Updated February 20, 2025.
If you’re like me, as a parent you are eagerly anticipating the start of summer. I am just envisioning my children’s laughter while we make unforgettable memories, staying up late and sleeping in. Amidst the myriad of activities available, one timeless tradition stands out — summer camps in Northern Virginia. These camps play a pivotal role in fostering personal growth, creating lasting friendships, and providing a haven for fun and exploration.
Northern Virginia summer camps balance outdoor exploration with enriching activities that keep young minds engaged. For my daughters, these camps have been transformative. I’ve watched them return home sun-kissed and confident, filled with stories about new skills and adventures.
Table of Contents
Why Northern Virginia Summer Camps Matter
One of the key benefits of enrolling your child in summer camps in Northern Virginia is the opportunity for personal development. Beyond the classroom, children have the chance to explore new interests and hobbies, unlocking hidden talents and passions. Whether it’s arts and crafts, outdoor adventures, or sports, these camps provide a safe and nurturing environment for self-discovery.
Second, the social aspect of summer camps cannot be overstated. In a world increasingly dominated by screens, Northern Virginia summer camps offer a breath of fresh air, encouraging face-to-face interactions and the forging of genuine connections. Lifelong friendships often bloom in the midst of shared experiences and interests, creating a sense of camaraderie that extends far beyond the summer months.
Beyond the aforementioned perks, summer camps in Northern Virginia (and beyond!) provide a valuable respite for parents. This allows parents to balance work and family life while ensuring their children are making the most of their summer break. I’m not going to lie – I absolutely take some time for self care during a midsummer camp.
What Makes a Summer Camp in Northern Virginia Special
What always surprises me about summer camps in Northern Virginia is their incredible diversity. Our region’s unique geography provides access to everything from mountain trails to historical sites, creating camp experiences you simply can’t find elsewhere.
Northern Virginia summer camps benefit from proximity to DC’s cultural institutions while maintaining access to beautiful natural settings. This means your child might build a robot in the morning and go hiking through native forest ecosystems in the afternoon!
Finding Your Perfect Camp Match
As a mom who’s navigated the Northern Virginia summer camp landscape, I understand the excitement (and occasional overwhelm) of the selection process. The perfect camp aligns with your child’s interests while stretching their comfort zone just enough to spark growth.
Whether your child thrives in structured environments or needs the freedom to explore, there’s a Northern Virginia summer camp that fits their personality perfectly. The key is starting your search early – the best camps fill quickly!
Theater & Performing Arts
Educate Theatre Camp: Theater-focused program featuring acting, Broadway-style productions, and creative workshops
Learn more: www.educatetheatrecamp.com | www.etcphoenixschool.com | https://www.facebook.com/EducateTheatre
At Educate Theatre Camp and ETC Phoenix School, summer is a time when imagination takes center stage and creativity knows no bounds! Kids will absolutely LOVE our summer camps, where everyone is encouraged to shine like a star! Picture this: a bustling campus filled with laughter, excitement, and the magical sounds of music and drama echoing through the halls. Our acting and improvisation camps are designed to ignite children’s confidence and social skills while they dive into the world of performance, all wrapped up in a fun-filled atmosphere.
Each day is an adventure, from improvisational games that tickle their funny bones to collaborative scenes that unleash their inner performers. And for our aspiring Broadway stars, this year’s musical production of Aladdin will transport young dreamers to a whole new world! Kids will not only rehearse their roles but also engage in theater workshops that teach them valuable skills—like teamwork, creativity, and self-expression—all while building lasting friendships that will light up their summer. But that’s not all!
Our reading and STEAM summer camps in Northern Virginia are packed with engaging activities where kids can explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math through inventive hands-on experiences. They’ll embark on exhilarating journeys of creativity and discovery that will keep them hooked all summer long. From crafting colorful costumes to designing dazzling sets, every moment at our camp is a ticket to a wondrous experience where learning and fun go hand in hand. So get ready to watch your child blossom and thrive as they jump into a summer of laughter, exploration, and unforgettable memories. Sign up now—where every day is a new act in the grand performance of summer!
At Educate Theatre Camp and ETC Phoenix School, we believe that summer camp should be a magical experience for every child, and that’s what makes our camps truly unique! Our diverse offerings blend creativity and education in a way that caters to all ability levels, ensuring that every camper feels included and empowered.
Each day at our Northern Virginia summer camp is filled with laughter, collaboration, and the thrill of self-discovery. Kids can dive into the world of storytelling through acting, enrich their knowledge through interactive reading sessions, and spark their creativity in hands-on STEAM activities. We prioritize an inclusive atmosphere where campers can express themselves freely, make new friends, and create unforgettable memories. At Educate Theatre Camp, summer isn’t just a season; it’s an adventure that inspires confidence, fosters teamwork, and ignites a passion for the arts!
Jane Franklin Dance Summer Camps in Northern Virginia – Creative movement, hip hop, and visual arts in themed weekly sessions
Learn more: https://janefranklin.com/summer-camp | https://www.facebook.com/JaneFranklinDance | https://www.instagram.com/janefranklindance/
Jane Franklin Dance Summer Camps in Northern Virginia are a great way for the active learner to have fun with hip hop and dance from freestyle improvised routines to fundamental steps and creative movements. Each day the offerings include movement fundamentals, visual arts and crafts, theme based activities, outdoor time for snack and lunch, movement and theater games.
- Dance in Places and The Big Meow helps children develop confidence, coordination, and creativity. Increase physical skills by practicing movement with a partner or in a small group made of other class members who share the same goals. Move for fun, to tell your story, and to express your ideas.
- In “Dance in Places” students explore contemporary movement while creating a dance for a specific place in Jennie Dean Park. Whether the group explores the baseball dugout, the risers, or the “Wheelhouse” sculpture, movers delve into hip hop, and develop skills in choreography.
- In The Big Meow students are inspired by the story of a Little Cat who has a really big meow. You’ll discover a story about how Little Cat’s seeming weakness is also a unique strength. This camp makes room for everyone to explore their own inner cat, the creative presence deep inside waiting to emerge and leap out through expressive movement and theater. The picture book, written by Baltimore author Elizabeth Spires, is an inspired narrative and the story is transformed from the page to real life action. Campers work throughout the week to perform for friends and family at a concluding sharing on Friday.
- In Move & Groove learners develop physical skills, find success, and channel energy in a healthy way that nurtures creativity and positive interaction.
Young people benefit from regular and ongoing practice in the arts, a safe place to cooperatively interact and communicate. JFD contributes by providing activities that promote collaborative interaction, creative problem solving, development of physical skills and positive experiences. Movement education enhances abilities to succeed in cooperative activities that create a sense of belonging and interdependency.
All camps incorporate a healthy amount of outdoor activity during snack and lunch breaks, time for a visual art or craft project that aids students in the understanding of movement fundamentals via visual art concepts such as relationship, connection, sequence, foreground, background, and unison. The students are given the freedom to express their ideas via another art form and are supplied with the materials to be successful. Exploration includes an array of movement styles. Hip-hop combines a variety of freestyle movements. Experiment and find fun through exploring popping, locking, and breaking.
Other JFD Camp themes include the mysterious fun of UFO No!, Splash connecting movement and colors, Rainforest Craft & Create inspired by the animals, plants, and climate of the tropical rainforests.
StringTime – Learn strings with expert musicians and end with a concert
Learn more: https://www.stringtimemusic.org | https://www.instagram.com/stringtimemusic/ | https://www.facebook.com/stringtimemusic | https://www.linkedin.com/company/stringtime/
Has your child wanted to start an instrument, but you didn’t know where to begin? Send them to StringTime violin, viola, cello, and guitar summer camps in Northern Virginia for kids ages 7-12. No prior experience is required to attend and instruments are provided. We also have a continuing track for kids who already play. Our teachers have performed at The Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall, and have studied at top music schools including Juilliard.
Students enjoy ensembles. private lessons, music theory, music history, games, and faculty performances. Camp ends with a concert!
StringTime offers need-based scholarships. It’s our desire that every child who wants to play an instrument at StringTime can come regardless of their financial situation.
Misneach Irish Dance Intro Camp – Learn one of the coolest dance forms around, Irish Dance!—no experience needed
Learn more: https://misneachirishdance.com/index.html | https://www.facebook.com/MisneachIrishDanceAcademy
Come Dance with us! New students will learn the basics of a reel, dance together in a ceili dance, and explore Irish culture. Great for students 5 -12 years old, no dance experience necessary. We will also explore Irish folk lure and learn more about the Irish culture. We will celebrate at the end of the week with putting a performance on for the parents.
Students should wear comfortable athletic cloths and be ready to spend the day dancing. Shoe purchase is not required, they can either wear sneakers or ballet/jazz shoes if already owned. Our Northern Virginia summer camps will be held at our studio in Purcellville. Week 1 – July 21st-24th, Week 2 – August 4th-7th
Jubilee Performing Arts – Dance and theater in a supportive, confidence-building community
Learn more: www.jubileeperformingarts.org
Give us a try and you’ll become Jubilee family! Students love how at home they feel and how supportive they feel by their peers and teachers. Children will learn fantastic dance and theatre skills from qualified teachers that will help them grow in their skill and confidence. We are truly a performing arts community like no other.
Welcome to a performing arts community where it’s cool to be kind! At Jubilee, you will find a wonderful, supportive performing arts culture that also teaches pure artistry and technique. We are one of kind, come check us out!
Ignite the Light Performing Arts – A fun, high-energy theater camp where kids build confidence, creativity, and teamwork while bringing a production to life!
Learn more: https://ignitetlpa.com/ | https://www.facebook.com/share/1BVh9N1Gt7/?mibextid=wwXIfr | https://www.instagram.com/ignitethelightpa | https://www.tiktok.com/@ignitethelightpa?_t=ZT-8unKf8S2cuI&_r=1 | https://youtube.com/@ignitetlpa?si=F5egVF0d46Eh1HL1
Kids will absolutely LOVE the Ignite the Light Performing Arts summer camp in Northern Virginia because it combines the magic of theater with an exciting, energetic atmosphere that makes every moment unforgettable! Our camp immerses young performers in a world where creativity and imagination flourish. From the moment they step through our doors, participants are greeted with a vibrant environment that encourages self-expression and collaboration. Our experienced instructors create a fun-filled experience through engaging activities all aimed at bringing out the best in every child.
Throughout the camp, kids dive into the exhilarating process of creating their own characters and telling stories through performance. They’ll find joy in rehearsing lively musical numbers, learning dynamic choreography. The camaraderie built among fellow campers fosters lasting friendships as they work together towards a common goal: to shine brightly in a spectacular production at the end of the camp!
With an emphasis on creativity, teamwork, and personal growth, Ignite the Light ensures that every child not only discovers their passion for the performing arts but also has an absolute blast doing it! Summer camp at Ignite the Light is more than just a program; it’s a thrilling adventure that ignites the spirit of youth and creativity in every participant!
Ignite the Light Performing Arts Northern Virginia summer camp is truly unique in its strong belief that every role in a production is essential, no matter how big or small. The camp is committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of their experience level, feels valued and included in the creative process. We take the time to work closely with each participant, providing personalized attention and guidance that fosters their growth and confidence.
While we celebrate our lead performers, we also dedicate significant time and resources to help all campers shine in their respective roles. Whether they are part of the ensemble, handling stage management, or contributing to costume design, every child is given the opportunity to explore their talents and develop new skills. This inclusive approach not only enhances individual experiences but also cultivates a strong sense of teamwork and community among all participants.
At Ignite the Light, we understand that the magic of theater comes from collaboration, and we strive to create an environment where every camper feels empowered to contribute to the production. The result is a summer camp experience that is not only fun and exciting but also deeply enriching—where every child leaves with newfound confidence, cherished memories, and a love for the performing arts.
At Ignite the Light Performing Arts, we strive not only to nurture talented performers but also to train our kids to be good humans both on and off the stage. Our summer camp emphasizes the importance of values such as teamwork, respect, and empathy, creating an environment where children learn to support one another and celebrate each other’s successes. Through collaborative projects and shared experiences, campers develop strong interpersonal skills that are essential in all areas of life.
We believe that the skills acquired during our productions extend far beyond the theater. Our curriculum is designed to equip children with valuable life skills, including effective communication, problem-solving, and resilience. By participating in various aspects of the production process—be it acting, stage management, or creative design—kids gain confidence and adaptability that will serve them well in any endeavor they pursue.
At Ignite the Light, we are committed to ensuring that every child leaves our productions not only as a better performer but also as a more compassionate and capable individual. Our goal is to instill a lifelong love for the arts while empowering our campers with the tools they need to thrive in all aspects of their lives.
STEM & Science-Focused
Boolean Girl – Coding, robotics, and engineering camps designed especially for girls
Learn more: https://booleangirl.org/camps | https://www.instagram.com/booleangirl/ | https://www.linkedin.com/company/boolean-girl-1
Boolean Girl, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is educating girls and underrepresented youth to code, build, invent, and animate. We provide girls-only and co-ed Northern Virginia summer camps in an inclusive, welcoming environment. With separate programs for elementary and middle school students, your child will learn computer science and engineering fundamentals through a series of unique projects, hands-on challenges, and play. Our programs include coding, robotics, AI, engineering, teamwork, and digital citizenship, all taught by rockstar instructors. At Boolean Girl Summer Camp, your child will learn coding and engineering while making new friends and having fun!
Our girls-only STEM camps provide a safe space for girls to learn computer science and engineering while building a STEM community. Our instructors are mostly high school and college students from our local communities, many of whom were previously Boolean Girl students!
Mason Space Exploration Center – Astronomy and aerospace exploration with authentic science experiences
Kids will love our summer camp if they love to learn. Our activities serve to inspire the aspiring astronomers and astronauts; we have ample activities such as rocket launches, coding challenges, and out-of-this-world surprises!
Our Northern Virginia summer camp is unique all in its location: on the campuses of George Mason University, in both Fairfax and Manassas. Both campuses feature research laboratories, and the Fairfax Campus is the home of George Mason Observatories. When your campers are with us, they get a taste of what scientists and engineers in the aerospace field actually do.
SciGenie STEM Summer Camps in Northern Virginia – Hands-on science experiments and creative problem-solving adventures
Learn more: https://scigenie.com/ | https://www.facebook.com/SciGenie/ | https://www.instagram.com/scigenie_va/profilecard/ | https://www.youtube.com/@scigenius6504
Kids will embark on a thrilling journey where science meets imagination! Each day is packed with exciting challenges, hands-on experiments, and mind-blowing discoveries that transform learning into an adventure. Whether launching rockets, creating dazzling chemical reactions, or engineering their own inventions, campers will explore the wonders of STEM in a fun and interactive way. Our summer camp in Northern Virginia encourages curiosity, creativity, and teamwork, giving every child the chance to think like a scientist and problem-solve like an innovator.
At SciGenie our Northern Virginia summer camp stands out as a unique STEM educational experience that combines interactive learning with projects designed to inspire young minds. Unlike traditional camps, we focus on engaging activities that spark Creativity and Curiosity. Each day, campers dive into fun, cool projects that encourage teamwork and problem-solving, all while exploring key scientific concepts. Our dedicated instructors foster an environment where kids can experiment, innovate, and discover the joy of learning through play.
We offer Early Bird Discounts through Jan and Feb, we offer payment plans for everyone to be able to enjoy Northern Virginia summer camp experiences.
TIC Summer Camp – A perfect blend of STEM and sports, where kids code, create, and play in a fun, active environment!
Learn more: https://ticcamp.com | https://www.facebook.com/TICSummerCamp | https://www.instagram.com/tic_camp
At TIC Summer Camp, kids thrive in our unique blend of technology and athletics, offering an ideal balance of active play and creative exploration. Each day is split between immersive STEM projects—like coding video games, designing interactive websites, engineering robots, or creating collaborative films—and exciting athletic activities. The other half of the day is dedicated to engaging athletic experiences, blending traditional sports like soccer and basketball with imaginative, camper-inspired games such as “Minecraft” or “Camp Olympics,” fostering laughter, cooperation, and camaraderie.
What sets TIC apart is our emphasis on personalization, collaboration, and community. Campers choose their technology specialty and explore diverse athletic activities, supporting individual growth and team-building skills. Our nurturing environment ensures each child feels challenged, supported, and confident, cultivating friendships and unforgettable experiences.
Whether your child is an aspiring coder, visionary filmmaker, budding photographer, dedicated athlete, or curious explorer, TIC Summer Camp in Northern Virginia is the ultimate place to have fun, learn, grow, and build memories that will last a lifetime!
TIC Summer Camp stands out with its one-of-a-kind mix of technology and athletics, providing an ideal balance of creative exploration and active play—giving kids the best of both worlds. Unlike traditional camps that focus exclusively on sports or STEM, TIC seamlessly blends the two. Perfect for campers entering 2nd–10th grades, they spend half their day immersed in exciting tech projects like Programming, Robotics, Filmmaking, and Digital Photography, and the other half engaged in dynamic athletic activities. This includes classic sports like soccer and basketball, as well as fun, inventive ‘Crazy Games’ inspired by both campers and counselors, adding a unique and personal touch to our athletics program.
Another standout feature of TIC is the extensive choice and customization available. Campers have the freedom to shape their experience by choosing from a range of technology focuses and athletic activities. This tailored approach ensures that each camper’s interests and preferences are reflected in their daily activities, fostering a personalized and engaging camp experience. Small group sizes ensure personalized attention, and our enthusiastic, highly trained staff create a supportive atmosphere where campers feel encouraged, confident, and excited to learn and grow.
At TIC, campers don’t just sit behind screens or perform routine drills. They actively create, collaborate, solve problems, and discover new passions—all in an environment that’s both structured and genuinely fun. This perfect blend of mind and body balance is why families return to TIC year after year!
Parents should know that TIC Summer Camp is more than just a summer activity—it’s an engaging, enriching experience that builds skills, friendships, and confidence. Our program is designed for kids who love to think and move, giving them the perfect mix of technology exploration and athletic fun.
Here are a few key things parents should know:
- No Experience Necessary! Whether your child is new to coding, filmmaking, or sports, or already has some skills, our program is designed to challenge each camper at their level.
- Personalized Attention: Small group sizes ensure personalized attention, with a 4:1 camper-to-staff ratio in technology groups and 6:1 in athletics.
- Screen Time with Purpose: Our tech program is hands-on and project-based, so kids create, not just consume technology.
- A Balanced, Active Day: Campers get to move, play, and have fun outdoors in addition to their tech projects.
- Passionate, Experienced Staff: Our counselors are energetic, talented, and trained to create a positive, supportive environment.
- A Welcoming, Inclusive Community: Campers return year after year because they love the fun, friendships, and freedom to explore their interests.
🎉 Special Discount! Use code Create@TIC2025 and receive $40 off per camper/session. Visit our registration page at: https://ticcamp.campbrainregistration.com This offer is available for both new and returning families when adding new sessions or enrollments. Note: The discount cannot be retroactively applied to sessions already enrolled and applies exclusively to tuition—not extras like Specials, Extended Day, or Shuttle Bus. Register early as spots fill quickly!
Traditional Day Camp & Multi-Activity
Pinecrest Pavilion – Play-based learning with STEAM activities, crafts, and outdoor fun
Learn more: https://www.pinecrestschool.org/our-summer-camp/
Pinecrest Pavilion offers one-week Northern Virginia summer camp sessions for pre-kindergarten through 6th-grade campers. Rising 7th graders who have attended Pinecrest Pavilion or Pinecrest School are also welcome for any sessions. Summer days are filled with FUN, in-person play and learning, with a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, arts and crafts, STEAM experiments and nature discovery, games and puzzles, making and building, and more! Every Friday we also celebrate a successful week of camp by having a fun whole camp activity like special performances, bouncy houses, and popsicles!
Pinecrest Pavilion operates in Pinecrest School, a Preschool – 6th grade independent school. Our school and camp provides children with a progressive educational experience that emphasizes critical thinking skills, STEAM instruction and hands-on projects in small classes. We are a small school by design and believe that differentiated instruction is the norm. Our warm and nurturing social and emotional environment gives children the caring support necessary to challenge themselves with confidence.
We encourage parents and children to form a close partnership, built on mutual trust, with our teachers and school leaders. We teach mindfulness strategies to help children learn to relax their bodies and focus their minds. Our campus comprises two modern buildings, a playground and outdoor areas, giving children plenty of kid-friendly spaces to move, learn and play.
Pinecrest Pavilion K-6 camp is open to children who are rising kindergarten through rising 6th grade in the upcoming school year. Pre-kindergarten camp is open to children who will turn age 4 by September 30 of the upcoming school year (or who attend Pinecrest School preschool already), who are toilet-trained, and who have previously attended a preschool.
Families can choose either a half-day or full-day camp for Pre-kindergarten campers. The full-day pre-kindergarten camp hours are 8:50 – 3:35 pm. The half-day pre-kindergarten camp hours are 8:50 – 12:05. After-care is available for full-day pre-kindergarten campers until 6 p.m. and all K-6 campers. Rising 7th graders who have attended Pinecrest Pavilion or Pinecrest School are also welcome for any sessions that include 6th graders.
Madeira Camps – Traditional day camp and girls’ residential options
Learn more: https://www.madeira.org/programs/summer-programs/madeira-camps
Madeira Camps have been a home for laughter, fun, exploration, and friendship for over 50 years and we intend to continue making memories for years to come. With 2 high-quality summer camps in Northern Virginia to choose from and nearly 400 acres of land, there is something for everyone at Madeira Camps.
Camp Greenway: Camp Greenway has been the summer home for campers in rising K-10th grade since 1973. As a traditional, co-educational day camp, Camp Greenway offers community like no other. Boys and girls in rising K-10th grade are invited to come run, play, and create while embracing tradition at Camp Greenway.
Girls First: What will you make at Madeira? Choose from our one-week or two-week residential experiences for girls in rising 6th-9th grade or a one-week day camp for girls in rising 5th-8th grade.
With both residential and day options, we have something for everyone. Madeira Camps is hosted at the Madeira School, but none of our camps serve our students. This means that everyone will feel included at Madeira Camps!
Summer At The Gardens – Project-based learning featuring outdoor classrooms
Learn more: www.creativegardensva.com/summer-at-the-gardens
Our school age camp offers an amazing Project-Based Learning camp that combines campers solving real world problems with their peers with that old school summer camp vibe we all remember as kids! With a 3.5 acre outdoor campus, ninja course, outdoor classrooms, basketball court, splash pad and much more, you child is destined to have fun each day!
Our summer camp in Northern Virginia is unique as we are the only Project-Based Learning focused camp in the area.
Creative Gardens pairs progressive learning approaches with stellar customer service to keep our families informed on what their child is doing each day and to personalize the parent experience to fit their needs!
Learning Adventures
Speech of Cake – Literacy and communication skill-building through multi-sensory activities and STEAM projects
(703) 594-1668 | rebecca @speechofcakeinc.com | www.speechofcakeinc.com | IG & FB: @speechofcakeinc
At Speech of Cake’s summer camps in Northern Virginia, kids don’t just learn—they embark on an adventure that makes reading, writing, speaking, and listening exciting! Each day is filled with hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and build confidence. Through the Orton-Gillingham approach, children engage in interactive, multisensory literacy games that make phonics and storytelling come alive. Speech and language skills are woven into fun, play-based learning experiences, ensuring every child finds their voice.
And the best part? Every session ends with a STEAM activity, where kids dive into science experiments, art projects, and creative problem-solving challenges that make them feel like inventors and explorers. With a nurturing environment, engaging activities, and a curriculum designed for success, kids leave each day feeling accomplished, excited, and eager to return!
We have a perfect blend of structured learning and hands-on fun in a warm, supportive environment. We combine the evidence-based Orton-Gillingham approach for reading and writing with engaging speech and language activities, ensuring that children build strong literacy foundations while also developing confidence in communication. Unlike traditional summer programs, we take a multisensory approach—kids learn through movement, touch, sound, and visuals, making concepts easier to grasp and retain.
Plus, our small group sizes and 1:1 support allow for individualized attention and targeted skill-building. And to make learning even more exciting, every session wraps up with a STEAM activity, where kids explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math in a way that sparks creativity and problem-solving. With a team of passionate experts guiding the way, our summer programs are designed to help kids thrive academically while having an absolute blast!
Speech of Cake’s summer programs are designed to be both effective and enjoyable, ensuring that children make meaningful progress in their literacy, speech, and language skills while having fun. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Designed for Rising Kindergarteners to Fifth Graders: Our programs are tailored for young learners, providing the right balance of instruction and play.
- Evidence-Based Instruction: We use the Orton-Gillingham approach for reading and writing, a proven method that benefits all learners, especially those with dyslexia or other reading difficulties.
- Small Group & Individualized Attention: Our low student-to-teacher ratio ensures each child receives the support they need to succeed.
- Speech & Language Skill Development: We incorporate speech and language strategies into all activities to strengthen communication skills.
- Daily STEAM Activities: Learning extends beyond literacy with exciting hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and math projects.
- Engaging, Play-Based Learning: We make sure every session is interactive and fun, so kids stay motivated and eager to learn.
- Led by Experienced Professionals: Our team consists of speech-language pathologists, educators, and literacy specialists dedicated to your child’s growth.
- A Confidence-Boosting Experience: Children leave our program not only with stronger skills but also with increased confidence and a love for learning that will carry over into the school year. Spaces are limited, and our programs tend to fill up quickly—so we encourage families to reserve their spot early!
Stop the “summer slide” with this summer camp in Northern Virginia.
Sports
Virginia Revolution – Soccer and multi-sport options summer camp in Northern Virginia
Learn more: govrsc.com
Get ready for a fun-filled experience at our Soccer & Multi-Sport Camps! Players will sharpen their soccer skills at Soccer Camp or enjoy a mix of exciting games like basketball, kickball, tug-of-war, and more at Multi-Sport Camp. With expert coaching, teamwork, and tons of action-packed activities, this summer camp in Northern Virginia is the perfect way to stay active and have fun!
Half Day, Full Day and Extended Day options available. 5 years and up. Open to all!
Camp Sarraka – Action-packed team games and fun competitions that build sportsmanship
Learn more: Campsarraka.com | @CampSarraka on Instagram, Youtube, TikTok, and Facebook
Camp Sarraka is all about getting kids outside, running around, being creative, and working together in an inclusive environment that makes every camper feel special. Every day at our summer camp in Northern Virginia is packed with sports, art projects, and fun activities that inspire teamwork, sportsmanship, and kindness.
We strongly believe there is a place for everyone at Camp Sarraka, no matter athletic experience. We play all different kinds of sports and engage in all different kinds of team challenges: kickball, cone dodgeball, street hockey, basketball, hot shots, capture the flag, ultimately football, monster tag, soccer, handball, Wiffle ball, water balloon battles, scavenger hunts, slip ‘n slide diving passes, and obstacle course relay races. Each activity is part of a team competition that builds throughout the week.
Campers earn stickers for their sportsmanship, hustle, teamwork, clean-up, and kindness. Every game is a chance to help your team get one step closer to victory, but more importantly learn what it means to support those around you, compete with grace, and feel part of a team.
On Fridays, the team with the most combined stickers earns a surprise prize. Campers can earn prizes individually, too, for various sticker totals (ex: 5 stickers – fruit snacks, 10 stickers – milkshake, 20 stickers – chocolate covered strawberries, 40 stickers – spirit animal necklaces, 50 stickers – hat and wristband, 60 stickers – no camper has ever earned 60 stickers in Camp Sarraka history!).
Every week at Camp Sarraka, we also give out “The Last Akaway,” a children’s spirit-animal adventure book that is all about being creative, believing in yourself, and working with a team to have fun and accomplish a mission. During camp, we make sure to work lots of word puzzles and math problems into our team challenges to combine physical and mental activities. Our goal at Camp Sarraka is to make sure every kid feels confident in themselves – for exactly who they are. We emphasize the importance of having fun and understanding what it means to embrace the moment. You can’t always control if you win or lose, but you can control how you respond to and learn from both.
Our Northern Virginia summer camp runs from 9am – 4pm with before-care and after-care options available. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Ethan@Sarraka.com or check out campsarraka.com if you have any questions!
Arts & Enrichment
Destiny School of the Arts – Creative weekly themes, outdoor fun, and hands-on art
Learn more: https://destinyschoolofthearts.com/programs/summer-camps-2/
Our Northern Virginia summer camps engage students through fun weekly themes designed by our school-year professional staff. Campers will love the new themes each year, making for a unique and engaging experience! Plenty of outdoor exploration and amazing art activities combined with engaging learning opportunities in our “culture of kindness” makes kids LOVE each day at Destiny camps!
Teacher-designed weekly themes make each day an adventure. We use strictly our professional, school-year teachers to staff our Northern Virginia summer camp program so you can be assured that your camper is in professional, safe hands each and every day!
Multi-session discounts offered. Camps for 2 years old through rising 4th grade. Special one week performance camp offered for rising 4th through rising 8th graders.
Mama Miss Art Studio – Sculpt, paint, and create while exploring famous artists and fun themes, ending with an Art Show Exhibit!
Learn more: https://mamamissartstudio.com/ | Northern Virginia summer camps on website: https://mamamissartstudio.com/summer-camp/ | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamamissartstudio | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamamissartstudio
Love making art? At Mama Miss Art Studio’s Mixed Media Art Camps, you’ll get to sculpt, paint, collage, and build cool projects—all while exploring awesome weekly themes! Each day is packed with fun, hands-on activities where you can experiment with different materials and let your imagination run wild.
You’ll also learn about famous artists and their crazy-cool styles, then use what you’ve learned to make your own masterpieces. And at the end of the week, you get to show off your artwork at a special Art Show Exhibit! Make new friends, get messy, and create something amazing—this is the summer camp in Northern Virginia you don’t want to miss!
What makes Mama Miss Art Studio’s Mixed Media Art Camps unique? We blend hands-on creativity with art history, offering young artists (ages 6–13) a dynamic, immersive, process based experience. Each of our six, week-long camps features a distinct theme, inspiring campers to explore sculpture, clay, paper, collage, paint and more through 3–5 process engaging projects.
What truly sets us apart is our Artist Correlations—where students dive into the techniques and styles of renowned artists, using them as inspiration for their own masterpieces. Plus, our final-day Art Show Exhibit allows campers to proudly showcase their work to family and friends!
Join us for a summer of creativity, exploration, and fun—where every child’s artistic voice is celebrated!
Animal & Nature
Leesburg Animal Park – Up-close animal encounters with a real zookeeper
Learn more: https://leesburganimalpark.com/camps/ | https://www.facebook.com/LeesburgAnimalPark/ | https://www.instagram.com/leesburganimalpark
Do you have an animal lover at home? Join our Jr. Zookeeper Day Summer Camp, where kids get up-close encounters with cool animals, learn about habitats, conservation and much more. We’ll incorporate educational lessons from the Keepers, fun arts & crafts and lots of time to play on the park grounds. This unique camp is limited to 20 participants, so sign up early as spots go fast!
Jr. Zookeeper Camp is the only summer camp in Northern Virginia that is led by a real Zookeeper and includes unique experiences with domestic and exotic animals!
We offer five Northern Virginia summer camp weeks with a different theme each week. Camp is for ages 6-11, unless you sign up for “Big Kids Camp” which is for ages 11-14. Camp runs Monday-Friday from 9am-4pm.
Boots and Roots at River Farm – Explore nature, science, art, and music on a historic 25-acre estate
Learn more: https://www.redemptiveeducation.org/river-farm-camp
Here, nature comes alive as children explore, create, and learn through hands-on adventures in literature, science, music, and art. Guided by passionate outdoor educators, they’ll ask and investigate big questions: What is a life cycle? How do animals depend on each other? How do birds build their nests?
Our Northern Virginia summer camp is an all-outdoor educational summer program set on the breathtaking 25-acre estate of the American Horticultural Society—once part of George Washington’s original farmland.
Set against spellbinding river views, vibrant flower gardens, and lush meadows, River Farm provides the ultimate space to play, discover, and grow. Children will find inspiration in the whimsical children’s garden, serene meditation garden, and thriving wildlife garden—each designed to spark curiosity and wonder. With access to River Farm’s Children’s Nature Library and Reading Room, featuring over 1,700 nature and gardening books, young explorers will deepen their connection to the natural world in a setting unlike any other. This is summer the way it’s meant to be—wondrous and full of discovery!
Featuring: * Nature science * Arts and crafts * Classical music * Games Ages: * Kindergarten through fifth grade (ages 5-10) Dates: 1. Week 1: July 7-11 2. Week 2: July 14-18 3. Week 3: July 21-25 Days and times: * Monday through Friday. 9 am to 3 pm
Camp Under the Stars – Overnight summer camp in Northern Virginia with hiking, kayaking, art, and campfire fun
Learn more: https://www.underthestarsinc.org | @underthestarsinc on IG & FB
Camp Under the Stars is an overnight summer camp located in the Prince William National Forest in Dumfries, Virginia. Our overnight camp program is designed for first-time campers and those who have camped before. Camp activities include art, STEM, waterfall walks, campfire meals, hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, library, yoga, and outside play. Throughout all our Northern Virginia summer camp programming, campers learn to treat each other with kindness, use empathy, include others, and take care of the natural world. Our mission is to provide a supportive, inclusive camp community that values each child’s uniqueness, celebrates our differences, and respects nature and the planet.
Overnight summer camp in Northern Virginia for ages 5-13 is designed for first-time campers and those who have camped before. Campers live in cabins with cots and electric lights, with flush toilets very close by. Some meals take place in the dining hall and others are prepared over a campfire.
Cloverleaf Equine Center – Horse-centered Northern Virginia summer camp with riding, farm care, and equine health
Learn more: https://www.cloverleafequinecenter.org/ | https://www.facebook.com/CloverleafEquineCenter/ | Instagram @CloverleafEquineCenter
Our campers will have the opportunity to play inside and out and create lasting memories with our amazing herd of horses and each other! Some of our Northern Virginia summer camps are geared toward learning how to ride and build horsemanship skills, other camps are geared towards learning about the farm and horse health! Some camps have an art project, other camps have team building activities, and a chance to play outside when not riding or working with the horses. We have a lot of fun!
We offer both mounted (riding) and unmounted (no riding) Northern Virginia summer camps as well as therapeutic camps (for children with special needs) and community camps (for children without special needs). Our instructors are all PATH Certified to teach people of all abilities horseback riding and horsemanship. We are offering a horse health camp for the first time this summer for children interested in learning more about horse health, equine care and vet medicine!
Our Northern Virginia summer camp staff are specially trained to ensure campers have a supportive, enjoyable, and enriching experience. Our instructors are all PATH Certified to teach people of all abilities horseback riding and horsemanship. We will learn about what your child needs to have a great time at camp and work to tailor the experience for them!
Will you be enrolling in any of these summer camps in Northern Virginia? Any favorites that I missed? Tell me in the comments!
Blaire Ring (Second Ave Photography) is an award-winning photographer in Northern Virginia, bringing her signature emotive yet laid-back & natural vibe to newborn, family, maternity and school photography. Her work has been featured in magazines and online blogs around the world. In 2023 Blaire was named one of Loudoun’s 40 Under 40, and she is a dedicated volunteer for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep.
