Banner Discovery Camp
Day Camp for Rising First through Sixth Graders
Located in the heart of downtown Frederick, Banner Summer Discovery Camp offers children a fun, enriching, and theme‑based summer experience. Mornings are led by qualified, experienced teachers, while afternoons offer a more relaxed schedule guided by supportive, skilled camp counselors. All camps maintain a small camper‑to‑counselor ratio to ensure every child learns, grows, and has fun in a safe and supportive environment.
Our camp is built for families who want options and flexibility. Banner Summer Discovery Camp is a day camp for rising first through sixth graders, offering a summer full of creativity, adventure, and learning. Campers are typically grouped by age to ensure activities are developmentally appropriate and foster friendships within their peer group.
The season is divided into five sessions, each lasting two weeks. Every week features two unique themed camps, so your child can choose and explore new interests—from art and theater to science, nature, and global adventures!
We offer half-day and full day options:
Half-Day (Morning): 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Lunch Option: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (half-day campers may stay for lunch or arrive at lunch for no extra charge)
Half-Day (Afternoon): 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Full-Day: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Session 1, Week A: Passport to Discovery
June 15-June 19
It’s a big world out there, filled with endless things to see, taste, hear, and learn. Campers will explore a different country each day through its language, music, food, clothing, economy, and—most importantly—the people who make each culture unique. Along the way, they’ll build cultural awareness and appreciation by discovering diverse traditions and customs, develop critical thinking as they learn how geography and global systems connect us, and express their creativity through hands-on activities inspired by each culture. Together, campers will celebrate the beauty of our diverse world and explore the many ways we can help make it a wonderful place to live, no matter where we are.
Session 1, Week A: Summer Explorers
June 15-June 19
Welcome summer with a camp full of quintessential warm‑weather fun! From outdoor hikes to library visits, mornings in the park, creative crafts, and delicious snacks, campers will experience a little bit of everything—except sleeping in. Through playful STEM activities, group adventures, and curious exploration, campers will build problem‑solving skills, strengthen teamwork and communication, and deepen their appreciation for nature and the community around them. This camp is designed to spark curiosity, encourage collaboration, and celebrate the joy of summer in every moment.
Session 1, Week B: Roadtrip Across America
June 22-June 26
From sea to shining sea, there’s so much to do and see! Join us for an unforgettable journey across America, where each day brings new discoveries and lifelong memories. Campers will “hit the road” in the classroom to explore iconic landmarks—from the Statue of Liberty to the Grand Canyon, the Rocky Mountains, and beyond—while learning about national parks, fascinating regions, and quirky roadside wonders that make the United States so unique. Along the way, they’ll build geographic knowledge, deepen their cultural and historical awareness, and sharpen their critical thinking as they observe, discuss, and creatively problem‑solve through hands-on activities. This Great American Road Trip invites campers to celebrate the beauty, diversity, and adventure of our amazing country.
Session 1, Week B: Summit Seekers Camp
June 22-June 26
Campers will explore beautiful nearby hiking trails while learning the essentials of outdoor safety and nature awareness. Throughout the week, they’ll discover key hiking rules and build confidence as they navigate a variety of trails. Guided hikes and hands‑on activities will strengthen their outdoor skills, deepen their appreciation for the natural world, and encourage teamwork as they hike in pairs and groups. Along the way, campers will enjoy fresh air, active adventures, and the joy of time spent outdoors.
Session 2, Week A: Palette of Possibilities
June 29-July 20
Discover the artist within! Each day introduces campers to a new art medium—watercolor, sculpture, cartooning, jewelry‑making, and fabric arts. From vibrant paintings to imaginative 3D creations, campers will explore techniques that spark creativity while building foundational art skills. Through hands‑on projects, they will develop confidence in creative expression and experiment with mixed‑media stations that encourage innovation. As they collaborate and celebrate one another’s work, campers will strengthen communication and teamwork skills. By week’s end, their unique masterpieces will come together in a gallery that showcases both their creativity and artistic growth.
Session 2, Week A: Stars & Stories
June 29-July 20
Step into the past and explore the people, places, and big ideas that shaped our nation! Each day of Stars & Stories transports campers to a different era of American history through hands‑on activities, role‑playing, creative projects, games, and engaging storytelling. As campers journey from early Indigenous cultures to modern times, they will build historical awareness and develop a deeper understanding of how America has grown and changed. Through collaborative activities and imaginative role‑play, campers will enhance communication, teamwork, and creativity—making history both meaningful and memorable.
Session 2, Week B: Frederick Footprints
July 6-July 10
There is always something to see and do in a city, and this camp invites campers to experience Frederick in a fresh and engaging way. They’ll explore museums, parks, shops, and galleries while learning how cities function and how urban areas can reduce their environmental impact. Visits to local art spaces will inspire creative projects, and conversations with small business owners will build entrepreneurial and community awareness. Throughout the week, campers will strengthen their understanding of sustainability, develop artistic skills, and gain insight into how businesses shape a city. They’ll bring these ideas together by designing their own micro‑town—blending creativity, planning, and innovation to imagine a city of the future.
Session 2, Week B: Pages to Paint
July 6-July 10
Bring stories to life through art! Each day, campers dive into a beloved tale and create art inspired by its characters, settings, and themes. From painting enchanted landscapes to crafting whimsical sculptures, designing costumes, and illustrating favorite scenes, every project sparks imagination and creativity. Along the way, campers will strengthen their artistic skills, practice creative interpretation, and build confidence as they connect storytelling with visual expression. By week’s end, they’ll have a collection of story‑inspired masterpieces—and a deeper love for both art and storytelling.
Session 3, Week A: Greek Games
July 13-July 17
Travel back in time to Olympia and discover where the Olympic Games first began! Campers will explore the athletic events of ancient Greece through kid‑friendly races, throwing challenges, and more that build physical skills, sportsmanship, and teamwork. As they learn about Greek culture and mythology, they’ll develop historical awareness and understand how the earliest Games celebrated honor, unity, and community. Creative projects like crafting laurel crowns, pottery‑style art, and simple stadium models encourage hands‑on learning and imagination. By week’s end, campers will experience how athletic tradition, culture, and creativity shaped the very first Olympics.
Session 3, Week A: Fins, Feathers & Furs
July 13-July 17
Young animal lovers will dive into a week of hands‑on discovery as they explore creatures from the sky, sea, forest, desert, and even their own backyard. Through creative crafts, outdoor exploration, STEM challenges, and story‑based adventures, campers will build nests and burrows, test camouflage, study tracks and scat, and design their own animal adaptations. Along the way, they’ll strengthen scientific thinking, spark creativity, practice teamwork, and build empathy for wildlife—gaining a deeper appreciation for how animals survive in every ecosystem.
Session 3, Week B: Nature Navigators
July 20-24
Step into the role of a field scientist and discover the amazing world of nature! Campers will explore ecosystems, investigate plants and animals, and learn how water, air, and soil sustain life through hands-on activities and outdoor adventures. They’ll build mini-habitats, map nature trails, test soil and water, and design creative solutions to protect habitats and reduce pollution. Field trips to nature centers, state parks, ponds, or wetlands offer opportunities to observe wildlife and see conservation in action. By week’s end, campers will understand how ecosystems work, identify local plants and animals, explain why natural resources are essential for life, practice scientific observation, and feel inspired to protect the environment in their own communities.
Session 3, Week B: Banner Olympics
July 20-July 24
Get ready for an unforgettable Olympic‑themed week filled with athletic challenges, creative projects, and global exploration! Through track‑and‑field events and team activities, campers will build physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship while learning about countries, traditions, and the spirit of international unity. Opening and Closing Ceremonies offer creative outlets for art and collaboration, and daily activities strengthen problem‑solving, cultural awareness, and cooperative planning. It’s a high‑energy camp that brings together movement, creativity, and global learning in true Olympic style.
Session 4, Week A: Theatre Makers
July 27-July 31
Step into the world of theatre design and creation! In this hands‑on camp, young artists will explore the creative and technical elements that bring a production to life. Campers will design costumes, construct scenery, experiment with props, and learn the basics of technical theatre—from simple lighting ideas to staging techniques. As they build these pieces together, they’ll develop creative problem‑solving skills and discover how visual design enhances storytelling. Collaborative projects encourage teamwork and communication as campers work side‑by‑side to shape the look and feel of their show. This camp is perfect for makers, builders, and imaginative creators excited to craft the magic behind the scenes.
Session 4, Week A: Lab Legends
July 27-July 31
Curiosity leads the way as campers investigate the worlds of chemistry and physics through dynamic, hands‑on experimentation. This week focuses on mixing colorful concoctions, creating chemical reactions, and learning essential lab safety and procedures. Campers will also think like physicists as they build simple machines, investigate forces and motion, and engineer structures capable of surviving wild tests. With creative STEM challenges, outdoor experiments, and plenty of opportunities to observe, question, and test ideas, campers will strengthen problem‑solving skills while discovering how science explains the world around us.
Session 4, Week B: Planet Pioneers
August 3-August 7
Blast off into a week devoted to the wonders of Space and Earth Science! Campers will journey through the solar system, design and launch model rockets, and simulate life as astronauts through fun engineering and survival challenges. They’ll also explore planet Earth through biology investigations, engineering puzzles, and outdoor STEM games that reveal how living systems and natural processes shape our world. From building space‑ready inventions to studying ecosystems and natural phenomena, campers will stretch their creativity, apply scientific thinking, and experience how curiosity fuels discovery across the universe.
Session 4, Week B: Showtime Theatre
August 3-August 7
Lights, music, action! This performance‑focused week invites campers to step into the spotlight as they build confidence through singing, dancing, and acting. Using design elements from Week 1, they’ll rehearse scenes, learn choreography, practice vocal techniques, and prepare a final showcase for family and friends. Through ensemble work and group activities, campers strengthen teamwork and expressive skills while discovering what it takes to create a polished performance.
Session 5, Week A: Insects & Reptiles
August 10-August 14
Campers will explore the fascinating world of insects and reptiles as they investigate creatures with exoskeletons, scales, wings, and tails through hands‑on experiments, specimen studies, model habitats, outdoor games, and creative crafts. Each day introduces new discoveries about how insects build, communicate, and transform, and how reptiles move, hunt, and survive. Along the way, campers will practice scientific inquiry, learn about life cycles and adaptations, and gain a deeper understanding of ecosystems. With activities from observing pollinators to designing their own reptiles, they’ll strengthen problem‑solving skills, spark creativity, and build environmental awareness—perfect for curious kids who love exploring nature.
Session 5, Week B: Eco Explorers
August 17-August 21
This week, campers dive into environmental engineering, renewable energy, and the science of sustainability. Through hands-on experiments and STEM challenges, they’ll explore solar and wind power, investigate weather and climate, and build small-scale engineering projects to understand how communities manage resources like waste and water. Activities may include designing water filters, constructing model eco-cities, and testing energy-powered inventions. Field trips to farms, recycling centers, or water treatment plants will show how essential systems keep communities running. Campers will understand the basics of renewable energy, learn how resource management impacts the environment, practice engineering and problem-solving skills, and feel empowered to create solutions for a greener future.
