Summer Camp

discounts/scholarships available = DISCOUNTS / SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE     extended care available = EXTENDED CARE AVAILABLE     overnight camp = OVERNIGHT CAMP

 General Camps
AUSTIN CHILDREN'S MUSEUM Sign up for a half-day or full-day camp with themes ranging from dinosaurs to engineering to outer space. Ages 4-10. May 28-Aug. 16. Austin Children's Museum, 201 Colorado, 472-2499 x201. $155-295. www.austinkids.org

BLUEBONNET SCHOOL Indoor and outdoor play and instruction abound at these camps featuring water fun, field trips, learning, sports, and specialized activities on demand. Ages 5-11. June 10-Aug. 22. 10321 Boulder Ln., 331-9009. $205. www.bluebonnetschool.com

CAMP FIRE ADVENTURE CAMP Kids get out of the house and into the great outdoors as they hike, swim, pitch tents, and generally commune with nature. Ages 5-12. July 8-Aug. 23. Asbury Methodist Church, 1605 E. 38½, 349-2111. $250. www.camp-fire.org

CAMP INDIGO Help your kids find their inner creative spirit through nature hikes, dance, drama, yoga, and more. Ages 5-12. July 17-28. Austin Discovery School, 8509 FM 969 #200, 476-8884. $300. www.amalafoundation.org

CAMP IOS The Inside Outside School will inundate kids with crafts, games, art, music, cooking, and even a few farm animals. Long story short? Your kids won't be bored. Ages 5-12. July 1-Aug. 2. 5530 Killingsworth Ln., Pflugerville, 512/251-1109. $500. www.insideoutsideschool.org

CHAMPION KIDS DAY OUT Three days a week for four hour each, the kids get into all the usual camp-related shenanigans. Ages 3-8. Hope Presbyterian Church, 11512 Olson, 258-9117. $100. www.championkids.co

EANES COMMUNITY EDUCATION Play in the pool, practice your sport of choice, make a robot or a film, or try one the myriad other camps offered by your local school district. Ages 1-13. June 3-Aug. 2. 732-9022. $130-425. www.eanesisd.net

EARTH NATIVE WILDERNESS SCHOOL Learn all about the natural world of Central Texas through exploration and games. The older kids get into some Hunger Games-style survival techniques (without all the killing, of course) at the overnight camp. Ages 6-17. June 10-Aug. 9. 299-8870. $195-245 ($595, overnight camp). www.earthnativeschool.com

GIRLSTART CAMPS Choose one of the weeklong camps and learn about the ocean, explore engineering, or even create their own commercials and apps. Ages 9-13. June 10-Aug. 8. 916-4775. $300. www.girlstart.org

GROWIN' TOGETHER HANDS-ON CAMP If your kid is a day-tripper, likes to dig in the dirt, likes to document things on film, or save the planet, these folks have a camp for them. Ages 5-14. June 17-July 26. $195-295. www.growintogether.org

IQUEST GLOBAL ENRICHMENT CENTER Honestly, these guys win for widest variety of topics covered: comic books, Mandarin, philosophy, SAT prep, code-breaking, fashion design, etc. Seriously, etc. Ages 4-12. June 17-Aug. 16. 5145 RR 620 N., 922-3236. $250-450. www.iquestaustin.com

JCC SUMMER CAMPS Your kid has myriad camps to choose from at the Jewish Community Center with no shortage of arts, crafts, sports, field trips, swimming, sports and then some. Go online for a complete list of camps and prices. Ages 3-15. Dell Jewish Community Center, 7300 Hart, 735-8050. www.shalomaustin.org

LES EXPLORERS Get immersed in French or Spanish language and culture. Kids learn about foreign lands from native-speaking instructors in these half- or full-day camps. Ages 3-12. June 10-July 19. Austin International School, 4001 Adelphi, 331-7806 x6. $370-560 for two-week sessions. www.austininternationalschool.org

SHERWOOD FOREST CAMP Learn archery, blacksmithing, leatherworking, sword play, and other renaissance activities while you spend the night in tents. Don't worry the showers and bathrooms are modern. Ages 7-15. July 7-27. Sherwood Forest Faire, 1883 Old Hwy. 20. $795. www.sherwoodforestfaire.com

SOLEIL SCHOOL Each camp focuses on a different educational subject. All the hands-on activities and games make sure your kids won't confuse it with summer school. Ages 5-10. July 8-26. Stunt Ranch, 13317 Fitzhugh. $185. www.soleilschool.com

SON-SATIONAL SUMMER CAMP The Sunrise Neighborhood Youth Program makes it 16 years with all the usual fun and games that any good camp should. 4430 Manchaca, 444-3326. $105. www.sunriseaustin.org

SPILLED MILK SOCIAL CLUB If your kid's creativity isn't fostered after all of the theater, music, dance, visual art, creative writing, fashion, crafting, video, gardening, cooking, and graphic design then you might want to check for a pulse. Ages 5-12. June 10-Aug. 23. Austin Recreation Center, 1301 Shoal Creek Blvd, 317-6408. $225. www.spilledmilksocialclub.com

YOUTH ARTS SAFARI Choose one of the full-day camps that focus on the African influence on our culture. Kids enjoy field trips, events, and a show-and-tell with parents at week's end. Ages 6-12. July 29-Aug. 16. Carver Museum, 1165 Angelina, 974-4926. $100. carver.museum@austintexas.gov

YPW CAMPS Whether your kid is a linguist, artist, explorer, adventurer, or scientist, YPW has a camp to suit your needs. Go online for a complete list of camps. Ages 3-12. 329-5611. $200 and up. www.ypwkids.com

 Art & Music Camps
ABRAKADOODLE However your kid might express his or her arty side, this series of camps has everything you might need, in locations all over town. Camps last from one day to a week and have themes like pirates, safari, bugs, fashion, the Wild West, and more. Go online for a complete schedule. Ages 3-12. June 10-Aug. 8. 380-7555. $124-165. www.abrakadoodle.com

ART & POTTERY CAMPS Three levels of ceramics classes for the little sculptor. Ages 5-16. June 10-Aug. 9. 1000 Payton Gin Ste. M, 416-2447. $165. www.paintme-pottery.com

ART AMORE Weeklong camps and specialty workshops show kids the world of visual art from comic books to the great masterpieces. Ages 3-16. June 10-Aug. 15. 6507 Jester, 983-7022. $75-225. www.artamoreaustin.com

ART GARAGE hosts a variety of camps that will fuel the inner artist including pottery, jewelery, tie-dye, and drawing for the younguns. Camps have themes including Harry Potter, fashion, and others. Ages 4-12. July 6-Aug. 23, 10am-2pm. 11190 Circle Dr. #202, 852-9900. $139-219. www.theartgarageaustin.com

ART PLUS ACADEMY Little kids spark their creativity with half-days of drawing, painting, sculpture, and more. Slightly older artists can focus on their passions, be it watercolor, portraits, or just exploring the right side of the brain. Ages 4-17. June 3-Aug. 23. Art Plus Academy, 8650 Spicewood Springs Rd. #201, 415-8267. $190. www.artplusacademy.com

ART SCHOOL AT AMOA-ARTHOUSE With hundreds of classes, the budding artist in the family should be able to find something that gets his or her creative juices flowing. They offer everything from art safaris and dinosaur sculptures to Photoshop and flying clay. Ages 4-16. June 1-Aug. 26. AMOA-Arthouse at Laguna Gloria, 3809 W. 35th, 323-6380. $99-334. www.amoa-arthouse.org

BAND AID SCHOOL OF MUSIC Two weeks is all it takes to turn your singer, guitarist, bass player, drummer, or keyboardist into a band member ready for the stage or in their own video. What's more, kids will do more than just cover classic rock tunes, but learn to compose their own jams. Beginners and experienced players are invited. Ages 8-18. June 10-July 19. Riverbend Student Center, 4214 Capital of TX Hwy. N., 698-8227. $500 for two weeks. www.bandaidschoolofmusic.com

CAMP DUB Little Dr. Dres and David Guettas can learn the art of the turntables and/or production techniques from beat matching to song arrangement. Ages 12-17. June 10-Aug. 1. 906 E. Fifth, 600.2144. $425. www.dubacademy.com

CREATIVE EXPRESSIONS Expand your kids artistic horizon with painting, drawing, mosaics, music instruction, and more. Ages 7-14. June 17-Aug. 23. 4410 Maybelle, 374-9250. $165-250. www.creativexpress.weebly.com

EASELY AMUSED Choose one of the three-day camps that explore fashion design and rock star accouterments. Ages 6-12. June 11-July 27. 2324 S. Lamar. $80. www.easelyamused.com

GIRLS ROCK CAMP empowers girls with the DIY spirit. Campers learn to do it themselves: play instruments, form bands, and write songs. They also learn the history of women who rock, as well as DJing, blogging, and more. It all ends with a bang as campers rock out live for a cheering crowd. Ages 10-18. June 17-Aug. 9. $365. www.girlsrockaustin.org

JUBILATE CHOIR CAMP If your kids have a hankering to be heard why not channel that with lessons in vocal tone, harmony, and rhythm? We're not sure how religious the content will be, but we were sold with the mention of beginner handbell instruction. Ages 7-11. Aug. 5-9. First Baptist Church of Austin, 901 Trinity, 476-2625. $125. www.fbcaustin.org

LONE STAR SCHOOL OF MUSIC puts the twang and bang into the summer with weeklong sessions for future superstars. Guitarists, keyboardists, vocalists, and drummers are placed in bands based on their ages and abilities and showcase their skills with a concert. Rockers between the ages of 6 and 10 have morning sessions ($200) and older kids up to 16 rock all day ($345). June 10-Aug. 2. Lone Star School of Music, 4301 W. William Cannon, 712-5187. www.lonestarschoolofmusic.com

MAKE YOUR MARK ART CAMP Local artists help cultivate your child's budding creativity. Ages 10-14. July 15-Aug. 2. Griffin School, 5001 Evans, 454-5797. $500. www.studiogriffin.org

MOSAIC ART CAMP Spend a week learning the art of mosaics, starting with a ceremonial plate smashing and ending with a completed creation. Play and pool time also included. Ages 7-18. 803 Herndon, 436-8710. $275. www.hollibrownmosaics.com

ORPHEUS ACADEMY OF MUSIC Singers, violinists, guitar amateurs and prodigies, and other young instrumentalists can begin their musical journey or hone their craft at one of several camps this academy offers. Ages 5-16. June 10-Aug. 16. 231-8999. $250. www.orpheusacademy.com

ROCK CAMP USA offers performance-oriented instruction and lets kids pick their own material to play. Campers have two-weeks to form bands, rehearse, record a CD, and play live with an audience at the end of their journey. Ages 8-19. June 17-Aug. 4. Austin School of Music, 2428-B W. Ben White; 13945 Hwy. 183 N., 476-7666. $470-850. www.rockcampusa.com

SACRED ARTS STUDIO CAMP If your kid just needs a little push to unleash the inner artist, surely one of the camps here has a focus that will spark some creativity. Themes include skateboard art, superheroes, fashion, and bugs. Ages 4-12. June 10-Aug. 16. 6001 W. William Cannon Dr. #305, 584-8061. $135. www.sacredartsstudioandgallery.com

UKULELE CAMPS Elementary teacher and musician extraordinaire Kevin Carroll offers several session teaching the kid-sized guitar and the art of songcraft for various age groups. Ages 7-18. June 10-21. 739-5946. $395. www.edukecation.org

VOCAL ZONE VOICE CAMP Future American Idols and singers-in-the-making get their introduction to technique and performance at these weeklong vocal camps. Sessions culminate with solo recitals. Ages 7-17. June 10-Aug. 9. 989-7464. $200. www.vocalzonevoicestudios.com

 Theatre/Dance Camps
AUSTIN CHILDREN'S THEATER introduces campers to both the technical and artistic aspects of the performing arts with a show for families at the end. Weeklong themed camps include topics such as musicals, comedy, stage combat (awesome), and screen acting. Ages 5-10. June 10-Aug. 23. 6100 Berkman, 927-6633. $225-250. www.actpresents.org

BROADWAY KIDS CAMP Get your children ready for the stage with one of Ballet Austin's weeklong, half-day courses in dance, acting, and singing with a performance at the end of the camp. Ages 5-10. June 17-Aug. 23. Butler Dance Education Center, 501 W. Third, 476-9151. $265. www.balletaustin.org

CREATIVE ACTION SUMMER CAMP Various locations and varied themes, but all the camps promise to be fun, educational, and character building. June 10-Aug. 2. 442-8773. $150-325. www.creativeaction.org

DANCERS WORKSHOP The young-uns can test out their feet with half- and full-day camps with princess and pirates themes. Move experienced dancers should register for their summer intensives in ballet, hip-hop, and more. Ages 2-16. June 17-Aug. 9. 11150 Research Blvd. #205, 349-7197. $175-325. www.dancersworkshopaustin.com

FANTASTIC MAGIC CAMP One and two-week sessions give kids magic instruction from the pros. What could be better to satisfy the bug for trickery and illusion? Prepare for puppetry, ventriloquism, storytelling, and, of course, magic. Ages 5-12. June 3-Aug. 23. 850-4677. $250-495. www.magiccamp.com

GO DANCE CAMPS Younguns learn the basics of communicating and growing through dance. Older kids learn to step with a partner with a So You Think You Can Dance style showcase at the end of the week. Ages 6-17. June 24-Aug. 2. Go Dance, 2525 W. Anderson, 339-9391. $195. www.godancestudio.com

HIDEOUT IMPROV CAMP This Austin troupe has been entertaining kids with its improv for a while, and now the troupe shares its comedic skills with the audience. Spend a week gaining confidence onstage before you have to be off-the-cuff funny in a show at the end of the week. Ages 5-17. June 17-Aug. 16. The Hideout Theatre, 617 Congress, 971-3311. $275 ($175, half-day camps). www.hideouttheatre.com

KIDSACTING KidsActing has a slew of single- and multiweek, prekindergarten and high school, half-day and full-day camps all over and around town to keep your little thespian occupied. Go online for a complete list of dates, times, and prices. Ages 4-19. June 10-Aug. 23. 836-5437. $225-325. www.kidsactingstudio.com

MOVE YOUR TALE Learn to use theatre, dance, creative movement, and more to help create and perform a story. The folks from ColdTowne Theater offer a different focus for different age groups each week. Ages 4-17. June 17-Aug. 19. 809-0017. $165-250. www.moveyourtale.com

OPERA ODYSSEY Beginners and more experienced kids join forces to produce an opera from costumes to sets and, of course, to the singing, acting, and directing. Ages 8-12. July 29-Aug. 16. Austin Lyric Opera, 3009 Industrial Terrace #100. $650. www.operaodyssey.weebly.com

PAIYH DANCE STUDIOS CAMPS & INTENSIVE The younger kids can choose a theme from hip-hop to Jedi Knights and dance and play their way through it. For the serious dancer over the age of 9 there are intensive courses. Ages 3-18. June 10-Aug. 23. PAIYH Dance Studios, 13420 Galleria Circle Ste. A-116, Bee Cave, 512/291-2179. $320-1,080. www.putartinyourheart.com

PERFORMING ARTS CAMP One session for the tiny tikes and one for the maturing dancer but both teach the dance basics with a little theatre mixed in for good measure. Ages 2-12. June 10-14. Balance Dance Studios, 4544 S. Lamar #200, 215-8727. $200-300. www.balancedancestudios.com

SCOTTISH RITE THEATRE CAMP Four different weeklong crash courses in staging a play explore the worlds of theatre, music, puppets, and other fun onstage. Ages 6-11. June 17-Aug. 9. Scottish Rite Theater, 207 W. 18th, 472-5436. $325. www.srct.org

SKY CAMP AERIAL & CIRCUS ARTS Kids and teens can find out just what their bodies can do as they learn the art of trapeze, juggling, clowning, hooping, and more with the pros at Sky Candy. Ages 6-17. July 8-Aug. 16. 507 Calles #117, 800-4998. $350. www.skycandyaustin.com

SOLE SONGS DANCE ACADEMY Camps of various lengths cover styles of dance from hip-hop to ballet. Ages 3-16. June 10-Aug. 22. 6507 Jester, 343-7732. $70-270. www.solesongsdanceacademy.com

SOUL 2 SOLE DANCE Each week has a different theme but kids looking to improve their technique, balance, rhythm, and choreography can't lose. Ages 4-18. June 10-July 19. Soul 2 Sole Dance Academy, 8708 S. Congress #530, 917-1518. $150. www.soul2soleaustin.com

ST. MICHAEL’S ACADEMY THEATER CAMPS It only takes a week to get the youngsters familiarized with the world of theatre and acting our fairy tales. Older kids take on the Bard himself. Ages 8-13. June 17-28. Saint Michael's Academy, 3000 Barton Creek Blvd., 328-2323 x320. $150-250. iklousia@smca.com

SYNERGY DANCE STUDIO CAMPS The focus is going to be on getting the kids to move to the music, but there will be various art projects for when the feet get tired. Does your kid already know a step ball change from a shuffle ball change? Then one of the studio's intensives might be more their speed. Ages 2-16. June 3-Aug. 17. Synergy Dance Studio, 3425 Bee Caves Rd, 327-4130. $119-364. www.synergydancestudio.com

TAL LOSTRACCO'S THEATRE CAMP is a two-week, overnight intensive camp for high schoolers looking for across-the-board training in theatre arts. Acting, singing, and dance classes are taught by professionals in the respective fields. Ages 15-18. July 6-20. Southwestern University, 1001 E. University AveGeorgetown, 966-7847. $1,450. www.talscamp.com

TAPESTRY DANCE CAMPS Whether it's tap, jazz, modern, ballet, choreography, or African dance, the pros at Tapestry Dance have a class for it. Weeklong camps for beginners as well as intensives for those looking to step their game up. Ages 3-18 June 3-Aug. 9. 474-9846. $250-750. www.tapestry.org

TEXARTS SUMMER INTENSIVES Whether you're ready to commit to three weeks of singing and dancing or just looking for a weeklong camp, TexARTS has it. The intensives for ages 7 and older cover stage productions from beginning to the final performances. Choose to either perform a musical production or pirouette in the ballet intensive. The minicamps are for ages 2-14 and cover all the artistic bases. June 10-Aug. 16. TexARTS, 2300 Lohmans Spur, 852-9079 x104. $850-1,350, intensives; $150-350, minicamps. www.tex-arts.org

TEXAS MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP UT's Department of Theatre and Dance is looking for 100 high schoolers looking to make musical theatre a career. This three-week, overnight camp features Tony and Oscar nominated guest teachers. Ages 15-18. June 9-29. 471-3721. $3,000. www.texasmusicaltheatreworkshop.com

TEXAS PTA CAMP JUST IMAGINE From costumes to lighting your kids will be rehearsing, producing, and performing Disney's Jungle Book onstage. Ages 5-10. 476-6769. $140. www.txpta.org

ZACH THEATRE CAMPS The venerable South Austin theatre hosts weeklong sessions all summer. There are themed weekly variety camps, advanced musical theatre workshops, and teen actor intensives. Ages 3-18. June 10-Aug. 19. Zach Theatre, 1421 W. Riverside, 476-0594 x236; 1510 Toomey, 476-0594 x236. $95-350. www.zachtheatre.org

 Instructional Camps
ABACUS BRAIN GYM These weeklong, half- and full-day camps are for the little geniuses in your clan. There, they learn the ancient art of the abacus in addition to maximize their brain power for life in general. Ages 5-11. June 10-Aug. 16. 775-0454. $175-295. www.abacusbraingym.com

AFF FILM CAMP Now in its eleventh year, the Austin Film Festival's summer camp season has classes for the aspiring screenwriter, filmmaker, or animator. Kids receive hands-on instruction from industry professionals. Ages 9-18. June 17-Aug. 2. St. Austin Catholic School, 1911 San Antonio St., 478-4795. $170-390. www.austinfilmfestival.com

AFS FILMMAKING CAMP The Austin Film Society sponsors these weeklong camps that give your kids the hands-on techniques to make short digital films and animation. Go from idea to final edit, and premiere the films for family and friends at the end of the week. Ages 9-18. June 10-July 26. Austin Studios, 1901 E. 51st, 322-0145. $325 ($275, members). www.austinfilm.org

ASOF FILM CAMP Enroll in one of Austin School of Film's two-week classes in digital filmmaking, editing, or animation. Half- and full-day sessions are available. Ages 9-17. June 17-28 & July 8-19. 236-8877. $395-670. classes@austinfilmschool.org www.austinfilmschool.org

ASPIRE KIDS Get building and adventuring with a mixture of math and science exploration and a few field trips thrown in. Kids will also build robots using LEGOs. 8863 Anderson Mill Rd. #119, 250-9006. $295. www.aspirekidsaustin.com

AUSTIN FILM & ARTS ACADEMY Four- and eight-day courses get the kids in the scene and learning about everything from screen acting to sound effects to animation. Ages 7-17. June 10-Aug. 1. 537-1151. $250-485. www.austinfilmacademy.com

BADGERDOG CREATIVE WRITING CAMP Badgerdog provides three-week writing workshops led by some of Austin's finest authors. Hone poetry, prose, and playwriting skills and add work to the anthology, which is released at a camp-concluding party. Ages 9-18. 542-0076. $450. csailer@austinlibrary.org www.austinlibrary.org

BRIGHT HORIZONS Is your kid going stir crazy. Get the little ones out of the house and into the indoor and outdoor play areas. Perfect for working parents. Ages 5-6. 6111 Davis, 301-9449. www.brighthorizons.com

CAMP INVENTION The little MacGyver in the brood learns to create, construct, upcycle, repurpose, and explore at one of these camps scattered throughout Austin and the Hill Country. 800/968-4332. www.campinvention.org

CAMP VAMONOS Themed camps throughout the summer have all the fun kids could want including field trips and tons of hands-on play and learning, only it's in Spanish and English. Ages 5-11. June 10-Aug. 16. 453-8382. $155. megarito@juno.com www.campvamonos.com

CLEAN CREEK CAMP Register early for one of three camps for parents and their children. Explore Austin's creeks and aquifer together, and come away with a new respect for our local waterways. A parent must attend. Ages 9-13. June 10-July 18. 974-3540. Free. www.austintexas.gov

COMPUTER CAMP Four sessions with 16 slots each teach kids 3D animation, game design, or website building depending on what your little nerd is into. "Nerd" is a compliment these days. Ages 10-17. June 24-July 12. 10435 Burnet Rd. #104, 610-7600. $800. www.the-learning-pad.com

CURIOUS EINSTEIN Kids will become little geniuses over the course of a week as they explore computers math, science, and creative writing. And it wouldn't be camp without play time. Ages 8-12. June 3-Aug. 12. Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Church, 3315 El Salido PkwyCedar Park, 512/808-0103; 3315 El SalidoCedar Park, 512/808-0103. $300. www.curiouseinstein.com

FAMIGO TECH CAMP Interactive learning and games are the focus at these weeklong sessions featuring explorations of nature, math, science, fitness, language arts, and more. Ages 7-11. June 10-28. Genesis Presbyterian Church, 1507 Wilshire. $250. www.famigo.com

FRENCH IMMERSION CAMPS If you can't get your kids all the way to France, at least get them out of the house and immersed in the language. Courses for beginners and intermediate Francophiles available. Ages 3-15. June 3-July 26. 11607 N. Lamar, 339-6000. $250. www.austinfrenchforkids.org

GLOBAL YOUTH PEACE SUMMIT More than 70 international, refugee, immigrant, and local youth gather to learn what it means to be a peaceful leader in a global community. Get them changing the world now before they're jaded. Ages 13-18. Aug. 12-18. John Knox Ranch, 1661 John Knox Rd., Fischer, 512/476-8884. $700. www.amalafoundation.org

GREEN GATE FARMS CAMP Five themed sessions cover farm life from the animals to building small structures and getting handy with cooking and crafts. Ages 5-12. June 17-july 12. 8310 Canoga, 484-2746. $350. www.newfarminstitute.org

HISTORY LAB Take a trip back in time to when Texas was the frontier. All aspects of old-timey life are explored and tailored to a young eye, including fashion, livestock, food, music, parties, and more. Ages 6-11. July 15-19. French Legation Museum, 802 San Marcos St, 472-8180. $200. www.frenchlegationmuseum.org

ID TECH CAMP Get the kids an education in video-game or Web design, video editing, programming, or robotics (aka all those things parents don't know anything about). Ages 7-18. 888/709-8324. $749-3,500. www.internaldrive.com

IYOUTH MEDIA CAMPS Three weeklong camps show the visually inclined kid you know how to direct or film or edit for TV and film. Ages 11-18. June 25-July 20. 1143 Northwestern, 478-8600 x12. $300. www.channelaustin.org

LIVE THE LANGUAGE IMMERSION CAMP These two-week, half-day camps are for the beginner to intermediate French or Spanish speaker. Draw, sing, act, and learn just like other camps, but do it in another language. Ages 5-14. 762-4907. $200-550. www.livethelanguage.org

MACC SUMMER CAMPS Learn about the culture of Mexico past and present with one of these two-week camps covering the various regions of our neighbor to the south. Ages 5-12. June 17-Aug. 9. Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 River, 974-3785. $300 per two-week session. www.maccaustin.org

MAD SCIENCE CAMP Little Mr. Wizards explore the world of hands-on science. Kids follow their own interests and design their own projects in one of several themes including rockets and the fine art of spying. There are camp locations in, around, and outside of town. Ages 4-12. June 3-Aug. 23. 892-1143. $160-290. www.madscience.org

MARIPOSAS SPANISH IMMERSION CAMP Sports, art, and other activities in Spanish, naturally. Ages 3-8. June 24-July 19. Mariposas Spanish School, 3407 Red River. $195-250. www.mariposasspanish.com

MOOLAH U Why not give your kid a dose of fiscal reality this summer? Expect it to be a little bit more fun than that, because the kids keep any money they earn over the course of the week. Campers develop a business plan, weigh the costs, execute the plan, and keep the excess dough. Ages 8-16. 443-8851. $300-330. www.moolahu.com

NEW MEDIA ARTA CAMPS This local nonprofit has eight-day, hands-on courses for young adults with disabilities. Three camps cover topics such as digital media, music production, and theatre. Ages 15-18. June 10-July 18. AGE Center, 3710 Cedar, 454-9912. $350. www.vsatx.org

RTF MEDIA CAMPS Teens will learn film from the opening credits to "The End" this summer as they write, edit, direct, and shoot animated or live action shorts with the guidance of UT's acclaimed Radio-Television-Film faculty. Ages 13-18. UT campus, 471-6617. $345-1,100. rtf.utexas.edu

STEM INNOVATION CAMPS Robotics? Video-game design? If your kid likes to be hands-on with tech, choose from one of six camps being offered with the help of Skillpoint Alliance. Ages 6-14. June 10-July 26. 323-6773 x115. $325. www.stemcamps.org

SUMMER SAFARI SCIENCE CAMP Kids aren't going to want to learn science during the summer months unless it's fun and interactive. Done and done. Ages 4-11 June 25-July 25. Peace Lutheran Church, 10625 FM 620 N., 577-1744. $160. www.keepaustinsmart.com

YOUTH SPIN MUSIC JOURNALISM Get some broadcast and journalism training for this youth-produced radio show on KOOP. The program consists of commentaries, interviews, music, and more, and you can be a part of it. Ages 10-14. June 10-28. Griffin School, 5001 Evans, 454-5797. $500. youthspinatx@gmail.com

 Sports Camps
AIKIDO CAMP No experience is necessary to learn the basics of Aikido. It's not all big pants and grunting though, campers learn about Japanese culture including calligraphy, history, and origami. Ages 8-17. June 10-July 19. 5501 N. Lamar Ste. C-111, 658-5321. $345. www.austinaikido.org

ALL-STAR SPORTS CAMP Want your kids playing sports and running obstacle courses but worried they will pass out from the heat? The massive indoor facility lets you rest easy. Ages 5-14. June 10-Aug. 23. 280-2244. $170, half-day; $270, full-day. www.allstarsportscamp.org

AUSTIN TOROS BASKETBALL CAMP Your third to ninth grader could very well be pump-faking, fading away, and giving & going before summer's end under the tutelage of your favorite local semipro basketball squad. Cost includes admission to one of the team's games. Thu., May 9. Brushy Creek Park, 3300 Brushy Creek RdCedar Park, 512/236-8333. $249. www.austintoros.com

BEE CAVE RIDING CENTER English and Western riding instruction as well as the occasional non-horse-related activity (arts, crafts, etc.) all culminate in an end-of-the-week showcase. Ages 6-16. June 17-Aug. 16. 15740 Hamilton Pool Rd., 632-7433. $400. www.ridinghorses.com

GIRL POWER KARATE CAMP Learn traditional Japanese martial arts, self-defense, self-discipline, and self-confidence. Take a break periodically to play outside and do arts & crafts. Ages 6-12. June 17-21. Sun Dragon Martial Arts and Self Defense, 4534 West Gate #101, 416-9735. $200. www.sundragon.org

GIRL PRANA Preteens aren't known for being meditative, but the camp leaders here help impart the lessons of yoga and self-knowledge into the next generation. Get mentally and physically prepared for the stresses of childhood. Ages 10-12. July 29-Aug. 2. Yoga Yoga, 1700 S. Lamar, 326-3900. $169. www.girlprana.com

GIRLS' LACROSSE The folks at Texas Play Hard are ready to help your beginner or aspiring collegiate player improve her skills on the field. Full-day, half-day, and overnight camps are available. Ages 9-18. June 10-13. 496-1808. $250-650. www.texasplayhard.com

GYMNASTICS & CHEER CAMPS Choose your level of intensity: The young'uns play and explore with themed weeks that focus on fun, friendship, and fitness, while older kids are taught tumbling, gymnastics, and cheering skills. Either way, the age-appropriate exercises will have them cheering higher and louder than ever. Ages 2-14. Champions Westlake, 2805 Bee Caves Rd. #405, 512/426-1990. $155-195. www.championswestlake.com

HOOP ZONE SKILLS CAMP Experienced coaches get the kids working on the fundamentals of basketball (i.e., ball-handling, shooting form, etc.) with a bit of fun thrown in for … uh … fun. Ages 8-18. June 10-Aug. 2. Hoop Zone, 826 Rutland, 317-0937. $150. www.hoop-zone.org

ICON AMATEUR SPORTS FOOTBALL CAMP Learn the mental and physical skills needed to succeed on the gridiron. There are only two sessions, so register online before they fill up. Ages 13-18. June 3-13. Barton and Jaycee Fields, , 876-6765. $125. www.iconsports.eventpages.org

JUNIOR GOLF ACADEMY Get the kids hitting the links early so they can go pro by the age of 18. Or maybe just let them have fun learning to golf. Whatever. Ages 5-18. June 10-21. Hancock Golf Course, 811 E. 41st, 453-0276. $110-125. www.austinpubliclinks.com

LE STUDIO CAMP Cheer, dance, theatre, fitness? What can't the toned folks of Le Studio teach your kids? Ages 3-18. 9070 Research Blvd. #105, 276.5215. $250. www.lestudiodoor.com

LIFE KI-DO KARATE CAMP Participate in either of two series of classes that put the "kid" back in "ki-do." Participants learn more than just self-defense; they learn interpersonal skills and how to react to strangers and bullies. Ages 5-12. June 10-Aug. 23. 3636 Bee Caves Rd. #212, 327-2900. $165-205. www.lifekido.com

MU SOOL WON MARTIAL ARTS It's more than just kicking, kids learn team-building, gymnastics, nonviolent bully protection, and more. Ages 5-13. June 10-Aug. 23. 1901 W. William Cannon Dr. #121, 299-1873. $185. www.mswsouthaustin.com

ROUND ROCK EXPRESS BASEBALL CAMP gets the kids excited about America's pastime with training on the majestic Dell Diamond. The four-day camp offers half-day, full-day, and overnight options. Ages 6-16. June 10-Aug. 1. 512/238-2214. $200-500. www.roundrockexpress.com

SAILBOAT CAMP Learn to harness the wind and sail around Lady Bird Lake under the tutelage of the pros. They'll be re-enacting scenes from One Crazy Summer in no time. June 3-Aug. 23. 512/431-1894. $330. www.austinsailboatrentals.com

TEAM HANDBALL CAMP Racquets are for wimps and this indoor-soccer-esque sport proves it. Learn the basics and maybe even a few pro moves from the experts. Ages 11-17. Aug. 5-9. Austin Sports Center, 1420 Toro Grande Blvd. Cedar Park, 512/522-4552. $250. www.atxteamhandball.com

TRIATHLON CAMPS Can't get your kid out of the water, off the bike, to stop running around? Maybe this weeklong camp consisting of all three will tire them out. Ages 7-16. June 17-28. St. Stephen's Episcopal School, 2900 Bunny Run, 327-1213. $295. www.fitfickers.com

UT SPORTS CAMPS Who knew the University of Texas had a sports program? Get in on the action with one of the many camps being offered, including soccer, baseball, basketball, football, golf, sports medicine, rowing, diving, tennis, volleyball, swimming, track, lacrosse, ultimate disc, and more. Go online for more info. www.texassports.com, www.utrecsports.org