Camps

We are excited to share our Durham Academy Summer Programs 2019 offerings and look forward to having fun and learning with your children this summer!

Enrichment Camps

Our Enrichment Camp offerings change each week throughout the seven weeks of camp and are focused in areas like sports, games, art, music, movement, technology and science.

Enrichment Camps are split into morning (A.M.) and afternoon (P.M.) sessions. A.M. camps run from 9 a.m. to noon, and P.M. camps run from 1 to 4 p.m.

Academic Camps

Our Academic Camps run for five weeks (except for Camp Kindergarten*) from Week 2 to 6 and are scheduled during the mornings.

"A" session academics run from 9 to 10:15 a.m., and the "B" session academics run from 10:45 a.m. to noon.

Summer 2020

  • Week 1: June 8–12
  • Week 2: June 15–19
  • Week 3: June 22–26
  • Week 4: June 29 – July 2
  • Week 5: July 6–10
  • Week 6: July 13–17
  • Week 7: July 20–24
  • Week 8: July 27–31
    (special full-day camp)

Ready to Register?

Explore This Year's Camp Offerings

  • July 8–12
Advanced Chess Camp

This camp is for campers who are comfortable and know the game of chess — not for beginners — and want to take their play to the next level!

  • Life Skills and Learning Camps
Read More about Advanced Chess Camp
  • July 15–19
Advanced Tennis Camp

This camp is for experienced and competitive tennis players who want expert strategy and drills to take their game to the next level.

  • Sports Camps
Read More about Advanced Tennis Camp
  • June 24–28
All-Gender Lacrosse Camp

An immersive experience where players of all genders can grow as athletes, connect with fellow teammates, and deepen their passion for the game.

  • Sports Camps
Read More about All-Gender Lacrosse Camp
Archaeology Overnight Camp 

Participants in the Archaeology Adventures Institute work alongside professional archaeologists in Morganton, N.C., to uncover the buried remains of the 16th-century Native American village of Joara and the ill-fated Fort San Juan.

  • Life Skills and Learning Camps
Read More about Archaeology Overnight Camp 
  • July 29–Aug. 2
Arduino Line-Following Robots Camp

Program a robot to follow a track all by itself! Learn important design techniques for integrating software and hardware, such as the use of voltage dividers to create sensors and how pulse width modulation can be used to control motor speed.

  • Technology & Engineering Camps
Read More about Arduino Line-Following Robots Camp
  • June 10–14
Arts and Crafts Camp

A vibrant space for artists of all ages to explore, experiment and express themselves through a variety of artistic mediums.

  • Arts Camps
Read More about Arts and Crafts Camp
  • June 24–28
Aspiring Fashionistas

In this “glam” program for all genders, students gain knowledge of the fashion industry and develop skills in branding, marketing, fashion journalism and design.

  • Arts Camps
  • Life Skills and Learning Camps
Read More about Aspiring Fashionistas
  • July 15–19
Baseball Camp

Join us for a dynamic experience filled with skill development, strategy sessions, and the camaraderie that makes baseball a beloved sport.

  • Sports Camps
Read More about Baseball Camp
  • June 24–28
Board Games Camp

The thrill of strategy, friendly competition and the joy of gameplay come together for a week of fun-filled entertainment.

  • Life Skills and Learning Camps
Read More about Board Games Camp
  • June 10–14
Bulls and Bears Investing Camp

Build your own $100,000 stock portfolio and trade stocks like Apple, Nike or Amazon with a cool investing simulation tool.

  • Life Skills and Learning Camps
Read More about Bulls and Bears Investing Camp
  • July 15–19
  • June 24–28
Cheerleading Camp

Spirit, teamwork and energy come together to create an unforgettable experience for cheerleaders of all skill levels!

  • Sports Camps
Read More about Cheerleading Camp
  • June 17–21
Chess for Beginners Camp

We create an environment where the basics are presented, and those with more interest in this type of development can go as far as they like. The more knowledge you have, the easier playing becomes.

  • Life Skills and Learning Camps
Read More about Chess for Beginners Camp
  • July 22–26
Chess Tournaments 101 Camp

Strategic minds come together for a week of intense chess competition, skill-building and a celebration of the game's rich heritage.

  • Life Skills and Learning Camps
Read More about Chess Tournaments 101 Camp
  • June 17–21
Code Breakers Camp

Learn the basics of coding languages like HTML, JavaScript, and CSS through a series of web projects and design challenges on your way to becoming the next tech star!

  • Technology & Engineering Camps
Read More about Code Breakers Camp
  • July 8–12
  • July 22–26
Code of Life Camp

What is DNA, really, and how does it make me “ME” and not a chimp or a squirrel or a pine tree, for that matter?

  • Science Camps
Read More about Code of Life Camp
  • July 8–12
  • June 17–21
Cooking and Culture Camp

Learn nutritional literacy through food preparation, activities, food history and the best part — eating!

  • Cooking Camps
Read More about Cooking and Culture Camp
  • June 24–28
DARC SIDE Robotics Camp

This camp — led by a former captain of DA Upper School's robotics team, DARC SIDE — is an introduction into the world of robotics and FIRST.

  • Technology & Engineering Camps
Read More about DARC SIDE Robotics Camp
  • June 10–14
Field Hockey Camp

Join us for a week of field hockey training, strategy sessions, and friendly competition in a supportive and dynamic environment.

  • Sports Camps
Read More about Field Hockey Camp
  • July 29–Aug. 2
Fizz, Bubble, Pop!: Exploring Chemistry Camp

Experiment with acids and bases and learn how to make a pH indicator out of household ingredients. Make invisible ink, create bubbles, and explore the amazing properties of polymers.

  • Technology & Engineering Camps
Read More about Fizz, Bubble, Pop!: Exploring Chemistry Camp
  • July 15–19
  • June 17–21
Flag Football Fanatics Camp

Learn the basics of the game, participate in drills and compete against other campers. Great for any skill level and ability.

  • Sports Camps
Read More about Flag Football Fanatics Camp
  • June 24–28
Internal Combustion Engines Camp

Have you ever wondered how an engine works? In this class, you’ll completely take apart a lawn mower engine and put it back together again (the right way).

  • Technology & Engineering Camps
Read More about Internal Combustion Engines Camp
  • July 8–12
  • July 15–19
  • July 22–26
  • July 29–Aug. 2
Jewelry Making and Fiber Arts Camp

Art in different media such as fiber and textiles is an exciting form of fine art because it involves the fun and challenging process of combining the various art mediums we know about.

  • Arts Camps
Read More about Jewelry Making and Fiber Arts Camp
  • July 15–19
Junior CEOs Camp

Students act as CEOs for leading companies and work in groups to make strategic recommendations to address real business issues.

  • Life Skills and Learning Camps
Read More about Junior CEOs Camp
  • July 15–19
Magic Bake-Off Cooking Camp

It's not just a culinary experience — it's a journey into the enchanting world of baking where every creation is a spellbinding masterpiece.

  • Cooking Camps
Read More about Magic Bake-Off Cooking Camp
  • June 24–28
Make Your First 3D Video Game Camp

In this Black Rocket classic, you will go well beyond the limitations of the traditional 2D game design classes and create an immersive 3D world.

  • Technology & Engineering Camps
Read More about Make Your First 3D Video Game Camp
  • June 10–14
Make Your First Video Game Camp

Conceptualization, level design, graphics, sounds and simple coding are just some of the concepts that we’ll explore.

  • Technology & Engineering Camps
Read More about Make Your First Video Game Camp
  • July 8–12
  • June 17–21
Mindset Math Camp

Our summer curriculum was organized around three themes— algebraic problem solving, the visualization of mathematics, and making connections between representations and ideas.

  • Life Skills and Learning Camps
Read More about Mindset Math Camp
  • July 15–19
Minecraft Modders Camp

Customize your own Minecraft world and mod the classic game in this one-of-a-kind class. Learn scripting and logic statements as you create your first mods.

  • Technology & Engineering Camps
Read More about Minecraft Modders Camp
  • July 29–Aug. 2
My First Food Truck Camp

Students select a food truck theme, design menus, estimate expenses, determine prices and develop financial projections.

  • Life Skills and Learning Camps
Read More about My First Food Truck Camp
  • June 17–21
Personal Finance Camp

Set your financial goals, develop a budget from scratch, shop for a credit card and calculate the monthly cost of your dream car.

  • Life Skills and Learning Camps
Read More about Personal Finance Camp
  • July 8–12
  • July 22–26
  • June 17–21
Pickleball Camp

Our pickleball pros are proud to “serve” beginner and intermediate players.

  • Sports Camps
Read More about Pickleball Camp
  • July 22–26
Pop Star Performers Camp

In Durham Academy Summer’s Pop Star Performers Camp, we will be learning, rehearsing and performing a mash-up of the campers’ favorite pop songs!

  • Arts Camps
Read More about Pop Star Performers Camp
  • July 22–26
Python Programmers Camp

Want to learn the world's fastest-growing programming language favored by Google, NASA, YouTube and the CIA? ​

  • Technology & Engineering Camps
Read More about Python Programmers Camp
  • June 24–28
Read All About It: Journalism Camp

Join the staff of your very own newspaper, and develop time management and writing skills as you learn “who, what, when, where and why.”

  • Life Skills and Learning Camps
Read More about Read All About It: Journalism Camp
  • July 8–12
ROBLOX Makers Camp

Unlock the power of ROBLOX® Studio, the world creation tool used by real-world ROBLOX® developers!

  • Technology & Engineering Camps
Read More about ROBLOX Makers Camp
  • June 17–21
Robotics Adventure Camp

This camp — led by a former captain of DA Upper School's robotics team, DARC SIDE — is an introductory course for basic robotics concepts.

  • Technology & Engineering Camps
Read More about Robotics Adventure Camp
  • July 15–19
  • July 29–Aug. 2
  • June 10–14
  • June 24–28
Rock Climbing Camp

In this partnership with Triangle Rock Club, adventure meets vertical challenges — and the thrill of reaching new heights becomes a daily accomplishment.

  • Sports Camps
Read More about Rock Climbing Camp
  • June 24–28
Sewing for Beginners Camp

This camp encourages campers who are new to sewing or developing more advanced skills to select their own projects, including scrunchies, bags, blankets, and even simple clothing.

  • Arts Camps
Read More about Sewing for Beginners Camp
  • June 17–21
Softball Camp 

Join us for a dynamic experience filled with skill development, strategy sessions, and the camaraderie that makes softball a beloved sport.

  • Sports Camps
Read More about Softball Camp 
  • July 15–19
  • June 17–21
Spatola Basketball Camp

Led by ESPN college basketball analyst Chris Spatola, the Spatola Basketball Skills Summit values energy, effort, and enthusiasm, and takes a personal interest in each camper with a focus on these qualities for ages 8–14.

  • Sports Camps
Read More about Spatola Basketball Camp
  • July 15–19
Speech and Debate for Beginners Camp

Discover the joy of effective communication, embrace intellectual challenges and build the foundation for a lifetime of confident expression.

  • Life Skills and Learning Camps
Read More about Speech and Debate for Beginners Camp
  • July 8–12
Sports Management Camp

For the sports lover, future team general manager, sports team owner, ESPN analyst or coach, this unique program helps students view the world of sports from a business perspective.

  • Life Skills and Learning Camps
  • Sports Camps
Read More about Sports Management Camp
  • June 10–14
Taking Flight into Aerospace Engineering Camp

Watch as your rockets blast off hundreds of feet into the air! Learn the fundamentals of Aerospace Engineering and use your newfound knowledge to design, build, and launch your own water bottle and model rockets.

  • Technology & Engineering Camps
Read More about Taking Flight into Aerospace Engineering Camp
  • July 8–12
  • July 29–Aug. 2
  • June 10–14
Triangle Ultimate Frisbee Camp

This camp will teach the fundamentals of the sport, going over different types of throws and the basic strategies of offense and defense.

  • Sports Camps
Read More about Triangle Ultimate Frisbee Camp
  • July 22–26
  • June 17–21
Ultimate Sports Camp

Experience a competitive way to stay active by exploring sports and games like kickball, Frisbee and capture the flag!

  • Sports Camps
Read More about Ultimate Sports Camp
  • June 10–14
  • June 17–21
Yoga and Art Studio Camp

We will not only explore all yoga has to offer — from poses to mindfulness — but we will also create a themed art piece each week.

  • Arts Camps
  • Sports Camps
Read More about Yoga and Art Studio Camp
  • July 22–26
Young Debaters Camp

Learn the art of persuasion! Students work in rotating groups and practice their debating skills in a supportive environment, including developing arguments, issuing rebuttals, providing examples, rebuilding their case and summarizing points of view.

  • Life Skills and Learning Camps
Read More about Young Debaters Camp