Cathedral Heights, NW D.C.
St. Albans School & National Cathedral School
The Cathedral campus – home to both St. Albans School and National Cathedral School -provides an inspiring, iconic setting for Headfirst Summer Camps. With shaded green spaces, historic architecture, bright classrooms, and access to the exceptional facilities of both schools, the Close feels purpose-built for summer discovery. Thirty years ago, Headfirst’s very first programs ran on this campus. Today, the partnership is part of the soul of our organization – and a premier environment where campers feel seen, known, and celebrated as they learn, play, and grow.
Each week, our team designs experiences around Headfirst Moments—the breakthroughs that happen when a child tries something new, takes a safe risk, or discovers a new passion. Guided by our Spot–Create–Celebrate approach, our staff bring care, intentionality, and joyful energy to every day in the shadow of the National Cathedral.
We’re excited to return in 2026 with the thoughtful programming, exceptional staff, and signature Headfirst experiences that DC families have come to expect across St. Albans and NCS.
Please see here for more information on our Summer 2026 offerings at this location:
Available Programs
JUNIOR DAY CAMP
The perfect first camp for your youngest explorer. Our Junior Day campers enjoy hands-on art, music, and sensory play, plus time to make friends and build early independence through our story-based activities. Daily instructional swim is available as part of programming at our Cathedral Heights location.
Ages: Rising Pre-K 3 – 4
Hours: 9am – 3pm
Dates: Week of June 15th – Week of July 27th
Early Bird Price (Until January 7th): $599
Standard Price: $629
DAY CAMP
Every day brings something new at Day Camp, where rising K – rising 1st grade campers bring a weekly story-based theme to life through art, STEM, music, sports, and hands-on challenges. Creative projects and team activities help campers stretch their imaginations and build confidence along the way. Daily instructional swim is available as part of programming at our Cathedral Heights location.
Ages: Rising K – 1st Grade
Hours: 9am – 3pm
Dates: Week of June 15th – Week of July 27th
Early Bird Price (Until January 7th): $599
Standard Price: $629
Sprouting Scientists
A fun, experiment-filled science program featuring themes like Caves and Crystals and Veterinary Science, and a two-year sellout favorite. Campers explore, invent, and make discoveries through hands-on projects. Daily water play is available as part of programming at our Cathedral Heights location.
Ages: Rising 1st – 2nd Grade
Hours: 9am – 3pm
Dates: Week of June 22nd- Week of August 3rd
Early Bird Price (Until January 7th): $599
Standard Price: $629
INNOVATORS, INC.
A creativity-powered program where campers take on weekly challenges and work together to design, build, and bring big ideas to life. Field trips or expert workshops deepen the week’s theme, while hands-on projects strengthen collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership. Daily water play is available as part of programming at our Cathedral Heights location.
Ages: Rising 2nd – 3rd Grade
Hours: 9am – 3pm
Dates: Week of June 22nd – Week of August 3rd
Early Bird Price (Until January 7th): $599 – $619
Standard Price: $629 – $649
Multi-Sport Camp
It’s all fun and games here — literally. This fast-paced program gives campers of all skill levels the chance to play a wide mix of sports and creative games each day, building teamwork, confidence, and leadership along the way. Instructional swim lessons are age-dependent.
Ages: Rising K – 7th Grade
Hours: 9am – 3pm
Dates: Week of June 8th – Week of August 10th
Early Bird Price (Until January 7th): $599
Standard Price: $629
D.C. UNITED SOCCER CAMP
Looking for the most fun week of soccer in town? Play and learn in style at D.C. United Summer Camp! This offering includes five full days of soccer instruction and competition in D.C. United’s custom-built curriculum. Every camper will receive a D.C. United Camp official jersey and two (2) complimentary tickets to a select 2026 D.C. United regular season home game.
Ages: Rising K – 7th Grade
Hours: 8:45am – 2:45pm
Dates: Week of June 8th – Week of July 13th
Price: $569
Nationals Baseball & Softball Camp
2026 Registration is Opening Soon! See 2025 Information here. The Headfirst Companies are proud to partner with the Washington Nationals to offer Nationals Baseball & Softball Camps throughout the DMV! This week-long camp is a home run for young ballplayers and Nationals fans. Visits to Nationals Park are back for 2026!
Ages: Rising K – 7th Grade
Hours: 8:45am – 2:45pm
Dates: Coming Soon!
Price: Coming Soon!
Extended Day
We offer morning and afternoon Extended Day options for families who need additional coverage before or after regular camp hours.
Morning Extended Day (AMX) begins at 7:30 a.m. Campers ease into the day with relaxed, small-group activities, such as coloring, building, board games, or story time, supported by our caring Headfirst counselors before formal programming begins.
Afternoon Extended Day (PMX) runs from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with pickup available at any time during the window. Campers enjoy a variety of engaging, age-appropriate activities that extend the spirit of the camp day in a lighter, more flexible way. From creative art projects and fun group games to hands-on tinkering, outdoor play, and a Goldfish snack break, there’s something for every camper. Our flexible structure encourages choice and exploration, helping campers stay active, happy, and engaged throughout the afternoon.
- AM Extended Day Tuition: $100/week
- PM Extended Day Tuition: $200/week
Swim and Water Play
At our Cathedral Heights location we offer a range of swim and water play activities to give our campers a chance to cool down!
Instructional Swim
For Junior Day, Day Camp, and Multi-Sport I (Rising K–1st), campers participate in daily instructional swim. Small-group instructors set individualized goals based on each child’s comfort and swim level — from putting faces in the water to learning independent strokes.
Campers are always closely supervised by a dedicated small-group swim instructor, on-deck lifeguards, and counselors, with a 3:1 swimmer-to-staff ratio in the pool. Families receive weekly swim progress updates to follow along with their camper’s growth.
Recreational Swim
Multi-Sport II+ (Rising 2nd Grade – 7th Grade) campers enjoy recreational swim three days per week, with water play on the remaining days. Recreational swim provides safe, supervised free swim and pool-based games. Campers are swim-tested at the start of the week to determine their permitted areas of the pool.
Water Play
Innovators Inc. and Sprouting Scientists enjoy daily water play, while Multi-Sport II+ participate on two days each week. Water play activities vary — from sprinklers to splash games to a large inflatable slip and slide — but always offer a fun, active way to beat the summer heat.
2026 Pool Closures
During the weeks of August 3 and August 10, the St. Albans pool will be closed. All campers will participate in daily water play during these weeks, and tuition is reduced to $549/week.
