Calling all artists, gamers, junior investigators and acrobats. If your child has interests that lie outside the traditional day and overnight camp experiences, these more niche camp experiences may be just right.
It’s important to keep learning going all summer long, but that doesn’t always mean following the curriculum. Summer camp is a great opportunity for kids to branch out, tackle new interests and make friends. Making friends at a specialty camp can be a breeze because kids already share a common interest and age.
Whether your child is already interested in a particular topic or just ready to explore something new, here are five local camps in the DMV doing something different.
Steve & Kate’s Camp
Ages: 4-12
Cost: Day Pass $120, Summer pass $3,600
Dates: June 17 – Aug. 23
Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Concord Hill School, 6050 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815
At this one-of-a-kind choose your own experience, kids can follow their hearts with a wide variety of activities that include some out-of-the-box choices like stop-motion animation, sewing, coding, robotics, baking and 3D crafting.
Beginner Dungeons & Dragons
Ages: 10-14
Cost: $445
Dates: June 17 – June 21
Hours: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Our Lady of Grace Catholic School, 17301 Old Vic Blvd., Olney, MD 20832
Learn and play with counselors and experts. Begin with the basics, play and make friends. Dungeons & Dragons fosters problem-solving skills, teamwork, creativity and listening. It also gives kids who love acting a spotlight where they can hone their skills and grow their confidence.
Camp CSI
Ages: 3-5 years
Cost: $349 full-day session, $225 half-day session
Dates: July 8 – July 12
Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Nysmith School 13625 EDS Drive, Herndon, VA 20171
Get a head start on the secrets of forensic science. Kids can learn to use the scientific method to unveil clues at crime scenes, aid investigators at solving challenging cases and explore chemicals, molecules and genetics.
School’s Out
Ages: 5-12
Cost: $89/day
Dates: Varies by public school schedule
Hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Savage Mill 8600 Foundry St., Savage, MD 20763
Staying active doesn’t mean staying on the ground. This camp experience takes it up a notch—literally. Campers can tackle a different aerial challenge every day before coming back down to earth for more activities like archery and slingshotting paired with environmental education.
Space Kids
Ages: grades 2-4
Cost: $440 – $490
Dates: Aug. 5 – Aug. 9
Hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: KIDMuseum Bethesda
3 Bethesda Metro Center, Suite 140, Bethesda, MD 20814
Dip your toes into space! At this camp, kids can explore the science behind NASA and learn about the technology used by scientists, astronauts and aeronautical engineers. Campers will practice 3D computer modeling, coding and more.
