From creative arts and outdoor adventures to STEM, sports, and performing arts, this year's Camp & Summer Guide highlights a wide range of enriching experiences for children of all ages and interests. Whether families are seeking flexible day programs, immersive specialty camps, or overnight adventures, these listings showcase opportunities designed to inspire confidence, curiosity and lifelong memories. Explore the possibilities and find the perfect summer fit for your child.
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Camp Shakespeare
Shakespeare Theatre Company invites students ages 6–18 to explore the works of William Shakespeare through hands-on theatre training. Two-week sessions are available for youth ages 6–11 and teens ages 12–18, with returning teens able to audition for a three-week intensive. Locations in Washington, DC, and McLean, Va.
STAMP Camp
Sign up to receive five free, hands-on activities from the National Postal Museum and another Smithsonian partner, connecting postal history with exciting STEAM learning across subjects throughout June and July all designed to be completed at your own pace. Perfect for learners ages 6-12 with adult support. Remote. 202-633-5555.
VIRGINIA
Art League Art Camp
Spark your child's creativity this summer! Our art camps offer hands-on projects in drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture, with fresh curricula each week. Choose regular or specialty (single-medium) camps, available in half-day or full-day sessions. All materials provided. Register for multiple weeks for a truly immersive artistic experience! Alexandria, Va. 703-683-2323.
Beginner Fencing Camp
Beginner Fencing Camp introduces students to the Olympic sport of fencing in a supportive, skill-building environment. Instruction emphasizes caring, inclusion and competence while helping campers build confidence, discipline and athletic ability. Sterling, Va. 240-424-0749.
Camp Griffin at Westminster School
Camp Griffin offers a summer filled with discovery and hands-on fun through a wide range of specialty programs, including Adventure, STEAM, water activities, French, art and sports. Flexible scheduling with early and extended care is available. Camps are led by certified counselors, with military and sibling discounts offered. 3819 Gallows Road, Annandale, Va. 703-340-7268.
Congressional Camp
Set on a scenic 40-acre campus, Congressional Camp offers an unforgettable summer filled with outdoor adventures, creative arts, swimming, sports and hands-on exploration. Programs are designed to inspire curiosity and confidence in a joyful, supportive community. Falls Church, Va. 703-533-0931.
Fairfax County Park Authority Camps
Form friendships, learn new skills, embark on adventures and create lifelong memories! Choose from locations near your home, work or anywhere in between)! Aquatics, Boating and Fishing; Arts and Crafts; Equestrian and Farm; Nature; Outdoor Adventures; Performing Arts; Specialty; Sports; STEM; Variety; and Virtual — there's something for everyone (even adults). Fairfax County, Va.
MedStar Capitals Iceplex Summer Ice Skating Camps
We have on ice full and half day summer camps for ages 4-12. MedStar Capitals Iceplex – Arlington, Va.
Natural Leaders Ultimate Explorer Day Program
Each day brings a new outdoor adventure as campers explore local woods and creeks through games, fishing, whittling and wilderness survival skills. Immersed in nature, children build confidence, resilience and a strong connection to the outdoors. Northern Virginia. 571-244-3793.
The St. James
Voted Best Summer Camps in the DMV, The St. James offers Adventure, Sports and STEAM camps for ages 4–16. Programs feature top coaches, world-class facilities and transportation options. 6805 Industrial Road, Springfield, Va. 703-239-6846.
MARYLAND
AFF Summer Adventure Camp
Give your child a screen-free summer where nature becomes the classroom. Summer Adventure Camps blend hands-on environmental learning with outdoor exploration, helping kids build confidence, curiosity and friendships through discovery, play and fun on a historic riverside campus. Accokeek, Md. 301-292-5665.
Camp Woodend
Located on a 40-acre nature sanctuary, Camp Woodend offers day, travel and overnight camps that combine outdoor adventure with nature and science education for students in kindergarten through high school. Camps are led by experienced environmental educators and maintain an 8:1 child-to-teacher ratio. Chevy Chase, Md. 301-652-9188.
C-Unit Studio
The perfect summer dance experience for kids who love to move! Dancers explore jazz, hip-hop, ballet, and contemporary dance to fun, high-energy music, and wrap up each session with a special performance. 5521 Landy Lane, Bethesda, Md. 301-664-7900.
NatPhil Summer String Institute
String students in grades 2–12 take part in an immersive music experience featuring private lessons, chamber music, and three levels of orchestra performance. Guided by National Philharmonic teaching artists and Montgomery County Public Schools educators, students explore music theory, technique and engaging enrichment activities. Bethesda, Md. 301-493-9283, ext. 4209.
Summer Musical Theatre with ATMTC Academy
Summer Musical Theatre Camp for rising grades 1–6 is a two-week, full-day, in-person camp that culminates in a delightful ensemble performance! Glen Echo Park, Glen Echo, Md. Summer Musical Theatre Training Program for rising grades 7–12 provides students with a foundational and expanded understanding of technique in ballet, jazz, music and acting. Wintergreen Plaza, Rockville, Md.
Woodland Horse Center
Woodland Horse Center offers horseback riding summer camps for horse-loving kids ages 5–16. Pony Pals Summer Camp serves ages 5–7, while Horsemanship Summer Camp for ages 8–16 focuses on riding skills, horse care and confidence-building. 16301 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, Md. 301-421-9156.
WASHINGTON, DC
Capitol Debate Public Speaking & Debate Summer Camp
Students strengthen public speaking, debate, and leadership skills in an engaging, supportive environment. With personalized coaching and dynamic workshops, campers gain confidence, think critically, and form lasting friendships — preparing them for success in school and beyond. American University, Washington, DC. 800-450-5012.
National Children's Theatre Summer Camp
Campers explore creative drama exercises, theatre games, art projects and performance fundamentals through one- and two-week sessions, including "The Jungle Book" and "The Odyssey." Full-day camp runs 9 a.m.-3 p.m., with aftercare until 5 p.m. July 13–Aug. 21 for ages 6–15. Financial assistance available. Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church, 201 4th St. SE, Washington, DC.
The Theatre Lab
For more than three decades, The Theatre Lab has offered award-winning summer programs for youth and teens in the Washington area. Each summer, more than 550 young people participate in acting camps and theatre training institutes in a collaborative, creative environment. 900 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC. 202-824-0449.
Sleepaway Camp
Camp Accomplish
Camp Accomplish is an inclusive summer camp for children ages 5–18 with or without disabilities and chronic health conditions, along with siblings, friends and peers from the local community. Campers can choose from day and overnight options and enjoy activities such as horseback riding, swimming, arts and outdoor adventures in a safe, supportive environment. Melwood Recreation Center, 9035 Ironsides Road, Nanjemoy, Md. 20662.
Camp Hidden Meadows
Nestled in the mountains of West Virginia, an all-gender sleepaway camp with a child-centered and caring staff. Offering 1- and 2-week sessions packed with adventure and connection. Campers do activities like hiking, climbing, swimming, archery, pottery, and explore the beautiful outdoors, building confidence, friendships, and independence in a welcoming, unplugged community. Bartow, West Va. 304-456-5191.
Gettysburg College Academic Camps
At Gettysburg College, we're here, all of us, to do great work. Summer camp participants will join our community of passionate achievers, on a campus where history and innovation meet to shape the future and enjoy a glimpse into life as a Gettysburgian. From enriching academic programming to meaningful social connections, the week-long experience is unforgettable! Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, Pa. 717-337-6924.
South Mountain YMCA Camps
A transformative overnight experience that builds confidence, independence, and character through meaningful friendships and supportive mentorship. Set on 450 acres, campers enjoy climbing, horseback riding, arts, and water activities while developing resilience, teamwork, and lifelong skills through outdoor adventure. Reinholds, Pa. 610-670-2267.
Woodberry Summer Camp
Woodberry Summer Camp offers boys the opportunity to grow through athletic challenge, intellectual exploration and a supportive community across a 1,200-acre campus. Guided by faculty, students and alumni, campers build character, confidence and lasting friendships. Woodberry Forest, Va. 540-672-3900.
