Finding a free summer camp in Northern Virginia for middle school students can feel nearly impossible. If you are still exploring options, be sure to also check out our Summer Camp Scholarships in Maryland 2026 guide and our DC Scholarship Summer Camps 2026, which highlight additional financial assistance opportunities across the DMV. This guide focuses on one standout opportunity: The National Air and Space Museum’s FREE Aviation Summer Camp, a highly competitive, hands-on program designed for students interested in aviation, STEAM, and aerospace careers.
National Air and Space Museum Aviation Summer Camp
The National Air and Space Museum offer a 100 percent free Aviation Summer Camp for middle school students. The program is structured into two learning levels and provides an immersive experience focused on flight, engineering, and real-world aviation careers.
This free camp opportunity is only available to families who live in Washington, DC, Maryland, or Virginia. Proof of residency may be required.
Spots are extremely limited, and the application process is competitive.
Camp Location
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy. Chantilly, Virginia 20151
This Northern Virginia location is part of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
Camp Dates, Sessions, and Grade Eligibility (2026)
New Campers: Level One
Eligible grades: 6th, 7th, and 8th grade
Dates: Monday, June 22 to Friday, July 3, 2026
Time: 8:00 am to 3:00 pm ET
This session is designed for students who are new to the program and introduces foundational aviation and STEAM concepts.
Returning Campers: Level Two
Eligible grades: 8th grade only
Dates: Monday, July 27 to Friday, August 7, 2026
Time: 8:00 am to 3:00 pm ET
This advanced session is available exclusively to returning campers and builds on skills learned in Level One.
Each session is limited to 30 students, allowing for small-group, hands-on learning.
Camp Registration and Application Process
🔗 National Air and Space Museum Summer Camps
To be considered, families must:
- Complete an online application form
- Submit a teacher recommendation letter
Both steps are required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed, so families should request recommendation letters early.
Application Deadline and Notifications
- Applications close: March 15, 2026
- Acceptance notifications sent after: April 1, 2026
Meals and Transportation Included
The National Air and Space Museum provide:
- Free lunch
- Free snacks
- Free transportation from the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC to the Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia
This makes the camp accessible to families across the DMV.
What Campers Will Learn and Experience
Learn to Fly
- Hands-on flight instruction using FAA-certified simulators
- A 30-minute discovery flight with a local flight school
- Completion of all requirements to finish the museum’s Pilot Program
Dive Into STEAM
- Test aerodynamics through indoor skydiving or outdoor ziplining
- Participate in daily engineering and design challenges
- Launch a rocket to explore aerodynamics concepts
Explore Aviation and Technology Careers
- Visit an aircraft mechanical school
- Speak with professionals in commercial aviation and cybersecurity
Build Confidence and Skills
- Track progress in a personalized flight logbook
- Celebrate milestones throughout the program
- Strengthen teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills
Related Post: Summer Camp Scholarship in Maryland (2026)
Know another FREE summer camp in Northern Virginia?
If you know of any other free summer camps in Northern Virginia or the DMV, please email us at Yatzuri@kidsquarantineandme.com. We would love to include them and help more families access summer opportunities.
