Best Summer Camps in Charlottesville for Elementary School Kids

Charlottesville Summer Camps for Elementary Students 2026 (Grades K-5) AT A GLANCE

📅 Season: June – August 2026

🎒 Grades: K-5 (ages 5-11)

📍 13+ camps across Charlottesville

💵 $150-$500/week (typical range)

⏰ Options: Half-day, full-day, extended care available

📝 Registration: Opens January-February

Finding the right summer camp for your elementary schooler in Charlottesville means choosing from diverse programs designed specifically for grades K-5—from sports and STEM to arts, outdoor adventures, and specialty programs that keep kids engaged, active, and social during summer break while providing working parents with reliable childcare from June through August. Whether your kindergartener needs a gentle introduction to camp life or your fifth grader is ready for challenging specialty programs, Charlottesville offers age-appropriate activities across every interest. Popular elementary camps fill by early March, so register in January-February for best selection. CAMP

PLANNING TIPS FOR ELEMENTARY PARENTS: – First-time campers (K-1): Start with half-day programs at familiar locations. Working parents: Look for full-day camps (9am-4pm) with extended care options. Younger elementary (K-2): Consider half-day camps or programs with rest time built in. Older elementary (3-5): Week-long specialty camps or intensive programs work well.

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. Albemarle Ballet

• Ages: 3+
• Type: Day Camp
• Location: Charlottesville
• Description: Albemarle Ballet Theatre offers summer camps and classes for dancers of all levels, from young dancers exploring ballet for the first time to dedicated pre-professional students. Half-day camps for ages 3 – 5 include dance instruction, costume decorating, and snack time for a fun, well-rounded experience. 
• More Info: Albemarle Ballet

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 Mathnasium

• Ages: Grades K-12
• Type: Day Camp
• Location: Charlottesville
• Description: Make math a memorable part of your child’s summer by enrolling them in Camp Mathnasium! It’s a fun and engaging way to keep up your child’s love of math or introduce them to how fun it can be. With 10 weeks of fun STEAM activities to choose from, there’s no shortage of math-focused fun for students to partake in. 
• More Info: Camp Mathnasium

5. Charlottesville Ballet Academy

• Ages: 3+
• 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. Charlottesville Blues FC Youth Soccer Camp

• Ages: 5-14
• Type: Day Camp
• Location: Charlottesville
• Description: Charlottesville Blues FC offers four summer camp sessions for kids. Held at Charlottesville High School, where the camps feature grass, turf, lights, shade, and shelter, and focus on improving fundamental soccer skills through top-quality coaching with Blues players, age-appropriate training, and engaging drills. 
• More Info: Charlottesville Blues FC

7. Chatham Hall Summer Camps

• Ages: 9-14
• Type: Residential Camp
• Location: Chatham, VA
• Description: Discover two amazing overnight camp options for girls this summer! InnovatHERS Camp (June 14–19 | Ages 11–14) invites future innovators to explore hands-on STEM experiences.  Turtle Strong Camp (June 7–20 | Ages 9–14) offers high-energy days of sports, teamwork, and adventure that build resilience and independence. 
• More Info: Chatham Hall Summer Camps

8. Cultural Care Au Pair

• Ages: All
• Type: Childcare/Au Pair Services
• Location: Your House!
• Description: A live-in au pair can help make summer transitions smoother and more fun for everyone! Whether you’re searching for a camp alternative, or hoping to have help getting your kids to and from their various clubs and camps, Cultural Care can help you find the right fit for your family.
• More Info: Cultural Care Au Pair

9. 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

10. Double C Ranch

• Ages: 7-13
• Type: Day Camp
• Location: Charlottesville
• Description: Campers build confidence through horseback riding, animal care, and hands-on ranch activities, and sessions are offered in English Riding, Western Riding, and Mounted Games. Double C Ranch emphasizes responsibility, leadership, and connection to nature in a supportive, welcoming environment that encourages campers to learn new skills, make friends, and create lasting memories.
• More Info: Double C Ranch

11. 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

12. The Front Porch Summer Camp 

• Ages: 4-18
• Type: Day Camp
• Location: Charlottesville
• Description: At The Front Porch, our summer camps invite young musicians to sing, move, play, create — and rock. Our imaginative, arts-filled camp for ages 4–7 features music, art, play, and outdoor exploration at IX Art Park. With low student-to-teacher ratios, experienced instructors, and a supportive community atmosphere, our camps help young people develop skills, creativity, and a lifelong love of music.
• More Info: The Front Porch

13. 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

13. Gryphon Gymnastics Summer Camps

• Ages: 3.5+
• Type: Day Camp
• Location: Charlottesville
• Description: Gryphon Gymnastics offers two camp options tailored by age. Their half day Youth Camps (ages 3.5–6) features playful weekly themes exploring the ocean, outer space, and the artic tundra. Their Grade School Camps (ages 6+) run from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM and include two gymnastics classes per day with expert coaches, crafts, parachute, games, table games, and plenty of supervised free time. 
• More Info: Gryphon Gymnastics 

14. International School of Charlottesville Summer Camps

• Ages: 3-8
• Type: Day Camp
• Location: Charlottesville
• Description: Our recreational summer camps will involve Arts and Crafts, Movement and Games, outdoor activities, and, as always, language exposure through fun learning experiences! Children must be 3 years old at the start of camp in order to attend and must be potty trained.
• More Info: International School of Charlottesville

15. Ivy Day Camp

• Ages: Grades 1-4
• Type: Day Camp 
• Location: Charlottesville, VA
• Description: An action-packed week where campers enjoy a daily mix of athletic, artistic, and fun indoor and outdoor activities! Every week, campers will go on a field trip. Last year’s field trips consisted of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Virginia Discovery Museum, and more. Campers also get two snacks a day and a full hot lunch provided by our amazing dining staff! All of this is included in the price of camp.
• More Info: Ivy Day Camp

16. Living Earth School

• Ages: 5-18
• Type: Day Camp & Residential Camp
• Location: Charlottesville, VA
• Description: Living Earth School summer camps invite youth ages 5–18 into immersive, joyful experiences rooted in nature, community, and care. These summer camps reflect the heart of Living Earth School’s year-round programs for youth and adults, blending play, creativity, and mentorship to support confidence, resilience, and a deep connection to the natural world. 
• More Info: Living Earth School

17. Mountaintop Montessori

• Ages: Grades PK-6
• Type: Day Camp
• Location: Charlottesville
• Description: Mountaintop’s 10-acre campus is a green island conveniently located atop Pantops, equipped with playgrounds, gardens, a rabbit hutch, art studio, and a professional kitchen. We offer a variety of exciting day camps for children including nature-based, art camps, drama camps, and more.
• More Info: Mountaintop Montessori

18. 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

19. Saints Summer Camp

• Ages: PK–8th graders
• Type: Day Camp
• Location: Charlottesville, VA
• Description: Saints Summer Camp at St. Anne’s-Belfield offers weeks of exciting, themed morning and afternoon sessions for rising Pre-School through Middle School students. From sports, and arts to STEM, there’s something fun for everyone!
• More Info: Saints Summer Camp

20. 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

22. Tandem Friends School Spectrum Summer Camp

• Ages: Grades 1-9
• 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

23. Virginia Outside / Fishing Adventure

• Ages: 6-15
• Type: Day Camp & Residential Camp
• Location: Charlottesville
• Description:  Virginia Outside believes adventure builds confidence, curiosity, and lifelong skills — and Charlottesville is your playground. Whether it’s casting for bass on a quiet lake, paddling through mountain streams, or discovering local wildlife along a wooded trail, their camp programs have been connecting kids to nature in meaningful, memorable ways for over 15 years.
• More Info: Virginia Outside Summer Camps

24. Wilson School of Dance

• Ages: 3+
• Type: Day Camp
• Location: Charlottesville
• Description: Get dancing this summer! Wilson School of Dance offers a dynamic blend of classes and dance camps for dancers of all ages and skill levels. Participants can explore ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, lyrical, and princess-themed dance sessions, designed to build technique, confidence, and creative expression. 
• More Info: Wilson School of Dance

25. 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. 

CONSIDER YOUR CHILD’S AGE & STAGE WHEN CHOOSING A CAMP:

– Kindergarten – 1st Grade: Half-day camps work best for stamina; choose familiar locations; ensure rest time is included – 2nd – 3rd Grade: Full-day camps with variety; balance of structured activities and choice time – 4th – 5th Grade: Specialty camps focusing on specific interests; more independence; challenge-oriented programs

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE REGISTERING FOR CAMP:

– What’s the camper-to-counselor ratio? – Is there a rest/quiet time for younger campers? – What’s the cancellation/refund policy? – Are extended care hours available (before 9am or after 4pm)? – How do you handle homesickness or behavioral concerns? – Is lunch provided or should we pack it? – Are sibling or early bird discounts available?

REGISTRATION TIMELINE FOR CHARLOTTESVILLE CAMPS:

– January: Research camps, attend KidFest & Camp Expo (if held), create your shortlist – February: Register for popular specialty camps with limited enrollment – March: Final registrations; popular programs may be full or have waitlists – April-May: Receive camp information packets, prepare your child for camp – June-August: Camp season! Many Charlottesville elementary camps offer multi-week discounts, sibling discounts, and flexible scheduling to accommodate working families. Don’t hesitate to contact camp directors directly with questions—they’re experienced in helping first-time camp families navigate the process.

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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.