Steve & Kate's Camp - Houston

★Drew J

⭐☆☆☆☆ Very disappointing experience. Before booking through Bright Horizons, I contacted Steve & Kate's Camp and explained that my two sons are autistic and have special needs. I wanted to make sure the camp could accommodate them before committing time and resources. I was assured that their needs would not be a problem and that the camp welcomed children of all abilities. Based on those assurances, I completed paperwork, booked multiple camp days, and sent detailed information about my children in advance. When we arrived, it quickly became clear that the information had not been reviewed. Camp Director Aria Bethea informed me that she had not reviewed my email and did not have access to it. Staff repeatedly attempted to communicate with my children as if they were expecting typical verbal responses, despite the fact that I had already disclosed that both children are largely non-verbal. The biggest issue came when I was told that because my oldest son is an elopement risk, the camp was not comfortable taking responsibility for him. This happened after that information had already been disclosed in advance and after I had been assured it would not be a problem. Within about an hour of arriving, we were effectively turned away. I completely understand that not every camp can accommodate every child. What I don't understand is why families are encouraged to enroll, complete paperwork, schedule camp days, and show up before being told the camp cannot support their child. Because of this experience, I had to rearrange my work schedule, waste time driving to and from the camp, request a refund, restore my Bright Horizons hours, pay a $50 application fee for another camp, and start the enrollment process all over again. What concerns me most is the gap between the camp's marketing and my family's experience. Steve & Kate's Camp promotes itself as welcoming children of all abilities. Based on what happened to us, that message did not align with reality. Inclusion is more than a statement on a website. It requires preparation, communication, and honest conversations with families about what a camp can and cannot support. Had Steve & Kate's Camp been honest from the beginning, this review would not exist.

★★★★★Shaela Rahman

My daughters attended Steve and Kate's camp this week and they loved it! They were enthralled by the level of freedom they were given at choosing which activities they do, and were able to fit baking into their schedule everyday! Everyday they came home excitedly talking about their day and what they'd sign up for tomorrow, whether it was cooking, art, karaoke, sports, media, dance, and the list goes on. I loved seeing their confidence grow in a nurturing environment. The camp director Shericka made sure they adjusted and were able to foster their newfound independence. When they came home, they felt empowered to take care of things themselves. I absolutely love how much they enjoyed this camp!

★★★★★Chris Ochterbeck

Their field trip camp was one of the best spring break experiences my son had. Great variety and great staff/kid ratio. Definitely recommend.

★★★★★lindsey kern

Today was the last day of my 4-year-old's time at this summer camp, and we are so sad about it! It was her first ever summer camp (she went the entire 2 months) and Shericka, the director hit her first summer out of the park. My daughter went to St. Francis Episcopal School and dreaded going everyday. I would have to beg her to get out of the car without causing a scene. For the first time in her life she woke up dreaming about all of the decisions she would get to make at camp. Everyday she was baking, sewing, learning robotics, going on a slip and slide. The things they had for the kids to do were endless and they could pick anything they wanted. The most valuable of all the things, was the diversity. Unfortunately in Houston I feel like it's really hard to find in certain areas. This week we wrote thank you notes and my daughter had a special memory for every single camp counselor. She was so excited to hand deliver them even though she couldn't read the names. This summer will be one she never forgets! Can't wait for next summer.

★★Andrea Murray

I really wanted this camp to work out for my kids. They have great programs and my kids enjoyed many of their experiences there. However on two separate occasions both of my 7 year old boys experienced food being dumped on their heads by another child. When they notified the staff they were told to clean themselves up, without help from the staff and we were never notified. Also little if anything was done with the other child. My kids have also come home with injuries that we were never notified about. My sons no longer feel comfortable at the camp and I can’t send my children to a place where ww can’t trust the staff to protect them.