KidsU Summer Camps - Clear Lake
KidsU 2026 Summer Camp Now Open
Registration closes at 4 p.m. the Wednesday before camp week.
Every summer, the Center for Educational Programs offers KidsU camps for children of all ages providing them opportunities to learn and have fun. Whether you want your child to learn more about science, math, reading, literacy, technology, or cultures, there's a camp or academy for them. Find the best fit for your family.
These camps are located on the University of Houston-Clear Lake Campus in the Arbor
Building located at 2700 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX 77058.
Map to UHCL
Summer 2026 Camp Registration
KidsU Summer Camp registration is now open. Camps are $180 per session.
UHCL employees and students (register with your UHCL email) - $160
Required Forms for All Students
All campers must have three completed forms on file to participate in KidsU. Please complete the forms before the first day of camp.
- KidsU Forms - must be completed prior to the first day of camp.
UHCL Summer 2026 Sessions
- Week 1 - June 1-5
- Week 2 - June 8-12
- Week 3 - June 15-19 **No Camp - KidsU Closed**
- Week 4 - June 22-26
- Week 5 - June 29-July 3 **No Camp - KidsU Closed**
- Week 6 - July 6-10
- Week 7 - July 13-17
- Week 8 - July 20-24
*New Camp Times for 2026*
- AM Camp - 8:15-11:15
- PM Camp - 12:00-3:00
Before and After Care - Clear Lake Only
Our Before and After Care program provides a relaxed, safe environment for campers outside of regular camp hours.
Each session begins with outdoor play (weather permitting), giving students time to move, socialize, and unwind. Campers are also provided a snack and drink to help recharge after a full day of activities.
Following snack and outdoor time, students may choose from a variety of self-directed activities including:
- Arts & crafts
- Board and group games
- Reading
- Television/movies
- Quiet free-play options
This time is intentionally unstructured and student led. While staff members actively supervise to ensure safety and positive behavior, activities are not teacher-directed or instructional. Our goal is to provide campers with a comfortable space to relax, connect with friends, and choose how they’d like to spend their time.
Before care is provided 7:30-8:15 a.m., Monday - Friday: Campers will remain in the center each morning and walked to their class at 8:15. Campers are welcome to bring breakfast and eat in the center dining area. $15/week
After care provided 3–5:30 p.m., Monday - Friday: Campers will be picked up from their PM class and brought to the center where they will be provided a snack and supervised. Campers are welcome to pack an additional snack to eat after camp. $40/week
Before & Afternoon care is provided 7:30-8:15 a.m. and 3-5:30 p.m. Monday - Friday: Campers will remain in the center and walked to their class at 8:15. Campers are welcome to bring breakfast and eat in the center dining area. Campers will be picked up from their PM class and brought to the center where they will be provided a snack and supervised. Campers are welcome to pack an additional snack to eat after camp. $50/week
Register for Before/After care here
New Camps for Summer 2026
High School Students
Short Film Production Camps (Grades 11–12)
Step into the world of filmmaking and bring your creative vision to life! Our Short Film Production Camps offer rising juniors and seniors the opportunity to experience the full filmmaking process—from concept to screen.
Students can choose between Narrative Filmmaking (morning session) and Documentary Filmmaking (afternoon session), or combine both for a fully immersive two-week experience (recommended).
In the Narrative Short Film Production camp, students will develop an original story, write a professional script, plan and cast their film, and take on key roles both in front of and behind the camera. In the Documentary Short Film Production camp, students will explore real-world storytelling through interviews, research, and hands-on production techniques, learning how to capture authentic stories with impact.
Across both camps, students will:
- Work collaboratively in small groups (max 12 students)
- Use industry-level equipment, including Netflix-approved Sony FX cameras
- Gain hands-on experience in directing, filming, acting, and editing
- Edit their projects using Adobe Creative Suite
- Submit their completed films to a film festival
- Whether students attend one week or both, they'll leave with real-world production experience, a completed film, and a deeper understanding of storytelling through film.
Middle School/Junior High Students
Girlstart Camps (Entering Grades 4th - 6th)
- Pet Vet Camp: July 13–17, 9:00am-4:00pm
- Curiosity Lab: July 20–24, 9:00am-4:00pm
Pet Vet: Channel your inner veterinarian at Girlstart’s Animal Clinic! Investigate cat genetics, examine fish tank environments, build a prosthetic limb for an injured pet, and practice sutures on a stuffed animal. Use 3D modeling to design a unique animal shelter and code a robotic pet’s journey to the vet’s office! Explore the STEM concepts that vets use to keep your favorite animals healthy.
Curiosity Lab: Calling all creators! Join Girlstart for a hands-on adventure where campers code abstract paintings with JavaScript, engineer pinhole cameras, and apply chemical principles to create lip balm. Use the fundamentals of neuroscience to explore the world of dance and draw biomedical illustrations with CAD software. From colorful chemistry to adventurous animation, campers will let their creativity shine through STEM exploration!
This camp is led by instructors from Girlstart, an organization dedicated to increasing girls’ engagement in STEM fields. While rooted in that mission, this program is inclusive and open to students of all genders.
Coming Soon
Hawk STEAM Academy - completed grades 5th - 7th
Hawk STEAM Academy camps are open to students who have completed grades 5th through 7th. These camps run Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. and are located in the SSCB (next to the Bayou Building).
Need Assistance?
Contact the Center for Educational Programs at 281-283-3530
KidsU
Director: Samantha Pulse
Cultural Academy
Director: Roselyn Wang
Early Childhood Camp
Director: Dr. Amber Brown
Literacy Academy
Director: Dr. Heather Pule
Math/Misc Camp
Director: Samantha Pulse
Science/STEM Camp
Director: Dr. Omah Williams-Duncan
Technology/Hawk STEAM Camp
Director: Dr. Jana Willis
Special Accommodations
Any person needing an accommodation for a disability in order to participate in this program should contact the Center for Educational Programs at 281-283-3530 or pulse@uhcl.edu at least one week prior to the scheduled event to arrange for the accommodation.