Summer Camp Opportunities in Abilene & the Big Country
Summer in the Big Country brings long days, hot weather, and the yearly question many families face: What are we going to do this summer?
Whether you’re looking for full-day childcare-style camps, creative enrichment, STEM opportunities, sports camps, or outdoor experiences, there are a variety of summer camp and summer-friendly programs available in Abilene and the surrounding Big Country area.
As always, offerings can change year to year. Many programs finalize details in the spring, so we encourage families to check each organization’s website directly for current dates, ages served, and registration information.
Below is a roundup of local and nearby summer camp opportunities families often ask us about.
Creative, Museum, & Enrichment Camps
The Grace Museum – Grace Academy Summer Camps
Ages: Elementary–Middle | Cost: Paid | Scholarships: Limited
https://thegracemuseum.org/grace-academy/
The Grace Museum typically offers themed half-day, week-long camps focused on art, science, culinary skills, engineering, and hands-on creativity.
National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature (NCCIL)
Ages: Elementary–Middle | Cost: Low-cost–Moderate
https://www.nccil.org/
NCCIL often hosts summer art workshops and illustration-focused programs for children who enjoy drawing, storytelling, and visual creativity.
Abilene Zoo – Zoo Camp
Abilene Zoo
Ages: Elementary–Middle | Cost: Paid | Scholarships: Limited availability (varies by year)
https://abilenezoo.org/zoocamp/
The Abilene Zoo typically offers themed summer camps that allow children to explore wildlife, conservation, and hands-on learning experiences. Campers often participate in animal encounters, outdoor exploration, and interactive activities designed to build curiosity and appreciation for nature.
Zoo Camp sessions are usually week-long and may fill quickly, so families are encouraged to monitor the Zoo’s website for registration dates and age-specific offerings.
Abilene Heritage Square& Local History Programs
Ages: Elementary | Cost: Free or Low-cost
https://www.abileneheritagesquare.org/
Local history organizations sometimes offer summer workshops, special programs, and family activities, even if they are not labeled as traditional camps.
Abilene Public Library – Summer Programs
Ages: Preschool–Teen | Cost: Free
https://abilenetx.gov/2418/Library
The Abilene Public Library typically offers a summer reading program, story times, STEAM activities, and special events throughout the summer.
STEM & Academic Enrichment Camps
Abilene ISD – The LIFT (Learning Innovation for Tomorrow)
Ages: Elementary–Middle | Cost: Free or Low-cost
https://www.abileneisd.org/o/tl
The LIFT has offered summer camps and enrichment programs focused on STEM, technology, and hands-on problem-solving. Offerings vary by year.
Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) Summer Camps
Ages: Elementary–High School (varies by camp) | Cost: Paid
https://www.hsutx.edu/about-hsu/camps/
HSU hosts a variety of summer camps and clinics, including athletics, swim camps, and skill-based programs.
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) – Red Raider Pharmacy Camp (Abilene)
Ages: Middle–High School | Cost: Low-cost or Grant-funded
https://www.ttuhsc.edu/pharmacy/prospective/red-raider-campreg-abl.aspx
This camp provides older students with hands-on exposure to healthcare, science, and pharmacy careers.
Sports & Movement-Based Camps
YMCA of Abilene
Ages: Elementary–Middle | Cost: Paid | Scholarships: Yes
https://www.abileneymca.org/programs/camp
Full-day summer camps with sports, swimming, games, and group activities. YMCA financial assistance is often available.
Abilene Youth Sports Authority (AYSA)
Ages: Elementary–Middle | Cost: Paid
https://www.abileneysa.org/
AYSA offers sports-focused camps and clinics throughout the summer.
D-BAT Abilene
Ages: Elementary–High School | Cost: Paid
https://dbatabilene.com/
Baseball and softball camps and clinics focused on skill development.
Abilene Gymnastics Sport Center
Ages: Preschool–Elementary | Cost: Paid
https://abilenegymnasticssportcenter.flywheelsites.com/
Gymnastics camps and summer classes focused on movement, coordination, and strength.
Local Dance & Performing Arts Studios
Ages: Elementary–Middle | Cost: Paid
https://apacstars.com/camps-summerprograms/
Many local studios offer short-term dance, theater, or movement camps during the summer.
Outdoor, Leadership, & Overnight Camps
Camp Barkeley Training & Equipping Center (Buffalo Gap)
Ages: Middle–High School | Cost: Paid | Scholarships: Often available
https://campbarkeley.com/
Outdoor camps and retreats focused on leadership, teamwork, and skill-building.
Scouting America – Texas Trails Council Camps
Ages: Elementary–High School | Cost: Paid | Scholarships: Yes (Camperships)
https://www.texastrailsbsa.com/
Day and overnight camps emphasizing outdoor skills, leadership, and structured activities.
Faith-Based & Leadership Camps
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) – Big Country Camps
Ages: Upper Elementary–High School | Cost: Paid | Scholarships: Often available
https://www.bigcountryfca.org/camps
Sports- and leadership-focused camps that combine athletics, teamwork, and faith-based instruction.
Bridgeport Camp – Abilene
Ages: Elementary–High School | Cost: Paid | Scholarships: Often available
https://www.bridgeportcamp.org/abilene/
Christian summer camp experiences connected to churches and organizations in the Abilene area.
Mentoring Alliance – Abilene
Ages: Elementary–Middle | Cost: Free or Low-cost
https://thementoringalliance.com/abilene/
Mentorship-focused summer programs centered on relationships, character development, and life skills.
Beltway Kids Club
Ages: Elementary | Cost: Free or Low-cost
https://beltway.org/ministries/life-stage/kids/
While primarily an after-school program, Beltway Kids Club has offered summer programming and extended activities.
A Note About Cost & Scholarships
Many local camps offer scholarships, camperships, or sliding-scale fees, even if this isn’t advertised prominently. Families are encouraged to ask directly about:
Financial assistance
Sibling discounts
Church or community sponsorships
Grant-funded spots
Asking never hurts, and many programs are happy to help families participate.
Downloadable: Summer Camp Planning Checklist for Parents
We’ve created a simple summer camp planning checklist to help families compare options and find the best fit for their child.
👉 Download the checklist or contact us for support:
https://www.groundedrootsfdc.com/contact
Grounded Roots Family Development Center is a psychology practice in Abilene, Texas, providing comprehensive evaluations and support for children, teens, and adults. Services are provided by a Licensed Psychological Associate.
