2016 White House History Summer Camp: Exploring the President's Neighborhood

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live or work in the White House? Join the National Park Service and the White House Historical Association for our second annual summer camp all about the President’s House! Campers will become explorers, historians, preservationists, artists and more as they explore White House history, the White House neighborhood, and the national monuments and memorials in the president’s backyard!

Throughout the camp, children will

• Walk where presidents and their families have walked as they visit the White House
• Learn about the roles of the president through historic objects and primary sources
• Investigate the White House as a home, office, and museum at the White House Visitor Center
• Get a bird’s eye view of the National Mall from the Washington Monument
• Tour the historic Decatur House, the oldest neighbor to the president on Lafayette Square
• Explore the stories of Thomas Jefferson, Franklin Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln through their memorials on the National Mall
• Learn how to draw White House artifacts

Who: Children ages 9-12

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the camp hours?

The camp will run from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Monday, August 1, 2016 to Friday, August 5, 2016. Early drop off will begin at 8:00 a.m. Students must be picked up no later than 4:00 p.m. What age must my child be to attend? Your child must be between 9-12 years of age by August 1, 2016.

Where will the activities take place?

Each day will begin and end at the White House Visitor Center, located at 1450 Pennsylvania Ave, NW Washington, DC 20230. Activities will take place at the White House Visitor Center, David M. Rubenstein National Center for White House History at Decatur House, White House, and monuments on the National Mall.

How many campers will there be?

We are limiting camp enrollment to 15 campers. This will allow us to take campers on tours of places like the Washington Monument and the White House!

Can a child’s parent or sibling go with them on the White House tour or participate in camp activities?

Unfortunately, no. Only registered campers will be authorized to take tours of the White House and participate in camp activities. (Please note that White House tours may be subject to last minute cancellation).

What information should I be expected to provide upon registration?

Upon initial registration, you will be asked to provide full payment and contact information. You will receive a separate email with required camp forms.

What is the ratio of students to counselors?

There will be approximately one staff member for every five children.

Who will the camp counselors be?

The camp will be led by experienced educators and park rangers from the National Park Service and White House Historical Association. Campers will also interact with various individuals within the historical and museum-related fields as they explore presidential sites in Washington, D.C.

Do you provide lunch?

No. Campers must bring a bagged lunch that does not require refrigeration. Depending on weather, we may eat lunch at an outdoor location.

How much time will campers spend outside?

Weather permitting, campers will participate in daily excursions to places around the National Mall and the White House neighborhood. We will walk to most locations, so be sure to send your camper in comfortable shoes and sunscreen.

What is your policy on electronics?

We strongly recommend that campers leave all valuable items at home, including electronics. It is your personal choice to send your child with a cell phone or other electronic device, but you do so at your own risk. Camp staff will not be held responsible or liable for lost or stolen items.

Is there a cancellation policy?

Notice of camper cancellation must be received by the White House Historical Association in writing. A full refund will be issued if written notification is received 30 days prior to the session start date. A 50% refund will be issued if written notification is received between 14-30 days prior. No refund will be issued less than two weeks prior to the start of camp.