Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Virginia

Best for: Affordable community-based after-school option
Ages Served: 5–18
Program Dates: June 1 – July 31, 2026
Location: Cherry Avenue Boys & Girls Club
Transportation: Yes, accepts students after summer school
Cost: $35/year (K–5) | $15/year (6–12) | Sliding scale available
Notes for Families: Low-cost option with academic, wellness, and leadership programming.
Contact: Jelani Simpson | jsimpson@bgclubcva.org

Charlottesville High School Virtual Summer Academy

DATES: June 8th – July 23rd, 2026

• COURSES:
• Health and PE 09 (1 credit)
• Health and PE 10 (1 credit) includes Driver Education
• Econ & Personal Finance (1 credit)

ONLINE REGISTRATION 
April 13th – May 29th, 2026

COURSE ORIENTATIONS 
Current CMS and CHS students will have an in-person orientation before the end of the school year.* Rising high school students who did not attend Charlottesville City Schools during the 25-26 school year are not eligible to enroll in our summer programming.

TUITION PRICES
Courses: 1 Credit
Full Price: $400
Reduced Lunch: $200
Free Lunch: $25

Overview and Requirements (Virtual Summer Courses)

Virtual Summer Academy is a rigorous program that allows students to earn up to 1 credit. Students are tasked to complete a year’s worth of activity in seven weeks. Therefore, the courses are intensive and demanding. Students will be expected to perform at their maximum level to pass a virtual course.

Virtual Course Expectations:
All virtual summer school courses are 6 weeks in length.
Students should plan to spend approximately 5 hours per school day on learning content and completing course assignments. Physical activity logs must be submitted weekly with proper verification (12 hours per week)
Office hours are available weekly with your instructor for support.

Camp Wildrock

Best for: Nature-based summer experiences focused on outdoor exploration, creativity, and social-emotional development.
Ages Served: 6–10 (multiple weeks) | 11–14 (limited weeks/sold out)
Program Dates: June – August 2026 (week-by-week registration)
Program Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Wildrock (near Charlottesville and Crozet, VA)
Contact: Camp Wildrock
Transportation: Optional round-trip transportation from Crozet (limited availability; additional fee)
Cost: $425/week
Notes for Families: Camp Wildrock emphasizes values of kindness, respect, and care for the natural world, creating a supportive and inclusive environment for children. This is a great option for families looking for a less traditional camp experience centered on outdoor learning and social-emotional growth. Campers should be comfortable spending most of the day outdoors and engaging in group activities. *Partial weeks are prorated.

Community Attention Youth Internship Program (CAYIP)

Best for: Teens and young adults seeking paid summer work experience, mentorship, and career exposure
Ages Served: 14–21 (Charlottesville City residents; see website for full eligibility requirements)
Program Dates: Summer (specific dates vary; check website for current schedule)
Location: Charlottesville (placements with City departments and community partner organizations)
Contact: City of Charlottesville Parks & Recreation Department
Transportation: Varies by placement site (participants may need to arrange transportation)
Cost: This is a paid internship program!!!!! Free (participants are paid through the program)
Notes for Families:
A valuable opportunity for teens and young adults to gain real-world work experience, build job readiness skills, and connect with mentors. Participants are placed with local organizations and take part in both work-based learning and enrichment activities. Early application is recommended due to high interest and limited availability.

Charlottesville Parks & Recreation Summer Camps

Best for: Affordable, full-day summer camps with transportation, meals, and a mix of recreation, enrichment, and field trips
Program Dates: June 15 – July 31, 2026 (varies by camp and week)
Ages Served: 6–12 (camp options vary by age group)
Location: Multiple sites (Carver Recreation Center, Key Recreation Center, Tonsler Park, and other city locations)
Contact: City of Charlottesville Parks & Recreation
Transportation: Provided for Camp Shenandoah and Camp Blue Ridge (limited stops within school districts); not provided for Ultimate Adventure Camp
Cost: $95 per week (City Resident), $160 per week (Non-Resident) | Scholarships available
Notes for Families: These camps are a strong option for families seeking structured, full-day programming with built-in meals and transportation (for most camps) at a relatively low cost. Camps are inclusive and encourage participation from children of all abilities, though students should be able to function in group settings with limited one-on-one support. Spots fill quickly, and some weeks may already have waitlists. *Partial weeks are prorated.

Elements of Peace Summer Program (2026)

Best for: Youth interested in mindfulness, social-emotional development, leadership, and creative expression
Ages Served: 11–15
Program Dates: August 3–7, 2026
Program Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: UVA Contemplative Commons (Charlottesville, VA)
Contact: elementsofpeaceprogram@gmail.com
Transportation: Families must arrange transportation
Cost: ~$500 (partial and full scholarships available; no one turned away due to lack of funds)
Program Highlights:

• Nature immersion and screen-free experiences
• Mindfulness, meditation, and yoga practices
• Creative arts (music, journaling, cultural arts, storytelling)
• Leadership development and peace-building skills
• Community-building and relationship development
• Participants engage in activities like drumming, tea ceremonies, nature art, and reflective practices designed to build self-awareness, emotional resilience, and connection with others. 

Notes for Families: This program offers a unique, reflective alternative to traditional camps, focusing on inner well-being, creativity, and leadership. Youth participate in a structured, screen-free environment designed to help them reset, build confidence, and develop tools for communication, conflict resolution, and personal growth. Spots are limited, and participation requires a full-week commitment.

Empowered Players Summer Camps 2026

Best for: Youth interested in theater, acting, singing, and performing arts with a strong focus on confidence and community
Ages Served: K–12 (varies by camp/session)
Program Dates: Summer 2026 (multiple camp weeks)
Location: Fluvanna County & Charlottesville-area sites (varies by program)
Contact: https://www.empoweredplayers.com
Transportation: Families must arrange transportation
Cost: Free or low-cost (designed to be accessible to all families) 

Program Highlights:

• Acting, singing, and dancing (“triple threat” training) 
• Opportunities to perform in full productions
• Scriptwriting, storytelling, and stagecraft
• Collaborative, team-based creative process
• Strong emphasis on confidence, identity, and belonging

Notes for Families: Empowered Players is a great option for students who enjoy performing, storytelling, or being on stage, or who want to build confidence in a supportive environment. Programs are intentionally accessible and community-centered, making this a strong choice for families looking for low-cost, high-impact arts programming. Many students return year after year and even grow into leadership or mentoring roles.

Light House Studio Summer Film Academy (2026)

Best for: Youth interested in filmmaking, storytelling, and digital media production
Ages Served: Rising 3rd grade – College freshman (grouped by elementary, middle, and high school levels) 
Program Dates: June – August 2026 (1–2 week sessions offered throughout the summer)
Program Time: Typically 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (varies slightly by session) 
Location: Downtown Charlottesville (220 W Market St. & Vinegar Hill Theatre)
Contact: programs@lighthousestudio.org
Transportation: Families must arrange transportation
Cost: Varies by workshop (~$400–$500/week; tuition assistance available) 
Program Highlights:

• Learn screenwriting, cinematography, directing, and video editing
• Work in small teams to create original short films
• Use professional tools (storyboards, scripts, production roles)
• End-of-week red carpet film screening for families
• Opportunities for films to be entered into festivals 

Notes for Families: This is one of the most established and high-quality creative programs in Charlottesville. Camps are organized by age group and experience level, making it accessible for beginners while still challenging for returning students. Tuition assistance is widely available, and students can attend multiple sessions to build skills over the summer.

Music Resource Center (MRC) Summer Camps

Best for: Teens interested in music, creative arts, production, and performance
Ages Served: 6th–12th grade (middle & high school students)
Program Dates: Summer 2026 (multiple weekly camps across ~6 weeks) 
Program Time: Typically 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM (Monday–Friday) 
Location: 105 Ridge St., Charlottesville, VA
Contact: musicresourcecenter@gmail.com | 434-979-5478
Transportation: Families must arrange transportation
Cost: Free for members (membership is sliding scale, starting as low as $1/year; scholarships available) 
Program Highlights:

• Hands-on access to instruments, recording studios, and production tools
• Work with local artists, musicians, and mentors
• Opportunities to record original music
• Collaborative, youth-centered creative environment
• Strong focus on self-expression, identity, and confidence

Piedmont Family YMCA Summer Camps

Best for: Safe, structured summer care and enrichment
Ages Served: 5–15 (varies by program)
Location: Multiple sites in Charlottesville and Greene County
Contact: Piedmont Family YMCA
Transportation: Varies by location (families should confirm when registering)
Cost: Full-Day Camps: ~$235/weekTeen Camps: ~$175/weekSports Camps (Half-Day): ~$85/week Scholarships may be available

Program Option Highlights:

• Cville Exploration Camp (Ages 5–9): Full-day camp focused on creativity, play, and exploration
• Cville Tween Experience Camp (Ages 10–12): Designed for older elementary students with more independence and group activities
• Cville Teen Extreme Camp (Ages 13–15): High-energy camp with field trips, team-building, and social experiences
• Teen CIT Camp (Ages 13–15): Leadership-focused program for teens to build responsibility and job-readiness skills
• Sports Camps (Grades 1–6): Skill-building camps focused on teamwork and physical activity
• Half-Day Camps: Flexible options for families needing shorter schedules
• Adaptive Camps (Ages 6+): Inclusive programming designed for children with diverse needs

Notes for Families: A strong option for families looking for full-day, structured summer programming that combines fun, skill-building, and social development.

University of Virginia (UVA) Summer Programs for High School Students

Best for: High-achieving high school students interested in college-level coursework, academic enrichment, and experiencing university life
Ages Served: Rising 11th & Rising 12th grade (some programs vary)
Location: University of Virginia (Charlottesville, VA)
Cost: Varies by program (financial aid may be available)
Transportation: Families must arrange transportation (housing only provided for select programs like UVA Advance) 

Program Dates (2026):

• Session I: May 18 – June 12
• Session II: June 15 – July 10
• Session III: July 13 – August 6 

Program Highlights:

• Take real college classes and earn credit
• Experience UVA campus life
• Learn from university faculty
• Build college readiness and independence
• Explore specific interests (architecture, languages, etc.)

Notes for Families:

These programs are best suited for students who are academically motivated and ready for a college-level experience. UVA Advance is highly selective and residential, while Summer Session offers more flexibility but requires independence and strong academic readiness. Housing is limited to specific programs, so most students commuting will need local transportation and support.

Virginia Elks Youth Camp (VEYC)

Best for: Affordable overnight camp experience focused on leadership, character, and outdoor adventure
Ages Served: Virginia youth (typically elementary through early high school; confirm with local lodge)
Program Dates: Summer 2026 (varies by session; coordinated through local lodge)
Location: Virginia Elks Youth Camp (statewide program; exact site varies)
Contact: Local Virginia Elks Lodge (or message via Facebook)
Transportation: May be coordinated through local Elks Lodges
Cost: Free or low-cost (many campers are sponsored by local Elks Lodges)

Program Highlights:

• Archery, BBs, swimming, tubing, fishing, and hiking
• Campfires, crafts, music, and team sports
• Leadership development and teamwork activities
• Outdoor education and nature-based skill building

Notes for Families: This is one of the most affordable summer camp options available, with many students attending through local Elks Lodge sponsorships. Families should reach out to a nearby lodge early to inquire about availability, transportation, and application timelines. This is a great option for students who would benefit from a traditional overnight camp experience focused on confidence-building, independence, and community.

Virginia Outside Charlottesville Summer Camps

Best for: Outdoor adventure, skill-building, and hands-on nature experiences (fishing, hiking, paddling)
Ages Served: 6–15 (varies by camp)
Program Dates: Summer 2026 (weekly sessions; registration now open)
Location: Charlottesville area (lakes, rivers, trails, and outdoor sites across Central Virginia)
Contact: Virginia Outside
Transportation: Varies by program (families should confirm details when registering)
Cost: Varies by camp and session
Program Highlights:

• Hands-on outdoor experiences across Charlottesville and surrounding areas
• Skill-building in fishing, paddling, hiking, and environmental awareness
• Opportunities to explore local lakes, rivers, and trails
• Emphasis on confidence-building, curiosity, and teamwork
• Connection to nature through real-world adventure experiences

Notes for Families: Virginia Outside camps are a strong option for students who enjoy active, outdoor experiences and skill-building. Programs take place in natural settings across the region, so families should be prepared for off-site activities and confirm transportation details. These camps are ideal for youth who want a more adventurous and hands-on summer experience.

Write On! Summer Camp for Teen Writers 2026

Best for: High school students interested in creative writing, storytelling, and artistic expression
Ages Served: Rising 9th–12th grade (High School Program) 6-8th (Middle School Program)
Program Dates: July 13–17, 2026
Program Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Monday–Friday)
Location: WriterHouse (508 Dale Avenue, Charlottesville, with local field trips)
Contact: WriterHouse | programs@writerhouse.org | 434-282-6643
Transportation: Families must arrange transportation (includes some local field trips during the week)
Cost: $290
Notes for Families:
WriterHouse is a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting writers of all levels and helping young people develop their voices through storytelling and creative expression. This week-long workshop gives students the opportunity to write across genres—including fiction, poetry, and non-fiction—while learning core writing techniques and receiving feedback in a supportive environment. Students will engage in writing prompts, group discussions, and community-based activities designed to spark creativity and inspiration.