Summer Fun 2022

HAYS COUNTY

ECHO MARCH 2022 INSIDE

Summer Fun Suggestions for the Kids

See what summer camps are in full swing this year Photo courtesy of Hunters Chase Farms

A product of Barton Publications 1

Here are just some of the camps offered in your area

Summer Camp Where memories are made

Hunters Chase Farms

BUDA Brandy Perryman Shooting Camp 2610 Main Street Buda, Texas (512) 799-8891 Dates: July 5-28, 2022

Dance Unlimited

1019 Main Street Buda, Texas 78610 danceunlimitedbudatx.com

Inspired Minds Art Center 121 Main Street Buda, Texas (512) 256-0181 info@inspiredminds.art Dates: May 31- August 5, 2022

Kiddie Academy of Buda Brandy Perryman Shooting Camp

2448 Main Street Buda, Texas 78610 (737) 400-6700 kiddieacademy.com

YMCA

Little Land-Buda

YMCA

17301 S IH 35 Frontage Road, Suite 101 Buda, TX 78610 (512) 994-4115 littlelandplaygym.com Dates: June 6- August 12, 2022

My Munchkin Music 1019 Main Street Buda, Texas 78610 mymunchkinmusic.com

Olympia Hills Gymnastics 2122 Green Meadows Lane Buda, Texas 78610 (512) 295-3073 ohgaustin.com

Continued on page 4 YMCA 2

Summer Fun 2022

How to handle the summer camp questions in the pandemic era

FIND YOUR PASSION.

Children make cherished memories at summer camp, where many youngsters first discover passions and hobbies they will enjoy for the rest of their lives.

Summer 2020 and 2021 were camp seasons unlike any other. Some camps closed their doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while others downsized their offerings in an effort to keep campers safe while still providing them with a much-needed outlet. As the 2022 summer camp season approaches, parents may be a little less hesitant about sending their kids to camp than they were a year ago. The rollout of COVID-19 vaccines has helped millions of people return to some semblance of normalcy, and that rollout has put summer camp back in play for families.

Choosing a summer camp is not always so easy, and it might be especially tricky as the world slowly emerges from the pandemic. The following are some tips for parents as they consider if camp is a good idea this summer.

• Consider your comfort level. It’s understandable if parents are hesitant about sending their youngsters to camp this summer. In fact, some camps may still be closed while others may only offer limited day camps this summer. Parents should consider their comfort levels before enrolling kids in camp. Vaccines have proven effective, but COVID-19 hasn’t gone away, and some regions have yet to vaccinate teenagers. Vaccines also have yet to be offered to children under 16. Parents can ask themselves how comfortable they are sending kids to camp, and if they’re hesitant to do so they can ex-

All kids deserve a great summer and YMCA Day Camps are the perfect summer destination! YMCA camps offer children a safe, exciting and memorable day camp experience.

plore their alternatives.

• Ask children if they want to go to camp.

Everyone is experiencing some measure of pandemic-related burnout, and that includes kids. Kids may be sick of wearing masks at school all day and, even if they have loved camp in the past, may not be looking forward to wearing masks all day at camp this summer. Others might not be experiencing such burnout and may see camp as a way to quell boredom at a time when boredom has seemingly lingered over every day. Either way, solicit kids’ input and let them know their feelings matter regardless of which side of the fence they’re on.

• Inquire about safety protocols. When researching summer camps, ask about the safety protocols each camp will have in place.

Will masks be mandatory for both campers and staff? How much direct interaction will campers have with each other? Have staff members been vaccinated? What measures are being taken to keep kids safe? Camps should have detailed protocols and share those protocols with parents upon request.

• Ask about alternatives. If parents and/ or children are hesitant about attending camp in person, ask camp officials if there will be any virtual events or programs this summer. Some camps may be organizing activities like craft projects online, and that can help kids overcome the boredom of being stuck at home all summer.

Summer camps may not be fully back to normal in 2022. However, families likely won’t have to go without access to summer camps for another summer.

FIND YOUR Y. Kids have the opportunity to build self-confidence, independence and creativity, and parents have peace of mind knowing your kids are in a safe and enriching place. At YMCA day camps, kids make friends while learning the values of diversity and cooperation.

SUMMER DAY CAMP Registration Now Open l Ages 6 weeks to 13 years • 25+ Locations in Hays and Travis Counties • Weekly Sessions - Themes, Sports, Kinder, Preschool • Special sessions available at YMCA Camp Moody on Onion Creek • Swimming, Field Trips, Arts & Crafts, Enrichment • Affordable Rates - Financial Assistance Available • Infant/Preschool programs available

Enroll @ EACYMCA.org or (512) 236-YMCA (9622)

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Brandy Perryman Shooting Camp

BUDA CONTINUED Pivotal Academy of Dance

3310B FM 967 A105 Buda, Texas 78610 (512) 523-8001 info@pivotalacademyofdance.com Dates: June 7-August 4, 2022

Twin Oaks Ranch 100 Marks Overlook Buda, Texas 78610 (512) 825-5791 twinoranch.com

YMCA Camp Moody

1220 Old San Antonio Road Buda, Texas 78610 (512) 236-9622 EACY@austinymca.org Dates: June 13 - August 12, 2022

YMCA Hays Communities 465 Buda Sportsplex Drive Buda, TX 78610 (512) 236-9622 EACY@austinymca.com Dates: May 31 – August 5, 2022

KYLE The City of Kyle Summer Camp Wallace Middle School 1500 W Center Street Kyle, Texas 78640 (512) 228-1079 sboyer@cityofkyle.com Dates: June 6-July 29, 2022

Code Ninjas

Hunters Chase Farms

844 Kohlers Crossing, Suite 250 Kyle, Texas 78640 (512) 862-2633 Dates: May 31- July 29, 2022

YMCA

YMCA Camp Moody

Hunters Chase Farms

Focus Sports Camp in 2022 at Fellowship Church Plum Creek 160 Grace Street Kyle, Texas 78640 (512) 268-7044 Dates: June 6-10, 2022

Lonestar Soccer Club

Varies lonestar-sc.com/events/summer-camps Dates: June 6-August 12, 2022

Continued on page 6

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Summer Fun 2022

Badgerdog Creative Writing Camp Badgerdog

Spring break and summer programs led by professional writers inspire a love of reading and writing, strengthen language skills, and exercise creativity.

See the full schedule on our website:

www.austinlibrary.org

Hunters Chase Farms

We love what we do and so will you.

Est. 1988

HUNTERS CHASE FARMS

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

Register Online Today!

www.DanceUnlimitedBudaTX.com

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

• 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

(512)

842-2246

4909 Lone Mountain Rd., Wimberley, TX 78676 www.hunterschasefarms.com 5

Books About Summer Camp A summer reading selection by Erica from www.whatwedoallday.com

Summer Camp Picture Books

Early Chapter Books Ages 6-9

A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever by Marla Frazee James and Eamon are scheduled to attend nature camp together.

The two friends spend their summer days doing everything and nothing, essentially having the greatest time ever! Frazee deftly captures what summer with friends is all about.

Most early chapter book series will have at least one book with a summer camp theme. So if your child loves Katie Kazoo, or Cam Jansen, or any other series, look for the summer camp edition. Here are a few I’d single out.

Froggy Goes to Camp by Jonathan London I loved reading the Froggy books when my kids were little. I always found Froggy’s quirks endearing and London’s word play is so much fun to read out loud. In this story, Froggy heads off to a week of summer camp and the usual humorous antics follow. Great fun.

Tacky Goes to Camp by Helen Lester Until I started looking for summer camp picture books and found this title I didn’t real that Tacky the Penguin was actually a book series. Tacky and his pals head off for some fun at Nice Icy Land summer camp. An evening of ghost stories sets some of the penguins on edge but Tacky, with his endearing qualities pulls everyone through it. Expect lots of laughs when you read this one out loud.

Away by Emily Sher A boy is anticipating summer camp and doesn’t want to go! He and his mom communicate through post it notes. She is trying to build an excitement about camp, but he isn’t having any of it until he learns from a grandparent that his mom had the same trepidation about going off to camp. This is a wonderful story with brilliant illustrations. I also appreciated that the story was about a mixed race family.

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Sam and Charlie (and Sam Too) at Camp! (series) by Leslie Kimmelman Sam and Charlie head off to Jewish summer camp for the first time.

Charlie’s little sister Sam is not old enough to go with them this time, though. While at camp the friends learn about the shomrei adamah and the Jewish tradition of taking care of the earth. Short chapters and colorful illustrations make this a good first chapter book series.

Beany Goes to Camp by Susan Wojciechowski The Beany series is out of print but you should be able to find it at your local library. The books in the Beany series have an old school feel to them. Beany is a regular kid who reluctantly goes off to camp. Five short chapters about typical camp experiences like swimming, campfires and cookouts will have readers giggling.

Justin Case: Shells, Smells, and the Horrible Flip-Flops of Doom by Rachel Vail This is a good series for kids who have trepidation about going off to summer camp.

Justin is headed for a summer of camp and he decides that this summer he is going to be brave and overcome his worries about things like ouch-y flip flops, deep swimming pools and too-rowdy sports. Best for readers ages 7 and up.

Summer According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney My son has much love for the Humphrey series and so do I! Humphrey is a class pet and this year her actually gets to go with the class to summer camp. We have primarily listened to this series on audiobook so if you need something to listen to in the car pick this one up. The older kids might even enjoy a chuckle or two while listening. Best for readers ages 7 and up.

Runaway Ralph by Beverly Cleary This is the middle book in the classic Mouse and the Motorcycle trilogy. It’s a great choice for both read aloud time and independent readers. Ralph spends his summer at Happy Acres Camp evading cats, making friends and eating PB&J. Best for readers ages 7 and up.

Middle Grade Camp Books Ages 9 and up I had to work hard to limit my selections for this list because there were quite a few I was considering. But to keep it manageable I curated a group of books that (I hope) depict a variety of camp experiences.

Camp by Kayla Miller This is a fun graphic novel sequel to Miller’s Click. Friends Olive and Willow head off to summer camp together but Willow has difficulty making new friends.

Olive finds Willow’s dependency on her frustrating and their friendship is tested.

This is a great read with a positive message and a diverse cast of characters.

KYLE CONTINUED Rocking Horse Academy

6022 McNaughton Kyle, Texas 78640 (in Plum Creek) (512) 405-3700 Dates: May 31-August 11, 2022

DRIPPING SPRINGS Code Ninjas

4002 E Hwy 290 Dripping Springs, Texas 78620 (512) 351-0156

Springs Family YMCA

27216 Ranch Road 12 Dripping Springs, Texas 78620 (512) 894-3309 Dates: May 31-August 5, 2022

AUSTIN All-Star Sports Summer Camp 2022 SoccerZone South Austin 9501 Menchaca Road Austin, Texas 78748 (512) 280-2244 Dates: May 30- Ausust 11, 2022

Austin Waldorf School

8700 South View Road Austin, Texas 78737 (512) 288-5942 ext 106 auxiliaryprograms@austinwaldorf.org Dates: June 13-August 5, 2022

BadgerDog Creative Writing Camp austinlibrary.org

Squishy Banana Studios

11800 Johnny Weismuller Lane Austin, TX 78748 lizzy@squishybananastudios.com Dates: June 6-August 12, 2022

Steve & Kate’s Camp

Parkside Community Montessori School 3207 W Slaughter Lane Austin, Texas 78748 (737) 270-7686 austin@steveandkate.com Dates: June 6- July 29, 2022

* More summer reads, next page

WIMBERLEY

Hunters Chase Farms

4909 Lone Man Mountain Road Wimberley, Texas 78676 (512) 842-2246 Dates: Varies Summer Fun 2022

Like Bug Juice on a Burger by Julie Sternberg Brooklyn girl, Eleanor, is nervous about being sent off to Camp Wallumwahpuck.

She doesn’t like learning how to swim, or the suspicious food, but with the companionship of new friends and camp counselors, she finds herself growing and learning. What I like best about Sternberg’s writing is her ability to tenderly capture a well-rounded picture of growing up by combining the small joys of new childhood experiences as well as its frustrations. Written in free verse.

Applewhites at Wit’s End by Stephanie S. Tolan I adore this series about a super creative and eccentric home schooling family.

This is the second book in the middle grade series about the Applewhites. The family is in financial straits and in order to lift their fortunes, the father decides to host a summer camp for creative children.

Of course, like the first book, there is total, hilarious chaos. You may also enjoy it as a read aloud for ages 10 and up.

Spy Camp by Stuart Gibbs I actually haven’t read this particular book myself but the Spy School series is a great favorite of my older son.

Even though he is now above the target age of the series, he still reads each new book when it comes out! Middle schooler, Ben, is a CIA agent in training and while he is at summer spy camp an evil agent tries to recruit him to the dark side! If you have kids who love spy novels check out my list of spy books for kids - all great for summer reading!

To Night Owl from Dogfish by Holly Goldberg Sloan and Meg Wolitzer.

This is an epistolary novel. Avery and Bett’s fathers sending them to the same summer camp in hopes that they will become friends. The dads are dating and thinking about getting married.

At first, Avery and Bett are determined to dislike each other, but instead end up the best of friends. The book deals with the meaning of friendship and family. Avery and

g H n i o k rs e c o R a d emy Ac

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

We are closed one day during three of the weeks.

Week 1: May 31 - June 3 Closed May 30th

Adventure Awaits

Find your tribe! Meet new friends! Begin to make your way through Summer 2022!

We’ll explore our camp culture through “Get to know me” activities that will help us start the summer off right!

Week 2: June 6-10

Walk on the Wild Side RRRROOOAAARRR! Don’t be a turtle; come out of your shell and join us on the wild side as we explore with our four-legged friends at the zoo.

Week 3: June 13-17

Game On!

Put your game face on as you play some of your favorite games and learn new ones.

Join us for wacky games and tournaments for this week packed with fun.

Bett discuss their origin stories, so readers hear about blended families, adoption, surrogates and learn that families come in all combinations. I absolutely adored this book and even though it ends with a wedding, its not the one you were expecting!

While reading this To Night Owl from Dogfish, I couldn’t help but compare it to this next book on my list....

The Parent Trap (aka Lottie and Lisa) by Erich Kästner You’ve watched the classic movie (or perhaps the remake) now read the German original, first published in 1949. You already know the conceit: two girls away at summer camp discover they are long-lost twins and attempt to reunite their parents.

Definitely read in in conjunction with To Night Owl and Dog Fish!

Camp Average by Craig Battle The campers at Camp Avalon are not the sportiest. In fact, this diverse group of kids has nicknamed their summer camp, "Camp Average." This year, however, a new director is determined to change their fortunes and turn the campers into sports stars. The campers aren’t really having it,

Week 4: June 20-24

Time Travelers

Join us for hands-on fun this week with innovative projects. We’ll trace our shadows, discover science, and travel back in time to explore the caveman experience.

Week 5: June 27-July 1

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 red, white and blue this week in celebration and join our patriotic party filled old fashion fun!

Week 6: July 5-8 Closed July 4th

Ahoy Matey

Ahoy Maties! ARGH...Shiver Me Timbers as we sail through the week searching for hidden treasures. Can you read a map, navigate, and solve puzzles?

Perhaps we will even face our

though and they start losing intentionally.

The preteens learn about friendship, perseverance and the importance of teamwork.

How Tía Lola Saved the Summer by Julia Alvarez A single father and his three daughters are coming to stay with Miguel’s family for a week during the summer. Miguel is not looking forward to the visit, but Tía Lola manages to make everything magical with her insight and understanding. It’s a little bit different than your classic "summer camp" book because Lola starts a personal camp for her nieces, nephews and a couple of their friends.

fears to get a clue. Scavenger hunts and obstacle courses may just turn into an amazing race.

Week 7: July 11-15

Reading suggestions from Erica at www.whatwedoallday.com

create aquariums and slide though water relays. So, bring your towel & slip into the Splash Zone!

Creative Campers

Put your thinking caps on and let’s get creative! We will have a week full of experiments and challenges. From creating robots out of recycled items to having Lego challenges that force our minds to think outside of the box, and much more.

Week 8: July 18-22

Thumbs up to Gardening

Get out your gloves and shovels. We are going all in with a week full of gardening.

We will take daily trips to the garden and activate our green thumbs all week.

Week 9: July 25-29

Under the Sea

Let’s cool down & dive into a week with our ocean friends,

Week 10: August 1-5

Color Wars

Get ready for a week full of friendly competition and fun! We will spend the week showing off our favorite color combos. Be prepared to get messy and creative working with every color in the rainbow.

Week 11: August 8-11 Closed Aug. 12th

Carnival Time

Come one, Come all to our end of the summer Carnival! Step right up for a chance to win a prize. Hoop Toss, Fishing, Bean Bag toss and ping pong bounce are just some of the many games we have in store.

We will end the week with a rock wall challenge and ring the bell to another great summer.

(512) 405-3700 • 6022 McNaughton, Kyle, TX (in Plum Creek) • www.RockingHorseAcademy.com 7

CENTRAL TEXAS FIELDHOUSE

DOWN

7) STERNBERG 8) CODE 10) AWAY 12) PERRYMAN 14) BAREBACK

Locations all over Austin, and a new location near you:

1) ROCKINGHORSE 2) SQUISHY 3) AHOY 5) UNLIMITED

Brandy Perryman Shooting Camp

1) You can party in the USA, walk on the wild side and do some time traveling at this Academy 2) What kind of Banana Studios are on Weissmuller Lane in Austin?

3) (Blank) Matey, the pirate said 5) Your kids can study ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, and hip hop dancing at Dance (blank) 7) Author of Like Bug Juice on a Burger 8) These Ninjas in Kyle and Dripping Springs learn to write (blank) 10) A book about summer camp by Emily Sher 12) This Brandy has a shooting camp 14) Riding without a saddle

12) PARENT 13) WIMBERLEY 15) CLEARY 16) YMCA

25TH ANNUAL

DOWN

ACROSS

4) The Brandy Perryman Shooting Camp is located at the Central Texas (blank) 6) To Night Owl from (blank),

by Holly Goldberg Sloan and Meg Wolitzer 9) A spring break and summer program led by professional writers 11) Central character in a book called Camp by Kayla Miller 12) The (blank) Trap by Erich Kastner 13) Hunters Chase Farms is a horse camp in this town 15) Author of Runaway Ralph 16) This all-year recreation facility offers camping adventures for all ages

4) FIELDHOUSE 6) DOGFISH 9) BADGERDOG 11) WILLOW

Campy Puzzle

ACROSS

AUSTIN’S PREMIER BASKETBALL CAMP FOR BOYS AND GIRLS AGES 7-16

JULY 25-28

2610 Main Street in Buda

For all other locations see our website:

www.bperrymanshootingcamp.com VISIT OUR CAMP SPONSORS

BRANDY PERRYMAN SHOOTING CAMP 8

Summer Fun 2022