Last-Minute Summer Camps

Soon, the final school bell will ring, and the last bus will pull out of the school parking lot to drop off students at home for the last time this school year. Some of these students may find themselves working this summer or visiting family away from home. If neither of these are options for your child this summer, maybe one of the following can occupy their time. These 11 camps are still recruiting young campers, and each offers a unique and rewarding experience that is sure to benefit your child and give them life lessons and memories.

Explo Summer Program:

Boasting three different campuses in Connecticut, Explo, short for Exploration, has been a two- to three-week long summer option for more than 35 years. Your child can take classes that interest them, ranging from politics to improv. When classes are done, there are afternoon and evening activities. explo.org When: Session One: June 30-July 20; Session Two: July 21-Aug. 10. Rates: $5,315 – $5,640

L’Academie de Cuisine:

If your child always wants to help in the kitchen, the L’Academie de Cuisine offers week-long day camps. Classes are divided into children and teens, and classes for both age groups offer delicious options such as Tour of Italy. Sign-ups are available up to the first day of class, but classes are small making spots limited. Kids eat all they create. Week-long camps starting June 17 through 21 until Aug. 12-16. Two teen evening classes, July 9 and 10; Aug. 13 and 14. Rates: $405 for week; $175 for evening.

Washington International School:

WIS has specialty camps for ages 3-10 including a workshop balanced with sports and games. There are also language camps for ages 3-10 or 7-12. Language options are Chinese, French and Spanish. Extended day care available. www.wis.edu; Where: Washington International School (1690 36th Street NW, Washington DC 20007) When: Week-long sessions, beginning June 24 until Aug. 05. Rates: $200-$395

Headfirst Summer Camps:

With options for kids from ages 3 ½ to 12, and a variety of sport and education camps, there is sure to be a fit for your child. www.headfirstcamps.com; 202-625-1921. Where: Mater Dei School or St. Albans School When: Sessions running from June 10 to Aug. 19. Rates: $125-$439

Digital Media Academy:

Kids ages 6-11 can enjoy day camps, and 12-17 aged teens can take a one or two-week long course, staying either just during the day or overnight at GWU. Topics include filmmaking, photography and music production. www.digitalmediaacademy.org; Where: George Washington University Campus When: One-Week or Two-Week (ages 13-17 only) sessions July 8-12, July 15-19, July 22-26, and July 29-Aug. 2. Rates: $695-$3015

Smithsonian Summer Camp:

The 44th year of Summer Camp at the Smithsonian features camps for grades K-9 at the Smithsonian Institution. www.smithsonianassociates.org/camp; Where: S. Dillon Ripley Center, Smithsonian Institution When: June 24 – Aug. 16. One week long sessions with both half-day and full-day programs. Rates: Full Day: $185-$428.

D.C. United Summer Camp Series and Striker/GK Camps:

Campers will have the chance to meet a D.C. United first team player each week as they reinforce foundational soccer elements and learn new skills from the pros. D.C. United Training Complex www.dcunited.com/camps/summer; Where: D.C. United Training Complex (2400 East Capitol St., SE, Washington, D.C.) When: June 17-21 until Aug. 12-19; Striker/GK Camp July 8-12; July 29-Aug. 2.

Summer Safari Day Camp Summer Safari:

is available for children entering grades K-7. Campers will explore the lives of animals and take part in projects. www.nationalzoo.si.edu/Education/Camp; Where: Smithsonian National Zoological Park When: June 17 – Aug. 9 Rates: Five-day sessions: $380 members/$475 non-members. Four-day session (July 1-3, 5): $305/$382.

Crime Museum’s (CSI) Camp:

Campers get a hands-on experience in crime investigation. On the final day of camp, campers participate in a mock court trial. www.crimemuseum.org/DC_Summer_Camp; Where: National Museum of Crime & Punishment When: June 17 – June 21; July 15 – July 19 Rates: $275-$475.

Mariner Sailing School:

Campers will learn the rules and skills involved in sailing with a student-to-instructor ratio of 6:1. www.saildc.com; Where: Belle Haven Marina in Alexandria, Va. When: Beginning June 3rd Rates: $200-$480

Washington Performing Arts Society:

These one-week programs are funded in part by the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities. Each program is designed to teach your child confidence in whichever art they are partaking. www.wpas.org/education/kids/spaa; 202-533-1861. Time and location vary by program. ?