975 Indian Landing Road
Millersville, MD 21108
tel. 410-222-3822


Questions about summer camp? You’ve come to the right place!

Selection Process 

Will I receive a confirmation email after registering my student?

You will not receive an automatic confirmation email after submitting an application. You will receive a confirmation email in early May if your student has been added to the roster of a camp you applied for.

Who can apply to Arlington Echo summer camps?

Our camps are offered only to students who are currently enrolled in AACPS schools.

How does the selection process work?

Summer seats are not guaranteed for all students and seats are NOT filled on a first come, first serve basis.  The federal funds used to support summer offerings require us to consider students’ unfinished learning and student needs as student selections are made.  If the student demand exceeds the number of seats available, we will need to make final student selections.  Once your student is selected to attend, you will be notified by the program facilitator with additional information.

When will I be notified if my student is selected?

Initial notifications will be made in late April.

How long is registration open?

Registration will open on February 9, 2024 and close on March 15, 2024.

I am experiencing difficulty logging in to register my student.

If you are experiencing difficulty using your child’s Student ID Number and Birthdate to log in to the summer programs website, please contact Krista Boyd at 410-222-5491. 

What is the cost of camp?

Camp is offered at no cost to AACPS enrolled students.

What is your cell phone policy?

Cell phones will not be permitted at camp.

Though society has become increasingly dependent on internet-connected devices, the Environmental Literacy & Outdoor Education Office strongly believes the summer camp environment is one where cell phones simply do not belong, as they inhibit two key goals of summer camp: connecting young people with each other and with the natural world. 

As useful as mobile devices can be, they serve as an unwanted distraction drawing the user’s attention away from the people and environment around them. Connection to the internet raises a host of other issues including but not limited to cyberbullying, viewing of inappropriate materials, and uploading camper photos without parental consent. 

Cell phones also hinder our staff’s ability to resolve camper issues and effectively communicate with parents. If a camper encounters issues during camp, their first instinct is to call you, their parent, rather than speak with our staff. This leads to miscommunication and makes it difficult to manage issues that our highly trained staff are otherwise capable of resolving. 

Our staff will always arrange for necessary phone calls and will assist a child in getting in contact with their parent or guardian via our landline as needed. Likewise, parents and guardians can call Arlington Echo if they need to reach their child.

We take this cause very seriously, and will confiscate any cell phones or other electronic devices brought to camp. As in the school setting, the devices will be stored in a secured administrative office until camp’s conclusion. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Is there a nurse at camp?

Yes. Our camp nurse is a registered RN from the county health department.

My child takes medication. Who will administer the medication while at camp?

Our camp nurse will administer medications while at camp.

Will food be provided during camp?

Yes. Breakfast and lunch are provided for all day campers. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided for all overnight campers.

Still don’t have the answers you need? Give us a call! 410-222-3822

A collage of photos with a camper swimming under water, sitting in the stream, holding a chicken, standing on a mountain, practicing yoga, hiking, hiking over rocks, swinging on a rope, wearing lifejackets, standing next to a tree, holding a fish, standing next to an archery target, planting a fern and wearing lifejackets.

The 2024 application window for Arlington Echo summer camps will be open February 9, 2024 through March 15, 2024

Apply at aacps.org/summer


Summer seats are not guaranteed for all students and seats are NOT filled on a first come, first serve basis.  The federal funds used to support summer offerings require us to consider students’ unfinished learning and student needs as student selections are made.  If the student demand exceeds the number of seats available, we will need to make final student selections.  Once your student is selected to attend, you will be notified by the program facilitator with additional information. 

Elementary School Camp

Students currently in pre K- 4th grade are eligible for our free day and overnight camps held at Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center in Millersville, MD. Campers will experience 3-4 days of classic camp activities like canoeing, swimming, archery, hiking and more! Camp Arlington Echo is the perfect place to meet new friends, learn about the environment and enjoy the great outdoors. All meals will be provided. Limited transportation is available. Go to aacps.org/summer and login to see specific camp dates and information.

Two campers smiling wearing neon yellow t-shirts.     A counselor rowing a row boat with three young campers.       A young camper holding a fish on his fishing rod.     A counselor painting a design on a young camper's hand.

Middle School Camp

Students currently in grades 5th- 8th are eligible for our free middle school overnight camp. Our middle school campers will stay in our cabins at Arlington Echo in Millersville, MD and also travel to a local State Park to sleep under the stars! If canoeing, hiking, eating smore’s, and making new friends sound like fun, this is the camp for you! All meals will be provided. Limited transportation is available. Go to aacps.org/summer and login to see specific camp dates and information.

10 campers standing on sand at the edge of a river.       Five campers sitting on a bench and smiling.       Two campers roasting marshmallows over a camp fire.

High School Camps

A collage of photos with campers sitting on rocks next to a waterfall, a boy standing on a mountain, two campers wearing backpacks, a girl standing on a mountain.

High Adventure Backpacking

High Adventure Backpacking Camp is a free 7 day, 6 night backpacking experience for adventurous campers seeking to explore the natural world in the wilderness setting of Shenandoah National Park.  We’ll climb mountains, explore valleys, sleep under the stars, and splash through streams while making friendships and memories to last a lifetime. Interested students will need to submit a video or essay explaining why they wish to attend this camp as part of their application. Space is very limited due to the nature of the program. Parents will need to provide their own transportation to/from Arlington Echo.

High Adventure Canoe

Students in canoes on the water.High Adventure Canoe Camp is a free 7 day, 6 night canoe camping adventure. Campers will spend the first two days and nights building canoe and camping skills at AACPS’s Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center. Then we’ll board a bus and head to the headwaters of the Patuxent River where our real adventure begins! We’ll be exploring the river, sleep under the stars, and explore the environment all while making friendships and memories to last a lifetime. Interested students will need to submit a video or essay explaining why they wish to attend this camp as part of their application. Space is very limited due to the nature of the program.  Parents will need to provide their own transportation to/from Arlington Echo.

Counselor In Training opportunities

A Counselor in Training will assist the Camp Directors, and counselors in providing our campers a fun and safe week of camp. This is an opportunity for young adults to learn management and leadership skills in a fun camp setting. Tasks may include set up and break down of activities, assisting with supervision of campers, and ensuring camper safety. CITs are essential, and help to keep camp functioning smoothly! CITs can apply through the AACPS summer program portal at www.aacps.org/summer.

Summer Camp FAQ