At a Glance
Trust Score
Based on comprehensive analysis of reviews, safety records, and operations.
About YWCA Mary Ann Dodson Camp
Mary Ann Dodson YWCA STEAM Camp
Operating since 1992, Mary Ann Dodson Camp provides a structured environment for children ages 6 to 13. As a YWCA El Paso program, the camp focuses on a play-based philosophy enhanced by a robust STEAM curriculum (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). The program is designed to foster critical thinking and creativity while integrating Social Emotional Learning (SEL) to support emotional intelligence and resilience. The expansive facility includes indoor classrooms, outdoor sports areas, and an onsite swimming pool. Children participate in diverse activities ranging from artistic projects to interactive science experiments. The program also prioritizes health and nutrition by providing USDA-approved meals and snacks daily. With a long-standing history in the community, the camp offers a variety of tuition assistance programs, including CCS and military scholarships, to ensure accessibility for local families.
What Parents Say
5 reviews from parents
The pool wasn't open for the first two weeks of camp so the kids lost interest. There wasn't enough structure or planned activities for them to enjoy. Too bad because the location and surroundings have real potential.
Really unorganized. My kids went for two days. At pick up it took twenty minutes to just locate my 6 y o and then they finally radioed back he was on his way. The second day they send out the WRONG 6 y o. He understandable didn’t want to talk to me but i eventually found out he had a name similar to my kids. I had to go find a staff to get me the right kid and get this kid out of the parking lot where he was looking around alone for his mom. I think it’s creepy they didn’t let me see the facility at drop off. I also think it’s irresponsible to have the kids just walk out alone and find their mom. The adults in the trailer out front are not paying attention and everyone else is a high schooler. Never trusting them with my kids again
Awesome place for kids, wide open green land and well organized staff
Amazing Facility! Had so much fun.
It was good but i didn't like that you have to leave a deposit of fifty dollars so you end up paying 150.00
Web Report
Aggregated insights from public records & parent discussions
Safety Record
No safety concerns, news of incidents, or legal issues were found for Mary Ann Dodson Camp specifically. The facility is a licensed child care center in Texas (License #414970) that has been in operation since 1992, and it maintains a compliance history with state inspections including a self-reported incident record according to licensing databases.
Parent Reputation
The camp has a sparse volume of direct reviews on parent platforms, but it is well-regarded as a YWCA El Paso program, which holds a 96% accountability score from Charity Navigator. Parents generally describe the YWCA camps in the region as trustworthy and provide a positive sentiment regarding the 'fun and educational' environment for school-aged children.
Staff Insights
Employees for the parent organization (YWCA El Paso) report mixed experiences, with some highlighting a fun work environment and rewarding experiences with children, while others criticize management for being disorganized and provide low ratings for pay and benefits. Staff members at the camp are required to be CPR and First-Aid certified and receive training in supervision and problem-solving.





