Art camps are a fantastic way for young creative minds to explore and refine their artistic talents. Whether your child is curious about theatre, visual arts, crafts, music, or dance, art camps provide an opportunity to develop new skills, make lasting friendships, and gain exposure to various artistic disciplines. As we enter 2025, we’re highlighting a few of the numerous exciting camps to consider for your budding artist this year.
Arts of Great Falls Summer Camps
Date: Various dates available from June-August
Location: Great Falls Village Centre
Details: At the Arts of Great Falls half-day summer camps, students ages 8-18 can choose from a wide variety of classes including hand lettering, character design, drawing, and painting. Arts of Great Falls is known for their mission of promoting, empowering, and enabling artists of all ages and abilities, and providing opportunities to grow through art classes, workshops, and lectures. Students will develop their art skills and be inspired in a creative environment.
Encore Performers Summer Dance Programs
Date: Various dates available in June and July
Location: Encore Performers
Details: Summer at Encore is packed with exciting opportunities for every type of student, from first-time dancers to pre-professional performers. The summer season offers half and full day summer camps for younger dancers, master classes and intensives for experienced dancers, and weekly evening dance classes in all levels and styles. Students ages 4-13 will have an unforgettable time learning from experts and meeting new friends while sharpening their skills before the new school year begins!
FCArts Academy – Winter/Spring
Date: Various dates available from January-April
Location: Falls Church Arts
Details: For personalized art classes for children, check out the FCArts Academy. Professional art instructor Sally Evans teaches a combination of guided and open-ended projects to introduce students to new techniques and materials. Students will learn the basics of art and expand their creativity while learning skills like problem-solving, collaboration, peer encouragement, and art history.
Mason Summer Band Camp
Date: June 16–20, 2025
Location: George Mason University Fairfax Campus, de Laski Performing Arts Building
Details: The Mason Summer Band Camp offers an enriching experience for students in Grades 6–12 with at least two years of playing experience to expand their skills over the summer. Students can participate in large ensembles (Junior and Senior High Bands), instrument-specific breakout sessions, masterclasses, and engaging social activities. Residential students will experience life on the George Mason University campus while day camp students will enjoy various musical opportunities. Registration deadlines are June 1 for the Junior/Senior High Band and May 15 for the residential add-on. A placement video submission is required by June 1.
Mason String Camp
Date: July 28–August 1, 2025
Location: George Mason University Fairfax Campus, deLaski Performing Arts Building
Details: Open to students with at least 2 years of experience, the Mason String Camp is a week-long program designed for middle and high school violin, viola, cello, and bass players. Students will engage in orchestra rehearsals, sectionals, and masterclasses with local music educators, enhancing their creativity and performance abilities. Throughout the week, they will also attend elective classes and interact with George Mason University professors and students. The camp includes lunch at Southside Dining Hall and concludes with a performance in a George Mason venue.
McLean Community Center Camps
Date: Various dates available from June and July
Location: McLean Community Center
Details: Ranging from Shakespeare to Barbieland Dance Camp, McLean Community Center offers a wide variety of camps with your child’s interests and enrichment in mind. MCC offers full-day and half-day onsite programs along with exciting day trips to interesting destinations. These summer camps offer an array of experiences that are sure to be fun and cultivate a love for the arts.
MPA Summer Art Camps
Date: Various dates available from June 23-August 8
Location: McLean Project for the Arts
Details: McLean Project for the Arts’ summer camps are a great way for students to explore art mediums and meet new friends. Ages 6-13 can participate in imaginative week-long sessions with themes ranging from pop art to clay, all taught by experienced classroom art teachers. For students aged 14-18, MPA offers a Counselor in Training Program (CIT), which allows teens to experience working with younger children in a day-camp setting. This program is designed to encourage leadership skills and is ideal for students interested in art, teaching, and developing their leadership style under the supervision of MPA’s master faculty.
Nova Labs MakerSchool
Date: Various dates available
Location: Nova Labs
Details: The Nova Labs Makerschool offers thrilling summer camps for kids ages 6 – 18, featuring hands-on experiences in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math). Led by skilled Maker-Educators, the camps encourage creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving through engaging projects. Campers work together as they explore artistic projects and experiment and develop new skills in a nurturing environment. With options for all skill levels, Makerschool helps each child discover their inner maker while having fun and learning.
Shakespeare Troupe
Date: June 22-August 1, 2025
Location: Traveling Players Studio
Details: Traveling Players’ Shakespeare Troupe offers a unique pre-college theatre experience, identified by the National Endowment for the Arts for its challenging, immersive program. Directed by Jeanne E. Harrison, the program focuses on rigorous acting techniques and technical skills through a professionally directed Shakespearean production. High school students in grades 9–12 will participate in a six-week summer session, culminating in a performance tour across Virginia. The program emphasizes artistic growth, confidence, and leadership for both actors and technicians.
2025 Summer Theatre Adventures
Date: Various dates available from June-August
Location: NextStop Theatre Company
Details: Young thespians will have an unforgettable summer making stories come to life and learning the basics of theater at NextStop Theatre Company. From Shakespeare to Disney’s Descendants, there is a wide variety of camps that are sure to be a great fit for students ranging from 1st to 10th Grade. Enroll by February 28, 2025, for their Early Bird Pricing!
Virginia Ballet Company Fantasy Ballet Camp
Date: Various dates available from June-August
Location: Virginia Ballet Company and School
Details: From Swan Lake to Broadway, VBC’s Fantasy Ballet Camps are designed to capture the creative spirit of younger dancers. The ballet-themed camps allow students ages 3-9 to explore movement in ballet and creativity with themed craft projects, dance games, mini classes, and exposure to the music of classical composers. Each session is structured to provide alternating movement and quiet activities and is unique in the theme and activities presented. Students can enroll in AM, PM, or Full Day sessions for any camp week.
Workhouse Arts Center Camps
Date: Various dates available throughout the year
Location: Workhouse Arts Center
Details: Workhouse Arts Center offers camps throughout the year, ranging from one-week to single-day sessions. Campers can choose from a wide variety of tracks, including visual arts, theater, music, and dance. Designed for various age groups and skill levels, these camps are a great way for students to explore different art mediums in a fun and creative environment with guidance from professionals.
Art camps offer a unique opportunity for children to explore their creative talents and gain valuable life skills in a fun and supportive environment. As you consider your options for 2025, don’t forget to check out ArtsFairfax for additional resources and information on local arts programs and opportunities.
Want to add your camp offering to the list? Email us at info@artsfairfax.org with the subject, “Camp Guide.”