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Summer Camp

Let’s Have an EPIC Summer!—Explore Our Day Camp Program at BASIS Independent McLean

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Summer at BASIS Independent McLean is an experience that stays with you. Here, we redefine what summer can be. In our Day Camps, through themed adventures and hands-on activities, campers develop curiosity, build skills, and expand their knowledge through play! This isn’t your typical summer camp, but a learning adventure that helps your child accomplish more than they ever imagined.  

☀️ ☀️ ☀️ ☀️ ☀️

Program Details

June 8 – August 7, 2026 (Monday through Friday, sign up by week)

Camp Options: Full-day camp (9 AM–12 PM) / Half-day camp (9 AM–4 PM)

Location: BASIS Independent McLean, 8000 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, VA 22102

Every week, campers will explore natural science, theatrical production, painterly expressions, and athletic teamwork skills through a series of indoor and outdoor activities. They will also embark on exciting field trips, meet special guests, and enjoy surprise events that make each week a unique adventure to look forward to!

Toddlers–PreK-2: Activities focus on movement, gross motor activities, sensory play, and creative exploration. They are designed to support physical, social, and cognitive development while keeping little campers engaged and happy.

Kindergarten–Grade 5: Activities focus on developing higher problem-solving and collaboration skills through STEM challenges and visual and performing arts. Field trips are available for Full-Day campers in Grades 1–5.

Themes by Week:

*=field trip

  • Week 1 – Pirate Adventures (*Watson Adventure at the National American History Museum)
  • Week 2 – A Camping Adventure
  • Week 3 – Superhero vs. Villains (*Spy Museum)
  • Week 4 – Under the Sea
  • Week 5 – Safari Explorers (*NOVA Wild)
  • Week 6 – STEAM-tastic Fun! (*National Children’s Museum)
  • Week 7 – Sports Zone (*Sky Zone)
  • Week 8 – Space Explorers (*National Air Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center)
  • Week 9 – Carnival Craze (*Funland)

Spaces fill quickly! Don’t let your child miss this chance to experience a summer of fun challenges and growth with friends. The Registration window for each week of Day Camp closes 1 week prior.

Find out more about our summer programs, and register today: https://basisindependent.com/schools/va/mclean/student-life/summer-programs/

Join us for an EPIC summer—we can’t wait to see you here!

BASIS Independent McLean is an Age 2–Grade 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the Red-Tailed Hawks community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here.

Day Camps: Where Adventure Meets Imagination! 

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Get ready to redefine summer! Our Day Camp Team at BASIS Independent Brooklyn is gearing up for nine weeks of pure excitement, exploration, and fun that will have your kids counting down the days until camp begins. 

Every Week is a New Adventure 

Our Day Camps will dive headfirst into themed weeks packed with hands-on science experiments, nature explorations, creative arts, sports, and games. With a unique selection of indoor and outdoor activities, every day brings something new to discover!  

Our Junior Day Camp is specifically designed to engage and support rising PreK to Kindergarten campers. Our School Age Day Camp paves the way for Rising Gr. 1-5 campers to jump into real-life adventures every day. All of our campers will enjoy programming organized around exciting weekly themes.

Summer 2026 Weekly Themes & Field Trips 

Week 1 (June 22-26): Wild West 
Saddle up, partners! We’re heading to the American Museum of Natural History to explore the frontier. 

Week 2 (June 29-July 2): Bear Investigation Bureau 
Junior detectives will crack cases at the Spy Museum in this mystery-filled week. 

Week 3 (July 6-10): Year 3000: Brooklyn Expo 
Discover futuristic fun at the NY Hall of Science and end the week with a Spirit Day, asking our campers to think ahead about their future selves! 

Week 4 (July 13-17): Safari 
It’s a wild adventure at Prospect Park Zoo as campers explore the animal kingdom. 

Week 5 (July 20-24): Step into a Story 
Stories come alive with a special trip to the NYC Children’s Theater, and campers will dress up as their favorite storybook character. 

Week 6 (July 27-31): Color Games 
A rainbow of creativity awaits at the Sloomoo Institute! Our spirit day will encourage campers to dress up in their favorite color head-to-toe. 

Week 7 (August 3-7): Case of the Bear Bandit 
Another thrilling mystery to solve with an exciting visit to Ferox. We will end the week with a Masquerade! 

Week 8 (August 10-14): Fun in the Sun 
Cool off and splash around at LeFrak Splash Pad, and end the week with a Mismatch Spirit Day. 

Week 9 (August 17-21): Carnival 
End the summer with a bang at LEGOLAND and the excitement of carnival games! 

Camp Details 

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. ET 
 
Extended Care Available: 

  • Early Bird: 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. ($55/week) 
  • Late Bird: 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. ($130/week) 
  • Both Early + Late Bird: $170/week 

Pricing: 

  • Junior Campers (Rising PreK-K): $730/week 
  • School Age Campers (Rising Grades 1-5): $665/week 
  • Half-Day Add-On for Specialty Camps: $330 

Registration: Choose from any of our 9 one-week sessions running June 22 through August 21! 

Don’t let your kids miss out on the summer adventure of a lifetime. Sign up today and give them memories they’ll treasure forever! Register by February 20th to receive a 10% discount on all camp programs. Visit Summer Programs | BASIS Independent Brooklyn Camps for more information and to register today! 

Every day at our summer camp brings a new adventure, filled with opportunities for your child to create lasting memories and develop new skills. 
 

Summer Buzz: What to Expect for BASIS Independent Bellevue Summer 2026!

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As sunshine stretches a little longer into each day, excitement starts to bubble up across our Mountaineer community—summer is almost here! Once the school year comes to a close in June, students may say goodbye to regular classes until August, but the fun and learning doesn’t have to stop on campus. All summer long, BASIS Independent Bellevue will be buzzing with energy as we host a variety of engaging summer programs. 

Designed by our Auxiliary Department, Summer 2026 is packed with opportunities for students to explore passions, try something new, and make memories with friends along the way. Summer is the perfect season for creativity, curiosity, and discovery, and our programs are built to embrace all three. Whether students are creating, coding, collaborating, or staying active, our summer offerings reflect the vibrant interests of our community and promise something exciting for every camper. 

Day Camp

Day camps offer students an exciting blend of learning and play through flexible, theme-based programming. To reflect the wide range of interests within our community, the Auxiliary Department has designed a rotating schedule of weekly themes that bring each camp experience to life.  

Campers will explore different eras in Time Travel Trek, blast off to different planets in Space Explorers, connect with nature in Wild World Adventures, or tap into their superpowers in Superhero Academy.  Each day features activities aligned with the weekly theme, balanced with both indoor and outdoor fun. Every session wraps up with a celebratory Fun Friday, often highlighted by special guest experiences tied to the theme. Families are welcome to enroll campers in multiple weeks, giving students the chance to enjoy every adventure our campus has in store. 

Foam Party Fun!

Specialty Camps

Our specialty summer programs offer students a dynamic space to build friendships, explore new interests, and challenge themselves. From creative, hands-on activities to athletic options like Archery and Sports Menagerie, these camps reflect the diverse passions of the Mountaineer Community. Beyond summer fun, families can expect programs that support learning, social growth, and essential life skills, all while encouraging curiosity, confidence, and exploration at BASIS Independent Bellevue. 

Specialty Camp Focus

While our summer day camp is highlighted by fun explorative learning, we’d be remiss if we did not mention some of the other areas BASIS Independent Bellevue Summer Camps shine! We know while the school year may contain multitudes of differing subjects, BLV Summer strives to offer campers a wide range of intellectually stimulating courses. For example, our Latin Immersion Course and Latin Boot camp offer not only an introduction to the language, but also opportunities to further build upon information already learned.  

Children can also explore their creative side with one of our art focused specialty courses. Such as; DJ Camp that introduces campers to professional remixing software, helping them craft their own mixes while learning about audio editing and beat production. Jazz Camp offers instrumentalists the chance to refine their technique, explore improvisation, and collaborate in ensemble settings. Creative Writing Camp gives campers the opportunity to expand their writing skills and creative story telling. Or perhaps your child is interested in theatre then, Play Creation Theater Adventure could be the right camp for them, here campers get to explore the process of scription, designing, and preforming their own play!

Archery Camp
Middle School Chess
Minecraft Modders
Volleyball Skills Camp
Latin Boot Camp

Sign Up Today!

Spanning a wide range of interests, our summer programs keep the campus energized and engaged long after the school year ends. These experiences encourage students to explore new interests while developing valuable skills. To learn more, view our complete Summer 2026 Camp Brochure here and register below! For additional questions you can contact the organizing team at blv.summercamp@basisindependent.com.

Summer Camp Sign Ups

Summer Programs 2026: Learning, Adventure, and Growth

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Summer at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley is a time for discovery, connection, and meaningful growth. Our Summer Programs 2026 offer engaging opportunities for students on both our Lower School and Upper School campuses, blending academic enrichment, hands-on exploration, and joyful summer fun. Whether your child is eager to learn something new, strengthen skills, or simply enjoy an active and inspiring summer with peers, our thoughtfully designed programs provide a supportive environment where students can thrive.

Lower School Summer Programs

Adventure truly awaits on our Lower School campus, where each summer day is filled with curiosity, creativity, and play. Our Day Camp program offers weekly themed experiences that immerse campers in hands-on STEAM activities, outdoor games, creative arts, and collaborative challenges. From imaginative themes like Welcome to Hogwarts and Around the World to high-energy favorites such as Superhero Academy and Team Spirit, every week brings something new to explore. Campers also enjoy optional field trips to local favorites like museums, zoos, and interactive science centers, helping them connect learning to the real world. For families seeking more focused experiences, our Specialty Camps allow students to dive deeper into interests such as science, engineering, sports, invention, and kindergarten readiness—all while building confidence, friendships, and a love of learning.

Upper School Summer Programs

Our Upper School Summer Program is ideal for students looking to stay academically engaged, get ahead, or explore new interests in a flexible and purposeful way. Students may choose from a wide selection of for-credit and enrichment courses, available both in person on our Upper School campus and virtually. Offerings include math acceleration, science, world languages, computer science, fine arts, business, economics, and writing, with select courses earning high school credit and appearing on transcripts. Whether students are strengthening foundational skills, accelerating their academic pathway, or discovering new academic passions, Upper School summer courses combine expert instruction with a focused, supportive learning environment that keeps students connected to the BASIS Independent experience.

Why Join Us This Summer

Our Summer Programs are designed to make learning meaningful, engaging, and enjoyable—while giving families flexible options that fit their summer plans. With experienced educators, dynamic programming, and a strong sense of community across both campuses, BISV summer programs help students return to the school year confident, inspired, and ready to succeed. Spots are limited, and sessions fill quickly, so we encourage families to explore options and register early. Learn more and secure your child’s place by visiting our Summer Programs website.

Summer Programs Registration Is Now Open

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Summer, Redefined.

Looking for a summer experience that’s as enriching as it is fun? Registration is now open for Summer Programs at BASIS Independent Schools, featuring dynamic day camps, specialty camps, and virtual academic courses designed to inspire curiosity, confidence, and connection in kids of all ages.

Summer isn’t just a break from school—it’s a chance to try something new, build independence, and make memories that last well beyond August. Our thoughtfully designed programs blend joyful learning, hands-on exploration, and expert instruction to ensure your child grows while having an unforgettable summer.

Whether your child loves to create, explore, build, or challenge themselves academically, there’s a summer experience waiting for them at BASIS Independent Schools.

Day Camps: A New Adventure Every Week

Our summer day camps deliver fresh excitement each week through theme-based adventures that spark imagination and teamwork. Campers embark on daring expeditions, tackle creative challenges, and dive into hands-on activities that build problem-solving skills and confidence. Every day is active, engaging, and designed to keep kids eager to come back tomorrow.

What to expect:

  • Weekly themes with immersive activities
  • Collaborative games that build friendships
  • Plenty of movement, creativity, and fun

Specialty Camps: Dive Deep Into What They Love

For kids ready to explore a passion—or discover a new one—our specialty camps offer focused, skill-building experiences led by expert instructors. From STEM and design to arts and enrichment, these camps empower students to go deeper, think bigger, and leave feeling proud of what they’ve accomplished.

Perfect for campers who want to:

  • Develop a specific interest or talent
  • Learn from subject-matter experts
  • Build confidence through hands-on mastery

Virtual Summer Programs: Learn Without Limits

Our virtual summer offerings bring high-quality academic enrichment and for-credit courses straight to your home. Students can explore subjects like Business, Computer Science, Digital Art, Economics, Math, Writing, and more—challenging themselves in a supportive, engaging online environment.

These courses are ideal for motivated learners who want to explore interests deeply, get ahead academically, or discover what they’re capable of achieving.

Why Families Choose Our Summer Programs

No matter which option you choose, every program is built around one goal: creating joyful, meaningful experiences that support academic, social, and personal growth.

Families consistently tell us that their children finish the summer more confident, more curious, and excited to keep learning.

Register Early & Save

Spots fill quickly. We encourage families to explore our full range of summer programs and register early to secure their preferred sessions.

Register by February 20 & receive 10% off total camp tuition!

REGISTER TODAY


*Discounts available for select camps. Inquire for details.*

Build the Future at Our Senior Robotics Camp

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This summer, we’re opening the doors to innovation at BASIS Independent Brooklyn with our Senior Robotics Camp—an intensive, hands-on experience designed for students in grades 6–12 who are eager to explore the cutting edge of technology.

From June 29 to July 3, aspiring engineers and problem-solvers will spend their afternoons (12:00–4:00 p.m.) immersed in the fundamentals of robotics at our Upper School campus in Red Hook. Students will master mechanical design, dive into coding, explore circuitry, and learn sensor integration—all while building and programming their own robots from the ground up.

What Makes This Camp Special?

This program isn’t just about following instructions. Campers will tackle real-world challenges, from navigating complex obstacle courses to programming robots to complete automated tasks. Working both independently and collaboratively, students will develop critical STEM skills, including:

  • Critical thinking and analytical reasoning
  • Teamwork and communication
  • Creative problem-solving under pressure
  • Technical proficiency in coding and engineering

Whether your student is taking their first steps into robotics or looking to level up their existing skills, our supportive environment encourages experimentation, iteration, and bold thinking.

BASIS Independent Brooklyn’s Robotics Coach Nicholas will oversee the camp, and he shared: “I’m really excited about the Robotics Summer Camp, where students get hands-on experience building and programming robots using Arduino and other electronics.”

Coach Nicholas continued: “Whether students are new to robotics or have prior experience, this camp is a great opportunity to explore, problem-solve, and build something awesome together.”

Details at a Glance

  • Grades: 6–12
  • Dates: June 29 – July 3
  • Time: 12:00–4:00 p.m.
  • Investment: $850

Allow your teen to turn curiosity into capability. Space is limited—registration opens on January 6, 2026. Watch them build the future, one robot at a time. See our Summer 2026 website for more information.

Coach Nicholas and his high school robotics team prepare for their FIRST Competition demonstration.

Summer Programs at BASIS Independent Bellevue

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When the days get longer and the sun shines a bit brighter, members of our Mountaineer community begin to plan for the summer months. After the last day of school in June, classes will be out of session until late August; however, BASIS Independent Bellevue’s campus will remain open, and our team will host various summer programs!

Organized by our Auxiliary Department, our campus will be offering exciting opportunities to explore interests, connect with peers, and engage in learning while school is out. Summer sessions are a great time to pursue interests and sharpen skills while creating lasting memories in the process. This year, our summer programs offer engaging experiences designed to meet the interest of our learning community. Whether diving into art, technology, or athletics, there is something for everyone in our summer programs. 

Spending Summer 2025 with BASIS Independent Bellevue 

In summer 2025, programs will run between the weeks of June 24 to August 15. Programming offered includes day camps, academic camps, specialty camps, and even sports. 

Summer programs mean opportunities to engage with friends, try new challenges, and discover interests in an environment that celebrates curiosity. Some might explore dynamic arts programming or delve into an athletic interest in our sports camps like Beginner’s Basketball. Our camps reflect our Mountaineer community’s wide array of interests and help campers get deeper into the topics and activities that fuel their passions with offerings that focus on fashion, chess, archery, sewing, entrepreneurship, engineering, and more. For parents, our diverse offerings not only promise an exciting break but also support academic growth, social development, and the building of life skills. Summer programs at BASIS Independent Bellevue are designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and encourage exploration.

Day camps are a great way for students to engage with versatile programming where they will have fun while learning. In order to meet the interests of our community, the Auxiliary Department has created a schedule of weekly themes to engage students in unique and fun ways. Campers who join our day camps will solve mysteries during The Great Camp Caper, explore everything about space in Calling Mission Control, appreciate the natural world in The Wilds Beyond, or ignite their inner superhero in Earth’s Mightiest Camper. The daily camp schedule includes activities specifically tailored to fit those themes while mixing indoor and outdoor play. Each week will come to an end with a Fun Friday event. Campers can look forward to exciting special guests that relate to the week’s theme. Parents can register their child for multiple weeks to experience all the adventures our campus has to offer!

Camps highlighting the fundamentals of reading and writing also prove popular amongst members of the intellectually aspirational learning community at BASIS Independent Bellevue. For example, our Creative Writing camp is a standout in this year’s summer lineup. Students in this program will explore how to write characters, build an exciting plot, enrich setting, and engage prompts in meaningful, innovative ways. Creative Writing will enable campers to work independently but also in a small group setting so that they can share work and refine key skills that can invigorate their craft. For those looking to dive deeper into language and literary expression, our Poetry Camp also invites students to experiment with form, tone, and performance in a fun, low-pressure space. Whether students are seasoned writers or a lover of reading and writing, our programs offer the tools and encouragement to develop their unique voice, increase fluency, and craft impactful work

Music is another area where our Auxiliary Department has expanded offerings, with several exciting new options. DJ Camp introduces campers to professional remixing software, helping them craft their own mixes while learning about audio editing and beat production. Jazz Camp offers instrumentalists the chance to refine their technique, explore improvisation, and collaborate in ensemble settings. Our new Music & Sound Production Camp goes even deeper, giving students hands-on experience in storytelling and worldbuilding through audio, including sound design and film production.

Across various fields of interest, our summer programs keep our campus community alive and thriving when school is out of session. These programs help students discover new passions and build essential skills. For more details, check out our full summer guide and register today. If you are interested in learning more about our 2025 Summer programs, please check out our program guide, or feel free to reach out to the organizing team at: blv.summercamp@basisindependent.com.  

Step Into the Spotlight: Broadway Camp at BASIS Independent Brooklyn

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Calling all young performers! This summer, let your child’s star quality shine at our exciting Broadway Camp program led by our beloved performing arts faculty member, Ms. Markel. 

Summer is the perfect time for kids to explore their passions, develop new skills, and make unforgettable memories. If you have a budding performer at home, we’re thrilled to announce an extraordinary opportunity that’s sure to make their summer spectacular: 

“Step Into the Spotlight” Broadway Camp at BASIS Independent Brooklyn! 

Program Details 

When: August 18-22, 2025 (Monday through Friday)  
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 
Where: BASIS Independent Brooklyn 
Grades: 5th to 8th  

A True Broadway Experience 

Get ready for an unforgettable summer where young stars shine! For one magical week, campers will be immersed in the exciting world of musical theater, guided by our seasoned performing arts instructor, Ms. Markel. Each day brings new adventures in: 

  • Singing: Learn proper vocal techniques and belt out show-stopping numbers 
  • Dancing: Master fun choreography designed for all skill levels 
  • Acting: Develop character work and stage presence 
  • Performance Skills: Build confidence through solo and group musical numbers 

Why Choose Broadway Camp? 

This program is perfect for everyone—from dedicated theater enthusiasts to curious newcomers just dipping their toes into the performing arts. Our supportive environment ensures that every child: 

  • Builds confidence and self-expression 
  • Makes new friends who share similar interests 
  • Develops teamwork and collaboration skills 
  • Experiences the joy and magic of musical theater 
  • Creates lasting memories in a fun, engaging setting 

The Grand Finale 

The week culminates in a special camper performance where students will showcase everything they’ve learned! This is a wonderful opportunity for parents, family, and friends to see the amazing progress made in just one week. Watch as your child steps into the spotlight with newfound confidence and skills! 

Meet Your Instructor 

Ms. Markel brings her passion and expertise to the program, creating a nurturing environment where every camper can thrive. With experience in directing, choreography, and vocal coaching, she guides students through all aspects of musical theater performance. 

Ms. Markel joined BASIS Independent Brooklyn nearly eight years ago after establishing the drama program at BASIS Scottsdale, where she has taught middle and high school theatre classes for seven years. Ms. Markel has studied with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s education programs. Ms. Markel previously trained and worked as a singer and actor in Colorado, Montana, and Arizona. 

Register Today! 

Spaces fill quickly for this popular summer program! Don’t let your child miss this chance to experience the thrill of Broadway right here in Brooklyn. 

Step Into the Spotlight Broadway Camp: Where young performers discover their star quality! 

Find out more about our summer programs, and register today: https://basisindependent.com/schools/ny/brooklyn/student-life/summer-programs/ 

Discover our 2023 Summer Camp Programs

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Our summer programs are open to the public and offer a great opportunity to become familiar with our campus, teachers, and current students! Whether it be sports, academics, or specialty camps – there is something for you!

Camp programs are open to students in Grades 1 – 8 and run from Tuesday, June 20 – Friday, August 18. View the Summer Catalog for specific dates and additional details.

Review two of our camp programs happening this summer:

Young Artist’s Performance Series

Audition, rehearse, and perform the production of Jungle Book: Kids. Join us as we produce a 30-minute musical. Campers entering Grades 5 – 8 will learn the blocking, music, and choreography for the main roles while creating the set and costume elements during the first week of rehearsals. Then, during the second week, they will take on leadership roles, assist in teaching choreography, and help manage the Junior Cast once they arrive the second week. Junior Cast will be open to campers entering Grades 2 – 4. They will learn music, choreography, and characters. This camp will culminate in a performance for friends and family on the final day of camp!

STEM & Play: Multisport

This program, for campers entering Grades 3 – 6, combines strategic STEM-based activities with traditional Skyhawks sports instruction and a focus on life skills such as teamwork and sportsmanship. The STEM Sports® curriculum gives students the opportunity to get behind the sports they love with modules centered around technology, science and innovation. Subjects vary by sport, but include ball design, calculating distances and angles, velocity, acceleration and much more! Campers will also learn the fundamentals of each sport through skill-based drills and scrimmages.

Register for 2023 Summer Camps today!

If you have any questions, please email blv.summercamp@basisindependent.com

We look forward to spending our summer with you!

BASIS Independent Bellevue, a private school, opened with Grades 2 – 7 to start and will add a grade level each school year as we expand to a full middle and high school (Grades 5 – 12).