I had known who Brooke was for a while, after writing a blog post on her husband’s custom home building company a few years ago, and when middle school booster club concession stand sign ups came up I made sure to sign up on one of her shifts to get to know her more! Brooke is an active mom and entrepreneur and I love how she took her love for exploring and children and made this unique and FUN business with one of her old teaching buddies, Blake! Let me introduce you to the day camp you will want to sign up your kids for this summer… Camp 512!
Hey Blake and Brooke, tell us more about you!
(Brooke) I am a native Austinite and self proclaimed Austin snob! I truly believe it is the best city in the world. My husband, Stuart, and I have been together for 20 years. He is a local home designer and builder, and he loves being a part of bringing families home in our community. Our son Preston is an 8th grader at Dripping Springs Middle School. He’s involved in ALL the sports, but his passion is basketball. He’s also a creative-exploring acting and music. Our daughter, Kennedy, is a 6th grader at DSMS and is a competitive gymnast. That has been the center of her world since she was about five years old and she’s in the gym 24 hours a week. We couldn’t be more proud of her dedication. When not chauffeuring our kids Around, I find joy in training for half marathons, (but only if it means I get to travel someplace new), designing our personal home, and watering the friendships I hold incredibly dear.
(Blake) I’ve been in love with Austin, Texas since I moved here in 1992 when I was in the 5th grade. After college, I spent time living in different countries–France, Argentina, and Brazil. My experiences led me to a career in education and I became a 4th grade teacher at Barton Creek Elementary. It was during this time that the idea of Camp 512 was born and eventually Tour 512.
My wife Suzie and I are raising our two boys–Max(9) and Theo(5)–with a love for the outdoors and exploration. We love collecting fossils, going on hikes, working on science projects, getting in the water, and getting to know all the nooks and crannies of our neighborhood and city.
How did you two meet?
Funnily enough, we lived down the street from each other for years without even knowing it! We really became friends when we were both fourth grade teachers at Barton Creek Elementary. We immediately connected through our similar teaching styles, and found joy in sharing students-Blake for Science/Math and me for ELA and Social Studies. “Mr. P and Mrs. A+” were a dynamic duo!
How long have you lived in the Dripping Springs area?
(Brooke) My family has lived in Dripping Springs since 2015 and we have loved raising our children here. When I was in high school, we used to take “day trips” to Dripping Springs to visit Cowgirls and Lace and make a pit stop at Railroad BBQ. I remember thinking it was so far away!
What sparked the idea to create Camp 512?
Blake and I have a true passion for inspiring the future of our city. Teaching was a natural fit and we both thrived in the classroom. However, as our families started to grow, we realized we required more flexibility and autonomy when it came to our schedules. What is every student’s favorite part about school? The field trips of course! Thus, Camp 512 was born. We live in the greatest city in the world. Why not fully immerse ourselves in its rich history, cultural diversity, and natural wonders? Camp 512 is a safe space for ALL children to form friendships, practice independence, take reasonable risks, learn about Austin, and have FUN! Anyone can go to a day camp that stays at 1 location all day, with maybe a single field trip per week. Camp 512 takes that 1 day everyone truly looks forward to, and makes it the entire week!
Who is this camp for and how often does it run?
This camp is for kids who want to explore and truly experience the potential Austin has to offer! We are open for eight weeks throughout the summer at two different pick up and drop off locations. Each camp session is Monday – Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM. Anyone from kindergarten through eighth grade is welcome to join us! What makes our camp special is the fact that our directors are all educators, and truly have a vested interest in the kids enjoyment AND learning. We also keep our groups at no more than 20 kids with three counselors per group.
What is your favorite place to visit in the hill country?
(Brooke)Since we have such a large group of returning campers, we try to choose new spots to visit throughout the summer and over the course of the years. However, a place that our kids request time and time again is Krause Springs. And we are happy to oblige. It is such a special spot that boasts true natural beauty and has something for everyone! Swimming, exploring, as well as places to play and create. I personally love coaching the kids through their first rope swing experience!
(Blake) -There are so many but I think it would have to be Reimer’s Ranch. I discovered this gem later in life and was surprised to find that there are huge caves with waterfalls running alongside and honestly you feel like you’re in Costa Rica or a jungle in a distant country.
What is your favorite themed day in the camps?
(Brooke) Personally, my favorite theme day is Haunted History just because I’m such a history nerd! We take a trip through the beautiful Texas State Cemetery, and visit some famous haunted spots in Austin, including the Littlefield House on UT campus and the Driskill hotel-All while reading the ghost stories from those places. A close second would have to be our Music Day. Austin is The Live Music Capital of the World, after all! We have jam sessions with local musicians, backstage tours at ACL Moody Theater, and have even had our voices heard on KUTX and Mix 94.7.
(Blake) -I love the waterhole days. It’s so simple but the kids love being in these natural spots that dot the central texas map and I’m happy that we get to show that to them. Just like the old days!
What is Tour 512?
Tour 512 really evolved from Camp 512 when our campers’ parents kept saying, “Wow, we’ve lived here for 25 years and haven’t done half of the things you take our kids to do. Can you do this for adults??” So our answer was a resounding, “Yes!” Our tours are completely customizable and can be geared towards any occasion. While my personal favorites are Austin adventures, a la Camp 512, we also offer winery and distillery tours that are very popular. What sets us apart is that we can essentially be your event planner on wheels. Give us a theme, and we will take over the rest. We will also fully stock the van with food and drinks, and we can even decorate if that’s something you’d like! Making it simple for our clients is key.
If you could write out one fun itinerary for someone visiting from out of town, where would you send them for the day and recommend to eat for the best Austin experience?
Begin the day with a breakfast taco at Tacodeli off Barton Skyway followed immediately by a hike on the greenbelt down to Barton Springs for a quick dip. Hike back and head to South Congress to try on cowboy hats and boots. Buy something you must have from Texas and then walk down South Congress for an outside lunch at Coopers BBQ. After lunch, head over to the UT campus and rent a bike or scooter to take a tour of campus with a quick stop at the Blanton Art museum to see their most recent exhibit and then have a sit/nap on the lawn at the capitol building For happy hour, we’ll head over to the patio at Polvos by the creek for a margarita and chips, queso and the salsa bar. Later that evening, we’ll head to Jeffery’s, Uchi, or one of many new exciting restaurants to experience some local chefs take on international cuisine.
Then it’s time to head to C-boys for some live music–of course!
How can we find out more information on your camps and tours?
Our websites and socials are a great place to start!
www.camp512.com and www.Tour512.com.
@Camp512atx and @Tour512atx
OR drop us a line at camp512atx@gmail.com or tour512atx@gmail.com
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Do you LOVE Dripping Springs, too? I’m a local real estate agent and would be happy to help you buy or sell real estate in this area! There is such a vibrant scene of new businesses and fun things to do making Dripping a hot spot for people seeking adventure and a unique lifestyle. Call or email me today to get started! 512-569-8480 or laurenclark@magnoliarealty.com
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