Hate competing for summer camp signup in January? Did you suddenly have the horrifying realization that school’s nearly out and you still need summer child care? Don’t stress! We’re happy to report that there are still plenty of camp slots available in and around Arlington. Here are some cool camps that still have openings.
Movement Climbing Camp
Kids so bored they’re climbing the walls? Let them climb these walls instead. At this rock climbing and fitness camp, kids can get fit, burn energy and learn problem-solving skills. The gym provides all the gear campers need. The day runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for participants ages 6 to 17. It’s $620 a week for members, $675 for non-members. 1235 S. Clark St., Arlington (National Landing)
StringTime
Kids can try a new instrument without getting locked into lessons or a rental contract, or continue playing their current favorite instrument at this music camp with locations in McLean, Alexandria and Burke. Youngsters ages 7 to 12 can learn violin, viola, cello and/or acoustic guitar while they play games, listen to concerts and learn music theory. StringTime provides the instruments and instruction, with all campers performing in an end-of-week concert. (Check out Instagram to see and hear some of the camp performances.) Founded in 2022 by Lourdes de la Peña, StringTime Music boasts instructors who have performed on world-class stages such as Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. The cost is $625 per session, with options for sibling discounts and need-based scholarships. 1205 Dolley Madison Boulevard, McLean; 1801 Russell Road, Alexandria; 9350 Braddock Road, Burke
Pedalheads
Youngsters can move beyond training wheels and gain confidence at Pedalheads, a camp option that’s available all summer long. Instructors help new riders transition to independent riding on their own two-wheeler using a mini course set up outside St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Arlington. Choose a half-day session in the morning or afternoon for $300 per week, or go for the full day for $520 per week. The camp offers before and after care for an additional cost. 4000 Lorcom Lane, Arlington (Cherrydale)
Steve & Kate’s
Still trying to nail down those summer vacation plans? Pre-purchase day passes or a full summer pass for this homegrown camp and you can decide as late as the night before which dates to use. Steve & Kate’s is all about flexibility and will refund passes that aren’t used at the end of the summer. Bonus: You can drop off or pick up at any point during the camp day. Campers choose the activities they want to do and for how long—including options such as stop-motion animation, sewing, coding or water play on inflatable water slides. Special weekly events include performances and workshops. The cost is $129 for single day passes, $114/day for a pack of 15 or more passes, or $3,420 for the whole summer. Alexandria Country Day School, 2400 Russell Road, Alexandria
Arlington Parks and Recreation
County summer camps fill up fast, but many are still available—especially if you’re open to less conventional camp themes. (Pro tip: For a list of what’s open, enter your child’s age and click “hide programs with waitlist.”) Kids can spend a week creating colorful reactions at Experiment in Motion camp, build their own website at Boolean Girl camp or explore robotics at STEM camp. You’ll also find a variety of sports camps with spots to fill, including soccer, basketball, flag football, tennis and pickleball. Prices and locations vary.
Code Ninjas
Parlay your child’s love of technology and gaming into an exciting learning adventure. At Code Ninjas, a team of “Code Senseis” empower kids to gain valuable tech skills while making new friends. Campers can build in Minecraft and Roblox, try out Stop Motion Animation, or build LEGO robots and code them to carry out tasks. Ninjas can also learn web design and how to code using Scratch or Python. The weekly tuition for half-day camps is $275. For a full day of fun, register for both morning and afternoon camps and send the kiddos with a bag lunch. Extended hours available. 4694 King St., Alexandria
MoCA: Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington
There’s still plenty of time to register for art camps for kids ages 5 to 18 with the MoCA. The options include painting, drawing and pottery, plus more offbeat offerings. Young artists can create creatures that slither and squirm at Incredible Insects camp, or an elaborate treasure box and a map to find it in The Treasure Trove camp. Summer camps take place at MoCA Arlington’s Virginia Square and National Landing locations, as well as on Marymount University’s main campus. Campers ages 5-10 can attend full- or half-day, with the option of on-site before and after care for some programs. Prices vary depending on the camp. MoCA, 3550 Wilson Blvd.; MoCA 525 14th St. S.; or Marymount University, 2807 N. Glebe Road, Arlington
NOVA Parks Nature Camps
For children who love being outdoors, take your pick of camps at three different regional parks: Camp Overlook at Arlington’s Potomac Overlook Park, Camp Winkler in Alexandria, or Camp Grow at Meadowlark Botanical Garden in Vienna. There’s still plenty of space for campers ages 5 to 13 in half- and full-day programs that feature small group settings, nature-themed activities, field trips and opportunities to meet live animals. Prices vary by camp. 2845 N. Marcey Road, Arlington; 5400 Roanoke Ave., Alexandria; 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna
Synetic Theater
Registration for Synetic’s camps is ongoing for rising 2nd to 12th graders interested in theater. Each week ($480) brings a fresh world of characters and creative challenges, culminating in a showcase at the end. Older teens can participate in a three-week, full-day intensive workshop culminating a high-energy Shakespeare Revue for $1,200. Gunston Middle School, 2700 S. Lang St., Arlington; and Theater on the Run, 3700 S. Four Mile Run Drive, Arlington
YMCA Arlington
Plug your child’s age into the YMCA’s camp search filter to pull up dozens of camps that still have availability. The current options include gymnastics, sports and traditional summer camps with captivating themes (Under the Big Top, Jungle Safari, It’s a Thingamajig, Water Park Adventures) to keep little ones happy and occupied. The Y also offers a weeklong leadership training camp for counselors in training who can then assist with other camps over the summer. If you need financial assistance or want to help a child in your community, consider making a donation to the nonprofit’s camp scholarship fund. Multiple locations
