Not everyone wants a traditional summer camp experience. Quality education is personalized, so why shouldn’t summer camps be, as well? And what better time than summer to try out something completely new? Your camper can try circus arts, learn French, master ropes courses, be a ninja warrior, explore queer history and more at these out-of-the-ordinary camps.
High Trek Adventures (Everett)
For the active kid who isn’t excited about competitive sports, High Trek Adventures offers day camps that run Monday–Wednesday. The program is full of vigorous indoor and outdoor activities, such as a high ropes course, zip lines, a climbing wall, laser tag, mini golf, a bouncy obstacle course and, for older kids, archery.
Ages: 7–15
Cost: $350
Seattle Rhythmic Gymnastics (Seattle)
Multilingual coaches teach rhythmic gymnastics during weeklong camps. Campers will learn ballet, ribbon, hoops and tumbling, as well as participate in more traditional camp activities, such as free play and arts and crafts. Only one week of camp in July is offered for each age division.
Ages: 4–11
Cost: $350–$475
Kong Academy (Seattle)
Kong’s wildly popular day camps are held at Seward Park and Carkeek Park. Kids will learn parkour and other fun activities connected through a story. This year, the Carkeek theme will be an Atlantis fantasy, while ninjas will rule at Seward Park. Extended care is available.
Ages: 6–12
Cost: $545
SANCA and Emerald City Trapeze Arts Circus Camps (Seattle)
Campers of all skill levels are introduced to age-appropriate circus and acrobatic skills, including juggling, aerial arts, trampoline, tumbling and tightwire. Circus camps help young people develop physical skills, build confidence and self-esteem, and get physically fit. Full-day camps are offered at both SANCA in Georgetown and Emerald City Trapeze Arts in SoDo, the latter of which will also feature the flying trapeze.
Ages: 6 and older
Cost: $339–$590
Canoe Island French Camp (Orcas Island)
In these two- and three-week sleepaway camps, kids will learn about French culture and speak French with native speakers, along with participating in a multitude of classic camp activities tied to the camp theme. For more information, there is a free open house for new families on June 21. Financial assistance is available.
Ages: 9–16
Cost: $2,800–$4,900
Proud 2 Be Me (Vashon Island)
Camp Fire’s weeklong sleepaway camp focuses on the needs of LGBTQIA2S+ teens. It features gender-inclusive cabins, staff-facilitated discussions about identity and queer history, together with classic camp favorites such as archery, arts and crafts, and more. Campers will find a safe space to try on new names, identities or pronouns. With only one session for middle school and one for high school, early registration is recommended. Tiered pricing and financial aid are available.
Grades: 6–12
Cost: $1,089–$1,289
Nocturnal Camp (Vashon Island)
At Nocturnal Camp, young night owls get a chance to learn about the nighttime world, exploring Camp Sealth through night hikes, astronomy, night photography, night canoeing, night stand-up paddleboarding and more. Nocturnal campers will stay up late each night and sleep in every morning. Tiered pricing and financial aid are available.
Grades: 7–10
Cost: $1,216–$1,416
Summer Filmmaking Camp at MoPOP (Seattle)
Each of three weeklong filmmaking day camps at the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) has a theme: screencraft, with a focus on digital short filmmaking; storycraft for directing and screenwriting; and cinecraft to learn cinematography and editing. Alumni will be invited to join the year-round Teen Filmmaker Lab for free.
Ages: 12–17
Cost: $450
Drag-tastic: The Art of Drag Camp at MoPOP (Seattle)
Self-expression is the theme of this MoPOP camp. Campers learn the history of drag, and get to create their own drag persona, including a name and stage presence. The week ends with a private showcase for families. There are two sessions: July 28–Aug. 1 for ages 12–18 and Aug. 4–8 for ages 14–18. The second is performance focused.
Ages: 12–18
Cost: $420
