James River Association Summer Camps
James River Association Summer Camps 2026
At the James River Association summer camps, youth learn about the river by immersing themselves in it as they explore it, paddle it, sketch it, fish it, and build skills alongside experienced educators. Through hands-on activities in art, fishing, outdoor skills, and paddling, campers gain confidence, curiosity, and a deeper sense of belonging to the James River. Camps offered in Williamsburg and Hampton.
Williamsburg
Crafty Creatures
Ages 9-11
June 15-18 (4 day) – 9am – 3pm
$399
This summer camp brings together creativity, art, and outdoor adventure! Campers will explore a variety of art forms and create hands-on projects. Along the way, campers will learn about animals that live on the James River, using nature as both a classroom and a creative spark. Through art-making, exploration, and imagination, campers will build a deeper connection to the natural world.
Growing Wild
Ages 9-11
July 27-31 (5 day) – 9am – 3pm
$399
Dig in and discover the wonders of the garden! In this summer camp, campers will create their own gardens while learning about plants, flowers, and the creatures that help them grow. Through fun activities and crafts, campers will explore the parts of plants, learn why pollinators are so important, and discover the types of insects that live in the garden. It’s a hands-on adventure full of growing, learning, and exploring nature up close!
Exploring Ancient Virginia
Ages 12-15
June 29-July 2 (4 day) 9am – 3pm
$320
Dig, discover, and decode the past to Explore Ancient Virginia! Explorers will hunt for fossils, study rocks, and uncover the stories of Virginia’s earliest environments and inhabitants. Combining history, geology, paleontology, and archaeology, this camp brings ancient Virginia to life through hands-on exploration and scientific investigation.
Hampton
Estuary Explorers
Ages 9-11
9am – 3pm on the following dates:
June 25-26 (2 day) • July 6-7 (2 day)
July 13-14 (2 day) • July 16-17 (2 day)
July 20-21 (2 day) • July 23- 24 (2 day)
August 3-4 (2 day) • August 6-7(2 day)
$150 per session
Welcome Aboard the James River Association’s floating classroom Longview for two days of hands on estuary science! Campers will use scientific research tools, such as trawl and plankton nets, bottom sediment sampling, and water collection and testing equipment to explore the plants, animals, and habitats of the tidal James River. Campers will be hands on with scientific instruments, learn how JRA staff use their data to track river health, and learn basic maritime skills, and have ebcounters with incredible river wildlife. We will spend the morning onboard the Longview before returning to the dock for lunch and wrap up activity.
River Researchers
Ages 12-15
June 29-July 2 (4 day) 9am – 3pm $320
July 27-31 (5 day) 9am – 3pm $399
Welcome Aboard the James River Association’s floating classroom Longview for four days of hands on river research! Campers will be immersed in aquatic ecology research and learn what’s its like to be a marine scientist working on a research vessel. They will use professional scientific research tools, such as trawl and plankton nets, bottom sediment sampling, microscopes, and water collection and testing equipment to explore the plants, animals, and habitats of the tidal James River. Campers will also learn basic maritime skills, have encounters with incredible river wildlife, and get a day behind the scenes at the VIMS aquaculture research lab!
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