Best Summer Camps in Charlottesville for Elementary School Kids

Summer camp is a fantastic way for elementary school kids to stay engaged, explore new interests, and make lifelong memories. Charlottesville offers a diverse range of camps designed specifically for children in grades K-5, covering everything from sports and outdoor adventures to STEM, the arts, and leadership programs.

Enrolling your child in summer camp provides numerous benefits, including social development, teamwork, problem-solving skills, and confidence-building. Whether your child is an aspiring athlete, artist, scientist, or adventurer, there’s a perfect summer camp in Charlottesville waiting for them!

Top Charlottesville Summer Camps for Elementary School Kids

1. ACAC Summer Camp

• Ages: Rising Kindergarten (must be 5 years old by 10/1/2025) through rising 9th graders
• Type: Day Camp
• Location: Charlottesville
• Description: ACAC Summer Camp offers a dynamic and enriching experience with activities including swimming, various sports, arts and crafts, and themed weeks. Led by experienced, CPR-certified counselors, the camp ensures a safe and engaging environment with both indoor and outdoor facilities.
• More Info: ACAC Summer Camp Programs

2. Blue Ridge Boost

• Ages: Rising 1st – 12th graders
• Type: Day Camp
• Location: Charlottesville
• Description: Blue Ridge Boost offers enriching summer camps focusing on robotics, coding, chess, and math. Through teamwork, hands-on activities, and group projects, campers develop critical thinking and communication skills. A typical day includes free play, guided learning sessions, snacks, lunch, and exploration.
• More Info: Blue Ridge Boost

3. Camp Friendship

• Ages: Traditional Camp: 7–16 (co-ed); Equestrian Camp: 9–16 (girls)
• Type: Residential Camp
• Location: Palmyra, VA
• Description: Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Camp Friendship boasts over 35 activities, including adventure sports, aquatics, arts, and horseback riding. The camp encourages exploration and personal growth in a supportive environment, helping campers achieve independence and build meaningful relationships.
• More Info: Camp Friendship

4. Camp Horizons

• Ages: 6–16
• Type: Overnight Camp
• Location: Harrisonburg, VA
• Description: Camp Horizons offers a traditional overnight camp experience with activities including horseback riding, swimming, climbing, and creative arts. This camp is ideal for kids looking to develop independence while making lifelong friends.
• More Info: Camp Horizons

5. Charlottesville Ballet Academy

• Ages: 3 and up
• Type: Day Camp
• Location: Charlottesville
• Description: Charlottesville Ballet Academy offers summer dance camps tailored for young dancers, focusing on ballet, jazz, and creative movement. Programs are designed to inspire confidence and coordination while fostering a love for dance in a fun, welcoming environment.
• More Info: Charlottesville Ballet Academy

6. DMR Adventures

• Ages: Varies by program
• Type: Day Camp
• Location: Charlottesville
• Description: DMR Adventures provides performing arts camps focusing on musical theater, acting, and dance. Programs culminate in live performances, giving campers a chance to build confidence and stage presence.
• More Info: DMR Adventures

7. First Tee – Virginia Blue Ridge

• Ages: 5–18
• Type: Day Camp
• Location: Charlottesville
• Description: First Tee helps kids develop golf skills while learning core values like honesty, perseverance, and sportsmanship. In addition to golf instruction, the camp incorporates character-building activities that foster confidence and leadership.
• More Info: First Tee – Virginia Blue Ridge

8. Free Union Country School

• Ages: 3 and up
• Type: Day Camp
• Location: Free Union, VA
• Description: Free Union Country School’s summer programs focus on creativity, exploration, and outdoor adventure. Young campers participate in hands-on activities such as nature walks, water play, storytelling, and arts and crafts in a relaxed, nurturing environment.
• More Info: Free Union Country School

9. Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Summer Camps

• Ages: Grades K–12
• Type: Day & Overnight Camp Options
• Location: Various locations in Virginia
• Description: Girl Scout camps provide opportunities for adventure, leadership development, and outdoor skills. Activities include hiking, canoeing, arts and crafts, STEM projects, and campfire traditions that encourage personal growth and friendship-building.
• More Info: Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline

10. Oakland School Summer Camp

• Ages: Rising 2nd–8th graders
• Type: Day & Residential Camp
• Location: Keswick, VA
• Description: This specialized camp helps students strengthen reading, writing, and math skills while enjoying horseback riding, swimming, and traditional camp activities. Ideal for kids who need an academic boost while having fun.
• More Info: Oakland School

11. SOCA (Soccer Organization of Charlottesville-Albemarle)

• Ages: Elementary, tweens, teens
• Type: Day Camp
• Location: Charlottesville
• Description: SOCA offers summer soccer camps for all skill levels, promoting teamwork, coordination, and confidence. Players develop technical skills while enjoying fun drills, scrimmages, and team-building activities.
• More Info: SOCA Summer Camps

13. Tandem Friends School Summer Camp

• Ages: Varies by program
• Type: Day Camp
• Location: Charlottesville
• Description: Tandem Friends School offers creative summer programs that include science, arts, and outdoor adventure experiences. Programs emphasize experiential learning, hands-on projects, and community-building in a nurturing environment.
• More Info: Tandem Friends School Summer Camp

14. YMCA Summer Camp Programs

• Ages: 5 and up
• Type: Day Camp
• Location: Charlottesville
• Description: The Piedmont Family YMCA’s summer camps include age-appropriate activities for younger children, including outdoor games, swimming, music, and arts and crafts. These camps are designed to encourage physical activity, teamwork, and confidence-building in a fun and engaging setting.
• More Info: YMCA Summer Day Camps

Find the Right Summer Camp in Virginia

Looking for the perfect summer camp experience? Virginia Summer Camp is your guide to local day camps, sleepaway camps, and more. Don’t forget the parent’s guide to how to plan for camp and all the event details for the popular annual CharlottesvilleFamily KidFest & Camp Expo!

Keep the ideas coming—subscribe to our free CharlottesvilleFamily e-Mag for weekly and monthly updates. And remember to support the great local partners who strengthen our community.

CharlottesvilleFamily Editors are locals who care deeply about family and community. We are almost all parents who serve alongside our readers in the PTO and band boosters, coaching sports teams, helping with school fun fairs, and more. Our insider perspective, combined with great research and expert input from our wonderful CharlottesvilleFamily Advisory Panel, helps us to provide you with trustworthy advice as you raise the next generation of brilliant and compassionate kids.

More state-wide resources from VIRGINIASUMMERCAMP.COM

Traditional Sleepaway Camps
A classic blend of swimming, kayaking, arts and crafts, archery, team games, and campfires.

STEM Camps
Hands-on programs in robotics, engineering, coding, astronomy, and environmental science.

Arts Camps
Music, theater, dance, and visual arts programs where creative kids shine.

Adventure Camps
Rock climbing, ropes courses, paddling, horseback riding, wilderness skills, survival challenges, and mountain exploration.

Sports Camps
Residential coaching in soccer, basketball, tennis, swimming, and more.

Faith-Based Camps
Values-centered overnight programs that focus on leadership, community, and personal growth.