Frequently Asked Questions

Through the generous support of our stakeholders, Austin Sunshine Camps provides FREE, fun-filled overnight summer camp programs for youth ages 8-15 who live in central Texas, and who meet the qualifications listed below.

Youth must be 8-15 years old during the time of summer camp and have someone within two hours of the camp location that could pick your child up.

Additionally, during a family’s first summer with us, each camper must meet one of the three qualifications:

1. Qualify for the school free or reduced lunch program (see chart here);
2. Qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); OR
3. Be a child in foster care

ASC is a fun-filled overnight summer camp program for youth who meet the qualifications listed above. Each summer camp session brings campers together for ten days and nine nights. Campers ages 8-11 stay at our 21,000 square foot Zilker Lodge in Zilker Park and campers ages 12-15 stay in our rustic cabins on the shore of Lake Travis.

Some activities include: swimming, canoeing, sports, challenge course, arts and crafts, exploring the outdoors, and much more.

The cabins at both of our camp locations – Zilker Park (for 8-11 year olds) and Lake Travis (for 12-15 year olds) – are air conditioned.

Zilker Lodge and Lake Travis each have centralized bathrooms with shower areas that have individual shower stalls.

Complete applications will be read on a first come, first serve basis, and campers are selected based on meeting income qualifications and being “camp ready” based on our camper readiness assessment prior to their first time attending camp. Our staff will contact you within three weeks of the date you submit your complete application regarding your child’s admittance into summer camp. If you have any questions, please email us at programs@sunshinecamps.org or call us at 512-505-0908.

Electronics are not allowed at camp, including cell phones. Camp is about connecting with others around you and being engaged in activities with your peers. If you need to contact your child while he/she is at camp, you will be given a phone number to reach the Camp Director.

Please refer to the packing list that is in the Family Guide (the Family Guide will be updated prior to summer 2023).

ASC has Camp Health Officers at each location that have a minimum qualification of an EMT. All parents/guardians must accurately report medication on camper applications, and check-in all medication on the first day of camp. Over the counter medications, such as ibuprofen, Advil, and vitamins must be in the original bottles and preferably a zip-lock bag. Prescription medications must be in the original prescription bottle with pharmacy label included.

Almost every day of camp, we swim for approximately two hours. We require our camp counselors to be lifeguard certified and create a designated swimming area that all campers must stay inside of at both camps to ensure high levels of monitoring at all times. At our Zilker location, we do not typically swim in water that is deeper than 3.5 feet so that all campers can stand at all times.If the water is deeper than that, we require campers to wear lifejackets. At our Lake Travis location, we require all of our campers to wear lifejackets at all times when in the water. Though we encourage all of our campers to swim, we also provide an area at both camps for campers who do not want to swim to relax while being supervised.

ACA Accreditation means that we underwent a thorough peer review of its operation — from staff qualifications and training to emergency management. ASC and ACA have a partnership that promotes growth and fun in an environment committed to safety.

All of our current seasonal jobs are posted here.

Camp Director
Assistant Camp Director
Camp Social Worker
CIT and Collegiate Volunteer Coordinator
Parent Communications Coordinator
Summer Camp Counselor
Kitchen Manager
Kitchen Assistant
Camp Health Officer

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must have graduated from high school
• Must pass a national criminal background check
• Must provide three professional references
• Must be able to attend our mandatory training before camp

Safety is our number one concern; therefore, our staff is required to go through a variety of training sessions to ensure the welfare of every camper. Training varies depending on each position, but positions working directly with campers will be trained on the following items (this is not an extensive list):

• Mandatory reporter
• Youth Protection
• Sexual harassment
• Code of conduct
• Behavior management
• Health and safety
• Activities and games
• State of Texas and Austin Sunshine Camps Youth Camp Policies and Procedures

Austin Sunshine Camps is unique in that we are one of the only overnight camp experiences in Central Texas that is free of charge for families on free/reduced lunch or campers in foster care. We envision a world where all children have a place to grow, connect, and explore. Austin Sunshine Camps does their part by providing the magic of overnight camp without the barrier of cost.

By attending Austin Sunshine Camps, campers take home increased confidence, leadership abilities, newfound problem-solving skills and friendships that last a lifetime. They learn to resolve conflicts, value diversity and to share in the success of their group. Fun becomes the foundation on which courage, self-respect, cooperation and leadership are built.

The safety of our campers and staff are of the utmost importance. All full-time, part-time and seasonal staff receives extensive training on safety and risk management, including Red Cross CPR certifications.

Austin Sunshine Camps is licensed each year by the State of Texas to run a Youth Camp. As such, we adhere to strict regulations set forth by the State such as a 1-to-10 staff-to-camper ratio at all times. We maintain up-to-date inspections and certifications on all facilities and equipment.

Below is a sample camp schedule. Please note that daily activities may vary by camp and time tables may change dependent on weather, or on the camp directors discretion.

7:30am – 8:00am – Wake Up Call
8:00am – 9:00am – Breakfast
9:00am – 9:30am – Benches
9:30am – 10:30am – Group Activity
10:30am – 10:45am – Transition
10:45am – 11:45am – Group Activity
11:45am – 12:00pm – Transition
12:00pm – 1:00pm – Group Activity
1:00pm – 1:45pm – Lunch
1:45pm – 3:15pm – Free Time/Swimming
3:15pm – 4:00pm – Cabin Time/Snack
4:00pm – 5:00pm – Choice Activity
5:00pm – 5:15pm – Transition
5:15pm – 6:15pm – Dinner
6:15pm – 6:45pm – Break/Night Event Prep
6:45pm – 8:30pm – Night Event
8:30pm – 9:00pm – Shower
9:00pm – 9:30pm – Cabin Time
9:30pm – 10:30pm – Lights Out

Campers while at camp will always be supervised either by their camp counselor, directors, or other ASC staff. ASC follows the American Camp Association requirements for camper-to-staff ratios. Two adult staff members are also assigned to sleep in the same bunk as campers to ensure safety of all campers at all times.

Campers are assigned to a bunk based on their age and gender. They are supervised by a counselor at all times. Campers who have bunkmate requests can do so via their camper application.