Fortress Summer is the oldest running program at Fortress, originating in the late 1990s as a ministry of Fortress Church. Designed to keep kids safe, fed, and engaged during the summer months, Fortress Summer boasts robust spiritual, STEM-related, and literacy-rich curricula that not only prevents the well-documented summer slide, but propels kids forward in their academic and social-emotional learning.

Operating for 8 weeks each year (excepting the week of July 4th), Fortress Summer enrolls approximately 32 kids from ages 6-11. The program, facilitated by licensed Fortress staff and trained college interns, is energized by dozens of weekly volunteers from local and visiting church youth groups. In addition to working with our children, youth group participate in Southside 360, a program designed to develop an understanding of and empathy for families working their way out of generational poverty.

Youth group teen volunteers are “buddied up” with our children and form meaningful bonds over the course of the week by interacting with them in structured classroom time, but also in free play. These relationships, encapsulated by photo and memory books that the groups construct over the summer, are at the heart of the summer program and are as rewarding for the buddies as for our kids.

Bible stories and weekly themes relating biblical lessons to everyday life make the summer a highly enriching spiritual experience for our students. In summers past, we have learned how Joseph demonstrated love to his family, even when they turned their back on him; how the Old Testament prophets were obedient even through persecution and oppression; how Moses led the Israelite slaves to freedom even when he was scared to stand up for the right thing; and much more.

The highlight of the Fortress Summer experience is a weekly field trip hosted by our visiting youth groups. Through visits to local sites, our students travel to Prehistoric times at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History and the Perot Museum, discover exotic creatures and native species at the Fort Worth Zoo and the Dallas Aquarium, reach new heights at jump parks like Pump It Up, and simply enjoy the company of their buddies and Fortress friends at the movies, Main Event, and local parks.

For students ages 8 & older, the summer is punctuated by an optional trip to Camp of the Hills, a life-changing week-long sleepaway camp in the Texas Hill Country. Camp, located on Lake Travis, offers fishing, canoeing, archery, nature hiking, and an immersion in nature that kids living in the city just don’t get often.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I enroll my child?

Fortress Summer is available to any child ages 6-11 (or who has just completed Kindergarten-5th grade). Spots are limited! A $28 NONREFUNDABLE registration fee, which can be applied to your first week’s payment, will secure your child’s spot. Click the button below to begin the enrollment process.

When does the summer program run?

This year’s summer program will run from June 2 - August 1 with a week off for the 4th of July (June 30-July 4).

What if I have a child under 6 who needs summer care?

Depending on classroom availability, preschool students are eligible to enroll for only the summer months at the weekly rate designated for each age group. Click here to find more information about Fortress Preschool.

Can I bring my youth group to volunteer?

Yes! Youth groups are the life blood of our summer program. Click here for more information.

Can I volunteer without a group?

Yes! Volunteers can serve in a one-time or ongoing capacity during the summer. Specific volunteer opportunities can be found here, or you can contact us for more information.

Can I work at Fortress during the summer?

We are proud to offer paid internships for college-aged students pursuing education and careers in a variety of service-oriented fields. Check out our internships page for more information!

In addition to summer interns, Fortress staff work year-round to provide continuity of care to the children and families enrolled at Fortress.

Can my child attend Fortress Summer and also be in summer school?

Yes!! With our summer program running from 8:00 am - 5:30 pm students, can attend summer school and then be dropped off at Fortress for the remainder of the day. We strongly encourage you to enroll your child in summer school if it is recommended for them!