Our award-winning, theme-based camp for tweens ages 11–13. Each offering features a fresh, invigorating theme—such as robotics, journalism, esports, visual arts, and beyond. Boost gives youth the chance to stretch their creativity, develop new skills, and connect with peers who share similar interests.
An inclusion camp experience tailored for youth who benefit from assistance in developmental or cognitive areas. This camp promotes campers to participate fully and confidently. Application and assessment required. Details on DPR Therapeutic Recreation Camps can be found here.
* Boost Camps and Around Town Camps operate on different sessions/weeks
View chart in PDF form, including rates for 50% and 75% reduced rates.
New this year, DPR is partnering with local community-based organizations to offer camps for tweens ages 11-13 at locations outside of the traditional DPR space. These thematic camps range from STEAM to Cultural Arts, allowing your tween to immerse themselves in what they enjoy. DPR Around Town Camps provide youth with the opportunity to either hone skills they already have or test the waters to see if they have a new interest. Each of these camps operates in one four-week session. Registration is through the DPR Summer Camp Lottery. Fees listed below are for the entire 4-week camp.
The Young Health Science Innovators Academy (YHSIA), a four-week, STEAM-based extended summer enrichment program designed to serve 50 District youth ages 11–13. YHSIA will operate Monday through Friday from June 22, 2026 through July 17, 2026, with core program hours from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and optional before-care from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and after-program care from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The program will be delivered at either the University of the District of Columbia or the Thurgood Marshall Service and Heritage Center, both of which provide appropriate, accessible environments for high-quality youth programming.
YHSIA is designed to align with the District’s Recreation for All objectives by offering structured, innovative, and engaging programming that combines health science education, STEAM learning, recreation, and youth development. The program introduces middle-grade youth to foundational health science concepts through hands-on experiments, interactive simulations, collaborative projects, and inquiry-based learning experiences. All instructional content is age-appropriate and intentionally designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and promote critical thinking while reinforcing teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Throughout the four-week experience, participants will explore a range of health science topics, including human body systems, wellness and nutrition, public health, biomedical innovation, health technology, and community health applications. Youth will engage in structured laboratory-style activities, role-based simulations, design challenges, and guided discussions that connect scientific concepts to real-world health issues and everyday life. Recreational and wellness activities are intentionally embedded into the daily schedule to support physical activity, social-emotional development, and overall well-being.
Grooves for Growth is an exciting music technology and wellness program designed specifically to inspire and empower young people. Partnering with industry experts, this hands-on experience teaches students the professional art of DJing, music production, and sound engineering using high-quality equipment. Beyond the music, the program is deeply committed to mental wellness, featuring certified facilitators who integrate social-emotional learning to help youth build deep self-confidence and emotional resilience in a safe, supportive environment.
CIRC Spark Lab: STEAM, Creativity & Leadership Academy is a four-week, full-day extended summer enrichment program designed to serve District youth ages 11–13. The program combines hands-on STEAM learning, digital creativity, leadership development, recreation, aquatics, and arts-integrated experiences in a structured, supportive, and engaging environment.
Operating Monday through Friday, the program introduces middle-grade youth to future-focused learning through interactive STEAM mini-labs, project-based technology activities, digital storytelling, engineering and design challenges, creative arts experiences, and collaborative team projects. Youth participate in small-group learning experiences intentionally designed to build curiosity, confidence, communication, and critical thinking skills while supporting social-emotional development and positive peer interaction.
The program includes hands-on STEAM projects, digital media creation, leadership activities, recreation, aquatics, and weekly themed experiences designed to keep students engaged, active, and inspired throughout the summer.
Program activities may include:
🔬 Hands-on STEAM and engineering projects
🎥 Digital storytelling and media creation
🎨 Arts-integrated workshops in partnership with The Color Well
🧠 Leadership development and team-building activities
🍳 Culinary and life skills experiences
🌱 Gardening and wellness activities
🏀 Recreation, movement, and fitness
🏊 Supervised aquatics experiences
🎤 Student showcases and collaborative presentations
Participants will explore a range of topics including science and innovation, technology and media creation, leadership and teamwork, wellness and life skills, creative problem-solving, and community-based learning. Daily programming also includes recreation, movement, enrichment activities, and supervised aquatics experiences to support physical wellness and healthy youth development.
CIRC Spark Lab is designed to provide youth with a safe and inspiring summer environment that encourages exploration, creativity, leadership, and exposure to new opportunities while helping students build meaningful relationships and future-ready skills. The program culminates in student showcases and collaborative presentations that celebrate learning, teamwork, and innovation.
Positive Directions Through Dance (PDTD) Program, providing free, full-day dance education and holistic youth development for DC youth ages 11–13. The program combines ballet and diverse dance styles—hip hop, African, jazz, Latin, tap, repertory, and creative movement—with arts-integrated academics, mentoring, wellness and mental health support, nutrition education, injury prevention, and leadership development.
Running June 22–July 17, 2026, Monday–Friday, the program is led by professional teaching artists trained in DIW’s Barnes Method, a culturally responsive, evidence-based approach integrating rigorous dance training with academic and social-emotional growth. Fifty students will receive individualized instruction in small classes, participate in creative projects and wellness education, and culminate the experience with community performances reaching approximately 250 audience members. At least 90% of participants are expected to complete the program and demonstrate measurable gains in confidence, artistic skill, academic engagement, health, and readiness for continued education and future pathways.
The Tumaini DC Abstract Expressions + TAAP Program is a four-week, full-day summer experience serving 50 youth ages 11 to 13 that integrates arts-based social and emotional learning (SEL) with creative vocational training to support holistic youth development. Running Monday–Friday at Kramer Middle School in Ward 8, the program is grounded in culturally responsive, trauma-informed practices and is designed to build emotional resilience, leadership, and practical career skills. Students participate in a structured daily schedule that includes Before Care, Abstract Expressions (art-based SEL), TAAP vocational courses in photography, videography, braiding, and basic cosmetology, and After Care. By blending creative expression, hands-on skill-building, and intentional SEL support, the program equips students with the self-regulation, confidence, empathy, and communication skills needed to thrive personally, academically, and professionally.
Excellence Through Opportunity’s DC Bike Academy STEAM Summer Camp is a 4-week, high-quality youth development program that integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) through cycling, mobility engineering, environmental education, and hands-on experiential learning. At ETO's DC Bike Academy, youth don’t just ride bikes—they discover their potential.
Each week, participants ride 40–50 miles across Washington, DC, exploring destinations such as Anacostia Park, the National Mall, the National Zoo, Bladensburg Waterfront Park, and local trails and green spaces. Through guided rides, youth learn how to safely navigate city streets, trails, and bike lanes—gaining independence, confidence, and mobility skills.
Campers participate in: Daily guided rides and skill-building sessions; hands-on bike mechanics and maintenance training; and environmental education and outdoor exploration
- DPR offers camps at over 50 locations throughout DC!
- Signature Camps, such as Little Explorers Camp and Discovery Camp, are our most common offerings and include trips to the pool, field trips, recreational programming, social engagement, and appealing activations!
- Aqua Day Camp takes place at pools and offers daily aquatic theme exposure and instruction as well as water play.
- Boost Camps offer tweens ages 11-13 an enriching summer camp experience.
- Sports Camp focuses on athletics fundamental exposure and movement.
- Performing Arts Camp, STEAM Camp, and Culinary Camp have an extra focus while including all the FUN!
- Therapeutic Recreation Camps are for children with and without disabilities, requiring an assessment before registration.
Before Care and After Care is offered for all camps except Boost Camps. Registration will be available to any registered camper for a nominal fee. If you have secured a space in DPR camp (excluding Boost Camp) and have remitted associated fees, you are guaranteed a space in Before Care and After Care once the fee has been paid.
ON THE FIRST DAY OF EACH SESSION, THESE FORMS MUST BE COMPLETED FOR EACH CAMPER, INCLUDING CAMPERS WHO ATTENDED PREVIOUS CAMP SESSIONS. WE SUGGEST PRINTING AND COMPLETING THE FORMS PRIOR TO DAY ONE FOR EACH SESSION.
All children must be signed in and out of camp daily by a parent or designated adult.
- Children may not leave DPR property with anyone other than the parent/guardian or designated adult on the registration form.
- Anyone designated to pick up a child must be listed on the registration form and must be at least 18 years old.
- Children under the age of 12 may not walk unaccompanied and parent/guardian will be required to sign a consent form to walk unaccompanied. Children 11 and under may NOT arrive/depart unaccompanied.
- Camp starts at 9:00 am and ends at 5:00 pm. Before Care is from 8:00 am to 9:00 am, and After Care is from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
- Parents/guardians picking up a child after the designated time will receive a verbal warning for the first offense, and the second offense will be charged late fees. Parents will be charged $10 for every 15-minute portion per child, based on the program's pick-up times.
- Late fees will be due within three business days. Invoices will be sent via email, and fees can be paid via your DPR account.
- Continued disregard for the pick-up time or failure to pay late pick-up fees can be cause for your child’s termination from the program.
When registering for the DPR Summer Camp lottery, your DPR Accout MUST INCLUDE all immediate family members in ONE HOUSEHOLD ACCOUNT, including any child who is under your legal temporary or permanent custody. Any use of multiple accounts for the same household can be subject to removal from the system and programs. Make sure your adderss and ward are correct in your DPR household account. Check your ward by address here.
- Sessions can be purchased all at once or individually. Camp fees are due in full for all selected sessions at the time of registration.
- Payments must be made online using a credit, debit, or gift card with a Visa, MasterCard, or Discover logo.
- Payment plans are not offered for DPR Summer Camps.
- Qualifying families will receive either a 50% or 75% discount, depending on income level. See reduced rates for more information.
- The deadline to request a refund is June 1, 2026. There is a 10% non-refundable processing fee for all camp registrations. Refunds can be requested by filling out the Refund Request Form. Refund requests are processed within 21 business days after we receive the Refund Request Form. Credit/debit card refunds are usually credited back to the card issued within 14 business days after we process your request form.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided at all camps. Campers are also welcome to bring their own packed lunch, however we are not able to refigerate or microwave any lunches. In an effort to promote healthy eating habits, the following are NOT allowed at camp: red juices, soda, chips, cookies, candy, sunflower seeds, sugary snacks. ABSOLUTELY NO PEANUTS OR PEANUT PRODUCTS
- DPR is not permitted to and cannot administer medications except for prescribed EpiPens. If your child needs medication, please administer it before camp.
- If your child needs to bring an EpiPen or inhaler with them, please notify the staff at your site. The EpiPen and/or inhaler must be taken home each day and cannot remain at the site overnight.
- Parents shall indicate in writing any factors that put a camper at risk for a severe allergic reaction or breathing emergency, and whether the camper carries an EpiPen or inhaler.
- Campers should not bring any prescription medication or over-the-counter medication to camp, including but not limited to allergy pills, pain relief, or cough syrup. Medication is strictly prohibited.
- Reasonable modifications to DPR programs must be requested in writing at least two weeks before the camp begins. This may include a parent or other approved adult coming to the site to administer medication if necessary.
- Please do not send your child to camp if he/she is sick. If your child will be absent from camp because they are sick, please inform the Camp Facilitator that your child will not be at camp that day.
- If your child becomes ill at camp, we will isolate your child in the designated isolation room and notify you to pick up your child immediately. The camp staff must consider the well-being of every child. If your child is sent home with a communicable disease (something that is contagious), he/she may not return to camp without a written note/permission from their doctor. A doctor’s note will be required for conditions such as pink eye, fever, diarrhea, unexplained rashes, ringworm, etc.
- All personal items (clothing, shoes, lunchbox, towels, bags, water bottles, etc.) must be marked with the child’s full name in permanent marker.
- PLEASE DO NOT send your child to camp with the following items: collectible cards, money, expensive jewelry, or any other valuable items.
- NO ELECTRONIC DEVICES. Electronic devices such as iPads, mobile phones, portable gaming consoles, and similar items are prohibited. These items will be confiscated and returned at the conclusion of the day.
- DPR assumes no responsibility for any lost or stolen belongings.
Tennis shoes/sneakers must be worn every day. No Crocs.
Athletic wear and/or loose clothing should always be worn.
The following clothing items are NOT permitted at camp:
- Short shorts
- Skirts or dresses (that are not tennis skirts; please wear shorts underneath)
- Shirts with profanity or negative messages or images
- Halter tops
- Open-toe shoes, sandals, flip flops, Crocs, or wedges
- Bandanas or stocking caps
- Parents will be asked to sign one permission slip at the start of the camp session. This permission slip will cover all trips that will take place during that session.
- The dates and destinations for all trips will be given to you on the first day of camp.
- Please ensure that your child is prepared for the trip (proper attire, lunch, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, etc.).
- If, for any reason, your child cannot participate in the trip, please keep him/her at home. If your child arrives late at camp and misses the bus for the trip, you may need to come and pick them up, as there likely will not be enough staff at the site to supervise your child properly.
- Your child will go swimming at least once a week. Your child will only swim multiple times a day if they are enrolled in the Aqua Day Camp.
- All camp staff are required to get into the water with campers and maintain close proximity to help ensure camper safety. You will get a schedule of swim days on the first day of camp so you can send your child with the proper belongings.
- All children MUST bring a swimsuit and towel on swim days, even if they do not intend to swim. They will not be allowed onto the pool deck without the proper attire. We also recommend sending your child sunblock and footwear to travel to the pool. Water shoes are allowed on deck but not in the water.
- All children must adhere to the pool rules. Any child breaking the rules will risk being excluded from future pool trips.
Below is a typical day for Little Explorers or Discovery campers. Specialty camps and boost camps will have unique schedules but will incorporate many of the same components:
- 9:00 AM Breakfast/Free Play
- 10:00 AM Morning Meeting
- 10:30 AM Games/Sports
- 11:15 AM Exploration
- 12:00 NOON Lunch/Free Play
- 1:00 PM D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything And Read) / rest time
- 1:45 PM Arts and Crafts
- 2:30 PM Games/Sports
- 3:15 PM Choice activity
- 4:30 PM Closing Circle
- 5:00 PM Dismissal
A: The deadline to request a refund is June 1, 2026. There is a 10% non-refundable processing fee for all camp registrations. Refunds can be requested by filling out the Refund Request Form. Refund requests are processed within 21 business days after we receive the Refund Request Form. Credit/debit card refunds are usually credited back to the card issued within 14 business days after we process your request form.
A: Customers have two weeks to make their camp selections. After the lottery registration window has closed, the registration system will randomly select participants from those who have registered.
The DPR summer camp lottery opens on Monday, February 2, 2026, at noon and closes on Monday, February 16, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
Customers will register for up to four (4) choices of camp type and locations per child per camp session. There are four camp sessions.
Registration for the Lottery DOES NOT ensure your camp slot.
After the lottery closes, DPR rosters for each camp will be randomly selected from those who are registered for the lottery. This random selection of camp slots is made entirely and exclusively through our Recreational Management Software System.
Customers will receive their lottery results starting on February 17, 2026, at which time customers will receive an “enrollment offer” via email if they have been selected. In the email, there will be a link to sign on to your DPR account and view the enrollment offers for all children in your household. Customers will then “Accept” or "Reject” the offers for camp placement(s). When a customer accepts an offer for placement, payment is due, the child is enrolled into the camp, and a receipt for that enrollment is emailed to the customer. EACH camp slot and session offered will need to be accepted. If a camp slot is "Rejected," the intended slot will be offered to those on the waitlist that were not originally offered a slot, and the camp slot is no longer available to this original customer. All initial enrollments and payments are due by March 9, 2026.
Those not selected for a camp slot will receive a receipt indicating either "Canceled Non-Winner" or "Waitlist" as a result of lottery process for their selected camp. The receipt STATUS will indicate Enrollment Offered, Waitlist, or Canceled Non-Winner.
A: No. All Lottery registrations have the same chance of being chosen for enrollment. The Lottery will be open for two weeks. This will ensure ultimate equity and fairness in our process. You do NOT need to rush and sign up as soon as it opens, but we recommend you do NOT wait until the last minute to account for any questions or errors.
A: Yes. DPR will employ a system to facilitate siblings attending camp. In the registration process, customers can "Link" sibling registrations within each age bracket so one child will only be accepted if the other is also accepted. The lottery is broken into two age brackets, ages 3-10 and 11-13. Siblings CANNOT be linked if they are not in the same age bracket. Parents can choose to "Link" their children's choices together, or they can choose to NOT link their children, and those children can be separately enrolled in the lottery if having siblings together in camp is not necessary.
Siblings MUST be in the same DPR Household Account. DPR Accounts are accounts for your entire family.
A: Yes, DPR will maintain a waitlist for camps. After the initial run of the lottery is complete and customers who received summer camp offers have accepted and paid for their selections, any available camp slots will be offered to those on the waitlists for each camp and location.
Through this automated process, customers will be notified via email if they are chosen from the waitlist. The email will contain a link to their DPR account, where they can sign in and "Accept" or "Reject" their waitlist offer. If the offer is accepted, the system will require payment to complete enrollment. If the offer is rejected, that camp slot will immediately be offered to the next person on the waitlist for that camp.
When customers move off the waitlist and are offered a camp slot, they will receive a notification email immediately. CUSTOMERS WILL HAVE 72 HOURS FROM THE EXACT TIME OF THE AUTOMATED EMAIL TO ACCEPT A WAITLIST OFFER. To view your spot on the waitlist, please CLICK HERE. It is critical that patrons monitor their emails at this time should they be offered a camp slot. Email communication for camp offers and waitlist updates will come from the email address dcdpr@rectrac.com. Make sure your email in your DPR account is updated and correct so that notifications will come to your inbox. After the waitlist is exhausted for any particular camp, available slots will immediately become available online for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis.
A: No, you must pay for a full two-week session regardless of how many days or weeks you plan to have your child(ren) attend. For example, if you register for a two-week Little Explorers session but your child(ren) can only attend one week, you must pay the full fee to register. We do not prorate our fees.
A: You can cancel at any time; however, to receive a refund (minus the 10% processing fee), a Refund Request Form must be submitted by June 1, 2026.
A: Yes, information on reduced rates and a link to the form can be found here. In order to have enough time for DPR to process all the applications and to be eligible to receive a reduced rate for summer camp, you must submit the reduced rates application by February 2, 2026.
A: Yes, you can apply if you can provide proof of income/assistance. Details and a link to apply for DPR Reduced Rates can be found here. We will accept the following government assistance as your income: TANF Statement, Unemployment Statement, Social Security Benefit Statement, Disability Benefit Statement, Child Support Statement.
