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Summer in Southlake is nothing short of exciting with the many camps the city has to offer. Whether it be on horseback or during a basketball scrimmage, summer camps have brought me closer to my friends, classmates and community as a whole. It’s also allowed me to delve deeper into my interests and gain new skills while making lifelong friends along the way.
My name’s Mia, and I’m a 2023 kindergrad from Carroll ISD now studying architecture at the University of Virginia. During my time at Carroll, I attended Rockenbaugh Elementary, Eubanks Intermediate, Dawson Middle and Carroll High School. Being born and raised in Southlake, I am all too familiar with everything this city has to offer during the summer. With that being said, these are some of my favorite summer camps that have withstood the test of time and a few newer camps that I would’ve enjoyed as a Dragon.
Kinder-Grad Summer Camps
TRIED AND TRUE
My most frequent summer camp here in Southlake is without a doubt Ride With Pride, and for very good reason. Fit with riding lessons, crafts, horse grooming and an end-of-week rodeo to show off your skills, this camp is a great way for your kids to spend time outside, learn responsibility and meet all the friendly horses and staff that Ride With Pride has to offer. After all, it never hurts to have some cowgirl skills as a Texan!
“Animal Camp,” as my family called it, was often the highlight of the summer for my younger sister and me. Students can spend the summer learning about exotic species from Carroll Middle School teachers with a unique hands-on approach. Through lessons, crafts, games and handling animals — sometimes even taking them home — your kids can build unforgettable memories and foster a lifelong love for animals just as I did 10 years ago.
As someone who loved building with Legos and cardboard, Camp Invention was the perfect outlet for me to be creative. Prioritizing innovation and collaboration, kids are encouraged to think outside the box and problem-solve with their peers. During my week at Camp Invention, I created a pinball machine with spare parts from around my house, designed small land and water vehicles and even competed to create the strongest bridge out of popsicle sticks.
Team sports were a crucial part of my childhood in Southlake, and as someone who often looked up to high school athletes, the Lady Dragons Basketball Camp was the perfect place for me to learn from the Dragons firsthand. This week with head coach Robyn McCoart is packed with ball-handling skills, scrimmages, defensive work and plenty of mentorship for all aspiring basketball players.
To this day, I still have the art I made with Art House throughout many summers during elementary school. From scenic paintings of the beach and African safaris to clay sculptures of plants and animals, there is a project for every kid to get excited about. Give your kids a true artistic experience with Art House this summer and have priceless momentos for years to come.
FRESH FINDS
As an avid enjoyer of the Food Network when I was younger, I know I would’ve loved a camp dedicated to cookie decorating! And with a beloved longtime teacher at Rockenbaugh, Mrs. Stapp, leading the classes, it only makes this cookie camp sound even sweeter!
The popularity of pickleball has exploded in recent years with many new opportunities for kids to get involved. Pick up a racket and head over to Chicken N Pickle to learn the basics of this up-and-coming sport while also enjoying various yard games.
Since 2021, I have been a guest services attendant at the Champions Club recreation center, and after enrolling hundreds of kids in Camp Mania over the years, I wish this camp had existed when I was younger. This week-long camp through the city of Southlake features structured games, crafts, field trips and in-house entertainment such as swimming and sports. With each week having a unique theme and excursion, it is highly sought-after among residents for a reason.
We all know how hot Texas summers can be, so what better way to cool off than with DFW Surf camp at Grapevine Lake? With a week filled with watersports including tubing, paddle boarding and kayaking, your kids will be excited to get outside and dive into these fun activities during the summer months.
As a drummer from ages 8 to 10, I would’ve loved to have rocked out with other kids my age. With the School of Rock, your kids can gain experience with their instrument of choice, collaborate with friends and close out the week with a performance to show off their skills. Who says summer camp can’t be fun?