Camps for Kids

There are plenty of camps in Virginia that offer the typical outdoor adventures. But did you know that Virginia also offers themed camps, such as those devoted to the Civil War, NASA space flight, horses and even World War II?

Central Virginia | Eastern Shore | Heart of Appalachia | Blue Ridge Highlands
Northern Virginia | Hampton Roads | Shenandoah Valley | Southern Virginia

Central Virginia

Charlottesville - 4 Star Camps at University of Virginia - a varied combination of programs, golf, tennis, soccer, academics, including SAT Prep for juniors aged 10-17.

Chester - Camp Pochahontas - Pocahontas, the daughter of the powerful chief of the Powhatan Indians, is a legend in American History. Campers will explore both the life and importance of Pocahontas and the culture of the Powhatan people. Camp activities include Virginia Indian crafts, storytelling, games and nature walks at the recreated Indian village at Henricus. Pre-registration required.

Goochland - Westview on the James Campground features an 8-week residential camp for children ages 6-14 as well as a high-adventure camp for 13-16 year olds. Enjoy a 35-foot climbing wall, a low ropes challenge and other challenges.

Lynchburg - Lynchburg Museum Summer Camp - Explore the history of Lynchburg from the 1855 Court House, discover Percival’s Island and learn how early settlers navigated the James River, tour City Hall, the Water Treatment Facility, Police and Fire Departments. Discover Point of Honor & early 19TH century interior design, make a floor cloth and create a wood panel, learn to cook at the open hearth; spin and weave in the Carriage House, and play early 19th century games.

Madison - Camp Varsity - Summer Camp for youth, ages 7-15, boys and girls beginning in June for 6 weeks. Retreat Center is open to churches, schools, organizations; food and lodging provided.

Petersburg - 2009 Rally Camps - Travel back in time to the 1860s and enter the world of a Civil War soldier. As a newly enlisted private, you will don a uniform, shoulder a musket, and march off to a new adventure! Rally Camps are overnight adventures on designated days for individuals, families, and groups with less than 20 participants. Reservations Required.

Petersburg - Civil War Adventure Camp - is America's newest participatory experience for people 8 years old and older at Pamplin Historical Park. Recruits dress in Union or Confederate uniforms, sleep in an authentic Civil War encampment, eat the appropriate meals and participate in drills, skirmishes and games. Weekend dates are available for individuals, families and small groups. For pre-formed groups, such as scout packs, the camp will open during the week on any dates.

Petersburg - History Day Camp - Pamplin Historical Park History Day Camps combine learning, camaraderie, and fun. Your child will live the life of a Civil War soldier in camp, on the march, on the battlefield, and at home on furlough at this full day camp. It is an unforgettable experience that brings back campers year after year. Call now to book your camper! *Please call (804) 861-2408 for pricing and reservations. Reservations Required *These camps are for children ages 8-11.

Richmond - Peak Experiences Indoor Rock Climbing Center's Passages Adventure Camp was voted "Richmond's Best Day Camp" three years in a row! This is the largest indoor rock climbing facility on the East Coast with more than 14,000 square feet of climbing surface and 50-foot climbing walls.

Eastern Shore

Wallops Island - Virginia Space Flight Adventure Camp - for students aged 11-15 who enjoy model rocketry, robotics and flight simulation. Besides the fun-filled activities at the Virginia Space Flight Academy, field trips are planted for NASA, NOAA and Navy facilities. Students can expect to see F-18s, C-130s, P-3s, and various research aircraft. Evening activities include trips nearby attractions. Five-day sessions.

Cape Charles - SEE Kiteboarding School - Kiteboarding is the fastest growing sport on the water, and the SEE Kiteboarding School is the only full service kiteboarding center in Virginia. The Cape Charles beachfront is an ideal learning environment with flat, shallow water and consistant side shore breezes. For more experienced riders, SEE offers kiteboarding expeditions through the shallow bays & barrier island breaks of the Seaside of the Eastern Shore.

Cape Charles - SouthEast Expeditions Kids' Kayak Camp - Paddlers from 7-10 yrs-old are welcome from Jun 15-19, Jul 13-17 & Aug 3-7. Campers from 11-14 yrs-old can sign up for the weeks of Jun 22-26, Jul 20-24 & Aug 10-14. Camp during the week of Jun 22-26 will be shared with Arts Enter Cape Charles' Art & Nature Camp and is open to campers age 7-14 yrs.

Jamesville - YMCA Camp Silver Beach Summer Resident Camp offers 10 one-week sessions for boys and girls ranging in age from 8 to 16 from mid-June to mid-August. Teen Programs are available, too. Activities include: Alpine II Challenge Course, swimming pools, sailing, kayaking, tennis courts, giant water slide, skate park, creative arts program and much more.

Heart of Appalachia

Wise - The Appalachian Wilderness Adventure Program at Camp Bethel operates a youth summer camp for ages 5-19 featuring exciting outdoor/indoor games, a challenging ropes course and confidence-building activities. Summer Camp programs include both a day camp and week-long resident camp. Amenities include 165 woodland acres, a small recreational lake, eight go-karts, full size gymnasium with a 24-foot indoor climbing wall.

Blue Ridge Highlands

Independence - Peach Bottom Farm Fiddle & Strings Camp - Intensive and fun-filled music and dance instruction in the heart of the "birthplace of Old Time music," near Merlefest & Galax. Bring your favorite string instrument and/or dancing shoes and enjoy our staff of National & World class professional instructors. Learn Appalachian, Bluegrass, Canadian, Celtic, Contest, Irish, Scottish & Old Time varieties of music. All ages and abilities welcome.

Northern Virginia

Alexandria - Curator Camp - Kids ages 11 to 14 will learn about museums from the inside out! Campers will meet the people who make The Lyceum work each day, take a behind-the-scenes tour, learn about and touch real historic artifacts, and work as a team to create a small exhibit.

Culpeper - Grovespring Farm features two summer camps for children ages 7-14. Horse camp is for a week and includes horse care, ring and trail riding. Adventure Day Camps offer canoeing, hiking, biking, exploring, a camp horseback ride and other activities.

Fredericksburg - History Camp - Ever wonder what George Washington did for fun as a kid? Want to know about blood-sucking leeches or how to tell the age of a piece of pottery? Have fun with hands-on activities, projects, and games. Held at George Washington’s Ferry Farm, Historic Kenmore, Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, Mary Washington House, and Rising Sun Tavern.

Alexandria - Jun 22-26 - Fort Ward: Civil War Kids' Camp - Learning and fun for boys and girls ages 8 – 12 while they explore the lives of Civil War soldiers and civilians. Drilling and marching, arts and crafts, 19th-century games and guest reenactors are just some of the special activities included in the camp. Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily.

Hampton Roads

Newport News - Civil War Children's Camp - Boys and girls ages 8-12 are invited to join our Civil War Camps. The camps include camp life, drills, battles and basic soldier's equipment. Registration and pre-payment required.

Newport News - Cultural Explorations Summer Youth Camp "All about Journalism" - Campers will be introduced to the process of producing a newspaper. Visits to the Daily Press; Hampton University’s Scrip-Howard School of Journalism; and other field trips will be made. Campers will work together to produce their own newsletter and learn the art of interviewing. The Newport News Star will be used as an important resource. Registration is required.

Newport News - Miss Sallie's Academy - Girls ages 8-12 are invited to join Miss Sally for a fun filled camp. The camp includes needlework instruction, etiquette, games, dancing and more. registration and pre-payment are required.

Newport News - Mountain Explorers Camp with the Virginia Living Museum - Along with two Museum biologists, our middle school explorers (completed grades 6 & 7) will get to know the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains from above and below. Hike parts of the world-famous Appalachian Trail; discover the secrets of cold mountain streams and waterfalls; head underground to discover what lurks beneath the mountains and find out what makes a troglophile so special. Bunk down in tents and enjoy meals by the campfire.

Williamsburg - Cloverbud Camp at Jamestown 4-H Educational Center - This camp offers five to eight year olds the opportunity to experience the excitement of overnight camping. Through the many songs, games, special programs, classes, and campfire experiences that camp offers, campers can learn critical life skills such as how to plan ahead, solve problems and work with others while developing a love of the outdoors.

Virginia Beach - Wave Riding Vehicles Surf Camp - for kids 5 and up, novice or advanced, to learn the proper techniques for paddling out, catching waves and standing up as well as surf etiquette and ocean safety. Camps are 3 to 5 days. If your child is searching for the ultimate summer camp experience while you are vacationing in Virginia Beach, then this camp is for them! It will be an unforgettable experience that is safe, fun and rewarding!

Shenandoah Valley

Bergton - Highland Retreat - The summer schedule offerings include younger and older kids overnight camps, teen breakaway camp, day camps, wilderness camps, family camp, and intergenerational camps.

Harrisonburg - Camps for Kids at EMU - Summer day and overnight athletic camps for kids at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg include soccer, basketball, and volleyball.

Harrisonburg - Camps for Kids at JMU - Ages 6-12. A variety of recreational activities such as the climbing wall, swimming, and arts and crafts, visits to the Arboretum, meeting with the dining services chef, presentations by officers from the Fire and Police Departments, and martial arts demonstrations are scheduled. Field trips on Friday's are to different Harrisonburg establishments such as the Children's Museum.

Harrisonburg - Camp Horizons - A co-ed residential camp for ages 6-17, nestled on 300 acres in the foothills of the Massanutten mountains, Camp Horizons offers special programs including adventure camp for ages 15-17, equestrian camp for girls ages 8-12, and counselor-in-training for high school seniors. Optional activities at extra cost: horseback lessons, golf lessons, SCUBA diving, rock climbing, caving, river canoeing, and horseback trail rides.

Harrisonburg - The First Tee - The First Tee program uses a combination of golf skills and life skills to help strengthen character and leadership values in our youth between the ages of 5 and 17.

Keezletown - Brethren Woods - Brethren Woods provides Christian educational opportunities, facilities, and programs for all ages in an inviting woodland setting; encouraging the formation of Christ-centered living, leadership, and stewardship of creation. Exciting summer program for kindergarten through 12th grade.

Keezletown - Camp Overlook - Camp Overlook provides facilities and creative ministries in a nurturing Christian environment for adults, families, youth, and children in their faith journey.

New Market - Civil War Day Camps at New Market Battlefield - The Civil War Day Camp is a hands-on program for children ages 7-12 that explores Civil War life. Campers learn about soldier life, civilian experiences, and the Battle of New Market, while enjoying games, crafts, and refreshments.

Southern Virginia

Axton - Challenger Sports British Soccer Camp - There will be a morning and afternoon Player Development session for players 6-16 years of age and a mini-soccer session for the 4-6 year age group. Challenger Camps use only licensed, UK coaches committed to developing the whole child as well as their soccer skills.