The signs of Spring are emerging – sunny days, seedlings sprouting, sandy shorelines summoning, songbirds swarming, and summer camp sign-ups in full swing.
It’s already time to get your summer planned out! All of the best camps fill up quickly, and Vacation Bible Schools are no exception. After reading through countless camp lists and trying out a variety of them with my first two kids, I’ve definitely learned something for my second round of parenting young children…
VBS is one of the best parts of summer! So, we say ‘YES’ to VBS for multiple weeks in June and July. If we’re not traveling, we’re at a local church for all the fun provided.
I’m completely amazed by how much planning, time, and faith are put into Vacation Bible School day camps, and I am thrilled that my children get to experience that kind of joy. It moves me to tears every time I hear them singing the songs they learn in VBS. I love it even more when I hear them relating what they learn in the summer to future Bible lessons throughout the year.
And what makes VBS even better?
The price tag, of course! Many are free or cost much less than traditional day camps.
If you’re searching for a VBS to send your children to this summer, here is a list of the top options in the Austin area and the Texas Hill Country. They’re listed chronologically by dates.
June 2 – 5, 2025
Camp Life Kids in Austin is offering a full day summer camp from 9 am until 4 pm for rising kindergartners through 6th graders. Theme: Live Out Loud. Cost: $250. Registration is open.
Dripping Springs Methodist Church offers VBS for rising pre-kindergartners (waitlisted) through rising 5th graders. 9 am – 1 pm. Theme: Hometown Nazareth. Cost: $125. Registration open now.
Lake Hills Church offers VBS to children entering kinder – 5th grade. 9:30 am – 12:30 pm. Theme: TBA. Cost: $25 (in past years). Registration opens in April.
Riverbend Church offers VBS for children ages 4 through 5th grade. 8:30 am – 12:30 pm. Theme: Live It Loud. Cost: $75. Registration open now.
First Baptist Church of Dripping Springs offers Kids’ Camp for those who have completed kindergarten through 5th grade. June 3rd – 5th, 9 am – 1 pm (lunch included). $10/child. Registration open.
June 9 – 12, 2025
Austin Ridge Bee Cave and Southwest offers VBS for kids ages 3 or 4 (depending on location) to 5th grade. 9 am – noon. Theme: Summer Blast. Cost: $30. Registrations opens in April.
Faith Bible Church offers VBS for children ages 4 to 5th grade. 9 am – noon. Theme: Wonder Junction. Cost: $25. Registration open now.
Mt. Olive Church offers VBS for ages pre-k to 5th grade. 9 am – noon. Theme: True North. Cost: $30. Registration open now.
June 9 – 13, 2025
Camp Life Kids in Marble Falls is offering a full day summer camp from 9 am until 4 pm for rising kindergartners through 6th graders. Theme: Live Out Loud. Cost: $250. Registration is open. (Same as Austin camp but different location and dates)
June 16 – 19, 2025
Bethany Lutheran Church offers VBS for PK3 (potty-trained) through 5th grade. Will update as soon as more info is available.
June 23 – 26, 2025
Bannockburn Dripping Springs, South Austin, and Kyle offers VBS for ages 3 through 5th grade. Morning and evening options available, depending on location. Theme: TBA. Cost: $20 (as of last year). Registration opens March 21st.
All Saints Austin offers VBS for pre-kindergartners to rising 5th graders. 8 am – noon with extended stay option. Theme: TBA. Cost: Dependent on program. Registration opens March 31st.
July 8 – 10, 2025
Dripping Springs Methodist Church offers a family VBS, called VBX, from 5;30 – 8:30 pm so everyone from littles to grandparents can enjoy dinner, activities, worship, and Bible study. Registration opens soon.
July 14 – 18, 2025
Woodlawn Baptist Church offers VBS for ages 4 through 5th grade, as well as a separate middle school option at the same time. 9 am – noon. Theme: TBA. Cost: FREE (as of last year). Registration will open soon.
The Best Options for Mom Connections in Dripping Springs and South Austin
When I first moved to Dripping Springs, I was hugely pregnant with my 4th child. Wes and I had decided that I would finally transition to being a stay-at-home mom after 10 years into my parenting gig. I was excited and grateful for the change, but it was really hard for me to give up my tutoring business and to leave behind the growing occupational therapy practice my mom and I had developed together.
My identity as “Mom” always took precedence over my work roles, but those other parts of my life had become really important to my identity as well. I just had no idea how important until I started looking around at my new neighbors and friends, who were living the busy working-mom life I had previously taken pride in.
I remember what my prayers were like back then. I prayed that I would learn to love being a stay-at-home mom. I prayed that God would give me the strength and reminders not to compare myself to other women. I prayed that we had made the right decision and continually asked whether I had followed the path God truly wanted for me.
While struggling with this internal conflict, I found an answer. It came to me a few months after having baby #4 through a random mom I met at a park while I was pushing my toddler on a swing. She suggested a moms’ group that met at a nearby church. She shared how much she loved it and that she couldn’t wait for it to start up again. I registered for her MOPS group the next day.
God knew I needed those ladies in my life at that time. They met me where I was in my stage of motherhood. We shared struggles, joys, utter failures, and parenting wins. Those women embraced motherhood for what it is… a true calling from God that requires a strength in faith and a loving community to do it well.
Soon enough, I came to genuinely enjoy the slower-paced life I led at home with my children and started recognizing how fleeting this special time is. I gained a new perspective on the SAHM role, especially how challenging yet truly rewarding it can be. I came to a place of immense pride and gratitude when announcing my *new* role and responsibilities. I also found contentment like I’d never previously felt.
One of the lovely mentor moms in my MOPS group shared a favorite piece of scripture with me soon after I joined the leadership team:
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalm 37:4
When I grew in faith through my new role and relationships, I not only started to recognize new opportunities to serve others, but more importantly, I came to realize that quality time with my young family was truly my greatest joy.
It all led me to starting this blog; I was perfectly ok with not making an income yet making a contribution to our community. It became my creative outlet, and even if there was just one reader, I was thrilled to reach that person, who was likely another local mom looking to find ways to make special memories with her children.
I’ve now “graduated” out of MOPS, but I have another group of faithful women and deep friendships through my homeschool co-op. We educate our children together; we spend countless hours in nature; we pray for each other; and we worship together, involving our kids in our faith journeys.
I’ve recognized that finding a mom tribe, even if it changes as my children and I get older, is so important to my well-being. To have several women who care for me and my family is undoubtedly one of the greatest blessings in my life. When a mom feels supported and loved, she serves her family more patiently, faithfully, and joyfully.
If you’re still searching for a mom tribe to share your highs and lows with, reach out to one or more of the options below. Your people are here, and they can’t wait to meet you.
For Moms of Littles:
Motherhood and Community (MAC): Meets at Austin Oaks Church on Friday mornings. MAC is formerly a MOPS group that primarily includes moms of children under age 6. Childcare is available. There is now a sub-group for moms of older children. Church membership or attendance is not required.
Moms of Minis: Meets at multiple Austin Ridge Campuses (Dripping Springs, Bee Cave, Southwest Austin) on Mondays or Thursdays, depending on the campus. MOMs serves mothers with children from birth through Kinder. Childcare is available. Church membership or attendance is not required.
MOPS (now MomCo): Meets at various church locations a few weekdays per month. Some groups serve moms of preschoolers, but several campuses offer options for moms with older children. Childcare for under age 6 is usually available. Church membership or attendance is not required.
Library Story Time Groups: If you attend story time on the same day each week, you will likely see many of the same moms over and over. So, even though it is not a group that moms join, it’s a regular meet-up with potential friends who have kids the same age as yours. If Dripping Springs isn’t your closest library, check out the options at Bee Cave, Lake Travis, Wimberley, Westbank Libraries, and Hampton Branch.
For the Homeschooling Moms:
Classical Conversations Co-Op: These groups truly live a life of community, coming together to do lessons at least once per week and meeting up on other days for field trips, playdates, moms’ nights out, and book clubs. There are two groups in Dripping Springs, one in Buda, and another in South Austin.
The Orchard Homeschool: This one-day-per-week drop-off program inspired by Charlotte Mason allows for moms to take a break but also for the families to spend time together on the non-“school” days.
Dripping Springs Homeschool Explorers: This secular homeschool co-op meets very often, usually at outdoor locations, and also does family camping trips together.
Hays County Unschoolers: This group meets up primarily in the Buda/Kyle/San Marcos area for open play and learning.
For the Book Lovers:
Weekly Drip Book Club: Meets monthly (without kids) to discuss assigned book. Additional meet ups for specific book interests are also planned, as well as other moms’ nights out.
Library Book Clubs: Local libraries usually have multiple book club options, some you can join with your children, that will give you an opportunity to meet up with other moms regularly.
For Those into Fitness:
DripFit: This group of women meets weekly. Drip Fit provides professionally designed workouts, moms’ nights out, a community of support, and family events.
YMCA: Join weekly classes at the YMCA to spend time with the same group of people who have similar interests.
Fit4Mom: Meets in San Marcos, Wimberley, and Dripping Springs. These classes provide prenatal and postnatal fitness programs, including a network of moms to support every stage of motherhood. Moms can bring babies and toddlers in strollers to work out.
Play Tennis or Pickleball: Join a clinic through the Polo Club and start playing doubles with your new best friends. Dreamland also has pickle ball teams.
Other Options:
PTA: Join the PTA Board or a committee of the PTA to get to know other service-minded moms. It’s volunteer work, but it’s also a lot of fun, and there are always plenty of opportunities to hang out together outside of school functions.
Boosters: Another great opportunity to get involved and meet other moms is through the athletic and other extracurricular boosters through the middle and high schools.
Fearless Moms: Meets on Wednesdays at Lake Hills Church. This weekly gathering includes a lively and uplifting message specific to motherhood, followed by small group hang outs and discussions.
It’s my hope that no mom walks this journey alone. Community is so essential for mothers to feel supported and to thrive. An encouraging group of women helps us to be better equipped to care for our own families. The time and money investments are worth the gains.
Please reach out if you have any questions about the groups or programs listed above or if you know of a local opportunity not listed here.
This message is inspired by the gorgeous courtyard and playground at Austin Oaks Church.
My children have climbed the beautiful oak trees more times than I can count, plus we’ve celebrated birthdays there, participated in a small carnival, taken our first professional photos as a family of six among those trees, experienced a folk music class, and grown significantly deeper in friendship on the benches and play structures. It is an amazing spot for reflection and prayer as well.
Even if you do not attend Austin Oaks Church, it is worth a visit! I guarantee you will feel a sense of peace while walking among the oaks. Also, the playground, sand volleyball court, and outdoor basketball court are open to the public anytime the preschool or church is not using them (usually weekday afternoons, Saturday mornings, Sunday evenings).
Children and holidays are a lot alike. They can both drive us insane, but oh, how we love them so! I’m a huge fan of the holiday season, but I have to admit that every year, I feel a bit like the stressed, impatient, beloved main character in the children’s book, Llama Llama Holiday Drama.
“Is the big day coming soon? Llama Llama starts to swoon… All this waiting for one day? Time for presents right away! Too much music, too much fluff! Too much making, too much stuff! Too much EVERYTHING for Llama… Llama, Llama, HOLIDRAMA!” ¹
Not only do we have to find gifts for every human we’ve ever come in contact with, but we also have to make sure we make it to each white elephant party, see ALL the lights, and prepare for the perfect pic with Santa. Oh, and don’t forget the family traditions of holiday movie-thons, tree-decorating, caroling, searching for that dreaded elusive elf, and sending dozens of cards, all while wearing matching PJ’s! How do we squeeze everything in?
With so much going on, having a plan and finding a good balance is the only way to avoid ending up on the floor in a holidrama trance like little Llama Llama. In our house, we use the Advent calendar to maintain a game plan and limit the holiday commotion. Starting on December 1st, I write down one holiday experience to do for each of the days leading up to Christmas. These daily activities can be must-do tasks, like addressing and sending Christmas cards, or fun nights out, like meandering through a trail of lights after dinner. I love this tradition because we get to participate in all of our favorite events, activities, tasks, and traditions while waiting in joyful anticipation of celebrating the birth of Jesus. In addition to the daily activity, I also include a slip of paper with scripture that tells part of the Christmas story so that each day, a little more of the story is being recited. (Luke 1:26-35; Luke 2:1-20)
Our Family Advent Calendar
Below I’ve included a list of some of the activities I’ve hidden in our advent calendar pockets, along with our annual Holiday Bucket List, so you can find that perfect balance to fill you up with the joyful holiday spirit yet keep you sane!
TRADITIONS/FUN AT HOME –
Bake sugar cookies
Make cards/gifts for teachers
Holiday movie night
Read the story of St. Nicholas and put shoes outside your door for a little surprise (Dec 6th)
Deliver treats to neighbors
Caroling and holiday charades
Trim/Decorate the tree(s)
Make homemade paper snowflakes and tape them in the windows
Tell stories of your family’s holidays past, as well as dreams for the future (reminisce over photos, plan vacations, etc)
Make gingerbread houses
HILL COUNTRY HOLIDAY BUCKET LIST –
Reindeer Visit at the Hill Country Galleria (Bee Cave): Santa’s reindeer will be in the Central Plaza from noon – 4 pm one day only (Nov 30th)! Stay for shopping and a movie at the Hill Country Holiday Village. Santa’s arrival and the tree lighting will occur at the same location one week earlier on Nov 23rd at 6 pm. (https://www.hillcountrygalleria.com/)
Luminations at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (Austin): Dec 5th – 8th and Dec 12th – 15th, 6 – 10 pm… Gardens will be lit with thousands of luminarias and filled with music and festive fun. Plus, there will be performances by the aerial dance group, Blue Lapis Light. $18 for non-members, free for members and children under 5. (https://www.wildflower.org/event/luminations/all)
Emily Ann Theater Trail of Lights (Wimberley): Nov 30th – Dec 28th, 6 – 9 pm… Stroll through over 100
lighted exhibits, roast marshmallows, listen to live music, and visit with Santa on select nights. FREE, donations appreciated. (http://emilyann.org/trailoflights.html)
Donuts and Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus (S. Austin): Join and support AOC MOPS while enjoying quality time with Santa and the Mrs. There will be photos with Santa, a doughnut breakfast, festive crafts, and story time with Mrs. Claus! Plus raffle items from Kendra Scott, Rodan and Fields, a complete car detail, personal chef services and much more. Reservations just $10 per family. Follow the link to make yours. Spots are limited, and it is expected to sell out.
Johnson City Lights Spectacular: Nightly November 29th – Jan 5th… The courthouse and downtown area are aglow with thousands of lights. Local vendors set up tables inside and outside the courthouse. Parade rolls through town at 6:30 pm on November 30th, and food court will be available that night. On Dec 7th and 14th, there will be lamplight tours through LBJ’s boyhood home, crafts for children, and live music. Carriage and hay rides are available for a fee. (https://www.johnsoncitytexas.info/local-events–calendar.html
Holidays in Gruene: Weekends in December… photos with Cowboy Kringle, free afternoon shows at historic Gruene Hall, gorgeous Christmas lights and decorations throughout the town, and unique shops to complete your Christmas lists. (www.gruenetexas.com)
Crafts, Music, and Stories at your local library: Check your local library’s newsletter for FREE holiday events, including making holiday gifts, hunting for Elf on the Shelf, donating items to local shelters and senior centers, live music, and much more.
Home Depot December Kids’ DIY Workshop: On Dec 7th between 9 am and noon, create your own countdown to the holidays, and have a blast with your child while doing it. Kids develop hands-on skills with sanding, nailing and applying stickers. With help from parents and store associates, your child will make a merry memory this holiday season. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron and a commemorative pin while supplies last. (https://www.homedepot.com/workshops/#store/8995)
Christmas on Mercer (Dripping Springs): This fun hometown festival on Dec 7th from 10 am to 5 pm draws a crowd to see Santa cruise in on a fire engine, to sip hot cocoa while perusing local vendor tables, and to watch local groups perform dance routines and sing Christmas carols. Come dressed to impress so you can snag a FREE picture with Santa. There will also be pony rides, a petting zoo, and a trackless train ride for the kids. (https://www.destinationdrippingsprings.com/events/2019/christmas-on-mercer-street)
Community First Village of Lights (Austin): Dec 6th & 7th and Dec 13th & 14th, 5:30 – 9 pm… With more than 200,000 lights choreographed to holiday music, the Community First! Village of Lights is one of the biggest Christmas light displays in Central Texas. Be sure to include a stop at the Advent Market to shop for unique, handcrafted gifts made by formerly homeless craftsmen and artisans who live at the Village. Your purchase of gifts and concessions during the event will help our Community First! Village neighbors earn a dignified income. (https://give.mlf.org/event/village-of-lights-2019/e255043)
Lost Pines Christmas Snow Day (Bastrop – Fisherman’s Park): Dec 14th, 12 pm – 5 pm, followed by a lighted parade through downtown at 6 pm! (www.visitbastrop.com)
A Pioneer Christmas at the Pound House (Dripping Springs): Dec 14th, 12 – 2 pm… Food, Wagon Rides, Photos with Santa, Make-and-Take Ornament Crafts, Story Readings, Live Holiday Bluegrass Music, Demonstrators, Shopping with Local Artisans, Re-Enactments, and Tours of the House decked out for the Holidays! FREE admission. (http://www.drpoundhistoricalfarmstead.org/pioneer-christmas.html)
Mozart’s Light Show (Lake Austin): Check out this FREE Austin tradition any night from Nov 21st – Jan 5th , 6-11 pm. Grab a hot cocoa or coffee and enjoy the “dancing lights”. (https://mozartscoffee.com/christmas-lights-show/)
Holidays in Fredericksburg: There are several events throughout the season that will fill even the scroogiest attendee with the holiday spirit. Check out the town lighting on Nov 29th or the Light the Night Christmas parade on Dec 6th. There are also markets, ice skating, lights tours, live music, crafting, art walks, and many more activities happening in this cute little German town throughout the month of December. (https://www.visitfredericksburgtx.com/plan/events)
Maywald Lights Display (W. Austin): Over 120,000 lights are on display at a family’s home in Austin for a good cause: the Make-a-Wish foundation! Check out their “Believe” theme this year and leave a donation. (https://maywaldchristmasdisplay.weebly.com/)
Save the Date: Snow Day at the Science Mill (Johnson City): Jan 18th, 2020, 10 am – 4 pm… 20 tons of snow will fill the museum’s backyard. Tickets are $11 for adults and $9.50 for children 3-12. (https://www.sciencemill.org/upcoming-events-1/)
