Summer Camps

S.T.E.A.M. Camp at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts
Rising Grades 1 - 8
110 W. Finney Ave. |  Suffolk, VA 23434
Fee: $250

Jump on board and join The Suffolk Center and SYLVAN Learning in the fun as we embark on a weeklong trip of a lifetime! During your child’s five-day journey he/she will uncover exciting S.T.E.A.M. topics, such as LEGO® Robotics and LEGO® Engineering. They will explore the world of video game and graphic design, all while learning a new language, video coding! They will improve their problem solving skills as we engage in fun and challenging math concepts taught using the arts and movement!

After-camp care is available from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for an additional $75. 

To register, please visit the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts website. To receive a $25 early bird discount, register before April 15!

Rising Grade 8 - CIT
12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Fee: $50

Do you need community service hours? Help our lead counselors clean, organize and prepare for future camps or the upcoming academic year. Campers will receive 15 hours of community service for this camp.

Rising Grades 4 – 8
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Fee:  $250

Do you want to learn how to shoot like the pros? In this fun and exciting camp, participants will be introduced to the sport of target archery. Come and join us as we travel to the Izaak Walton private park each day to learn the basics and safety precautions for archery. Campers at different skill levels will enjoy a day in the great outdoors and possibly the occasional trip to the park lake for a round of fishing! Campers will be trained by the certified park volunteers.

All equipment will be provided, but participants are recommended to wear comfortable shorts or pants, closed-toed athletic shoes, short-sleeve shirts or snug-fitting long-sleeve shirts. Campers can also bring their own bows if desired.

Rising Grade 8 – CIT
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Fee: $50

Do you need community service hours? Help our lead counselors clean, organize and prepare for future camps or the upcoming academic year. Campers will receive 15 hours of community service for this camp.

Rising Grade 3 – CIT
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Fee: $250

This camp will introduce students to the magic of traditional black and white photography. During the week, campers will learn to use film cameras, various darkroom techniques, how to develop film and will enlarge images. At the end of the week, they will have a portfolio illustrating their artistic vision. Film cameras will be provided for each camper.

Rising Grade 3 – CIT
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Fee: $250

Welcome to the endless possibilities of Adobe Photoshop! Campers will learn how to take successful photographs as they go on “photo shoots” around campus. They will learn introductory photo editing and computer techniques as well as how to digitally manipulate images in Adobe Photoshop. At the completion of camp, participants will have a portfolio that they have printed, illustrating their own creative vision.

Campers are required to provide a digital camera with an SD card (in the camera) and a USB/flash drive.

Rising Grade 2 – CIT
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Fee: $250

On a hot summer day, nothing beats swimming with friends! Campers will travel to the Lake Meade Community Pool where they will play some games and splash the day away. Don’t forget your goggles! Late afternoons will be spent playing indoor and outdoor games as well as socializing with friends. 

Rising Grades 1 - 4
8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Fee: $250

This is a STEAM/Tech trek-themed camp where students will learn how to build custom creations using Snap Circuits® and Makey Makeys®. Campers will also use a battery and a wire to create a circuit to make greeting cards that light up. Some coding activities will also be incorporated.

Rising Grade 2 – CIT
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 
Fee: $250

Learn the basics of this high-energy sport from a pro! Campers will participate in lessons in the morning and will practice their skills in the afternoon. 

Rising Grade 4 – CIT
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Fee: $400

Whether you are a novice surfer or a shredder looking to take your skills to the next level, WRV’s unique program and expert staff will help you do it! Campers will travel to the Virginia Beach oceanfront each day to work with WRV’s team of highly qualified and CPR certified surf instructors. They will pass along their love of surfing in an unforgettable experience that is safe, fun and rewarding! 

Rising Grades 1 – 5
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Fee: $250

Calling all writers and storytellers! Campers will plan projects around classic children’s tales, such as “Jack and the Beanstalk” and “The True Story of the Three Little Pigs.” They will work together to create a parachute for Jack to escape the giant, will complete a demonstration on how eggs are strong enough to withstand the weight of a bird and will plant a bean to track its growth over time. A different book will be studied each day of the week. Campers will also study the parts of a book and will explore how our body parts work with our five senses. There are optical illusions, a hearing demonstration explaining sound waves and other fun activities. Come learn this lifelong activity for creative expression!

Rising Grade 2 – CIT
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Fee: $250

Campers will spend morning and afternoon sessions in various rehearsals learning new artistic skills, making new friends, making beautiful music and having a wonderful time! On the last day of camp, they will perform the 30-minute production for other NSA campers. On Saturday, June 29, a performance will be held for friends and family. To enable the director to assign roles prior to the first day of camp, auditions will be held in the Lower School music room at the Main Campus on May 28 from 3:15 to 5:00 p.m. and on May 29 from 3:15 to 5:00 p.m. All campers will be accepted into the show! Come join us!

Rising Grade 8 – CIT
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Fee: $50

Do you need community service hours? Help our lead counselors clean, organize and prepare for future camps or the upcoming academic year. Campers will receive 15 hours of community service for this camp.

Rising Grade 4 – CIT
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Fee: $250

Campers will travel to Foxtail Farm in Smithfield for a day of fun with horses. They will participate in a daily group riding lesson and a horse care activity. No previous experience is required!

Rising Grade 4 – CIT
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Fee: $350

Are you ready to build robots? Integrating engineering, technology, computer science and math, Sylvan Robotics Camp at NSA provides campers with the skills to begin to understand information-based technology for the future. Campers will work with a buddy to build and program LEGO robots and will also learn computer programming through engaging, hands-on projects like animating stories and creating video games. They will learn JavaScript and Python as they design games, build apps and make incredible projects while developing critical thinking skills, problem-solving strategies and collaboration skills to express their creativity through this exciting and cool camp. 

Rising Grade 2 – CIT
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Fee: $250

Do you love sports but can’t pick just one? Well, this camp is for you. The possibilities are endless—volleyball, soccer, basketball, kickball, dodgeball, wiffle ball, just to name a few. Don’t be shy. Come on out and get in the game!

Rising Grade 8 – CIT
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Fee: $50

Do you need community service hours? Help our lead counselors clean, organize and prepare for future camps or the upcoming academic year. Campers will receive 15 hours of community service for this camp.

Rising Grades 2 – 4
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Fee: $250

In this crash course of keyboard/piano, campers will learn the basics of reading music, rhythm and the basic technique of how to play the piano. They will finish the week knowing how to play simple songs and with the basic foundation to continue to learn piano on their own or with a private instructor. Campers will perform a mini recital for their parents on the last day of camp! Keyboards, books and materials will be provided.

Rising Grades 8 and 9
Overnight Camp | July 14 – July 27
Fee: $950 without transportation, $1,050 with transportation
naturecamp.net
Nature Camp Application
Nature Camp Financial Aid Application

Since 1942, Nature Camp has fostered an appreciation for and love of nature by inviting campers to explore the world around them through hands-on, outdoor, experiential learning. Nestled in an idyllic valley by Big Mary’s Creek in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Rockbridge County, Nature Camp hopes to inspire young people to become environmentally responsible and conscientious citizens of tomorrow, to spark a lifelong love of learning and to forge a deep and abiding connection with the natural world.

Nature Camp is unique in its academic focus. Since its inception, Nature Camp has emphasized hands-on, place-based, experiential education in natural history and environmental studies. All applicants should be advised of the requirements to attend twice-daily classes, to maintain a notebook, to complete all (usually written) assignments, to take part in outdoor activities and to participate cooperatively in shared duties and responsibilities typical of a summer camp environment. Campers are expected to accept the academic challenges with enthusiasm, commitment and hard work. Campers reside at the campground for this two-week nature immersion program. Camp registration for Nature Camp will open on January 28 via a paper application, which is available in the Lower School Office at the Main Campus or by emailing summercamp@nsacademy.org and must be accompanied by a $150 deposit. Scholarships are available for those who qualify from the Nature Camp directly.

Rising Grade 2 – CIT
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Field Trip: Dave & Buster's
Fee: $250

Comic book lovers of all ages can create a lasting keepsake through the fun and educational process of writing and illustrating their own comic book. Campers will use My Comic Book kits to explore their creativity and will end the week with their own full-color, 18-page, professionally printed comic book. A highlight of this weeklong camp will be a field trip to Dave & Buster’s to see well-known comic book characters come to life in contemporary video games.

Rising Grade 2 – CIT
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Fee: $250

Learn the basics of these two high-energy sports from the pros at Cedar Point Country Club. Campers will travel to Cedar Point Country Club for their lessons and will learn the skills and techniques of both sports before returning to NSA in the afternoons.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own tennis rackets and golf clubs as well as a water bottle or sports drink.

Rising Grade 1 – CIT
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Fee: $250

Come and learn different yoga poses and routines. Campers will practice different mindfulness exercises and relaxation techniques. Don’t forget to wear comfortable clothes and to bring your mat.

Rising Grade 8 – CIT
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Fee: $50

Do you need community service hours? Help our lead counselors clean, organize and prepare for future camps or the upcoming academic year. Campers will receive 15 hours of community service for this camp.

Ages 5 – 16
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Instructor: Kim Aston ’88
Fee: $225

Kim Aston’s Shooting Star Basketball Camp emphasizes the development of fundamental skills. Daily instruction and station work are designed to encourage mastery of basic skills. The campers will be separated according to age and skill development to compete in games. Lunch will be provided for each camper. For more information or to register, please email Kim Aston directly at kaston@nsacademy.org.

Rising Grades 3 – 8
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Fee: $250

NSA Field Hockey is an introduction to the game of field hockey that focuses on the fundamentals of the game. Campers will learn basic skills, positions and rules while having fun! Whether you have played before or have never picked up a stick, this camp will be great for any skill or experience level.

Required equipment: mouthpiece, shin guards, goggles, stick, cleats/running shoes.

Rising Grade 2 – CIT
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Fee: $250

On a hot summer day, nothing beats swimming with friends! Campers will travel to the Lake Meade Community Pool where they will play some games and splash the day away. Don’t forget your goggles! Late afternoons will be spent playing indoor and outdoor games as well as socializing with friends. 

Rising Grade 2 – CIT
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Fee: $250

Come learn the basics of handbuilding and wheel throwing! Campers will learn how to work with wet clay and will also glaze fired pieces. 

Rising Grade 1 – CIT
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Fee: $250

Have you ever dreamed of being on the show “Project Runway?” Campers will come up with a design and will create clothing using fabric, basic sewing techniques and even sewing machines! A fashion show will be held at the end of the week to showcase our designs. 

Rising Grade 4 – CIT
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Fee: $250

The NSA football camp will focus on building the fundamentals of throwing, catching, running, blocking and tackling to progress any player’s skills. This is a non-contact camp, but each player is required to bring cleats, tennis shoes (for any indoor activities) and a water bottle.

Rising Grades 6 and 7
July 28 – Aug 10 | Overnight Camp
Fee: $950 without transportation, $1,050 with transportation
naturecamp.net
Nature Camp Application
Nature Camp Financial Aid Application

Since 1942, Nature Camp has fostered an appreciation for and love of nature by inviting campers to explore the world around them through hands-on, outdoor, experiential learning. Nestled in an idyllic valley by Big Mary’s Creek in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Rockbridge County, Nature Camp hopes to inspire young people to become environmentally responsible and conscientious citizens of tomorrow, to spark a lifelong love of learning and to forge a deep and abiding connection with the natural world.

Nature Camp is unique in its academic focus. Since its inception, Nature Camp has emphasized hands-on, place-based, experiential education in natural history and environmental studies. All applicants should be advised of the requirements to attend twice-daily classes, to maintain a notebook, to complete all (usually written) assignments, to take part in outdoor activities and to participate cooperatively in shared duties and responsibilities typical of a summer camp environment. Campers are expected to accept the academic challenges with enthusiasm, commitment and hard work.

Campers reside at the campground for this two-week nature immersion program. Camp registration for Nature Camp will open on January 28 via a paper application, which is available in the Lower School office at the Main Campus or by emailing summercamp@nsacademy.org and must be accompanied by a $150 deposit. Scholarships are available for those who qualify from the Nature Camp directly.

Rising Grade 8 – CIT
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Fee: $50

Do you need community service hours? Help our lead counselors clean, organize and prepare for future camps or the upcoming academic year. Campers will receive 15 hours of community service for this camp. 

This entry-level camp is a weeklong, full-day program that is for new sailors or for sailors graduating from the Optis who are interested in participating in high school sailing. Campers will travel to the Hampton Yacht Club to learn basic rigging fundamentals, seamanship (knots and weather), water safety, sportsmanship and confidence in sailing all points of sail from the US Sailing certified staff. This class will be taught on new RS Fevas. Lunch will also be included each day of camp!

Sailing Camp
Opti I
Ages 8-12
7:30 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Fee: $465
Hampton Yacht Club Camp Waiver

Do you love to create with paint? This could be the camp for you! Come develop your talents in acrylic, watercolor and tempera techniques!

Rising Grade 1 – CIT
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Fee: $250

Beads, bangles, earrings, necklaces, rings and  more! Come adorn yourself with your own  gorgeous creations! 

Dance Camp at Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts
August 19 - 23
8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Rising Grades 1 - 8

Get ready to move in Suffolk Center’s Dance Camp! If you like to dance and love to have fun, this camp is for you! You will learn fundamentals and techniques in a variety of dance styles including hip-hop, modern, Latin, and more! The students will gain important information for health and taking care of their body as a dancer. They will learn different dance routines to perform a show at the end of the week. Students will also get individualized and small group instruction from top quality dance instructors.

After-camp care is available from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for an additional $75. 

To register, please visit the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts website. To receive a $25 early bird discount, register before April 15!