Summertime Adventures Await!
Explore, learn, and grow with Camp Balcones - Camp Fire's Summer Camp is Austin’s premier urban nature and science day camp that sparks curiosity and inspires learning in kids ages 6 – 14 years old while preventing summer learning loss. Each week features a nature or science theme in addition to traditional camp activities like swimming, hiking, archery, canoeing, crafts, creative expression, and other fun-filled activities.
Camp Balcones has four unique weekly STEAM-based themes which incorporate hands-on, project-based activities. Your child will explore nature, identify plants and animals, and have fun with unstructured play in a safe environment with new friends and camp instructors.
Camp Balcones runs for 5 weeks during the summer, beginning on June 1, 2026 and is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM with an option for 5:00 PM late pickups.
AGES: 6 - 14 (Please NOTE: Camp is for campers who have completed KINDERGARTEN)
COST: $450.00 per week
TRANSPORTATION: $50.00 per week
LOCATION: Emma Long Metropolitan Park
1600 City Park Rd, Austin, TX 78730
ADAPTATIONS TO OUR CAMP PROGRAM
1. Camp runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM each day. Parents may begin dropping off campers as early as 8:00 AM.
2. Campers have the option of arriving at camp by a parent or guardian each day or traveling via one of our two van routes. Our van route will hold 10 campers total, and those campers will remain together all day.
3. Campers riding the van will be picked up between 8:00 - 8:30 AM each morning and dropped off at 4:30 PM each day.
4. Late pickup is available for $50/week until 5:00 PM for camp pickup only.
5. We are limiting participation to a total of 60 campers each week. Each group is up to 15 campers and two counselors/assistants. This group will be together throughout camp.
ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE AND VAN INFORMATION
1st Pick Up - Our van will pick up at Maplewood Elementary at 8:00 AM.
2nd Pick Up - Our van will pick up at Northwest Recreation Center at 8:30 AM after picking up at Maplewood Elementary.
Van drop offs will be 4:00 PM for Maplewood Elementary and 4:30 PM for Northwest Recreation Center. Traffic may affect van pickups and drop off times. Our driver or Program Director will contact parents in the event of unforeseen travel time delays.
If you are not utilizing our van services, your camper must be dropped off at the Turkey Creek Pavilion at Emma Long Park. Drop off begins at 8:00 AM and pick up is between 3:30 PM and 4:00 PM. Late pickups are permitted until 5:00 PM if selected during the registration process.
HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDELINES
Campers will not be changing for swimming. We ask that parents ensure their child arrives wearing their swimsuit under their clothing each day. This allows campers to remove their outer clothing, swim, towel off, and put their clothing back on over their swimsuit. Changing areas are not available at Emma Long. Campers will have access to a designated Port-O-Potty at the Turkey Creek Pavilion/Shelter, though it is not suitable for changing garments.
We follow guidelines recommended by the CDC, which currently do not require facemasks. If you prefer your child to wear a facemask, we will support and enforce that preference.
We will update our processes as needed, based on guidance from the CDC and the American Camping Association.
SAMPLE CAMP SCHEDULE
(Scroll down for weekly themes)
8:00 AM - Van pick ups or parent drop offs at camp
8:50 AM - Morning announcements; Vans arrive
9:00 AM - First activity period; Morning snack (AM snack provided)
10:00 AM - Second activity period
11:00 AM - Third activity period
12:00 PM - Lunch (Lunch is NOT provided. Please pack a lunch that does not require staff to heat up or prepare)
1:00 PM - Archery
2:00 PM - Fourth activity period; Afternoon snack (PM snack provided)
3:15 - 3:30 PM - Vans depart
4:00 PM - Campers picked up at camp or van stops
A limited number of sliding fee spaces may be available. Please email Belen Miranda, Program Director at bmiranda@camp-fire.org or call 512-349-2111 to learn more.
"Camp Fire sparks an interest in kids in the world around them. When you see Camp Fire in action, the impact clicks. My girls have had a great time at the summer camp ‐ and they still talk about what they learned and did even months later."
Alicia, Camp Fire Parent
2026 WEEKLY CAMP THEMES
Week 1: Environmental Scientists
June 1 - June 5, 2026
The activities for Environmental Scientists week were created by Camp Fire National's Environmental Justice and Program Intern, Maggie Bailey, with a purpose of encouraging youth to care for the environment and commit to environmental justice.
Week 2: National Art Experience: Earth
June 8 - June 12, 2026
The purpose of this year's National Art Experience is for young people to think about the significance of Earth in their lives, and to translate these ideas into art. Through a variety of creative mediums, we’ll explore different facets of our Earth. We’ll delve into its textures, its colors, its resilient spirit, and even the challenges it faces.
As artists, students have a unique power to observe, interpret, and communicate. Let your art be a voice for the Earth. Create something beautiful that reflects our connection to this planet and inspires us all to be its thoughtful stewards.
Week 3: Earth & Space
June 15 - June 19, 2026
Students will be learning about Earth and Space. We will be covering topics such as the sun, asteroids/comets, the solar system, and galaxies!
Week 4: Get Outside Series
June 22 - June 26, 2026
Campers will participate in STEM and Well-Being enrichment activities using curriculum from Camp Fire National. These activities are meant to spark curiosity about the environment by going outside, looking around, and asking questions about what you see. This is the foundation of STEM: seeking information about the world around us.
Not only will students engage in STEM based activities, they also engage in activities and experiences that support overall well-being by connecting it with nature. Outdoor experiences can inspire connection, wonder, compassion, and growth. In these activities, we are interested in how nature can be a nurturing and joyful space.
Week 5: Camping 101
June 29 - July 3 , 2026
Campers will learn the basics of camping: terrain and season, equipment (shelter, sleep system) and how to set up a tent with a sleep system. Campers will also learn how to make a basic campfire! However, we will not be able to make a campfire IF there is a park burn ban this session.