Like many activities, summer camps for kids are easing back into full swing, but the offerings look a little different this year. Some camps are going virtual because of the pandemic, and others are already sold out.
That means it might be tricky getting your kids into a camp this year unless you registered early. As of this writing, there are still some options available.
Many groups are limiting enrollment to allow for COVID-19 safety measures such as social distancing. Also be sure to check the camp’s website for rules and other safety procedures that participants will be asked to follow at in-person camps.
Here’s a look at just a few of the camps that are operating this year.
Plenty of horsing around is on tap for the 2021 Summer Horse Camp at Benbrook Stables (10001 Benbrook Blvd, 817-249-1001), geared for kids ages 5 and up. Prices range from $75 for one day to $355 for five, which includes activities like feeding horses, safety, grooming, anatomy, and tacking up.
Visit BenbrookStables.com/camp for more.
The summer art camp at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth (3200 Darnell St, 817-738-9215) will be online this year. Registration is required, and space is limited. Students will discuss art in the Modern’s permanent collection and create their own work based on what they’ve learned. Camps are available for kids from ages 4 to 17, and prices range from $125 for members to $180 for nonmembers. So no one gets left out, all kids are invited to complete a free, downloadable list of 10 art projects to work on at home. No registration is required to participate in this program. A download link will be posted at TheModern.org starting Jun 1.
In the Kimbell Art Museum’s Virtual Summer Art Adventures via Zoom (10am-11am Jul 10), campers will explore cultural traditions from other countries, including India, China, Japan, Korea, and beyond. Details about registration and other virtual offerings for families are forthcoming, according to KimbellArt.org.
At the Fort Worth Botanic Garden (3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, 817-463-4160), Adventure Days in the Garden — Camp Alternative will replace the traditional summer camp. The entire family will be able to utilize “adventure kits” that are designed to draw attention to nature and explore the unique areas of the garden. The first adventure is all about plants and costs $50-60 to participate. For more information, visit Brit.org/plan-a-visit.
TCC’s College for Kids/Youth Enrichment Program is another camp that is going virtual this summer. The courses will be held via Blackboard or Google Classroom. Classes are available in areas such as academics, arts and crafts, science and technology, and health and fitness. An application packet must be completed prior to registration. Prices are not listed online. More information and application procedures are available at TCCD.edu/academics.
YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth (512 Lamar St, Ste 400, 817-335-9622) offers both day and overnight camps for youths born between Aug 14, 2008, and Apr 26, 2016. Prices range from $90 to more than $1,000 a week depending on the program.
The teen programs are geared toward confidence, responsibility, leadership, and learning how to become a camp counselor. The overnight camps will feature a range of activities with themes such as Superheroes, Amazing Race, Survivor, and Water World. Kids enjoy traditional day camp activities, share meals, sit around the campfire, and live with their peers in fully climate-controlled cabins. Visit YMCAFW.org.
TCU (2800 S University Dr, 817-257-7000) is serving up a variety of summer camps for high school students in areas such as academics, athletics, and fine arts. Studies in journalism, soccer, baseball, harp-playing, and the music of Star Wars are just a few of the opportunities awaiting at the school. Prices and requirements vary. For more information and a list of all the camps, visit
Admissions.TCU.edu/visit/summer-camps.php.
The City of Fort Worth is also getting into the camping action. All 18 community centers will be filled with kiddos and counselors 7:30am-6pm Mon-Fri, Jun 28-Aug 6. Campers ages 5 to 13 who sign up will participate in a research-based reading program led by a trained literacy support specialist.
The cost is $35 per week or $175 for all six weeks, if paid in full at registration. Scholarships are also available, making the cost $25 per week or $125 for all six weeks, if paid in full. Registration may be completed at FortWorthTexas.gov/news/2021/03/camp-fort-worth-signups or at participating community centers.
At Fort Wonder Summer Camps (4200 Country Day Ln, 817-302-3271), curious kids can enjoy learning about topics such as forensics, outdoor adventures, and entrepreneurship, but spots are expected to fill fast. Some classes have already moved to waitlist only. Visit FortWonderCamps.org.
Though the camps for kids ages 5 through high school at the Fort Worth Zoo (1989 Colonial Pkwy, 817-759-7555) are already sold out, waiting lists are available for some of them at FortWorthZoo.org.
