Finding the perfect summer camp for teens in Charlottesville can be a game-changer, providing real-world experiences, hands-on learning, leadership opportunities, and new friendships. Whether your teen is interested in STEM, performing arts, outdoor adventure, sports, filmmaking, or leadership development, Charlottesville offers a variety of summer programs designed specifically for middle and high school students.
Attending a teen summer camp not only helps students build confidence and independence but also enhances college applications, explores career interests, and develops valuable life skills. With options ranging from overnight adventure camps to academic and arts-focused day programs, there’s something for every young learner.
Why Summer Camps are Important for Teens
✔️ College & Career Readiness – Many camps offer advanced coursework, hands-on training, and leadership programs that strengthen college applications.
✔️ Skill Development – Teens can refine skills in STEM, sports, performing arts, filmmaking, outdoor survival, and more.
✔️ Social Growth & Teamwork – Camps encourage collaboration, critical thinking, and communication skills while helping teens build lasting friendships.
✔️ Physical & Mental Well-Being – Engaging in sports, outdoor adventures, and creative projects supports overall well-being and boosts self-confidence.
Best Teen Summer Camps in Charlottesville for 2025
1. Camp Friendship – Sports & Equestrian Camps
- Ages: 7–16 (co-ed), 9–16 (girls for equestrian)
- Type: Residential Camp
- Location: Palmyra, VA
- Description: This overnight camp offers horseback riding, adventure sports, and team-building activities. Teens enjoy outdoor exploration while developing leadership and independence in a fun and supportive environment.
- More Info: Camp Friendship
2. DMR Adventures – Performing Arts Camps
- Ages: Varies by program
- Type: Performing Arts Camp
- Location: Charlottesville
- Description: Designed for young actors, singers, and dancers, DMR Adventures offers professional musical theater, acting, and vocal performance training with industry professionals.
- More Info: DMR Adventures
3. Fishburne Military School Summer Program
- Ages: Boys in grades 6–12
- Type: Residential Camp
- Location: Waynesboro, VA
- Description: This military-style summer leadership camp combines academic review, JROTC training, and outdoor activities, helping teens build discipline, confidence, and teamwork skills.
- More Info: Fishburne Military School Summer Program
4. Light House Studio – Filmmaking Camp
- Ages: Varies by program
- Type: Film Production Camp
- Location: Charlottesville
- Description: Budding filmmakers can learn screenwriting, directing, cinematography, and editing through hands-on workshops and project-based learning, creating their own short films.
- More Info: Light House Studio
5. Miller School of Albemarle – Summer Programs
- Ages: Varies by program
- Type: Day and Residential Camps
- Location: Charlottesville
- Description: Miller School offers college-prep academic programs, outdoor adventure, and sports training, giving students hands-on experiences in a challenging yet supportive environment.
- More Info: Miller School of Albemarle
6. Oakland School Summer Camp
- Ages: 6–15
- Type: Day and Boarding Camp
- Location: Troy, VA
- Description: This five-week program blends academics with summer fun, making it ideal for students with ADHD, dyslexia, or learning differences who want to improve reading, writing, and math skills while enjoying outdoor activities.
- More Info: Oakland School Summer Camp
7. SOCA (Soccer Organization of Charlottesville-Albemarle) Summer Camps
- Ages: Elementary, tweens, teens
- Type: Day Camp
- Location: Charlottesville
- Description: Charlottesville’s top competitive soccer training camp provides technical skill-building, game strategy lessons, and team development with expert coaching.
- More Info: SOCA Summer Camps
8. STEAM Discovery Academy Summer Programs
- Ages: Grades K–8
- Type: Day Camp
- Location: Charlottesville
- Description: Focusing on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, STEAM Discovery Academy gives students hands-on experience with robotics, coding, and creative problem-solving projects.
- More Info: STEAM Discovery Academy
9. Tandem Friends School Spectrum Summer Programs
- Ages: Varies by program
- Type: Day Camp
- Location: Charlottesville
- Description: Tandem Friends School’s Spectrum Summer Programs include academic and arts courses, encouraging teens to explore new interests, develop creativity, and build confidence.
- More Info: Tandem Friends School Spectrum Programs
10. Virginia Outside – Fishing and Outdoor Adventure Camps
- Ages: 6–15
- Type: Day and Overnight Camps
- Location: Various locations in Virginia
- Description: Teens who love the outdoors can participate in fishing, kayaking, tubing, and wilderness survival skills, all while exploring Virginia’s lakes and rivers.
- More Info: Virginia Outside
11. YMCA Summer Camp Programs – eXtreme Teen Camp
- Ages: 13–15
- Type: Day Camp
- Location: Charlottesville
- Description: Designed for older kids, this high-energy leadership camp includes outdoor adventure, team-building activities, and service projects, helping teens develop responsibility, teamwork, and confidence.
- More Info: YMCA Summer Camps
Find the Best Summer Camp for Your Teen in Charlottesville
Whether your teen is building a resume for college, exploring a creative passion, or seeking outdoor adventure, Charlottesville’s best summer camps for teens provide incredible opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. Explore more camps here and parents of teens may also want to reviewexpert tips on college readiness.
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 or monthly updates. And remember to support the great local partners who strengthen our community.
Spotlight on VirginiaSummerCamp.com: Great Overnight Camps in Neighboring States
Many Virginia families also consider high-quality sleepaway camps in the surrounding region—especially for older campers seeking specialty tracks or longer residential sessions. Here’s an overview of nearby destinations worth exploring:
West Virginia (WVA)
Mountain camps in West Virginia offer exceptional whitewater, hiking, rafting, and wilderness programs. The Allegheny Highlands and Monongahela National Forest create an unforgettable backdrop for outdoor-loving kids.
North Carolina (NC)
North Carolina is home to some of the most established overnight camps in the Southeast. Families often choose North Carolina summer programs for their strong adventure courses, equestrian facilities, and multi-week traditions.
Pennsylvania (PA)
Pennsylvania’s residential camps include a long history of music programs, leadership tracks, sports intensives, and all-girls or all-boys traditions. Many PA camps draw campers from across the Mid-Atlantic thanks to their strong mentorship and alumni culture.
Maryland (MD)
MD offers accessible overnight camps for families wanting a shorter drive. Programs range from Chesapeake Bay marine science camps to arts, sports, and outdoor adventures in the Catoctin Mountains.
If you plan to look beyond Virginia, use the same criteria—safety, philosophy, staff, environment, and session length—to compare programs in these bordering states.
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.