Camp: Where Summer Builds Character

Searching for summer camps is not easy. There are many variables a parent looks for:
Can I trust this place? Will my child have fun? Is this somewhere that will benefit my child’s growth and development? And for Tenèa Kennedy, Choo Smith’s Youth Empowerment Camp passed that test with flying colors. The camp is run by a nonprofit organization, whose mission is to empower Baltimore youth.

Kennedy knows her son receives the best possible care at the camp. During drop-off and pick-up times, Kennedy got to see firsthand how invested the mentors truly were. “Choo’s camp has hundreds of kids, so it’s great to see them able to call every child by name,” Kennedy says. Small things like this helped her be more comfortable and trust that her 8-year-old son was in good hands.

“It is so important for kids not to just sit at home all day,” Kennedy explains. Kennedy and many other parents share the same sentiment, that camp is more than a way to keep kids busy: It’s a place where they can be nurtured and grow. Henry DeHart, CEO of the American Camp Association (ACA), describes camp as “more than just recreation: It’s an essential educational and developmental experience.” Choo’s camp offers plenty of activities, ranging from basketball and art-making to STEM learning. A place that offers your child abundant opportunities to showcase their talents is a dream come true for parents.

ACA reports back up the popularity of a rich camp experience, showing how enrollment in summer camps has remained strong for over a decade. “In a time where children and teens are more digitally connected than ever before, summer camps provide immersive experiences where you can develop genuine connections, take a break from social media, spend time in nature, and build independence,” says DeHart.

DeHart also agrees the demand for camps remains high. “We are now seeing many programs not only offer summer camps but also camps that take place year-round and even events the whole family can participate in to meet the rising interest,” he explains. A National Economic study done by the ACA identified more than 20,000 summer and year-round camp programs that were serving about 26 million youth nationwide.

One thing that has changed over the years is that camps began offering free or reduced-cost options, opening them up to kids who might not have been able to attend before. (The average day camp charges $70 to $85 per day, while overnight programs charge $150 to $170 per day.) Becky DeFebo, executive director at The Y in Central Maryland, has witnessed this rise firsthand.

“Our campers get to experience the whole Y Family Center,” she explains. She goes on to talk about the various activities the Y offers, such as rock climbing, swimming, and games on the turf field, which ensure there’s a summer experience for all kids, regardless of interest.

The Y offers parents not only childcare but childhood, a place where kids can be themselves and enjoy being young. Campers participate in discussions and other activities, such as Chatter That Matters and Campfire Chats, that foster honesty, respect, and caring. Families return each year because their children feel like part of the camp family.

“We want campers to build confidence and learn new skills in a supportive environment,” DeFebo says. “Parents often tell us how much they appreciate our counselors’ compassion.”

One Waverly parent wrote a letter about her 7-year-old son, Brennan, who had difficulty adjusting to other camps. “This is the first time we have been able to successfully enroll him in a camp,” she wrote. “The counselors created an environment where he can truly thrive.”

While programs like the Y often come to mind first for parents when thinking of summer programs and camps, a growing number of families are taking a new approach to summer fun. At The Science Guys of Baltimore, they emphasize STEM learning. “We make science fun, cool, and easy,” has been The Science Guys team’s motto for the last 15-plus years.

Campers complete between 20 and 30 experiments each week, with each one built around a different theme including chemistry, physics, and engineering. Everything at The Science Guys camp is interactive, Abby Ricko, the camp’s operations manager, explains. These interactive activities include launching rockets, mixing potions, and other activities that help kids stay curious and excited. They even take home part of what they make, so they can share what they learned with family at home.

The Science Guys have experienced enrollment growth mainly through word of mouth. “Our families are our best ambassadors,” Ricko says.

The Science Guys and programs like it play a major role in the nationwide movement that combines play and education, giving children the opportunity to learn in interesting ways.

The ACA’s youth impact study found that positive camp experiences help reduce learning loss during the summer and support the mental well-being of the camper, two key factors that go a long way towards a child’s development.

According to Kennedy, camp is important for a child’s development because they experience new people and environments. “That is how we grow, even as adults,” she says, “It helps them think differently and build their problem-solving skills.”

Camp season is fast approaching, and parents everywhere are lining up early to register. Not sure where to start? Check out the camp guide that follows.

Camp Resource Guide 2026

Here is a roundup of some of the summer offerings available in our area. Always check with the camp for most up-to-date information on session dates, timing, and pricing.

THE BACK LOT—FILM SCHOOL AND STUDIO
2 Winters Ln., Catonsville. 301-476-4686.
Thebacklotmd.com.
This film and video production space/classroom offers a fun, welcoming, and inclusive location for campers ages 13-18, regardless of skill. As part of a team led by experienced teachers, industry experts, and trained actors, campers will learn to bring their filmmaking dreams to life, from script to screen and beyond.

BALTIMORE JEWELRY CENTER
10 E. North Ave., Suite 130. 410-243-0479.
baltimorejewelrycenter.org/kids-teens.
The Jewelry Center offers two sessions of three-day camps, one for teens 13+ and another for kids 7-12. Camp offers an immersive introduction to jewelry making and a chance to produce a variety of finished work. Sessions in June and July.

BALTIMORE LAB SCHOOL
2220 St. Paul St. 410-261-5500.
baltimorelabschool.org/admissions/summer.cfm.
Designed for students in grades 1-12 with learning differences, this program has a low student-teacher ratio, onsite specialists, and an innovative arts-based curriculum. Baltimore Lab School’s summer program is designed to help students discover their strengths, exercise their creativity, overcome academic difficulties, and prepare for the school year ahead.

BETH TFILOH
400 Delight Meadows Rd., Reisterstown. 410-517-3451.
Btcamps.org.
Located on 70 acres, “BT Camps” offers a range of traditional and specialty camps for kids ages 2-15. The facility includes four swimming pools and an aquatics center, a lake with boats and a 25-ft slide, as well as arts and crafts, ropes course, zip line and plenty of space for play. Sessions run June 22-August 14.

CAMP FAIRLEE
22242 Bay Shore Dr., Chestertown. 410-778-0566.
campfairlee.com/summer-camp.
Camp Fairlee is a traditional overnight summer camp located outside of Chestertown on the Eastern Shore. Programs are for children and adults aged 6 and up. Camp is for people of all abilities, providing accessible recreation and a small camper-to-counselor ratio. Accessible activities include canoeing, swimming, nature trails, and indoor games. There is a health center staffed with nurses. Sessions run June 21-August 23.

CAMP JEMICY
11 Celadon Rd., Owings Mills. 410-753-8035.
jemicyschool.org/camps.
Run by Jemicy School, camp offers skills instruction, tutoring, and recreation for children with dyslexia and other related language-based learning differences for those in grades 1-8. Full, half-day, and extended-day programs are offered. Sessions run from June 29-July 24.

CAMP PUH’TOK
17433 Big Falls Rd., Monkton. 410-329-6590.
Camppuhtok.com.
Located on over 60 wooded acres in northern Baltimore County, Puh’tok has provided kids 5-16 with camp activities emphasizing leadership, appreciation of nature, and teamwork since 1942. In addition to day and overnight camps, there are specialty camps for horseback riding, canvas tent camping, and a summer service corp.

CHESAPEAKE BAY OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL
1900 Eagle Dr. 410-448-1721.
Outwardboundchesapeake.org.
Expeditions are open to middle and high school students and teach students technical skills like navigation, camp craft, the basics of backpacking or rock climbing, and much more. As students learn these skills in challenging situations, they also learn the value of teamwork, compassion for others, and the pursuit of excellence. Check the website for excursion dates.

COLUMBIA ACADEMY
Multiple locations in Howard County.
Columbiaacademy.com/summer-camp.
Summer camp programs are for children ages 5-13 and provide a safe space where children can grow, learn, and have incredible fun while spending time outdoors and building essential skills for life.

CCBC SUMMER LEARNING ADVENTURES
Located at CCBC Owings Mills and Essex campuses. 443-840-2222.
Ccbcmd.edu/summer-fun.html.
CCBC offers fun and dynamic programming for youth ages 7-16. Whether your child wants to brush up on their study habits, learn to make cupcakes, take an acting class, or create their own video games, there are plenty of exciting programs. Classes run from June 22 – August 7 and are held at the CCBC Owings Mills and CCBC Essex campuses.

ESF SUMMER CAMPS
Gilman School, 5407 Roland Ave. 410-532-2300.
esfcamps.com/gilman.
ESF Summer Camps offer good old-fashioned fun, learning, and ESF MAXJOY for campers ages 3-15. Programs include traditional day camp, multi-sports camp, and specialty STEAM camps. Each day is filled with classic camp traditions, outdoor adventures, and hands-on activities. Sessions run June 15-August 7.

GILMAN SUMMER
5407 Roland Ave. 410-323-3800.
gilman.edu/experience/afternoon-summer.
Gilman offers an extensive array of camps including weeklong sport, academic, and enrichment programs for children grades pre-k–12 that are designed and taught by Gilman faculty, field experts, and top varsity coaches. Sessions run June-August.

GLENELG SUMMER IN THE COUNTRY
12793 Folly Quarter Rd., Ellicott City. 410-531-8600.
glenelg.org/summer.
Glenelg offers a variety of camps for kids pre-k to 10th grade, from traditional day and sports camps to specialized camps for everyone from the budding chess player to nature explorers. There’s even a training program for high school students ready to move up as counselors. Camp runs June 15–July 24.

GOUCHER COLLEGE YOUNG WRITERS’ CAMP
1021 Dulaney Valley Road, Baltimore.
goucher.edu/gogoucher/summer-camps/writing-workshop
Through this one-week intensive program, high school students explore fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction with award-winning writers and editors on Goucher’s campus in Towson. June 22-June 26.

HOWARD COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL
8360 Court Avenue, Ellicott City. 410-313- 2787.
hocoarts.org/camp.
Art camp sessions are offered over nine weeks for kids entering grades K–7. Campers enjoy a unique and funfilled summer experience taught by professional artists and teachers. Each Friday, family and friends are invited to a program highlighting the work created throughout the week. Sessions run June 22 -August 21.

ID TECH CAMP AT TOWSON UNIVERSITY
8000 York Rd., Towson. (888) 709-8324.
idtech.com.
A top-rated tech camp for over 25 years, iD Tech Camp balances summer fun with STEM programming for campers age 7-17. Kids experience coding, robotics, 3D printing, and more while also enjoying Towson’s outdoor playing fields for games and free time. Sessions start June 15 and run through July 24.

IMAGINATION 101 SUMMER ARTS CAMP
5204 Roland Avenue, Baltimore. 410-472-4737.
charmcityplayers.com/summer-camp.
This nonprofit camp conducted by Charm City Players at Roland Park Country School offers two-week performing arts classes for boys and girls ages 7-17, including acting, dancing, and singing. June 22-July 2: Frozen Jr.; July 6-17: Elf Jr.; July 20-31: Shrek Jr.; August 3-14: Matilda Jr.

J CAMPS
3506 Gwynnbrook Ave., Owings Mills. 410-559-2391.
Jcampsbaltimore.org.
The Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore has 10 camps for all ages and stages of life. JCC’s facilities including a performing arts center, ceramics studio, adventure park, nature trails and tennis courts, plus their signature swim lesson program. In addition to before and after care options, JCC offers express bus routes. Sessions run June 15-August 14.

JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR TALENTED YOUTH
5801 Smith Ave. 410-735-6277.
cty.jhu.edu/programs/on-campus.
Three-week residential programs allow qualified students from 7th to 12th grade to study on JHU’s Homewood campus and campuses around the U.S. (CTY offers online courses, too). In-person courses tackle topics like epidemiology, astrophysics, biotechnology, fiction and poetry, and more. Sessions run throughout the summer.

MARYVALE
11300 Falls Road, Lutherville. 410-252-3366.
maryvale.com/community/summer-camp.
Maryvale offers seven camp options led by varsity coaches and esteemed professionals, with a variety of choices in basketball, robotics, finance, ultimate Frisbee and so much more. Ages K-6 grade, 5-8 grade and 9-12 grade are accepted for different areas. Sessions run from June 8-July 2.

MCDONOGH SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAMS
8600 McDonogh Rd. Owings Mills. 443-544-7100.
mcdonogh.org.
McDonogh offers extensive summer programs for ages 4-17, including traditional day camps, arts and academic experiences, STEM-centric camps, and day and overnight sports clinics. Camps utilize the school’s many facilities including riding rings, fishing ponds, an arts center. Check their website for lineup of 2026 camps.

MERCY HIGH SCHOOL’S “MAGICAL SUMMER”
1300 E. Northern Pkwy. 410-433-8800.
mercyhighschool.com/a-magical-summer-at-mercy
Mercy provides summer enrichment for 6-9 grade girls. Campers will be coached and instructed by Mercy faculty and coaches, area professionals, and Mercy Girl athletes and artists. Basketball camp (June 15-18) is open to all levels; at dance camp (June 22-26) students hone technique in ballet, modern dance, hip hop, and more; field hockey (June 22-25) offers skills building and full-field games. There are two sessions of volleyball camp (July 6-9 and 13-16), as well as cheer and soccer camps.

MICA SUMMER ART CAMP
1300 W. Mt. Royal Ave. 410-225-2219.
Mica.edu/artcamp.
Have a budding artist? Then the art camp at Maryland Institute College of Art may be just the place for your camper this summer. Camp is open to children in grades K-12. Sessions run June 22-August 7. Check the website for more details.

NOTCHCLIFF NATURE PROGRAMS
11630 Glen Arm Rd., Glen Arm. 443-233-0707.
naturalcommunity.org/summer
Children ages 3 to 5 and 5 to 10 will explore forests and fields, make seasonal discoveries, meet new friends, and create nature arts and handcrafts. These drop-off classes are held outdoors, rain or shine, Monday through Friday. Nine weeks to choose from, June 15 – August 10.

THE PEABODY PREPARATORY OF THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
21 E Mt. Vernon Place. (667) 208-6640.
peabody.jhu.edu/prepsummer.
Baltimore’s premier community school for the performing arts offers specialty summer programs in music and dance for students of all ages and experience levels. Programs span cross-departmental studies, dance, guitar, piano, and strings. 2026 highlights include the Hip Hop Intensive, Summer Guitar Intensive, Peabody Piano Week, and Youth Piano Week. Summer session runs from June 20–August 8. Full details online.

THE PARK SCHOOL OF BALTIMORE –– PARK CAMPS
2425 Old Court Rd. 410-339-7070.
parkschool.net/park-camps.
Park’s experienced staff welcomes children ages 3 .–15 for exciting summer activities hosted on its 100-acre
campus. In addition to traditional day camp activities, age-specific camps offer sports and games, nature exploration,
and music and movement. Sessions run June 9-August 21.

RED BARN RANCH
175 Klees Mill Rd., Sykesville. 301-933-6888.
redbarnranch.com.
This traditional day camp is open to kids in K-6 grades. Campers engage in arts and crafts, science, sports—even high ropes! Before and after care are available. Sessions run June 15-August 21.

SCIENCE GUYS OF BALTIMORE
Multiple locations. 443-436-2663.
scienceguysofbaltimore.com/summercamp.
With over 20 years of experience, this team of passionate educators and performers has mastered the art of turning science into an adventure. The Science Guys Summer Day camps are packed full of science experiments that support STEM learning. There are over ten different science camp themes to choose from. Visit the website for locations, sessions, and more.

SCHOOL OF ROCK PIKESVILLE
1848 Reisterstown Rd., Pikesville. 410-914-7050.
pikesville.schoolofrock.com.
Campers ages 5-18 dive into a week of intensive rehearsals, music theory, and instrument workshops, culminating in a live rock performance at the end of the week. All instructors are professional musicians. Full-day sessions are available with options for beginners to advanced players. To find out more (including information on half-day options) visit the website or call.

SUMMER AT CATHOLIC HIGH
2800 Edison Highway. 410-732-6200.
Thecatholichighschool.org.
The Catholic High School of Baltimore offers summer workshops for rising 6th-9th grade girls to sample Catholic High’s academic and athletic programs. Summer offerings include: art, dance, instrumental music, theatre, vocal music, HSPT prep, sports, and STEM. Sessions run June 15-18 and August 3-7.

SUMMER AT GARRISON FOREST
300 Garrison Forest Rd., Owings Mills. 410-559-3433.
gfs.org/summer.
Summer at Garrison Forest has extensive program options, including traditional day camps, specialty camps, equestrian camps, and overnight programs. Campers can play nearly every sport, including riding and polo, enjoy arts programs, make STEM discoveries, learn to cook, and more. Before and after care, lunch, and combo camp packages available. Located on the school’s 110-acre campus. Session run June 15-August 7 for kids ages 3-17.

SUMMER NATURE CAMP AT IRVINE
11201 Garrison Forest Rd., Owings Mills. 443-738.9200.
explorenature.org/summercamp.
Campers learn about nature in Maryland by exploring and playing in the outdoors at the Center’s 211-acre campus. Led by professional educators, offering different themed programs weekly, no two sessions are alike. Irvine Summer Nature Camp runs weeklong day camps
from June 15-August 21. Full-day and half-day options available for ages 8-mos. (plus caregiver) to 12.

SUMMER CAMP AT THE ODYSSEY SCHOOL
3257 Bridle Ridge Ln., Lutherville. 410-580-5551.
theodysseyschool.org.
Odyssey offers a specialized summer program for children with language learning differences in grades K-5.
The camp incorporates an individualized, structured academic experience in the mornings, designed to promote ongoing skill development in the areas of reading, written language, and math, followed by afternoons of outdoor activities and athletics. Full and half day options. June 22-July 24.

SUMMER AT THE ST. PAUL’S SCHOOLS
111232 Falls Rd., Brooklandville. 443-632-1083.
stpaulsmd.org/summer.
The St. Paul’s Schools offer a range of co-ed and single gender programs for children ages 4-16, including Gatorland Day Camp, sports, arts, cooking, and babysitting training. Summer sessions run June 8-August 28.

UMBC SUMMER ENRICHMENT ACADEMY
1000 Hilltop Circle. instituteofextendedlearning.
umbc.edu/summer-enrichment-academy/highschool-summer-programs
These weeklong in-person and online programs for rising 9th graders through 12th graders allow students to explore topics like cybersecurity, electrical engineering, financial literacy, chess, and more. June 22-July 31.