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Best Summer Camps for Teens in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

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3/2/25 - By Jennifer Swope

If you feel your teenager has outgrown camp, the variety of summer camps for teens throughout the DC area may convince you otherwise. There are summer day camps in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia that will keep teens busy all summer long no matter their interests. These teen summer camps include all sorts of big-kid activities like sports, coding and robotics, theater, art, and so much more.

Here are 15 summer camps for teens in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Bookmark our local Summer Camp Guide for more options for summer camps near DC, and peruse our full Camp Directory for more summer camps to fit any budget and interest. 

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Model UN camp prepares tweens and teens to be the next global leaders. Photo courtesy of the Model United Nations Institute Summer Camp
Model UN camp prepares tweens and teens to be the next global leaders. Photo courtesy of the Model United Nations Institute Summer Camp

Top Global, Art, & STEM Summer Camps for Teens Near DC

Model United Nations Institute Summer Camp

Washington, DC
Tweens and teens ages 11-17 step into the shoes of global leaders, tackle pressing issues, enhance their public speaking and debate skills, get personalized feedback from mentors, and gain confidence at Model UN Camp. Both day and overnight camps are held at Georgetown University. Campers experience dynamic simulations on US and global topics, public speaking and improv games, trivia, and social activities. The MUN Institute’s vibrant atmosphere, filled with flags and positive energy, inspires young people to debate diplomatically in a polarized society and change the world. READ MORE

iD Tech Summer Camps in the DC Area

Washington, DC
Arlington & Fairfax, VA
College Park & Towson, MD
iD Tech offers weeklong tech camps all summer long for ages 7-17. Whether your student wants to dive into coding, AI, machine learning, film, robotics, or game design, iD Tech aims to bring the magic of camp to them. The camps at American University in DC and the University of Marlyand - College Park over an overnight option.  READ MORE

Summer Camp at the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington

Arlington, VA
Campers ages 5-18 explore the visual arts through projects in 2D and 3D media while learning about new and different artistic techniques and contemporary artists. At MoCA Arlington, campers explore the museum galleries and create works inspired by what they see. At Marymount University’s main campus, they use the university's art studios. READ MORE

Ancestral Knowledge

Greenbelt, MD
Through day camps (ages 7-17) and Wilderness Experience & Earthskills overnight camps (ages 12-17), Ancestral Knowledge offers programming in a wide range of topics including earth-based living skills, nature awareness, primitive technology, and wilderness survival. Campers do things like build a friction fire kit and survival shelter, learn ancient navigational skills, cook over a campfire, do archery, make stone tools, fish, and more. READ MORE

Game Camp Nation - Herndon, VA

Herndon, VA
Campers turn video game ideas into reality at Game Camp Nation, which offers both in-person summer day camps and overnight camps for aspiring game designers, programmers, and artists of all skill levels. The overnight camps, for ages 9-19, take place at the Homewood Suites by Hilton. READ MORE

Artworks

Bethesda, MD
Artworks offers drawing and painting classes for kids and teens ages 6-12 and 13-17 at its three locations in Bethesda, Potomac, and Falls Church. There are also full-day (9am-3pm) summer and school-break camps. Kids' camps for ages 6-12 are offered in all three locations, and teen camps for ages 12-17 are available in the Bethesda location. All staff members are fully trained in childhood education and/or fine arts.  READ MORE

Arts Barn Summer Camps

Gaithersburg, MD
Arts Barn offers a variety of summer camps for kids and teens ages 7-16. Camps focus on various arts such as theater, 2-D and 3-D artwork, painting, clay, and more.  READ MORE

Mason Community Arts Academy

Fairfax, VA
George Mason University offers enriching and inclusive summer camps, programs, and workshops focused on both artistry and skill-building in the areas of music, acting and theater, visual art, film, and video for ages 4-18. READ MORE

Top Sports Summer Camps for Teens Near DC

Capital Badminton Academy Summer Camp

Columbia & Gaithersburg, MD
Kids ages 7-17 can learn new badminton techniques and strategy at the Capital Badminton Academy. Full- and half-day camp programs are available. READ MORE

Nike Tennis Camp at George Washington University

Washington, DC
This tennis camp combines technical instruction and drill training from top tennis coaches with fun match play and activities. There are full-day and half-day options for kids ages 6-17 of all skill levels. READ MORE

Coach Wootten's Basketball Camp at The St. James

Springfield, VA
Campers ages 7-16 experience five high-intensity days of skills clinics and competitions, plus personal attention from professional coaches. Campers participate in an NCAA-style tournament and leave with a personal report card analyzing their skills and an individual workout program. READ MORE
Summer@Potomac's camp offerings include financial literacy, sports, sewing, and more. Photo courtesy of Summer@Potomac
Summer@Potomac's camp offerings include financial literacy, sports, sewing, and more. Photo courtesy of Summer@Potomac

Top General Summer Camps for Teens Near DC

Summer@Potomac

McLean, VA
With core values of courage, integrity, humility, perseverance, and respect, Summer@Potomac offers programs that aim to invigorate and challenge campers in grades K-10 and to help them continue to grow into confident, compassionate, and curious individuals. Potomac offers traditional and specialized camps including technology, sports, financial literacy, musical theater, sewing, nature, and more. Set on a 90-acre campus, campers will enjoy pools, playgrounds, sports fields, and indoor spaces. READ MORE

Sidwell Summer

Washington, DC & Bethesda, MD
Spanning both the DC and Bethesda campuses, Sidwell Summer has a camp for kids ages 3-17 of every interest. From sports and STEM to arts and LEGO to traditional day camps, campers will experience an enriching summer consistent with the values of Sidwell Friends School. These values include a commitment to diversity while respecting the individual, the stimulation of intellectual and personal growth, and the building of a summer-camp community. READ MORE

Camp Woodend

Chevy Chase, MD
Camp Woodend offers day and overnight camps for campers in kindergarten through 11th grade. With an emphasis on environmental education, Camp Woodend takes place on the 40-acre Woodend Sanctuary. Campers hike, work in the Children's Garden, explore flora and fauna, and participate in traditional camp activities. READ MORE

Landon Summer Camp

Bethesda, MD
Landon Summer Camp offers traditional day camps as well as specialized sports clinics, academically-focused camps, art workshops, and tech camps for kids ages 4-17. The 75-acre campus features academic buildings, art studios, an auditorium and music rooms, two gymnasiums, technology labs, a 25-yard outdoor pool, five athletic fields and a turf field, 10 tennis courts, and two archery ranges. Landon encourages campers to build their confidence and explore their passions. READ MORE

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About the Author

Jennifer Swope
Jennifer Swope, a DC resident since 2003, transitioned from humanitarian work to freelance editing in 2012 to stay home with her two kids. This shift sparked her passion for finding fun ways to keep them entertained—and inspired her to contribute to Mommy Poppins. When she's not navigating DC's chaos with her kids, she and her husband love watching sports, planning their next trip, and attending concerts. Follow Jennifer on Instagram @jenniferswope.
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