NOT YOUR AVERAGE CAMP
Youth Programs expands their camp with exciting new options like swim lessons and off-site excursions
For most of the semester, Rec Sports hums to the rhythm of student life — the dribbling of basketball, the scribbling of pens and the buzz of conversation. It’s easy to think that’s all the Rec is. But when the campus quiets down during the breaks, the Rec doesn’t.
Through spring break camps, summer camps and more, Youth Programs turns the Rec into a kid-friendly hub filled with fun, counselor-supervised activities — a place where parents can feel confident leaving their children for the day.
“Camp is open to everyone,” Director of Youth Programs Sarah Beth Heiar said. “Parents don’t have to work at Texas A&M for their children to join. We have a great facility and unique programs to offer – campers may get to try a new recreational activity they’ve never had access to before – like pickleball, indoor rock climbing, or battleship. We hope that campers who come to our camp leave having tried something new.”
The Spring Break Camp is held at the Student Recreation Center from Monday, March 9 to Friday, March 13. With activities ranging from arts and crafts and tug of war to goofy relays and rock climbing, counselors get creative to make sure the kids have a good time.
“Each morning, [campers] get to kick off the day with climbing, from conquering our brand new wall or jumping around on the huge bouldering wall,” Camp Supervisor Juliette Cody ’26 said. “Watching their faces light up with joy when they reach the top is unbeatable. It’s so amazing to see their confidence grow through each step they make.”
This year, campers have more opportunities than ever to learn and explore. As part of Summer Camp, Youth Programs in collaboration with Aquatics is offering optional swim lessons to safely build water confidence and refine technique.
“[The program] is to allow the campers to have an avenue to learn a life skill,” Director of Aquatics Carlos Garcia said. “They have that avenue as a parent, ‘I know you don’t know how to swim, but I’m going to put you in that so you can learn how to swim at summer camp.’ It’s mandated by the Red Cross, so everybody knows what you’re training.”
For older campers, the camp experience extends beyond the Rec. Every other week, campers between the ages of 9 and 12 will explore Aggieland through supervised excursions. From Aggie Park to the Academic Plaza, campers have a chance to step outside and explore the landmarks that shape campus life.
“These outings are designed to help campers connect more deeply with Texas A&M while enjoying some of its most iconic spaces,” Heiar said.
But the summer fun doesn’t stop at exploration, it invites campers to climb higher. Youth Programs, alongside Spring Break Camp and Summer Camp, is hosting Summit Seekers — a collaborative effort between Youth Programs and Outdoor Adventures so that kids up til the age of 15 can learn a day of climbing and test out the new climbing wall.
“We hope this specialty camp allows some older campers to discover a new passion,” Heiar said. “Our Outdoor Adventure staff will offer in-depth instruction and skill-building on both the climbing wall and the boulder wall. We can’t wait for the launch of our first ever specialty camp!”
Held at the Student Recreation Center from June 8 to June 12, the program is now open for registration. Those participating in Summit Seekers can also keep their climb going by teaming up with Summer Camp for an afternoon climb. The hardest part is choosing which adventure comes first, if not all of them. Register Now!
