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.

Mammals and birds, insects and fish, amphibians and reptiles—oh my! Campers explore the many ways creatures of the animal kingdom that are celebrated across the Smithsonian through art, scientific study, and conservation efforts. They create habitat dioramas, observe live animals, and explore animal patterns through art. After visiting various Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo, they conclude their adventures with a “wild” showcase for parents and friends.

This fascinating interactive camp combines biology, paleontology, botany, and art. Campers visit the Natural History Museum, National Zoo, and the U.S. Botanic Garden to learn about fossil formation, prehistoric plants, and the varieties of dinosaurs that roamed the earth millions of years ago. The time-traveling explorers craft their own dino eggs, fossils, and terrain to create their Jurassic diorama.

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.

From as small as a single tree trunk to as large as the ocean, ecosystems are everywhere. Campers investigate each part of a balanced ecosystem through games, experiments, and museum visits to the Natural History Museum and the Botanical Gardens. Throughout the week, campers consider ways humans help keep our world healthy, and construct their own micro-ecosystem to take home.

Science and Art, UNITE! In this exploration of STEM around the Smithsonian, campers use science to create art.  From tie-dye to ice sculptures, this camp is the perfect blend of rainbows and eruptions!  Campers learn science behind important inventions at the National Museum of American History, see physics in flight at Air and Space to gain inspiration.  Physics, chemistry, and engineering principles become tools of the trade for these STEAM artists as they make their own play dough, play brain games and to create masterpieces!

Objects have gone missing! Where in the world can they be? Campers explore museum exhibits and learn about the world’s unique cultures, their topography, history, and peoples as represented at the Smithsonian to solve the mysterious disappearances. From Africa to Asia to the Americas and more, campers go on a global adventure, accept challenges, play games, create art, and share their findings at the week’s end.  

Campers follow in the footsteps of the presidents who guided our country throughout its history. They learn about democracy, the electoral process, and our government by devising team-led political campaigns and running for office. They use resources and inspirations found in the American History Museum, Portrait Gallery, and local historic sites to develop their political platforms, create campaign materials, and enhance their public-speaking skills as they write and deliver speeches designed to land them in the White House.

Attend 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 learn a little magic, too!)—all in the shadow of our own Smithsonian Castle.

Stories are important to be heard and to be told. Storytelling keeps cultures and traditions of the past alive in our modern day, allows those who are unheard to be heard, and makes our imaginations soar. Campers explore the world of storytelling around the globe by learning its history, its variety of forms, the components of a good story, and the importance of preservation. After museum visits, games, and discussions, inspired campers take their turn at becoming story creators and tellers.