Grow Something Real This Summer
Join us for a summer that doesn’t come prepackaged.
Kids who spend time at The Homegrown School usually come home muddy and sun-kissed as our days are filled with outdoor movement, making, meaning, and just enough mayhem to keep things interesting! Whether they’re tending to living things, building something useful, learning about the natural world on our quaint one-acre campus or splashing their way through a sensory-rich afternoon, campers ages 6–14 are given space to explore, create, and belong.
Families can register for the entire summer session or week by week for flexible summer fun.
Homegrown's camp experience is rooted in curiosity, responsibility, grit, fun, and the messy magic of doing meaningful things together! All to build the kind of childhood memories you can’t manufacture—only grow.
Real Work, Real Play, Real Fun!
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Each week at Homegrown offers an opportunity to try something new, build on skills learned and spark curiosity. While the rhythm stays familiar, the focus shifts weekly—offering fresh projects and new challenges.
Campers explore a blend of activities that reflect our year-round school's nature-based, homestead-inspired approach:
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Animal care and light farm chores that connect campers to living things
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Building projects that are useful, playful, and child-led
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Creative expression through art and open-ended materials
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Culinary activities to teach practical skills and foster independence
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Sensory + splash play for full-body engagement
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Mindfulness exercises
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Garden tending and small-scale sustainability practices
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Beginner wilderness skills and campsite basics
Every day includes space to move, rest, create, and connect.
This Summer's Weekly Themes
While our rhythm stays grounded in community, animal care, gardening and nature-based learning, the different weekly themes shape our collaborative projects and spark opportunities to learn something new.
This summer's themes are:
Week 1:
Web of Life
(June 1 - 5)
We’ll kick off the summer by zooming out and looking at the big picture: how everything on our land is connected. Campers will participate in daily animal care, map our campus ecosystem, build bug habitats, observe animal behaviors, and even create a giant “web of life” to show how plants, animals, humans, and the environment rely on one another. Expect lots of wandering, wondering, and “wait…what happens if this disappears?” moments.
Week 4:
Friends & FARMily
(June 22 - 26)
This is the week we roll up our sleeves and care for our animals in a big way. Campers will dive into daily routines, learn about life cycles, and help design and build a brand new walk-in chicken coop. From herding goats to debating “what makes a coop raccoon-proof?”, this week is all about responsibility, teamwork, and building relationships with the animals who call Homegrown home.
Week 7:
Survival Week
(July 20 - 24)
Campers will take on team-based survival challenges—building shelters, navigating the land, transporting water, and solving problems with limited tools and time. There will be strategy, teamwork, and a healthy amount of “uh oh…now what?” as they put their skills to the test. It’s high energy and competitive yet confidence-building!
Week 2:
Tools - Extensions of Our Bodies
(June 8 - 12)
Time to get to work! Campers will learn how to safely use real tools while tackling meaningful tasks on campus. They’ll build their own field caddies, practice fastening and construction by taking on small build projects. Confidence grows quickly when kids realize, “I can actually do this.”
Week 5:
Engineering Comfort
(July 6 - 10)
Summer in Texas is no joke—so how do we make outdoor spaces work for us? Campers will experiment with shade, water, and airflow as they help transform our former greenhouse into a cooling tunnel complete with shade and misters. Expect lots of trial and error, water play ("work hard, play hard," right?), and big “let’s test it!” energy as we design a space everyone can enjoy.
Week 8:
Market Week
(July 27 - 31)
We’ll wrap up the summer by turning ideas into something real. Campers will create goods—crafts, tools, art, or food—using materials and skills they’ve developed all summer long. They’ll design, prepare, and set up for three Homegrown Market Days, learning the basics of pricing, presentation, and exchange along the way. It’s a celebration of creativity, effort, and everything they’ve built together.
Week 3:
From the Land to Our Homes
(June 15 - 19)
What can we make with what’s already around us? This week is all about using natural materials to create what we need—from simple shelters and weaving projects to plant-based dyes and cordage. Campers will gather (responsibly!), experiment with materials, and test what bends, breaks, or burns. It’s equal parts creativity, curiosity, and a deeper respect for the land that provides it all.
Week 6:
Kitchen Alchemy
(July 13 - 17)
Welcome to the lab… the kitchen lab. Campers will harvest from the garden, mix, mash, heat, and taste their way through simple recipes while learning how ingredients transform along the way. Think herb-infused drinks, fresh snacks, and a few “what happens if we add this?” experiments.
Back by popular demand, this week is messy, delicious, and full of those magical moments where food becomes something entirely new.
Camp Registration
*We have limited openings for 2026!*
Please email summer@thehomegrownschool.com with your schedule request and we will circle back with availability.
Homegrown Summer Camp runs weekly from
June 1st - 26th, 2026 and July 6th - 31st, 2026
Cost:
$250 Registration Fee
($100 for residents of Austin's Colony & Forest Bluff)
$355/Week (full-time)
Online Deposit: 50% at time of registration
(an additional 3% processing fee is included for card payments)
Remaining tuition to be paid by May 30th.
Official Camp Hours: 9am - 5pm
(extended care from 8am-9am and 5pm-6pm at no additional cost!)
Tuition includes a daily hot lunch and both a morning and afternoon snack. Outside food is not permitted unless due to a medical dietary restriction.
Please note: we are not a nut-free facility.
Instructions to complete your child's registration and Camp Details will be sent out via email within 24 hours of registration.
Howdy!
This might be your first time learning about us so allow us to introduce ourselves:
We are The Homegrown School, a nature-focused child care center licensed with Texas Health & Human Services to provide care and educational experiences to children 0-14 years.
While our preschool operates year-round, we regularly host seasonal programs for our school-age friends (or, "The Birds" as we endearingly refer to them).
Sending your camper to a new place comes with lots of questions so we put together a list of commonly asked q's to help you make an informed decision.
Summer Camp Commonly Asked Questions
Logistics & Daily Routine
What are the camp hours?
Camp runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. We also offer supervised free play between 8:00–9:00 AM and 4:00–6:00 PM at no additional cost.
What is the age range for campers?
Camp is designed for children ages 6–14. Our camp group also includes a few younger children (5 year-olds) who are graduating from our year-round program and are kindergarten-bound in August.
Can I sign up for individual weeks?
Yes! Families may enroll for a single week, a full month, or the entire summer. Each week stands alone thematically, so campers can jump in and participate fully whenever they attend.
Can I add or switch weeks after enrolling?
We’re happy to accommodate changes when space allows. Just reach out as soon as possible—some weeks may fill quickly, and though we can't guarantee the changes, we’ll do our best to meet your needs.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations made at least 14 days in advance are eligible for a full refund. Within 14 days of your start date, we’ll do our best to fill your spot and offer a credit or refund if possible.
What should my child bring each day?
We’ll send a full packing list, but in general:
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Refillable water bottle
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Weather-appropriate clothing and at least one change of clothes
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Comfortable shoes for active play
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A hat, sunscreen and mosquito repellent (applied at home and packed)
How often can my child refill their water bottle?
As often as they need! We have outdoor refill stations and build regular water breaks into our day, especially in warmer weeks.
How do you handle the Texas heat?
We schedule outdoor time in cooler hours, prioritize shaded areas, and include plenty of water play and rest. Indoor space is always available if needed, and campers are monitored closely for signs of heat fatigue.
Will my child come home messy?
Most likely—yes! Camp is hands-on and outdoorsy. We play in mud, use tools and paint, and engage in activities where mess is part of the learning. Please send campers in play clothes and pack extras as needed.
What happens in extreme weather?
Camp continues rain or shine! We modify plans for heat, lightning, or storms by utilizing indoor spaces, shade structures, and water play. Safety is our top priority, and outdoor time is adjusted accordingly.
Who are the teachers?
Our camp is led by Mr. Hunter and Ms. Annaie—a team of enthusiastic guides with different styles and strengths. Mr. Hunter brings his love of mindfulness, outdoor skills, and culinary skills from his former chef days. Ms. Annaie, a student of engineering and the arts, blends creative tech with hands-on building and artistic creative expression. Both are longtime Homegrown staff and well-loved by our community.
Food & Allergies
Are snacks or meals provided?
Morning and afternoon snacks are included. Campers bring their own lunch unless enrolled in our school lunch program.
What is the menu?
Families enrolled in our lunch program receive a seasonal, whole-food menu in advance. We rotate kid-friendly favorites with warm grains, fresh produce, and plant-forward options.
What do I do if my child has a food allergy?
Please note any allergies when enrolling. We are a nut-aware campus and can accommodate most dietary needs with notice. Our staff is trained in allergy protocols, and snack/lunch accommodations will be clearly labeled.
Camper Experience
What does a typical day look like?
Each day includes a morning project block, lunch and rest, an afternoon of creative or STEAM exploration, and outdoor time in our gardens, trails, and animal areas.
Are campers separated by age?
Campers of all ages work and play together in mixed-age groups, which we’ve found promotes mentoring and flexibility. Activities are designed with age modifications in mind, and children are never expected to perform beyond their ability or comfort level.
Are activities involving tools safe?
Yes. All tool-based activities are supervised 1:1 or in small groups, with developmentally appropriate materials and safety gear. Risk is managed carefully, and participation is always optional.
Can my child refuse to participate in certain activities?
Absolutely. We offer plenty of opt-in projects and flexible entry points. Campers are invited—but not forced—to participate, and alternatives are always available.
How will I know how my child’s day is going?
We use the ProCare app for daily check-ins, and teachers are available for end-of-day updates. You may also see photos shared in our camp album or hear summaries through your camper’s own storytelling!
What if my child is shy, sensitive, or new to this kind of environment?
That’s perfectly okay. Our teachers are skilled at welcoming all children—especially those who need time to warm up or who thrive in quieter spaces. We value autonomy, relationships, and giving children space to grow at their own pace.