All upcoming programs

Parents must bring campers to the assigned Before-Camp room in the Ripley Center to sign in daily. At 9 a.m., campers will be brought up to Drop-off and then to their camps.

Note there is no camp on Friday, July 4, 2025.

The week of the Fourth of July is the perfect time for campers to explore the history of our nation’s beginning. They view the original Star-Spangled Banner and visit exhibits in the American History Museum, as well as some of the Mall’s famous monuments. They sing the National Anthem and other traditional patriotic songs, and make their own flags, noisemakers, pinwheels, and fireworks-inspired art for an all-American show-and-share at the end of the week.  

The tropical rainforest—thought to be the oldest land-based ecosystem on earth—is certainly the most diverse. Campers grab their pith helmets and journals as they venture across the Smithsonian to discover the unique and mysterious Amazon. A visit to the National Zoo’s Amazonia exhibit brings campers close to the animals that thrive along the Amazon River. Throughout the week, they explore the layers of the forest and its flora and fauna. A visit to the Museum of the American Indian brings the campers closer to the culture of the region. Campers create an immersive rainforest for families to enjoy, inspired by the week's journey.

Who knew that by reusing, recycling, and repurposing everyday items you would be able to create amazing sculptural art? Campers learn about recycling and how artists have used trash to make both beautiful art and functional objects. On museum visits, they view sculptures fashioned from recycled game pieces, a coral reef made from trash found on the beach and explore innovative creations to examine the inner workings of the battle on trash. They bend, mold, and reuse ordinary materials, much like the revolutionary artists of the 21st century.

Campers are introduced to a wide variety of art forms that evoke movement. From Calder to Hokusai and butterflies to gazelles, campers gather their own movement inspiration from visits to the National Zoo, the Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden, and the African Art Museum. They also investigate concepts of motion by painting with marbles, making spin art, and experimenting with balance as they make mobiles. The week ends with what’s sure to be a very moving exhibition.

Pack up the station wagon, pop in a mix tape, and take to the road to discover Smithsonian marvels from across the USA! Campers design and construct their own modes of transportation and map their journeys as they “travel” the Electronic Superhighway at the American Art Museum. At the Natural History Museum, they explore amazing natural formations and animals native to diverse biomes across the American landscape. They celebrate the inventions and outstanding figures from many states highlighted at the American History Museum. Criss-cross the country, sample the states, and reinvent roadside attractions as this week-long journey unfolds.

Campers explore the possibilities and solutions that address some of our planet's most significant challenges through new ways of living, learning, and working toward a shared sustainable future. Visits to the Natural History Museum, National Zoo, and Smithsonian gardens pair with the Institution’s science resources to inspire civic action as campers undertake experiments, design campaigns, and develop sustainable solutions for daily challenges.

Campers strap on their rocket packs and discover the history of the Cold War and the technological innovations that were a product of it. As they explore the contest between two world powers to put the first human on the moon, campers create their own model NASA and Russian rockets. A visit to the Udvar-Hazy Center and virtual exploration of the Air and Space Museum inform campers as they participate in a mock peace accord among diplomats negotiating for geographic dominance, resources, and armament policies.

The doors are open at the Smithsonian School of Wizardry! Campers visit Smithsonian museums to learn about the history, mythology, and science behind works of magical fiction. Visits to the American History and Natural History museums and the National Zoo reveal real-world inspiration for fictional magical transportation and locations; illuminate astronomy; and explore the natural origins of mythical beasts. They study the chemistry of potions, explore medicinal plants, learn about creatures from mythology (and of course pick up a little magic, too)—all in the shadow of our own Smithsonian Castle. 

The Smithsonian’s collections are full of objects that carry fascinating and unique tales. Young museologists travel to the many museums on the National Mall to learn about the cultural significance of these treasures found right in our own back yard. They discover the backstories of the Hope Diamond, Dorothy’s ruby slippers, Willie Nelson’s tour jacket, the SR-71 Blackbird aircraft—and more. Campers visit a different museum each day and explore these special objects through games and challenges. By week’s end they have created a catalogue of objects and are ready to present their own exhibition.