2016 Summer Camp Guide

Fun, summer activities for your kids!

949 volleyball club

949 Volleyball Club, celebrating 7 years in San Juan Capistrano, provides summer camps for both boys and girls ages 9 to 18 at any ability level. The club has won 9 Junior Olympic medals, as well as 3 National Championships at the 2013, 2014 and 2015 Junior National Championships. The summer camp’s goal is to teach beginners the fundamentals of the game and to prepare juniors and seniors looking to compete in the NCAA. 949 Volleyball Club promotes sportsmanlike behavior inside and outside of the gym, instills the values of integrity, dedication and hard work, and focuses on having fun! Space is limited; please register early. For more information contact Justin directly at 949.374.2890 or visit 949vb.com.

Acting Academy for Kids

Acting Academy for Kids’s Performing Arts Camp is offered in two South OC locations this year—Camino Real Playhouse in San Juan Capistrano and Cabrillo Playhouse in San Clemente. Daily classes in music, art, acting, and dance immerse kids aged 4 to 13 in an authentic performing experience. The week-long camps are each guided by professional educators and culminate in a student-centered production with sets, costumes, and lights. Ten distinct week-long programs run from June 13th to August 22nd. The “core camp” rate is $285 per week with early-bird and after-camp enrichment options as well. Go to ActingAcademyforKids.com for details and production schedules.

the artS project of OC

The Arts Project OC (TAPOC) is your one-stop shop for all things arts education and training! Whether your child is a serious artist-performer or is interested in trying something new this summer, TAPOC presents inspiring and fresh performing and visual arts summer camps taught by talented instructors. Summer session or week-long arts camps are available for ages 3 and up in San Clemente’s Talega Business Park. The Sound Studio offers music lessons in guitar, piano and voice for aspiring musicians and singers. The Art Studio explores mediums such as painting, drawing, mixed media and sewing. The Acting Studio will make you a triple threat in singing, acting, and dancing! The Dance Studio offers Tap, Ballet, Jazz and Hip Hop. Visit TheArtsProjectOC.com to learn more.

baseball republic

Baseball Republic (formerly BPA) is Southern California’s premier baseball training destination. Centrally located in San Juan Capistrano (near Pacific Sales), Baseball Republic’s instructors combine their 50+ years of playing and coaching experience to develop the skills necessary to compete at the highest level of amateur baseball. Baseball Republic offers a multitude of camps, clinics and programs over the course of the summer months for all ages and playing levels. If your student athlete is looking to get ready for next season, call 949.276.8011 or visit BaseballRepublic.org for dates, times and locations of baseball summer camps and activities.

kidfit by BeachFit CrossFit

KidFit is smart fitness for kids ages 8 to 13. Kids learn skills that instill proper functional movement patterns applicable to any sport or activity. It teaches kids how to maintain proper body balance, strength, and mobility, all in a fun environment. Each day includes skill practice, team building exercises, body rolling, experiential anatomy, and injury prevention techniques. KidFit also instructs kids on how to fuel their bodies for optimal health and fitness. This program is developed by instructors and coaches who are also parents… they care about your kid’s health and fitness! There are three, two-week sessions available: June 13-June 24, July 5-July 18, July 25 – August 5. Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. is $170 and Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. is $120. Go to BeachFitSC.com or call Kim at 949.939.3130 for more information.

brain builders

Brain Builders puts the “STEAM” in education — science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Weekly Engineering with LEGO® camps start in June and children, ages 5 to 14, will learn concepts such as energy, thermodynamics, gravity, robotics, animation, and more! Young builders test their skills and projects against equipment like the Bridge Crusher, Earthquake Simulator, and the 20’ Gravity Race Track. Themed camps are structured and goal-oriented and are either a half or a full-day. Get fee info and registration details at BrainBuildersEd.org and put on your thinking cap. Use promo code “thelocaldish” to receive 10% off any camp. Be sure to also check out Brain Builders for LEGO® themed birthday parties.

CALIFORNIA JUNIOR LIFEGUARD

The California Junior Lifeguard Programs, founded in 1991, proudly returns to beautiful Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point this summer. The program is dedicated to providing an enjoyable and safe experience in each of its 3, three-week Junior Lifeguard sessions starting on June 13. For those students unable to attend a full three-week Junior Lifeguard Program, a one-week Essential Junior Guard Program is available. The Essential Junior Guard experience exposes participants to Junior Guards in a less demanding format, allowing for more fun time. The California Junior Lifeguard Program runs Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., from June 13 through August 19. Visit JrLifeguards.com to register online today or email info@JrLifeguards.com for more information.

camp james

Located near the scenic Back Bay at Newport Dunes in Newport Beach, Camp James has been an Orange County Tradition for 27 years and was awarded “Best Day Camp” for 2013 by Parenting OC Magazine. Ages 4 to 17 will enjoy adventures and make happy memories through a variety of activities: archery, Stand-up-paddleboards, STEM, watersports, zip line, drama, a climbing wall, an inflatable water park, mini-golf, laser-tag, dance, karate, fishing, crafts and more. Children love Camp James’ caring, award-winning staff, theme weeks, and crazy special events. Parents love the flexible scheduling, outstanding reputation, extended hours, and the ACA Accreditation. Camp starts June 23rd and ends August 29th. A Summer Camp Open House will be held Thursday, April 14th from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Go to CampJames.com or call 949.729.1098 for more info.

The center stage studio

Recently voted the #1 Performing Arts Theater on the OC Hotlist, The Center Stage Studio (CSS) is a triple threat studio. CSS provides instruction in musical theater productions, dance, acting and voice. CSS’s nationally ranked musical theater and dance teams tour the country performing at philanthropic events, festivals and national competitions. Team auditions take place every June and July. Several of their students have gone on to Broadway (Amaya Braganza in The King and I) and have been featured on American Idol and in film and television. CSS offers weekly musical theater summer camps, dance intensives and triple threat opportunities. Join the fun at Center Stage Studio. To register for upcoming camps and classes, visit
TheCenterStageStudio.com or call 949.305.9758.

Coast spirit Athletics

Come be a part of the summer camps at CSA Cheer & Tumbling in San Juan Capistrano! Girls and boys, ages 4 to 14, will learn how to tumble, cheer and dance at Coast Spirit Athletics’ new facility with competition-sized spring floors, a tumble track, and tumbling equipment. Have fun learning a routine to show your parents while making new friends and memories! Camps include lunch, snacks, a t-shirt and a Thursday performance for parents and friends. Sessions are offered Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., during the weeks of June 27th – 30th, July 18th – 21st and August 1st – 4th. For registration and additional information regarding camps, teams and classes, please call 949.248.7873 or visit CoastSpirit.com.

TEEN/Kid ENTREPRENEUR ACADEMY Concordia University

“It’s never too early to teach kids and teens business,” explains Stephen Christensen, dean of Concordia’s business school and founder of the Teen Entrepreneur Academy (TEA) for high school students & Kid Entrepreneur Academy (KEA) for grades 5, 6, 7 and 8. Today’s global economy has created a new standard of employment, making entrepreneurship popular with children and young adults preparing for their future careers. TEA provides a one-week residential summer academy open to teenagers interested in learning real-world business principles from successful entrepreneurs. This fun, activity-packed experience allows participants to work in small groups and write actual business plans — with the best plan winning $1,000! KEA is a day-camp open to 5th through 8th graders and offers hands-on instruction in business principles and entrepreneurship. TEA runs July 24th to 30th and KEA runs July 25th to 29th at Concordia University’s Irvine campus. Contact Stephen.Christensen@cui.edu or visit cui.edu/tea or cui.edu/kea for more information.

endless summer

Celebrating its 24th anniversary, Endless Summer is the longest running surf camp in south OC and caters to first timers wanting to learn the basics of surfing and ocean safety, as well as experienced surfers looking to improve their skills. Offering a new camp every Monday from June through September, the fun in the sun continues for 15 weeks at San Onofre State Beach. Day camps (10 & older) run Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and include equipment, lessons, lunch, snacks, drinks, and a t-shirt for $495. Week-long overnight camps are $895 and include accommodations, surf equipment, surf lessons, all meals, snacks, drinks, and a camp t-shirt. Surf & Turf (surfing & golf) camps, private lessons, group lessons and adult camps are also available. Visit EndlessSummerSurfCamp.com or call 949.498.7862 to register early; all camps sell out every summer!

LION ENGAGE

JSerra Catholic High School is hosting its 2nd annual summer program for middle school students – Lion Engage! Designed for students entering grades 6 to 8, Lion Engage is a great opportunity to dive into experiential learning. You will learn hands-on from passionate and engaging instructors, interact with high school student mentors, and have fun while doing it! You may choose between morning and afternoon sessions, and each session will be one week long. For more information, visit JSerra.org/lionengage or call Brock Perkes at 949.493.9307 x1011.

JSerra Athletics

JSerra Catholic High School is offering youth camps for most of its 22 sports programs this summer. Camps begin the week of June 20th and go through August 5th. JSerra Athletics camps, run by JSerra Head Coaches and members of the staff, are a valuable opportunity for kids to be introduced to and improve the necessary skills for the various sports offered at JSerra High School. Aside from golf, all camps take place on the school’s campus, which offers some of the finest facilities in the county. To register for a camp or for more details, please go to JSerra.org and visit the team page for the camp you are interested in attending.

kindercare

In search of a fun and educational environment for the kids this summer? KinderCare Learning Centers offers six, two-week units for children in preschool, pre-kindergarten and elementary school (3 to 12-year-olds). Summer programs include circus science, insects & arachnids, junior inventors, oceanography, spy school and trees & birds. You can sign your child up for one program or all six! KinderCare’s curriculum is rich in educational value with a focus on fun. School-age children will also have the opportunity to participate in off-site field trips. All field trips have a low teacher to child ratio. Please visit KinderCare.com to learn more about the 18 centers in Orange County. Mention The Local Dish Magazine to receive a free day of learning and free registration for summer!

City of Laguna Niguel

Disconnect from technology and get outdoors at the City of Laguna Niguel’s Summer Day Camps! Campers are invited to run like a coyote or play like a squirrel at Crown Valley Park! Camp activities are designed for emotional enrichment and development of social skills. Squirrels embark on nature hikes, compete in soccer games, and build friendships stronger than their friendship bracelets. Campers will enjoy weekly visitors from magicians and scientists to comedians and police officers. Coyotes will sing their hearts out at karaoke, battle their campmates in capture the flag, and relax for a daily dip in the pool. Campers take weekly excursions to Main Beach in downtown Laguna as well as an amusement park. Visit CityofLagunaNiguel.org/recreation or call 949.425.5100 for more details. 

LAGUNA NIGUEL SKATEPARK

Sign up now for summer skate camp at Laguna Niguel Skatepark! Grouped by skill level, skaters will learn proper technique, skill improvement, and skating etiquette while having tons of fun experiencing the challenges of Laguna Niguel Skatepark. Skate camp is also a great place to grow as a person by developing various life skills such as goal setting, teamwork, perseverance, communication and more. Camp provides a place for kids to make new friends, improve their skating abilities, and build character to become well-rounded individuals. Summer skate camp runs Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. There are 4 weeks of camp for you to take advantage of starting June 20th. For more information, call the skate park at 949.916.7755 or visit CityofLagunaNiguel.org.

Los Rios Rock School

Beginner and Advanced Rock Camps are available at Los Rios Rock School in San Juan Capistrano! Pick from 5 full fun weeks of hands on live music training and playing with the best instructors and facility in Orange County. Parents, friends and family are invited to see campers live in concert on its professional stage on the last day of camp. Camps are $399 and run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Camp tuitions are due one week prior to camp. Scheduled camp dates are: Advanced  June 27th – July 1st, Beginner July 5th – July 9th, Beginner  July 11th – 15th, Beginner  July 18th – 22nd and Advanced July 25th – 29th. For more information, call 949.456.1081, visit LosRiosRockSchoo.com or email Schedule@LosRiosRockSchool.com.

MARINA VIEW PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN

Summer camp at Marina View Preschool and Kindergarten is all about learning and fun! Full and half-day camps run weekdays, June 29th through August 31st. Students are welcome to join for one week or all nine weeks. Children, ages 2 to 6, are invited to participate in weekly adventure-based camps such as Mad Science, Arts & Crafts, The Great Outdoors, Little Chefs, Music, and Woodworking. Let curious minds explore topics in-depth through reading and art projects. Call 949.249.8687 or visit MarinaViewPreschool.com for enrollment and tuition information. Let the fun begin!

Nellie Gail Ranch Tennis and Swim Camp

For the past 22 years, the Nellie Gail Ranch Summer Tennis and Swim Camp has introduced the great game of tennis to over 11,000 of South County’s youth. Its priorities are to provide a safe and secure environment where your kids will have a great time. The camp staff is dedicated to giving your children the best experience possible while they learn the great game of tennis. Testimonials from parents tell the story: Tamar Hauptman shared, “All four of our kids have been attending Nellie Gail’s camp over the past 10 years and absolutely love it!” Kim Villanueva adds, “When I picked up my daughter on the first day she pulled me aside and said, ‘Mom this was the best camp I have ever been too.’”

San Clemente Christian School

Summer Quest is San Clemente Christian School’s answer to the dreaded cry, “I’m bored.” This faith-based camp, staffed by the school’s faculty, offers a safe and loving environment. With a low child to teacher ratio you can rest assured that your child will receive individualized attention. Outdoor fun jaunts to the beach, parks, or pool and field trips to Legoland, Knotts Berry Farm, water parks, and the county fair keep youngsters busy all summer long. Character building, new friendships, creative play, and academic enrichment in math and reading are emphasized. Summer Quest offers weekly camp from June 27 to August 19 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. At only $195 per week, this is one of OC’s most affordable camps. Extended care to 6 p.m. is available for an additional daily rate. The camp also offers daily and partial week rates. For information and registration, visit SanClementeChristianSchool.com or call 949.496.3513.

city of san clemente

Incredible adventures are now open with sizzling early bird savings lasting until April 30th! The City of San Clemente is offering over 300 courses and camps this summer. Explore sports, surfing, science, performing arts, live action film, preschool exploration camps, dance & cheer, cooking, day camps with field trips, and more to guarantee your best summer ever! Not sure what camp to sign up for? Come to CAMP PALOOZA at the San Clemente Aquatics Center on Saturday, April 30th, to meet instructors, earn free giveaways, discover camp discounts, and enjoy recreational swimming. For information and registration visit San-Clemente.org/recreation or call 949.429.8797.

san clemente dance

San Clemente Dance & Performing Arts Center (SCDPAC) is celebrating its 21st anniversary with fun and exciting summer camps and workshops!  Beginning to advanced participants, from ages 3 to adults, can choose from a wide range of options. A 9-week summer session with once-a-week classes and week-long dance camps are available. Young dancers, ages 4 to 7, can join in week-long camps filled with arts & crafts, story time, snacks, fun and games. Intensive workshops for beginning, intermediate, and advanced dancers featuring hip hop, jazz, ballet, tap, musical theater and tumbling, are also offered at SCDPAC and taught by some of California’s top instructors. For information on week-long Hip Hop and Ballet Intensives, and additional camp and class registrations, please go to SanClementeDance.com or call 949.498.7571.

SOUTH COAST CONSERVATORY

South Coast Conservatory in San Clemente and Laguna Niguel offers a wide range of Camps and Dance Intensives for children and teens. The littlest dancers (4-7) can enjoy Ballet Princess Camp, Mini Hip Hop or “Cheernastics” camps. Older kids (8-11) will have a blast learning Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Ballet, Hip Hop, Tumbling and Musical Theatre. Dance Intensives are available for intermediate and advanced students. Audition for South Coast’s nationally ranked dance teams or join the internationally acclaimed Ballet Conservatory Intensive, a two-week training program with international master instructors. For registration and rates, drop by one of the two studios or visit SCConservatory.com. Mention the ad in The Local Dish Magazine to receive a 10% discount.

ST. ANNE summer knights day camp

The Summer Knights Day Camp in Laguna Niguel is the ideal combination of fun and education for kids, with convenience and flexibility for parents. Camp days will be filled with a balance of light academics, arts and crafts, water play, weekly themes, special guests, cooking, and field trips with a flexible schedule for working parents, or for kids who are just looking for some fun this summer. The eight week-long camps begin June 20th with full-day, half-day, and extended hour options. Students from preschool through middle school are welcome to join for one week or all eight. Older kids will love the new middle school “Club.” Visit St-Anne.org for pricing and more detailed information or, contact Ingrid Trenton at itrenton@St-Anne.org.

Summer Soul Surf Camp

Summer Soul Surf Camp has been providing a summer experience unlike any other for over 10 years. The only Volcom sponsored surf camp, it offers well-rounded programs designed for boys and girls ages 9 to 16. Summer Soul Surf Camp is the only camp located at the legendary San Onofre Surf Beach, Southern California’s equivalent to the famous Waikiki Beach. With the gentle waves at Sano, Summer Soul Surf Camp promises that anyone can learn to surf. Week-long overnight and day camp programs are available June through August 2015. Campers surf, eat and play together — creating memories and friendships that last a lifetime. Visit SummerSoulSurfCamp.com, email info@SummerSoulSurfCamp.com or call 800.522.1352 to learn more.

Tstreet Volleyball Club

Tstreet is the #1 ranked volleyball club in California (ClubRankings.com). Named after an iconic, family beach in San Clemente, Tstreet offers a full range of position specific, age specific, general skills, sand-camps, clinics, and more throughout the summer. Training is open to boys and girls from ages 8 to 18, and programs cater to advanced as well as introductory level athletes. Last summer, the improvement of inexperienced day campers was phenomenal, leading to roster positions on school and club teams. Tstreet is owned and managed by two-time Olympic Gold Medalist (coach and player) Troy Tanner. Troy brings his philosophy of “achieving one’s highest potential” to the club. Proven mechanics, repetitions, feedback and fun are emphasized in Tstreet’s state-of-the-art gymnasium. Sign up online at TstreetVolleyball.com. 

TEMPLE BETH EL

Gordon & Sklar Early Childhood Center

The Early Childhood Center (ECC) will host seven, one-week, fun-themed programs from June 27th to August 12th. The ECC will offer a one morning per week Parent/Toddler class for infants and toddlers from 7 months to 2-years. Children ages 2 to 4 can attend a two, three, or five day a week preschool program. The Camp Simcha full-day option is open to children entering Kindergarten and runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., either 3 or 5 days a week. Afternoon enrichment programs include “Down on the Farm,” “Music on the Go,”  “Amazing Athletes,” “Super Science,” and more. Registration is $50 per student. Contact the ECC at 949.362.3999 x316 or visit TBESOC.org for additional information.