More than camp

>> 2023 Family Guide <<
>> Family Guide in Spanish <<

What We Value

At ASC we want our campers to grow. We want them to become more independent and more confident in their own skills. We want them to try something new, and we want campers to feel safe being and becoming their authentic selves.

We understand and value the importance of connection with others. We want our campers to be better friends, work well with others, and work to resolve conflict peacefully.

We want our campers to love to explore. It’s a beautiful world, and we want our campers to care for the environment and its creatures, and we want our campers to love Austin Sunshine Camps as much as we love them.

What We Offer

Austin Sunshine Camps has provided free fun-filled overnight summer camp programs for the children of the greater Austin area since 1928. All summer camp programs are provided free of charge for all campers who meet the free or reduced school meals income eligibility guidelines or campers who are in foster care.

>> Check Income eligibility <<
Camp sessions are all 10 days and 9 nights long! By extending the length of time campers stay with us each summer, we can deepen our impact. In addition, first-time campers at ASC (and some returning campers) will need to have a short evaluation filled out by a non-family member (such as a teacher) to ensure camp readiness. By ensuring camp readiness, we can make sure all campers feel safe and excited to be at camp for the full 10 days. For select sessions, families will have the choice to put their child in one of three cabins: boy, girl, or all-gender. By offering a third gender option, we’re allowing campers to be their full, authentic selves at camp. Ages 8-11 will be at Zilker Park, and ages 12-15 will be out at the Lake!

Camp Dates:

    Camp Sessions in 2023 will start on Sunday afternoons and conclude on Tuesday mornings.
  • Session 1: June 11 - 20
  • Session 2: June 25 - July 4
  • Session 3: July 16 - July 25
  • Session 4: July 30 - August 8

Ready to Join the ASC Family?!

Step 1:Check Qualifications

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Step 1:Check Qualifications

To qualify for camp for the first summer only, campers must either:

  1. Qualify for Free/Reduced Lunch, OR
  2. Be in the foster care system

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Step 2:Camper Readiness Assessment

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Step 2:Camper Readiness Assessment

(note: Step 2 and 3 can happen in either order)

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Step 3:Attend a Family Programming event

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Step 3:Attend a Family Programming event

  • At a family programming event, you and your camper will get to know our Programs Team, get your questions answered, and enjoy camp as a family
  • Campers will be required to submit an Interest Paragraph – they will write these at the family event

(note: Step 2 and 3 can happen in either order)

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Step 4:Apply for Camp!

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Step 4:Apply for Camp!

  • Link to apply will be sent once steps 1-3 are completed
  • Application takes 30-45 minutes per child to fill out

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Our Values (B)

Action

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  • We utilize data-driven strategies to plan to the best of our abilities.
  • We take timely actions and calculated risks using available information.
  • We are willing to change course as more information becomes available.
  • We keep our word and follow deadlines that we commit to. We remain flexible when extenuating circumstances arise, and communicate our needs with others.
  • We are transparent with our expectations and we hold each other accountable to achieving those expectations.

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Authenticity

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  • We are honest stewards of the larger community and our stakeholders.
  • We give feedback directly, respectfully, in a timely manner, and with a focus on solutions.
  • We are open to feedback and improvement, and are willing to acknowledge our roles in conflicts and when we make mistakes.
  • We hold ourselves accountable to building trust with others.
  • We hold a genuine desire to get to know every person we interact with, even if the encounter is brief.

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Compassion

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  • We assume positive intent and give others the benefit of the doubt.
  • We hold ourselves accountable to the impact that our words and actions can have on others.
  • We make an effort to understand others by asking questions and taking time to listen.
  • We celebrate each other’s differences and unique strengths.
  • We do not form cliques, but work to include everyone.

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Our Values (C)

Action

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  • We utilize data-driven strategies to plan to the best of our abilities.
  • We take timely actions and calculated risks using available information.
  • We are willing to change course as more information becomes available.
  • We keep our word and follow deadlines that we commit to. We remain flexible when extenuating circumstances arise, and communicate our needs with others.
  • We are transparent with our expectations and we hold each other accountable to achieving those expectations.

Learn More

Authenticity

Learn More!

  • We are honest stewards of the larger community and our stakeholders.
  • We give feedback directly, respectfully, in a timely manner, and with a focus on solutions.
  • We are open to feedback and improvement, and are willing to acknowledge our roles in conflicts and when we make mistakes.
  • We hold ourselves accountable to building trust with others.
  • We hold a genuine desire to get to know every person we interact with, even if the encounter is brief.

Learn More

Compassion

Learn More!

  • We assume positive intent and give others the benefit of the doubt.
  • We hold ourselves accountable to the impact that our words and actions can have on others.
  • We make an effort to understand others by asking questions and taking time to listen.
  • We celebrate each other’s differences and unique strengths.
  • We do not form cliques, but work to include everyone.

Learn More

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

>> Zilker Camp for Ages 8-11 <<
>> Lake Travis Camp for Ages 12-15 <<
>> Frequently Asked Questions <<
>> Family Guide <<

STATEMENT OF RIGHTS AND DIGNITY

We at ASC committed to creating a culture of inclusion and connection. We are able to grow and learn better together with a diverse community of families, campers, staff members, volunteers, and other stakeholders. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, and knowledge we all bring makes us better as an organization. We respect and welcome the unique contributions that you bring in terms of education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs.