Exploring Curiosity and Creativity at Camp Adventure
This summer, the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, in partnership with Children’s Museum Houston, hosted Camp Adventure, a joyful and imaginative program designed to spark a love of learning in children through hands-on literacy and science-based activities. The program was held at nine locations across Houston, including Julia C. Hester House in Fifth Ward, Community Family Centers in Second Ward, and Cuney Homes in Third Ward.
This summer, classrooms were filled with laughter, experiments, and storytelling. More than 530 students in Pre-K through 7th grade explored the magic of reading and discovery, one journal entry, slime recipe, and paper rocket at a time.
The youngest learners at Camp Adventure jumped into early writing and creativity. Kids worked in their scientific journals, drawing, writing, and imagining new ideas. One student, Raelynn (age 5), said her favorite subject was science "because I like experiments." These junior scientists also created robots using popsicle sticks, yarn, markers, and duct tape, as well as engineered "gliders" using straws and paper rings, throwing them across the room and watching them fly! During reading time, younger students enjoyed titles such as "Look Outside" from National Geographic Kids and "There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Leaves," practicing early literacy skills in fun and engaging ways. Some classes even paired songs like "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes" with story time to keep learning active and musical.
“Camp Adventure’s programing engaged kids in every aspect of STEAM education using varies mediums of activity,” said Rex Kidd, STEAM Educational Program Coordinator at Community Family Centers. “The support of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation allowed students to take home books and enjoy reading with their families, demonstrating how camp has influenced students to appreciate and enjoy reading.”
Excitement buzzed as students conducted science experiments and dove into storytelling. During one lesson, students added different ingredients to make slime, a messy, squishy favorite among campers. "My favorite thing about camp is making slime and playing in the gym," said Mia (age 6). Campers also explored engineering through paper basketball challenges and building activities. They turned everyday materials into mini roller coasters for marbles, an exercise that blended creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Third graders and higher took on more collaborative projects, like working on a banner filled with drawings and decorating their own personal journals. In another experiment, students created "water worms" using calcium chloride, water, and food coloring, wide-eyed as science came alive in their hands. These older students also tested their creativity and engineering skills by designing miniature roller coasters for marbles using foam strips, plastic cups, tape, and teamwork. The goal was to get the marble to ride the entire coaster before landing in a cup at the end.
Jacob, a volunteer from the Houston Public Library, shared, "Being from the library, I love being able to expose the kids to new resources they don't normally get to use."
Camp Adventure is more than a summer camp; it's a place where stories spark imagination, science turns into wonder, and every child is encouraged to explore, ask questions, and dream big. The Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation continues to inspire the next generation of readers, writers, and thinkers, one camp experience at a time.
The success of Camp Adventure wouldn't be possible without the support of volunteers and sponsors. We are grateful to the following for making this summer’s Camp Adventure memorable: Air Liquide, The Astros Foundation, Hamman Foundation, Hess, Houston Public Library, KPMG, Ladies for Literacy Guild, The MacArthur Foundation, McKinsey, Phillips 66, The Sarofim Foundation, and Young Professionals Group of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation.