Butler Camp: Programs

Summer Camp Programs

Imagine your child exploring nature every day and learning valuable life skills from our highly trained, certified staff. That's one of the many things that makes Butler Camp special. Our 22-acre campus is conveniently located minutes from I-270 in Darnestown, Maryland. Interested? Join us for a safe and fun summer! Learn more about our programs below.

Butler Camp engages all kids, even our shy boy, so they can’t wait to go back the next day! His exhaustion at the end of the day combined with excitement about what is happening at camp tomorrow speaks for itself. ~ Jeff S., 2020 Camp Parent

Summer 2024 Session Dates

Camp Programs (2–week sessions):

Camp Programs (2–week sessions):

Session 1: June 17 - June 28

Session 2: July 1 - July 13

Session 3: July 15 - July 26

Session 4: July 29 - August 9

Hodge Podge: August 12 - August 16

Nature Navigators (Ages 4.5–6)

(must be 4 by Jan.1, 2023)

6:1 child to staff ratio, $800 per 2–week session

Creeking, swimming, nature exploration program, music, group games, crafts, and many more fun, memory-making experiences.

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Wilderness Explorers (Ages 7–9)

(must be 7 by August 31, 2023)

6:1 child to staff ratio, $950 per 2-week session

Swimming, fishing, cookout, archery, canoeing, frisbee golf, zip line, ropes courses, crafts, games and other activities to boost fitness and confidence.

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Pathfinders (Ages 10–12) (must be 10 by August 31, 2023)

8:1 child to staff ratio,

$1050 per 2-week session

Mountain biking, high wall climbing, survivor skills, archery, tubing, one night camping on campus, ropes course, swimming, and more. Taught by certified instructors. (2 week sessions)

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Trailblazers

(Ages 12–14) (must be 12 by August 31, 2023)

8:1 child to staff ratio,

$1050 per 2-week session

Mountain biking, tubing, survivor skills training, high wall climbing, one-night camping on campus, ropes course, swimming, and more. Taught by certified instructors. (2 week sessions)

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Equestrian Camp (Ages 6–16):

$1400 per 2-week session

Camp Programs (2–week sessions):

Session 1: June 17 - June 28

Session 2: July 1 - July 13

Session 3: July 15 - July 26

Session 4: July 29 - August 9

Hodge Podge: August 12 - August 16

Butler Equestrian Camp offers a progressive summer equestrian program based on each rider’s age and ability. Our goal is to develop well-rounded equestrians in a fun and safe environment.

The high-demand two-week Equestrian sessions will be divided between Beginner and Intermediate programs.

Beginner Riders: From no experience to comfortable trotting on their own.

Intermediate Riders: Can groom and tack their horse on their own, can halter and tie their own mount, and do no stirrup work. *A free evaluation is required for intermediate riders prior to camp starting.

Don’t know what level your camper is at or have questions? Email Emily at [email protected]!

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Hodgepodge (Ages 5–13): (Not offered Summer 2023)

Cubs, Ages 5–6, 8:1 child to staff ratio

Bears, Ages 7–13, 7:1 child to staff ratio

$420 per 1 week session

High-demand one-week camp that fills the gap between our regular summer camp programs and the start of school. Campers enjoy swimming, archery, hiking, ropes course, and more! (1 week session)

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Counselors in Training CIT (Ages 15–16):

(must be 15 by December 31, 2023)

$480 per 2–week session

Where teens can earn SSL hours, learn responsibility and wilderness skills, prepare for camp counselor leadership roles, and gain valuable work experience, all while enjoying nature exploration and having fun. (2 week sessions)

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Covid & Camp FAQs

Registration Opens January 17, 2023

There are no words for me to express how meaningful this summer’s experience has been for our family. This is my son’s fourth summer with Butler but by far the most impactful. My son learned so much from the consoler’s “outdoor wisdom”. He learned, interacted with peers and got a piece of normalcy in this crazy world we live in post Covid-19. Sending my child in was a mix of emotions, I wanted to make sure he gets to interact with his friends but also feared the great unknowns of this ever evolving epidemic. I can confidently say that choosing to attend this summer’s session was the best choice I made this summer. The staff went above and beyond to adhere to the health and safety guidelines and I could not have felt more comfortable sending him in. With schools closing I am thankful my son got a “normal” summer, a calm before the storm and know that it came with great effort by everyone involved. ~ Hillary B., 2020 Camp Parent

Why Butler Camp is the Best Summer Camp in Montgomery County Maryland

At Butler Camp, we take pride in providing a fun engaging outdoor program while giving families a sense of community and connection. The popularity of our camp and large number of returning campers each summer can be attributed to the care given to each child by our experienced staff, and to a well-planned schedule of varied fun and skill-building activities.