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Summer Camps
Summer Camps 2026
For the latest updates on each camp program, click on the links below to connect directly with your organization(s) of interest. This page is being updated as information is received.
Choose from a variety of venues with topics ranging from arts, science, culture, and more
Full-day and half-day camp options are available, for kids pre-K through 12th grade
Mix and match half-day camps to create a full-day experience
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Mingei International Museum
Summer at Mingei – Week 1
June 8 – 12 | Under-the-Sea | 9am – 3pm
Get ready to dive into a week of creative fun at Mingei! In Under-the-Sea, campers explore art, craft, and design inspired by the ocean and Mingei’s exhibition To Catch a Fish. From curious sea creatures to tools, textures, and traditions connected to fishing and ocean life, campers will look closely, ask questions, and make their own under-the-sea–inspired artworks in the studio.
Campers will also visit The Nat to discover real sea creatures and ocean science, sparking even more ideas for art-making. Through gallery games, hands-on projects, and plenty of imagination, campers will make waves all week long—no fins required!
Ages: 6-10
Summer at Mingei – Week 2
Mix, Match, and Make (4 day camp)
June 15-18 | Mix, Match, and Make | 9am – 3pm
Step into a world of shapes, colors, and creativity at Mix, Match, and Make! Campers will explore repeating designs, bold colors, and playful textures as they make their own patterned art projects using printmaking, stamping, and other hands-on techniques. From dots and stripes to swirls and zigzags, every day is a new adventure in mixing, matching, and creating. Through studio projects and gallery explorations, campers will see patterns everywhere—from folk art to everyday design—and leave with a colorful collection of their own masterpieces.
Please note that, in observance of Juneteenth, this camp will run for four days, from June 15–18.
Summer at Mingei – Week 3
There’s No Place Like Home
June 22-26 | There’s No Place Like Home | 9am – 3pm
Inspired by India Thompson’s Looks Like Home, this hands-on camp invites young artists to explore what “home” means to them through art. Students will use a variety of artistic processes to create works inspired by favorite meals, cozy bedrooms, and the people, objects, and moments that make home feel special. Campers will sculpt miniature comfort foods using polymer clay, design and create their own soft stuffy, and make art that celebrates personal stories and the many ways home can look, feel, and be imagined.
Campers will take a special trip to the San Diego History Center, where they’ll explore the stories, places, and people that have shaped the city they call home: San Diego.
Ages: 6-10
Summer at Mingei – Week 4
Self-Portrait Studio (4 day camp)
June 29 – July 2 | Self-Portrait Studio | 9am – 3pm
Who are you? What makes you YOU? In Self-Portrait Studio, kids will explore self-portraits inspired by the art in Clearly Indigenous, using paint, mixed media, and even 3-dimensional creations like piñatas! We’ll see how artists express themselves through materials, colors, and textures — then create our own bold and imaginative portraiture.
The adventure continues with a field trip to the San Diego Museum of Art, where campers will discover more self-portraits for inspiration. Back in the studio, we’ll turn inspiration into our own one-of-a-kind masterpieces—full of creativity and unique personality.
Please note that, in observance of the Fourth of July, this camp will run for four days, from June 29 – July 2.
Ages: 6-10
Member early access registration will be available on Tuesday, February 17. Mingei Members will receive a registration link via email.
Public registration opens here on our website on Wednesday, February 23rd.
Cancellation Policy We understand plans can change. To best support families and our programs, the following cancellation policy applies: 30 days or more before the start date of the camp week: Eligible for a full refund.
Less than 30 days before the start of the camp week: No refunds or vouchers will be issued. Exceptions may be made for medical or special circumstances at the discretion of Mingei staff.
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Worldbeat Center
Children’s Performing Arts Summer Camp Continues
WorldBeat Center’s and Diva Works Dance Summer Camp is directed by Monica Harris, a veteran dancer and theatre producer. Each session includes dance, theatre, and arts workshops, STEAM activities, hands on gardening activities, field trips and lots of fun.JUNE 9TH-13TH
JUNE 16TH-20TH
Monday – Friday : 9am-3pm
For Children Ages 5 – 12 years (Must be 5 by the time camp starts)
$170 per week, per child
For full June Camp details click here
*LEVEL UP SAN DIEGO & WORLDBEAT CAMP ANNOUNCEMENT*
We are so excited to announce a new summer camp program for grades 4th and 5th.
This will be a new annual summer camp led by WorldBeat Center. 2025’s program will be a wellness and science camp with activities ranging from garden to table cooking, nutrition, gardening, herbology, climate change and weather, sound healing, meditation, yoga, composting and more. There is no cost to families for the classroom instruction or the activities, thanks to a $31 million commitment by the San Diego Unified Board of Education. To be eligible for #LevelUpSD, students must be enrolled in San Diego Unified for the previous school year.To learn more about these programs in San Diego Unified Schools, please reach out to your school admin to learn when registration will open for summer.
Dates: July 7th-July 18th
For questions email publicity@worldbeatcenter.org
Registrations Are Now Open!
You can also register in person to pay in cash or check. Visit us at our location at 2100 Park Blvd San Diego, CA 92101
*REFUND POLICY*We will no longer issue deposit refunds. Instead, we would like to encourage you to simply move to another session so that your child can have the experience of summer camp. We advise that you if you are not certain about attending that you instead not rush to register.
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The Nat
We’re offering full-day camps for grades 1-8.
Registration begins Tuesday, February 17 for members* and Monday, February 23 for non-members. Annual memberships to the Museum at the Dual level and above will guarantee $25 off your camper’s registration.
*Presale and discount available to members at the Dual level and above.
Weekly rates:
- Members $425 | Non-members $450
- Our week-long camps are full days (9 AM–3 PM)
A souvenir T-shirt is included with each registration. Please note the size when filling out the registration form. T-shirts will be available at pick-up on the first day of your child’s camp. (coming soon!)
Scholarships are available through a generous donation from the Robert and Helen E. Grant Foundation. We will begin accepting applications on Tuesday, February 17. Applications can be submitted via mail or by email to campership@sdnhm.org. We encourage families to send their application as soon as possible. Once all available scholarships are awarded, new applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
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Model Railroad Museum
Our ever-popular model railroad camp introduces beginner modelers to the basics of creating a mock model railroad. Older campers will create a working model railroad.
Campers paint, plaster, lay track and construct a mini-town, complete with buildings, trees, trains, and people!
All SDMRM camps are immersive, hands-on, and led by enthusiastic education professionals. Museum members receive early access to registration starting February 17, with public registration opening March 2, plus discounted camp pricing
Introducing Our New Teen Clinic!
In this advanced, hands-on class, participants will design and build their own 4-foot by 8-inch model railroad layout from start to finish. Teens (grades 9–12) will learn every step of the process—from benchwork and track planning to wiring, soldering, and scenery techniques—guided by our expert instructors.
By the end of the week, students will have the skills and confidence to begin building their own model railroad at home.
Please note: This is an advanced class and includes the supervised use of power tools.
Summer Camp 2026 Registration
Thank you for your interest in our Summer Camp! Registration forms are not available yet, but they’ll be ready soon. Stay tuned!
Summer Camp Dates, Times, and levels opens march 2, 2026:
Weekly Camp Sessions
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June 15–18 · Grades K–2 · Beginner · $200 ($180 member)*
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June 22–26 · Grades K–2 · Beginner · $250 ($225 member)
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June 29–July 3 · Grades K–2 · Beginner · $250 ($225 member)
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July 6–10 · Grades 3–5 · Apprentice · $250 ($225 member)
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July 13–17 · Grades 3–5 · Apprentice · $250 ($225 member)
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July 20–24 · Grades 6–8 · Intermediate · $260 ($235 member)
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July 27–31 · Grades 6–8 · Intermediate · $260 ($235 member)
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August 3–7 · Grades 9–12 · Teen Clinic · $300 ($275 member)
*Prorated 4 day camp
CAMP CANCELLATION POLICY: In the event of any cancellation, a processing fee of 20% will be deducted from the refund amount.
All camp levels are age-based. No prior experience is required.
Can’t make it in-person? Try our virtual camp, perfect for students TK to 4th grade!
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July 6th to 8th 12:30pm to 2pm $110 ($100 member)
Questions?
Please email our Summer Camp Manager, Iliana Gonzalez, at igonzalez@sdmrm.org.
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Air and Space Museum
Registration opens February 15th, 2026
Registration Link Click Here to Sign Up!Become a Museum Member HERE
Choose the grade your camper is going into (26-27) for camp.
New this Year
- Class size limited to 20 students.
- All students receive a shirt
- Open to all genders all skills taught in camp
- New Class- RoboQuest
- Stay for lunch if you book 2 campson the same week $25
Touchless Drop-off and Pick-Up
- Parent/guardian remains in car, ID check through window
- Re-routed to business entrance to avoid traffic at front of Museum
*****CAUTION- Active.net our online registration system will offer you insurance, we do not recommend accepting. We can not offer refunds for this $89 charge.********
Cancellation PolicyEmpty heading
– Cancellations made more than 7 days prior to the start of the camp will receive a refund, minus a 10% cancellation fee per camp.
– No refunds within 7 days of any programMember rates are for Air and Space Museum Members ($30 off). Balboa Park pass holders will pay regular camp prices.
Junior Flight Crew
Grades: UTK-K
Description: Soar with us as we look at airplanes, balloons, and rockets and the people who create, fly, and work in aviation. Class has group activities, story time, and centers. (Note children must be potty trained)
Cost: $140/ week
July 20-24 8:30 am to 11:00 amAstro”tot”s
Grades: UTK-K
Description: Discover space from stars, to planets, to the moon and beyond. Class features stories, playtime, and group activities. (Note: children must be potty trained)
Cost: $140/ week
June 1-5 8:30 am to 11:00 am; June 22-26 8:30 am to 11:00 amPlanes, Trains and More
Grades: 1-2
Description: Get ready to roll, soar, and explore! This first–second grade camp introduces students to transportation of all kinds, with a special focus on planes and trains. Campers build aircraft, use robots, and enjoy hands-on engineering activities, science experiments, and museum exploration.
Cost: $185/ week
June 8-12 8:30 am to 12:00 pm; July 20-24 8:30 am to 12:00 pmAstronauts in Training
Grades: 1-2
Description: Blast off as we experience all things space: from rocket launches, to spacesuits, to life on the moon. Class is creative imaginative and is focused on the engineering design process along with museum exploration.
Cost: $185/week
June 1-5 8:30 am to 12:00 pm; June 22-26 8:30 to 12:00 pmTop Gun
Grades: 3-5
Description: Grab your aviators and prepare for takeoff! This third–fifth grade camp dives into the exciting world of military aviation. Campers build and fly gliders, design and construct aircraft carriers, explore drones, and engage in hands-on, project-based activities filled with creativity and aviation exploration.
Cost: $185/ week
June 15-18 ($155) 8:30 am to 12:00 pm; July 20-24 1:00 pm to 4:30 pmSpace Scouts
Grades: 3-5
Description: Blast off into the future as Space Scouts explore human space exploration from the Moon to Mars and beyond. Discover lunar communities, next-generation rockets, and space robotics through imaginative, hands-on projects, with plenty of time to explore the museum and dream big.
Cost: $185/ week
June 22-26 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm; July 27-31 8:30 am to 12:00 pmRoboQuest
Grades: 3rd to 5th
Description: Bring robots to life in this introductory camp for third–fifth graders! Campers use the museum’s collection as inspiration to build, code, and test robots while solving engineering design challenges. Imagination, art, and hands-on creativity blend with museum exploration to spark curiosity and innovation.
Cost: $195
June 15-18 ($165) 1:00-4:30 pm;Spy Camp
Grades: 5-9
Description: Are you ready to go undercover on a special op? From coding to camouflage to using technology campers will develop their clandestine skills. Campers will be using engineering techniques and museum exhibits to uncover all things secret.
Cost: $185/ week
June 15-18 8:30 am to 12:00 pm price $155; July 27-31 1:00 pm to 4:30 pmAviation Simulation
Grades: 6-12
Description: Ready for takeoff? This introductory aviation camp for middle and high school students explores ground school basics, hands-on flight simulator practice, and conversations with real pilots. Perfect for students curious about flying and aviation careers before making a long-term commitment. The July 20-24 camp will be at Gillespie Field in El Cajon, combine piloting skills with airport tours.
Cost: $195/ week
June 8-12 1:00 pm -4:30 pm; Gillespie Location July 20-24 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm
