Around the World and Back in Time: A Summer of Learning
Nearly 3 in 5 Texas children are missing out on summer programs, and 39% of parents say cost is a barrier to enrolling their child. That means more than 1.5 million Texas children do not have access to the summer opportunities their families want for them, according to America After 3PM and the Afterschool Alliance.
At ARF, our six-week Summer Learning Program is offered completely free so families can access high-quality learning without financial barriers. Every day is designed to spark curiosity and help campers discover new interests. This summer, ARF youth explored the world, traveled through history, and returned to school with new confidence and stories they were excited to share. Summer is one of the most important times for out-of-school learning, and at ARF, every day is designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and inspire discovery.
The Impact Lasts Beyond Summer
The experiences campers gain during these six weeks continue to shape their confidence, goals, and connection to learning.
100% said they want to pursue education beyond high school.
100% guardians feel more involved in their children’s learning because of the camp.
99% of families attended at least one of our family activities this summer.
Around the World Camp
This summer, our campers traveled the globe without ever leaving Central Texas. During Around the World Camp, they explored the cultures, traditions, art, architecture, literature, wildlife, and cuisine of North and Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia through hands-on learning experiences.
Through research and collaborative projects, campers learned about famous artists, iconic landmarks, wildlife, conservation, and the diverse traditions that shape communities across the globe. They painted vibrant koi fish, designed Roman mosaics, constructed architectural landmarks from around the world, engineered and tested wind turbines, explored coral reefs, and created sculptures, reusable bags, and scuba-inspired self-portraits.
The journey continued in the kitchen, where campers prepared foods from around the world, including arroz con leche, pão de queijo, crêpes, jollof rice, sushi, stuffed dates, and Anzac biscuits, giving them the opportunity to experience new cultures and traditions.
Learning extended beyond the classroom with field trips to the Texas State Capitol, Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center, Laguna Gloria, and the Johnson City Exotic Zoo, where campers connected what they were learning to real-world experiences. Community service was an important part of every week as campers assembled hunger kits, created thank-you cards and appreciation gifts, and explored ways to give back to others.
Time Travel Camp
During Time Travel Camp, history came to life as campers journeyed through some of the most influential decades of the past, from the 1900s, 1910s, 1920s, to the 1960s, 1980s, and the future. Along the way, they explored the music, art, inventions, food, and defining moments that shaped each era.
Campers wrote, directed, and produced their own silent films, created self-portraits inspired by artists including Keith Haring, Frida Kahlo, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Andy Warhol, prepared classic recipes from different decades, learned about the Civil Rights Movement by designing their own monuments, and collaborated on meaningful art projects that reflected each period's culture and history. STEAM activities challenged campers to think like inventors and engineers as they created assembly lines, built solar-powered cars, coded their own video games, and designed and crafted working pocket watches.
Campers enjoyed field trips to Austin favorites like Urban Air and the Thinkery, where they expanded their learning. Community service projects connected campers to meaningful causes, including learning about the Austin Empty Bowl Project, environmental stewardship, and exploring ways to give back to others. They ended their summer by looking to the future, reflecting on their dreams, and setting goals to help make their dreams a reality.
Thank You, Summer Partners and Volunteers!
We’re grateful to all the wonderful partners and volunteers who made our 2026 Summer Learning Program possible! Thank you for supporting Austin youth and our future leaders!
In-Kind & Food Partners
Keith Kreeger Studios, MoveCorp, YETI, Salvation Pizza, Jet's Pizza, Hat Creek Burger Company, Taco Deli, Krishna Srinivasan, and Tara Srinivasan for reading her book to our ARF kids, For I am me and I am strong”.
Volunteers & Reading Buddies
CarMax, Brown Advisory, Sanchez Law, Nelson Partners, Truist, PIMCO, Taylor Logan, and Meggie Farmer
Career Exploration Mentors
Andrea Leigh Interiors, University of Texas at Austin, Self Employed, Texas Capital Bank, Stillwater Capital, PwC, CGI, Intel, BLP, Ridgepeak Partners, Hatch Resources, Brown Advisory, Capital Strategies, Charles Schwab, JDI, City of Austin Parks and Recreation, Q2, and Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation
Program Partners
Austin ISD, Tennis Austin (formerly CATA), and Racquet Lifestyle, COTA, Austin FC, Austin Rise FC, Urban Air, Austin Public Library, Monsoon Dance, and Texas Dragon/Lion Dance Team