Camp Friendship booth at the CharlottesvilleFamily Camp Expo

Virginia Summer Camp Fairs: What Parents Need to Know

A parent’s guide to Virginia summer camp fairs — where to go, what to ask, and how to make the most of these one-stop camp expos. Each year, as winter thaws and spring approaches, Virginia families begin the hunt for the perfect summer camp experiences for their kids. One of the smartest moves you can […]

Banana boat at YMCA Camp Silver Beach, teens in the Atlantic, water sports

Virginia Beach and Tidewater Summer Camps: Coastal Picks for Arts, STEM, Sports and Marine Adventure (2025 Guide)

Virginia’s Tidewater and Coastal region offers one of the most distinctive summer camp landscapes in the Commonwealth. With access to the Atlantic Ocean, the Chesapeake Bay, tidal marshlands, rivers, aquariums, and nature preserves, families in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Newport News, and Hampton enjoy camp opportunities that are uniquely shaped by the coastal environment. […]

two school age campers sitting outside studying a hand drawn map at summer camp

Virginia Summer Camp Packing List

What to Pack for a Sleepaway Camp in Virginia: A Guide for Growing Independence Getting a child ready for sleepaway camp in Virginia is a bit like preparing a garden in early spring. You don’t just toss seeds in the dirt, you tend the soil, watch the weather, and make space for whatever might grow. […]

Young campers giving high fives

ACA Accreditation for Summer Camps in Virginia

What Is ACA Accreditation and Why It Matters for Virginia Summer Camps A parent’s guide to ACA accreditation and why choosing an accredited Virginia summer camp can give your family extra peace of mind. When searching for the best summer camps in Virginia, you’ll likely come across the term ACA accredited. But what does that […]

4 children on a hike in the woods at summer camp with hats, backpacks, map, and a walking stick

When Do Summer Camps in Virginia Start?

Camp Start Dates, Registration, and Planning Tips Planning summer can be tricky for families trying to balance vacations, childcare, and camp schedules. Each year, parents across Virginia ask the same question: When do summer camps start, and how do I register in time? From day camps to specialty programs, knowing typical start dates and registration […]

5 school age kids lying on their tummies on a plaid blanket in front of their tent at summer camp, all smilies and giving two thumps up

Day Camp vs. Overnight Camp: What’s Best for Your Kid?

What to Know About Planning for Summer Camps in Virginia Families have lots of choices when it comes to planning for summer camp in Virginia. It takes time to research, choose, and sign your kid up for the right summer camp. We’re here to help make it easier for you. Get a head start now […]

5 children at a STEM summer camp in Virginia working together to build and code a robotics project

Top STEAM and Coding Camps in Virginia

In a world where technology is constantly growing and changing, it’s more important than ever to engage children in learning about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Not only does studying STEM-related content help build valuable knowledge, but it also encourages critical thinking and boosts analytical skills. Plus, as children and teens learn to solve […]

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Virginia Summer Camp

Your trusted guide to day and overnight camps

VirginiaSummerCamp.com connects families with summer camps and youth programs across Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic. We’re more than a camp directory—our mission is to help parents raise curious, confident, active kids through expert guidance, research-backed insights, and year-round inspiration.

A Zinnia Communications project, developed by the creators of the award-winning CharlottesvilleFamily and Roanoke Valley Family magazines—trusted by families across Virginia.

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