Northern Virginia offers one of the richest landscapes for summer learning and exploration in the Mid-Atlantic. Families here balance long commutes, packed schedules, and high expectations, yet they’re surrounded by programs that help kids grow in confidence, curiosity, and independence. Whether you’re in Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, or Loudoun, you’ll find an extraordinary mix of camps […]

What Science Says About Growth, Confidence, and Well-Being: Summer camp isn’t just a fun break from the school year—it’s an experience that shapes children in ways that classroom learning alone cannot. As parents, we want to make informed choices, and it’s reassuring to know that a growing body of scientific research supports what many families […]

As a parent and teacher who spends half my life outdoors—hiking, camping, gardening, and coaxing our goats and chickens into behaving—I’ve learned that rails-to-trails are some of Virginia’s most magical family spaces. My favorite memory is biking the long stretch of trail that hugs the border of West Virginia near Camp Alleghany. The kids coasted […]

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. […]

Virginia offers a wide variety of opportunities for teens, college students, and young adults seeking meaningful summer employment. From arts and STEM camps to lakeside overnight programs and community day camps, becoming a camp counselor is one of the most rewarding seasonal jobs available. This guide explains how to find openings, what qualifications help you […]

The Shenandoah region is one of Virginia’s most inspiring outdoor playgrounds. Kids who spend most of their time in suburban or urban environments often crave space to explore, breathe fresh mountain air, and reconnect with nature. Summer camps in the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains offer exactly that—wide-open views, wooded trails, cool streams, and […]

Why Virginia Families Love Summer Sports Camps Across Virginia—from Northern Virginia and Richmond to Charlottesville, Tidewater, and the Shenandoah Valley—sports camps remain among the most popular choices for families looking to keep kids active and engaged during the summer months. They offer structure, friendship, movement, and confidence-building all in one place. Because parents often want […]

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. […]

Richmond is one of the most vibrant places in Virginia to raise curious, creative kids. The city’s blend of nature, arts, STEM innovation, and community-driven nonprofits creates an incredible foundation for summer learning. Whether your child loves hands-on science, outdoor exploration, performing arts, sports, or simply making new friends, Richmond offers a wide range of […]

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 […]