Welcome to main landing page for Fantastic Magic Camp's Youth Leadership Academy program! This is a spot you can always come to see details and major updates for YLA. We try to send all communications out through email, but do our best to alert the FMC Intern & Staff Discord and Fantastic Magic Camp YLA Parents Facebook page as well. We will also include major updates and notices here.
Most details are available in the YLA 2026 Intern & Parent Handbook -- View or Download Here.
You can always contact Ariel with YLA related questions or concerns at ariel@magiccamp.com or admin@magiccamp.com
YLA Training Schedule
YLA offers at least 5 core training sessions scheduled ahead of time. While we ask families to attend these 5 Core Training Sessions, we understand that conflicts can pop up. To help with this, we will also update families with additional bonus opportunities and activities to get credit for missed training sessions. These additional Bonus YLA Opportunities can count towards intern training requirements for working at camp sessions, however they may not contain the same materials covered in our core training dates, and may not even be affiliated with Fantastic Magic Camp. Instead, they may provide transferable skills, training or a chance to practice life skills we encourage in YLA. These may include additional training, camp fairs, supply and inventory workdays, social events and more.
5 Core Training Sessions
Location: Journey IFC, 7500 Woodrow Ave, Austin, TX 78757
January 18, 2026; 2:00 - 7:00 PM
February 22, 2026; 2:00 - 7:00 PM
March 15, 2026; 2:00 - 7:00 PM
April 19, 2026; 2:00 - 7:00 PM
May 17, 2026; 2:00 - 7:00 PM
Bonus YLA Opportunities
Locations and dates for additional opportunities may vary and will be released as they are scheduled. This list will be updated as new opportunities occur.
PAST
The Serpent Flies at Sundown performance by Glass Half Full Theatre (outside organization)
Location: Texas Capitol grounds (not inside), 1100 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
When: Friday, January 16, 2026, 6 - 7 PM
Giant lantern puppets alert! Casandra and her friends take flight at the Texas Capitol. a shimmering, 26-foot flying lantern serpent and harbinger of the impossible times we live in — will rise and glide across the Texas Capitol Grounds in The Serpents Fly at Sundown, a free, large-scale outdoor performance by Glass Half Full Theatre. Cassandra will bring along other giant lantern puppet friends, designed by local elementary school students. Take a picture of yourself at the event and email it to fantasticmagiccamp@gmail.com to get a half day credit for YLA training.
More: https://events.humanitix.com/ghftserpents
PAST
13th Annual Youth Career Fest (outside organization)
Location: Palmer Event Center, 900 Barton Springs Rd
When: Wednesday, January 28th, 2026, 9:00 AM -12:00 PM
Attend the City of Austin’s Youth Career Fest as a guest and get a half day of YLA training credit. Many AISD and area schools are already planning a field trip for this event. To get credit, YLA member should email a photo of themself at the event to fantasticmagiccamp@gmail.com
More: https://www.austintexas.gov/department/youth-initiatives-office
PAST
UMLAUF After Dark: Lunar New Year (outside organization)
Location: Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum, 605 Azie Morton, Austin, TX
When: Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 7 - 9 PM
Check out and get inspired by the puppetry and dance involved in the 7:30 and 8:00 PM performances at Umlauf’s Lunar New Year event! Celebrate the Lunar New Year at the UMLAUF! This evening event features vibrant performances and community connections to commemorate tradition and usher in good fortune. Interns can earn a ½ day credit to sending a photo of them and their family attending the event.
Details & Registration: https://umlaufsculpture.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/umlaufsculpture/event.jsp?event=4625&
PAST
February 13 Parents Night Out at Crestview
Location: 7500 Woodrow Ave, Austin, TX 78767
When: February 13, 2026; 5:30 - 9:30 PM
For YLA members that attended 2025’s training sessions, you may sign up to work as a CIT or Counselor at this FMC camp. You will still receive a stipend of $30. If you’d like to work this camp, please be sure to sign up to work it on the sign up form.
Sign Up: https://forms.gle/TpfBjT1HvRp12DZaA
PAST
Festival of Learning
Location: Branch Park Pavillion at Mueller, 2006 Philomena St, Austin, TX 78723
When: Saturday, February 14, 2026, 9:45 AM - 1:00 PM
Join FMC as we host a table the the Festival Learning event. Interns will get a chance to talks to the public about camp, help teach small magic tricks, assist with puppet crafts, and show off some juggling. We only have room for up to 2 interns at this event, so please confirm your attendance ahead of time.
RSVP: Email admin@magiccamp.com
PAST
HBCU Day at the Carver Museum ATX (outside organization)
Location: George Washington Carver Museum, 1165 Angelina St, Austin, TX 78702
When: Saturday, February 14, 2026, 11 AM - 4 PM
Learn about Historically Black colleges and universities directly from the institutions. Join the Carver on Saturday, February 14, from 11AM-4PM, where they will be hosting panels and hearing from HBCU representatives across the country. Learn about HBCU histories, programs, and opportunities, receive financial aid information, application assistance, and sign up for giveaways! Free and open to the public, with a focus on 8-12th graders. Interns can earn a ½ day credit by sending a photo of them at HBCU Day to fantasticmagicamp@gmail.com
Details & RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hbcu-day-2026-at-carver-museum-atx-tickets-1980033823467?aff=oddtdtcreator
PAST
February Mini Camp at Crestview
Location: 7500 Woodrow Ave, Austin, TX 78767
When: February 16 - 17, 2026, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
For YLA members that attended 2025’s training sessions, you may sign up to work as a CIT or Counselor at this FMC camp. You will still receive the same stipend as the 2025 year until your 2026 training is complete. If you’d like to work this camp, please be sure to sign up to work it on the sign up form.
Sign Up: https://forms.gle/TpfBjT1HvRp12DZaA
PAST
DAC Nights: K-Pop Pop-Up (outside organization)
Location: Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Spring Rd, Austin, TX 78704
When: Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Learn some of your favorite K-Pop dances, then make your own K-Pop themed photocards! DAC Nights staff will be collaborating with a dance instructor to teach the moves to a variety of popular K-Pop songs. There will also be plenty of materials available to create a K-Pop Pop-up card for friends or home decoration. Send a picture of you dancing or of your photocard to fantasticmagicamp@gmail.com for a ½ day credit.
Details & RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dac-nights-k-pop-pop-up-tickets-1981052275685?aff=oddtdtcreator
PAST
February 20 Parents Night Out at Crestview
Location: 7500 Woodrow Ave, Austin, TX 78767
When: February 20, 2026; 5:30 - 9:30 PM
For YLA members that attended 2025’s training sessions, you may sign up to work as a CIT or Counselor at this FMC camp. You will still receive a stipend of $30. If you’d like to work this camp, please be sure to sign up to work it on the sign up form.
Sign Up: https://forms.gle/TpfBjT1HvRp12DZaA
PAST
FMC CPR/AED & First Aid Training 2026
Location: Journey IFC, 7500 Woodrow Ave, Austin, TX 78757
When: Wednesday, February 25, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
YLA Interns that are 12+ can join Fantastic Magic Camp’s CPR/First Aid Training to get certified in CPR/AED and First Aid. Your RSVP to this event is required. The training is provided by an outside group, CPR Resources, and does have a fee to be paid at the end of the training – $35 cash/card/venmo (+$1 swipe fee). The fee covers the certification, which is valid for 2 years. YLA members are NOT required to have this certification to attend YLA trainings or work at Fantastic Magic Camp camps or events. Staff members are required to be certified in CPR/AED and First Aid.
RSVP: https://forms.gle/Qe1Ktr5jpyrTwoim6
PAST
Paragon Prep Open House
Location: Paragon Prep, 7944 Great Northern Blvd, Austin, TX 78757
When: Saturday, March 7, 2026, 9:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Join FMC as we host a table Paragon Prep’s Open House event. Interns will get a chance to talk to the public about camp, help teach small magic tricks, assist with puppet crafts, and show off some juggling. We only have room for up to 2 interns at this event, so please confirm your attendance ahead of time.
RSVP: Email admin@magiccamp.com
PAST
It’s My Park Day with the Zilker Hillside Theater (outside organization)
Location: Zilker Hillside Theatre, 2206 William Barton Drive, Austin, TX
When: Saturday, March 7, 2026, 10 AM - 12 PM
Volunteers will get to painting and repairing the stage to get the theater ready for Spring performances! Registration is required. Get a ½ day credit by sending a photo of the repainted stage to fanstasticmagiccamp@gmail.com
Registration & Details: https://austinparks.givepulse.com/event/816602-get-the-zilker-hillside-theater-ready-for-spring
PAST
It’s My Park Day with the MACC (outside organization)
Location: Festival Beach Boat Ramp at Chicano Park, 1600 Nash Hernandez Sr Rd, Austin, TX 78702
When: Saturday, March 7, 2026, 11 AM - 12 PM (and beyond)
Join the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center - Casa de la Cultura Program, as they work to help clean up Austin’s beloved Festival Beach, followed by a free Cumbia Dance class and family-friendly social cumbia dancing. Volunteers will be doing hands-on clean up along the shoreline from the water using kayaks. Registration is required for the clean up. Get a ½ day credit by sending a picture of the trash you collected to fantasticmagiccamp@gmail.com (bonus points if you find the MACC Caminos interns and introduce yourself and tell them about Magic Camp).
Details: https://www.austintexas.gov/event/esb-macc-its-my-park-volunteer-day
March 13 Parents Night Out at Crestview
Location: 7500 Woodrow Ave, Austin, TX 78767
When: March 13, 2026; 5:30 - 9:30 PM
For YLA members that attended 2025’s training sessions, you may sign up to work as a CIT or Counselor at this FMC camp. You will still receive a stipend of $30. If you’d like to work this camp, please be sure to sign up to work it on the sign up form.
Sign Up: https://forms.gle/TpfBjT1HvRp12DZaA
The Austin Magic Auction
Location: St Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 8134 Mesa Dr, Austin, TX 78759
When: March 13, 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM PM, & March 14, 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM, 2026
Originally started in 1975 by Fred Scott Donaldson and Judy Wilkes/Donaldson (of The Scott Magic Company) for young magicians to have an opportunity to experience what a real magic convention was like, the World-Famous Austin Magic Auction is a piece of magic history. Since then, the Auction has grown and evolved into an amazing event for all ages that the Fantastic Magic Camp is involved with every year. Interns may sign up to act as prep and event volunteers for the March 14, 2026 Auction. On March 13, we will be helping set up and prep for the event from 1 -7 PM; depending on the number of volunteers, things may wrap up earlier, but will not go later than 7 PM. Interns may also volunteer to work as a volunteer during the event itself! On March 14, may choose to work the full 9 AM - 7 PM, or a half day of 9 AM - 2 PM or 2 PM - 7 PM. Interns that volunteer will be able to take part in the auction as well, should they like. Duties may include set up, take down, working as ushers, organizing supplies and auction items, assisting with lunch, assisting members of the public as needed, cleaning and taking out trash. Interns will receive a full day of YLA credit for volunteering with this event. Rumor has it there will be FREE PIE for Pi Day at the Auction.
Details: https://austinmagicauction.com/
RSVP: Email admin@magiccamp.com with the date(s) and hours you’d like to work.
Spring Break Camp at Crestview
Location: 7500 Woodrow Ave, Austin, TX 78767
When: March 16 - 20, 2025, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
For YLA members that attended 2025’s training sessions, you may sign up to work as a CIT or Counselor at this FMC camp. You will still receive the same stipend as the 2025 year until your 2026 training is complete. If you’d like to work this camp, please be sure to sign up to work it on the sign up form.
Sign Up: https://forms.gle/TpfBjT1HvRp12DZaA
March 20 Parents Night Out at Crestview
Location: 7500 Woodrow Ave, Austin, TX 78767
When: March 20, 2026; 5:30 - 9:30 PM
For YLA members that attended 2025’s training sessions, you may sign up to work as a CIT or Counselor at this FMC camp. You will still receive a stipend of $30. If you’d like to work this camp, please be sure to sign up to work it on the sign up form.
Sign Up: https://forms.gle/TpfBjT1HvRp12DZaA
FMC Work Day
Location: Extra Storage Space, 5547 McNeil Dr, Austin, TX 78729
When: Saturday, March 21, 2026, 10 AM - 2 PM
Join Peter at our storage facility to help organize and prep supplies for upcoming camp sessions! Get a ½ day credit for attending. Gate code *0002006#
RSVP: Email admin@magiccamp.com
Yellow Bike: Ride to the Future (outside organization)
Location: 1216 Webberville Rd, Austin, TX 78721
When: Saturdays 1 PM - 5 PM, March 21 - May 23, 2026
Bike mechanic work and mentorship program for youth of all genders, age 14-18. Students will learn marketable skills: build resumes, explore potential earning avenues. This is a limited, 10-week program that runs from March 21 - May 23. YLA interns that attend will receive a full day credit when they show us pics of the bike they make to fantasticmagicamp@gmail.com
Details: https://austinyellowbike.org/ride-to-the-future/
March Mini Camp at Crestview
Location: 7500 Woodrow Ave, Austin, TX 78767
When: March 31, 2026, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
For YLA members that attended 2025’s training sessions, you may sign up to work as a CIT or Counselor at this FMC camp. You will still receive the same stipend as the 2025 year until your 2026 training is complete. If you’d like to work this camp, please be sure to sign up to work it on the sign up form.
Sign Up: https://forms.gle/TpfBjT1HvRp12DZaA
FMC Work Day
Location: Extra Storage Space, 5547 McNeil Dr, Austin, TX 78729
When: Saturday, April 4, 2026, 10 AM - 2 PM
Join Peter at our storage facility to help organize and prep supplies for upcoming camp sessions! Get a ½ day credit for attending. Gate code *0002006#
RSVP: Email admin@magiccamp.com
April Mini Camp at Crestview
Location: 7500 Woodrow Ave, Austin, TX 78767
When: April 6, 2025, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
For YLA members that attended 2025’s training sessions, you may sign up to work as a CIT or Counselor at this FMC camp. You will still receive the same stipend as the 2025 year until your 2026 training is complete. If you’d like to work this camp, please be sure to sign up to work it on the sign up form.
Sign Up: https://forms.gle/TpfBjT1HvRp12DZaA
April 10 Parents Night Out at Crestview
Location: 7500 Woodrow Ave, Austin, TX 78767
When: April 10, 2026; 5:30 - 9:30 PM
For YLA members that attended 2025’s training sessions, you may sign up to work as a CIT or Counselor at this FMC camp. You will still receive a stipend of $30. If you’d like to work this camp, please be sure to sign up to work it on the sign up form.
Sign Up: https://forms.gle/TpfBjT1HvRp12DZaA
April 17 Parents Night Out at Crestview
Location: 7500 Woodrow Ave, Austin, TX 78767
When: April 17, 2026; 5:30 - 9:30 PM
For YLA members that attended 2025’s training sessions, you may sign up to work as a CIT or Counselor at this FMC camp. You will still receive a stipend of $30. If you’d like to work this camp, please be sure to sign up to work it on the sign up form.
Sign Up: https://forms.gle/TpfBjT1HvRp12DZaA
May 8 Parents Night Out at Crestview
Location: 7500 Woodrow Ave, Austin, TX 78767
When: May 8, 2026; 5:30 - 9:30 PM
For YLA members that attended 2025’s training sessions, you may sign up to work as a CIT or Counselor at this FMC camp. You will still receive a stipend of $30. If you’d like to work this camp, please be sure to sign up to work it on the sign up form.
Sign Up: https://forms.gle/TpfBjT1HvRp12DZaA
May 15 Parents Night Out at Crestview
Location: 7500 Woodrow Ave, Austin, TX 78767
When: May 15, 2026; 5:30 - 9:30 PM
For YLA members that attended 2025’s training sessions, you may sign up to work as a CIT or Counselor at this FMC camp. You will still receive a stipend of $30. If you’d like to work this camp, please be sure to sign up to work it on the sign up form.
Sign Up: https://forms.gle/TpfBjT1HvRp12DZaA
May Mini Camp at Crestview
Location: 7500 Woodrow Ave, Austin, TX 78767
When: May 25, 2026, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
For YLA members that attended 2025’s training sessions, you may sign up to work as a CIT or Counselor at this FMC camp. You will still receive the same stipend as the 2025 year until your 2026 training is complete. If you’d like to work this camp, please be sure to sign up to work it on the sign up form.
Sign Up: https://forms.gle/TpfBjT1HvRp12DZaA
Summer Kick-Off Party
Location: 12316 Indian Mound Dr. Austin, TX 78758
When: Saturday, May 23, 2026, 2 - 10 PM
Our annual Summer Kick-Off Party designed by none other than Bertil himself. You know he'll be grilling something tasty as we end our training, give out awards and have some fun! This party includes a few last bits of training and teambuilding, so you'll be able to earn a FULL day of YLA credit for attending.
This event is a mostly outdoors event with dappled shade. There are indoor restrooms. We recommend you bring a bag with a towel and change of clothes if you plan to swim. You may bring small games, activities or snacks to share with the group.
RSVP: Coming soon
More to be announced...
Sign Up to Work Spring 2026 Camps
Mini-Camps, Parents Night Outs and Spring Break Camp -- oh my! For YLA members that attended 2025’s training sessions, you may sign up to work as a CIT or Counselor at these FMC camps. You will still receive the same stipend as the 2025 year until your 2026 training is complete.
View Dates and Sign Up: https://forms.gle/TpfBjT1HvRp12DZaA
W9s
Due March 31, 2026
This year we will be collecting W9s in a NEW way! You will be prompted to turn in a W9 when you submit your Summer Availability to work Summer Camps 2026.
First Year Counselors and above must submit a W9 form to receive a stipend. If you’re unsure whether you’ve turned one in, reach out, and we’ll check!
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Who needs a W9? First Year Counselors & up (CITs do not need one).
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Who should be listed on the form? Stipends can be paid to the intern (if they have a bank account) or to a legal guardian.
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Be sure to submit the "Pay To" email address that should receive payment instructions.
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How to submit: Fill out the Summer Availability form for Summer Camps 2026
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Deadline: March 31, 2026
Blank Form link: IRS W9 Form
Need help? Just reach out to admin@magiccamp.com and we'll answer any question.
You can also check out our brief introduction to W9s here.
Sign Up to Work Summer 2026 Camps
Due March 31, 2026
Summer Camp at Crestview
7500 Woodrow Ave, 78757
Session 1 : June 1 - June 12, 2026
Session 2 : June 15 - June 26, 2026
Session 3 : June 29 - July 10, 2026
Session 4 : July 13 - July 24, 2026
Session 5 : July 27 - August 7, 2026
Session 6 : August 10 - August 14, 2026 (1 week)
Summer Camp at Mt Playmore
13609 N I-35, 78753
Session 1 : July 13 - July 17, 2026 (1 week)
Session 2 : July 20 - July 24, 2026 (1 week)
Session 3 : July 27 - July 31, 2026 (1 week)
Deadline: March 31, 2026
Sign Up: https://forms.gle/aEEdcKTb8qLBY6zv6
Staff Applications (for those 18+)
Once an intern turns 18, they are eligible to apply to be a Staff member at Fantastic Magic Camp. Staff applications for 2026 will be due February 28, 2026. If you are interested in becoming a staff member, contact us for application details at admin@magiccamp.com
Parent Info Meetings
Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: 7500 Woodrow Ave, Austin, TX 78757
We invite parents of both new and returning interns to join us for:
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An overview of the program.
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A Q&A session to address any questions you may have.
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A chance to meet the community and other parents of Magic Camp interns.
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Opportunities to learn how you can get involved and support the program.
Date: Sunday, April 19, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: 7500 Woodrow Ave, Austin, TX 78757
We invite parents of both new and returning interns to join us for:
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A check in about the program and upcoming summer camp!
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A Q&A session to address any questions you may have.
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A chance to meet the community and other parents of Magic Camp interns.
YLA 2026 Family Directory
Our YLA 2026 Family Directory is here! We are excited about this new element the 2026 cohort is bringing to YLA.
View or download the YLA 2026 Family Directory HERE.
Important notes:
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This directory will only be shared with YLA 2026 families.
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Fantastic Magic Camp and Youth Leadership Academy will not use this information for marketing, fundraising, or any purpose outside of the family directory.
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We will not share, sell, or distribute this information to anyone outside of the YLA community.
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Families are expected to use the directory respectfully and for community connection only.
Summer Kick-Off Party
Summer Kick-Off Party
Location: 12316 Indian Mound Dr. Austin, TX 78758
When: Saturday, May 23, 2026, 2 - 10 PM
Our annual Summer Kick-Off Party designed by none other than Bertil himself. You know he'll be grilling something tasty as we end our training, give out awards and have some fun! This party includes a few last bits of training and teambuilding, so you'll be able to earn a FULL day of YLA credit for attending.
This event is a mostly outdoors event with dappled shade. There are indoor restrooms. We recommend you bring a bag with a towel and change of clothes if you plan to swim. You may bring small games, activities or snacks to share with the group.
RSVP: Coming soon
Stay Connected to the YLA and Fantastic Magic Camp Community
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @magiccamp
Join the FMC Intern & Staff Discord: https://discord.gg/dAKmfD3FUj
Look at the YLA webpage for updates: magiccamp.com/YLA
Join the Fantastic Magic Camp YLA Parents Facebook group
Join the Magic Camp Alumni Facebook group
YLA Coin 2025
In 2025, the YLA Officer group worked to design a wooden coin to commemorate the year's cohort. We hope to continue this in years to come and are excited to share the design they came up with.
Missed An Email?
Let us know if you're missing out on any of our communications. It's always a good idea to save our email to your contacts to help reduce them going to spam or promotion folders.
View the January Email Update
View the February Email Reminders
View the March Email Update
Don't Forget...
Our YLA interns aren't too old for all of our programs. Fantastic Magic Camp offers a variety of programs each season. Keep an eye out for our FMC Afterschool program during the school year (ages 6-14) as well as our Performer's Academy performance camp during the summer (ages 10-16). Registrations for both are open now.