Choose Your Adventure

Got a future soccer star who wants to level up on their footwork? A budding baker eager to cook up a storm this summer? Or maybe an outdoorsy explorer who just wants to wander in the woods?

Whatever your child’s interests or needs, there’s bound to be a summer camp that fits the bill. Today’s camp offerings go far beyond the campfires, canoes, and rustic cabins of years past, which means that while you can still get the traditional summer camp experience, there’s no shortage of other options for your little—or big—ones to choose from this summer.

Even better, camps today are more focused than ever on providing experiences that help children develop and grow. Though summer camps might once have been thought of as a purely recreational experience, “We now recognize camp is really a critical developmental experience for youth,” says Henry DeHart, interim CEO of the American Camp Association. “It provides an immersive experience and a safe and supportive environment that has measurable impacts.”

Just what are those impacts? Along with helping kids hone specific skills—from perfecting their breaststroke, to putting on a play, to building a better robot—summer camp can also help them develop a sense of independence and belonging, greater social awareness, and teamwork and leadership skills. And camp can be a great place for kids to push past their comfort zone, which builds their confidence and problem-solving ability, says DeHart. “Camps approach the idea of ‘challenge by choice’ by presenting new and exciting opportunities for activities kids have never done and guiding them into building up the courage to try new things,” he says.

Another bonus: “Most camps provide time away from technology,” says DeHart. “That’s really important for parents and we’ve heard from campers that it also can be a stress reliever.”

Today’s camps also have ramped up their efforts to make the experience accessible to every child, pay greater attention to the mental health and wellness needs of campers, and offer more flexible options, including shorter sessions and themed weeks.

But with traditional camps, sports camps, academic camps, themed camps, and even family camp on the table, how do you choose the best option for your child?

“The first place to start is, ‘What are you looking for for your child?’” says DeHart. “Are you looking for the social benefits, the independence, for a specific program emphasis?” Is it a giggles, flag football, jump-in-a-lake sort of summer you’re after? Or are you hoping for a more specialized experience (which, by the way, will still likely include lots of laughs and the chance to burn off steam). Be sure to involve your child in the discussion and consider “stair-stepping” the experience for a hesitant child, starting with day camp before overnight camp, for example.

Once you narrow down the type of experience you’re looking for, focus on quality and safety. Don’t be afraid to take a tour and ask questions, says Ramzi Sifri, director of McDonogh School’s summer camps, which include traditional day camps, arts and academic experiences, and sports clinics for children from age four to 18. “I give about 50 tours throughout the course of the year,” says Sifri. “And I think families who do the research will find a good fit for their child.”

As you explore the options, pay attention to staff-to-camper ratio, leadership team experience, and staff qualifications and training. Consider who will be spending time with your child and how that might affect the experience. McDonogh, for example, stacks its staff with teachers who lean into the camp’s “fun with a purpose” motto to keep summer from feeling too much like school. “That’s why our chess, drone, game development, and STEM camps are very popular,” says Sifri. “They’re secretly academic because [campers] are learning and they might not even realize it.”

A Taste of College Life?

For academically oriented high schoolers, summer can be the perfect time to explore new topics or pursue a subject area of interest in the company of like-minded peers.

Whether they’re interested in algebra, astrophysics, anatomy or another topic, high schoolers can tackle challenging coursework, build their knowledge base, and get a taste of college life through a pre-college program or other academic experience, either online or in person. Some even offer the opportunity to earn college credit.

“There are many choices for high school students wishing to engage academically during the summer,” says Owen Hooper, executive director of Summer at Hopkins, which provides pre-college programs and undergraduate courses for qualified high school students. “Coming out of the pandemic, there’s been an emphasis on providing students even more opportunities to get excited and engage throughout the calendar year, with many new universities coming on board annually to provide new programs.”

Programs may offer hands-on learning in college labs or other facilities and the opportunity for students to explore campus resources, connect with faculty and staff, and get a sense of the type of college environment that might work for them.

* For more information on these specialty camps for high schoolers, look for the camps marked with an asterisk in the guide.

Camp Resource Guide 2025

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, on-site 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. Session runs July 1-26.

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 (with a triple-decker double-barreled water slide), a lake with boats and a 25-foot slide, as well as arts and crafts, ropes course, zip line, and plenty of ballfields and green space for play. Sessions run June 23-August 15.

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 for campers and family respite. Accessible activities include canoeing, kayaking, wall climbing, swimming, nature trails, and indoor games. There is a health center staffed with nurses. Sessions run June 22-August 31.

CAMP HORIZONS
3586 Horizons Way, Harrisonburg, VA. 540-896-7600. camphorizonsva.com.
ACA accredited since 1983, Camp Horizons specializes in sports, outdoors, arts, sciences and technology, aquatics, outdoors, and equestrian activities as well as classic camp traditions. Open to campers ages 6-16. Camp will run June 16-August 17.

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. Activities include archery, pony rides, swimming, tubing, and zip lines. Day and overnight camps are available. Sessions run June 22-August 15.

CAMP ROCK
1605 Cromwell Bridge Rd. Baltimore. 410-665-7461. camprockmd.com.
Camp Rock features up to 11 weeks of adventures. Activities include weekly themes, sports, games, water activities, swimming, a zip line, a ropes course, indoor rock climbing, a giant swing, horsemanship lessons, and time in our large gymnasium. Activities are held on the 34-acre campus. Camp runs from June 9-August 22.

THE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL of BALTIMORE
2800 Edison Hwy. 410-732-6200. thecatholichighschool.org.
This school offers a variety of programs from June-August. For the most up-to-date programs, please visit the website or contact directly for 2025 dates.

CENTER for JEWISH CAMPING
101 W. Mt. Royal Ave. 410-727-4828. livecamp.org.
If you’re looking for a Jewish summer experience perfect for your child, consult the Center for free, unbiased, and personalized guidance for families considering Jewish day or overnight camp. The Center for Jewish Camping is a collaboration between The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore and The Louise D. and Morton J. Macks Center for Jewish Education.

CHESAPEAKE BAY OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL
1900 Eagle Dr. 410-448-1721 utwardboundchesapeake.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.

* COLLEGE SUMMER ACADEMIC PROGRAMS at GETTYSBURG COLLEGE
300 N. Washington St., Gettysburg, PA. 17-337-6300. gettysburg.edu/summercamps.
Gettysburg College offers a variety of academic summer camp opportunities for high school students in grades 10-12. Campers will experience an immersive learning environment, welcoming atmosphere and historic yet contemporary campus setting. Each one-week program is led by subject-matter experts, their very own faculty, staff and students.

COLUMBIA ACADEMY
Five locations in Columbia, Ellicott City, and Fulton. 410-312-7413. columbiaacademy.com.
Every week, elementary and middle school campers explore a new theme. Just a few activities include engaging STEM activities, team-building quests, outdoor water days, and planned weekly virtual field trips and enrichment. To find out more, please visit their website or contact them directly for 2025 dates.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE of BALTIMORE COUNTY
Multiple campus locations. 443-840-2222. ccbcmd.edu/summer-fun
Conveniently located in Cantonsvilles, the CCBC campus hosts a number of summer activities including Camp Heritage, an adventure camp for kids in kindergarten through fifth grade. There are also youth-centered activities offered at the Essex and Owings Mills campuses for kids ages 7-17 covering everything from STEM and academics to cooking, performing arts, and visual arts. Check the website for detailed session information.

GILMAN SUMMER!
5407 Roland Ave. 410-323-3800. gilman.edu/experience/afternoon-summer/gilman-summer.
Enrichment and skill-building programs for kids grades K-12 are designed and taught by Gilman faculty and field experts. Camp experiences include art programs, STEM courses, cooking and music, foreign language, and sports camps as well as Young Scientists, Makerspace, Outdoor Experience, and Nature Explorers camps. To find out more, visit their website or contact them directly for 2025 dates.

GLENELG
12793 Folly Quarter Rd., Ellicott City. 410-531-8600 ext.2157. glenelg.org/summer.
Glenelg offers a variety of camps 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, and campers enrolled in Adventure Camp take off-campus trips for hikes and tour local landmarks like Fort McHenry. Camp runs June 16-July 25.

* GOUCHER COLLEGE YOUNG WRITERS’ CAMP
1021 Dulaney Valley Rd. goucher.edu/gogoucher/summer-camps/writing-workshop
Through this one-week intensive program, students explore fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction with award-winning writers and editors on Goucher’s campus in Towson. June 23-June 27.

HOWARD COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL
8510 High Ridge Rd., Ellicott City. 410-313-2787. hocoarts.org/camp.
This year, campers may select from a wide range of age-appropriate visual and performing arts camps, including Cardboard Creations, dance camp; STEAM, Monster Madness, Tiny Playwrights, and much more. Camps conclude with an exhibit or performance of student work on the last day of each camp session. Programs are open to the public, regardless of residency, for grades K-7. There are full and half-day programs as well as before and after care available. Sessions run June 23-August 22.

* iD TECH CAMP at TOWSON UNIVERSITY
8000 York Rd., Towson. 888-709-8324. idtech.com.
iD Tech offers coding and STEM day camps that blend learning and fun, with the opportunity to explore Towson’s campus. Topics for high schoolers include Python Camp: Intro to Coding & AI, BattleBots Camp: Robotics Engineering with VEX, Game Design and Development 101 with Unreal Engine, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, and more. Sessions start June 16 and run through July 25.

IMAGINATION 101 SUMMER ARTS CAMP
5204 Roland Ave. 410-472-4737. charmcityplayers.com.
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. This year’s performances are The Sponge Bob Musical, Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins Jr., and Beetlejuice Jr. in sessions starting June 16 and ending August 15.

IT’S ALL FUN and GAMES
1810 Valleybrook Dr., Kingsville. 410-879-4460. funandgamescamp.com.
Held on the 20 secluded acres of Valleybrook Country Club, this camp is open to children K-13 looking for old-fashioned fun. Activities include swimming, tennis, nature and science exploration, arts and crafts, field trips and special visitors, and individual and team sports. To find out more, visit their website or contact them directly for 2025 dates.

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 23-August 15.

JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY CENTER for TALENTED YOUTH
5801 Smith Ave., Baltimore. 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 June 22-August 8.

* JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY SUMMER at HOPKINS
3500 San Martin Dr. (Homewood Campus). 667-306-9190. summer.jhu.edu.
Students can attend two-week pre-college programs—living on JHU’s Homewood campus, commuting, or learning online—and earn one college credit in topics that range from medicine to data analytics, to the mathematics of artificial intelligence. Qualified high schoolers can also take in person or online summer term undergraduate courses, earning three to four college credits per course as they study alongside JHU and visiting undergraduates. A new five-week residential Next Generation Scholars Academy allows students to take two undergraduate courses along with a one-credit course designed to guide them through the college decision and admissions process.

MARYVALE
11300 Falls Rd., Lutherville. 410-252-3366. maryvale.com/about-maryvale/events/camps.
Maryvale offers athletics camps led by varsity coaches and esteemed professionals, with a variety of choices in badminton/pickleball, robotics, volleyball, and soccer as well as “Camp Invention” for STEM aficionados. Check the website for complete session information.

MCDANIEL COLLEGE
2 College Hill, Westminster. 410-848-7000. mcdaniel.edu.
McDaniel offers a variety of athletic camps on its scenic campus for various age groups including volleyball, football, field hockey, soccer, softball, and basketball, as well as camps focused on specific aspects of the game like goalie skills. Check website for complete details and session information.

MCDONOGH SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAMS
8600 McDonogh Rd. Owings Mills. 443-544-7100. mcdonogh.org.
McDonogh offers extensive summer programs for ages 4-18, 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—even a rock-climbing tower and ropes course. Check their website for lineup of 2025 camps, dates, and rates.

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 16-August 8. Check the website for more details.

NATIONAL AQUARIUM SUMMER EXPLORERS
501 E. Pratt St. 410-576-3800. aqua.org.
The National Aquarium’s Summer Explorers program offers overnight summer experiences in the field. Guided by the National Aquarium’s expert staff of education specialists, campers explore the world of animal care at the Aquarium and investigate conservation work happening at the aquarium and in the field. Open to grades 6-12. Email [email protected] for sessions and pricing.

* NOTRE DAME COLLEGE of MARYLAND PHARMACY SUMMER CAMP
4701 N. Charles St. 410-532-5545. ndm.edu/colleges-schools/school-pharmacy/pharmacy-camp.
This one-week camp is designed for rising 9th- to 12th-grade students, who learn from School of Pharmacy faculty and explore topics and career paths in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. Students make medications in NDMU’s lab, explore precision medicine and the pharmacists role in research and patient care, learn about medication therapy management, get tips for applying to pharmacy school, and more. On-campus housing lets students get a taste of college residential life. June 23-27.

THE PARK SCHOOL of BALTIMORE–PARK CAMPS
2425 Old Court Rd. 410-339-7070. parkcamps.com.
Park’s experienced staff welcomes children ages 3 ó–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 10-August 1.

THE PEABODY PREPARATORY of the JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
21 East Mount Vernon Place. 667-208-6640. peabody.jhu.edu/prepsummer.
The Peabody Preparatory offers a variety of weeklong specialty music and dance programs designed to provide a fun yet focused opportunity to hone your craft or try something new. Master the piano with Piano at Peabody, explore the world through dance in the Summer Dance Intensive, or further skills in guitar, strings, and chamber music. From chamber music to guitar virtuosity, programs offer extraordinary artistic experiences. Sessions June 20-August 9.

RED BARN RANCH
175 Klees Mill Rd., Sykesville. 301-933-6888. redbarnranch.com.
This traditional day camp is open to kids in K-8 grades. Campers engage in arts and crafts, science, sports—even high ropes. All staff have had FBI and CPS background checks, and have been trained by Kids After Hours and Maryland State Licensed trainers to ensure a safe and fun summer experience. Before and after care are available. To find out more, please visit their website or contact them directly for 2025 dates.

RIVER VALLEY RANCH
4443 Grave Run Rd, Manchester. 443-712-1010. RVRcamps.com.
River Valley Ranch (RVR) has over 70 years of excellence in overnight and day camp summer programs for ages 4-17. Unplugged and unforgettable, RVR is ACA accredited with memorable experiences like ziplining, horseback rides, swimming, teambuilding, mentorship, and so much more on its beautiful 500-acre property.

* STEVENSON UNIVERSITY SUMMER WRITERS’ WORKSHOP
11205 Ted Herget Way, Owings Mills. stevenson.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/english-language-literature/writing-camp.
Open to rising 9th to 12th graders, the high school workshop gives students a week of exploration into fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction, working directly with creative writing faculty. July 7-11.

SUMMER AT GARRISON FOREST
300 Garrison Forest Rd., Owings Mills. 410-559-3433. gfs.org/summer.
Summer at Garrison Forest has extensive program options offered on its 110-acre campus, including traditional day camps, specialty camps, equestrian camps, and overnight programs. Campers can play nearly every sport, including riding and polo, express themselves in an array of arts programs, make STEM discoveries, learn to cook, and more. Before and after care, lunch, and combo camp packages available. Sessions run June 9-August 8.

SUMMER AT JEMICY
11 Celadon Rd., Owings Mills. 410-753-8033. jemicyschool.org/camps.
Summer at Jemicy offers full and half-day programs for students with dyslexia or related language-based learning differences that aim to reinforce/maintain skills and minimize summer learning loss. The Lower School program features small group literacy instruction, language arts, math reinforcement, science-based adventures, and creative recreational activities. The Middle School program offers themed, academic learning adventures (combining language arts and math) as well as woodshop, photography, art, science/technology, field games, and more. June 30-July 25.

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 woodlands, meadows, wetlands and streams of Irvine Nature Center’s 211-acre campus. Campers get up, get active, and get outdoors daily. Led by professional educators, offering different themed programs weekly, no two sessions are alike. Full-day and half-day options available for 2-12 year-olds, with a Counselor in Training program for ages 13-16. Sessions run June 16-August 22.

SUMMER CAMP AT THE ODYSSEY SCHOOL
3257 Bridle Ridge Ln., Lutherville. 410-580-5551. theodysseyschool.org.
The Odyssey School’s camp is a specialized summer program for children with language learning differences in grades 1-8. 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 30-August 1.

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, theater—even mini medical school. Summer sessions run June 9-August 20.

* UMBC SUMMER ENRICHMENT ACADEMY
1000 Hilltop Circle. instituteofextendedlearning.umbc.edu/summer-enrichment-academy/high-school-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 23-August 1.

* UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND TERP YOUNG SCHOLARS
8400 Baltimore Ave., College Park. umd.edu/pre-college-programs/terp-young-scholars.
UMD’s three-week program for rising 10th graders to graduated seniors allows students to earn three college credits as they learn online or on UMD’s College Park campus as commuter students. Topics range from Discovering Architecture to Principles of Python Programming to Introduction to Criminology, and more. July 14-August 1.

MORE TIPS
from DeHart and Sifri:

• Look for accreditation, which signals a camp is engaged in a robust process to help ensure it is safely and professionally run.

• Ask about a camp’s philosophy or approach to the camp experience.

• Consider cost. Camps today often offer financial support for those who need it, which means an otherwise pricey camp might not be out of reach.

• Ask about safety measures, especially around aquatic activities or higher-risk activities like climbing.

• Familiarize yourself with the camp’s policies around refunds and logistics to ensure you’ll have the flexibility you need to make camp work for the whole family.

The American Camp Association has more information about choosing a camp at acacamps.org/parentsfamilies/why-accredited-camps/howchoose-camp-safety-tips.