The Lone Star State is known for its brutal summers. As temperatures rise, the teenage mantra "I'm bored," can wear on any parent's frazzled nerves. But with a variety of summer programs and camps from East Texas to the Gulf Coast, there's no reason why teens or parents should have the summer blues.
Math Mania
For teens looking to flex some brain power, the Texas Mathworks Honors Summer Math Camp (HSMC) at Texas State University in San Marcos was created to challenge budding mathematicians. The camp teaches students abstract algebraic concepts, number theories as well as providing students with the chance to do specialized research projects. Students are mentored by undergraduate counselors and taught by university faculty. The program runs for 10 days and its estimated cost is $2,700 which includes room, board, books and supplies.
Sea Savvy
For high schoolers interested in pursuing a career working with animals, Seaworld's Adventure Career Camps in San Antonio, Texas allows teens to see and interact with marine life. They'll have the opportunity to assist with meal preparations for dolphins, whales and sea lions and even participate in various training sessions. Campers also get to enjoy all of Seaworld's rides and attractions.
For those who have completed Career Camp, campers can attend Advanced Career Camps where they're provided an even more in-depth look at careers in animal behavior or health. Campers work side by side with Sea World staff, monitoring animals, preparing meals and learning about different types of veterinarian science. Camps run for five days and costs $900.
Performing Arts
For Gleeks out there, with dreams of singing, dancing and acting, the University of Texas offers a weeklong program for high schoolers, giving young performers the opportunity to study performing arts in a professional theater setting.
Located on the UT campus and taught by professors and working professionals, students learn acting, dancing, movement, musical theater, voice and on-camera techniques. At the end of the week, students are given the opportunity to showcase their work in a final performance. The camp costs $995 and includes room and board.
Sports Sensations
For teenagers hoping to spend the summer improving their jump shot, batting average or all around athletic conditioning, Texas A&M in College Station offers summer athletic camps in football, baseball, basketball, strength and conditioning, soccer, softball, tennis, swimming and volleyball.
Children ages 8 through 18 are eligible to able to attend the camps. They are coached by some of the best college coaches in nation. Camps are two to four days depending on the sport. Prices begin at $320 for day campers who commute home each day and $420 for teens who stay on the campus for the duration of the camp.
Tech Savvy Teens
For high schoolers with an interest in computers and technology, Wonder-Space Computer and Technology Camp will teach them everything from programming to graphic design to animation. With locations in Austin, Dallas and Houston, teens are taught by students from MIT, Rice, Stanford and UT. Geared toward children ages 6 to 17, this program aims to prepare future computer scientists and technology gurus for college and beyond. Camps run Monday through Friday and start at $625 though pricing options vary.
