What Is Summer Camp?
What is Summer Camp? Many people (especially in the Rio Grande Valley) have never heard of Summer Camp. They think it involves tents, maybe the entire family goes, or it makes them think of scary movies they've seen! Camp RIO Summer Camp is nothing like that.
Camp RIO, like hundreds of summer camps around the United States offers a place for children to go for one-week sessions that gives them a chance to have fun, develop as a person, and try new things. We have programs specially designed for kids ages 5-14 that keep them off of technology and engaged with the world and people around them.
We hire top-quality staff who teach them things like how to paddle a canoe, work with clay to create art, or build a fire and roast a marshmallow. Other times, our staff will help a child resolve a conflict with another camper or encourage them to try something new like making a new friend. All of these things create the 'magic' of camp!
We have air-conditioned cabins for our overnight campers, and a dining hall that serves the best food around! Whether your camper stays overnight or just comes for the day, they will be grouped with about 12 other children of the same age and led by 3 staff members. By keeping the groups small, we can ensure that every camper has the best possible experience.
A 2005 study of 80 camps by the American Camp Association (ACA) found significant growth in children’s social-emotional skills after a session of summer camp. Camp staff, parents, and children reported increases in children’s self-esteem, independence, leadership, friendship skills, social comfort, and values and decision-making skills, from the beginning to the end of a session.
Although this may be a new concept for you, we encourage you to give it a try. We would be happy to give you a tour of the property and invite you to attend one of the many events we have throughout the year.
Helpful Summer Camp Parent Links
CAMPANION
Welcome to the new mobile app we’re using to share your child’s camp experience with you this summer. With a personalized stream of content featuring brilliant photography, regular updates from camp, and the ability to write letters to and receive letters from your camper, we are hoping this app will keep you connected during your child's time at Camp RIO.
Day Camp
We have 6 one-week sessions of Day Camp between June 5 and July 28. You may also choose a-la-cart options for select days.
Overnight Camp
We have 6 one-week sessions of Overnight Camp between June 4 and July 29. You may also choose mini camps which are only two nights long during RIO2,3 and RIO5,6. Mini Camps are not eligible for discounts.
Summer Camp Registration
Use this link to create a NEW account for your Summer Camper and to register them for one of our Summer Camps. (Campers who did not attend Summer 2022 or later).
Account Access
Click this link if you have already created an account with us for Summer Camp and need to access your registration information or make changes to your account. (Campers who attended Summer 2022 and later).
Packing List
Click here to find a list of items to include when you send your Camper to Camp RIO. There are different lists for Day and Overnight Camp.
My child is too old for camp- can they volunteer
YES! We actually have a special program designed for those a bit too old for our camp, but a bit too young to work at camp. Click the link below to find out more.
Campers with Special Needs
What Special Needs are we able to accommodate?
Camp RIO is NOT a dedicated Special Needs Camp, however we love all campers and want as many to experience Camp as possible. We have hosted Campers with diabetes, autism, ADHD, developmental and emotional issues, and a variety of physical disabilities. All of our activities are accessible to most kids as well as our cabins. Here are things you need to know:
- Campers must be able to handle their own bathroom needs (no diapers and no physical assistance is provided).
- Campers must be able to communicate somehow- even if they are non-verbal and use an assistive device, we can work with that.
- If they require 1:1 assistance at school, we are unable to accommodate- BUT- you may send a helper with them (we don't charge for helpers, but we do background checks on them first).
- A helper is required if the Camper tends to wander, run away, or needs time away to regulate or gets overstimulated easily.
- There is a lot of cheering and singing that happens at camp so if your camper is sensitive to loud noises they may get overwhelmed easily. We do have headphones to block sounds if you don't have any to send, but please consider this when making your decision.
Additional information:
- Day Camp is usually best for special Campers, but we are willing to try anything.
- If you sign your child up, please make sure to include as much information as possible so we can help them have a great experience.
- If after the first day or two we feel like your camper is not having a good experience or is more than we can accommodate, we may suggest waiting another year to try again. If this happens you will receive a full refund including your deposit.
We encourage you to contact our summer camp manager to discuss your camper in advance to see if this will be a good fit for them. Summer@Camprio.org
If you would like to speak to our nurse, you can reach her here: nurse@Camprio.org
