For One Austin Summer Camp, Public Transit is Part of the Adventure
Austin, Texas – In a unique interactive endeavor, an Austin-based summer camp is teaching children to enjoy the beneficial aspects of public transportation, making it a core part of their summer sojourn.
Bus Journeys, An Unconventional Part of the Adventure
For many youngsters enrolled at the ATX Kids Club’s summer camp, the fun starts not at the campsite, but aboard a CapMetro bus. Almost every child in this distinctive camp seems to love exploring the city from the vantage point of a public bus.
“We get to see a lot of things out the window,” says Ada, a participant at the camp. “Some cars and some trees and some buildings.” The regular bus rides to and from different adventure spots in the city seem to have won the hearts of the campers, with Tammy Miller, the founder of ATX Kids Club, stating that “over 90% of the kids will tell you that their favorite part of ATX Kids Club is riding the bus.”
Integrating Public Transit with Learning
The nonprofit’s summer camp uses Capital Metro buses for field trip “adventures” around the city with children aged between 4 to 12. Tammy Miller, who founded ATX Kids Club back in 2014, was concerned by the lack of familiarity her Austin based students had with their own city and the general apathy she often encountered towards public transit among adults.
The novel approach aims to foster a new generation of Austinites that are comfortable and confident with using public transit, despite the fact that less than 3% of city residents regularly use public transit to commute to work, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
Building Resilience Through Mobility Education
The ATX Kids Club’s signature summer program includes weekday field trips to various city spots, organized by themes such as Nature and Environment Week. Yet, as Tammy Miller explains, the bus rides are not only about transportation. They also provide the perfect opportunity for youngsters to handle potential hiccups such as late or early buses, thereby fostering resilience.
Field trip leaders come equipped not only with strategies to help keep the children engaged but also commitment to inculcate habits of patience and understanding among the kids. “They’re walking the streets and learning how to deal with that heat. But then they’re also becoming more confident. They’re building their sense of independence,” says Miller.
A Glimpse Into a Day at the Camp
A typical day at the camp involves children partaking in various activities, ranging from exploring the vibrant cityscape to learning new skills at different locations, all while learning to appreciate and respect public transport. The bus journeys, together with the structured activities, offer an invaluable holistic learning experience.
“That is the adventure, you know?” Miller added, underscoring the camp’s unique approach to blending entertainment and education during the summer holidays.
