We are excited to announce the launch of Summer Camp 2021. In accordance with federal, state and local health authorities, the Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) has adopted a series of modified guidelines to ensure COVID19 health and safety measures are met. Such guidelines include the use of masks, daily wellness screenings prior to entry, utilization of the pod model, and other modifications to activities within camp. The Austin Parks and Recreation department is looking forward to providing a fun and meaningful summer program experience for your family that will prioritize the health and well-being of all campers and staff.

Important Information

New this year is the introduction of a lottery system. The lottery system will help us more equitably offer limited spaces to families. To ensure a smooth registration process, please read the important information below regarding the new lottery registration process for 2021. CLICK HERE for lottery enrollment step-by-step procedures.

April 19 - May 16
Registration for all families.
To register, please go to: www.austintexas.gov/parksonline.

May 19
Specialty Camps (Nature, Therapeutic, and Cultural and Art Camps) will begin contacting participants who received a lottery spot in camp from May 19th - 21st. Be on the lookout for an email or phone call as parents will have a very short turnaround time to confirm spots. All individuals selected for camp will be asked to pay a $20 deposit for all selected weeks to ensure enrollment. The Department has made all deposits and fees refundable this year. Please keep in mind that you may be contacted after May 19th as we go through the lottery process.

May 26
General Recreation Camps will begin contacting participants who received a lottery spot in camp. Be on the lookout for an email or phone call as parents will have a very short turnaround time to confirm spots. All individuals selected for camp will be asked to pay a $20 deposit for all selected weeks to ensure enrollment. The Department has made all deposits and fees refundable this year. Please keep in mind that you may be contacted after May 19th as we go through the lottery process.

Beginning June 7
Virtual “Stay Creative” Summer Camp

Beginning June 21
In-person Summer Camp (nature, art, general

Beginning July 6
Summer Playground Program

Guidelines Update as of May 19:
With the recent changes provided by Austin Public Health and the Governor’s executive order we are now in the process of carefully reviewing these changes and making updates to our current Participation Guidelines & Essential Eligibility Requirements and our Parent Handbook. We encourage you to revisit these guidelines and this website prior to participation in our summer camp programs. Please know that throughout the summer we will be continuing to take measures and precautions to keep our participants and the community safe.

Program Documents and Forms

Participation Guidelines and Essential Eligibility - English (PDF)

Participation Guidelines and Essential Eligibility - Spanish (PDF)

Youth Registration Form - English (PDF)

Youth Registration Form - Spanish (PDF)

Youth Financial Assistance - English (PDF)

Youth Financial Assistance - Spanish (PDF)

Summer Camp Payment Schedule - English (PDF)

Summer Camp Payment Schedule - Spanish (PDF)

Summer Camp 2021 Parent Handbook - English (PDF)

Summer Camp 2021 Parent Handbook - Spanish (PDF)

Nature Camps

Nature-based summer camp programs provide hands-on educational and recreational activities that increase appreciation for the natural environment and awareness of the conservation ethic.

Camacho Summer Camp (PDF)
Austin Nature & Science Center Summer Camp (PDF)

Cultural and Art Camps

Visual and performing arts, culture and history summer camp programs preserve and protect the past, celebrate Austin’s diversity, build community, and develop awareness and appreciation for the arts.

Summer Art Escape (PDF)
Stay Creative Free Virtual Program (JPG)
Youth Art Safari & Broadway Bound (PDF)
MACC COSECHA Camp (PDF)

Therapeutic Camps

Therapeutic summer programs embrace the diversity that defines Austin and works to ensure that all individuals are accepted, included, and welcomed to participate, play, and recreate together with a team of Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS) and Inclusion Aids.

Therapeutic Summer Camp @ Alamo Recreation Center (PNG)

Community Recreation Camps

Community recreation summer programs at Recreation Centers have a youth development philosophy which focuses on providing youth opportunities to enhance their interests, skills and abilities through intentional programming and quality experiences that help develop social, emotional, ethical, physical and cognitive competencies.