Summer Fun Guide 2017

2017

Summer Fun

A guide to summer camps and activities in and around Hays County A product of Barton Publications, Inc.

Top Ten Things you never knew

about the camp experience

C

amp has become a staple of the summer season. Each year, millions of children, youth, and adults head to the hills, lakes, valleys, and parks to participate in the timehonored tradition of camp. And, while most people easily conjure up images of campfires and canoes, there is a lot more to the camp experience. Here are ten of the things you may not have known about the camp experience.

10. Camp is older than dirt, almost literally.

Started in 1861, the camp experience turned an impressive 150 years young in 2011. The secret behind the longevity?

“One hundred and fifty-five years later, there is a camp for every child,” said Tom Rosenberg, president and chief executive officer for the American Camp Association® (ACA). “from specialized camps to general, traditional camps, the essence of the camp experience is stronger than ever.”

9. Camp is worth its weight in gold, and then some!

The camp experience is life-changing – developing friendships and memories that last well beyond the final campfire.

And, there is a camp for literally every budget. Often camps offer special pricing or financial assistance, and some camp experiences qualify for tax credits or for payment with pre-tax dollars. Visit ACAcamps.org for more information.

8. Green is “zen.”

Research shows that first-hand experience with nature, like those at camp, reduce stress in children and help them better handle stress in the future.

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In addition to teaching children how to be good stewards of the environment, camps are teaching children how to enjoy the world around them and take a minute to breathe deep and feel the nature, which ultimately teaches them how to de-stress the natural way.

7. Mommies and Daddies do it too.

Camp is not just for children and youth. There are family camp experiences, and camps for single adults, senior adults, and any adult that wants to relax and enjoy all camp has to offer.

Adults benefit from the same sense of community, authentic relationships, and self-discovery that children do. Camp is an excellent vacation option, allowing adults to try a variety of new activities in a safe and fun environment.

6. Try this on for size!

Camp is a great place to try new activities and hobbies. Afraid of rock walls? According to ACA research, 74 percent of campers reported that they tried new activities at camp that they were afraid to do at first. And, those activities often leave lasting impressions.

In the same survey, 63 percent of parents reported that their child continued new activities from camp after returning home.

5. Manners matter, and often linger.

The camp experience teaches more than just archery or lanyard making.

The entire experience is made of teachable moments, perhaps one of the biggest is how to live with a group of people. Campers learn to pick up after themselves, respect each other’s property, and to say “Please” and “Thank You.”

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ROCKING HORSE ACADEMY

4. Veggies taste better with friends.

Hollywood and fictional novels may have given camp food a bad reputation, but in truth, camps are constantly exploring healthy food options, and often are at the forefront of things like allergy specific diets, healthy snack options, and vegetarian meals. According to ACA’s 2011 Emerging Issues survey, 90.7 percent of responding camps indicated that healthy eating and physical activity was an important or very important issue.

3. If everyone else went to camp, maybe there’s something to it!

Camp has played an important role in the lives of some of the most talented people in history. ACA’s family resource site offers a list of notable campers – including business professionals, celebrities, artists, and great thinkers.

2. Camp gets those neurons pumping!

Education reform debate and concern

over summer learning loss have pushed academic achievement into the spotlight.

Research shows that participation in intentional programs, like camp, during summer months helps stem summer learning loss. In addition, camp provides ample opportunity for developmental growth, which is a precursor to academic achievement. And, because of the “handson” nature of camp, often children who struggle in traditional education settings do well at camp.

PRATT’S KARATE CLUB

1. Camp builds leaders for the 21st century and beyond!

Independence, resiliency, teamwork, problem-solving skills, and the ability to relate to other people — these are the skills that tomorrow’s leaders will need, and the skills camp has been adept at building for 150 years. “Camp gives children and youth the critical tools they will need to become successful adults,” said Rosenberg.

For more information on preparing your child for an independent, fun-filled summer, visit ACA’s family resource page at ACAcamps.org. Or, follow ACA on Facebook and Twitter for helpful hints and camp information.

Agua Fresca Studios CREATIVE SUMMER CAMPS 9-4 p.m. daily Ages 6-teens Register Now for Summer Classes & Camps

Painting, science, clay, photography, music, ukuleles and more!

CLASSES FOR AGES 18 MONTHS & UP!

Beautiful creekside studio just 15 miles from Kyle

Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary Modern & Hip Hop

Camps Ages 3-5 yrs Prince/Princess Camp, Storybook Camp, Cape Crusaders Camp

Camps Ages 6-9 yrs Trolls Camp, Dance United, Zootopia Camp

Summer Intensive: Ages 8-11 & 12 & up!

Wimberley TX www.aguafrescastudios.com

(512) 720-2662 | padbuda.com 3310B FM 967, Ste. 105-A in Buda

2017 Summer Camp Guide

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Camp Unplugged Loosening the digital umbilical cord

by Christopher

A. Thurber, Ph.D.

Young people between eight and eighteen spend an average of 6.5 hours a day absorbed in media — much of the time is solitary.

Pro-Children Solutions Electronic technology has done a lot to make life more convenient. Sadly, the 1950s dream of having robots and computers do most jobs so that adults could work fifteen-hour weeks never came true. In fact, the seductiveness of new technology probably contributes to most Americans’ working longer than forty hours per week. For many people, checking their e-mail outside of work hours is habitual. Others keep their cell phone handy to make and receive calls

during time off. This summer, I regularly saw parents “on vacation” at the beach checking their e-mail on handheld devices while their children splashed in the ocean. Sure, these gadgets are convenient, but they easily blur the lines between work, play, and family time.

Electronic technologies also provide a mixed bag – sorry, stream – of media.

Television programs, DVD movies, Internet sites, and video games are entertaining, often educational. On the other hand, unsavory content and time absorption are the two most frequently cited problems associated with these media. Research last year by the Kaiser Foundation concluded that young people between eight and eighteen spend an average of 6.5 hours a day absorbed in media. Most of it

WHERE KIDS BECOME A COMMUNITY Camp, like many Y programs, is about learning skills, developing character, and making friends. But few environments are as special as camp, where kids become a community as they learn both how to be more independent and how to contribute to a group as they engage in physical, social, and educational activities. Y counselors are dedicated to making sure camp is an amazing experience for every camper.

SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! For ages 4-14 5 days a week Financial assistance available Sites in Hays, Travis & Bastrop Counties -Kinder & Theme Camps at Carpenter Hill Elementary (Buda) -Theme Camp at Springs YMCA (Dripping Springs)

Learn more and register at AustinYMCA.org/camp or call Program Services at 512.236.9622

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is electronic and much of the time is solitary.

So parents can be drawn into more work; children into more isolating, unwholesome screen time. Sound familiar? Probably. These are becoming such trendy laments in 21st century America that some of you may be tempted to stop reading here. But don’t, because the rest of this article is about solutions. Not pro-technology or antitechnology, but pro-children, pro-camp solutions.

Password: Thoughtful Use Can there be any way out of the technology trap? Can there be uses of technology that connect, rather than disconnect people? What can save children from the (de)vices of the modern world? The answers, of course, are: Yes, yes, and camp.

Is it really that simple? Indeed. All it requires is thoughtful application of intentionally selected technologies.

Whatever the technology, it must meet one of four criteria: efficiency, connection, education, and entertainment. Electronic technologies are particularly welcome when they save us time, nourish our relationships, teach us something, or amuse us in healthy, wholesome ways. If your next use of a cell phone, computer, digital

music player, or handheld hybrid meets one of these criteria, without noticeably eroding one of the other criteria, then it has passed the “thoughtful” test.

These days, every camp uses electronic technology of some sort, from telephones to toasters. Even the most rustic and isolated camps use electronic technologies for safety (e.g., GPS units, walkie-talkies, satellite phones) or publicity (e.g., Web pages). Evaluating a camp’s appropriate use of technology no longer involves questioning whether it uses new technology, but how.

Famil-E-Values Every family has different values and a different history with technology. For some, what camp offers is welcome relief from the burdensome yoke of electronic technologies. For other families, camp might offer tools that truly enhance interpersonal connections. As you consider each point, ask yourself what makes the most sense for your circumstances, your own family’s values and history, and your child’s development.

• Telephones. Telephone calls are inexpensive, simple, and instantaneous.

Nevertheless, some camps have a

CAMP UNPLUGGED, 6

Camp on the Move Voted Best Day Camp

Academy

Each week has a new exciting theme, weekly field trips, morning /afternoon snacks and lunch included! For ages 5yrs- 9yrs

2017 Weekly Themes June 5th- 9th: Aloha Summer

A week filled with camping adventures, outdoor fun and scavenger hunts

June 12th- 16th: Wet and Wild Week

July 24th- 28th: Wacky Week

Kids will enjoy a fun filled week full of water and fun in the sun!

Our time to be silly! Silly, socks, clothes hair and silly games

June 19th- 23rd: Blast off to Outer space

July 31st- Aug 4th: Community Helpers

We will study our solar system along with different cool space crafts!

June 26th- June 30th: Hawaiian Get away

July 3rd-7th: Party in the USA

We will spend the week celebrating our great country with all things red, white and blue!

View schedule and enroll online.

July 10th- 14th: Little chefs

Ages 8-14

July 17th-21st: A Camping We Will Go

We’ll kick off summer with fun games and activities, all about getting to know each other!

Kids will bring out their inner islander and we will indulge in all things tropical

Schlitterbahn Typhoon TX Six Flags and more!

CampOnTheMove.com (512) 658-6285

Kids

Summer camp 2017

We will spend the week doing activities and admiring all of the helpers that help us in our community

Aug 7th- Aug 11th: Super sports

We will be bringing out the athlete in us all with a week full of sports and outdoor games

Aug 14th-18th: End of summer Bash

We will celebrate our fun filled summer together and get ready for back to school!

This week we will be cooking and baking galore! We will be making different recipe each day

Stop in for a tour or give us a call at 512-312-1644 1019 A Main Street, Buda TX

KidsacademyCDC.com

2017 Summer Camp Guide

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CAMP UNPLUGGED, from 5

Making memories while making music!

“no phone/no call” policy because they recognize that telephone calls exacerbate homesickness and erode children’s independence. Although parents and camp directors may have phone contact, campers are not typically permitted to make or receive calls. (Exceptions are made for family emergencies, of course.) Some sevenor eight-week camps allow scheduled weekly phone calls. Again, this policy reflects the belief that phone contact is not a treatment for homesickness, nor should it interfere with the growth in self-reliance most camps seek to promote.

• E-mail. Many camps allow parents to send e-mails to their children which are sorted and distributed with the regular mail. Like phone calls, these e-mails are inexpensive and simple, but unlike a call, children and parents don’t hear the sound of each others’ voices.

As tender as real voices are in other contexts, such immediate contact while children are at camp reliably flares campers’ homesickness (and parents’ “kid-sickness”). By contrast, e-mails have the advantage of being more like a traditional letter. They are written, not spoken, so they can be handled and reread at will. And until recently, campers replied using traditional letters — most still do.

• Facsimile. Faxes used to be the ugly duckling of the tech world. Today, plain paper faxes resolve images almost as well as photocopy machines, and some camps are using faxes to send campers’ handwritten letters to their eager parents. Potentially, a parent could send an e-mail to their child in the morning and receive a faxed reply in the afternoon. Potentially, this also creates an unnecessary burden for parents, children, and camp staff.

• Photographs. Since the 1920s, some camps have published photographic yearbooks. Of course, families had to wait until Thanksgiving to receive a copy. The advantage of such a long wait was that it forced children to recreate a verbal narrative of the experience.

These narratives not only helped parents understand their child’s camp experience, they also helped children comprehend it, especially the parts that may have been challenging or confusing.

Today, such narratives may be bypassed because camps are posting hundreds of digital photographs a day on their Web sites. Parents at home or at work can instantly view, purchase, and download photos of their child at camp. Of course, this can also create undue anxiety when your child is not photographed on a certain day, or appears not to be smiling in a certain snapshot.

HAYS MIDDLE SCHOOL

Where: Jack C. Hays High School When: June 12-15 Why: To provide an opportunity for students, grades 6-8 (upcoming), to continue development of vocal and music skills, learn about opportunities in music beyond performing or teaching, meet like-minded peers, and have a little fun along the way as they work with current and former music students as well as other directors!

Cost: $85.00 Covers: Music, T-shirt, Accompanist/Clinician Fees, outings including Blazer Tag, Bowling, and Kyle Pool. (Each student will need to bring their lunch each day.)

Itinerary June 12-14: 8:00 AM-3:30 PM at Hays HS June 15: 9:30-12:30 at Hays PAC (Concert at 11:30) Registration and Information at: http://beta2.schoolworld.com/hayscisd/ webpages/cflores/resources.cfm DEADLINE: May 8, 2017 6

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• Video Streaming. You thought photos captured the camp experience on your desktop? What about live digital video using Web cams placed strategically around camp? Whereas some camps see this as the ultimate way to give parents a window into their child’s world, others see it as the ultimate way to rob children of an experience all their own. Even more so than the provision of photographs, this medium may create more anxiety than it was designed to quell and encourage children to bypass a truly interactive, personal narrative with their parents.

Why write during camp or talk after camp when mom and dad already saw it all on their laptop?

Run the Diagnostics In your search for the camp that best matches your child’s interests and abilities, consider that the thoughtful application of electronic technology requires two things. First, it must meet one or more of the criteria of efficiency, connection, education, and wholesome entertainment without eroding any of the other criteria. Second, it must be in accord with the camp’s stated mission.

If a camp hasn’t applied technology thoughtfully, consider other camps that have.

Any camp that passes these diagnostic tests must now pass two tough parent tests: First, does the camp’s application of technology match your value system? For example, the camp may provide live streaming video, thus providing a kind of connection and entertainment that is in accord with its stated mission of inviting parents to witness camp as it happens. But does this match your value system, which may include affording your child an opportunity to independently explore a new place and new relationships? Are you comfortable that someone could hack past the camp’s Web site password and view camp activities, or does that threaten your sense of safety and privacy?

If the camp’s technology passes your values test, the second test is this: Does the camp’s application of technology give you an opportunity to take a break from full-time parenthood? As much as parents and children might miss one another, both say their relationship is stronger when they’ve had some time apart. However, if the camp’s use of technology makes more work for you, it diminishes one of the benefits of time apart: respite for you.

Worth the Wait • Remember that camp is not the stock market or a breaking news story.

It’s community living, away from home, in a natural, recreational setting.

Nothing needs to be transmitted at the speed of light. Plus, children are exposed to electronic technology all year. It’s nice for them to have a break during the summer.

It’s also healthy for children and parents to talk with each other about their experiences after spending some planned time apart. Technologies should not crowd out the necessary psychological space for dialogue.

The artificial needs created by new electronic technologies — to see and hear everything the instant it happens — are not always developmentally appropriate needs for our children.

To wait a few days for a traditional letter to arrive, for example, gives parents and children alike the time to reflect, form new relationships, solve problems independently, and understand their emotions. In these ways, unplugging the digital umbilical promotes healthy growth and selfreliance.

Wireless Interpersonal Networking (WIN) • An ancient technology — wireless interpersonal networking — has the advantage of being the most reliable, easy-to-learn, no-cost, virus-free option for children to connect at camp. In

fact, camps were originally conceived — back in the 1860s — as the ideal connectivity platform for wireless interpersonal networking. What is wireless interpersonal networking?

It’s an honest-to-goodness, faceto-face, totally free, real-time, oneon-one conversation between your child and another human being.

Such networking has widespread applications for new camper-camper connections and camper-staff connections. The technology may also be transferred, without clumsy cables or costly upgrades, to camper-parent interactions, both in handwritten letters and post-camp conversations. This kind of connection is so precious and rewarding, it may be what you and your child remember best about camp.

Christopher A. Thurber, Ph.D., a board-certified clinical psychologist, is co-author of The Summer Camp Handbook. A proponent of the thoughtful application of electronic technology, Chris’s latest project is hosting The Secret Ingredients of Summer Camp Success, an ACA DVDCD released in February 2006.

Originally printed in CAMP Magazine, reprinted by permission of the American Camp Association ©.

AGUA FRESCA STUDIOS

Field Trips

Arts & Crafts

Reading

Summer Camp 2017

Enrichment Activities

Swimming

Sports Kickball Basketball Flag Football Softball Soccer

June 5 - August 18

Extend-A-Care for Kids Summer Day Camp is the place to keep our children physically active and engaged in learning activities while they make new friends and have new experiences.

(512) 472-9402 • www.eackids.org 2017 Summer Camp Guide

An enriching, fun-filled child care program licensed by the State of Texas Camp sites at Elm Grove and Blanco Vista Elementary Hours: 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Weekly field trips and swim trips twice a week Weekly themes for Fun to Go! Fee assistance for qualifying families

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Always sleep with your shoes on

by Samantha Smith

I

f I could go back in time and tell my 17-year-old self anything, it would be to always sleep with your shoes on when working as a camp counselor at a sleep away camp.

Growing up as a Girl Scout of America, I got to attend the summer camp at Camp Texlake every summer for weeks at a time.

Like many campers, I decided that I wanted to train to become a Camp Texlake counselor hoping the experience as a counselor would be as rewarding as the ones I got as a camper.

It was certainly a memorable experience.

As a policy, the camp required all counselors to choose a new name like “Sunshine” or “Daisy” in order to provide some anonymity for the counselors when camp was over.

My camp counselor name was “Cupid”.

As most people know, when there’s not much to do on rainy days, and girls are confined to small quarters for an extended period of time, pranks are played for entertainment.

One such rainy afternoon, my counselor friend “Kansas” and I were eating lunch in the dining hall and saw our perfect opportunity to prank two of our fellow counselors, “Taz” and “Bogie”.

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We quietly got up from our table, retrieved the water pitchers at the kitchen-serving window and unceremoniously doused our unsuspecting victims in front of the entire camp of Girl Scouts.

Taz and Bogie were mortified as they retreated dripping from the dining hall to the sounds of uncontrolled giggling to their campsites so they could change.

After two days of watching our backs, Kansas and I thought we were in the clear before the counselor trail ride on the last day of camp.

That is when Taz and Bogie made their move.

Morning came on the last day of the trail ride and the head counselor made an announcement that we all had to pack up quickly. It was a three-mile ride back to camp and she needed all hands on deck in order to coordinate all the campers on their way home.

Kansas and I immediately noticed that something was missing from our tent. Our bags with our clothes we had packed for the two-day trail ride were mysteriously missing.

We soon discovered their location when we heard the mixture of giggles and groans outside. We stepped out of the tent and saw our clothes winding a small trail from our tent all the way to the edge of the lake.

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When we got to the end, there was a note under our empty bags with the words “look down” printed on it.

When we looked down into the crystal clear, 12-foot deep lake, there at the bottom were our tennis shoes and socks weighted down by heavy river rocks.

The crowd of assembled onlookers erupted into uproarious laughter around us as we quickly learned that we would not have enough time to try and retrieve our shoes before the company began heading back to camp on horseback.

Kansas and I could see Taz and Bogie standing post at the top of the hill next to their own small tent gleaming with pride as we silently relinquished the “prank wars crown” to them.

The real pain of the prank came during the ride back to camp as we were forced to ride barefoot and wearing our pajamas, which were the only clean clothes we had left.

Riding three miles on horseback wearing sleep shorts really chafes your legs, not to mention balancing/ posting in thin stirrups while barefoot makes your feet feel like they will fall off.

Needless to say Kansas and I learned some valuable lessons that summer.

Don’t mess with Taz and Bogie before the last day of camp and always sleep with your shoes on.

AWESOME SUMMER CAMPS

We love what we do and so will you.

9 Different Camps to Choose From!

Rockets, Robots, Chemistry, Spies, Grossology, Invention and More! austin.madscience.org

Est. 1988

HUNTERS CHASE FARMS 2009 - 2016

Fun and Hand-on Camps!

10% Discount for Camp if registered

by April 1st!

Locations All Over Town Half-day & Full day Camps For Ages 4-12

512-892-1143

MAD SCIENCE OFFERS EXCITING:

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS • ASSEMBLIES • BIRTHDAY PARTIES • WORKSHOPS SPECIAL EVENTS • SPRING BREAK & SUMMER CAMPS• PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS

• Day and overnight camps • All girls riding camps • All boys “Cowboy Camp” • After school riding & off campus athletic programs • Horseback riding • Horse care • Swimming • Arts & crafts

JULY 3 – 7

Party in the USA

“Put your hands in the air and wave them like you just don’t care” as we honor our great nation! Wear your red, white and blue this week in celebration and join our patriotic party filled with old-fashioned fun!

Enroll Early!

Space is Limited!

JULY 10-14

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

JUNE 5-9

Bon Voyage Join us as we set sail for SUMMER. Let’s put school behind us and splash our cares away. Parks and picnics, train rides and sailboat races fill each day. Grab your sunscreen and shades and let’s GO!

JUNE 12-16

Texas, Our Texas Everything is bigger in Texas so come celebrate the Lone Star State with us! We’ll lasso up our partners for a scavenger hunt and round up the good times on the nature trails, where we will sit around a “campfire” and tell tall tales. Don’t forget your boots and 10-gallon hat!

Ooey Gooey JUNE 19 – 23

Slithering into Summer

Welcome to the Zoo!! If you love creepy crawly or feathery flighty, this camp is for you.

We’ll create our own animal park and play wild gym games. Don’t misssssss thissssssss chance to explore with our friends from the animal kingdom!

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

JULY 17 – 21

Never Never Land “So come with me, where dreams are born, and time is never planned. Just think of happy things, and your heart will fly on wings, forever, in Never Never Land!”

Sprinkle your magic fairy dust, chase your shadow around, and explore for buried treasure!

JUNE 26 – 30

SHARK WEEK Duunnna, dunnna…those big fish won’t keep us out of the water. Anyone for a game of sharks and minnows? Bring your JAWS and dive into some summer!

JULY 24 – 28

Home Runs & Slam Dunks Join us this week as we give it our all whether it’s on the court or in the stands! Let’s Play Ball!!

Whether we dribble it or knock it out of the park, we’ll have some adventure. Don’t forget the Popcorn, Peanuts and Cracker Jacks.

(512)

842-2246

4909 Lone Mountain Rd., Wimberley, TX 78676 www.hunterschasefarms.com

JULY 31 – AUG 4

Blast From the Past

We are throwing it way back this week! So, do the hustle on over and grab a Rubix Cube, a poodle skirt and don’t forget your neon friendship bracelets!

AUGUST 7 – 10

What’s Cooking?

“A party without a cake is just a meeting” – Julia Child.

Vegetables made yummy and all foods au natural. We are busting out the pots and pans so don’t forget your aprons.

Who will be named Top Chef?

AUGUST 14 – 18, AUGUST 21 – 25

Backyard Bash

You won’t want to miss our end of summer celebration! Who can ring the bell this year in our race to the top of our rock wall? Who will score points for their relay team? Join us for hotdogs, games and music at our end of summer Backyard Bash!

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

2017 Summer Camp Guide

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Prepare your child . . . and yourself for camp!

Summer Time Fun Summer Camp 10 weeks of Fun, Field Trips and Swimming Ages 5 to 12 years Gymnastics, Tumbling & Cheer Free Trials, 18 months to 18 years Preschool Open Gym Explore and play every Monday from 10 -11:30 a.m.

Up to 5 years old

F

or parents, the most heartracing, adrenalin pumping moments happen when you let go and watch your child try something on his or her own. The moment the training wheels come off, the first trip down the driveway on the skateboard, the time our children ride the school bus – these are more than just memories, these are critical moments that define growth and change. For many families, the first time they send their child to camp is one of the biggest let go, hold your breath, and watch them soar moments in childhood.

In today’s world of high-tech kids and families who have a constant connection to each other, it’s essential to take the time to emotionally prepare for camp. It is, of course, important to prepare the first-time camper, but families need to make sure that Mom, Dad, younger siblings at home – virtually everyone – is ready to adjust to camp life. The American Camp Association® (ACA) provides the following tips to help ease first-time families into the camp experience:

Olympia Hills Gymnastics 2122 Green Meadows Lane Buda, TX 78610

512-295-3073

Parents

As parents, it is important to focus on the positive aspects of camp. Remember that separation is natural, necessary, and inevitable – what better place to have that first experience than in a caring and nurturing environment designed

AustinGymnastics.com

www.

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specifically for children? Parents can also focus on the amazing benefits of camp – an experiential education like no other teaching valuable 21st century survival skills like leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and interpersonal communication. “The greatest gifts that parents can give their child are independence and resiliency,” said Peg Smith, ACA’s former chief executive officer. “Parents should remember that by choosing camp they are giving both.”

Siblings

Bob Ditter, family therapist and one of the nation's leading experts on camp, cautions it is likely that the child left at home will experience separation anxiety and truly miss his or her sibling. To help them prepare, be sure to talk about the upcoming separation. Before the eldest child leaves for camp take a picture of your children together that the sibling can keep in their room or carry around. Remind your children about the communication they can have with each other through letters and postcards.

Other family members

Be sure that everyone is aware of the upcoming experience. Let family members know how to contact

BearCreek CreekStables Stables Bear BearCreek Creek Stables Stables Bear

YMCA

Experience Creating Experience Creating Summer Fun and Summer Fun and Learning Since 1982!

Learning Since 1982!

OPEN HOUSE:

Experience ExperienceCreating Creating Summer SummerFun Funand and Learning Since 1982!

Learning Since 1982!

OPEN HOUSE:

March 4: 1:30-3:30pm March 4: 1:30-3:30pm April 22: 10am-12pm

OPEN HOUSE:

OPEN HOUSE:

April 22: 10am-12pm

April 22: 10am-12pm

April 22: 10am-12pm

Spring Break Camp March 13–17

SUMMER CAMP

Spring Break CampDaily March 13–17 Two Riding Lessons Two Riding Lessons Daily

Summer Camp AGES 7-16

June–August 2017 8:00-4:00 Extended Care Available Extended Care Available Shady Indoor Arena

June–August Summer 2017 Camp8:00-4:00 AGES 7-16 Shady Indoor Arena June–August 2017 8:00-4:00 Swimming • No RainArena Outs!

Shady Indoor English & Western Swimming • No Rain Outs!

Trails & Demonstrations

Swimming • No Rain Outs!

Shady Indoor Arena English & Western Swimming • No Rain Outs!

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512-282-0250

Easy Online Registration www.bearcreekstables.com

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camper if they are interested through letters and care packages — make sure they are aware of any communication policies the camp may have, i.e. no phone calls or restrictions on what can be sent in a care package. In addition, an increasing number of camps are using Web sites to display photos or video during the camp session.

According to ACA’s 2011 Emerging Issues Survey, 75 percent of responding camps indicate that they post photos or videos to a Web site for families to view. Forty-five percent indicate that they post information, photos, and videos to social media outlets like Facebook. Families should be sure to ask camp directors about these options.

camp, families are truly giving a gift that lasts a lifetime. By taking steps to mentally prepare for camp, families not only keep from getting “kid-sick” for their camper, but they can stay positive about the camp experience – which goes a long way toward helping firsttime campers adjust to life at camp. And just like taking off the training wheels, the moment families see their camper radiating confidence and joy they will feel that burst of pride and gratitude that they allowed their child this experience.

For more information about preparing for the summer camp experience, or to Find A Camp, parents can visit www.ACAcamps.org.

This online resource for families includes expert advice, information on health and safety, and ACA’s searchable database of over 2,400 ACA-Accredited® camps.

Camp is an equal opportunity life-changer.

By sending a child to camp, families are truly giving a gift that lasts a lifetime.

Camp is an equal opportunity life-changer. By sending a child to

AGES 7-16

SUMMER AGES 7-16 June–AugustCAMP 2017 8:00-4:00

512-282-0250

Easy Online Registration www.bearcreekstables.com

512-282-0250

Easy Online Registration www.bearcreekstables.com

Pratt’s Karate Club Pratt’s Karate Club invites you to join us and start a journey to improve your confidence, discipline, and self-defense! Our mission is to keep family and community involved with healthy activities through the path of Martial Arts. We understand family, because we are a family! That’s why we offer affordable prices and discounts for families that have more than one student. There is NO contract and your first two weeks are FREE! We look forward to meeting you!

For more information, contact: Jason Pratt at 512-294-7213 or Theresa Pratt at 512-632-9730

2017 Summer Camp Guide

PKC Karate pkckarate

We meet: Monday and Thursday, 6 to 7 p.m. at the Buda Elementary Gym 300 San Marcos Street Buda, Texas 78610 Junior Class, ages 4-12 Adult Class, ages 13-up

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

Register Today Online!

www.DanceUnlimitedBudaTX.com

1019 Main Street • Buda, Texas 78610 • 512-295-3667

20TH ANNUAL

What’s cooler than school?

Brandy Perryman Shooting Camp

Austin’s Premier Basketball Camp

Reading the Hays Free Press or News-Dispatch at home or on the go.

for boys and girls ages 7-16

Visit our sponsors

Our newest location in South Austin

GORZYCKI MIDDLE SCHOOL 7412 W SLAUGHTER LANE

For all 8 other locations see our website: www.bperrymanshootingcamp.com

Register online at

www.BPerrymanShootingCamp.com

www.HaysFreePress.com

*Please note that registrations for Clay Madsen Rec. Center & Brushy Creek Comm. Center camp must be completed at their respective sites online or in person.

www.HaysNewsDispatch.com 12

www.HaysFreePress.com

For more information:

•

www.HaysNewsDispatch.com

512-799-8891

CAMPY MOVIES

The BIGGEST Laser Tag Arena in TEXAS!

The Hays Free Press and News-Dispatch staff brainstormed what we thought were some of the most memorable movies about summer camp. So to get all the happy campers in the mood for new summer experiences, we offer these picks.

Movie descriptions and images from IMDB.com

1701 W. Ben White Blvd., South Austin 78704

512.462.0202 www.BLAZERTAG.com

Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

Set on an island off the coast of New England in the 1960s, a young boy and girl fall in love and are moved to run away together. Various factions of the town mobilize to search for them and the town is turned upside down – which might not be such a bad thing.

Friday the 13th (1980)

One summer at Camp Crystal Lake, a group of young counselors begin to get ready to lead campers. Unfortunately for the former, someone isn't happy about what's going on in the camp and enjoys playing kill the counselor. As bodies fall to the ground in the camp, no one is safe.

Heavyweights (1995)

Plump kids are lured into joining a posh fat camp with the promise of quick weight loss and good times, only to find that the facility is a woodland hellhole run by a psycho ex-fitness instructor.

The Parent Trap

(1998, or 1961 if you prefer) Identical twins Annie and Hallie, separated at birth and each raised by one of their biological parents, later discover each other for the first time at summer camp and make a plan to bring their wayward parents back together.

JUNE 12-16TH

REGISTRATION OPENS MID MARCH

Hays Hills Baptist Church

1401 FM 1626, Buda, TX 78610 (832) 257-2029 • hayshills.com

2017 Summer Camp Guide

Lunch is provided!

Fun electives, field trips, crafts and a camp t-shirt!

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Camp (2003)

After a series of Broadway flops, songwriter Bert Hanley (Dixon) goes to work at a musical camp for young performers. Inspired by the kids who are misfits in their lives back home and are dealing with an array of personal struggles, he finds an opportunity to regain success by staging an altogether new production.

Addams Family Values

(1993) When an adorable baby boy is added to the Addams household, Wednesday and Pugsley do not hate the baby, they just aren’t necessarily excited about his existence. Ok, yeah they do hate the baby. So Wednesday and Pugsley must get rid of the new addition one way or another. Meanwhile a new nanny is added to the household who overtakes Fester. The Addams must stop the nanny, but how?

Troop Beverly Hills (1989)

A soon to be divorced Beverly Hills socialite is determined to prove to her husband and herself that she can finish what she starts out to do, by becoming a den mother to a troop of Beverly Hills Girl Scouts.

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SUMMER SCI Camps STEM Career Immersion

Summer is for science!

Throughout the week become a STEM Squad Hero by discovering the powers of STEM. Every day is a new adventure!

Coding & Programming Life Sciences Forensics Engineering Museum Experience

JULY 24-288 GRADES 6-

a field trip to the Science Mill in Johnson City!

Throughout the summer, The PREP School has weekly activities that combine summertime fun and academic curriculum. STEM curriculum activities will be offered for school-aged students which include: NASA-guided activities, virtual universe and science field trips, handson science experiments, computer coding, robotics and much more.

Visit sciencemill.org for camps in other locations!

Register online at www.sciencemill.org All camps are one week long, Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm

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www.HaysFreePress.com

•

www.HaysNewsDispatch.com

But I’m a Cheerleader (1999)

Megan is an all-American girl. She’s a cheerleader and has a boyfriend, but she doesn’t like kissing him very much, and she’s pretty tactile with her cheerleader friends, and she only has pictures of girls up in her locker. Her parents and friends conclude that she *must* be gay and send her off to “sexual redirection” school, full of admittedly homosexual misfits, where she can learn how to be straight. Will Megan be turned around to successful heterosexuality, or will she succumb to her love for the beautiful Graham?

Meatballs (1979)

Summer camp highjinks centers around a camp counselor with a wacky sense of humor. He tries to help the campers have a good time. One camper named Rudy poses a particular challenge as he has a self-esteem problem.

American Pie Presents: Band Camp

(2005) Matt Stifler, the younger brother of the legendary Steve Stifler, who made it big as Hollywood porn-producer and shamelessly ignores the idolizing kid brother. When Matt gets caught redhanded for a prank with the school band’s instruments, high school counselor Sherman ‘Sherminator’ finds great pleasure in taking revenge on him for the misbehavior. Instead of expelling him, he condemns him to take part in band camp at Great Oaks, where Jim Levenstein’s still understanding dad is filling in for the feared problem counselor.

INSPIRING FUTURE INNOVATORS Sign up by March 20 to save $25 using promo code INNOVATE25

For children entering K-6th grade — Led by experienced local educators •Hands-on Fun

•Teamwork

•STEM Concepts

•Problem Solving

•Design & Build Prototypes

1,000+ Summer Programs Nationwide In partnership with the United States Patent and Trademark Office

campinvention.org | 800.968.4332 2017 Summer Camp Guide

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Golf Camp • Camp Onion Creek • Little Onions Camp Swing & Splash Camp • Cooking Camp • Maker Kids Lab

For more information on Membership or to inquire about Summer camps, please call the Front Desk at 512.282.2150 or via email at info@onioncreekclub.com