson Dance Camp

• July 16th-20th: Hawaiian Adventure Dance Camp

• July 23rd -27th: Royal Adventure Dance Camp

• July 30th-Aug 3rd: Summer Dance Party Dance Camp

• August 6th-10th: Hip Hop Dance Camp

Camp name: Synergy Dance Studio Summer Dance Camps

Details: Week long, preschool and school age camps include a variety of activities, including daily dance classes in various genres, arts and crafts, tumbling, games, and theater activities. Students are divided by age and ability. No previous dance training is required. Extended hours are available for camps. Preschool camp extended hours run 12-1pm for an additional $25 per week. All other camps have extended hours of 9-4pm at a rate of $25 per week (ex.  9-10am for $25 or 3-4pm for $25). Each week concludes with a performance. 

Camp details by age:

• Week long, preschool camps for ages 3-5 are offered May 29-June 1 (Tue-Fri; $152 for the four-day camp; Moana Preschool); June 25-29 (Elsa and Friends); July 16-20 (My Little Pony); and July 30-August 3 (Leap). Tuition is $190 and camp hours are 9am-12pm with extended hours available 12-1pm for $25 for the week.

• Week long, school age camps for ages 4.5-10 are offered June 4-8 (Leap); June 18-22 (Greatest Showman); June 25-29 (Kidz Bop); July 16-20 (Moana); July 30-August 3 (Pop Star Party). Camp hours are 10am-3pm and tuition is $260. Extended hours available 9-4.

• Intensive, weekly camps for ages 8-18 are offered May 29-June 1 (All Level Boot Camp/Stretch Intensive [age 11-18]); June 11-15 (Jazz/Hip Hop Intensive Int/Adv Levels [age 10-18]); June 25-29 (Ballet/Modern Intensive Beg, Int and Adv Levels [age 8-18]); July 23-27 (Triple Threat Beg/Int Level-Sing, Dance, Act [age 8-14]); July 30-August 3 (Drill Team Intensive Int/Adv Level [age 11-18]); August 6-10 (Jazz/Hip Hop Intensive Beg/Int Level [age 8-14]); June 11-15 (Making the Video Beg/Int Level [age 9-12]). We offer a variety of camps for beginner-intermediate and intermediate-advanced. Dancers are divided up by age and ability. Tuition is $285. Classes run 12:30-5:30pm daily with extended hours available (ask Ms. Sherrie for rates) or 10am-3:00pm with extended hours available 9-4pm. 

Area: Southwest Austin, 3425 Bee Cave Rd.

Music

Camp name: Austin Girls' Choir 

Details: We’re now in our 28th year of service to Austin area girls, and we’re excited to introduce singers of all levels to the AGC experience!  Austin Girls’ Choir provides a fantastic opportunity for musically talented girls ages 8 to 18 to perform a wide range of music in Austin and beyond. Our choristers come from all over Austin and surrounding communities. They share a strong love for music and music-making, and enjoy the opportunity to learn challenging music. Two, one-week summer day camps are also available to choristers and non-choristers.

Camp details:

• General camp: June 11-15, M-F, 9am-5pm for girls ages 8-16, beginner to advanced. Cost is $325 per child for girls not already enrolled in Austin Girls’ Choir. No audition is required, but a brief placement session will occur at the start of camp so as to include girls in skill-appropriate groups. The music menu ranges from Adele to light classical! Instruction includes vocal skills, note reading, basic harmony and fun songs with simple choreography. Guest artists will do one-hour sessions on various types of singing styles. Other camp activities will include stage presentation, arts and crafts, and a few surprises! An end-of-camp concert at 5pm on June 15 lets the girls proudly share their accomplishments with friends and family. Lunch and afternoon snack are provided at both camps!

• Advanced camp: June 18-22, M-F, 9am-5pm for highly advanced singers ages 10-17. Cost is $325 per child for girls not already enrolled in Austin Girls’ Choir. An audition is required for any girl from outside the Choir wishing to participate in this challenging camp; the pace is rapid and expectations of each chorister are high. This session functions primarily as tour preparation for the group touring June 18-28, so tour music selections will be emphasized. Camp ends with a 5:30pm concert on June 22.

Area: Central Austin - Episcopal Church of the Resurrection (2200 Justin Lane)

Camp name: Band Aid School of Music

Camp Details: Band Aid School of Music offers a variety of music camp options at two locations in South Austin. Camp sessions described below are offered at both locations. Weeklong and two-week, half and full day sessions area available. Please see below for details. Wanting to come to Rock Camp and need a full day camp experience? Take a Legends Camp in the morning and the Rock Star Camp in the afternoon.

Area: Two locations in South/Southwest Austin. Choose the location that works best for you. South Austin Location (2309 Thornton, Studio E.) and Westlake/Riverbend Location (4214 N Capital of Texas Hwy).

Camp Options:

• Rock Band Camps for Beginners (ages 8-12); Two-weeks, M-F, 9:30-12:30 – 11 days for $559

  • Session 1 – June 18-30

  • Session 2 – July 9-21

• Rock Star Camps (ages 11-18); Two-weeks, M-F, 1-5pm – 11 days for $559

  • Session 1 – June 18-30

  • Session 2 – July 9-21

• Legends of Guitar Camps (ages 11-18); One- or two-weeks, M-F, 9:30-12:30 - 5 days for $285, 10 days for $559

  • Session 1 – June 18-30

  • Session 2 – July 9-21

• Legends of Voice Camps (ages 11-18); One- or two-weeks, M-F, 9:30-12:30 - 5 days for $285, 10 days for $559

  • Session 1 – June 18-30

  • Session 2 – July 9-21

• Piano Camps - Little Mozarts (ages 4-7); week long, half day sessions run from June 4-June 29 and July 9-August 10, M-F, 9:30-12:30 – 5 days for $250

• Drum Camps - Little Rock Stars (ages 4-6); week long, half day sessions run from June 4-June 29 and July 9-August 10, M-F, 9:30-12:30 – 5 days for $250

• Drum Camps - Little Rock Stars (ages 6-10); week long, half day sessions run from June 4-June 29 and July 9-August 10, M-F, 9:30-12:30 – 5 days for $250

• Guitar Camps - Little Rock Stars (ages 6-10); week long, half day sessions run from June 4-June 29 and July 9-August 10, M-F, 9:30-12:30 – 5 days for $250

• Vocal Camps - Little Rock Stars (ages 5-10); week long, half day sessions run from June 4-June 29 and July 9-August 10, M-F, 9:30-12:30 – 5 days for $250

*Received the 2017 Nurture my Child Best of Camp Award for “Best Music Camp” 

Enriched Family provides custom family-focused research and organizational services. If you ever need help finding the right camps, children's enrichment activities, childcare options, or schools, or need some help with family organization, please reach out! I offer a free, 20-minute initial phone consultation to all new clients to discuss matching your needs and priorities with my services. In addition, I am offering a 15% discount to all new clients through March 2018. 

Best to you and yours!

Esha/Enriched Family