Free Summer Environmental Academy

Apply for the 2025 Summer Environmental Academy

The Anacostia Watershed Society is offering a FREE Summer Environmental Academy (SEA) program for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders who live in the Anacostia River Watershed in DC, Prince George’s County, or Montgomery County. Through this explorative, outdoor recreational and educational experience, students learn about their river and local environment, while developing skills in team building, critical thinking, and scientific investigation.

Summer Environmental Academy Camp Days are July 8, 9, and 10th (with July 11 as a rain date)

On these days we will meet from 9:30am to 3:30pm. From our meeting location, we will venture out together for various recreational and educational activities along the Anacostia River. Activities increase environmental awareness and give students the opportunity to take positive action to help improve their environment, as well as increase outdoor engagement. Activities may include boat tours, trash cleanups, wetland plantings, visits to community parks, mussel restoration, fishing, canoeing, etc.

Summer Environmental Academy Program

Day 1: Exploring the Anacostia Watershed

This day will be focused on exploring the Anacostia watershed. Students will be introduced to the Anacostia river through hands-on experiences such as canoeing and motorized boating on the river! 

Pickup/Drop off location: Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

Day 2: Becoming an Anacostia River Scientist

This day will be focused on environmental science. At Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, part of the National Park Service, students will actively investigate the health of the Anacostia River by conducting water quality tests and searching for animals in the watershed.

Pickup/Dropoff location: Bladensburg Waterfront Park

Day 3: Diving into the Anacostia River Community

This day will be focused on the Anacostia community. The main message of the day is to connect the students with the Anacostia community by exploring different community-centered activities such as fishing!  

Pickup/Drop off location: Anacostia Park

More information

We ask that families only apply if they feel they can make a commitment to the program, barring unforeseen circumstances. Some exceptions to missing a session may be granted (e.g., school testing, sickness, COVID-19, etc.). All participants are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID. If interested in applying for the 2025 summer program, please complete the following forms and submit per the instructions at the end of the application. If you have any questions, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Director of Education and Outreach.

Wondering if you live in the Anacostia River Watershed? 

Take a look at this map. If you live within the pink boundary, you're eligible to apply!      

Bad weather plan

AWS educators will be constantly monitoring the weather and have an action plan ready. They will notify you via email and a phone call a day in advance if we plan to cancel a program day due to inclement weather. If that does happen we will reschedule for that week’s rain date on Friday.