Nightengale Archaeological Center

summer Camp In the hIll Country

Just west of Austin, Nightengale Archaeological Center resides on Lake LBJ where your child can explore the water and learn about the park’s historical artifacts.

Day camps are $250 per week. Full payment is required at the time of registration. Visa, MasterCard and Discover cards are accepted. 

What you'll Get

Children ages 5-12 can attend up to five weeks of day camp starting June 9.

Camps are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with each week’s camp activities revolving around a different outdoor theme.

1 Week

of outdoor fun and education

1 Camp T-Shirt

custom designed for Hill Country campers

Camp Sessions

texas tIme travel

June 9-13 (week 1)

Journey through Texas history, travelling to iconic eras from prehistoric to present day with interactive adventures and time-bending fun. 

  • Yee-haw. Campers will become real cowboys and cowgirls to learn the origins of Texas ranching and throw their own lasso. 
  • Journey to the past. Campers will learn about the first inhabitants of the Texas Hill Country and the legacy they’ve left on our state. 
  • Act like an archeologist. Campers will use dig boxes to uncover artifacts and observe their findings. 
  • Are we there yet? Campers will take a field trip to Buggy Barn Museum in Blanco, Texas, to explore the lifestyle of pioneers and how they’ve modernized over the years. 
  • Atlatls, bows and arrows, oh my! Campers will discover how ancient hunting tools were used and their importance in history. 

around the world

June 23-27 (week 2)

Pack your bags for an epic adventure across the globe to explore new cultures, taste exotic treats and uncover exciting places. 

  • So many countries, so little time. Campers will learn about different countries and their unique cultures through hands-on activities and crafts. 
  • Become a world traveler. Campers will receive their own camp passport and collect stamps as they ‘visit’ a new country each day. 
  • Let’s expand your palate. Campers will taste the flavors of the world by trying delicious foods from various countries. 
  • Ready, set, go! Play a variety of games and sports that are not custom to the Unites States. 
  • Are we there yet? Campers will take a field trip to Exotic Resort Zoo in Johnson City, Texas, to get an up-close look at animals native to other countries, such as ostriches, water buffalo, axis deer and more. 

survIval secrets

July 7-11 (week 3)

Be on your way to becoming a survivalist by learning the fundamentals, like shelter building and wilderness navigation, while conquering outdoor challenges and embracing nature’s wild side.  

  • What a catch! Campers will use traditional cane fishing poles to experience the timeless art of fishing. 
  • I will survive. Campers will use logs, sticks and other natural elements to build their own shelters and start primitive fires. 
  • Atlatls, bows and arrows, oh my! Campers will learn about prehistoric hunting tools and how they were used for survival.  
  • Knowledge is power. Campers will identify native plants and their many uses, including nutrition, ropemaking and water navigation. 
  • Are we there yet? Campers will take field trips to Longhorn Caverns in Burnet, Texas, and Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center in Austin to view cave formations and other natural wonders. 

make a splash

July 14-18 (week 4)

Cool off from the Texas summer heat with aquatic adventures, water sports and exploration on and off Lake LBJ. 

  • Hill Country natives. Campers will discover the fascinating world of lake ecosystems, including the fish, mammals, birds, insects and reptiles that call Lake LBJ home. 
  • Fishing 101: Campers will learn all the fundamentals of fishing, including casting, tying fishing knots and baiting hooks, to become a pro in no time. 
  • Let’s experiment. Campers will design and simulate their own river to observe how water and gravity work together to form the many rivers in Texas. 
  • Grab a paddle. Campers will explore the Texas waters by kayak or stand-up paddleboard.  
  • Fun in the sun. Campers will have a water balloon war and play the watercolor game to “color” the camp counselors using water guns and powder dyes.  

mad scIence

July 21-25 (week 5)

Unleash the creativity and appease your curiosity through wild experiments, crazy contraptions and mind-bending science projects. 

  • Blast off! Campers will build and launch their own rockets. 
  • Don't let it crack. Campers will fight against gravity by creating their own device to save an egg from dropping at various heights.  
  • Make elephant toothpaste. Campers will explore the importance of chemical properties in certain elements through safe, supervised experiments. 
  • Painting with a twist. Campers will use the power of physics to see what creative designs can be made with paint on a canvas through pendulums. 
  • Are we there yet? Campers will take a field trip to Longhorn Caverns in Burnet, Texas, to explore cave formations and early inhabitants of the region. 

Camp Activities

archery

wIldlIfe vIewIng

Tubing

survIval skIlls

kayakIng

FIshIng

Optional Shuttle Service

For no additional cost, a shuttle service is available at one convenient location in Marble Falls, Texas.

First United Methodist Church

1101 Bluebonnet Dr, Marble Falls, TX 78654

Pickup: 8:30 a.m.
Drop-off: 4:30 p.m.

No refunds will be given for cancellations after May 15. For cancellations made on or before May 15, your tuition will be refunded minus a $35 processing fee for each camp session canceled. Cancellations should be made by emailing [email protected]. Include the camper’s name and session(s) you wish to cancel. A confirmation email will be sent to you after the refund is processed.

After registration is complete, campers may transfer to a different session by paying a $10 transfer fee. Email [email protected] to request a transfer. Include the camper’s name and session(s) to which you want to transfer. We will do our best to accommodate transfers. You will receive an email notifying you of the status of your request.

The counselors were all excellent! i love the game cIrcle tIme at drop-off to help kIddos get to know one another.

Camp Parent | 2024

We are so glad to have thIs camp for kIds and wIll return agaIn next year for at least two more weeks.

Camp Parent | 2024

We all loved the camp! We will definitely return next year!

Camp Parent | 2024