Leveling Up The Summer Fun
Youth Programs adds exciting features to their summer camp this year
As Youth Programs wraps up its summer camps, campers have been making the most of the new specialty offerings this summer. Read more to see how these specialty features enhanced camp and gave campers a summer to remember.
Summit Seekers Specialty Climbing Camp
Two weeks into summer camp, Youth Programs opened with Summit Seekers Specialty Climbing Camp for campers between the ages of 10 and 15. Campers had the opportunity to climb on the renovated rock wall and bouldering wall for a week.
“I know a lot of them had some sort of experience, but they didn’t really have any technical experience, which is what this camp focused on,” said Abigail Smith ’27, indoor climbing facilities supervisor. “One of the first things we did was we taught them the different types of climbing holds that they would use. We had them memorize them, know what they look like, know how to use them, and I think that immediately helped.”
Summit Seekers not only involved climbing but also traditional camp activities like tie-dying T-shirts, making paracord friendship bracelets and playing Battleship in the indoor pool. Youth Programs also partnered with Fitness & Wellness to offer a climber flow yoga session. But at the end of the day campers only wanted one thing.
“They wanted to climb more,” Smith said. “They were giving each other advice on what to do. They were going up the routes quicker. They were having a lot more fun too.”
While Summit Seekers has wrapped up for the summer, Youth Programs hopes to bring back more specialty camp options next year.
“Moving forward, I see Summit Seekers continuing to grow as we refine the program and build awareness,” Director of Youth Programs Sarah Beth Heiar said. “I also envision partnering with other areas of Rec Sports to develop additional specialty camps that provide unique experiences for campers.”
Kids Learn-To-Swim
For the first time ever, Youth Programs and Aquatics have partnered to provide weekly swim lessons as an optional add-on to summer camp. Parents have the opportunity to sign kids up to work with swim instructors, learn water safety and swim techniques.
“Water is something that is common throughout childhoods, and even just your day-to-day life,” Aquatics Instructor Gunner Butler ’28 said. “Knowing how to be able to be around it safely and knowing how to keep yourself on top of the water, if you ever find yourself inside, is very important, as well as being more comfortable with just whatever environment you’re in.”
Beyond learning water safety, the partnership was designed to expand what campers can experience throughout the summer.
“Partnering with our Aquatics program allowed us to provide professional swim instruction while also providing a needed service for campers who would benefit from extra instruction,” Youth Programs Director Sarah Beth Heiar said. “Our goal is to provide a well-rounded camp experience that promotes recreation, confidence and trying new things. Swim lessons support that goal by teaching an important life skill in a safe and structured environment.”
For Butler, one of the most rewarding parts of teaching has been watching campers gain confidence in the water.
“Starting off, I see that there’s a challenge – sometimes they just don’t want to put their face in the water, or they can’t do this one specific skill, and it always makes me happy when, at the end of the session, that progress is made,” Butler said. “I like seeing the progress, I like seeing the change, and I like seeing the comfortability that comes with these lessons.”
Exploring Texas A&M
Another new component to summer camp were the offsite excursions — every other week, the counselors led the campers to different locations around Texas A&M’s campus for an activity. This summer, the group travelled to Aggie Park for a carnival day, the Gardens for a Bingo and will end the camp with a water day at Penberthy.
“The kids love it,” Youth Programs Supervisor Jessica McBrayer ’27 said. “Obviously it’s hot, but they love it, and they wish it was every single week. We’ve gotten good compliments back from a lot of parents, saying their kids really loved experiencing more of [Texas] A&M, not just at the Rec, and they loved seeing Aggie Park and seeing the Gardens, because they wouldn’t do that otherwise.”
While the outings have quickly become a favorite among campers, the new experiences are more than a change of scenery — they’re another way campers can grow, build friendships and make lasting memories.
“Summer camp is one of the best things that can happen in a child’s life,” McBrayer said. “They’re growing, learning and connecting with other kids all summer. A lot of them have made best friends who aren’t at their school. Instead of just staying home, they can be here and really connect with people.”
