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This summer we are offering camp programs in Newport News Park. All camps run Monday through Friday, 9AM-4PM. Before and after camp care is available for an additional fee. Camps are for children ages 8 to 13.
July 11-15 Colonial Rangers Camp
July 18-22 Hands-On History Camp
Register at Eventbrite for History Summer Camp today! Before and after camp care are available as add-ons to your registration.
Registering two siblings for the same camp session? Contact us at nnhistoricsites@nnva.gov for a promo code to receive $25 off.
Kids ages 8-13 will explore history through a scientific lens with hands-on activities, games, and hikes. Campers will learn about orienteering, signaling, fortifications, waterwheels, baseball, bridges, telegraphs, and more! Camp will be held for part of the week at Newport News Park and part of the week at the historic Lee Hall Depot.
Before the Revolution, the American colonies were drawn into a war between the European powers. The American Colonial Rangers pioneered a new way of fighting in the woods and forests that differed from traditional battlefields and changed how armies fought forever. Campers will learn about the skills and experiences of the Colonial Rangers, particularly the legendary Roger’s Rangers.
Camps run from Monday through Friday of each week. Drop-off is at 9AM. Please do not drop off your child prior to 8:45AM. Pickup is promptly at 4PM. Please be advised that we cannot accommodate requests for later pickup times except through the after-camp care program.
Early drop-off and late pickup are available for a small fee with advance registration. Please select before care only, after care only, or BOTH before and after care on your registration.
Our headquarters during camp will be Shelter #10 in Newport News Park. Please use the park entrance at 13560 Jefferson Ave. and proceed on Constitution Way until you reach Shelter #10 on the left.
If inclement weather is expected for the day, camp will move indoors to Lee Hall Depot, 9 Elmhurst Street, Newport News, VA 23603. We will make every attempt to notify parents of a change in location the day before. In case of brief storms or unexpected poor weather, campers will move to the Discovery Center in Newport News Park until the storm passes.
Please be sure to check your child daily for symptoms of illness, and keep your camper home if they exhibit any symptoms. Please notify us right away if there is a positive COVID test among any member of your household.
Our locations in Newport News Park and Lee Hall Depot provide access to indoor restrooms for frequent handwashing. We will also provide hand sanitizer.
Our camp locations allow physical distancing among campers and plenty of fresh air. We will sanitize any shared materials frequently.
If you prefer that your child wear a mask, please send one.
If you indicated in registration that your child has an allergy or asthma, we will send you an Allergy Plan of Action form and a Medication Administration Consent form. Please return these to us as soon as possible. We must have them on file in order for your child to participate in summer camp.
Please let us know of any other needs your child may have so that we can plan accordingly and provide the best camp experience possible.
Due to safety concerns and to provide the best experience for your children, unregistered family members and friends are not allowed to accompany children during camp.
Receipt of payment in full as well as registration and release forms guarantees that your child is registered for a particular camp session.
Camp registration occurs on a first-come, first-served basis. Submit payment and forms to us as soon as possible in order to ensure your camper’s spot! Once a camp session has filled, we will close registration and additional campers will not be added. Please complete registration and release forms for each child in your family who will attend camp.
A confirmation email will be sent to you a few weeks before your child’s camp session begins with more details about the camp experience.
Refund requests will be honored until June 15, 2022. Refund requests should be submitted in writing to nnhistoricsites@nnva.gov. Online registration will be refunded less any processing fees. Requests received after June 15 will not be honored.
In the event that we must cancel camp sessions due to COVID-19 safety concerns, government mandates, or low enrollment, you will receive a full refund including Eventbrite fees.
Your registration fee includes all supplies and equipment your child will need for summer camp activities. However, there are a few items that campers must bring from home:
• A canteen, water bottle or other sturdy, reusable water container. We will provide plenty of opportunities to refill.
• A backpack or string bag to carry water, snacks and other camp supplies around.
• Lunch. Your child must bring his or her own lunch each day in a small cooler or nylon/polyester lunch bag labeled with his/her name. Please, no paper bags. Lunches will be kept in a secure location, but please be advised that they will not be refrigerated.
• Snacks. Additional snacks for children may be sent and kept in the child’s backpack. Breaks for snacks/water will be provided during the day.
Children should wear summer-appropriate clothing that can get dirty. We will spend most of the day outdoors. We try to avoid direct sun during the hottest parts of the day, but hats are encouraged for when they are in the sun. Because of the insects in the park, some children prefer to wear long pants and long socks to protect themselves. Others prefer to wear shorts to be cooler.
Closed-toe shoes are a must due to the amount of time we will be walking. You may wish to send a poncho with your child in the event of rain.
Insect repellant and sunscreen should be applied to your child prior to arriving every day and may be left with your child during the time at camp. The majority of the areas we will be in are wooded. After a day at camp, you should inspect your child for ticks and chiggers immediately.
For more information about Hands-On History Camp, call Tim Greene at (757) 887-1862.
For more information about Colonial Rangers Camp, call Chris Garcia at (757) 247-8523.
