Catholic Summer Camp Guide: 2013

There is one word that’s keeping me going until June:  summer. I can see sweet tea, swimming pools and no alarm clocks on the horizon. If you’re a mom, you probably have summer camp on that list, as well. Perhaps you’ve been wondering just where you can find great Catholic summer camps for your children. Here in the Diocese of Austin we have many and below I share registration information, camp fees, locations and descriptions of the very best we have to offer.

So, bust out that coffee mug, a pencil and your calendar and get to planning your best summer yet. If I’ve missed any, please leave links in the comments!

Art Camp 
Campers use a variety of art mediums (watercolor, oil pastels, pencil, acrylic, etc.) to create a number of creations which are showcased in an art show on the final day of camp.
Dates: June 10-14, June 17-21, June 24-28
Ages: 1^st-7^th grade
Cost: $195 (incl. materials and snack)
Location: St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School, Austin

Conquest
At this overnight week-long camp, boys enjoy paintball, zip lining, low ropes course, lake activities, Sacraments and more .
Dates: June 30-July 6
Ages: Boys, ages 10-14
Cost: $450
Location: near Bryan/College Station

Conquest
At this day camp, boys enjoy water balloons, slip ‘n slide, games and sports, lives of the saints and religious prizes, including items from the Holy Land and Vatican blessed by the Pope.
Dates: July 8-12 (Round Rock), August 8-10 (Bryan)
Ages: Boys, ages 10-14
Cost: $150
Location: Round Rock and Bryan

Cross Training 
The program prepares Catholic teens for the rigors of high school by arming them with the tools of their faith. A typical day includes presentations, prayer, service projects, worship and tons of social activities.
Dates: July 18-21
Ages: incoming 9^th graders (volunteer spots for 10^th-12^th graders are available)
Cost: $180 (incl. lodging, meals, tuition, materials, t-shirt but NOT transportation)
Location: Eagle’s Wings Retreat Center, Burnett

Diocesan Softball Tournament
The annual Co-ed High School Softball Tournament builds community through fun and fellowship among the youth of our diocese. Each parish team will be randomly placed in one of two divisions: Angels or Saints. Each division will play round robin. The tournament will conclude with an all-star game: Angels vs. Saints. Each team will contribute one male and female player to their division’s all-star team.
Date: July 28
Ages: 9^th-12^th grade
Cost: TBD
Location: McMaster Fields, Georgetown

Discipleship Week (D-Week) 
D-Week, sponsored by NET Ministries, is an awesome combination of great music, excellent talks, praise and worship, Mass and Reconciliation, entertainment, fun and fellowship. There are multiple locations throughout the U.S. and Texas’ location is in Victoria.
Dates: June 24-27
Ages: teens, ages 13-18
Cost: $225 (incl. food and lodging)
Location: The Spiritual Renewal Center, Victoria

Just 5 Days
Just5Days helps young people learn about their Catholic faith while serving those in need.
Dates: July 22-26
Ages: 6^th-8^th grade
Cost: $275 (incl. food and lodging)
Location: St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, Austin

Mobile Loaves and Fishes Camp
Campers participate in various aspects of the MLF program—making meals to feed area families, organizing the food pantry and clothes closet, baking and creating survival kits to pass out to the homeless. Children are educated on being Disciples of Christ, all while participating in fun games and crafts throughout the week.
Dates: June 24-28, July 8-12, July 29-August 2, August 5-9
Ages: 1^st-Middle School
Cost: $110 (elementary), $60 (middle school), volunteer and multiple sibling discounts are available
Location: St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Austin

Servus Dei
The three-day camp provides prayer experiences, engaging learning activities based on the life of Jesus and Catholic social teaching and introduces young adolescents to service as an integral part of Christian discipleship. The service component takes place at local agencies and centers that assist people in need.
Dates: June 20-22
Ages: 6^th-8^th grade
Cost: $85
Location: St. Austin Catholic Parish, Austin

Together Encounter Christ (TEC)
Teens experience a fresh, faith-filled atmosphere away from home, school, and work. Young people meet, reflect, and share how they see themselves, their ideals, and their hopes/dreams while finding God’s presence in their life.
Dates: June 29-July 1, August 31-September 2
Ages: teens/young adults, ages 17-24
Cost: $100 (scholarships available)
Location: Eagle’s Wings Retreat Center, Burnett

Vacation Bible School (VBS)
This 5-day camp makes the Bible come alive through praise and worship, song, skits, snacks, games and crafts. Most parishes offer a program for PK-5th grade and utilize middle and high school students as volunteers. Check your parish bulletin and website for information specific to your church.
Dates: June-August
Ages: PK-12th grade
Cost: varies
Location: your parish!