From American Camping Association
Is this scene familiar? You are standing in the aisle at your local toy store during the holidays trying to decide what would be the best gift. The problem is that your child has just about every toy in the store. Legos? Check. Trucks? Check. Electronic gadgets? Check, check, and check. This season, give the ultimate gift — camp.
“Camp is a unique and profoundly positive experience that impacts a young person’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. When you give a child the gift of camp, you provide lessons and memories that last a lifetime,” said Tom Rosenberg, president/CEO of the American Camp Association® (ACA).
Here is further proof that camp is the ultimate holiday gift:
Unlike toys, camp doesn’t break. According to research from The Children’s Mutual, 41 percent of toys and presents given during the December holidays are broken by March.
Camp boosts a child’s sense of self. Families want their children to develop genuine confidence and an awareness of their place in the world. These are things that can’t be bought or taught — they have to grow organically. That is where camp comes in.
Camp develops twenty-first century life skills. Participation in programs like camp develops essential twenty-first century life skills. Where you may see a group of campers laughing and building a small rope bridge, the youth development professional sees problem-solving and teamwork skills being enhanced.
Camp is critical to a child’s education. Camp is one of the oldest and finest community-based experiential education and development models in America. The natural extension of traditional education, camp is a deliberate, expanded learning environment that provides an education like no other.
Camp is fun. Camp gives children and youth the opportunity to just relax, have fun, and be kids. They will experience the joy of splashing through puddles and the wonder of sitting in a quiet meadow and looking at the stars.
By giving the special child in your life the gift of camp, you are giving them the ultimate gift — independence, self-confidence, friendships, and competencies. Camp never breaks; it never expires or gets moldy. There won’t be a newer version released mid-summer, rendering all previous versions obsolete.
The gift of camp is real — giving children and youth real experiences, real opportunities for genuine growth, and unlimited potential.
Winter Camp Directory
How will you know which camp is the best fit for your child? There are a number of factors to consider. Among the most important questions to ask, however, are whether the camp will have activities that appeal to your child, and how comfortable you both are with the camp environment. When it’s the right one, kids have a great time and come home with many happy memories. Check out our holiday camp directory for camps offered during Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks.
Alliance Fencing Academy: Winter Camps
www.alliance-fencing-academy.com
713-410-6655
Houston & Conroe, TX
Type of Camp: day camp
Ages: 6 – 14
Our winter fencing camps are a great idea for parents looking for their child to get more out of the winter holidays. Renowned instructor Andrey Geva and his highly trained coaching staff provide a fun and exciting setting for kids to learn the fascinating sport of competitive fencing. Our relaxed and comfortable setting ensures your child will grow and mature through peer interaction and validation.
Camp Allen: Holiday in the Pines
www.campallen.org
936-825-7175
Navasota, TX
Type of Camp: overnight
Ages: All ages
Get ready for a rustic – classic Christmas at Camp Allen’s Holiday in the Pines family weekend! Acitivites include blown snow, sledding, rock climbing, giant swing, boating, Adventure Summit Course, Swimming, horseback riding, Discovery Dome theatre, Sunday worship service, campfire with s’mores, photos with Santa, family movie night, live bird & reptile classes, guided hikes, fishing lessons, hayrides, moon jump, archery, holiday-themed crafts, and more!
Camp Zoofari at the Houston Zoo
www.houstonzoo.org
713-533-6500
Houston, TX
Type of Camp: day camp
Ages: 4-14 years
Camp Zoofari is most known for a wonderful place for kids to come in the summer, but Camp Zoofari also runs when kids are out of school in the fall and winter too! This year, we are offering camps during the school breaks in November, December and January. Each camp is an individual, single-day experience, around a theme of the week. Activities and interactions are tailored to your camper’s age. You can send a camper for just one day or as many as you wish!
The Greatest Show!
www.CYTHouston.org
281-580-4298
Conroe, TX
Type of Camp: Theater Arts Day Camp
Ages: 4-13 years
With inspiration from the hit movie The Greatest Showman, come and explore musical theater with an intriguing circus theme. Students will learn techniques in singing, dancing, acting, and more. Join us under the Big Top for an unforgettable six days at CYT camp! The Greatest Show is a six-day camp (Dec. 26-28 and Jan. 2-4) designed to create a hands-on theater experience focused on building performance skills, self-confidence, and teamwork. Campers enjoy making new friends as they build self-confidence and vital performance skills that are useful in all areas of life. Worship, scripture memorization challenges, team-building time, wacky theme days, crafts, and high-energy games will also be incorporated promising you the best experience of your winter!
To close out the week, campers will showcase what they’ve rehearsed at an exciting Friday afternoon performance on January 4th for family and friends. No theater experience necessary!
The Health Museum
www.thehealthmuseum.org
713-521-1515
Houston, TX
Type of Camp: day camp
Ages: 5 – 13
Spark your child’s curiosity at our Discovery Camps—designed to give kids the opportunity to have intelligent fun, make friends, and make the most out of their winter break!
Holiday Camps at Main Street Theater
MainStreetTheater.com
713-524-7998
Houston, TX
Type of Camp: theatre arts, full day camps
Ages: 7-12 years
Create a play in a day! Sign up for 1 or as many days as you like! Camp dates are: Nov. 19 – 21, Dec. 21, 26 – 28, and Jan. 2 – 4
Holiday Skate Camp
www.iceatthegalleria.com
713-621-1500
Houston, TX
Type of Camp: day camp
Ages: 4 years to 12 years (accept older children)
Sign the children up for the coolest ice skating camp in Houston! Half and full day camps. Now with extended hours.
Houston SPCA Winter Critter Camp
www.HoustonSPCA.org
713-869-7722
Houston, TX
Type of Camp: day camp
Ages: Entering 3rd – 10th grade
At the Houston SPCA’s Winter Critter Camp, your kids will learn about the Houston SPCA, make winter crafts and spend time with our animals! Join us for an exciting animal adventure! Pay by the day. After care is available.
Humphreys School of Musical Theatre
www.tuts.com/hsmt
713-558-8801
Houston, TX
Type of Camp: day camp
Ages: 7-18
Come join in the fun and learn some of the choreography from one of TUTS’s main season productions. Taught by cast members of each production, this workshop gives students the opportunity to work on professional material and have a Q&A with the cast members.
Idea Lab Kids
www.idealabkids.com
713-463-5062
Greater Houston Area
Type of Camp: day camp
Ages: PreK-Middle School
Idea Lab provides camps ranging from Cooking School, Robotics, 3D Art, Engineering, and Science. At Idea Lab Rock your Grey Matter Summer Missions, campers learn through inquisitive hands-on activities utilizing Science, Math, Critical thinking Skills and a great deal of IMAGINATION!
Kidventure Daytime
713-960-8989
Houston,TX
Type of Camp: day camp
Ages: 3-5 & K-7th grade
Back by popular demand, Kidventure will be operating its legendary Winter Camp at three locations in Houston. We’ve crafted 3 unique winter themes for maximum fun and a memorable experience. Winter Camp is designed to give kids the opportunity to have fun, make friends, and make the most out of their holiday break!
The Little Gym Winter Camps
www.thelittlegymoftexas.com
888-854-2955
11 Houston Area Locations
Type of Camp: day camp
Ages: 3 – 12
Our holiday camps for ages 3-12, combines physical activity, gymnastics, games, and arts & crafts.
Space Center Houston: Winter Camps
https://spacecenter.org/explorer-camps/winter-camps
281-283-4755
Houston, TX
Type of Camp: day camp
Ages: 3-11 years
Your child will engage in science, technology, engineering and
mathematics (STEM) activities, while learning about space
exploration. Campers will participate in innovative robotics
challenges, take part in space-themed interactive experiences
and explore all that Space Center Houston has to offer!
YMCA Holiday Camps
www.ymcahouston.org
Greater Houston Area
Type of Camp: day camp
Ages: 5-15 years
Join us for our YMCA Holiday Camps where your child will have a blast participating in a wide-array of enrichment activities, fun and games. Camp at the Y is about discovery. Kids will find unknown talents, try new activities and make lasting friendships and
memories. Space is limited, so register in advance! Visit
www.ymcahouston.org to register and find information on
the YMCA nearest you.
