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. 

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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 4 weeks during the summer, beginning on June 2, 2025 and is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM with an option for 5:00 PM late pickups. 

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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

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ADAPTATIONS TO OUR CAMP PROGRAM​

1. 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. 

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 between 4:00 - 4:30 PM each day.

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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDELINES​​

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.

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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.

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We will update our processes as needed, based on guidance from the CDC and the American Camping Association.

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SAMPLE CAMP SCHEDULE

(Scroll down for weekly themes)​

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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 

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​A limited number of sliding fee spaces may be available. Please email Yo Han Kim, Program Director at ykim@camp-fire.org or call 512-349-2111 to learn more. ​