WorkLife

Summer camps

Last updated: January 22, 2024

It’s never too soon to begin planning for summer camps, classes and other childcare options — many programs begin accepting applications for summer enrollment as early as January and very quickly fill up with long waitlists.

The UW Office of the Youth Protection Coordinator offers an expansive directory of UW camps, online classes, and activities for children from preschool through high school. From STEM to art classes to exploring the outdoors and everything in between, find a variety of interesting options for summer, including free activities.

Right at School summer camps

Through Bright Horizons, benefits-eligible employees and UW students receive discounted tuition at Right at School’s summer camps. To access this benefit, visit the Bright Horizons UW website and click on “Find before- and after-school care.” From here, you can search for your school from among the districts served in the Puget Sound region. When registering your child, you will need to create a Right at School account that is separate from your Bright Horizons login or UW NetID.

Steve and Kate’s Summer Day Camps

Steven and Kate’s Summer Day Camps are discounted by $300 per summer session or $10 a day through Bright Horizons. Camps are offered in Seattle and Kirkland. For 43 years, Steve and Kate’s Camps have given kids the encouragement and initiative they need to learn, explore and have fun!

UW CareLink

UW CareLink is a free resource available to all benefits-eligible UW employees that can help in the search for summer options for younger children. CareLink’s childcare specialists will consult with you and provide you with a list of options based on your preferences.

Online resources

Find classes and camps by date, subject, grade level, and format using Elevate Washington, a statewide directory of camps, after-school classes, services and supports that help build lifelong skills, improve academic performance, provide safe spaces outside the school day and inspire young people to discover their passions. ParentMap magazine includes summers programs to help Puget Sound parents and families.

Related: Planning for your child’s summer: UW programs, employee discounts and more (The Whole U)

Free or subsidized summer programs

The best way to find out about these options is to simply ask: many programs offer financial aid, sliding fee scales, or payment plans for parents. For example, UW Youth and Teen Programs has a first come, first served financial aid program available for eligible families. Local community organizations, such as library systems and Parks and Recreation departments, are a great resource for free youth programs year-round and during the summer.