ExploreAsia: Culture Camps for Kids

In Asia Society's ninth year of ExploreAsia Culture Camp for Kids, students embark on hands-on programs delving into Asian traditions, arts, and culture. New for 2021, camps will take place either online or in-person, with five different camp sessions offered Monday–Friday.

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Animated Stories: A Stop-Motion Animation and Writing Virtual Camp
Monday, June 14 – Friday, June 18, 2021
Inspired by stories from Asia, work with a professional Writers in the Schools (WITS) writer to create your own stories and poems, then bring them to life on-screen via stop-motion animation!
Recommended for students ages 9–12. This camp is virtual.

For Teens: Art and Social Justice
Monday, June 21 – Friday, June 25, 2021
Teen voices are powerful forces for social change. Develop artistic tools to be in conversation with what you see in the world, learn about various cultures and social justice issues, and create art reflecting your beliefs.
Recommended for students ages 13–17. This camp is in-person.

Manga POP!
Monday, June 28 – Friday, July 2, 2021
Create your own comics inspired by the Japanese manga style! Beginner to Advanced students will learn to bring comics to life on both paper and the web.
Recommended for students ages 9–14. This camp is in-person. Students will form small groups based on age.

Playful Playwrights
Monday, July 12 – Friday, July 16, 2021
In this session in partnership with Writers in the Schools (WITS), explore Asian mythology, develop dramatic storytelling skills, and generate your own 5-minute play!
Recommended for students ages 9–12. This camp is in-person.

Animals and Fantastic Beasts of Asia
Monday, July 19 – Friday, July 23, 2021
Go on a safari across Asia! Learn about the unique animals and mythical creatures that come from Asia, and explore a different region each day to learn about habitats, legends, and more.
Recommended for students ages 6–9. This camp is in-person.

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Young Leaders Institute

UPDATE (April 13, 2021) — All Young Leaders Institute sessions are full and applications are closed.

The Young Leaders Institute (YLI) is a week-long program for high school students that promotes global competence, elevates leadership skills, and connects students from across diverse backgrounds and experiences. Since launching in 2016, YLI has provided new perspectives and strengthened skills for more than 300 students.

Summer 2021 highlights timely, relevant issues to engage students across three sessions: U.S.–China Relations, Public Health, and Social Justice and Civic Engagement. The first two sessions will take place virtually, while the third session will be offered in-person only at Asia Society Texas Center.

During the Institute, participants will work in teams throughout the week researching, debating, and presenting solutions for the challenges facing our world. With mentorship and guidance from Asia Society staff, students will be provided opportunities to develop more in-depth knowledge about global issues; to hone communication, collaboration, and presentation skills for the future; and to engage respectfully and thoughtfully with experts, staff, and peers to transform their understanding of leadership.

Now accepting applications on a rolling basis! While our in-person session has reached capacity, we are extending the application deadline for our two virtual sessions. Spots are limited; students are encouraged to apply early to increase their chances of admission. The online application must be submitted by midnight on Monday, April 12, 2021.

It is free to apply! Upon acceptance into the Institute, a nonrefundable participation fee (per session) will be due: $60 for members, $75 for nonmembers. Scholarships are available for students with demonstrated need. Please see our FAQs and, for additional questions, contact Mei Qi at [email protected].

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Session 1: U.S.–China Relations
Monday, June 21 – Friday, June 25, 2021 | Virtual: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. CT
Explore the nuanced and evolving relationship between the world's two largest economies with an eye toward the future, including issues of trade, regional security, technology, and human rights. The application deadline has been extended to midnight on Monday, April 12, 2021.

Session 2: Public Health
Monday, July 12 – Friday, July 16, 2021 | Virtual: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. CT
Learn about the complex nature of public health, including the roles played by scientists and healthcare workers along with government officials, community leaders, media, and the public itself. The application deadline has been extended to midnight on Monday, April 12, 2021.

Session 3: Social Justice and Civic Engagement
Monday, July 26 – Friday, July 30, 2021 | In-person only at Asia Society Texas Center: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CT
Deepen your understanding of social and systemic inequities in Houston and across the country, while exploring the importance of civic engagement and active participation in finding solutions. This session is full; applications are no longer accepted.

Policies are informed by current recommendations from local, state, and federal health officials, agencies, and authorities, including Harris County recommendations and CDC guidelines. As such, these policies may shift or change.

ExploreAsia Cancelation Policy

Due to the high demand for camp spaces and the limited number of spots available, all sales are considered final. Patrons who provide a written notice of cancelation to [email protected] on or before May 1 will receive a 50 percent refund of their camp registration fees. No refunds will be issued after this date, including for participants who miss all or partial programs due to illness. Asia Society Texas Center reserves the right to cancel any program due to minimum enrollment, inclement weather, or unforeseen circumstances, in which case a full refund will be issued. Cancelations are official upon receipt of confirmation from Asia Society staff.

Young Leaders Institute Cancelation Policy

In the event that an in-person Institute cannot be held, the program will transition to virtual-only and all students and parents/guardians will be notified at least two weeks prior to the first day of the session. Participation fees, once paid, are nonrefundable.

About Asia Society Texas Center

With 13 locations throughout the world, Asia Society is the leading educational organization promoting mutual understanding and strengthening partnerships among the peoples, leaders, and institutions of Asia and West. Asia Society Texas Center executes the global mission with a local focus, enriching and engaging the vast diversity of Houston through innovative, relevant programs in arts and culture, business and policy, education, and community outreach.