Summer 2026
Let's have a great Dawson summer! A variety of activities for kids and students are offered through several of Dawson's ministries. Learn more below!
KidLife Week
We are so excited about sharing the Gospel with your children this year at KidLife. KidLife is a fun and exciting week where kids learn about God and His love for us. At KidLife, kids will experience God’s Word through Bible study, music, worship, crafts, games, snacks, fun activities, and more! KidLife is for preschoolers and children from age 4 (by September 1, 2026) through 5th grade completed.
Registration begins May 1.
June 1–4 | Monday–Thursday | 9:00 a.m.–Noon
Age 4–Grade 5 Completed
Cost: FREE
Ballet Camp
Dawson Ballet School Summer Camp is a delight whether your little dancer is a first-time ballerina or has experience. There will be time for a snack, as ballerinas can work up quite an appetite, and craft time gives those little feet time to rest. Enjoy a ballet recital at the end of the week and see what your little ballerina has learned at camp.
June 15–19 | Monday–Friday | 9:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Age 4–Grade 2 Completed
Cost: $165 Per Camper
Basketball Camp
Dawson's Recreation Ministry is crazy for basketball! We invite children of all skill levels in grades 1–6 (completed) to kick off their summer with a half-day basketball camp (no experience required).
Basketball Camp 1: July 13–16 | Monday–Thursday | 9:00 a.m.–Noon
Grades K–2 Completed
Cost: $155 Per Camper
Register for Basketball Camp 1
Basketball Camp 2: July 27–30 | Monday–Thursday | 9:00 a.m.–Noon
Grades 3–5 Completed
Cost: $155 Per Camper
Register for Basketball Camp 2
Day Camp
Day Camp is held at the beautiful wooded Camp Dawson, near Calera, just the place for a summer adventure. Each morning, campers will meet at the Family Recreation Center on Dawson's campus and travel by bus to Camp Dawson. There are a variety of activities for campers to choose from each day, such as archery, swimming, BB guns, recreation games, crafts, high ropes course, and rock wall climbing. Campers bring their own lunches and snacks.
Day Camp 1: June 8–11 | Monday–Thursday | 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Grades 1–5 Completed
Cost: $255 Per Camper
Day Camp 2: June 22–26 | Monday–Friday | 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Grades 1–5 Completed
Cost: $310 Per Camper
Music Camp
Music Camp at Dawson Music Academy is about exploring new musical skills and enjoying fun team building games throughout the week. Preschool and elementary campers enjoy a variety of activities, including instrument exploration, worship rally, and recreation. Camp highlights for the week include Team Spirit Day, Water Splash Day, and Talent Showcase Day.
Preschool: July 6–9 | Monday–Thursday | 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Cost: $180 Per Camper
Grades K–5 Completed: July 6–10 | Monday–Friday | 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Cost: $315 Per Camper
CentriKid Overnight Camp
CentriKid Camp is for kids finishing 3rd–5th grade. It is a great time for your children to learn about Christ and for them to grow in their relationship with Jesus. Kids will spend the week in worship, Bible study, recreation, tracks, and end each day in church group time (this is a sweet time where dawson kids and chaperones will share, pray, and play together). If you are looking for a camp where your children will grow closer to God, and their church friends, this is it!
To reserve your child's spot, we must have the completed registration form submitted with a NON-REFUNDABLE deposit of $100 NO LATER than February 1.
The total cost for children is $425 and for chaperones is $100.
This includes camp costs (Chick-fil-A lunch on the way to camp and back, housing, CentriKid camp shirt, etc.) and transportation.
June 21–25 | Tuesday–Saturday | Timber Creek Camp, Pulaski, MS
Grades 3–5 Completed
Cost: $425 Per Camper
Middle School Summer Nights
Summer Nights are a time for students to grow in community. See our weekly emails for more information on time and location. No cost or registration needed.
June 10 & June 24 | 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Grades 5–8 Completed
High School Summer Nights
Summer Nights are a time for students to grow in community. See our weekly emails for more information on time and location. No cost or registration needed.
June 3 & July 8 | 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Grades 9–12 Completed
DSM Breakaway
At BREAKAWAY, students are going to the beach! Each day will be packed full of worship sessions, preaching from our camp pastor, Jason Curry, free time at the beach, rec games, and epic late nights! We are so excited to grow in Christ and in community as we have a blast at Cottages Christian Retreat. Registration closes on May 1.
July 17–20 | Friday–Monday | Cottages Christian Retreat in Panama City, FL
Grades 6–12 Completed
Cost: $450 Per Camper