University Camps Offer Plenty of Summer Fun, Learning for Kids

Catering to students with diverse interests, The University of Texas at Dallas offers a wide range of summer programs for kids as young as 5 and as old as 18. Here’s a roundup of the current camps still open for registration.

Sports Camps

Basketball Shooting Camp
Budding athletes or basketball fans can participate in one of three camp sessions offered to boys and girls ages 6 to 18 at the UT Dallas Activity Center. The daily camp includes drills on dribbling and passing as well as training on proper methods and techniques, led by the UT Dallas men’s basketball team and coach Terry Butterfield. Spots fill up quickly. June 3-7, July 22-26, July 29-Aug. 2, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Basketball Skills Camp

Boys and girls ages 5 to 18 can participate in one of three camp sessions presented by the UT Dallas women’s basketball coaching staff. Students will be divided into age groups for five days of skill sessions, games and other activities at the UT Dallas Activity Center. Bonus: All campers will get a T-shirt and a basketball. June 17-21, June 24-28, July 8-12; 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (extended camp to 5 p.m. available).

Elite Boys Prep Soccer Camp

The UT Dallas soccer coaching staff will be running this camp geared toward boys ages 14 to 18 looking to improve their knowledge of the game and learn more about college soccer and recruiting. The program includes two nights at a UT Dallas residence hall with meals provided. Campers will need to bring soccer cleats, shinguards and sunscreen. Registration is open until June 21 for residential campers and June 28 for commuter campers. June 28-30. 

Elite Volleyball Camp

This camp is designed for high school girls looking to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. Students with varsity/junior varsity or club team experience can participate in this overnight camp, which includes simulated games and drills, training on techniques, classroom sessions and camp activities. The registration deadline is June 21. July 12-14. 

Esports Summer Camps

Gamers can participate in one of three camp sessions. The camp will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily during a five-day session. Participants will receive both individualized and team instruction in today’s most popular games, including “Fortnite,” “Overwatch,” “Apex,” “League of Legends” and “Super Smash Bros.” Participants can choose their daily curriculum. Space is limited. Register here. June 17-21, June 24-28, July 22-28. 

Girls Sports Leadership Camp

Girls in seventh to 11th grades will be introduced to basketball, softball, tennis, volleyball, soccer and more at this weeklong camp, which combines sports play and skill development, as well as decision-making skills and team-building activities. Girls will learn directly from college athletes and coaches. Register today and see a sample schedule of a typical camp day. June 15-19, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Summer Softball Camp

Beginning softball players ages 5 to 12 will gain experience and improve their skills throughout this three-day camp that focuses on fundamentals. Players ages 13 to 18 who aspire to play in college are encouraged to attend the June session, which will include instruction from the University’s softball coaching staff and players. Ages 13-18, June 11-13; ages 5-12, July 16-18, 9 a.m. to noon daily. 

Youth Soccer Camp

Kids will have a ball at this day camp, which features five full days of skill sessions, games and instruction from UT Dallas soccer coaches and players. Campers will be divided into age groups and will receive a camp T-shirt and soccer ball. Boys and girls 6 to 14 years old are eligible to attend the camp, which is offered for full or half days each session. Register for a specific session and read more about meals and necessary equipment. June 3-7, June 10-14, July 8-12, July 15-19, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 8:30 a.m. to noon. 

Academic Camps

Brain Boost Summer Camp

The Brain Performance Institute’s half-day camp helps teens and tweens learn how to boost their creativity and think outside of the box through activities and experiences. Each day brings new adventures, from scavenger hunts to obstacle courses and informational sessions. Students 10 and older will learn how to innovate and socialize through this fun, educational program. Registration ends June 19 for Week 1 and June 24 for Week 2. June 24-28, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; July 29-Aug. 2, 1 to 5 p.m. at the Brain Performance Institute, 2200 W. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas.

Chinese Language and Culture Summer Camp

The University offers a three-week camp for children 6 and older to help build Chinese language skills and introduce participants to calligraphy, painting, kung fu, tai chi, folk dances and crafts. The deadline for registration is June 3. June 10-28, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Erik Jonsson Academic Center.

Mean Green Comet Debate Institute

UT Dallas and the University of North Texas have collaborated to bring the most established debate camps to the Dallas area this summer. Students will learn from some of the best strategic thinkers and educators from the high school and college debate communities. The deadline for registration is June 1. Learn more about specific sessions and camp information here. June 21 to July 17, UT Dallas campus.

Smart Edge Summer Camp

Through the Smart Edge Summer Camp, the Center for BrainHealth teaches cognitive processes that enhance deeper-level thinking, focus and meaningful learning for students in fifth through 11th grades. The day camp extends the Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Training (SMART) program by engaging teens and tweens in critical thinking activities in an age-appropriate environment. For questions and registration, contact Denice Myers at 972-883-3247. June 3-14, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Aug. 5-9, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Callier Center for Communication Disorders

Camp Interact

Camp Interact is a therapeutic day camp for children who have completed first through fifth grades. It is designed to give children with communication deficits a chance to participate in team-building activities, fun shops and drama-related exercises. Children may have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder/Asperger’s, ADHD or mild language impairments to participate. Learn more here and review registration information. Aug. 5-9, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Callier Center Richardson. 

Read to Succeed

Designed to improve literacy skills for children entering kindergarten to fourth grade, Read to Succeed includes lessons that implement phonological awareness, fluency, vocabulary and reading comprehension. Learn more here and review registration information. June 4-July 18, Tuesdays and Thursdays, preschool to kindergarten 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.; first through fourth grade, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Callier Center Richardson.

Summer Language Intervention Camp for Kids (SLICK)

This camp for first through sixth graders with language and learning disorders provides a fun learning environment with a mission to build language skills through literacy-based activities. Students will be guided by a licensed speech-pathologist and graduate student clinicians. Learn more here and review registration and evaluation information. June 10-July 17, Mondays and Wednesdays 8:30 to 11 a.m., Callier Center Richardson. 

STEM Camps

Coding Camps

More than 200 coding camps are available to elementary, middle and high school students. From dancing robots to webpage design and virtual reality app design, there’s a camp for every skill level, age group and interest. See the full list of camps, dates and registration deadlines.

Design Connect Create

Design Connect Create introduces fascinating physics concepts to rising ninth to 12th grade girls. Students can learn about STEM careers from guest speakers, participate in interactive activities, go on field trips and solve cool problems with other students their age. The weeklong day camp is offered in two sessions in July. July 8-12 and July 15-19, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.