Bring on Adventure with Trips & Dips Summer Camp
Academically Challenging & Seriously Fun, Immersive Learning Experiences
Bring on Adventure with Trips & Dips Summer Camp
Academically Challenging & Seriously Fun, Immersive Learning Experiences
Summer Program | K-5th GRADE |Serving Gaithersburg, North Potomac, & Potomac, MD
Camp Runs Mon-Fri 8:30 am-5:30 pm
*Need More Flexible Hours? Contact Us!
Give Your Child An Incredible Summer With Trips & Dips
— Where STEAM Meets Splash & Dash!
Explore The Wonders Of STEAM With Hands-On Projects & Experiments
Dive Into Outdoor Fun With Field Trips, Water Play, & More!
Sizzle Up Some Cooking Skills & Taste The Adventure!
Make Waves With New Friends & Create Unforgettable Memories!
Weekly Themes Offer Academics Mixed With Fun
Weekly themes make learning so fun that your little camper won’t even realize they’re learning! With hands-on activities and engaging lessons, they’ll keep growing their skills outside of school—so when the new year rolls around, they’ll be more than ready to shine (and maybe even impress their friends, too).
2025 Trips & Dips Themes
June 23 - June 27:
Hidden in the Garden
Campers will discover all things living in gardens while learning about what keeps plants and garden creatures alive and thriving. They will also plan, design, and create a garden of their own!
June 30 - July 3:
Secrets at the Museum
Campers will become sculptors and create their own masterpieces while admiring some of history’s greatest works of art. At the end of the week, you won’t want to miss the museum tour!
July 7 - July 11:
Cinematic Quest
Get ready to walk the red carpet! Armed with their scripts, campers will create a wardrobe & set to film a movie that will premiere for parents and families at the end of the week!
July 14 - July 18:
Wild World of Sports
On your mark, get set, go! Campers will participate in team-building group activities to achieve a common goal. At the end of the week, all campers will be honored at an award ceremony.
July 21 - July 25:
Mad Scientists
Campers will wear their lab coats and goggles to discover the world of science. Breaking up into lab teams, we will conduct experiments throughout the week and hold a Trips & Dips Science fair on Friday afternoon!
July 28 - August 1:
Circus Extravaganza
This week, your camper will be transported into a world of acrobats, magicians, clowns, and thrilling circus acts. They’ll not only watch the magic unfold but become part of the show!
Snacks, Shirts & Splash-Worthy Adventures
Every camper gets a cool t-shirt, daily snacks, and a Friday pizza feast. “Where to Wednesdays?” takes us on off-site adventures to waterparks or exciting destinations. And did we mention theme-related special guests? Learning, laughter, and lunchtime—it’s all covered!
Epic Playgrounds & Rainy Day Rescues!
From climbing high to racing low, our playgrounds offer nonstop fun and muscle-growing action. Age-appropriate zones keep things safe while the excitement stays high. And when the weather won’t cooperate? Our indoor gyms turn into obstacle course wonderlands—because rainy days should never be boring!
Sibling Discounts = More Fun, Less Fuss!
Why juggle multiple camps when all your kids can learn and play together? They’ll love sharing adventures, making friends, and diving into hands-on activities—while you enjoy the convenience (and savings). A summer full of fun should come with fewer logistics and more sibling shenanigans!
Safety In The Sun For A Worry-Free Summer
Our teachers don’t just watch—they stay on high alert (with walkie-talkies in hand, of course). Whether your camper is climbing, crafting, or conquering the playground, they’re always in good hands. Plus, with cameras in place, you can breathe easily, knowing fun and safety go hand in hand all summer!
Cleaning Staff Keep Your Child Healthy
A pro cleaning crew keeps your child’s space sparkling—because glue sticks belong on paper, not hands! With top-notch scrubbing and sanitizing, we help keep germs away and immune systems strong. So you can stress less, and they can focus on the important stuff—like mastering the art of finger painting!
Register For Trips & Dips!
Two Sought-After Accreditations Indicate High-Quality Care
FAQs
Academy provides one morning snack and one afternoon snack depending on your child’s daily schedule. All families are required to provide a healthy lunch for your child(ren).
Please refer to the Academy Family Handbook for healthy food choices in the classroom. Click here
Academy’s operating hours vary based on location. Please visit your preferred center’s location page.
Each center is equipped with trained staff to facilitate the sanitation of toys and manipulatives throughout the day in addition to frequently touched surfaces. Professional cleaners clean school buildings top to bottom every evening after pick-up.
Each age group and program have their own capacity guidelines provided by the Maryland State Department of Education. Please click here for state guidelines: https://earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org/system/files/filedepot/3/staff-child_ratio_chart_-_child_care_centers.pdf
Space permitting, part-week and part-day schedules are available at most of our locations for select programs.
Hear from Parents Like you
"Our experience with Galawy Academy has been nothing short of amazing! The teachers are incredibly dedicated, nurturing, and passionate about helping each child succeed. The curriculum strikes the perfect balance between academics, creativity, and social development, and we’ve seen tremendous growth in our child’s confidence and skills."
"I cannot express enough gratitude to the incredible staff and teachers at The Academy at Cold Spring. They have been truly wonderful in taking care of my child at the daycare. The environment they’ve created is nurturing and welcoming. My child is always excited to go to daycare, and it’s heartwarming to see the smiles and enthusiasm from the staff every day."
"Great experience with Academy child development center. Staff are nice with excellent genuine caring. Safe physical setting and well-maintained place. Not only a day care, but a great learning place. My daughter is very happy with the center and has made a lot of progress both physically and mentally."
"We love the team here at Cold Spring, they take great care of our daughter. Our daughter loves going every day and always wants to finish whatever crafts she is working on before leaving. They do a great job helping the kids with school work as well as having fun activities each day for the kids."
"Love the Academy staff and environment at the Cold Spring location. The director and the lead staff are warm, welcoming and truly caring people. My daughter loves to attend Academy!"
"I am very happy with Galway academy. The staff are very nice and kind. My son loves to go to academy every day. I have see a lot of improvement since he is in school. Thank you Galway academy"
"We have had a terrific experience with our two children at ACDC Stone Mill. The teachers and front office staff are wonderfully kind and caring, and really take the time to work with each child as an individual. We highly recommend this center."
"We love Academy at Stone Mill. We have had Academy be a part of lives for raising both our kids (3 & 7) for the last 5 years. We have been through the infant, toddler, preschool and pre-K programs."
"We met in 2015, Academy @ Galway instantly became Family! The Attention paid to each individual child is UNMATCHED!. My daughter looked FORWARD to attending any type of care they offered! When COVID hit, The director went ABOVE AND BEYOND to check in, via email, and Phone. "
"I can honestly say I loved my experience with Academy @ Galway, being a first time parent sending my baby to school for the very first was extremely nerve wrecking for me but Ms. Azra and all the staff were so reassuring/ so so patient with us. My daughter learned so much, always so eager to tell us about her day! LOVE YOU ALL
"Our daughter has been growing in many aspect of development since she joined the Academy last summer.We are very greatful to have very experienced and caring director and teachers working hard hand in hand in her life. Academy is part of our family which gives us a big relief to leave her there knowing she is very happy and safe."
"My child was there for 2020/2021 school year for pre-k. It was his first time in an academic setting & also during the covid lock down. There were many challenges but Mrs. Azra & Mrs. Kim did a great job. My son made huge gains academically & was ready for kindergarten thanks to his experience at Galway Academy."
"My son wants to stay at the Galway center for longer. He loves all the activities and their staff are soo nice. Highly recommend this program. My son asked why he hasn't started since when he was little. That is how much he loves the place."
"Everyone there were always very welcoming and that never faded. We are glad our child was able to be under Academy’s care."
"I want to say thank you so much for the enjoyable time my son spent at Academy school-age all these years!!!"
"The amount of love and support we received from the Academy staff during what had to be the hardest part of my life is immeasurable!"
"I know my daughters were genuinely cared about by each and every Academy staff member and we feel extremely lucky to have had the Academy staff, especially Mr. Luis, be a part of their elementary years."
"Thank you Academy Child Development Center for taking great care of both of our daughters, and providing a safe and enriching environment. "
"Every single Academy staff member has made a profound impact on our daughter's development, now only educational, but socially and emotionally."