Summer Camp
Welcome to Capitol Hill Day School Summer Camp 2020!
Summer is right around the corner! Capitol Hill Day School Summer Camp consists of seven one-week sessions, each with a variety of programs for children ages 4 to 14. Session One begins on June 22, and Session Seven ends on August 7.
Here you'll find descriptions of the different sessions offered this summer, divided by grade level. You can read the 2020 Summer Camp Handbook, Summer Camp FAQs, and download the health certificate that needs to be filled out by June 1, 2020. Then hit the registration button to enroll your child in CHDS Summer Camp 2020!
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Njonjo Smith
Director of Auxiliary Programs
nsmith@chds.org
(202) 547-2244
Highlights from Summer Camp 2018
2020 Summer Camp Descriptions
Early Childhood (PreK - K)
- Session 1: June 22 – 26
- Session 2: June 29 – July 2 (Camp closed on July 3)
- Session 3: July 6 - 10
- Session 4: July 13 – 17
- Session 5: July 20 – 24
- Session 6: July 27 – July 31
- Session 7: August 3 – 7
Session 1: June 22 – 26
Early Childhood 1A - All About Animals
This week, campers will have a wonderful time learning about all different kinds of animals! Campers will visit petting zoos, the National Zoo, and even create their own animals. It’s time to get on all fours and come enjoy this camp with all our crazy critters!
Instructor: Aisha Smith
Cost: $390
Early Childhood 1B - Yoga Camp
Did you know that yoga improves physical and mental flexibility, develops physical strength, and emotional resilience? Campers will learn and practice yoga postures as well as relaxation and breath awareness. We will explore what DC has to offer the curious young yogi! Campers will be inspired by some of the animals that yoga poses are named after at the National Zoo, go on walks, explore the beauty of nature, experience the serenity of a yoga studio, and enjoy healthy and delicious snacks that support a yogic lifestyle.
Instructor: Kate MacDonnell
Cost: $390
Early Childhood 1C - Summer-sational!
This camp promises to be five days of fun! Monday will be Creativity Day with arts and crafts projects. Tuesday will be Water Day. Campers will splash, blow bubbles, play and have great fun in water. Wednesday, Field Trip Day, campers will hit the road for more fun. Thursday, campers will be busy preparing for our Camp Gala. Friday is the Camp Gala! All are welcome to join the fun.
Instructor: Cherelle Watkins
Cost: $390
Session 2: June 29 – July 2 (Camp closed on July 3)
Early Childhood 2A - Science Frenzy
Welcome to the world of science! Through experiments, students will ask questions, dig deep to find answers, and most importantly, have fun while doing it! Field Trip: Maryland Science Center.
Instructor: Vanisha Lewis
Cost: $325
Early Childhood 2B - Imitate the Masters
Learn and discuss the Art Masters: Jackson Pollock, Matisse, Paul Klee, Wassily Kandinsky, and Roy Lichtenstein. Campers will draw, paint, cut, and glue to create their own masterpieces, demonstrating different artist techniques. Campers will explore the National Gallery of Art and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden to look at works created by the masters.
Instructor: Irene Kakales
Cost: $325
Early Childhood 2C - The Natural World
Love to be outside? Interested in animals and plants? Then this is the camp for you! Throughout the week, campers will explore many of the natural wonders of DC and beyond. Camp may include trips to the National Zoo, Great Falls Park, and the Baltimore Aquarium.
Instructor: Aisha Smith
Cost: $325
Session 3: July 6 - 10
Early Childhood 3A - Exploring DC
Summer is the time to search, explore, experience, and taste our city — Washington, D.C.! We will visit the Washington Monument, run up the steps of the Supreme Court building, picnic on the Mall, ride the carousel, pose for pictures at our favorite memorials, and so much more!
Instructor: Stacey Farnsworth
Cost: $390
Early Childhood 3B - Wild Kingdom
Campers will go where the wild things live — under rocks and in trees, ponds, and creeks! We will learn about different animal habitats and visit nature centers, zoos, and museums. After these explorations, campers will construct their own habitats.
Instructor: Cherelle Watkins
Cost: $390
Early Childhood 3C - Little Farmers
Campers will learn about eco-friendly farming, what farmers do, and how they take care of the animals on their farms. Campers will take field trips to Watkins Park, Cox Farms, and National Zoo.
Instructor: CaeLa Williams
Cost: $390
Session 4: July 13 – 17
Early Childhood 4A - Creativity Camp
School’s out and it’s time for fun! In Creativity Camp, campers will let their creative genius flow and try their hands at painting murals, tie dyeing, bead-work, and other art projects. Campers will explore and enjoy nature’s beauty at the Botanical Gardens, National Arboretum, and much more.
Instructor: Stacey Farnsworth
Cost: $390
Early Childhood 4B - Storytelling Camp
Storytelling camp is a multimedia art camp meant to nurture the storytelling capabilities and overall creativity of campers. This camp engages campers through music, arts, and crafts, while providing them with the tools to tell their own stories.
Instructor: Nyame-Kye Kondo
Cost: $390
Early Childhood 4C - Chefs On the Hill
Have fun cooking with Niomi! We will mix, stir, chop, pour, bake, decorate, and, of course, taste all week long. If you heard about the concoctions made in last year’s camp, then you know what a “treat” this camp will be! Come join the fun.
Instructor: Niomi Reed
Cost: $410
Session 5: July 20 – 24
Early Childhood 5A - Lego Camp
If you love putting things together, this camp for you! Campers will construct bridges, buildings, and other wonderful creations with Legos.
Instructor: Niomi Reed
Cost: $400
Early Childhood 5B - Playtime Adventures
Each day campers will explore different play centers and swimming pools around the Washington DC metropolitan area. Some of the exciting adventures will include trips to Port Discovery, Badlands, Pump it Up, Watermine, and Harbor Spray Park.
Instructor: CaeLa Williams
Cost: $390
Early Childhood 5C - Natural Builders
If you love putting things together, this is the camp for you! Campers will construct bridges, buildings with a variety of both recycled materials and other resources such as geo-blocks, straws, no-ends, Legos, toothpicks, marshmallows and cardboard pieces to create wonderful structures.
Instructor: Cherelle Watkins
Cost: $390
Session 6: July 27 – July 31
Early Childhood 6A - Art Around the World
Each day, campers will select a different country and explore its culture through food, music, and art. Campers will make creative projects tailored to each country using paper mâché, carbon sketching, painting, and drawing. We will also make delicious foods and play music from various genres. Each day will have a theme tying together the art, food, and music components. On the last day, campers will present an original performance that may include a dance, a play, or a puppet show. Field trips include the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, American History Museum, Art in the Park (a day on the National Mall for an art project), and a pool day.
Instructor: Mattie Sandler
Cost: $390
Early Childhood 6B - Artful Inventions
During this adventurous week, campers will explore the city to learn about interesting shapes and structures to aid in creating new forms of transportation. Campers will keep a daily journal to collect images, draw on location, and later create works inspired by their drawings, including clay models or paintings!
Instructor: Nyame-Kye Kondo
Cost: $390
Early Childhood 6C - Do You See What I Sea Camp
Campers will discover wetlands at Wildlife Preserves Center, and explore the beauty in plants and flowers at the Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Campers will visit zoos, aquariums, and wildlife preserves to explore the great outdoors. Daily adventures will focus on animals, nature, and the environment. Rounding out this fun-filled schedule are games, arts and crafts, science projects, and swimming.
Instructor: Cherelle Watkins
Cost: $390
Session 7: August 3 – 7
Elementary Grade Camps (Grades 1 - 4)
- Session 1: June 22 – 26
- Session 2: June 29 – July 2 (Camp closed on July 3)
- Session 3: July 6 - 10
- Session 4: July 13 – 17
- Session 5: July 20 – 24
- Session 6: July 27 – July 31
- Session 7: August 3 – 7
Session 1: June 22 – 26
Elementary 1D - Out of This World
We're blasting off to outer space this week. Campers will participate in fun activities that explore the solar system, the moon, space travel and all things outer space!
Instructor: Vanisha Lewis
Cost: $390
Elementary 1E -Kicks 4 Kids
In this program, campers will be taught how to optimize tactics such as ball control, dribbling, shooting, and passing. The Soccer Pros staff will put emphasis on proper technique on the field, and provide your child with fun and creative ways to play both individually and on a team. The Soccer Pros staff will also conduct small side games, tournaments, and other fun soccer related activities.
Instructor: Khary Stockton Soccer
Cost: $390
Session 2: June 29 – July 2 (Camp closed on July 3)
Elementary 2D - Safari Through Africa
Campers will spend the week exploring the continent of Africa through art, dance, food, and animals. We will visit the National Zoo to look at animals native to Africa, and take a trip to the Smithsonian Museum of African Art.
Instructor: Megan HK Smith
Cost: $325
Elementary 2E - Chess for Kids
Chess is the best game for teaching concentration, problem solving, and building character. Educators around the world acknowledge that chess is a powerful tool for developing higher thinking skills, creativity, numerical and verbal aptitudes, and memory. If presented properly and at an early age, chess can be used as a tool to improve social skills and build self-confidence.
Instructor: Kenneth Chieu
Cost: $325
Session 3: July 6 - 10
Elementary 3D - Secret Spy School
Have you ever thought about becoming a secret agent? Spy school will be filled with fun activities that put spy skills and street smarts to the test. Field trips include a trip to the International Spy Museum, a lesson in self defense, SkyZone, a ropes course, and more!
Instructor: Vanisha Lewis
Cost: $390
Elementary 3E - Tennis Camp
Whether you want to learn how to play tennis or improve your performance, this camp is for you. Learn the fundamentals, including how to hold the racket correctly, and develop your serve, backhand, and forehand. Campers will have tennis instruction in the mornings at the Garfield Park Tennis Center, and go swimming in the afternoon at a local pool.
Instructor: Niomi Reed
Cost: $390
Session 4: July 13 – 17
Elementary 4D - Artist Adventures: En Plein Air
Campers will be working like the old masters outside in the landscape. They will keep a sketchbook, visit places like the National Arboretum, and conclude the week by making their own canvas painting. We will spend our afternoons cooling off with activities like bowling and trips to the pool.
Instructor: Megan HK Smith
Cost: $390
Elementary 4E - Plant the Future
Campers will learn ways they can develop and sustain our local environments. Throughout the week, campers will visit local farms, urban gardens, and learn about conservation and locally sourced food.
Instructor: Vanisha Lewis
Cost: $390
Session 5: July 20 – 24
Elementary 5D - Basketball Camp
Learn about and practice the fundamentals of basketball through various drills and games. Stations in the morning include ball handling, dribbling, passing, shooting, and agility. Campers will put these skills to use in small sided games and activities. In the afternoons, we’ll take trips to the pool and enjoy a day of mini golf.
Instructor: Andrew Ingram
Cost: $390
Elementary 5E - Crocheting, Knitting and Lanyards Oh My!
Campers will learn everything from crocheting and knitting to weaving and scout knots. Learn from experts and perfect your own craft of choice. Campers will take field trips to Looped Yarn Works, Michael’s Craft Store, and Pentagon Sailing Club.
Instructor: Adia (Dee) Coleman
Cost: $390
Session 6: July 27 – July 31
Elementary 6D - Flag Football
Flag football offers opportunities for lots of fun, as well as the chance to improve individual skills and teamwork. We will work on running with the ball, throwing, catching, and the basics of defense. Lots of play plus developing valuable skills add up to a great time! In the afternoons, we will go swimming and bowling.
Instructor: Robert Robinson
Cost: $390
Elementary 6E - Scrapbooking & Journaling
Love stationary? Dream about Paper Mate flair pens in a variety of colors? Then this is the camp for you. Campers will build their own scrapbook documenting summer experiences and trade journaling practices. Campers will take field trips to Michael’s Craft store and A.C. Moore Arts and Crafts.
Instructor: Adia (Dee) Coleman
Cost: $390
Session 7: August 3 – 7
Middle School Camps (Grades 5 - 8)
- Session 1: June 22 – 26
- Session 2: June 29 – July 2 (Camp closed on July 3)
- Session 3: July 6 - 10
- Session 4: July 13 – 17
- Session 5: July 20 – 24
- Session 6: July 27 – July 31
- Session 7: August 3 – 7
Session 1: June 22 – 26
Upper 1F - Kicks 4 Kids
Campers will learn how to optimize tactics such as ball control, dribbling, shooting, and passing. The Soccer Pros put emphasis on proper technique on the field, and provide your child with fun and creative ways to play both individually and within a team environment. The Soccer Pros staff will conduct small-sided games, tournaments and other fun-related activities.
Instructor: Khary Stockton Soccer
Cost: $390
Session 2: June 29 – July 2 (Camp closed on July 3)
Upper 2F - The Great Escape
Do you love a challenge? If you have ever wanted to create your own scavenger hunt or build an escape room, join us in Escape Rooms and Scavenger Hunts! This camp will challenge your critical thinking skills all while having fun. At the start of the week, campers will participate in scavenger hunts and escape rooms. They will then learn how to build escape rooms and craft exciting and challenging scavenger hunts of their own!
Instructor: Elyon Olranian
Cost: $325
Session 3: July 6 - 10
Session 4: July 13 – 17
Upper 4F - Games Design Lab
Game Lab is a week of unplugged gaming fun brought to you by the game experts of Capitol Hill’s Labyrinth Games & Puzzles! Campers will become mad game scientists as they explore and analyze a wide range of classic and modern strategic games, experiment with game mechanics and components, and stitch together their own Franken game! Campers will present their games to each other, and play test the games created by their new friends. Through it all, we’ll develop important skills like patience, collaboration, and strategic and analytical thinking.
Instructor: Arsenio Burton, Labyrinth Games and Puzzles
Cost: $430
Session 5: July 20 – 24
Upper 5F - Basketball Camp
Learn about and practice the fundamentals of basketball through various drills and games. Stations in the morning include ball handling, dribbling, passing, shooting, and agility. Campers will put these skills to use in small sided games and activities. In the afternoons, we’ll take trips to the pool and enjoy a day of mini golf.
Instructor: Andrew Ingram
Cost: $390
Session 6: July 27 – July 31
Upper 6F - Flag Football
Flag football offers opportunities for lots of fun, as well as the chance to improve individual skills and teamwork. We will work on running with the ball, throwing, catching, and the basics of defense. Lots of play plus developing valuable skills add up to a great time! In the afternoons, we will go swimming and bowling.
Instructor: Robert Robinson
Cost: $390