As spring begins to wind down, summer is just around the corner, which means parents are beginning to plan trips, sports camps, and playdates in an attempt to keep their children busy during the hot summer months in Phoenix. But another great option to combat summer doldrums is Great Hearts Summer Camps [1], offered June 1 – June 26, 2026, 8:00 am -6:00 pm, Monday through Friday (Maryvale Prep program hours may vary).
While one camper from last year enthusiastically shared, “It was the best time of my life,” Heather, a Great Hearts parent, appreciated the how her child always looks forward to the program. “They keep the kids entertained, they work on keeping school skills like reading and writing fresh in fun ways that doesn’t seem like work, and they have top notch vendors that bring the “field trips” direct to the school,” she shared. “The staff and program director are kind, caring, amazing people. My scholar feels comfortable talking to the adults in charge if she has a question or problem. I cannot effectively express the gratitude that I feel toward the staff for their compassion and enthusiasm.”
Camps are offered at all Great Hearts Arizona archway academies across the Valley to all Great Hearts scholars, grades 1st through 5th. This includes students on a Great Hearts waitlist. There are no camps at the Great Hearts Christian Academies campuses, but scholars there are welcome to register an any academy that is convenient. Great Hearts Online scholars can also register at any academy they choose.
[2]
Families are encouraged to register before the Early Bird Discount expires on May 1, 2026. This discount offers a savings of $25 for each week of the camp.
Register for all campuses (except Maryvale Prep) at https://arizona.greatheartsamerica.org/summer/ [1]
Register for Maryvale Prep at https://maryvaleprep.greatheartsamerica.org/summer/ [3]
Each week at camp will bring unique themes that offer a traditional summer camp experience with a classical twist. This includes games, “campfire” songs, crafts, hands-on activities, and special on-site encounters where local vendors bring the field trip experience to the campus.
This year’s themes include:
-
Seafaring for the Daring: Join the crew! Seafaring for the Daring is a week full of mermaids, pirates, oceanography, and more! Each day includes friendly head-to-head style games, sea songs, crafts, science, and skits. On the last day, crews will board their hand-built ships and have an epic battle on the high seas.
-
Tinkerers and Thinkers: Art, science, and invention collide during Tinkerers and Thinkers week. Campers will stretch their imaginations as they find inspiration, invent, and create. Projects will include STEM rollercoasters, coding, terrariums, action painting, and more!
-
Farm to Table: During this week campers will explore how our food goes from ‘Farm to Table.’ In addition to learning what it means to grow, harvest, raise, and preserve food, campers will also discover the importance of decomposers, dig into different types of farms, and make their own ice cream.
-
Summer Safari: Embark on a journey with us as we go on a Summer Safari! During this week, campers will be transported to Africa right here within our academy walls. During our Summer Safari, campers will learn ways animals are tracked, make animal masks, build a safari vehicle and gear, and experience special visitors.
One of the campus coordinators, Katie Rogers, is excited to welcome students this summer. “I love summer camp! After working summer camp for many years, it continues to be one of my favorite parts of my job,” she said. “It is so rewarding to see campers come back year after year, and to reminisce on past summers with excitement. I hope that all Great Hearts students have a chance to experience a summer program with us.”
Do you have a story or know of one that you would like to see featured at Great Hearts? Please contact jmoore@greatheartsamerica.org [4].
Submit a student application to a Great Hearts Academy by visiting: https://www.greatheartsamerica.org/enroll/ [5].