City of Pearland, TX
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Summer Camps
Camp KIA, Mahalo, & WAVE
Pearland Parks & Recreation’s goals for our Camps are:
- To offer a supportive and safe environment in which campers feel comfortable trying new activities and building new skills.
- To offer multiple program activities related to the session’s theme and allow for campers to experience progression, challenge, and success.
- Campers will receive increased support from adults other than her or his parents
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Camp KIA & Mahalo Location:
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2026 Camp KIA, Mahalo, & WAVE dates: Week 1 June 1-5 Week 2 June 8-12 Week 3 June 15-19 Week 4 June 22-26 Week 5 June 29 - July 2 Week 6 July 6-10 Week 7 July 13-17 Week 8 July 20-24 Week 9 July 27-31 Week 10 Aug 3-7 |
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Camp Wave Update | 2.26.26
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For children entering 1st grade - 5th grade.
Camp operates from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. *No camp will be held on July 3rd.
Cost: $220 for residents / $ 275 for non-residents
Let your kids experience the active, carefree, safe, and supportive summer experience every child desires. Camp KIA (Kids In Action) is designed for kids who are seeking a well-rounded camp experience. We offer a safe supportive environment where campers feel comfortable trying new activities and building new skills!
Camp KIA is designed for children that are entering 1st grade – 5th grade. Each camp session will include one field trip scheduled on Wednesdays. Each camper should bring a sack lunch and two snacks each day to camp. This program is not licensed by the state; however, it does follow Standards of Care.
Click here to register for Camp KIA 2026.
2026 Weekly Themes & Field Trips
Week 1: Color Craze Week (June 1-5)
Bring your imagination to life with color! This week, campers will create colorful art, experiment with different crafts, and let their imaginations soar in a rainbow of fun
Field Trip - Houston Color Factory
Week 2: The Ocean Expedition (June 8-12)
Dive deep into the wonders of the ocean! With interactive activities, ocean-themed games, and hands-on learning about marine life, this week is a splash of fun and discovery beneath the waves!
Field Trip - Houston Aquarium
Week 3: Rainforest Trek (June 15-19)
Step into the heart of the jungle! This week, campers will explore the lush world of the rainforest, discovering exotic animals, vibrant plants, and the magic of the wild.
Field Trip - Moody Gardens Rainforest Pyramid
Week 4: Sport Showdown (June 22-26)
This week, it’s all about playing the game and having fun! Campers will compete in classic sports, try new games, and enjoy team challenges that make sports week exciting. Let’s play hard and have fun.
Field Trip - Space Cowboy Game
Week 5: Game Mania (June 29 - July 2)
It’s a week full of exciting challenges, friendly competitions, and non-stop fun! Campers will compete in classic games, invent their own challenges, and enjoy some of the best moments of the summer. From start to finish, it’s all about teamwork, laughter, and memories! *There will be no camp on Friday, July 3.
Field Trip - Urban Air
Week 6: Wave Splashers (July 6-10)
Get ready for a week of wet and wild fun! Campers will splash, swim, and race through water games while exploring all the fun aquatic activities. It's the perfect way to stay cool in the sun!
Field Trip - Palm Beach at Moody Gardens
Week 7: The Great Safari (July 13-17)
Ready for an adventure? This week, campers will get a close-up look at the animals of the jungle with exciting games, wildlife-themed activities, and animal art projects. It’s a week of safari excitement and learning about the creatures that call the jungle home!
Field Trip - Bayou Wildlife Zoo
Week 8: Galactic Mission (July 20-24)
Get ready for a week of space exploration! Campers will navigate the galaxy through games and discover the wonders of the universe with fun crafts and activities. Every day is packed with imagination and out-of-this-world fun.
Field Trip - Space Center Houston
Week 9: Epic Adventure (July 27-31)
Adventure awaits! From daring challenges to laughter-filled games, this week is full of action, fun, and unforgettable moments. Campers will explore, play, and discover new adventures with every activity. Every day brings a new adventure and endless laughter!
Field Trip - Kemah Boardwalk
Week 10: Tropical Showdown (August 3-7)
Finish the summer with a week of fun in the sun! From fun hula hoop contests to limbo challenges and tropical relay races, this week is all about friendly competition, teamwork, and making the most of every moment.
Field Trip - Main Event
Activities: Arts & Crafts, dodgeball, swimming, dancing, skits, obstacle courses, scavenger hunts, etc.
Mission: To help young people develop positive life skills by providing supportive staff, quality programs, and a safe camp environment.
Campers: Approximately 70 campers each week; boys and girls; ages 6 to 10. Split into groups based on age of camper.
Depending on the activities on the days depends on the size of the group, but campers will be assigned to their counselor and small group at the beginning of the week and stay with their group until the end of the week.
Staff: 6 Counselors, Camp Coordinator, and Youth Development Coordinator are on site. For off-site field trips we include our Pearland Parks and Recreation staff members to help supervise and maintain a 1:7 camper to staff ratio.
Camp Sessions: We operate in weekly sessions, Monday thru Friday (8:00am-5:00pm) with a total of 10 weeks of camp starting June 1st and ending on August 7th. Each week has a theme that sets the tone of the camp, but the weekly structure of the camp will not change.
For children that are entering 6th grade – 9th grade.
Camp operates from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. *No camp will be held on July 3rd.
Cost: $220 for residents / $275 for non-residents
In Camp Mahalo, participants will develop skills that last a lifetime, build confidence in their own abilities, and enhance their motivation to make things happen. Participants will also have fun socializing with peers while learning how to be a better leader!
Camp Mahalo is designed for children that are entering 6th grade – 9th grade. Each camp session will include a field trip scheduled on Thursdays. Each camper should bring a sack lunch and two snacks each day to camp. This program is not licensed by the state; however, it does follow Standards of Care.
Click here to register for Camp Mahalo 2026.
2026 Weekly Themes & Field Trips
Week 1: Creature Quest (June 1-5)
Start camp with a thrilling journey into the world of animals! Spend the week uncovering, exploring habitats, and tackling hands-on challenges inspired by creatures big and small. Get ready for adventure, and a wild week of fun!
Field Trip - Bayou Wildlife Zoo
Week 2: Aqua Avengers (June 8-12)
From water games and team challenges to hands-on experiments and adventures, this week is all about staying active, getting creative, and making a big splash with friends. Get ready to ride the waves of excitement and soak up the fun!
Field Trip - Palm Beach at Moody Gardens
Week 3: Unleash the Fun (June 15-19)
Get ready for a week full of collaboration and fun! Through team challenges, shared adventures, and plenty of play, build bonds, and make unforgettable memories. It’s all about unity, laughter, and the power of teamwork!
Field Trip - Pleasure Pier
Week 4: Ultimate Sports Challenge (June 22-26)
A high-energy week filled with team sports, skill challenges, and fun-filled games designed for all levels. From friendly competitions to big wins and high-fives, Sports Week is all about movement, confidence, and fun.
Field Trip - Space Cowboys Game
Week 5: Play to Win (June 29 - July 2)
Get ready to power up the fun! This week is all about games, challenges, and playful activities that encourage creativity, friendly competition, and trying new things. From classic favorites to new twists, it’s time to level up, and make unforgettable memories. *There will be no camp on Friday, July 3.
Field Trip - Main Event
Week 6: Next Level (July 6-10)
Step into a week packed with exciting challenges and unforgettable experiences. Through games, and shared moments, this week is all about fun, trying new things, and discovering what you’re capable of. Jump in and make every moment count!
Field Trip - Urban Air
Week 7: Code Breakers (July 13-17)
Put your thinking skills to work and team up for an action-packed week! This theme is all about uncovering clues, solving puzzles, and taking on exciting challenges that encourage teamwork and creative problem-solving.
Field Trip - Escape Again Rooms
Week 8: Leadership Adventure (July 20-24)
Step into a week of growth, teamwork, and adventure! Through fun activities, creative projects, and collaborative challenges, campers will discover new ways to inspire, guide, and support others. Each day is designed to build confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills in a dynamic and exciting environment.
Field Trip - TreeVentures
Week 9: Ocean Explorers (July 27-31)
Set sail on a journey beneath the waves and discover the wonders of the ocean! From colorful coral reefs to fascinating sea creatures, campers will explore marine life. Get ready for a week of awe-inspiring underwater worlds!
Field Trip - Moody Gardens Aquarium Pyramid
Week 10: Summer Send-Off (August 3-7)
The final week of camp celebrates everything we've accomplished! With epic challenges, and one last adventure, this week is all about making lasting memories and finishing strong and celebration.
Field Trip - Speedy's Fast Track
Activities: Crafts, scavenger hunts, service projects, leadership discovery opportunities, etc.
Mission: To provide an outlet and foundation that will allow campers to grow into a strong individual and leader in a safe and supportive environment.
Campers: Approximately 20 campers; boys and girls; ages 11 to 14. Campers are split into their team/group based on age of camper. Depending on the activities each day depends on whether campers will stay in the small team/group or be all camp activities, but campers are assigned to their counselor and team/group at the beginning of the week (Monday morning) and stay with their group until the end of the week (Friday afternoon).
Staff: 2 Counselors, Camp Coordinator, and Youth Development Coordinator are on site at all times. For off-site field trips we include our Pearland Parks and Recreation staff members to help supervise and maintain a 1:7 camper to staff ratio.
Camp Sessions: We operate in weekly sessions, Monday thru Friday (8:00am-5:00pm) with a total of 10 weeks of camp starting June 1st and ending on August 7th. Each week has a theme that sets the tone of the camp, but the weekly structure of the camp will not change.
**Formerly known as Camp YAC.
For children entering the 1st grade - 5th grade.
Camp operates from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. *No camp will be held on July 3rd.
Cost: $205 for residents / $246 for non-residents
Camp Location: West Pearland Community Center, 2150 Country Place Pkwy. Pearland, TX 77584
Click here to register for Camp WAVE 2026.
2026 Weekly Themes & Field Trips
Week 1: STEM Explorers (June 1-5)
Step into the world of science with a week full of experiments, observations, and discoveries! Campers will explore how things react, grow, and change through engaging STEM activities and challenges that bring learning to life.
Field Trip - Houston Museum of Natural Science
Week 2: Play-Palooza (June 8-12)
Get ready for a week full of excitement, giggles, and nonstop fun! From wild games to hands-on adventures, every day is a new chance to play, explore, and make amazing memories. Come join the fun and let’s make this a week you’ll never forget!
Field Trip - Kemah Boardwalk
Week 3: H2O Go! (June 15-19)
It’s time for a week of wet, wild, and wonderful fun! Campers will explore, play, and laugh through water-themed activities from silly games to creative challenges. Every day brings a new chance to make a big splash.
Field Trip - Palm Beach at Moody Gardens
Week 4: All-Star Sports Week (June 22-25)
Get ready to run, jump, and score! Sports Week is packed with games, challenges, and fun competitions that keep everyone moving and laughing. Try new sports, cheer on friends, and make every day a winning adventure!
Field Trip - Space Cowboys Game
Week 5: The Ultimate Quest (June 29 - July 2)
Gear up for a week full of excitement, games, and thrilling challenges! Each day brings new adventures where campers can explore, laugh, and test their skills in fun and creative ways. It’s a week of action, teamwork, and memories that will last a lifetime! *There will be no camp on Friday, July 3.
Field Trip - Urban Air
Week 6: Blast Off! (July 6-10)
Houston, we have fun! This week is packed with space-themed games, creative activities, and exciting missions that let campers explore the galaxy. Get ready to zoom through the stars and launch into a week full of out-of-this-world adventures!
Field Trip - Space Center Houston
Week 7: Fintastic Fun (July 13-17)
From games inspired by ocean animals to creative activities and interactive discoveries, campers will explore the sea in the most playful way. Journey under the waves and discover a hidden world!
Field Trip - Houston Aquarium
Week 8: Zoo-tastic Week (July 20-24)
Step into a world full of wild adventures! Campers will explore fascinating animals, learn about their habitats, and take part in hands-on games and activities inspired by the zoo. Every day is packed with discovery, fun, and unforgettable animal encounters!
Field Trip - Houston Zoo
Week 9: The Color Chase (July 27-31)
Step into a world of color, creativity, and imagination! Campers will explore vibrant art and hands-on crafts that let them design, build, and create their own masterpieces. From colorful experiments and DIY creations to fun projects every day is full of discovery, expression, and colorful fun!
Field Trip - Houston Color Factory
Week 10: Summer's Last Hurrah (August 3-7)
Wrap up the summer with a week full of adventure and celebration! Campers will enjoy special activities, exciting games, and one last chance to make memories with friends. Let’s end the season with laughter, and unforgettable moments!
Field Trip - Main Event
Activities: Arts & Crafts, dodgeball, water days, board games, skits, scavenger hunts, etc.
Mission: To help young people develop positive life skills and grow into strong individuals by providing a safe, supportive environment, and quality programs.
Campers: Approximately 45 campers; boys and girls; ages 6 to 10. Campers are split into their team/group based on age of camper. Depending on the activities each day depends on whether campers will stay in the small team/group or be all camp activities, but campers are assigned to their counselor and team/group at the beginning of the week (Monday morning) and stay with their group until the end of the week (Friday afternoon).
Staff: 4 Camp Counselors, 2 Camp Support Staff, and Camp Coordinator are on site. For off-site field trips we include our Pearland Parks & Recreation staff members to help supervise and maintain a 1:7 camper to staff ratio.
Camp Sessions: We operate in weekly sessions, Monday thru Friday (8:00am-5:00pm) with a total of 10 weeks of camp starting June 1st and ending on August 7th. Each week has a theme that sets the tone of the camp, but the weekly structure of the camp will not change
Hours of Operation:
• Regular Check-In: 7:45 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.
• Regular Check-Out: 4:45 p.m. – 5:10 p.m.
Extended Care Hours:
You must register for extended care before the camp start date to participate in our Extended Care.
• Early Risers Check-In: 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
• Home Stretch Check-Out: 5:10 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Contact Information:
Our Welcome Center is located at the Pearland Recreation Center & Natatorium.
Phone: 281.412.8900
Email parkshelpdesk@pearlandtx.gov.
| Lauren Zakhary - Youth Development Coordinator Office: 281.412.8900 lzakhary@pearlandtx.gov |
Camp Coordinator campcoordinator@pearlandtx.gov |
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Who Do I Call?
If you have questions or concerns about payment, registration, cancelations, early and/or extended care, please contact our main office at 281.412.8900 or email at parkshelpdesk@pearlandtx.gov
If you have questions, comments, or concerns about anything else including camp logistics, staffing, structure, field trips, or volunteer opportunities please contact Lauren Zakhary at the number or email mentioned.
IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, AND YOU ARE UNABLE TO REACH LAUREN, PLEASE CALL OUR
Welcome Center 281.412.8900.
Camp Staff Qualifications
All staff members are hired based on a combination of education and/or childcare-related experience. Each employee has his or her references validated, goes through a criminal background check, undergoes a drug screen, and completes our Pre-Camp Training and staff orientation before working directly with your children. Staff members regularly attend various trainings to continually build upon best practices when working with children.
Camp Counselors are matched to specific programs and age groups according to experience, strengths, and interests. They willingly "take ownership" of the camp by bringing it to life with their energy and creativity. Counselors are "mentored" by camp supervisors, but given autonomy to put their fingerprint on Camp KIA, Mahalo, & WAVE
Drop Off & Pick Up
For the convenience of parents and families, our camp program operates with a drive-thru drop-off and pick-up policy during the normal designated time. All campers will be dropped off at the Recreation Center & Natatorium and sign the campers over to the designated camp staff. Below is a map of where you drop off your child and pick up your child depending on the time of drop off and pick up.
Regular drop-off times are from 7:45 am – 8:15 am, and at 8:15 am the staff will come inside and parents are then responsible for walking up to the front entrance to drop off the camper. Again, Camp KIA and Camp Mahalo will have a drive-up system to pick up campers.
Regular pick-up will start at 4:45 pm and staff will be available for the drive-thru sign-out from 4:45 pm – 5:10 pm. Each parent/guardian will be greeted by a camp staff member and will be asked to check their children out of the ePACT. Children will only be released to the individuals authorized to pick up the camper. If an individual, not named by the legal guardian(s), attempts to gain access to a child, the parent will be contacted immediately. If no one authorized to give permission is available, the child will not be released.
Extended Care Program
Our Early Risers extended program is offered from 7 am – 8 am Monday through Friday at only $15.00 per session per child. Our Home Stretch extended program is offered from 5 pm – 6 pm Monday through Friday at only $15.00 per session. Extended care drop-off and pick-up are located at the front entrance of the Recreation Center & Natatorium.
We cannot accept campers before 7:45 am each day who are not registered for the early extended care. If your child is dropped off before 7:45 am, you will be charged the Early Risers extended care fee of $15.00 for that week. Additionally, campers who are not registered for the late-extended care must be picked up by 5:10 pm. Campers left at camp after 5:10 pm on any day will be assessed the $15.00 late extended fee. The fees for early and/or late extended care cannot be pro-rated.
If you are NOT registered for the early extended care, then you must drop your child off no earlier than 7:45am daily. Additionally, if you are NOT registered for late extended care, then you must pick your child up by 5:10 pm.
Late Pick-Up
Our staff works very hard during the day and often has commitments they must attend to after work, so be prompt when picking your child up from camp. A late fee of $10 per child will be assessed on your family account for every 5 minutes past the pick-up time when a child has not been picked up. Your child(ren) will not be able to return to the program if the late fee is not paid within 24 hours of late notice.
Stranded Participants
Participants still at the program site after regular operating hours will be attended by at least two staff members. Attempts will be made to contact parents/guardians and emergency contact when a participant has not been picked up by the end of the program. Thirty minutes after closing, local authorities will be contacted and staff will follow the directions of those authorities.
Special Arrangements:
Special arrangements for your child can be made allowing him/her to arrive late to camp or to leave early for the day. We ask parents to please try and give notice to camp staff in advance to provide the best service for you and your camper. Please keep in mind that due to transportation logistics, your child may be paired with a younger age group for a short time to accommodate this request. Emergency notification to leave early can be made through the camp staff at 281.924.1060. We ask parents/guardians to only call for such requests in emergency situations.
Personal Belongings
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What to Bring to Camp
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What NOT to Bring to Camp
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| Parks & Recreation is not responsible for any lost, damaged or stolen property. Our staff requires your childs attention; items from home can be distracting to other campers and staff. | |
| PLEASE LABEL YOUR CAMPERS' BELONGINGS | |
Lunch and Snacks
Experience shows that packing lunches in boxes or collapsible zippered carriers along with pre-frozen blue ice works very well. Another method which works well is to freeze your child’s beverage (water, juice) in liquid tight containers, and place other food items next to it. Due to storage restrictions, bulky coolers are discouraged. A snack time is scheduled for mid-morning and mid-afternoon.
Lost and Found
Campers are responsible for their belongings. Our counselors will do their best to ensure that campers collect their clothing, shoes, and gear. Please check with a staff member at pick-up if your child has lost something.
Camp Dress Code:
- It is very important that campers wear socks, sneakers, and cool, comfortable clothing (i.e. t-shirts, shorts).
- Plastic shoes, heelies, spaghetti strap tanks tops, and/or inappropriate shirts are not proper attire for camp activities.
- Excessive jewelry and long, dangling earrings are not safe and should not be worn to camp.
- Hats and sun visors are permitted.
- Sandals and flip-flops may be brought for use at the pool (ONLY), but will not be allowed during the other day’s activities.
- Please mark the inside of all apparel with the child’s name and phone number.
- Regulation swimwear is required at the pool.
Campers must wear their camp T-SHIRT on field trip days to ensure safety away from camp. Campers will receive their t-shirt on the first day of the first session they attend. Please note that campers receive one t-shirt per summer. Additional shirts are available for $10.
Swimwear Attire:
- When at the pool, regulation swimwear is required
- Boys are to wear swim trunks
- Girls are required to wear bathing suits
- Street clothes, jean shorts, athletic shorts, or any other type of shorts that are not swim apparel will not be permitted.
- Swimwear should provide complete coverage, fasten securely and be designed for active wear.
- Appropriate swimwear does not have detachable straps, strings or ties (including halters).
- Fronts and backs need to be fully covered and should not inhibit a camper’s ability to participate in all aquatic activities (meaning suit is secure in all situations).
- One piece suits, tankinis, and sports bikinis are recommended for females and boxer style swim trunks are recommended for males.
Camp Withdrawal Policy
Participants withdrawing sooner than 10 days prior to the camp start date will receive a credit or refund minus the $25 camp deposit.
There will be no refunds issued to participants withdrawing within 10 days of the camp start date. All requests to withdraw from camp sessions must be done in writing via email to parkshelpdesk@pearlandtx.gov.
Withdrawals are not confirmed until you receive a response. Participants requesting a transfer to another camp session must do so 10 days before the camp start date for which participants prefer to transfer OUT.
Transfers will be honored for camp sessions with availability only. All transfers must be of equal dollar amounts. All deposits are non-transferrable.