Have some fun in the snow at Polar Palooza. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum Houston
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Check out Gingerbread Village at City Place on Christmas Day in Houston. Photo courtesy of City Place Plaza
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Head to the Houston Zoo for a fun outing this Christmas break. Photo courtesy of the zoo
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Take a road trip to play in the snow. Photo courtesy of Canva
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Bass Pro Shops Present Santa's Wonderland. Photo courtesy of the event.
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Dickens on the Strand in Galveston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
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Go Rio Riverboat at Hilton Palacio del Rio San Antonio during Christmas. Photo by Nan Palermo via Flickr 2.0
The Best Family Christmas Getaways in Texas
Christmas trains near Houston 2024. Photo courtesy of The Polar Express Train Ride at the Texas State Railroad
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains Near Houston
It's time to get your annual picture with Santa, and we know just where to go. Photo courtesy of the Houston Galleria
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Photo by Mommy Poppins
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There are so many ways to see The Nutcracker in Houston this season. Photo courtesy of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet
The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in Houston
Holidays at Moody Gardens. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
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Beautiful neighborhood Christmas lights are all around Houston. Photo courtesy of the Franck's Christmas Light Show
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Houston
Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook
Best Budget-Friendly (Cheap) Birthday Party Places for Houston Kids
See animals up close at some of these farms near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
Best Farms in Houston with Family Entertainment
Pleasure Pier in Galveston is a top attraction near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
Best Attractions and Things To Do in Houston that are Kid-friendly
Stop at Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo for some cool photos on your roadtrip to the Texas Panhandle.
Best Texas Road Trips for Families
Baywatch Dolphin Tours are a fun, kid-friendly tour near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
Best Kid-Friendly Tours in Houston
Make dining out with kids more fun at one of Houston's themed restaurants. Photo courtesy of Rock N Roll Sushi
Themed Restaurants in Houston for a Fun Night Out With Kids
City Park Skate Park near Houston. Photo courtesy of the Sugarland Texas Govt.
Kid-Friendly Skate Parks in Houston
Urban Air has quite a few trampoline parks near Houston. Photo courtesy of Urban Air Adventure Park
Fun Trampoline Parks Near Houston for Kids to Jump in the AC
Batting cage photo courtesy of the Bellaire Bats
Indoor Batting Cages Near Houston Where Kids Can Practice Their Swings
Houston's Walking Stick Brewing Company has plenty of outdoor space. Photo courtesy of the Walking Stick Brewing Company
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Plan a magical quinceañera with these dress shops and venues. Photo courtesy of Canva
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Photo courtesy of Big Air in North Houston
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In winter, visit Luminations at the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. Photo by Ann Alva Weiding Photography, at bigredmuse.com.
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New to fishing? Try a Galveston fishing boat tour.
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The outdoor pool at the Moody Gardens Hotel, photo courtesy of Visit Galveston.
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One of our favorite petting zoos near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
The Best Petting Zoos Near Houston
Make it an unforgettable family getaway from Houston by hiking Enchanted Rock. Photo courtesy Passport to Texas.
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Photo courtesy of Schlitterbahn Waterparks
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Photo by author Rebecca Matheson Ortiz for Mommy Poppins.
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Little girl playing at an indoor play space in Houston. Photo courtesy of Frogs, Snails and Fairy Tales
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Houston has many kid-friendly museums, and not all are children's museums. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum of Houston
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John P. McGovern's state-of-the art playground is perfect for both younger and older children. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green.
20 Things To Do in Downtown Houston With Kids
Ice at the Galleria provides year-round ice skating in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Galleria
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MKT has great family-friendly restaurants! Photo courtesy of @mendocinofarms and MKT
Best Things to Do in The Houston Heights with Kids
Fishing in Lake Somerville. Photo courtesy of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
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There's no shortage of fun baby activities in Houston.
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Your little learner will love the variety of toddler classes in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
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Treat your kid to one of these Houston spas with services for children. Photo courtesy of Float Baby
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Climb with your kids at one of these indoor rock climbing gyms in Houston. Photo courtesy of Texas Rock Gym
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Bowling is a fun indoor activity to add to your list this summer. Photo courtesy of Palace Social
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Fishing at Sea Center in Freeport, TX. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
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Photo courtesy of Osprey Cruises
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Round up the girls and head out for a kid-free night in Houston. Photo courtesy of Thirsty Bee Meadery
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Kids love the carousel on Kemah's boardwalk.
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San Antonio has a lot of budget-friendly things to do with kids. Photo courtesy of the San Antonio Botanical Garden
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Birdwatching at the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary, photo courtesy of Houston Audubon
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Photo courtesy of Cypress Academy
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Hero Headquarters is a birthday party entertainment company in Houston. Photo courtesy of Hero Headquarters
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Check out one of these breakfasts in Houston for a casual meal when the kids get up early. Photo courtesy of Snooze
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Free activities like feeding the ducks at Mary Jo Peckham Park are simple and still great fun for kids. Photo courtesy of Canva
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Photo courtesy of Threadfare Children's Boutique
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The Houston Zoo is a great stop for kids, and near other things to do in Houston, too. Photo by Jessica A., courtesy of the zoo
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Families enjoying a night out. Photo courtesy of Paradigm Brewing in Tomball
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Montessori preschools focus on hands-on learning. Photo courtesy of The Woodlands Montessori School
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Levy Park in Houston has one of our favorite playgrounds. Photo courtesy of OJB Landscape Architecture
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Playgrounds Without Limits photo courtesy of Memorial Park, Facebook
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Take a look at one of these popular toddler dance classes in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Ballet preschool program.
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Baby music classes are a great way to bond and learn. Photo courtesy of Musik Garden
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Photo courtesy of Texas Health Resources
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Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum of Houston
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Birthday party places near Houston include arcades, escape rooms, climbing gyms, and more. Photo courtesy of The Main Event
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There are a variety of fishing lakes near Houston to fish with your kids. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
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San Antonio is full of amusement parks, good food, and lots of other things to do with kids. Photo courtesy of the San Antonio Riverwalk
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Try fishing for the first time in Lake Livingston. Photo courtesy of Lake Livingston State Park, Facebook
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Kids eat Free at Dickey's on Sundays with each adult purchase of $10 or more. Photo courtesy of Dickey's
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The St. Regis in Uptown is one of Houston's best family-friendly resorts.
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Photo courtesy of Lake Conroe KOA Campground, Facebook
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Hiking at Garner State Park in the Texas Hill Country. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
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Fresh air is one of the best antidotes to a grumpy toddler or baby. Photo courtesy of Bigstock
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Come for the queso, stay for the ice cream at these Tex-Mex restaurants in Houston.
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Explore the 21 miles of trails around the park, of varying lengths and difficulty to suit your family’s needs.
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Kids can learn about Robotics at the Houston Space Center. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Ortiz.
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Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook
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Samuel Sykes, owner of Trill Taco, photo courtesy of Samuel Sykes
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Calling all space lovers! NASA’s Space Center Houston, photo by Rebecca Matheson Ortiz
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Toddlers can enjoy playing with the foam block structures at Exploration Park. Photo courtesy of Exploration Park
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The Menil Collection is a free art museum in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Menil Collection
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​Galveston's Schlitterbahn is an indoor waterpark near Houston. Photo courtesy of Schlitterbahn in Galveston Island
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Best Overnight Summer Camps in Texas

Camp La Junta offers an overnight summer camp in Texas. Photo courtesy of Camp La Junta for Boys
Camp La Junta offers an overnight summer camp in Texas. Photo courtesy of Camp La Junta for Boys
2/25/22 - By Rachael Cherry

Summers are meant for homemade ice cream, lazy days at the pool, and the outdoor adventure that comes with overnight summer camps. Overnight summer camps in Texas are known for creating lifelong memories as kids try new activities, make new friends, and experience the great outdoors, all while building self-confidence and fostering personal responsibility. 

Texas is a haven for overnight summer camps, offering a range of different types. Whether you're looking for adventure camps, Christian camps, or specific boys and girls camps, we have it all. Most offer a minimum of one week stays for campers, with some going all the way up to four week stints. All of them promise an unparalleled experience that will leave your kid empowered and excited to return next year. 

We also have a comprehensive camp guide and directory for even more summer camp ideas. 

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Camp Cho-Yeh is a Christianity-based overnight summer camp. Photo courtesy of Camp Cho-Yeh
Camp Cho-Yeh is a Christianity-based overnight summer camp. Photo courtesy of Camp Cho-Yeh

Overnight Summer Camps in Texas

Pine Cove City

Ages 2nd - 12th grade | Columbus & Tyler
Pine Cove is a Gospel-centered Christian camp that brings bungee trampolines, water slides, awesome counselors, skits, Bible studies, and more to neighborhoods in the Houston area. Parents can worry less about sending their kids off to camp with an app that features photos, daily highlight videos, digital mail, and more of their camper.  READ MORE

Circle Six Baptist Camp

Ages 1st - 12th grade | Lenorah
Circle Six Baptist Camp exists to encourage Christian worship, training, discipleship, evangelism, and recreation through their various overnight summer camps. Campers spend a week engaging in Bible studies, listening to speakers, competing in tournaments like dodgeball and ultimate frisbee, and learning how to further their relationship with God and others.  READ MORE

Camp Balcones Springs

Ages Kindergarten - 11th grade | Marble Falls
At Camp Balcones Springs campers are encouraged to try new activities, further their skills, and grow in the Christian faith. Campers in first and second grade attend week-long sessions that allow the kids to sample all of the different activities Camp Balcones Springs offers. Third through eleventh graders sign up for two-week sessions and get to pick major activities like archery, wakeboarding, and survival skills. In addition to the major activities, campers also get to do minor activities like pickleball, stand up paddleboarding, challenge courses, and more.  READ MORE

John Knox Ranch

Ages 2nd - 12th grade | Fischer
John Knox Ranch Summer Camps focus on finding God in everything we do. Days include chaplain time, activities like archery, canoeing, and arts, silly songs and singing, swimming in the pool, Blanco River, or Blue Hole, and special evening activities. Children ages 4-8 can register for day camps, 2nd through 5th graders can enroll 4 day overnight mini-sessions, 3rd through 6th graders can sign up for 1 week sessions, and 6th through 9th graders can pick from 1 week, 10 day, and 2 week sessions. READ MORE

Camp OTX

Ages 6 - 14 | Bandera
You can expect each summer at Camp OTX to offer a new experience, as camper activities expand as the camper ages. Each camper's schedule focuses on a mix of activities that combines individual interests and shared activities. Campers are also divided into two teams and engage in unique competitions throughout their stay. There are 50+ activities at the camp, themed nights, and worship services to help campers grow as individuals and as Christians. READ MORE

Carolina Creek Christian Camps

Ages Kindergarten - 12th grade | Huntsville
Campers, get ready for a week of action-packed fun full of large group games, worship at the outdoor chapel on the river, and small groups to connect more fully with God and other campers. Camp activities and schedules are created in a way that insures that campers will experience both challenges and success, helping them gain confidence and skills, conquer their fears, and create lasting friendships while growing their relationship with God. READ MORE

Camp Champions

Ages Kindergarten - 12th grade | Marble Falls
Ditch tht technology and choose from 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 week sessions at Camp Champions on Lake LBJ. Camp sessions include over 50 activities for kids to do while building lifelong friendships. Activities span a wide range of interests and include things like archery, water skiing, tennis, and sand volleyball. Each day contains 6 activity periods and evenings bring dances, movie nights, group games, and more.  READ MORE

Camp Longhorn

Ages 2nd - 10th grade | Burnet
"Everybody is somebody" at Camp Longhorn. Campers are encouraged to take personal responsibility through individual activities and teamwork during their stay. There are three locations to choose from: Inks Lake, Indian Springs, and C3 on Inks Lake. Inks Lake and Indian Springs both offer 2 and 3 week sessions, while C3 offers 1 and 2 week terms. There are 25 different activities to choose from, themed days and nights, and various events that happen throughout your camper's stay, making Camp Longhorn a summer experience they'll never forget.  READ MORE

Frontier Camp

Ages 7 - 17 | Grapeland
Set in the heart of East Texas, Frontier Camp aims to challenge campers both spiritually and recreationally during their time spent at camp. Camps are broken up into Junior Weeks for kids ages 7-12 and Teen Weeks for teens ages 13-17. There are also specific weeks set aside for homeschooled children to attend both Junior and Teen weeks that are staffed with many homeschool graduates. Both Junior and Teen Weeks are packed with a mix of both traditional summer camp activities like horseback riding and newer activities like wakeboarding or water skiing.  READ MORE

Vista Camps

Ages 6 - 16 | Ingram
Take a technology break and spend the summer outdoors connecting with nature and friends at Vista Camps. Campers get to pick 10 activities from the 40 offered to rotate through during the week they attend. Activities range from water sports and ropes courses to creative arts and animal care, ensuring there is something fun for everyone. Vista Camps offers 1 and 2 week sessions to choose from throughout the summer.  READ MORE

Camp Cho-Yeh

Ages 1st - 12th grade | Livingston
Camp Cho-Yeh, which comes from the Alabama-Coushatta Indian language and means "land of tall pines," is a Christian-based camp and encourages campers to develop a deeper relationship with God. Kids participate in lots of fun activities, such as mountain biking across more than 700 acres of scenic land and participating in challenging ropes courses. Prospective campers can choose from one- and two-week camp sessions, depending on age. Camp Cho-Yeh also offers day camp options. READ MORE

Camp Allen

Ages 8 - 18 | Navasota
Camp Allen opens its' doors to campers annually to help them experience God through fun, challenging and inspirational activities. From archery to nature hikes to environmental education and more, there is no shortage of opportunities to tackle both your favorite and new activities at this summer camp. It is the hope of the session leaders and staff that when campers leave their lives are changed by the growth experienced and relationships created at Camp. READ MORE

Camp Lone Star

Ages 5 - 18 | La Grange
Campers can expect to participate in basic camp activities such as archery, swimming, and hiking during their stay, while making new friends and strengthening their relationship with Christ. Camp Lone Star guarantees a stay that is action-packed with fun activities, Bible Study sessions, fostering an intentional and faith-filled relationship with God, and more. Camp sessions are for 2 or 5 nights.  READ MORE

Camp Olympia

Ages 6 - 16 | Trinity
With 1, 2, and 3 week sessions and over 45 activities, Camp Olympia is the ultimate overnight camp experience for boys and girls ages 6-16. Located one hour from Houston, Camp Olympia provides the perfect setting for fun and adventure on Lake Livingston in the Pineywoods. Campers gain independence while building teamwork and leadership skills through a customized camp experience and counselor mentorship.  READ MORE

Tecaboca Summer Camp

Ages 6 - 16 | Trinity
For a Catholic camp experience, Tecaboca is the place to be. Boys and girls can attend one week sessions that focus on cultivating core Catholic values through activities like horseback riding, archery, fishing, and swimming. There is also daily mass, communion, and prayer time. By the end of the week, kids will learn to find God in everything and see His presence everywhere. READ MORE

T Bar M

Ages 1st - 11th grade | New Braunfels
T Bar M is a Christian camp located in the hill country that focuses on growing faith and relationships while fostering independence and encouraging outdoor, active play. Week-long camps are filled with days spent engaging in outdoor adventures like ziplining and swimming and evenings filled with worship time, campfires, and games. There are also family camp and day camp options. READ MORE
Heart O' the Hills is an overnight summer camp in Texas for girls. Photo courtesy of Heart O' the Hills Camp
Heart O' the Hills is an overnight summer camp in Texas for girls. Photo courtesy of Heart O' the Hills Camp

Overnight Summer Camps for Girls in Texas

Kickapoo Kamp for Girls

Ages 7 - 15 | Kerville
Enrollment at Kickapoo Kamp is limited to 110 campers, giving each session a "family" feel. The focus of camp is to encourage self-confidence, self-awareness, and self-accpetance in girls of all ages. Campers build these skills through activities like archery, arts and crafts, water skiing, dance, fitness, and nature. Summer terms range from 1-3 week stays.  READ MORE

Camp Mystic for Girls

Ages 7 - 17 | Hunt
At Camp Mystic the goal is to teach girls to be better for being at Mystic, to let Mystic bring out the best in them, and to grow spiritually. These three things are accomplished through 2 and 4 week sessions that focus on growth through activities like horseback riding, canoeing, and fun and games while connecting with other girls and your designated tribe. New campers are seperated into one of two tribes and this tribe becomes your foundation for all future years. READ MORE

Heart O' the Hills Camp

Ages 6 - 16 | Hunt
Heart O' the Hills is a private traditional summer camp for girls that emphasizes character building through 2 and 4 week sessions. Girls can try activities like horseback riding, Red Cross swimming instruction, wilderness survival, and more. Each camper is placed into a competitive tribe and there are friendly competitions throughout the camp's duration.  READ MORE
Photo courtesy of Camp La Junta for Boys
Photo courtesy of Camp La Junta for Boys

Overnight Summer Camps for Boys in Texas

Camp La Junta for Boys

Ages 6 - 14 | Hunt
Boys are invited to spend 2 or 4 weeks of their summer unplugging and embarking on adventure at Camp La Junta. Activities include mountain biking, scuba diving, riflery, and more and focus on providing attainable goals for the boys to reach. Campers pick unique schedules that focus on their individual interests and enhance their independence and self-assuredness. READ MORE

Camp Stewart for Boys

Ages 6 - 16 | Hunt
Camp Stewart is a traditional boys-only sleepaway camp nestled in the hill country along the Guadalupe River. Boys can pick from 1, 2, and 4 week sessions that focus on cultivating personal growth and responsibility through instructor-led lessons and daily events and activities. Activities include outdoor cooking, archery, ceramics, riflery, and water rescue. There are also special events throughout the session, like polocrosse, rodeo, Mardi Gras lunch, and Hawaiin shirt day. READ MORE

Marine Military Academy's All Boys Summer Camp

Ages 11 - 18 | Harlingen
The 4 week all-boys summer camp at Marine Military Academy is not for the faint at heart. This summer camp focuses on staying in constant motion through fun and exciting outdoor activities like ropes courses, ziplines, and swimming. Campers are assigned to a company based on their age and live in barracks throughout the session. The young men who attend come from all over the world to learn discipline, courage, and leadership.  READ MORE

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