It’s May, and that means it’s time to think about summer camps. Here’s a list of French language and French-focused summer camps in Texas to keep your kids busy (and teach them a few things too).
Dallas
At the Dallas International School, there are 23 “summer enrichment camps” to choose from, grouped into four themes: languages (English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic), art (pottery, sculpture, music, etc.), sports (basketball, tennis, chess, etc.) and sciences (robotics, programming, etc.). A music festival is organized the week of June 21, and a small party happens after each three-week session. An international week is planned for the fifth week of the camp. For children from 3-10 years, and teenagers. From June 11 to July 20, from 9am-12pm and 12:30pm-3:30pm, full or half day (with the possibility of daycare from 7:30am-6pm). $320 to $600 per week for a full day. Three weeks minimum. Two campuses: 6039 Churchill Way; 17811 Waterview Parkway. Details and registration here. Catalogue.
The Alliance Française de Dallas will be offering many camps with songs, games, and creative activities on the schedule. Themed by age group, the camps are for kids 4-7 years or 8-11 years, and run throughout the summer from June 4 to August 10. Each class lasts from 9:30am-2:30pm, Monday through Friday with a minimum of four children per class. Price: $170 or $280 per week. Address: 10830 N. Central Expwy Suite 152 Dallas, TX. Details and registration here.
Houston
History, cuisine, geography, sports… There is something for everyone at the Education Française Greater Houston (EFGH) summer camps. Each week has its own theme. Activities take place indoors and outdoors. French is the language of instruction with native speakers, but the camp is open to everyone. For children kids 5-10 years. $380 per week for a full day. From June 4 to July 13. Monday to Friday from 9am-4pm. Possibility of daycare for 8am-9am and 4pm-6pm for $40/$80 per week. Awty International school, 7455 Awty School Lane. Details and registration here.
The same routine applies to the Lycée International de Houston, a newcomer to the city, with one theme per week but in three different languages: English, French, and Spanish. Possible themes include superheroes, time travel, theatre, and many more. Thankfully, for parents who want kids to stay busy all summer, the camp continues until early August. For children age 3 years and older. From June 11 to August 3. Monday to Friday from 8am-4pm. $375 per week for a full day. Possibility for daycare from 4pm-5:30pm for $50 per week. Address: 15950 Park Row DR. Details and registration here.
The Maternelle de Houston is for the little ones and offers them a chance to discover the worlds of pirates, dinosaurs, and space, the underwater world, and animals. Water games are also on the program to cool off during the hot days. All levels of French speakers, from no experience to native speaker are welcome. For babies and children from 18 months to 6 years old. From June 1st to August 10th, from 8:30am-3pm, with daycare from 7am-6:30pm. About $250 per week. 2301 S. Dairy Ashford Rd. Details and registration here.
The Alliance Française de Houston offers two three-week summer camps in June and July. The first session will take place from June 11-28, and the second from July 2-19. At Alliance Française, the emphasis is on learning the language through academic and recreational activities. The children are in a full-immersion environment, supervised by native French-speaking teachers (but it’s okay if your child isn’t a native speaker). Monday to Thursday from 9:30am-12pm. For kids 5-15 years. $125 per week of 10 hours, or $350 the three weeks. 427 Lovett Blvd. Details here, register at 713-526-1121.
Austin
The Austin International School (AIS) camp is for children 4-10 years old, whether they’re students of the school or not, and regardless of their mastery of French. A different theme is proposed each week for the six weeks of the camp, all while students practice their French, English, or Spanish. From June 11 to July 20, 9am-3:30pm (with the possibility of daycare from 7:30am-6pm). $300 per week or $70 per day for a full day (free daycare from 7:30am onward, $75 until 6pm). 4001 Adelphi Lane. Details and registration here.
At Education Française Austin, summer camps are conducted exclusively in French, but kids don’t have to be fluent to attend. With games, stories, songs, and arts and crafts “à la française,” this camp is the opportunity to discover the language or to reinforce knowledge in a creative atmosphere. For children 4-7 years old. Two possible sessions: June 18-22, June 25-29, both 9am-5pm. Price: $230 (EFA student) or $275 (non-EFA) per week. Magellan International School, Anderson Lane Campus, 7938 Great Northern Blvd. Details and registration here.
In June, the Ecole Jean-Jacques Rousseau offers language courses in the morning followed by various activities based around sculpture, visual arts, and drawing projects in the style of famous artists in the afternoon. On the schedule: songs and nursery rhymes, cultural games, and exercises and games for personal development. The camp is aimed at kids age 3-5 years speaking any amount of French, and kids age 6-10 years who have had some exposure to French. From June 4-22, 9am-3pm (with the possibility of daycare until 5:30pm). $250-$275 per week with a minimum of two weeks. Daycare: $50 per week. 11607 N. Lamar Blvd. Details and registration here.
