Summer Camps in DC That Offer Swim Lessons

Written By Christina Crawley

Building water confidence and strength is essential for all kids, whether they want to splash around safely or eventually try out for a swim team. In honor of National Learn to Swim Day, we are exploring summer camps in Washington, DC, that provide swim lessons.

Several camps in and around DC incorporate swimming as a core activity or offer dedicated instruction. Here are some great options.

Camps with Dedicated Swim Instruction/Aquatics Programs

YMCA of Metropolitan DC

The YMCA is an excellent choice if you're looking for a camp that helps your child improve their swimming skills. This camp is specifically designed for beginner to intermediate swimmers, and all lifeguards and instructors are certified. Activities may include stroke development, basic lifeguard skills, water sports, and traditional camp activities. Campers also engage in land-based activities such as games, sports, science, and arts and crafts.

  • Cost: $750–850 per two-week session

  • Locations: YMCA Anthony Bowen Aquatics Camp (DC) and YMCA Silver Spring Aquatics Camps (MD)

  • Website: www.ymcadc.org

DPR Aqua Day Camp

Designed for children ages 6-13, this camp provides instruction on breathing techniques, swim stroke mechanics, and water safety awareness. Advanced activities depend on the group's pace, and each session concludes with a swim meet.

  • Cost: $185–210 per two-week session

  • Locations: Banneker (Ward 1), Harry Thomas (Ward 5), Deanwood (Ward 7), and Fort Stanton (Ward 8)

  • Website: dpr.dc.gov/page/aqua-day-camp

Old City Swim School Summer Camp

This camp focuses on swimming, sports, and outdoor experiences. Daily schedules include swimming lessons, organized sports lessons, activity-based play, and free play. The camp aims to teach fundamental skills and prepare campers for life's important moments.

St. Albans Swim Camp

This camp offers high-level coaching for both beginners and experienced swimmers. Instruction is divided into groups based on skill level and age. The goal is to build confidence, improve stroke technique, and foster a love for swimming in a positive environment. The camp utilizes an indoor, six-lane facility.

Nic Askew Swim & Dive Camp (Howard University)

These camps provide advanced swim instruction for ages 10-18 and are led by Nic Askew and the Swim & Dive Camp staff at Howard University. They offer focused swim and dive instruction, with various session lengths available throughout the summer.

Camps with Swimming as a Major Activity, Often Including Instruction

The following options offer swimming alongside other camp activities. While swimming is not the primary focus, there is still significant swim instruction and pool time.

Beauvoir Summer Camp

This camp offers a collaborative, community-based experience for pre-kindergarteners to rising fifth graders. Campers enjoy themed weeks filled with arts and crafts, games, songs, outdoor activities, and swimming in the Beauvoir Pool. The pool also offers memberships for campers.

  • Cost: $695 per week (meals included)

  • Location: Beauvoir (on the grounds of Washington National Cathedral), Washington, DC

  • Website: www.beauvoirschool.org/summer/

Barrie Camp

A long-standing institution in the DC area, Barrie Camp provides a range of traditional activities in a safe environment. Campers have two back-to-back swim periods scheduled daily. Lifeguards are fully certified, and campers entering first grade and above receive a swim skills assessment to evaluate their abilities.

  • Cost: $490–540 per week

  • Location: Near ICC and Glenmont Metro stop (in Maryland, but popular with DC families)

  • Website: www.barrie.org/camp/overview

Horizons Greater Washington - Summer Academy

Part of a broader academic enrichment program, every Horizons student learns how to swim throughout their five-week program. Swimming is integral to their learning strategy, emphasizing skill mastery, overcoming challenges, and building self-confidence. The program follows the American Red Cross lesson structure.

  • Cost: This tuition-free program is designed to address the opportunity gap for underserved students, and students must be recommended by a partner school

  • Locations: Maret School and St. Patrick's Episcopal Day School in Washington, DC, and Norwood School in Bethesda, Maryland

  • Website: www.horizonsgreaterwashington.org/programs/summer-academy/

Essential Considerations When Choosing a Camp That Offers Swimming

  • Age Groups: Camps often have specific age ranges for their programs. Double-check that your child meets the criteria.

  • Skill Level: If your child is a beginner, look for camps that explicitly offer lessons suited for their skill level.

  • Instructional vs. Recreational Swim: Some camps focus on dedicated swim lessons, while others take a more recreational approach.

  • Staff Certifications: Ensure that lifeguards and swim instructors are certified (e.g., American Red Cross).

  • Camper-to-Staff Ratio: A lower ratio in the pool generally means more individualized attention and enhanced safety.

Know of other summer camp options that offer swimming lessons? Reach out so that we can include them!

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Christina Crawley
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