Charlotte families can choose from sports, art, music, STEM and nature camps. This 2026 guide compares 17 options by activity, age information, camp format and location.

Start with your child’s interests. Then compare age or grade rules, schedule, location and cost. Camp dates, prices and availability can change during the season, so confirm current details before registering. Families interested in an active leadership program can review the summer camp in Charlotte offered by Mission Grit.

Charlotte Summer Camps at a Glance

Sports & Adventure Camps

These camps center on movement, sports instruction, teamwork and outdoor activity.

1. Mission Grit Leadership Summer Camp

Mission Grit Leadership Summer Camp combines obstacle courses, team missions, character lessons and hands-on STEM projects. The program draws on the founder’s special forces background and groups activities by developmental stage.

• Obstacle course adventures: Daily physical challenges build strength, agility and problem-solving skills.
• Team-building missions: Group activities teach cooperation, communication and leadership.
• Character lessons: Campers practice resilience, courage and responsibility through guided activities.
• STEM and strategy: Engineering and science projects add practical learning.
• Instruction: Veterans and youth mentors lead the program.
• Program method: SPIRIT stands for Science, Problem-solving, In-motion, Respect, Interactive and Teamwork.

• Best for: Active kids who enjoy physical challenges, teamwork and leadership activities.
• Age or grade: Programming is grouped by developmental stage. Contact Mission Grit for current group details.
• Dates and hours: Contact Mission Grit for the current camp schedule.
• Cost: Contact Mission Grit for current tuition.
• Location: 6311 Carmel Rd, Ste C, Charlotte, NC 28226.

Review Mission Grit summer camp details and current registration information.

2. Summer at Providence Day School

Summer at Providence Day includes soccer, basketball, tennis and flag football. Families can also choose arts, academic and STEM programs for rising grades.

• Best for: Families who want several camp subjects at one campus.
• Age or grade: Programs are organized for rising grades. Contact the school for current grade rules.
• Dates and hours: Contact the school for the current schedule.
• Cost: Contact the school for current tuition.
• Location: 5800 Sardis Road, Charlotte, NC 28270.

3. YMCA Summer Day Camp

YMCA camps combine sports instruction with outdoor activities at several Charlotte locations. Programs may include swimming, basketball, canoeing and nature hikes. The YMCA also offers overnight camp options.

• Best for: Kids who want a mix of sports and outdoor activities.
• Age or grade: Contact the YMCA for program-specific age rules.
• Dates and hours: Contact the YMCA for the current schedule.
• Cost: Contact the YMCA for current tuition.
• Location: Multiple locations across Charlotte.

4. Yes, I Can Basketball Camp

Yes, I Can Basketball Camp runs four-day sessions led by professional players. Campers work through skill drills, scrimmages and competitions, then watch the coaches demonstrate techniques on the court.

• Best for: Young basketball players who want focused instruction and game practice.
• Age or grade: Contact the camp for current age groups.
• Dates and hours: Four-day sessions are offered. Confirm current dates and daily hours.
• Cost: Contact the camp for current tuition.
• Location: Multiple locations across South Charlotte and surrounding areas.

Arts & Crafts Camps

Charlotte art camps give kids time to practice techniques, work with new materials and complete projects they can take home.

5. Small Hands Big Art

Small Hands Big Art uses professional materials for projects such as batik painting, printmaking and large sculpture. Project plans change so returning campers can work on new skills.

• Best for: Kids who enjoy visual art and hands-on projects.
• Age or grade: Contact the studio for current age groups.
• Dates and hours: Contact the studio for the current schedule.
• Cost: Contact the studio for current tuition.
• Location: 7415 Waverly Walk Ave F2A, Charlotte, NC 28277.

6. Arts+ Summer Camps

Arts+ offers visual arts, music and creative writing camps for grades K-12. Professional teaching artists guide each program. Scholarship support is available.

• Best for: Students who want an arts program matched to their grade and interests.
• Age or grade: Grades K-12.
• Dates and hours: Contact Arts+ for the current schedule.
• Cost: Contact Arts+ for current tuition and scholarship details.
• Location: Multiple locations across Charlotte.

7. Clayworks Pottery Camp

Clayworks introduces campers to ceramic work in a professional studio. Activities include wedging clay, wheel throwing, hand-building and glazing finished pieces.

• Best for: Kids who want focused pottery instruction and hands-on studio time.
• Age or grade: Contact the studio for current age groups.
• Dates and hours: Contact the studio for the current schedule.
• Cost: Contact the studio for current tuition.
• Location: 4506 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28205.

Music & Performance Camps

These camps focus on filmmaking, music, theater and live performance. Campers practice technical skills while working with a group.

8. Filmmaking Camp with VisArt Video

VisArt Video gives young filmmakers experience with scriptwriting, videography and production work. Campers take part in the steps needed to plan and create a video project.

• Best for: Kids interested in directing, writing or video production.
• Age or grade: Contact the camp for current age groups.
• Dates and hours: Contact the camp for the current schedule.
• Cost: Contact the camp for current tuition.
• Location: 3104 Eastway Drive, Charlotte, NC 28205.

9. School of Rock Music Camps

School of Rock uses a band format to teach instruments, popular songs and stage skills. Campers rehearse together and gain live performance experience.

• Best for: Young musicians who want to play in a band.
• Age or grade: Contact the school for current age groups.
• Dates and hours: Contact the school for the current schedule.
• Cost: Contact the school for current tuition.
• Location: 4724 Sharon Road, Suite J, Charlotte, NC 28210.

10. Rock University

Rock University camps cover guitar basics, band formation, song selection and stage techniques. Professional musicians guide campers before a final concert setting.

• Best for: Kids who want music instruction with a group performance goal.
• Age or grade: Contact the camp for current age groups.
• Dates and hours: Contact the camp for the current schedule.
• Cost: Contact the camp for current tuition.
• Location: 5700 Concord Parkway South, Concord, NC 28027.

11. Children’s Theatre of Charlotte

Children’s Theatre of Charlotte offers age-grouped camps built around storytelling and performance. Campers work together on theater skills before presenting their work to family audiences.

• Best for: Kids interested in acting, storytelling and stage work.
• Age or grade: Programs are grouped by age. Contact the theater for current rules.
• Dates and hours: Contact the theater for the current schedule.
• Cost: Contact the theater for current tuition.
• Location: ImaginOn, 300 E 7th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202.

STEM & Educational Camps

Charlotte STEM camps use projects to teach coding, robotics, science and other academic subjects.

12. Summer Camp at Level Up!

Level Up offers project-based camps in coding, game design and digital arts. Small classes give campers more instructor support as they create games, apps and animations.

• Best for: Kids who want to create digital projects while learning technical skills.
• Age or grade: Contact the camp for current age groups.
• Dates and hours: Contact the camp for the current schedule.
• Cost: Contact the camp for current tuition.
• Location: 1311 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Matthews, NC 28105.

13. CPCC Summer Camps

CPCC uses college facilities for youth programs in robotics, culinary arts and creative writing. Camps run at the Levine Campus and other locations. Scholarship options are available.

• Best for: Students who want access to college facilities and subject-specific instruction.
• Age or grade: Contact CPCC for program-specific age rules.
• Dates and hours: Contact CPCC for the current schedule.
• Cost: Contact CPCC for current tuition and scholarship details.
• Location: Multiple campus locations.

14. SciKidz Summer Camps

Club SciKidz offers more than 70 themed STEM programs. Topics include astronomy, veterinary medicine, robotics and chemistry. Campers learn through experiments and project work.

• Best for: Kids who want a themed science camp with hands-on projects.
• Age or grade: Contact the camp for current age groups.
• Dates and hours: Contact the camp for the current schedule.
• Cost: Contact the camp for current tuition.
• Location: 715 E Arrowood Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217.

Nature Camps

Nature camps give children more outdoor time through adventure activities, animal care and environmental education.

15. Whitewater Center

Whitewater Camp combines outdoor learning with activities such as rock climbing and whitewater rafting. Campers spend time outside while learning about the natural setting.

• Best for: Kids interested in outdoor adventure and physical activity.
• Age or grade: Contact the camp for current age groups.
• Dates and hours: Contact the camp for the current schedule.
• Cost: Contact the camp for current tuition.
• Location: 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214.

16. Providence Equestrian Center

Providence Equestrian Center gives campers hands-on experience with horse care and riding skills in an outdoor setting.

• Best for: Kids who enjoy horses and want riding instruction.
• Age or grade: Contact the center for current age groups.
• Dates and hours: Contact the center for the current schedule.
• Cost: Contact the center for current tuition.
• Location: 424 Waxhaw Indian Trail Rd S, Waxhaw, NC 28173.

17. Anne Springs Close Greenway

Anne Springs Close Greenway runs ecology-focused camps across a 2,100-acre nature preserve. Campers explore forests, lakes and historic sites while learning about local environments.

• Best for: Kids interested in ecology, outdoor exploration and local history.
• Age or grade: Contact the Greenway for current age groups.
• Dates and hours: Contact the Greenway for the current schedule.
• Cost: Contact the Greenway for current tuition.
• Location: 2573 Lake Haigler Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29715.

How to Choose a Summer Camp in Charlotte

Use these questions to narrow the list before paying a deposit:

• Does the camp match your child’s strongest interests?
• Does your child meet the current age or grade rules?
• Do the dates and daily hours fit your family’s schedule?
• Is the location practical for daily travel?
• Does the cost fit your budget?
• Does the camp offer financial aid, sibling discounts or early registration pricing?

Confirm each camp’s current dates, fees, registration rules and availability before enrolling.

Charlotte Summer Camp FAQs

What types of summer camps are available in Charlotte?

Charlotte has sports, adventure, art, music, theater, STEM and nature camps. The right category depends on your child’s interests and preferred activity level.

How should parents compare Charlotte summer camps?

Compare the child’s interests, age or grade rules, schedule, location and cost. Ask each camp about financial aid, sibling discounts and early registration pricing.

Which Charlotte camps offer more than one subject?

Summer at Providence Day includes sports, arts, academics and STEM. YMCA programs combine sports with outdoor activities. Mission Grit combines obstacle courses, leadership, team activities and STEM projects.

What does Mission Grit’s summer camp include?

Mission Grit includes obstacle courses, team missions, character lessons and hands-on STEM projects. The camp is located at 6311 Carmel Rd, Ste C, Charlotte, NC 28226.

Register for Mission Grit Summer Camp

Mission Grit offers an active Charlotte summer camp centered on leadership, teamwork and physical challenges. Review the current summer camp program, then contact Mission Grit with registration questions.