model railroading Summer Camps 2026
Our ever-popular model railroad camp introduces beginner modelers to the basics of creating a mock model railroad. Older campers will create a working model railroad.
Campers paint, plaster, lay track and construct a mini-town, complete with buildings, trees, trains, and people!
All SDMRM camps are immersive, hands-on, and led by enthusiastic education professionals. Museum members receive early access to registration starting February 17, with public registration opening March 2, plus discounted camp pricing
Introducing Our New Teen Clinic!
In this advanced, hands-on class, participants will design and build their own 4-foot by 8-inch model railroad layout from start to finish. Teens (grades 9–12) will learn every step of the process—from benchwork and track planning to wiring, soldering, and scenery techniques—guided by our expert instructors.
By the end of the week, students will have the skills and confidence to begin building their own model railroad at home.
Please note: This is an advanced class and includes the supervised use of power tools.
SUMMER CAMP 2026 REGISTRAtion
Fill out the form(s) below and email them to kcoughlin@sdmrm.org
Please note: it may take 2-3 days for registration to be processed and confirmed. Thank you for your patience.
Summer Camp Dates, Times, and levels opens march 2, 2026:
Weekly Camp Sessions
June 15–19 · Grades K–2 · Beginner · $250 ($225 member)
June 22–26 · Grades K–2 · Beginner · $250 ($225 member)
June 29–July 3 · Grades K–2 · Beginner · $250 ($225 member)
July 6–10 · Grades 3–5 · Apprentice · $250 ($225 member)
July 13–17 · Grades 3–5 · Apprentice · $250 ($225 member)
July 20–24 · Grades 6–8 · Intermediate · $260 ($235 member)
July 27–31 · Grades 6–8 · Intermediate · $260 ($235 member)
August 3–7 · Grades 9–12 · Teen Clinic · $300 ($275 member)
CAMP CANCELLATION POLICY: In the event of any cancellation, a processing fee of 20% will be deducted from the refund amount.
All camp levels are age-based. No prior experience is required.
Can’t make it in-person? Try our virtual camp, perfect for students TK to 4th grade!
July 6th to 8th 12:30pm to 2pm $110 ($100 member)
Questions?
Please email our Summer Camp Manager, Iliana Gonzalez, at igonzalez@sdmrm.org.
testimonials & Info
"Thank you so much for offering the virtual camp. Since we are not local to San Diego, there's no way we would have been able to participate otherwise and this was a very creative way to do summer camp. I appreciated the hands-on aspect...”
- Debbie, mother of 2020 Virtual Summer Camp participant
“This camp has been amazing for our son!! We are so impressed and appreciative for the offering!!!”
- Emily, mother of 2020 Virtual Summer Camp participant
“Thank you for the virtual camp! My son misses the museum...and this was such a great experience for him. He really enjoyed building his own little model railroad!”
- Erin, mother of 2020 Virtual Summer Camp participant
“[The education staff members] were amazing. Thank you so much for your thoughtful facilitation of the layout construction and all of the new skills…”
- Ashley, mother of 2020 Virtual Summer Camp participant