Raising ’90s kids in 2026: Calleva Summer Camp

By Sarah Golden, Staff Writer

Calleva campers learn about the outdoors and how to love them at an adventure camp in 2024. Photo contributed by Calleva

With a dusting of snow on New Year’s Day, it may be hard to imagine that summer is only months away. Still, some Reston parents are already beginning to think about summer camp plans. Calleva Summer Camp, now with a new Great Falls location, is an option for curious, outdoors-loving children and for parents interested in a throwback, ’90s-style summer—outside and screen-free.

Calleva, which has locations in Dickerson, Poolesville, McLean and, most recently, Great Falls, is an outdoor adventure camp for children as young as 4. Campers are grouped by age and focus area, giving them opportunities to learn new outdoor skills, go rock climbing and kayaking, create crafts, and do what many children rarely get to do today: spend time outside and get their hands dirty.

The Fraser Camp in Great Falls borders the Potomac River, offering campers access to wetlands where they can explore and learn about local wildlife. The property, acquired by Calleva in February, includes a large main lodge, bunk rooms, a commercial kitchen and a climbing wall. Fraser offers camps for 4- and 5-year-olds, called VA Cubs, and for children ages 6 to 9, called VA Explorers. A fishing and ecology camp is also available for older preteens, with a focus on lure selection, fish identification and conservation.

Photo contributed by Calleva

In addition to its range of programs, Calleva takes a fully unplugged approach. The camp enforces a no-screens, no-phones policy, and staff members use digital cameras instead of phones to limit distractions. The goal, organizers say, is to help children reconnect with the outdoors rather than with a screen.

Calleva’s ultimate aim is to spark a sense of wonder while helping campers build confidence through independence and exploration. Campers are given space to learn, explore and get messy, an approach Calleva describes as “organized chaos.” Organizers say children consistently thrive in that environment.

Registration for returning Virginia campers opened Jan. 6, while new campers may register beginning at noon Monday, Jan. 12. Camps are offered in one-week increments, and families may choose individual weeks or enroll for the full season. In addition to on-site drop-off and pick-up, Calleva offers transportation from several area locations, including Ashburn Library and Dulles Towne Center.

Additional information, including registration details, is available at calleva.org/