Seasonal archive: As of August 6, most 2026 camp sessions and registration windows had ended. The dates, prices, and program details below are a 2026 reference. This page does not confirm 2027 dates, prices, or open registration. Verify every future offering directly with the provider before applying or paying.
This directory lists 2026 summer camps in Middle Tennessee. Putnam County Schools has free four-week academic programs. Tennessee Tech has free state-funded residential programs. Nashville has three European soccer academies. The Cumberland Plateau has overnight camps. Some day camps run 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Some robotics camps have campers build a robot and take it home. Camp TPAC has performances on the TPAC stage, including for 10-year-olds.
The directory is organized by location first (Cookeville and Putnam County, then within an hour, then the Nashville area), and by category within each section. The Quick Reference table near the bottom preserves 2026 dates and notes. Use Ctrl+F or Command+F to find a category, age range, or camp name.
Timing for 2027 planning: Providers had not necessarily published 2027 dates or prices when this page was archived. Based on the 2026 cycle, families can begin checking Tennessee Governor's Schools in fall 2026, many university and Nashville-area programs in January or February 2027, and local 4-H or city programs by early spring 2027. These are planning checkpoints, not promised opening dates.
In Your Backyard: Cookeville and Putnam County
Cookeville programs include the city's recreation department, the county schools, the YMCA, local churches, and Tennessee Tech.
City of Cookeville Leisure Services at Cane Creek Recreation Center
The city's 2026 camp lineup operated from Cane Creek Recreation Center at 180 CC Camp Road. The archived schedule included sports camps through July.
All Sports Camp. Ages 7-12. June 2-6, June 9-13, July 7-11. $90 per session. Five days of multi-sport rotation: football, soccer, volleyball, lacrosse, disc golf, and more. Register through ActiveNet or call (931) 526-9767.
Beginner Volleyball Camp. Ages 7-15. June 16-20, 8 a.m. to noon. $100. Introduction to volleyball fundamentals.
Intermediate Volleyball Camp. Ages 7-15. July 14-18, 8 a.m. to noon. $100. The camp is for kids who already have volleyball basics.
Basketball with 1Shot Athletics. Ages 7-15. June 23-27 or July 21-25. $125 per session. Skills-based basketball camp with a faith component.
Recreational Day Camp. Rising grades 1 through age 12. The 2026 listing covered weekly themed sessions in June and July at $90 per week plus a $25 registration fee. Registration was handled in person at Cane Creek. Treat those terms as historical. Ask Leisure Services for any future schedule and enrollment process.
Full schedule at cookeville-tn.gov/leisure-services.
Putnam County Family YMCA Day Camp
The 2026 listing served ages 5-12 at 235 Raider Drive in Cookeville, with day-camp and extended-care hours for working families. Call (931) 528-1133 or visit pcfymca.org to learn whether a future program, schedule, and pricing have been published.
Putnam County Schools Free Summer Camps
Putnam County Schools runs two free summer camp programs with meals included.
Summer Learning Camp. The 2026 listing covered rising grades 1-5 for four weeks in June, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with no fee and meals provided. Applications were distributed through elementary schools. Ask the school system whether a comparable 2027 program will be offered.
Bridge Camp. The 2026 listing covered rising grades 6-8 in June at no cost. It was for incoming middle schoolers preparing for the transition. Applications were handled through school offices.
Putnam County 4-H Summer Camps
UT Extension Putnam County runs five 4-H camp options, mostly overnight residential, for a range of grades and interests. Call (931) 526-4561 or visit putnam.tennessee.edu for current registration.
4-H Junior Camp. Grades 4-6. June 1-5. $380. Overnight activities include swimming, fishing, shooting sports, nature hikes, crafts, and campfire programming. The camp has filled in past years.
4-H Junior High Camp. Grades 6-8. May 2026. $385. Overnight for middle schoolers with age-appropriate programming.
4-H Electric Camp (STEM). Grades 6-7. June 2026. $330. STEM-focused overnight with an electricity and technology curriculum. Scholarships are available. Ask when you call.
4-H FCS Behind the Scenes. Grades 9-12. June 2026. $400. For high schoolers interested in Family and Consumer Sciences, which covers health, nutrition, and life skills.
4-H Junior High Culinary. Grades 6-8. Dates and pricing through the UT Extension office.
Christ the King Vacation Bible School
Rising PreK-4 through 5th grade (must be 4 by August 15). July 13-17, 9 a.m. to noon. Free.
Activities include crafts, music, storytelling, and community. Registration closes June 25 or when it fills. Sign up at ctk.org/vacation-bible-school.
Tennessee Tech: Cookeville's Summer Camp Hub
Tennessee Tech summer programs from May through July include engineering camps, music camps, sports clinics for kindergartners through high schoolers, and two free state-funded residential programs for rising 11th and 12th graders.
Summer Music Institute (SMI)
Rising HS freshmen through graduated seniors (about 14-18). May 31 to June 4. Residential $475, commuter $375.
The camp is one week on the Tennessee Tech campus. All instruments and all voices are welcome. No audition is required. Residential campers stay in the dorms. The commuter option is for families within 30 minutes. The week ends with a performance. Register at tntech.edu/summermusicinstitute or email cmorris@tntech.edu.
Explorations in Engineering and Computing Camp (EEC)
Rising 10th-12th graders. June 7-10 or June 14-17. $100 residential, all-inclusive.
The camp is four days in the dorms, with all meals, and seven engineering and computing disciplines. TTU faculty run it. The 2026 application window closed February 27. Watch tntech.edu/engineering/pre-college-programs/eec.php for 2027 applications, which typically open in fall.
Governor's Schools at Tennessee Tech
Free. Rising 11th-12th graders. Three to four weeks residential. Tennessee has 11 Governor's Schools. They are free, state-funded residential programs. Two are at Tennessee Tech. Every expense is covered, including housing and meals. Two to three college credits are included.
Governor's School for Emerging Technologies. June 6-27 (three weeks). Biotech, nanotech, information technology. Includes field trips to Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Governor's School for Technological Innovation and Business Leadership. May 31 to June 27 (four weeks). Technology leadership and business development.
Applications typically open each October through the student's school counselor and close in early December. For a rising 9th or 10th grader, set a reminder for October 2026.
TTU Athletics Camps
Multiple TTU athletic programs host youth camps on campus.
Women's Basketball Lil' Eagle Camp. Girls entering K-8. June 4-6, 8 a.m. to noon, Hooper Eblen Center. kimrosamondbasketballcamps.totalcamps.com.
Baseball Summer Youth Camp. Grades K-8. June 8-10, 9 a.m. $100. Avert Express Baseball Complex. playnsports.com/organization/tennessee-tech-baseball-camps.
Softball Camps. techsoftballcamps.com.
Soccer (Springthorpe Soccer Academy). Contact jrushworth@tntech.edu or (931) 372-6218.
Football (Bobby Wilder Football Camps). bobbywilderfootballcamps.totalcamps.com.
Men's Basketball. Contact stefanking@tntech.edu.
FCA Football Camp at TTU. Youth July 7-9, high school teams July 8-10. Contact jlacy@fca.org.
Within One Hour of Cookeville
Photo: Michael Niessl / Unsplash
Skymont Scout Reservation in Altamont (about 45 minutes)
Boy Scouts of America, Cherokee Area Council. Skymont is 2,200-plus acres on the Cumberland Plateau. It is the closest major overnight camp to Cookeville. The property has waterfalls, caves, and overlooks. BSA Scouts can earn merit badges and advance in rank. Contact (931) 692-3435 or cherokeeareabsa.com/skymont.
Cedar Lake Camp in Livingston (about 40 minutes)
Weekly Christian overnight sessions, Sunday through Saturday. Activities include swimming, canoeing, hiking, fishing, and faith-based programming. Contact (931) 823-5656 or cedarlakecamp.org.
Austin Peay State University in Clarksville (about 1 hour 15 minutes)
APSU runs several summer programs. Coding camp prices are $69-$149.
APSU Coding Camps. Grades 1-12. Various sessions. $69-$149. Sessions include Junior Coder, coding fundamentals, and advanced sessions. Contact codingcamp@apsu.edu or (931) 221-7840. apsu.edu/csci/camp.
APSU Campus Recreation Camps. Little Peayple (ages 5-8, six weeks of themed activities), AP Adventurers (ages 9-12, includes robotics), and Govs Outdoors Teen Camp (ages 12-15, two weeks of outdoor adventure). apsu.edu/recreation/camp.php.
Austin Peay Athletics Camps. Football (Scotty Walden Football Camps), Basketball (Corey Gipson Basketball Camps), and others at apsuathleticscamps.com.
Camp YI in LaVergne (about 1 hour)
Ages 8-14, on Percy Priest Lake. Operating since 1945. Overnight weekly summer camp with a 40-foot climbing tower, water skiing, tubing, canoeing, horseback riding, and swimming. June and July sessions. Sunday drop-off is a manageable trip from Cookeville. campyi.
Camp Boxwell in Lebanon (about 1 hour 15 minutes)
Boy Scouts of America, Middle Tennessee Council. Nationally accredited Class A camp on 1,100-plus acres at Old Hickory Lake. 60-plus merit badges, including nine Eagle-required badges. Session weeks begin May 26, June 2, June 9, and June 23. camping@mtcbsa.org or mtcscouting.org.
CentriKid at Cumberland University in Lebanon (about 1 hour 15 minutes)
Grades 2-6. June 8-12 and June 23-27. $390 per session. Lifeway's Christian summer camp, hosted on the Cumberland University campus. The overnight week has games, worship, Bible study, and community time. centrikid.lifeway.com/venue/cumberland-university.
Camp Cumberland University F.A.M.E. (Lebanon, about 1 hour 15 minutes)
Day camp focused on Fine Arts, Music, and Entertainment. Theater, fine arts, dance, and band on the Cumberland University campus. cumberland.edu/community-outreach/camps.
Tennessee Robotics Center (TRCamp) in Murfreesboro (about 1 hour)
Located at 2231 NW Broad St. Campers design, build, code, and test. TRCamp is in its 15th year. It is a three-week engineering intensive. Campers build robots and take them home. Engineers teach the sessions. The 2026 theme is "Integrity" with an Artemis II mission thread through the program. tennesseeroboticscenter.com or (615) 796-4632.
MTSU Blue Raiders Athletic Camps in Murfreesboro (about 1 hour)
MTSU hosts athletic camps through its coaching staff.
Football. Derek Mason Football Camps. coachderekmasonfootballcamps.com.
Soccer. Rhoden Soccer Academy. mtsusoccercamps.com.
Tennis. Wilson Collegiate Tennis Camp, in its 13th year of operation. Three weeks with full-day and half-day options. wilsontenniscamps.com/middle-tennessee-state-university.
Softball and Baseball. Schedules at goblueraiders.com.
MTSU Campus Recreation Camps (Murfreesboro, about 1 hour)
$225 per week or $55 per day drop-in. The day camp uses the MTSU recreation facility: indoor soccer, basketball, racquetball, indoor and outdoor pools, and campus dining. w1.mtsu.edu/camprec/camps/index.php.
Murfreesboro Parks Outdoor Programs (about 1 hour)
Murfreesboro's parks department runs outdoor summer programs: kayaking on the Stones River, Lit'l Rangers nature programs for young kids, hiking, and teen kayaking. These programs fill. murfreesborotn.gov/2461/Outdoor-Murfreesboro-Summer-Camps.
Cumberland Youth Camp in Woodlawn (about 1 hour 15 minutes)
Overnight residential, Churches of Christ affiliated. The camp is on 360-plus acres, with overnight summer sessions, gospel programming, and outdoor activities. cumberlandcamp.org.
Nashville Area (1 to 2 Hours)
Nashville and its suburbs have university programs, professional arts organizations, three European soccer academies, a zoo camp, a culinary camp, and a film camp. The drive from Cookeville is about an hour and a half. A daily commute for day camps is long. Many camps have weekly residential options. Overnight programs use a Sunday drop-off and a Sunday pickup.
STEM, Technology, and Coding
Photo: Jelleke Vanooteghem / Unsplash
Camp Tech Revolution (Lavner Camps) at Vanderbilt. Various ages. Vanderbilt University, Nashville. June 1 to July 17, 40-plus weekly sessions. Sessions include Robotics (kids build and take home a LEGO robot), AI Fundamentals, Game Design, 3D Printing, Minecraft Modding, Roblox Development, Spy Tech, and YouTube Production. ROBOWARS tournament every Friday. Day camp format on the Vanderbilt campus. lavnercampsandprograms.com.
iD Tech at Vanderbilt. Ages 7-18. Day and overnight residential. From $1,079. Subjects include coding, game design, VEX Robotics, BattleBots, app development, and AI. Multiple session options include residential. idtech.
Tennessee State University STEM Camps in Nashville. TSU runs multiple science and engineering programs, including a free residential option.
- Free Four-Week Residential Engineering Experience. Rising 9th-12th. June 15 to July 10. State-funded, fully residential, four weeks. tnstate.edu/summer/campsandprograms.aspx.
- Two-Week Engineering Camp. Rising 6th-8th. July 6-17.
- Engineering Exploration Camp. Rising 9th-12th, residential. June 7 to July 3.
- Summer Technology Immersion Camp. Rising 6th-9th. July 1-10. 3D printing, coding, AI.
- TSU Aviation Program. Rising 11th-12th, age 16+ with a 3.0 GPA. Residential, two sessions.
Lipscomb BisonBot Robotics Camps in Nashville. Ages 6-12. $200-$500 (includes snacks). Four progressive levels (WeeBots through Advanced BisonBot) scale with experience. lipscomb.edu/events/bisonbot-robotic-summer-camps.
Engineering For Kids, Nashville Metro. Ages 4-14. Locations in Franklin, Nolensville, Fairview, and Brentwood. Multiple summer sessions. Hands-on STEM, robotics, and coding at community locations across the Nashville suburbs. engineeringforkids.com/nashville/programs/camps.
Arts, Theater, and Film
Photo: Rifqi Ali Ridho / Unsplash
Nashville Children's Theatre Summer Camps. Grades K-12. Day camp format. Extended care is free before 7:30 a.m. and after to 5:30 p.m. FAM scholarships available. Weekly summer sessions run during the MNPS summer break. Programs cover acting, movement, voice, and production. nashvillechildrenstheatre.org.
Camp TPAC at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. Ages 8-16. Weekly format, led by TPAC teaching artists, with performances on TPAC stages. The "From Page to Stage" format covers musical theater production in a week. tpac.org/inclusive-arts/classes-and-camps/summer-camp.
Metro Parks Centennial Theater Academy at Looby Theater in Nashville. June 8-12, July 6-10, July 20-24. Public parks pricing. Acting, singing, dancing. (615) 880-2787 ext. 0.
Belmont Performing Arts Camps. Two options for older performers: Theatre Camp (grades 6-8) June 1-5, around $325. Theatre Camp (grades 9-12) June 8-12, around $325. belmont.edu/cmpa/summer-camps.
Belmont Watkins R.O.Y.G.B.I.V. Multi-Arts Camp. Two separate sessions: ages 6-8 and 9-11. 2D and 3D visual art with weekly themes, ending in a family art show. Media include drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media. belmont.edu/watkins/community-education/multiarts-camp.html.
Cheekwood Summer Camp. Ages 5-14. Half-day and full-day options. Drawing, painting, clay, garden art. Studio Sampler (general exploration), Artist Exploration (focused curriculum), and Garden Sprouts (ages 5-7, garden-based art projects). The camp is on the Cheekwood estate and botanical garden. Cooking camps are suspended in 2026 due to construction. cheekwood.org/learn/childrens-programs/summer-camp.
Frist Art Museum Teen Programs. Two competitive programs for high schoolers.
- Teen Film Camp. Rising 10th-12th only. July 13-17, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Around $475. Campers create a short film with Nashville Film Festival professionals. fristartmuseum.org/teen-summer-film-camp.
- Teen Fashion Design Camp. Rising 10th-12th. Immersive fashion design week.
Nashville Film Institute Summer Camp. July 6-10, 13-17, 20-24, 27-31. $265. Hands-on filmmaking, four-week run. nfi.edu/summer-film-camp.
University School of Nashville (USN) Summer Camps. June 1 to July 10, plus Dog Days July 20-31. 150-plus camps. Half-day from $250 per week, full-day from $500. Subjects include science, sports, visual and performing arts, and academic enrichment. usn.org/summer or jshuster@usn.org or (615) 477-4929.
Music
Blair Academy at Vanderbilt Blair School of Music. Several summer programs, including the only Nashville Suzuki Institute in Tennessee.
- VYO-COSI (Chamber and Orchestral Intensive). Rising grades 8-12 (strings); 9-12 (winds and brass). June 1-5, non-residential. Chamber and orchestral training for advanced student musicians.
- Nashville Suzuki Institute. Ages 4-17. Violin, viola, cello. Five hours per day. The only Suzuki intensive of its kind in Tennessee. Contact Elm Stephenson at (615) 322-7655.
- Nashville Summer Orchestral Institute. May 28 to June 1. Grades 8-12 and adults.
- MusicTech Camp. Teens. Video game music and game design.
blair.vanderbilt.edu/blair-academy/summer.php.
Belmont Summer Music Camps. Belmont's music programs span genres and instruments.
- Exploring Music Camp. Ages 6-10. June 1-5. Entry-level, multi-instrument exploration.
- Piano Invitational. Grades 9-12. June 14-19.
- Guitar Camp. Grades 9-12. June 1-5.
- Winds Band Camp. Grades 7-12. June 7-13.
- String Crossings Camp. Grades 9-12. June 14-19.
- Vocal Arts Intensive. Grades 9-12. June 21-27.
belmont.edu/summer-camps.
Sports
Photo: Alliance Football Club / Unsplash
Vanderbilt Athletics Camps. Vanderbilt's athletic programs host youth camps across these sports.
- Football Youth Camp. Rising K-8, half-day. vanderbiltfootballcamps.com.
- Clark Lea Prospect Camp. Rising 9th-12th.
- Men's Basketball Day Camp. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. vucommodores.com.
- Tennis. Ages 7-17, four week-long sessions.
- Volleyball. Rising grades 3-12.
- Golf. Ages 10-17, weekend format.
- Soccer Youth Day Camps. All ages. vandysoccercamps.com.
European Soccer Academies in Nashville. Three academies are in Nashville.
- FC Barcelona Barça Academy. Bethesda Soccer Complex, Nashville. June 22-26, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Ages 6-17, boys and girls. Official Barça coaches. fcbarcelona.us/locations/nashville.gov.
- Real Madrid Foundation Camp. Nashville. July 3-7. Ages 5-17, boys and girls including goalkeepers. rmfclinicsusa.com.
- Atlético de Madrid Camp. Richard Siegel Soccer Complex, Nashville. July 20-24, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. U6 to U18, boys and girls. fs.campusatleticodemadrid.com/camps/nashville-soccer-camp.
Nashville SC Summer Youth Soccer Camps in Franklin and Nashville. Official camps from Nashville's MLS club.
- Half-Day at Currey Ingram Academy. June 24-27, July 8-11, July 15-18, July 22-25. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon.
- Full-Day at TOCA Nashville (Franklin). Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Multiple sessions.
nashvillesc.com/camps.
Nashville's United Soccer Academy (NUSA). 2026 camps for NUSA and non-NUSA players. nusasoccer.org/camps.
MTSU Rhoden Soccer Academy in Murfreesboro (about 1 hour). University soccer camp with MTSU coaching staff. mtsusoccercamps.com.
Tennis.
- Centennial Sportsplex Tennis Camp in Nashville. $300 per week. nashville.gov.
- Wilson Collegiate Tennis Camp at MTSU in Murfreesboro. 13th year. Full-day and half-day options. wilsontenniscamps.com/middle-tennessee-state-university.
- Nike Tennis at Lipscomb in Nashville. Ages 4-17. Multiple sessions. ussportscamps.com.
Gymnastics. Nashville Gymnastics Training Center (NGTC). Ages 3-12. Gymnastics, Ninja and Parkour, and Minis camps. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., $70-$80 per day. nashvillegtc.com.
Lacrosse. Xcelerate Lacrosse Camps at Bethesda Sports Park, Nashville. Ages 7-18. 15 sessions, from $395. First sessions start June 1. xceleratelacrosse.com.
Lipscomb Sports Camps. Men's Basketball, Men's Soccer, Baseball, and Nike Tennis (ages 4-17). lipscombsportscamps.com.
Overnight and Residential Camps (Nashville Area)
YMCA Camp Widjiwagan in Antioch. Percy Priest Lake, 320 acres, about an hour and a half. Ages 4 and up. Day, overnight, and ranch camp options. Themed weeks include Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Star Wars, and more. Voyager Village (ages 6-8) is an overnight introduction for kids who have not been away from home overnight. Pioneer Village is for teens. (615) 360-2267 or campwidji.org.
Girl Scouts Camp Sycamore Hills in Ashland City (about an hour and a half). Girls ages 5-17. 742 acres. Archery, rappelling, canoeing, high ropes, horses, tree climbing. gsmidtn.org/camp-sycamore-hills.
NaCoMe Camp in Pleasantville (about an hour and a half). Rising 2nd-12th. 600-plus acres. Presbyterian, 80-plus year tradition. Canoeing, archery, campfires, outdoor cooking, nature. (931) 729-9723 or nacome.org/summer-camps.
Horton Haven Christian Camp in Lewisburg (about an hour and a half). 350 acres. Day and overnight. Archery, air rifles, climbing wall, horseback riding, canoeing. Session options include Osprey Day Camp (July 17), Ranger Camp 1 (July 10), and Ranger Camp 2 (July 24). info@hortonhaven.org or (931) 364-7656 or hortonhaven.org.
Deer Run Camps, Middle Tennessee (about an hour and a half). Ages 5-16. 150 acres. Day and overnight options June and July. Faith-based. deerrun.camp.
Doe River Gorge in Elizabethton (about 2 hours). Grades 2-12. One to four weeks. Christian. Triple zipline, white-water tubing, rock climbing, rappelling, caving, high ropes. doerivergorge.com.
Academic and Enrichment
Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth (PTY) in Nashville. Vanderbilt runs these academic programs.
- SAVY (Saturday Academy for Verbally and Visually Talented Youth). Rising 1st-8th. 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekly sessions June and July. $625 per week plus $50 application fee. TCAP scores accepted for eligibility. Rolling admissions. Vanderbilt faculty lead the sessions. pty.vanderbilt.edu/for-students/savy.
- Vanderbilt Summer Academy (VSA). Rising 7th-12th. June 7-12 or June 14-19. $2,150-$2,750. Residential. One-week interdisciplinary residential courses with Vanderbilt faculty. pty.vanderbilt.edu/for-students/vsa.
- Vanderbilt Summer Institutes (VSI). Rising 11th-12th. Two-week residential begins June 7. $5,750. Faculty-led advanced academic study for high school upperclassmen. pty.vanderbilt.edu/vsi.
Montgomery Bell Academy Summer Camps in Nashville. 100-plus camps across sports, enrichment (LEGO, robotics, video game design), and academic preparation. montgomerybell.edu/summer-camps.
Brentwood Academy Camps in Brentwood. May 26 to July 24. Athletic, academic, and creative. brentwoodacademy.com/camps.
Faith-Based Camps
The faith-based camps in this guide are listed in their location sections above. Quick links to each:
- Skymont Scout Reservation in Altamont (about 45 minutes from Cookeville)
- Cedar Lake Camp in Livingston (about 40 minutes)
- Camp Boxwell in Lebanon (about 1 hour 15 minutes)
- CentriKid at Cumberland University in Lebanon (about 1 hour 15 minutes)
- Cumberland Youth Camp in Woodlawn (about 1 hour 15 minutes)
- NaCoMe Camp in Pleasantville (about an hour and a half)
- Horton Haven Christian Camp in Lewisburg (about an hour and a half)
- Deer Run Camps (about an hour and a half)
- Doe River Gorge in Elizabethton (about 2 hours)
Upper Cumberland FCA Camp at Maryville College in Maryville (about an hour and a half). 2026 dates posted at uppercumberlandfca.org/camp.
Special Needs and Inclusive Programs
Metro Parks Nashville disABILITIES Programs. Summer day camps for high school youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Peer partner model. SailNashville partnership. nashville.gov/departments/parks/centennial-sportsplex/disabilities-program.
Camp Conquest in Millington (near Memphis, about 2.5 hours). Christian camp for kids and adults with special needs. One-to-one volunteer ratio. campconquest.com.
Specialty and Unique Experiences
Nashville Zoo Summer Camps. Grades K-12 (ages 4-18). 10 weeks. $300 and up per week. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Before and after care available. Campers spend the week with zoo educators on animals, ecosystems, and conservation, and spend time near the animals. Themes rotate weekly. zoocamp@nashvillezoo.org or nashvillezoo.org/camp.
The Curious Kitchen Culinary Camps in the Nashville and Murfreesboro area. Cooking and baking. Daily hands-on cooking plus a group lunch. Themes include candy making, breakfast cooking, baking, and more. Two-hour themed sessions. thecuriouskitchen.net/kids-cooking-camp.
Camp Davis at the Gordon Jewish Community Center in Nashville. The camp has the only Olympic-sized outdoor pool in Nashville. Instructional swim plus specialty programs in STEM, culinary, sports, and arts. Grades K and up. campdavisnashville.com.
Nashville Shores Aquatics Camp in Hermitage. Grades 3-8. Behind-the-scenes waterpark sessions plus CPR training, water rescue basics, and a lifeguarding introduction. nashvilleshores.com.
Lighthouse Creative Writing Camps in Nashville. Ages 8-18. Half-day and full-day options. June through August. All levels, from reluctant writers to experienced young novelists.
Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory Space Camp. The 2026 listing described a Vanderbilt PTY program for academically advanced rising 5th-6th graders while the observatory was undergoing renovation. Check dyer.vanderbilt.edu to see whether a future program has been announced.
Free and Low-Cost: The Complete List
These are the free and low-cost programs named in this guide.
Completely free:
- PCSS Summer Learning Camp (Cookeville). Grades 1-5, four weeks in June, meals included.
- PCSS Bridge Camp (Cookeville). Grades 6-8, June.
- CTK Vacation Bible School (Cookeville). Rising PreK through 5th grade, July 13-17.
- Tennessee Governor's Schools (all 11, two at TTU in Cookeville). Rising 11th-12th, three to four weeks residential, housing and meals included. Watch October 2026 for 2027 applications.
- TSU Free Four-Week Residential Engineering Experience (Nashville). Rising 9th-12th, June 15 to July 10.
- Tennessee State Parks Junior Ranger Programs. Various parks, free or minimal cost.
Under $150:
- APSU Coding Camps (Clarksville, about 1 hour 15 minutes). $69-$149, grades 1-12.
Under $300:
- MTSU Campus Recreation Camps (Murfreesboro, about 1 hour). $225 per week or $55 per day drop-in.
Scholarships available:
- Nashville Children's Theatre. FAM scholarship program. Full summer camp coverage available.
- Belmont Watkins Multi-Arts Camp.
- Girl Scouts Camp Sycamore Hills.
- 4-H Electric Camp (STEM). Ask about scholarships when you call (931) 526-4561.
Quick Reference: Archived 2026 Details
Archived August 6, 2026. These rows preserve published 2026 details and do not indicate current registration status. Confirm future dates, prices, and eligibility directly with each provider.
| Camp | Location | Ages | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TTU Summer Music Institute | Cookeville | 14-18 | $375-$475 | Sessions begin May 31 |
| 4-H Junior Camp | Cookeville | Gr. 4-6 | $380 | June 1-5 |
| CTK VBS | Cookeville | PreK-5th | Free | Closes June 25 or when full |
| PCSS Summer Learning Camp | Cookeville | Gr. 1-5 | Free | Apply at school |
| PCSS Bridge Camp | Cookeville | Gr. 6-8 | Free | Apply at school |
| City Leisure Sports Camps | Cookeville | 7-15 | $90-$125 | Multiple sessions June and July |
| City Leisure Rec Day Camp | Cookeville | Gr. 1-12 | $90/wk | In-person registration at Cane Creek |
| YMCA Day Camp | Cookeville | 5-12 | Contact | 2026 reference; ask about 2027 |
| TSU Free Engineering (4-week) | Nashville | Gr. 9-12 | Free | June 15 to July 10 |
| TTU EEC Engineering Camp | Cookeville | Gr. 10-12 | $100 | Closed for 2026, watch fall 2026 |
| Governor's Schools (all 11) | Statewide | Gr. 11-12 | Free | Watch October 2026 for next cycle |
| Nashville Zoo Camp | Nashville | K-12 | $300+/wk | Fills fast |
| Nashville Children's Theatre | Nashville | K-12 | Contact | FAM scholarships available |
| Camp TPAC | Nashville | 8-16 | Contact | Weekly sessions |
| Vanderbilt SAVY | Nashville | Gr. 1-8 | $625/wk | Rolling admissions |
| Vanderbilt Summer Academy | Nashville | Gr. 7-12 | $2,150-$2,750 | June 7 or June 14 |
| Lavner / Camp Tech Revolution | Nashville | Various | Contact | June 1 to July 17 |
| FC Barcelona Camp | Nashville | 6-17 | Contact | June 22-26 |
| Real Madrid Camp | Nashville | 5-17 | Contact | July 3-7 |
| Atlético de Madrid Camp | Nashville | U6-U18 | Contact | July 20-24 |
| Cedar Lake Camp | Livingston (~40 min) | Various | Contact | Weekly sessions |
| Skymont Scout Reservation | Altamont (~45 min) | Scouts BSA | Contact | Summer sessions |
| Camp Boxwell | Lebanon (~1 hr 15 min) | Scouts BSA | Contact | May 26, June 2, 9, 23 |
| YMCA Camp Widjiwagan | Antioch (~1.5 hrs) | 4+ | Contact | Multiple sessions |
| Camp YI | LaVergne (~1 hr) | 8-14 | Contact | June and July |
| Girl Scouts Camp Sycamore Hills | Ashland City (~1.5 hrs) | Girls 5-17 | Contact | Summer sessions |
| CentriKid at Cumberland Univ. | Lebanon (~1 hr 15 min) | Gr. 2-6 | $390 | June 8-12 or June 23-27 |
| TRCamp 2026 (Robotics) | Murfreesboro (~1 hr) | Youth | Contact | Three-week program |
| APSU Coding Camps | Clarksville (~1 hr 15 min) | Gr. 1-12 | $69-$149 | apsu.edu/csci/camp |
| Belmont Multi-Arts Camp | Nashville | 6-11 | Contact | Summer sessions |
| Blair School Suzuki Institute | Nashville | 4-17 | Contact | Only one in TN |
| Lipscomb BisonBot Robotics | Nashville | 6-12 | $200-$500 | Four progressive levels |
| MTSU Wilson Tennis Camp | Murfreesboro (~1 hr) | Various | Contact | 13th year |
| Nashville SC Soccer Camps | Nashville / Franklin | All ages | Contact | June and July |
| Nashville Gymnastics | Nashville | 3-12 | $70-$80/day | Summer sessions |
| Frist Teen Film Camp | Nashville | Gr. 10-12 | ~$475 | July 13-17 |
| Cheekwood Summer Camp | Nashville | 5-14 | Contact | Summer sessions |
| NaCoMe Camp | Pleasantville (~1.5 hrs) | Gr. 2-12 | Contact | Presbyterian |
| Horton Haven | Lewisburg (~1.5 hrs) | Various | Contact | July sessions |
| Doe River Gorge | Elizabethton (~2 hrs) | Gr. 2-12 | Contact | One- to four-week options |
| TSU Aviation Program | Nashville | Gr. 11-12 | Contact | 3.0 GPA required |
| Upper Cumberland FCA Camp | Maryville (~1.5 hrs) | Youth | Contact | uppercumberlandfca.org/camp |
Planning the Next Camp Season
Start checking high-interest programs several months before summer, especially university, residential, and scholarship-supported camps. The 2026 timing on this page can help families decide when to look. It does not establish 2027 dates, prices, or application windows. Use the provider links below and confirm details before making travel or childcare plans.
If a provider publishes a new cycle, use that official page for the new dates and prices.
Sources and Direct Links
- cookeville-tn.gov/leisure-services
- pcfymca.org
- pcsstn.com
- putnam.tennessee.edu
- tntech.edu/summermusicinstitute
- tntech.edu/engineering/pre-college-programs/eec.php
- tntecheagles.com
- tn.gov/education (Governor's Schools)
- ctk.org/vacation-bible-school
- cedarlakecamp.org
- cherokeeareabsa.com/skymont
- mtcscouting.org (Camp Boxwell)
- gsmidtn.org/camp-sycamore-hills
- campwidji.org (Camp Widjiwagan)
- campyi.org
- nacome.org
- cumberlandcamp.org
- hortonhaven.org
- deerrun.camp
- doerivergorge.com
- centrikid.lifeway.com
- cumberland.edu/community-outreach/camps
- apsu.edu/csci/camp
- apsuathleticscamps.com
- tennesseeroboticscenter.com
- lavnercampsandprograms.com
- idtech.com
- tnstate.edu/summer/campsandprograms.aspx
- lipscomb.edu/events/bisonbot-robotic-summer-camps
- engineeringforkids.com/nashville
- nashvillechildrenstheatre.org
- tpac.org/inclusive-arts/classes-and-camps/summer-camp
- belmont.edu/cmpa/summer-camps
- belmont.edu/watkins/community-education/multiarts-camp.html
- cheekwood.org/learn/childrens-programs/summer-camp
- fristartmuseum.org/teen-summer-film-camp
- nfi.edu/summer-film-camp
- usn.org/summer
- blair.vanderbilt.edu/blair-academy/summer.php
- belmont.edu/summer-camps
- vanderbiltfootballcamps.com
- vucommodores.com
- vandysoccercamps.com
- fcbarcelona.us/locations/nashville
- rmfclinicsusa.com
- fs.campusatleticodemadrid.com/camps/nashville-soccer-camp
- nashvillesc.com/camps
- nusasoccer.org/camps
- mtsusoccercamps.com
- nashvillegtc.com
- xceleratelacrosse.com
- wilsontenniscamps.com/middle-tennessee-state-university
- lipscombsportscamps.com
- pty.vanderbilt.edu
- montgomerybell.edu/summer-camps
- brentwoodacademy.com/camps
- nashvillezoo.org/camp
- thecuriouskitchen.net/kids-cooking-camp
- campdavisnashville.com
- nashvilleshores.com
- nashville.gov/departments/parks/centennial-sportsplex/disabilities-program
- campconquest.com
- dyer.vanderbilt.edu/entertainment-summer-camps
- murfreesborotn.gov/2461/Outdoor-Murfreesboro-Summer-Camps
- tnstateparks.com/get-involved/special-summer-programs
- w1.mtsu.edu/camprec/camps/index.php