Enriched Family Austin Summer Camp Guide (2021): Arts Camps
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Austin-area parents, are you looking for summer camps? Believe it or not, schools will let out for summer vacation in about six weeks. Enriched Family is here to support you with all your family resource information needs! This is the first in a series of posts I will be doing in the coming weeks focusing on summer camps in the Austin area. Today's post features arts-based camps, including visual art, creative writing, dance, drama/theater, film, and music. The next post will be devoted to STEM (science, technology, engineering, math), STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math), and Coding camps.
Please be advised that you will have to make the best decision for your family in terms of whether a particular camp meets your family’s desired degree of COVID precautions. I have included COVID information for each care option, as available, so you can make an informed decision. In addition, I have included both online and in-person camps, as well as some outdoor camps.
Does summer camp planning stress you out? Let Enriched Family be your extra set of qualified hands. Enriched Family offers custom camp research, schedule planning, and can even register your kiddos for camp! I’m happy to help you figure out summer camps, spring break camps, winter camps or the whole year of school break camps for your children!
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.
Art (Visual)
Details: Summer at The Art Garage is hands down the most fun and fulfilling time of the year and with over 20 different camp themes to choose from, there’s something for everyone! Make new friends, explore art and have a blast with us! Campers can expect to create with clay, tie-dye, paint pottery, learn art history and so much more! A major focus at The Art Garage is providing an opportunity for your kiddos to create with other children with whom they can bond and safely have fun together. The Art Garage has been successfully nurturing artists of all ages in South Austin for over 12 years. Ages 5+.
COVID precautions: The Art Garage is a family owned and operated business! Your family’s health and comfort are our #1 priority. We have and will continue to follow the guidelines set by the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics to protect our staff and our kiddos. Both online and in-person camps are available.
Dates: Weekly in-person camps run June 7th through August 13th, M-F, 10am to 2pm.
Where: SW Austin, 11190 Circle Drive, Suite 202, Austin, 78736
Cost: Weekly camps are $329. Extended care is available from 9–10am (+ $40.00) and/or 2–6pm (+ $160.00).
The Art School at Laguna Gloria
Details: Laguna Gloria, the museum's fourteen-acre campus on the shores of Lake Austin, offers visitors a unique art-in-nature experience, with opportunities for the public to explore art and the creative process through installations and exhibitions by preeminent international artists, dynamic events and community programs for all ages, and classes at the Art School. Half day camp sessions are offered in the morning or in the afternoon. There is no supervised lunch. Ages 4+.
COVID precautions: Both online and in-person camps are available (with both outdoor and indoor options). Additional information here.
Where: Central Austin - Laguna Gloria, 3809 W 35th St, Austin, 78703
Dates & Cost: Varies, most half-day sessions are $165/each for the week for members, plus $20 supply fee. Half day sessions are typically 9-12 or 1-4.
Details: The Austin Artery provides an art education unlike any other. We balance our lessons to provide children with technical skill, while ALSO providing them the unstructured time and space to truly develop their own unique creativity and voice. Your child won’t always come home with a finished product because we believe that the learning process in more valuable than a finished product. We believe that when children are allowed to experiment and solve their own creative challenges, they learn grit, passion and a growth mindset. We take projects through the entire creative process starting with brainstorming, research, technical lesson, and letting them experiment with their own techniques, solutions and twists. Current research shows that true creative thinking is developed when children’s creative process is honored.
COVID precautions: This summer we have tentative plans to host a few weeks of camp at our central and south location, however, this is completely dependent on the covid trends and at the discretion of the board of directors for each location. If in person camps are cancelled this summer, you will recieve a complete refund to the card on file. Due to the fact that Covid-19 numbers are predicted to have another upward trend, we are also hosting our online camps for those of you who have the luxury of staying home. We are so thrilled to continue providing a camp experience for your kids this summer despite the challenges of Covid-19.
Central location (Hyde Park: AHB Community School, 4001 Speedway, Austin, 78751):
June 14-18, Art & Nature Camp. Ages 6-11.
June 21-25, Manga, Kawaii & Anime Illustration. K-5th grades.
June 28-July 2, Art Passports. Ages 5-10.
South location (Whole Life Learning Center, 10801 Old San Antonio Rd., Austin, 78748):
July 5-9, Art & Nature Camp. Ages 6-11.
July 12-16, Manga, Kawaii & Anime Illustration. K-5th grades.
July 18-23, Art Passports. Ages 5-10.
July 26-30, Animal Extravaganza. K-5th grades.
Hours: Each week-long camp is held Monday through Friday, 9am-3pm.
Cost: $350
Details: Motivate young artists to be creative in their discovery of their own life through each process. Students learn how to paint, draw, sculpt and so much more as they become immersed in projects – producing masterpieces that affirm creative processes, build self-confidence and broaden horizons. Let them choose from painting, drawing or sculpting camps and enroll in half-day or full-day weekly sessions. All ages (5-99) are welcome!
Weeklong Painting camp sessions run from May 31-June 4; June 21 - 25; July 12-16; and August 2-6.
Weeklong Drawing camp sessions run from June 7-11; June 28-July 2; July 19-23; and August 9-13.
Weeklong Sculpture camp sessions run from June 14-18; July 5-9; July 26-30; and August 16-20.
COVID precautions: Available here.
Hours: Morning sessions run from 9am-12pm; Afternoon sessions run from 1-4pm; and All-day sessions run from 9am-4pm.
Where: Downtown Austin - 1605 W 6th St., Austin, 78703
Cost: Half-day, weekly camps: $325 (AM or PM); All-day, weekly camps: $620. All art supplies included!
Cordovan Art School Summer Art Camps - Register in NW Austin - Mesa Dr. | Round Rock | Cedar Park | SW Austin
Details: Weekly camps run all summer long. You can choose between half days (9am-12pm or 1-4pm) or full days (9am-4pm). Wide variety of camp themes to choose from. Click the links above to register for the location closest to you and for details about the dates and times of the respective camp themes. Ages 5-16. COVID information. Online camps also available.
Cost: Full days ($369 + $80 supply fee); Half days ($229 + $40 supply fee); Extended care (7:30am-6pm) available for an additional fee ($60).
*Received the Austin Family Magazine 2020 Readers' Poll Favorites Award for “Best Art Camps".
Creative Writing
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Badgerdog Creative Writing Camps
Details: Badgerdog Creative Writing Summer Camps allow students (2nd-12th grade) to immerse themselves in a creative and imaginative writing experience. Badgerdog workshops are led by professional writers and explore the arts of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Scholarships are available based on demonstrated financial need. Both in-person and virtual camp options are available.
COVID precautions: All in-person workshops will be capped at 8 students max in order to maintain safe social distancing. Students will be asked to wear masks at all times and follow regular hand-washing practices. Badgerdog campers will abide by Griffin School policies regarding COVID safety practices.
Session details:
Session D (In-person): July 12-30 (three-week multi-genre workshops) | 9am-12pm | Cost: $475
Griffin School (Hyde Park)Lower Elementary School Workshop (rising 3rd & 4th graders)
Upper Elementary School Workshop (rising 5th & 6th graders)
Sessions A-E (Virtual): June 7-25; June 28-July 2; July 5-9; July 12-30; August 2-6 (one-week & three-week workshops) | Cost: $125 & $300. Various ages and times. More information here.
Dance
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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.
COVID precautions: Available here.
Half Day Camps - M-F, 9am-1pm for ages 3-5 (must be potty trained) | $225/week
June 7-11: Princess Academy
June 14-18: Unicorn and Mermaid Ball
June 21-25: Dancing Dinosaurs
July 5-9: Broadway Boogie
July 12-16: To Infinity and Beyond
July 29-23: Frozen Friends
Full Day Camps - M-F, 9am-4pm for ages 6+ | $375/week
July 5-9: Cupcakes & Cartwheels, Ages 6-10
July 19-23: Tie-Dye & Tik Tok, Ages 11-15
Location: South Austin, 4544 S Lamar Blvd #200, Austin, 78745
Details: Joyce Willett Dance (JWSD) is a family owned business in Austin for over 30 years! JWSD prides itself in excellence and offers classes for the beginner to the professional level dancer age two to adult. JWSD dance camps are a little different each week as they shape each one to compliment weekly themes to create a new dance experience week after week! COVID safety protocols.
North - Research Studio Location (12687 Research Blvd.) All camps are half-day, Tu-F, 1-4pm | $200
July 27-30: Summertime Dance Camp (ages 6-9) | Explore jazz, hip-hop, theater, tumbling, dance games, crafts and more!
June 8-11 (ages 5-6 and 7-10); July 6-9 (ages 8-11): Best Dance Moves EVER! | Explore jazz, hip-hop, theater, tumbling, dance games, crafts and more with a laser focus on learning the best dance moves EVER!
June 15-18 (ages 5-6 and 7-10); July 13-16 (ages 5-8): Disney Adventure Dance Camp | Dance fun with jazz, hip-hop, theater, tumbling, dance games, crafts and more as we explore all things Disney!
June 22-25 (ages 5-6 and 7-10); July 20-23 (ages 6-9): Hip Hop Dance Camp | Dance fun with hip-hop, tumbling, dance games, crafts and more as we discover and explore the world of hip-hop dance!
June 29-July 2 (ages 5-8): Ms. Mara's Wonderful World Camp | Dance fun with jazz, hip-hop, theater, tumbling, dance games, crafts and more!
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.
COVID precautions: Our in person camps will have additional safety and health protocols that include small classes, additional ventilation and social distancing where we’ll be able to maintain 6-10 foot of space around the dancers. In addition, we have added over a dozen cleaning and safety protocols to help our studio, staff and dancers remain safe!
Summer 2021 Camps Themes:
Preschool (ages 3-5) 3-hour half-day camps, run 9am-12pm, extended hours run 12-1pm for an additional $25 per week:
Camp 1: Elsa & Friends, May 24-28 | $205
Camp 2: Frozen, June 1-4 (Tu-Fri) | $165
Camp 6: Nick Jr., June 21-25 | $205
Camp 10: Movie Mania, July 12-16 | $205
Camp 13: Frozen, July 26-30 | $205
School Age (ages 4.5-11) 5-hour camps, run 10am-3pm for $285:
Camp 3: LOL Surprise, June 7-11
Camp 5: Descendants, June 14-18
Camp 8: Pop Star Party, June 28-July 21
Camp 9: Kidz Bop, July 12-16
Camp 12: JoJo Siwa, July 19-23
Camp 15: Movie Mania, July 26-30
Camp 16: Tik Tok, Aug 2-6
Location: Southwest Austin, 3425 Bee Cave Rd., Austin, 78746
Drama/Theatre
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Excused Absence Comedy: Improv & Sketch Comedy Summer Camps for Kids and Teens
Details: Excused Absence Comedy Camps provide a concentrated dose of funny for young comics of all levels. Organized by age, experience and focus, each camp is a unique event created to facilitate learning, creativity and collaboration.
Onsite, In Person Camps @ Spider House Ballroom (Central Austin: 2906 Fruth St, Austin, TX 78705) Divided into Early Elementary, Older Elementary, Tween & Teen Groups. Excused Absence held several camps at Spider House during Summer 2020 and loved the open space, indoor and outdoor stages, access to sound and light for performance and the cool, casual atmosphere that made us feel very at home. The Ballroom was recently refurbished and promises to be a great space for Improv. COVID precautions: Masked & Socially Distanced.
When: July 12 - 16 & July 26 - 30 | M-F, 10am-4pm $295 (extended care available 8:30-10am and 4-5pm. Weekly or daily rate.). A final performance will take place Friday at 3pm at Spider House.
Outdoor Camps in Windsor Park Offering six weeks of daily, outdoor Improv at the Windsor Park home of ExAb Director Kristin Henn. Classes are held in the front & back yards and under the carport as needed. We’ve been holding classes and camps here for almost a year and feel great about our ability to create a safe, comfortable space for learning and creating. These camps can be taken on their own or combined with afternoon, online camps. It is possible to add the online portion at a later time if spots are available. COVID precautions: Students must wear a mask and remain distanced from one another. Outdoor camps are composed of small groups and are organized by age.
When: Camps are scheduled from 9-11am, Monday through Friday | $145. Dates by age groups:
Ages 5 to 7: June 7-11
Ages 8 to 11: June 14-19 & August 2-6
Ages 10+: June 21-25 & July 19-23
Ages 12+: June 28-July 2
Also available: Online Camps & Hybrid Camps
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 they are going all out with single and multiple week camps, all of which culminate in performances for friends and family. Camps organized by ages below. Please click the links for available dates, locations, and themes:
Triple Threat: Sing! Dance! Act! Ages 5-16 | M-F, 9-4, $365
Creative Kids: 1/2 day Triple Threat Camps for Younger Kids, ages 4-8 | M-F, 9-12:30, $265
Greatest Showman: Sing and Dance in a Fabulous Show Choir! Ages 7-14 | M-F, 9-4, $365
Adventures in Acting: Have an Epic Adventure! Ages 6-13 | M-F, 9-4, $365
Musical Revue: Live Performances! 2 week camp! Ages 8-19 | M-F, 9-4, $775
Show Choir: Live Performances! 2 week evening camp! Ages 10-19. Elite and Advanced Students | M-Th/F, 5:30-8pm, $345
Songwriting: With Tyler Mabry! Ages 13+| M-F, 5:30-8pm, $195
Virtual camps will also be available. Check website for details to come…
COVID precautions: Summer Camps are returning in-person, with strict health and safety protocols, to all of our Campus locations this year!
Locations: Camps are offered at a wide variety of locations in the Austin area, including Westgate/Lamar, Cedar Park, Oak Hill, Downtown, Balcones Woods, St. Gabriel’s, Lakeway, Dripping Springs, Round Rock, and more!
Zach Theater Summer Camps Downtown and North Location
LIVE, VIRTUAL, and INTERACTIVE Theatre Classes. Helping young people find courage, creativity, and connection.
Camp details by location:
South/Central Location (1510 Toomey Road); full day, week-long camps (9am-3:45pm) will be offered for grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12 during the weeks of June 7-August 19 | $310. Camp themes vary by week and age. Please see South Location website (link above) for more details.
North Location (14010 US 183, Suite 540); full day, week-long camps (9am-3:45pm) will be offered for grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12 during the weeks of June 7-August 13 | $310-320. Camp themes vary by week and age. Please see North Location website (link above) for more details.
Film
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Austin Film Festival’s Summer Film Camp
Details: Austin Film Festival’s (AFF) Summer Film Camp — a summer of creativity, collaboration, and fun during our 19th annual Summer Film Program. We offer hands-on, one-week camp classes and workshops in the arts of screenwriting, filmmaking, editing, video game writing and more starting Monday June 7th-Friday, July 30th! Open to young creatives ages 9–18! Both virtual and limited in-person camp class sessions are available.
COVID precautions: Austin Film Festival is committed to keeping its students safe and will be following and implementing all appropriate safety measures regarding COVID-19 this summer. We plan to follow recommended guidelines from both the CDC and American Camp Association. At this time, in-person registration is limited to only ten-students per class. Additional slots may become available depending on safety guidelines.
In-Person Camps:
FILMMAKING 101 - Ages 9-12 | $215 (AFF Members/Summer Film Camp Alumni: $190). Introduces young creatives to the thrill and challenge of filmmaking. Campers learn basic filmmaking skills then team up with their peers to make their very own short films using provided equipment. With the wide variety of available shooting locations at First Baptist Church of Austin, campers can truly bring their stories to life in this class. At the end of the week, campers will receive a DVD and link to their work. No previous filmmaking or video editing experience is required. Weekly, half-day sessions run M-F, June 14-July 2 & July 12-July 30 | 9am – 12:30pm
SCRIPT TO SCREEN - Ages 13-18 | $410 (AFF Members/Summer Film Camp Alumni: $365). This workshop is for teens who want to learn how to make their very own narrative-driven short films. Campers will discover the power of storytelling and transform their ideas into proper screenplays before creating fully-realized short films of their own. Over the course of this class, students will learn the fundamentals of screenwriting, directing, cinematography, sound design, and editing. Weekly half-day sessions run Monday, June 7 – Friday, June 18* (*no classes Saturday or Sunday) | 1-5pm & Weekly full-day sessions run M-F, June 28–July 2 & July 12-30 | 9am-5pm.
Virtual camp classes & teen film workshops: Available here.
Location: Central Austin - First Baptist Church, 901 Trinity St Austin, 78701
Music
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Camp Details: Band Aid School of Music is Austin’s only National Champion Rock Band School. Band Aid School of Music offers a variety of music camp options at two locations in South Austin. Weeklong and two-week, half- and full-day sessions are available. Learn songwriting, recording, performing, ensemble skills and screen printing. Finish it all by playing a show at Stubb’s for your fans and family! Campers will also get to record and mix a song in the brand new studio! Want 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., Austin, 78704) and Westlake/Riverbend Church Location (4214 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, 78746). All sessions listed below are offered at both locations.
Camp Options:
Rock Band Camp Get the full rock band experience for children of all skill levels! Campers will learn to work as a team, hone their musicianship, write songs, play a show at STUBB’S (COVID permitting), and record a song in our recording studio.
Beginners, ages 8-12: June 14-25 or July 12-23, M-F, 9:30-12:30 – 10 days for $599
Advanced, ages 11-18: June 14-25 or July 12-23, M-F, 1-5pm – 10 days for $599
Music Video Camp (YouTube Camp) Shoot videos, learn camera techniques, editing, style, lighting, and more! Participants will be challenged to create new video concepts and be guided to produce and promote them on YouTube. Create a music video and premier it at our camp showcase.
Ages 11-18: June 14-25 or July 12-23, M-F, 1-5pm – 10 days for $599
Legends of Guitar Camps This legends camp is for intermediate and advanced guitarists who want to dive deeper into the history of the instrument and its most influential players!
Ages 11-18: July 12-16 or August 2-6, M-F, 9-12:30 – 5 days for $305 or June 14-28, June 14-25, or July 12-23 - 10 days for $599
Legends of Voice Camps This legends camp is for intermediate and advanced vocalists who are interested in taking a closer look at the best of the best voices of the past and present.
Ages 11-18: July 12-16 or August 2-6, M-F, 9-12:30 – 5 days for $305 or June 14-28, June 14-25, July 12-23, or August 2-13 - 10 days for $599
Improv Camp - All Instruments imagine being able to walk into any musical situation, pick up your instrument, and immediately jam along. That is the goal for Band Aid School of Music’s Summer Jam Camp. The camp is open to all levels, styles and instruments, as we will take you from the origins of improvisation to applications for the modern musician. By the end of camp you will have learned the scales, listening skills, and phrasing techniques that will enable you to jam with the best of them!
Ages 11-18: June 7-11, July 19-23, or August 2-6, M-F, 1-4 – 5 days for $305
Piano Camps Our Little Rock Star Piano Camp is a wonderful way to introduce your little one to playing music through learning piano. Our experience has shown us that piano is one the best early instruments for children to learn. It starts simple and helps to develop a good foundation in rhythm and melody. Those who excel in this camp are good candidates for further study and rock band camp.
Ages 4-10: June 7-11, July 14-18, June 21-25, June 28-July 2, or July 12-16, M-F, 9-12:30 – 5 days for $275
Guitar Camps Could your child be the next Gary Clark Jr.? Our guitar camps are a way to explore the instrument that our town is known for. Chords and melodies will be taught in a supportive environment. This camp introduces beginners to acoustic and electric guitar, as well as a taste of the stage and playing with peers. Those who excel in this camp are good candidates for further study and rock band camp.
Ages 6-10: June 7-11, July 14-18, June 21-25, June 28-July 2, or July 12-16, M-F, 9-12:30 – 5 days for $275
Drum Camps This camp is for the student who loves or may love to drum. It’s a comfortable way for children to have fun with rhythms in a supportive environment. If your child wants to give drumming a try or learn more about it, this camp is designed to help them grow musically and artistically. Those who excel in this camp are good candidates for further study and rock band camp.
Ages 4-10: June 7-11, July 14-18, June 21-25, June 28-July 2, or July 12-16, M-F, 9-12:30 – 5 days for $275
Vocal Camps This camp is for those born to sing. It’s a sure way to have fun and learn scales, melodies and favorite songs in a constructive environment. If your child wants to try voice or learn more about it, this camp will help him or her grow musically and artistically. Those who excel in this camp are good candidates for further study and rock band camp.
Ages 5-10: June 7-11, July 14-18, June 21-25, June 28-July 2, July 12-16, July 19-23, July 26-30, August 2-6, August 9-13, or August 16-20, M-F, 9-12:30 – 5 days for $275
Details: Do you want to learn how to play in a band or learn to write songs? School of Rock Austin offers a wide variety of music camps and workshops. Our local music camps are perfect for musicians of any skill level who want to play guitar, bass, drums, keyboard and vocals. Camp sessions:
Rock Camp 101 - In Person Rock 101 camp is for beginners aged 8-12. No experience needed. Students will explore their instruments through musical activities and basic band rehearsal, ending with a rock show at the end of the week! Our Rock 101 camp is designed for beginners 8-12 years of age. No experience necessary!
When: June 7-11, 9:30am-3:30pm | $550
Songwriting Camp - In Person In this special 5-day camp, students will learn about every aspect of composing their own music - from lyrics to melody, song structure and the recording process. Great for students 9-18 years of age who have had at least 18 months of previous music instruction and feel comfortable jamming both individually and collaboratively.
When: June 21-25, 9:30am-3:30pm | $550
Black Sabbath Camp - In Person Join us for our Black Sabbath Camp as we navigate our way through the darkest riffs, heaviest drum fills, and lyrical magic that makes up their masterpiece catalog. Open to all skill levels, ages 9-18 with at least 18 months of previous musical instruction.
When: July 12-16, 9:30am-3:30pm | $550
Beatles Camp - Online In this 5-day camp, students will take a deep dive into the work of The Beatles to learn and record music from one of the greatest bands ever. Great for students 9-18 years of age who’ve had at least 12 months of previous musical instruction.
When: June 14-18, 10am-3pm | $440
Songwriting Camp - Online In this special 5-day camp, students will learn about every aspect of composing their own music - from lyrics to melody, song structure and the recording process. Great for students 9-18 years of age who have had at least 18 months of previous music instruction and feel comfortable jamming both individually and collaboratively.
When: June 21-25, 10am-3pm | $440
Black Sabbath Camp - Online Join us for our Black Sabbath Camp as we navigate our way through the darkest riffs, heaviest drum fills, and lyrical magic that makes up their masterpiece catalog. Open to all skill levels, ages 9-18 with at least 18 months of previous musical instruction.
When: July 12-16, 10am-3pm | $440
Location: North Austin 2525 West Anderson Lane, Austin, 78757
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Enriched Family provides custom, family-focused research and family organization 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. Click the "Let's Get Started!" button below to contact me.
Best to you and yours!
Esha/Enriched Family