Camp FAQs

Campers choose their own schedules at Camp Arena Stage. The Summer 2026 activity lists will be available in May 2026 after we have hired our staff.

Campers will rank their activity choices. Activities are not assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. We do our best to give as many campers as many of their first choices as possible. Campers receive their schedules on the first day of camp.

Campers have two days to test drive their schedule. They can request changes on a space-available basis in the first three days of camp.

Campers can request to be in the same small group as a friend or friends. Small groups have lunch together, sit together at the Noontime Show, and start and end the day together.

Campers can request to have the exact same schedule as a friend.

Some people come to camp with a friend or sibling, many come not knowing anyone. Everyone becomes part of our supportive community and builds friendships.

Each day we, have a Noontime Show from 12:30–1:00PM in the Nolan Center. Campers can sign up to perform as a solo act or with a group. Classes also share works in progress at this time. Early in the session, campers get to see their instructors perform. We pride ourselves on having the most supportive audience.

At the end of the session, there are longer Noontime Shows on Thursday and Friday when many of our classes will share their work.

Family and friends are welcome to attend any day! You will be greeted by a member of our staff when you arrive.

On the final Thursday evening of the 3-Week Session, campers share their art in an evening showcase. Visual arts fill the lobby and line the walls. Various classes share dances, songs, films, and scenes they've rehearsed. It's a packed, electric night of creativity!

Yes! Georgetown Visitation is a beautiful campus, with athletic fields and rolling lawns shaded by tall trees.

Weather permitting, camp begins and ends outside. Lunch is also eaten outside.

During our recreational “Choice” period, sports like soccer, kickball, and Ultimate frisbee can be options for campers as well as low-key outdoor activities like sidewalk chalk, fairy house making, or nature drawing. There are always indoor options.

Classes are generally held indoors in the air conditioning. Instructors have the option of taking classes outside. For example, film classes might shoot scenes outside, a visual arts class might do eco-art, or a theater class might do site-specific work around campus.

Yes! Please email camp@arenastage.org to arrange a phone call with one of our camp directors.

Need-based scholarships are available. Applications are due on March 20, 2026. See our scholarships page for application and details.

Staff members trained in First Aid and CPR are on site. All staff receive training in emergency procedures. Georgetown Visitation is a gated campus.

Our instructors are professional artists, educators and a few exceptional undergraduates. They are supported by a team of high school and undergraduate counselors-in-training and class assistants. Staff members are background checked.

The staff to camper ratio is 1 to 4.

Parents/guardians can opt to share their zip code and contact information for our carpool list. The carpool list is emailed to registered campers on June 5, 2026. People are responsible for arranging their own carpools.

There is no parking available at Georgetown Visitation.

Drop-Off begins at 8:45 a.m. Campers may not be dropped off before this time. Pick-Up begins at 3:45 p.m. Any camper not picked up by 4:15 p.m. will go to extended day, and their parent/guardian will pay the $25 drop-in fee.

Detailed drop-off/pick-up instructions are emailed to registered campers on June 5, 2026.

Campers with parent/guardian permission can leave camp on foot at the end of the day. These campers are not supervised after they are dismissed at the end of the day.

The balance of tuition is due on June 5, 2026. Please call the Arena Stage Sales Office (202-488-3300) to provide a credit card and schedule your final payment. Please do this at your earliest convenience so we can schedule your payment for June 4. The Sales Office is open Tuesday-Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

We understand that plans change.

Registrants who cancel their registration before June 5, 2026 forfeit the $300 deposit.

No refunds are available for canceled registrations after June 5, 2026.

If Camp Arena Stage must cancel a session in full before the session starts, we will fully refund tuition. If we must cancel once a session has started, refunds will be pro-rated.