● Programs
Travel
● Washington, DC · March 26–27, 2027
The 8th grade trip, done right
Our first Varsity Prep trip: two days in Washington, DC with the 8th grade class, Friday March 26 to Saturday March 27, 2027. Monuments, museums, the Capitol, and a hotel night with the staff your kids already know from camp. Itinerary and price are being finalized now. Join the interest list and you'll see them first, before spots open.
8th graders
2 days · 1 night
DC trip at a glance
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When
Friday, March 26 – Saturday, March 27, 2027. Early departure Friday, back Saturday evening.
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Who
8th graders. Chaperoned by Varsity Prep directors and senior staff, the same people who run camp.
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Where
Washington, DC. The National Mall, the monuments, Smithsonian museums, and the Capitol, plus one hotel night with staff on every floor.
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Cost
Being finalized. Interest-list families get the price and a payment plan first, before registration opens to everyone.
What’s included
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Coach bus
Round trip from New Milford on a chartered coach. Leave together, come home together.
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Hotel night
One night, kids grouped by room with staff on every floor and a hard lights-out.
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Meals
Group meals along the way. Allergies and dietary needs handled the same way we do at camp.
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Tours & admissions
Every museum, monument, and guided stop on the itinerary is covered. No surprise fees on the trip.
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First look at counselor jobs
Varsity Prep directors and senior counselors, not a tour company. Low ratios, phones in a group chat with parents.
Rising 8th grader? Two paths.
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Icons · where we want most rising 8th graders
Our new oldest camper group. The best field trips, leadership roles inside camp, their own space and counselors, and a real say in how the week runs. Same weeks, same pricing — they just run the place. Then CIT next summer with a year more maturity.
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CIT · if their heart is set on it
Starting 2027, CIT is a rising 9th grade program like every other Varsity Prep camp. But we know a lot of current 7th graders have had their heart set on it — so for Summer 2027 only, rising 8th graders can apply. If they really want it, let’s do it.
● CIT FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
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Rising 9th graders. For Summer 2027 only, rising 8th graders may also apply, or they can join Icons, our new oldest camper group. Every CIT does a short conversation with a director before a spot is confirmed.
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CIT is a leadership program at a reduced weekly rate, well below the camper rate. The exact rate and the weeks available are in the application. CITs pay the same $100 deposit and follow the same payment plan as campers.
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For most rising 8th graders, Icons. It is the oldest camper group, built around leadership inside camp, the best trips, and extra privileges, and it sets them up to be a stronger CIT the next summer. If your child has been counting down to CIT, they can still apply this year. We will not take that away from them. Not sure? Send us a note and we will talk it through.
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CITs who finish the summer strong get a reference from their director, and first look at paid counselor positions once they turn 16. Most of our best counselors started as Varsity Prep campers and CITs.
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Your child is expected to commit to 6 full weeks minimum. They apply for the CIT program and choose which of the 6 weeks they’ll be attending later. There will be a training session prior to the start of camp for all CITs.
● Contact
Questions ?
Not sure whether CIT or Icons is the right fit? Send a note and Ray will get back to you within one business day.