Herndon Parks & Recreation always has something exciting going on! That’s why they’ve been recognized as one of the Best Summer Camps by Northern Virginia Magazine. Get excited about their summer opportunities — perfect for kids and teens looking to make new friends, learn new skills, and more! 2026 opportunities include:

AQUATICS CAMPS

Teens are invited to dive into leadership, skill-building, and hands-on experience at the Herndon Community Center Pool. Designed for youth ready to take the next step, these Aquatic Camps strengthen swim and water-safety skills while introducing future opportunities in aquatics.

Jun 22-26 & Jul 13-17, 2026
Junior Lifeguard Training
Ages 11-14
Designed for youth interested in becoming lifeguards, this camp will build strong swimming skills while introducing beginner rescue techniques. Participants will learn from experienced instructors and gain insight into lifeguarding responsibilities, developing confidence, responsibility, and aquatic awareness in a supportive setting.

Jun 22-26, 2026
Splash Into Swim Instruction
Ages 12 & Up
Ideal for those interested in becoming swim instructors, this mini-camp will introduce the fundamentals of teaching lessons. Campers will practice core skills used by Water Safety Instructors and assist in live lesson settings, taking an important first step toward aquatics leadership.

COUNSELOR-IN-TRAINING (CIT) CAMPS

Herndon Parks & Rec’s CIT Camps give teens the chance to grow as leaders in a supportive, high-energy camp setting. Whether assisting with tennis instruction or stepping into broader camp leadership roles, participants build responsibility, communication skills, and confidence — all while gaining meaningful, hands-on experience.

Weekly, Jun 22-Aug 21, 2026
Odyssey CIT Program
Ages 13-16
The Odyssey Counselor-in-Training Program will provide teens with hands-on experience in a dynamic camp setting. Participants will shadow counselors and assist with planning and leading activities, building confidence, leadership skills, and practical experience for future roles.

Weekly, Jun 22-Aug 14, 2026
Tennis CIT Programs
Ages 14-15
Herndon Parks & Recreation’s Tennis Counselor-In-Training Program will provide teens with real-world experience assisting at tennis camps. Participants will help run drills and support younger campers while strengthening responsibility, communication skills, and leadership on the court.

DANCE CAMPS

This summer, kids can step into the spotlight with high-energy dance and musical theatre camps that build creativity, confidence, and self-expression. Whether they love to move, sing, or act, there’s a program for every age and experience level — helping them grow on stage and beyond.

Jun 15-18 & Aug 3-7, 2026
Fairy Tale Dance Camp
Ages 3-6
Campers will step into a magical world of stories, singing, dancing, crafts, and a daily Princess of the Day celebration. Young dancers will dress up, build confidence and creativity, and finish the week with a Royal Ball performance for family and friends.

Jul 6-10, 2026
Cheer & Tumble Camp
Ages 6-12
Campers will learn cheer skills, including motions, jumps, tumbling, and dance technique. Grouped by age and ability, participants will build strength and confidence, culminating in a Game Day performance for families.

Jul 13-17, 2026
K-Pop Star & Hip Hop Camp
Ages 5-10
Campers will explore K-pop through age-appropriate hip hop choreography, themed crafts, and games. They’ll build confidence as they learn energetic routines and wrap up the week with a Mini K-POP Concert for family and friends.

Aug 10-14, 2026
Disney Hip Hop Camp
Ages 5-10
Campers will dance to favorite Disney hits in this high-energy camp featuring themed choreography, games, and crafts. The week will conclude with a concert performance for families.

Aug 17-21, 2026
Lights, Camera, Action: Dance & Musical Theater Camp
Ages 6-12
This dynamic camp will blend dance, acting, and singing to build confidence and stage presence. Campers will prepare a family-friendly musical to showcase on the final day.

ODYSSEY CAMPS

Herndon Odyssey Camps offers campers a summer filled with team challenges, crafts, games, swimming, and fun! Weekly field trips — from the Farmer’s Market to water parks and museums — add to the excitement as campers build friendships, confidence, and teamwork skills!

Weekly, Jun 22-Aug 14, 2026
Herndon Odyssey
Ages 6-11
Adventure will begin at Bready Park with this high-energy, primarily outdoor camp filled with team challenges, crafts, games, swimming, and structured activities. Weekly field trips — including local markets, water parks, farms, and museums — will add to the fun as campers build friendships, confidence, and teamwork skills in a supportive setting.
Aug 17-21, 2026

Herndon Odyssey: The Final Countdown
Ages 6-11
Campers will wrap up summer with one final week of Odyssey fun at Bready Park. This limited-enrollment session will offer the same exciting mix of activities and field trips, giving campers an energetic and memorable close to the season.

NATURE CAMPS

Herndon Parks & Rec’s Nature Camps invite campers to explore the outdoors at Runnymede Park through hands-on, themed adventures. As they hike trails, observe wildlife, and participate in interactive science activities, they’ll build confidence, teamwork, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world!

Jun 22-26, 2026
What’s the Buzz?
Ages 5-10
Campers will explore the important role pollinators — from bees to butterflies — play in nature and discover how to help protect them through hands-on outdoor activities.

Jun 29-Jul 2, 2026
Runnymeade Rangers
Ages 5-10
Campers will step into the role of a park ranger while exploring local trails and learning how to protect wildlife and care for community parks through outdoor adventures.

Jul 6-10, 2026
Water Wonders
Ages 5-10
Campers will dive into freshwater ecosystems to discover aquatic species and learn about the balance of life beneath the water’s surface through guided exploration.

Jul 13-17, 2026
Virginia is for Nature Lovers
Ages 5-10
Campers will explore Virginia’s state symbols and native wildlife while building curiosity and a deeper connection to the natural world.

Jul 20-24, 2026
Herndon, a Natural History
Ages 5-10
Campers will discover how Herndon’s landscape has changed over time through outdoor exploration and engaging environmental activities.

Jul 27-31, 2026
Taking Flight
Ages 5-10
Campers will learn how birds and other animals adapt to life in the air as they explore the science of flight through observation and interactive activities.

Aug 3-7, 2026
Branching Out
Ages 5-10
Campers will explore the world of trees and discover how they support wildlife and healthy ecosystems through hands-on investigation.

Aug 10-14, 2026
Jeepers Creepers!
Ages 5-10
Campers will take a closer look at insects and other small creatures as they learn about their unique abilities and important roles in nature.

THEATRE CAMPS

Step into the spotlight this summer with Moonlit Wings Theatre Camps — where creativity, confidence, and collaboration will take center stage! Young performers will sing, act, and dance while building storytelling skills, stage presence, and teamwork in a supportive, energetic environment.

Jul 22-26, 2026
Action! Pop Star Spotlight
Ages 7-14
Lights up, music on! Campers will take center stage, singing and dancing to pop hits. Through improv games, character creation, and a talent show, they’ll build imagination and confidence. All levels are welcome, culminating in a mini-performance for family and friends.

Jul 20-31, 2026
Applause! Movie Musicals Mania
Ages 7-14
Campers will bring beloved movie musicals to life, performing scenes and songs inspired by favorites like Beauty and the Beast and Encanto. Through theatre games and collaboration, they’ll build stage presence and confidence, ending with a mini-performance on the final day.

TINY CHEFS CAMPS

A summer of hands-on cooking adventures awaits culinary creators! Designed to build confidence, creativity, and real-world skills, Tiny Chef camps give kids the chance to explore a variety of recipes, cuisines, and techniques.

Jul 6-10, 2026
The Great Cupcake Showdown
Ages 6-12
Campers will start by mastering baking basics — measuring, mixing, and decorating — then they’ll face off in friendly teams to earn the Best Cupcake title. It will be perfect for beginners and future pastry pros alike.

Jul 27-31, 2026
Chopped!
Ages 6-12
Inspired by the cooking challenge format, campers will prepare meals and adapt to secret ingredients. Creativity and quick thinking will shine as they refine their skills in a fast-paced, fun environment.

Aug 3-7, 2026
The Great Food Truck Race
Ages 6-12
Campers will prepare daily dishes while designing their own food truck concept. From appetizers to desserts, they’ll explore presentation, menu planning, and creativity while honing practical cooking techniques.

STEAM CAMPS

These special STEAM Camps challenge young innovators to think critically, collaborate creatively, and solve real-world problems through hands-on experiences. From designing race cars to engineering builds, campers boost confidence while having fun.

Jun 29-Jul 2, 2026
The Great Race
Ages 6-12
Campers will team up with Maya and Rafael to design and build imaginative go-karts. They’ll explore propulsion, simple machines, and engineering concepts while testing their creations on a custom track.

Jul 20-24, 2026
Animal Adoption Match Up
Ages 6-12
Campers will solve animal care challenges through creative thinking and teamwork. They’ll build empathy and problem-solving skills while innovating in a hands-on environment.

Jun 22-26 & Aug 10-14, 2026
STEM Fun Camp: The Bricks Challenge
Ages 6-12
Campers will use building blocks to solve engineering challenges. They’ll design structures and machines, applying physics and problem-solving while building confidence as young engineers.

SPORTS, GAMES, & MORE CAMPS

Weekly, Jun 22-Aug 14, 2026
Sports Camp
Ages 6-12
Ultimate Sports Camp will offer a high-energy mix of traditional sports, creative games, and team challenges to keep campers active and engaged. Led by Overtime Athletics coaches, the camp will foster confidence and sportsmanship. Each week will bring a variety of sports, skill development, friendly competitions, and exciting camp-wide games to keep the fun going.

Weekly, Jun 22-Aug 14, 2026
Tennis Camp
Ages 7-13
Tennis Camp will deliver a summer of skill-building and fun. In a lively, supportive setting, campers will engage in both on-court and off-court activities — warming up, conditioning, drilling, and match play. Players will be grouped by ability, ensuring everyone — from beginners to seasoned players — can develop technique and confidence.

Weekly, Jun 29-Aug 7, 2026
Teen Discovery Camp
Ages 12-15
Teen Discovery will offer kids ages 12-15 an engaging summer of exciting day trips paired with opportunities to develop responsibility and independence. In a supportive environment, they’ll build decision-making skills while enjoying a balanced mix of fun, friendships, and personal growth, with fresh destinations and field trips throughout the season, including:

Jun 29-Jul 2, 2026: Skyline Caverns
Jul 6-10, 2026: Kings Dominion
Jul 13-17, 2026: Climb Upton
Jul 20-24, 2026: Kings Dominion
Jul 27-31, 2026: Vertical Rock
Aug 3-7, 2026: Kings Dominion

Jul 13-17 & Aug 17-21, 2026
Chess Camp
Ages 6-12
Campers will build strategy and critical thinking skills at Silver Knights Chess Camp. Open to all levels, they’ll be grouped by ability for focused instruction and steady progress. Students will learn key tactics and play daily matches in a fun, supportive environment. All equipment will be included, and each camper will receive a t-shirt and a chess set.

CONNECT

☎️ (703) 787-7300
🌐 Website
🌐 Summer Camps
🔗 Facebook ∙ Twitter ∙ Instagram
📌 Locations around Herndon, VA, including the Herndon Community Center
📌 Fairfax County

Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.

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