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.
VIRGINIA
Acting for Young People Summer Acting Camps
AFYP has provided programs in the Northern Virginia area since 1997. Our summer programs, for ages 5-18 include production showcases and fun, fast-paced camps taught by professional teaching artists. Acting, on-camera, musical theater, improvisation and more! Weekly sessions with final performances. Presented in conjunction with Mason Community Arts Academy. Fairfax, Va. 703-554-4931.
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.
Dominique Dawes Academy Summer Camp
At Dominique Dawes Academy Summer Camp, kids can experience up to nine weeks of exciting gymnastics and ninja instruction that strengthen their physical and mental development - creating a long-lasting love for exercise, learning, and movement. In addition to gymnastics & ninja instruction, camps also include fun games, arts & crafts, open gym, team-building activities, and more. Ashburn, Va.
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 Little Theatre of Alexandria Performing Arts Camp
Now in its 18th year, LTA's summer program at our beautiful Old Town Alexandria theater, offers over 40 week-long camps, for preschoolers through 10th grade. Full-day, half-day and extended day options, include Acting, Improv, Musical Theatre, Puppetry and a variety of specialty themed camps. Something for everyone! Alexandria, Va. 703-683-5778 ext. 4.
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.
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.
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.
