The last bell will ring soon, signaling the start of summer. If you want to keep the gears turning, sign the kiddos up for one of these eight Richmond-area camps. Pro tip: Registrations can fill up quickly, so make sure to sign up as soon as possible.

For the athlete

Core Kids Academy Gymnastics Summer Camp | June-August | $50-$55 per day
There are morning and afternoon sessions for kids ages 3-12, appropriate for complete beginners looking to learn the ropes, or more experienced gymnasts who want to flex their muscles. Los Angeles 2028 is only 1,237 days away.

RockIt Sports | June-August | $315 per week
Open to kids ages 7-13, basketball-specific camps feature expert instruction, drills, and competitions alongside fellow b-ball loving kids. There's also an all sports camp option, where kickball, dodgeball, tag, and other athletic fun await.

For the artsy kid

Greater Richmond School of Music | June-August | $180+
In various locations across our area, GRSM has optons for all types of musicians. From Dr. Seuss singalongs to beginner guitar fundamentals, and musical theater introductions to stringed instrument development, kids ages 4-18 are all invited to hone their skills and grow their musical community.

Virginia Rep's Theater Camp | June-August | $350 for one-week camps, $675 for two-week camps
To be, or not to be among fellow young thespians at a one- or two-week theater camp, that is the question. The answer should be yes if you want your K-12 kid to unleash their theatrical side, guided by seasoned theater teachers for an unforgettable experience.

What are your memories of summer camp? | Photo by Chesterfield Parks and Rec

For the curious learner

Club SciKids Richmond | June-July | $350+
Good luck choosing. Kids through middle school age can explore subjects like paleontology, coding, robotics, space exploration, film production, chemistry, veterinary science, and video game design. Psst: There's a Midlothian location and also one in Henrico.

Richmond Debate Institute's Scholar Camp | July-August | $1,555
The six-night overnight program offers teens 13+ the chance to spend time at VCU's campus alongside academic mentors. With in-depth courses in speech and debate, it might be hard to win an argument with them once they get back home.

Specialty camps

SOAR365 | June-July | $900+
Longtime Virginia nonprofit SOAR365 hosts experiences for children with disabilities, where "fireflies, roasted marshmallows, swimming, arts and craft" await, per the camp website. Heads up: Sessions 3 + 4 are reserved for children, running in late June and early July. Adult-exclusive sessions are hosted outside those times throughout the summer months.

Autism Society of Central Virginia | Dates TBD | $200-$250 per week
With a wide variety of programs for individuals of all ages with autism spectrum disorder, ASCV creates spaces for everyone to create summer camp memories. A sensory rating guide helps build an inclusive environment, and there are guided movement experiences, science experiments, crafts, cooking, and social skills activities for all to enjoy.