School is almost out and you might be wondering how to fill all that upcoming free time this summer. Luckily, there are a variety of exceptional summer camps here in Corpus Christi to help! From visual and performing arts camps to nature and sports camps and everything in between, here are 15 summer camps to consider.
EDUCATION & DISCOVERY CAMPS
The Wonderful World of Science Summer Camp – Corpus Christi Museum of Science & History
Geared for children ages 5 – 11, The Wonderful World of Science Summer Camp features eight different themed weeks of all-new STEM-based activities at the museum. Each session consists of five whole days of excitement and fun from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with sessions running from Jun. 5 through Jul. 28. This summer’s themes include space, chemistry, detective work, engineering, dinosaurs, biology and oceans. Registration is now open and camp costs begin at $270 with before and after care options available.
Summer Nature Camp – Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve & Learning Center
With options available for children ages 5 – 7 and 11 – 15, the Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve and Learning Center is offerings three sessions of discovery this summer. Spots are still available for “Bugs & Bloom” (Jun. 5 – 8), “Backyard Birds” (Jun. 19 – 22) and “Coastal Adventures” (Jul. 17 – 20 and Jul. 24 – 27). Campers will head outdoors at various locations (depending on the session) for an immersive nature and learning experience from 9 a.m. to noon. Registration is now open and each session costs $99.
Camp Invention: Wonder – Windsor Park Elementary School
Is your child an innovator at heart? If so, this inspiring summer camp is perfect for them! Geared for children entering grades first through fifth, the camp features hands-on challenges created to spark curiosity and build confidence in the exciting world of STEM, Camp Invention: Wonder will provide opportunities for kids to imagine, plan, experiment and create on a variety of topics. The program begins Jun. 6 and ends Jun. 9 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. with an “Extended Day” option ending at 5 p.m. Registration is now open and camp feeds begin at $260.
2023 Kids Summer Nature Camps – South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center
The South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center offers a variety of summer camps ranging in ages 6 – 13. With seven different five-day camp sessions, topics range from birds and nature photography to insects and mammals and everything in between. Each session aside from Mammal Camp (1 – 4 p.m.) will take place from 9 a.m. to noon. Camp costs range from $125-$150 and need-based scholarships are available.
VISUAL ARTS CAMPS
K Space’s Mural Arts Program for Teens – K Space Contemporary
The only camp of its kind in the Coastal Bend, K Space Contemporary’s annual Mural Arts Program is designed for teens ages 13 to 17 who are interested in getting involved with the local art community and pursuing art in some way. Hosted at K Space Contemporary and Art Studios, campers will work together to create a new mural that will be installed in the community. In addition to in-studio work days, there are also on-site work days and sessions that take place weekly from June 5 through June 21 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Participants must apply to attend the camp by May 1, and a selected by a juried panel. Accepted artists will be notified of their selection by May 12. This year’s camp participants will have the opportunity to attend for free, thanks to the generosity of the Fraizer Foundation.
The Fine Art of Summer Camp – Art Museum of South Texas
Geared towards children ages K5-12, the Art Museum of South Texas’ summer art camp sessions are perfect for the kiddos looking to creatively express themselves. Each session includes a variety of art activities such as drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, improvisation and more. On the final day of each session, an exhibition of the work produced and a public performance is held for families and friends. Every session even has its own theme, such as “Intro to Illustration,” “Gotta Catch Em All” and “Mine ‘Craft’ Camp.” This year’s lineup includes a “K-Pop Kraze” session and will be open to kids up to 14 years of age. Sessions run for one week each and take place Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with pre- and after-care available each day. The cost ranges from $225 to $330 and discounts are available for siblings! Register your kids now for the session of their choice, and check out the scholarship opportunities available.
Art Camp – Art Center of Corpus Christi
With three different sessions, each with its own theme, the Art Center of Corpus Christi’s Art Camp includes options for children ages 9 to 17 years old. Help your kids unleash their inner artist as they explore the fundamentals of art, including the elements of line, shape, texture, form, space and color. Each session is guided by experienced instructions and this summer’s session themes include “Art Ninja: Learning the Elements of Creativity,” “Tie Dye Frenxy & Art Medley” and “Claytopia: Adventures in Mud & Magic.” The camp times run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with sessions taking place in June and July. Camp prices range from $225 to $240.
PERFORMING ARTS CAMPS
Young Peoples Theatre Camp – Harbor Playhouse
Created for children ages 6 – 15, Harbor Playhouse’s annual Young Peoples Theatre Camp is great for all young thespians. Campers will create, produce and perform their very own musical at the end of each session on the theatre’s Main Stage on the Friday of the session at 3:30 p.m. Through various workshops, your children will build acting, dancing and voice skills, along with characterization with team leadership, ensemble work, creative growth and friendships. There are one- and two-week sessions available this summer, with the two-week option consisting of more intensive skill-building. Four one-week sessions are offered throughout the month of June, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. with before and after care options available. The two-week program (for ages 10-15 only), will run from Jul. 3 to Jul. 14. Camp fees range from $200 – $400 and scholarships are available.
Camp on the Coast – TAMU-CC
Do you have high school-aged children interested in theatre arts? Check out TAMU-CC’s Summer Theatre Workshop, a two-week residential camp designed for students seeking a real theatre experience. At the end of the session, a production will take place. Campers interested in performance will study acting, voice and movement techniques taught by one of the university’s theatre faculty members. Those interested in the more technical side of theatre will attend classes in design, aid in creating the production’s sets, lighting and costumes and participate as crew members for the shows. The camp takes place from Jun. 18 through Jun. 30 and registration ends on May 18. Meals are included for all campers and are included in the tuition price.
Play Out Loud Summer Camps – Play Out Loud Music Studio
Founded by the talented and passionate Valerie McInroy, Play Out Lous Music Studios offers a variety of summer camp sessions focused on the art of playing instruments ranging from the Ultimate Keyboard Rock Band Camp to Musical STEM Camp. Sessions run for four days on a weekly basis from Jun. 6 to Jul. 5 and while most are geared for children 7 years old and up, there is a “Piano Discovery Camp” for ages 4 – 6. Camp fees range from $150 – $190 and registration is now open.
Young Actors Summer Camp – Aurora Arts Theatre
Aurora Arts Theatre’s summer camp offers three sessions created for children ages 8 – 15 looking to experience the magic of the stage! With sessions available in June and July, each one runs Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. with snacks provided. Campers will be guided by talented instructors through games and activities focused on improvisation, character development, audition techniques, script analysis tips and tricks for memorizing lines and stage direction. They will then present a production to their friends and family at the end of the camp. Registration is now open and camp fees begin at $365 per session.
RECREATIONAL SUMMER CAMPS
Pony Camp 2023 – KJ Equestrian
The perfect camp for all horse lovers, join KJ Equestrian for three-day camp sessions on Jun. 5 – 7 and Jul. 10 – 12. Created for children ages 5 and up, campers will take part in horse riding and care, along with arts & crafts activities and games. Camp times run from 8 a.m. to noon and cost $355 to participate. No prior experience is required, however, for children ages 11 and up looking for a more advanced experience, opt for the Pony Camp Plus session taking place Jul. 24 – 27. This camp session costs $455 and is designed for those with riding experience and includes independent rides, grooming and saddling, along with horsemanship lessons, ground work and horse science classes.
Hooks Baseball Camp Presented by Reliant – Corpus Christi Hooks
Batter up! The Corpus Christi Hooks teammates are ready to teach the next generation of all-stars with their summer baseball camp. Available for children ages 5 – 12, two three-day sessions from 9 a.m. to noon will take place Jun. 21 – 23 and Jul 19 – 21. Campers will learn a variety of skills, techniques and conditioning from the “Astros Stars of Tomorrow.” The camp costs $150 per session and reservations may be made by calling (361) 561-4665
Basketball Summer Camp – South Texas All-Star Basketball
Geared for those entering grades first through twelfth, South Texas All-Star Basketball offers a variety of summer camp options for young athletes looking to sharpen their skills. With a 35-year reputation of excellence, the camp provides a variety of skill instruction with an emphasis on fundamentals with a heavy focus on shooting, passing and ball handling. This year’s sessions will take place at Incarnate Word Academy on Jun. 5 – 9 and Jun. 26 – 30, and at First Baptist Church on Jul 10 – 14. Morning camp (8 a.m. – noon at $160), afternoon camp (1 – 5 p.m. at $160) and day camps (8 a.m. – 5 p.m. with lunch included at $290). Registration is now open and sibling discounts are available.
Corpus Christi FC Academy Summer Camps – CCFC
Designed for children ages 4 – 9, Corpus Christi FC’s Kiddie Summer Camp is great for beginners and young players! Campers will meet for an hour and a half every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from Jun. 1 – Jun. 30 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. Instructors will provide introductory lessons focused on coordination and technique. Registration for the Kiddie Summer Camp is now open and costs $197. For more advanced players, a Goal-Keeping Camp and an Advanced Technical & Tactical Camp (from 6 – 8 p.m. every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday) are available for players ages 10 – 19 and cost $295.
