Presented by Junior Achievement of Central Carolinas

Junior Achievement Summer Camp 2026

Donate

Registration ends Friday, 05/22/2026 11:59pm EDT

JA Summer Camps

Imagine a generation of students armed with the confidence, knowledge, and skills to take control of their futures and achieve their dreams.

JA of Central Carolinas' Summer Camp offers children entering 4th – 8th grade an engaging, hands-on experience that develops their understanding of basic business principles and the world of work ahead. Awarded the "2023 Best Summer Camp" award by the Charlotte Observer, JACC Summer Camp utilizes interactive activities, teambuilding projects, hands-on business simulations, and visits from guest speakers in a variety of careers to prepare campers for successful futures. Campers will learn first-hand what it means to be a citizen of a community, how to get a job, and how to make wise financial decisions to achieve the future they want for themselves and their families.

JA of Central Carolinas will be offering the following programs for youth entering 4th - 8th grade:

  • Campers entering 4th - 7th grade
    • JA BizTown Summer Camp (June 15 - 19)
    • JA Camp Career Quest (July 6 - 10)
  • Campers entering 5th - 8th grade
    • *NEW* JA Company Pop-Up Camp (June 22 - 26)
    • JA Camp CEO (July 13 - 17)
  • Teens entering 10th - 12th grade
    • *NEW* The Leaders-in-Training (LIT) Program (June 15 - 26) (application-based)

Camp Times: JA Summer Camp is a day camp. The camp day runs from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Extension activities after camp are offered for an additional fee. 

Camp Pricing: The weekly camp fee is $335 per camper. This includes daily instructional materials, a camp t-shirt, Friday lunch, and additional programming.

Camp Scholarships: Limited scholarships are available to families. To apply, please complete JACC's Camp Scholarship Application. Further instructions on how to register your camper(s) for camp will be provided if you are offered a scholarship.

Afternoon Extended Care: Weekly afternoon-only extended care costs $40 per camper.

We look forward to welcoming you into our "Camp Fam" this summer! For further inquiries, contact us at camp@jacarolinas.org. 

JA Summer Camps

Imagine a generation of students armed with the confidence, knowledge, and skills to take control of their futures and achieve their dreams.

JA of Central Carolinas' Summer Camp offers children entering 4th – 8th grade an engaging, hands-on experience that develops their understanding of basic business principles and the world of work ahead. Awarded the "2023 Best Summer Camp" award by the Charlotte Observer, JACC Summer Camp utilizes interactive activities, teambuilding projects, hands-on business simulations, and visits from guest speakers in a variety of careers to prepare campers for successful futures. Campers will learn first-hand what it means to be a citizen of a community, how to get a job, and how to make wise financial decisions to achieve the future they want for themselves and their families.

JA of Central Carolinas will be offering the following programs for youth entering 4th - 8th grade:

  • Campers entering 4th - 7th grade
    • JA BizTown Summer Camp (June 15 - 19)
    • JA Camp Career Quest (July 6 - 10)
  • Campers entering 5th - 8th grade
    • *NEW* JA Company Pop-Up Camp (June 22 - 26)
    • JA Camp CEO (July 13 - 17)
  • Teens entering 10th - 12th grade
    • *NEW* The Leaders-in-Training (LIT) Program (June 15 - 26) (application-based)

Camp Times: JA Summer Camp is a day camp. The camp day runs from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Extension activities after camp are offered for an additional fee. 

Camp Pricing: The weekly camp fee is $335 per camper. This includes daily instructional materials, a camp t-shirt, Friday lunch, and additional programming.

Camp Scholarships: Limited scholarships are available to families. To apply, please complete JACC's Camp Scholarship Application. Further instructions on how to register your camper(s) for camp will be provided if you are offered a scholarship.

Afternoon Extended Care: Weekly afternoon-only extended care costs $40 per camper.

We look forward to welcoming you into our "Camp Fam" this summer! For further inquiries, contact us at camp@jacarolinas.org. 

JA BizTown Summer Camp | June 15th - 19th

For campers entering 4th - 7th grade

Where can a kid run an entire town and learn how to make a community thrive? At JA BizTown Camp, of course! During this immersive and exciting week, campers will:

  • Dive into the world of business: Learn what it takes to run and make a company thrive!
  • Build career confidence: Discover how to write a resume, ace an interview, and manage money like an absolute pro!
  • Unleash their inner “super citizen”: Explore personal strengths and how they can be used to make a difference in their communities!
  • Have the signature JA BizTown experience: Camp wouldn’t be complete without campers putting their skills to the test by running a business in our simulated community!

Give your camper a taste of the world of adulthood and inspire them to dream about their future possibilities during this jam-packed week of fun and learning!

*NEW* JA Company Program Pop-Up Camp | June 22nd - 26th

For campers entering 5th - 8th grade

Does your camper have what it takes to launch a pop-up business in just one week? At JA Company Program Pop-Up Camp, campers become entrepreneurs as they plan, launch, and run their own businesses from start to finish! Throughout the week, campers will:

  • Build from the ground up: Discover their inner entrepreneur and learn what it takes to create a startup business!
  • Master the art of teamwork: Work with friends at camp to learn about and take on the different roles and responsibilities needed for their business to launch!
  • Power-up a “pop-up”: Launch, operate, and wrap up a pop-up business, gaining hands-on experience in entrepreneurship and leadership!

It’s a fast-paced, fun-filled week where big ideas come to life, and campers will leave with skills they’ll use for years to come!

 

JA Camp Career Quest | July 6th - 10th

For campers entering 4th - 7th grade

What does your camper want to be when they grow up? At JA Camp Career Quest, campers explore exciting career paths and discover how their passions can shape their future. During this week-long adventure, campers will:

  • Uncover their passions and talents: Discover what strengths and skills could lead to a fulfilling career!
  • Build workplace skills: Practice teamwork, communication, and other essential skills through hands-on games and activities!
  • Meet real professionals: Hear from inspiring guest speakers in a variety of industries!
  • Explore future possibilities: Learn about the wide world of careers waiting to be discovered!

Get ready to ignite your camper’s future as they explore the endless possibilities that lie ahead of them!

JA Camp CEO | July 13th - 17th

For campers entering 5th - 8th grade

Does your camper have a big idea that they want to make a reality? Join JA Camp CEO, a camp experience designed to ignite your camper's business savvy! During this action-packed week, campers will:

  • Develop a winning business plan: Work with friends at camp to brainstorm innovative ideas and turn those dreams into a business opportunity!
  • Learn what it takes to be a dynamite CEO: Unlock the secrets of communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—the ultimate toolkit for any career adventure!
  • Interact with real-life industry professionals: Gain valuable feedback and guidance by pitching their business idea to actual business professionals!

If your camper dreams of being their own boss or launching something special, this camp is the perfect place to start!

*NEW* JACC "Leaders-in-Training (LIT) Program" | June 15th -26th

Junior Achievement of Central Carolinas’ Leaders-In-Training (LIT) Program is a free, two-week summer volunteering opportunity for rising 10th–12th graders to build leadership and career-readiness skills in a fun, hands-on environment. Participants assist with daily camp operations, mentor younger campers, and lead engaging activities while developing teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.

LITs also attend interactive workshops focused on money management, resume writing, and public speaking, all guided by experienced mentors and JA staff. With half-day and full-day shifts available, teens gain real-world experience, grow their confidence, and make a meaningful impact in an inclusive camp community.

Submit an application to participate in the LIT Program here; the application window will be open from December 4th, 2025 through March 29th, 2026. If you have questions regarding the program, please visit our website to learn more, or contact Elise Lyght at elyght@jacarolinas.org. 

Sample Daily Camp Schedule

8:30 - 9:00: Camper Arrival
9:00 - 9:30: "Morning Gathering" and "Crew Time"
9:30 - 10:00: "Camp Connections"
10:00 - 11:00: "Morning Workshop" (JA Instructional Content)
11:00 - 11:10: Break
11:10 - 12:25: "Breakouts" (Guest speaker-led activity/career-connected learning activity)
12:30 - 1:00: Lunch
1:00 - 2:00: "Afternoon Workshop" (JA Instructional Content)
2:00 - 3:15: "Camp Special Activity" (Guest speaker-led activity/career-connected learning activity)
3:15 - 3:45: "Crew Time"
3:45: Dismissal begins