We are thrilled to announce that registration for 2025 Charlottesville Day School Summer Camp will officially open to the public on Saturday, February 8th at 8:00 am!
We look forward to seeing all of you this summer!
This summer’s camps are listed below. For summer camp questions please email us at cdssummercamp@charlottesvilledayschool.org
PRESCHOOL CAMPS (2 years -Rising K)
Week 1: Seaside Adventures: A Beach and Seashells Summer Camp
June 9-13
Dive into a week of seaside fun! Little explorers will discover the magic of sandy shores as they hunt for colorful seashells, create whimsical sandcastles, and enjoy hands-on sensory play with sand and water. This camp sparks imagination, builds creativity, and helps develop important fine motor skills—all while having a splashing good time!
Week 2: Creative Kids Camp: Arts & Crafts Extravaganza
June 16–20 (No camp June 19th) (Price will be prorated)
Unleash your child’s imagination in this vibrant, hands-on week of creativity! Little artists will dive into a colorful world of painting, sculpting, and crafting as they explore shapes, textures, and endless possibilities. From masterpieces to keepsakes, your child will delight in creating something truly unique while building a lifelong love for art and self-expression.
Week 3: All Aboard: A Journey Through Planes, Trains, and Boats
June 23–27
Get ready for an exciting adventure! Little travelers will dive into the fascinating world of transportation, exploring everything from chugging trains to soaring planes and sailing boats. With hands-on activities, imaginative play, and plenty of learning, this week is sure to delight and inspire your child’s curiosity. Don’t miss the ride!
Week 4: Red, White, and Fun: Fireworks, Celebrations & Picnics
June 30–July 3 (No camp Friday, July 4th) (Price will be prorated)
Celebrate the joy of summer in this festive 4-day camp! Little ones will craft their own noisemakers and musical instruments, explore picnic traditions with fun activities, and create dazzling firework-inspired art. It’s a week of creativity, laughter, and all the excitement of summertime celebrations wrapped into one!
Week 5: Farmyard Friends and Fun
July 7–11
Bring the farm to life in the classroom! Preschoolers will explore the fascinating world of farm animals through stories, songs, and creative activities. They’ll learn how animals live and grow, discover the sounds they make, and even pretend to be little farmers. It’s a week filled with hands-on fun and exciting lessons about life on the farm!
Week 6: Galaxy Explorers: A Cosmic Adventure
July 14–18
Blast off on a thrilling space adventure! Preschoolers will journey through the stars and beyond as they learn about planets, meteors, and galaxies. From stargazing and spotting shooting stars to exploring space through crafts and games, this week is packed with out-of-this-world fun. Get ready for a cosmic experience that’s sure to spark curiosity and imagination!
Week 7: Safari Adventure: Wild Animals and Creative Exploration
July 21–25
Join us for a wild safari full of discovery! Preschoolers will dive into the fascinating world of animals, learning about different species through games, cards, and observations. They’ll also get creative with animal-themed crafts, bringing their favorite creatures to life while exploring the wonders of nature. It’s a week of hands-on learning and wild fun!
Week 8: Water Wonders: Splash, Create, Explore!
July 28–Aug 1
Dive into a week of watery fun and exploration! Preschoolers will discover the magic of water through exciting hands-on activities like splashing in water tables, creating vibrant water art, tie-dying, fishing, and learning aquatic skills. With each splash, children will build curiosity, teamwork, and creativity, making it the perfect way to cool off and have a blast this summer!
ELEMENTARY CAMPS
Week 1: June 9-13 ($485)
Theater Camp! Seussical– (8:45 – 3:30)
Grades 1st-7th (Mrs. Kelly and Ms. Theresa)
“Oh, the things you can think” when Dr. Seuss’ best-loved characters collide and cavort in an unforgettable musical caper! Join us for this summer’s CDS theater, bringing together the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community, as they are challenged and emerge triumphant! **Please note that 1-2 grade will separate at lunch to do art activities.
Week 2: June 16-20 *No camp Thursday, June 19th
The ARTventure Lab (8:30 – 12:00) (Price will be prorated)
Grades 1st–4th (Ms. Rachel)
This camp offers an exciting, hands-on experience where young artists can explore new ways to create, experiment, and express themselves through art. Whether it’s experimenting with light and shadow or designing interactive art projects, each day is filled with fun, innovation, and creativity as campers use unconventional materials to craft one-of-a-kind masterpieces. From painting with natural materials to sculpting with recycled objects, our campers will dive into a world of artistic discovery. In the ARTventure Lab, we believe that art is not just about the final product—it’s about the process. By the end of the camp, every child will have created unique artwork and have a newfound appreciation for the endless possibilities of creative expression. Join us for an unforgettable week where art and imagination know no bounds!
Week 2: Afternoon Camp (12:00-3:30)
Wonders of the Natural World: Explore Earth’s breathtaking natural wonders!
From the Grand Canyon to the Great Barrier Reef, campers will dive into the science and stories behind Earth’s most magnificent landscapes. Through activities like creating mini volcano models, building 3D coral reefs, and nature scavenger hunts, kids will connect with the awe-inspiring power of our planet.
Week 3: June 23-27
Space Explorers Camp (8:30 – 12:00)
Grades 1st–4th (Ms. Chance)
At Space Explorers Camp, young adventurers will launch into an exciting journey through the cosmos! Campers will explore the mysteries of the universe, from the planets in our solar system to distant galaxies. They’ll engage in many activities to fuel their curiosity about outer space. This camp offers a stellar opportunity to ignite imaginations, inspire future astronauts, and uncover the wonders of the universe. Prepare for a summer that’s out of this world!
Week 3: Afternoon Camp (12:00-3:30)
Around the World in 5 Days: A whirlwind journey across continents!
Campers will visit a new continent each day, learning about its unique cultures, landmarks, and traditions. They’ll create their own passports, craft cultural art, and “taste” regional flavors through fun cooking demos. By week’s end, kids will have a scrapbook of their global adventure!
Week 4: June 30- July 3 (*No camp Friday, July 4th)
Creative Craft Camp! (8:30 – 12:00) (Price will be prorated)
Grades 1st–4th (Ms. Megan)
At Craft Camp, young artists will immerse themselves in a world of imagination and hands-on expression. From painting and clay modeling to fabric art and DIY projects, campers will have the chance to explore different mediums and techniques. With opportunities to create, design, and refine artistic skills, campers will also be having fun and build passion in crafting. This camp is perfect for children who love to craft, experiment, and bring their artistic ideas to life in unique ways. Get ready for a summer where creativity knows no bounds!
Week 4: Afternoon Camp (12:00-3:30)
Amazing Animals and Their Habitats: Discover wildlife and where they roam.
From the savannas of Africa to the rainforests of South America, campers will learn about animals and the ecosystems they call home. They’ll create dioramas of habitats, play interactive games about the food chain, and even spot local wildlife during outdoor exploration!
Week 5: July 7-11
Summer of Sports Camp, All-Star Sports Camp (8:30 – 12)
Grades 1st–4th (Ms.Goodloe and Mr. Malik)
Summer of Sports Camp invites young athletes to dive into the thrilling world of sports and active play. With exciting games, skill-building drills, and team challenges, campers will explore new sports, build confidence, and develop teamwork skills. From friendly competitions to fun-filled activities, every day offers a chance to stay active, make new friends, and celebrate the joy of movement. Get ready for a week packed with energy, growth, and endless fun!
Week 5: Afternoon Camp (12:00-3:30)
Urban Adventures: Cities that shape the world.
Explore the vibrant energy of world-famous cities like Paris, Tokyo, and New York. Campers will build their own model cities, learn how urban spaces work, and solve fun “city puzzles.” Hands-on challenges like designing skyscrapers and mapping transit systems will spark their creativity.
Week 6: July 14-18
Science Seekers Camp, Science Discovery Camp (8:30 – 12)
Grades 1st–4th (Ms. Ellie)
Science Seekers promises an adventure filled week of discovery and hands-on exploration. Through thrilling experiments, interactive challenges, and creative problem-solving activities, young scientists will uncover the mysteries of the natural world, explore the wonders of science, and spark their imaginations. Get ready for an exciting week of exploration where science leads to endless curiosity and innovation!
Week 6: Afternoon Camp (12:00-3:30)
Marvels of Ancient Civilizations: Step back in time to explore ancient worlds.
Travel to ancient Egypt, Greece, China, and beyond! Campers will build pyramids, learn hieroglyphics, design Roman mosaics, and explore ancient inventions that still influence us today. They’ll become archaeologists for the week with hands-on “artifact digs”!
Week 7: July 21-25
Animal Explorers Camp (8:30 – 12:00)
Grades 1st–4th (Ms. Ellie)
Amazing Animal Adventures Camp takes young explorers on a journey to discover the diverse world of wildlife. Through engaging nature walks, interactive lessons, and creative activities, campers will learn about animals from all over the globe, their unique behaviors, and how they adapt to their environments. From studying animal tracks to creating habitats, every day is an adventure in the wild. Get ready for a summer of hands-on learning, where curiosity and conservation come together in the most exciting ways!
Week 7: Afternoon Camp (12:00-3:30)
Protecting Our Planet: Be a global eco-hero!
In the final week, campers will focus on environmental awareness and sustainability. Activities include creating eco-art, learning about renewable energy, and designing solutions to protect endangered ecosystems. Together, they’ll build an inspiring “Future of Our Planet” mural to wrap up their journey.
Week 8: July 28- Aug 1
Bookmaking-Read, Write, Play! (8:30 – 12:00)
Grades 1st–4th (Ms. Kate)
At Bookmaking Camp, campers will bring their stories to life by crafting their own books from start to finish. They’ll explore the world of writing, illustrating, and bookbinding, gaining hands-on experience in creating their very own published work. Whether it’s a picture book, a short story, or a scrapbook, campers will leave with a completed masterpiece to be proud of. This summer, dive into the world of book-making and watch your imagination take shape!
Week 8: Afternoon Camp (12:00-3:30)
Festivals and Celebrations: Celebrate the world’s most vibrant traditions!
End the camp with a global party! Campers will learn about unique festivals from around the world, such as India’s Holi, Brazil’s Carnival, and Japan’s Cherry Blossom Festival. They’ll create colorful crafts, design festive costumes, and even have a mini “camp festival” to showcase what they’ve learned. This week is all about joy, culture, and creativity.
BASKETBALL CAMPS:
Week 6: July 14-18 Basketball Camp (rising 3rd-5th Co-ed)
8:45-12:00 pm ($315)
Week 7: July 21-25 Basketball Camp (rising 6th-8th Co-ed)
8:45-3:30 pm ($460)
Week 8: July 28-Aug 1 Basketball Camp (rising 2nd-4th Co-ed)
8:45-12:00 pm ($315)