DACkids Summer Camp

©Washington Architectural Foundation

Click HERE for details and to register for Summer Camp Session 1 2025

Dates: July 14 - July 18, 2025

Time:  10 am - 3pm (Session ends at noon on Friday)

Age group: 8 - 10 years old

 

Click HERE for details and to register for Summer Camp Session 2 2025

Dates: July 21 - July  25, 2025

Time:  10 am - 3pm (Session ends at noon on Friday)

Age group: 11 - 14 years old

OVERVIEW OF BOTH SESSIONS

District Architecture Center offers a unique 5-day camp experience for DC metropolitan youth. Professional architects, engineers and designers guide children to the wonders of the built environment, develop creative and analytical skills, and grow an appreciation for their fields. Over the 5-day period, children will be introduced to fundamentals of architecture, the design process, aspects of engineering, urban planning and go on walking tours and field trips. By the end of the week, final projects will be exhibited for families. 

In this hands-on, imagination-powered camp, kids will step into the shoes of urban designers to create their very own city park! We’ll explore the concepts of placemaking, community space, and how thoughtful design makes cities better for everyone.  Drawing inspiration from iconic green spaces like the National Mall, Central Park, and other famous urban parks around the world, participants will use a fictional site map to design and build exciting public spaces that bring people together. Kids will design and build a new museum, monument, or public space using simple materials.  This camp is a creative way to introduce kids to architecture, civic space, and the idea that the built environment reflects our values and communities.
 

Monday - Introduction to Architecture

Tuesday - Fundamentals of Engineering

Wednesday - Urban Planning

Thursday - Landscape Architecture

Friday - Exhibition Day
 

What’s in store:

  •  Learn the basics of park design and city planning in a fun, creative way
     
  • Use real design ideas and examples as inspiration for your own layout
     
  • Build features like museums, gardens, theatres and more
     
  • Collaborate with others on group builds—or go solo with your own vision
     
  • Present your park to the group like a real urban planner!
     

This unique camp blends design thinking, creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving - plus field trips to museums in the nearby National Mall. Whether you're a future architect, builder, or city dreamer, this is your chance to turn big ideas into miniature masterpieces!
 

WAF provides scholarships for all its classes.  If you are facing a financial hardship please contact Mary Fitch for a code that will provide a 50% discount. We ask that you only use this option if you are facing financial challenges. If further discounts are required, please contact Mary to discuss. 

This program is supported by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. Made possible through the support of the Hattie M. Strong Foundation.

Note: District Architecture Center Members enjoy discounted rates on summer camp and other DAC events. Click here to join, and you will save $50 on DACKids Summer Camp.