Summer Camp Resources for Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia

The Washington, DC area has some excellent resources for choosing the right camp for your child. Many summer camp programs in the Washington, DC area fill up quickly so you should plan ahead and apply early. Be sure to call the camp to check on availability before sending in your application. To learn about a variety of options, attend a camp fair or find a local camp guide.

Summer Camp Fairs offer parents the opportunity to speak with camp program directors for day camps and sleepaway camps in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. They are usually scheduled in January and February.

Summer Camp Programs at Washington, DC Museums These world-class museums offer summer camp programs to educate and entertain kids during the summer months.

Washington Parent Magazine provides camp guides in their February through April issues. Publications are available at over 1500 locations including Toys R Us, Zany Brainy, Fresh Fields, Borders Books, libraries, and community centers. The camp guide is also available online.

Washington FAMILY Magazine publishes monthly and includes a summer camp guide with day and overnight camps in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia.

Tips on Trips and Camps is a free service that provides expert advice to help parents decide which camp or trip is best for their child or teen. They research camps all over the country and trips around the globe and offer information on hundreds of traditional and specialty overnight camps, travel, study, wilderness, language and cultural immersion for ages 8-18.

Recreation departments run camps at local schools, parks and community centers. Look for their camp guides at libraries and community centers or find them online.

More than 17 branches of the YMCA offer camps specializing in everything from music and drama to non-competitive games and sports.

Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine is a sports magazine that publishes an annual guide of camps in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina.