A group of princesses and superheroes bound onto the field at McLane Stadium, ready to tackle a day of fun and discovery. These costumed kids are participating in one of the themed days during the stadium’s annual summer camp.
This is the fourth year for the McLane Stadium Summer Camp, and the organizers say they strive to give kids a unique experience they won’t get anywhere else in Waco.
“I feel like there aren’t many non-specialized camps in Waco,” said Jordin Westbrook, McLane Stadium Operations and Events Manager. “We’re an all-encompassing camp. Sometimes we’re outside, sometimes we’re inside. We do crafts, games, and have water slides. I feel like there’s something for everyone.”
And with themes like ocean, Disney, sports, and water day, the kids are never bored.
“When they come into the stadium, the entrance is decorated for that theme and then all of our activities go with that theme,” Westbrook said. “When it was under the sea day, we painted surfboards and fish and our snack was goldfish.
”The organizers try not repeat theme days, so kids can come to all three camp sessions and do something different each time.
“I think [the kids] really enjoy camp and look forward to it every year,” she said. “We have kids who have been all four years and are sad that they are aging out of the camp.”
Because the camp is becoming so popular, it is important for parents to sign their children up as soon as possible. Registration starts Feb.1 and spots fill up quickly.
“We do encourage parents to get on the wait list because there are people who have scheduling conflicts,” she said. “I do try to get 
everyone on the wait list in if I can. It just depends on staffing and how many kids we have.”
Keeping camper/counselor ratios low is a top priority for the camp organizers in order to keep everyone safe and happy.
“We really pride ourselves on the safety of the children when they’re with us,” Westbrook said. “We know that’s a high priority and a high concern for parents.”
Along with more theme days, this year’s camp will also include extended hours and an option for parents to have their children’s lunches provided.
For more information about the McLane Stadium camp, contact Jordin Westbrook at jwestbrook@mclanestadium.com or (254) 710-8112.
Jessa is the Editor-in-Chief of Hooray for Family and the mom of three energetic children. She has a BA in Mass Communication/Journalism from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, and is a long-time resident of Central Texas. When she isn't writing and editing, she enjoys playing board games with her kids, teaching Sunday school and channeling her creativity into craft projects.
