2025 Lake Charles Summer Camp Registration & Activities

School’s almost out, and while kids are counting down the days, parents across Lake Charles and Calcasieu Parish are bracing for one big question: Where will the kids go during the day?

For many working families, school isn’t just a place for learning—it’s also the safest and most dependable childcare option available for most of the year. But when summer rolls around, a lot of parents are stuck. Between demanding work schedules and rising grocery bills, summer break feels less like a vacation and more like a juggling act.

The Summer Gap Is Real, And It’s A Reality We Don’t Talk About Enough

Many city-run summer camps fill up before April. Affordable or free camps are limited, and spots go fast. Families with multiple children face steep camp costs. Kids home all day = higher grocery bills, and not everyone qualifies for SNAP or food assistance.

Even middle-class families feel the strain, especially when teens are too old for childcare but not old enough to be left unsupervised all day. Below are a few local options for summer camp

Summer Hunger Is a Hidden Crisis

When kids are home all day, families go through groceries faster, and some parents just don’t have the budget. Even those who earn above the threshold for assistance struggle. Here are where to get some local resources and services to help make ends meet:

Summer Food Service Programs (SFSP) – Many local schools still serve breakfast and

lunch during summer months through federally funded programs.

Second Harvest or Food Bank of Southwest Louisiana – Offers summer meals and pantry services.

Local churches or community centers such as Catholic Charities of SWLA, Water's Edge, and Helping Hand often help with various living resources, services, food, and hygiene distribution. Summer Meals and snacks are available for kids and teens 18 years or younger are available through the SUN Meals Program in the summer when school is out. Kids of all ages can eat free meals and snacks during the summer at parks and other neighborhood community center locations.

Every child aged 18 and under can enjoy SUN Meals, some rural communities now offer SUN Meals To-Go, and eligible school-aged children can also receive SUN Bucks. If yours or a family you know needs help.

It Takes A Village To Raise Our Kids

Finding a safe, engaging summer option for your child shouldn't take a miracle. If you're a parent who’s secured a good camp, share it. If you're an organization with a few open spots, spread the word. If you have older teens looking for summer work, some camps are hiring junior counselors.

Leaving kids home alone is not just stressful—it’s unsafe. But with community resources, local programs, and a little teamwork, we can keep our kids engaged, safe, and thriving this summer.

Stay Tuned For A Local Summer Resource Guide

We’re working to gather a full list of 2025 summer camps, activity centers, and family food resources for Lake Charles and Calcasieu Parish. If you know of one that still has open spots, let us know in the comments, and we will do our best to keep this post updated with the latest summer activities.