Mayor Bowser Reminds Families that the DPR Summer Camp Lottery Opens February 14 at Noon
(WASHINGTON, DC) -- Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) are reminding families that the DPR summer camp lottery opens on Friday, February 14 at noon and closes on Monday, March 3. This year, DPR is offering summer camps for youth ages 3-13 at more than 50 DPR recreation centers across all eight wards. Families can see camp offerings and apply for the lottery starting Friday at DPRsummercamp.com.
“Every year, DPR summer camps give thousands of kids across DC a chance to make new friends, learn new skills, and have fun in a safe and enriching environment,” said Mayor Bowser. “We encourage families to explore the wide variety of camps available and enter the lottery so their children can enjoy a summer full of adventure, creativity, and learning.”
Camp registration will take place via random lottery. Families may enter the lottery at any time throughout the registration period. After the lottery registration window closes, the system will randomly select participants from those who have registered. Families will receive their lottery results via email by Tuesday, March 4, at which time they will receive an “enrollment offer” if they have been selected. When a parent accepts an offer for placement, payment is due, the child is enrolled into the camp, and a receipt for that enrollment is emailed to the customer. Each camp slot and session offered will need to be accepted. If a camp slot is rejected, the intended slot will be offered to those on the waitlist that were not originally offered a slot, and the camp slot is no longer available to this original customer. All accepted enrollments and payments are due by Sunday, March 16, 2025.
DPR introduced the lottery in 2023 to make the registration process fairer and more accessible for families. For the first time, the lottery system will also apply to Boost Camps—DPR’s award-winning specialty enrichment programs designed for tweens ages 11-13.
DPR summer camps will operate in four sessions from June 23 to August 15. Before and after care is available to families throughout the summer. As with all DPR programs, reduced rates are available for qualifying families, but families must apply for reduced rates before Monday, February 24.
“DPR summer camps offer an incredible opportunity for young people across all eight wards to learn, explore, and make lifelong memories,” said DPR Director Thennie Freeman. “With a wide array of camps—from STEM and performing arts to sports and outdoor adventures—there’s something for every child. We encourage families to review the options and enter the registration lottery so their child can enjoy a fun and enriching summer with DPR.”
In-person assistance with the lottery is available every day (except Sundays and Presidents’ Day) through Friday, February 28 at DPR headquarters and recreation centers throughout the District. A full list of locations, dates, and times for in-person assistance is available at helpwithcamps.splashthat.com. DPR staff will be available to answer questions, assist with reduced rate applications, and help families enter the lottery.
DPR summer camps for 2025 will include:
- Little Explorers (Ages 3-5): Your little explorer will enjoy DPR’s signature day camp for little ones hosted at DPR recreation centers.
- Discovery Camp (Ages 6-10): Children enjoy DPR's signature day camp hosted at DPR recreation centers.
- Multi-Sport Camp (Ages 8-13): Day camp with a focus on sports skills and teamwork, hosted at DPR recreation centers.
- Nothing But Net Camp (Ages 8-13): Enjoy a week of polishing up your basketball skills along with additional enrichment activities.
- Cheer-nastics Camp (Ages 8-12): Join us for an exhilarating summer experience at CHEER-NASTICS camp for ages 8-12! Unleash your child's energy as they learn exciting cheer routines, perfect gymnastic flips, and build lasting friendships in a fun and supportive environment.
- Aqua Day Camp (Ages 6-13): Campers will be instructed on breathing techniques, swim stroke mechanics and water safety awareness. Advanced activities will depend on the pace of the group. Each session will conclude with a swim meet.
- Future EGOT Performing Arts Camp (Ages 6-10): Performing Arts camp offers participants the chance to explore their artistic side with this exciting camp! Learn the basics of a variety of performing arts genres, including dance, theatre, and spoken word. Share your talents with other camp participants and learn from each other as well. Be a star with DPR!
- Little STEAM Engine (Ages 3-5): Join us for this introductory, age-appropriate camp highlighting science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Campers will explore science, music technology, art appreciation, and other activities.
- Full STEAM Ahead (Ages 6-10): Join us for an action-packed camp focusing on science, technology, engineering, art and math. Campers will explore coding, music technology, art appreciation, and other activities.
- Kitchen Confidential Culinary Camp (Ages 8-11): Sharpen your culinary skills while learning about different cuisines, cultures, and customs. Develop healthy lifestyle tips and develop personal growth skills under instruction from experts in the food industry. Discover how fun and easy healthy cooking can be...and learn new skills that you can showcase to your family and friends!
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Boost Camps (ages 11-13):
- Challenge Camp: A one-week camp where campers explore the intersection of engineering, art, and technology.
- CSI Camp: A fun exploration of forensic science. Campers will investigate, examine the evidence, interview witnesses and suspects, and solve mysteries as they explore the multifaceted jobs in the field of forensic investigation.
- Journalism Camp: This camp engages campers in the dynamic and constantly evolving world of news and digital media.
- eSports Camp: Campers will be immersed in the world of competitive gaming by experiencing the many aspects of the esports ecosystem. In addition to fun and gameplay, campers will also gain coding experience.
- Robotics Camp: Each day campers will be exposed to STEM concepts, with a focus on robotics and machine building, in a fun and engaging environment.
Young Leaders Camp: Where the leaders of tomorrow begin their journey today. Boost Young Leaders camp aims to inspire, educate, and empower young individuals to realize their full potential and to lead with integrity, vision, and compassion.
- Young Med Camp: Hands-on workshops, activities, and labs allow future medical professionals to experience and explore the medical care industry.
DPR also offers Therapeutic Recreation summer camps for children with and without developmental and intellectual disabilities. An application and assessment must be completed prior to enrollment.
To learn more about DPR summer camps and register for the lottery starting Friday, February 14, visit DPRsummercamp.com.
