This has been the first summer I have needed to sign up my kids for summer camps. It was a stressful time trying to sift through all the available options, finding a camp with a good location, 1/2 day option, interesting activities for the kids, not too pricey -- and all on short notice! So far, we have had good experiences with our choices.
UT Tennis Camp
This was the first camp this summer which I only signed up Jared for (Emma was not quite old enough for this camp.) Jared really enjoyed himself; however, it was quite hot! The camp was from 8:00am - noon. So at least it wasn't as hot as it could have been, but still ... this IS central Texas in June. The coaches were great and there were a good number of kids (i.e. not too many). It think we'll probably do this one again in the future - maybe Emma can participate next summer.
UT Soccer Camp
Our second camp - both kids attended. I knew Jared would enjoy it and Emma has been dying to play soccer for the last 2 years. We outfitted the kids with new cleats, shin guards and socks and they were ready to go! Emma had a little difficulty saying goodbye on the first day (which I expected.) Having her brother there helped, but when she found out they would be in different age groups, that's when she melted. She was a real trooper and pushed through and ended up having a great time. I was very impressed with the staff - very attentive and caring. At the end of the camp each child received their own t-shirt, water bottle and soccer ball! All of the kids were running around getting their coaches to sign their soccer balls. What a highlight!
Science Camp (Mad Science)
We actually did 2 Mad Science camps this summer - Moving with Science and Rockin Rockets. Of course, the rocket camp was the favorite. The kids had a great time at both, the camp leaders were pleasant college students who seemed enthusiastic and caring. The kids brought home a ton of interesting projects and learned something to boot! All in all, a good experience that will be revisited.
Gymnastics Camp (Star Center)
This camp was a 3-week camp and probably the priciest of all the camps we did. But the kids enjoyed it, especially my son, the budding gymnast. They kept the kids busy with much more than gymnastics and the staff is a friendly bunch. The only thing I would have to say negatively was just the sheer number of kids that were there. Sure, there was adequate staff on hand, but after you reach a certain number of kids under the age of 13, you can't help but feel like they are herding cattle. This impression may be skewed - I picked my kids up at lunchtime, which was probably the most unstructured and chaotic time of the day. As a half-day camp, I will do it again, but I most likely would not sign them up for the full-day.
Science Camp (Mad Science)
We actually did 2 Mad Science camps this summer - Moving with Science and Rockin Rockets. Of course, the rocket camp was the favorite. The kids had a great time at both, the camp leaders were pleasant college students who seemed enthusiastic and caring. The kids brought home a ton of interesting projects and learned something to boot! All in all, a good experience that will be revisited.
Gymnastics Camp (Star Center)
This camp was a 3-week camp and probably the priciest of all the camps we did. But the kids enjoyed it, especially my son, the budding gymnast. They kept the kids busy with much more than gymnastics and the staff is a friendly bunch. The only thing I would have to say negatively was just the sheer number of kids that were there. Sure, there was adequate staff on hand, but after you reach a certain number of kids under the age of 13, you can't help but feel like they are herding cattle. This impression may be skewed - I picked my kids up at lunchtime, which was probably the most unstructured and chaotic time of the day. As a half-day camp, I will do it again, but I most likely would not sign them up for the full-day.
