2017 Summer Camp Guide

Fun, summer activities for your kids!

949 volleyball club

949 Volleyball Club, celebrating 8 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 10 Junior Olympic medals, as well as 4 National Championships at the 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 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 Kid’s Performing Arts Camp has moved and is now being offered at three South OC locations this year—OC Music & Dance in Irvine, Community Roots Academy in Laguna Niguel and it’s new forever home, Z Playhouse in San Clemente, inside the Holiday Inn Express. Daily classes in music, acting, and dance immerse kids ages 4 to 13 in an authentic performing arts 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 5th to August 21st. 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 is your one-stop shop for all things arts, education and training. Located in Talega Business Park in San Clemente, it offers classes in art, music, voice, acting and dance. TAPOC presents professional, inspiring and fresh performing and visual arts summer camps taught by talented instructors. Weekly summer classes or week-long Performing Arts Camps are available for ages 3 to 18. It’s summer production of Beauty & The Beast runs May through August. Auditions are April 27th. One week Mini-Musical Camps are offered every week from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. One week All Things Art Camps are from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Early and late pick-up available. Visit TheArtsProjectOC.com or call 949.276.2787.

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.

camp james

Located near the scenic Back Bay at Newport Dunes in Newport Beach, Camp James has been an Orange County Tradition for 30 years and was awarded “Best Day Camp” for 2016 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.

The center stage studio

Recently winning the Freddie G/Playbill.com “Excellence in Musical Theater” as well as Access Broadway’s “Best Performing Arts School,” 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 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 26th – 29th; July 17th – 20th and July 31st – August 3rd. 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 23rd to 29th and KEA runs July 24th to 28th at Concordia University’s Irvine campus. Contact Stephen.Christensen@cui.edu or visit cui.edu/tea or cui.edu/kea for more information.

Dana Wharf Sportfishing

At Dana Wharf Sportfishing, your child will experience local fishing on a private boat each day at this one-of-a-kind camp. An expert crew and instructor will teach the fundamentals of fishing and offer pointers to those already familiar with the sport. Trips include fishing equipment and instruction, lunch, snacks, and a raffle at the end of the clinic. The camp is open to ages 9 to 14 and limited to 25 children! Sessions are $549 per child and run from June 12th to 16th, July 10th to 14th and July 24th to 28th. Call 949.496.5794 or visit DanaWharf.com to learn more.

endless summer

Celebrating its 25th 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!

Evolution Swim School

Evolution Sports Academy, celebrating 4 years at Nellie Gail Ranch, provides summer sports camps for campers ages 5 to 12. The summer camp provides a very active camp experience and affords its campers the opportunity to participate in multiple activities per day. The land and water-based sports camp activities include archery, soccer, volleyball, swimming and an intro to water polo. The camp also offers an arts and craft hour as well as summertime favorites like dodgeball, tug-of-war and kickball. For more information, visit EvolutionSwim.com or call 949.388.4545.

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 (ages 3 to 12). 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!

LADERA SPORTS center

The beautiful, state-of-the-art Ladera Sports Center is proud to offer its first weekly All Sports Camps this Spring and Summer. All-Sports provides kids a unique opportunity to experience a wide array of recreational activities while learning sportsmanship, skills, and a better understanding of each sport. Athletes will participate in soccer, basketball, baseball, football, volleyball and dodgeball, all in a positive, caring and fun environment. The camps are open to kids ages 5 – 14. Summer camps will run June through July. Weekly camp and daily drop-in camps available. This Spring Break they are offering an All Sports Camp April 3rd to 6th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit LaderaSportsCenter.com for more information or call them directly at 949.325.6080.

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, as well as physical play supervised by trained Recreation Leaders. They will also enjoy active play with handball, parachute games, and nature hikes in the 18 acre botanical preserve. Squirrels will enjoy weekly visitors from live animal shows, magicians, and firefighters. All campers enjoy swimming and diving at the city pool! Coyotes will sing their hearts out at karaoke, use their strategic skills in teambuilding activities, visit Laguna main beach and take a weekly excursion to local amusement parks. 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 19th. For more information, call the skate park at 949.916.7755 or visit CityofLagunaNiguel.org.

Los Rios Rock School

Beginner/Intermediate and Advanced Rock Camps are available at Los Rios Rock School in San Juan Capistrano. Pick from five full, fun weeks of hands-on, live music training. Kids get to play with the best instructors in a premium facility in Orange County. Parents, friends and family are invited to see campers live in concert on a professional stage on the last day of camp. Camp tuition is $399 and is due two weeks before camp starts. Camps run Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Camp dates are June 26th Beginner/Intermediate; June 10th Beginner/Intermediate; July 17th Advanced; July 24th Beginner/Intermediate; and July 31st Beginner/Intermediate. Call 949.456.1081 x708 or email Schedule@LosRiosRockSchool.com for more information.

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 29th. 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, 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 & Swim Camp

For the past 23 years, the Nellie Gail Ranch Summer Tennis and Swim Camp has introduced the great game of tennis to over 11,500 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 to.’”

Our Savior’s Lutheran Preschool Camp

Our Savior’s Lutheran School is excited to offer three different summer camps for the kiddos this summer. Children, ages 3-5, have a choice of signing up for four weeks of preschool summer camps. Camps are offered June 19-23, June 26-30, July 10-14 and July 17-21. Our Savior’s is also hosting a Vacation Bible School the week of July 24-28 for preschoolers through 5th graders. Simultaneously, there will be full-day Vacation Bible Camp July 24-30 for Kindergartners through 6th graders. For more detailed information, visit OurSaviorsSchool.net or call 949.492.6165.

san clemente dance

Join San Clemente Dance for a fun and exciting summer of 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 4-8, 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 are 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.

Catalina camp

San Clemente Presbyterian

A week your Middle School and High School kids won’t forget and one they won’t want to end. Hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, paddle-boarding, a city-of-Avalon-day-excursion, tubing on the ocean, fishing off the pier, live-band led worship and a Biblically-centered inspirational message await. This unique Christian, Catalina Island adventure offers a truly refreshing change of pace to students caught up in our fast- paced South OC lifestyle. Cabin groups are divided by age and led by a background checked adult counselor trained to meet that age group’s unique developmental needs. The fee covers all transportation, meals, all camp activities. Early registration, before June 1st, and multiple child discounts are available. Space is limited so register now! August 7-11. $399, not including discounts. Register at scpres.org/special-events.html.

San clemente volleyball

San Clemente Volleyball Club provides year-round programs for boys and girls in grades K through 12 at its new 8-court facility, Ladera Sports Center. The newest program, Mini Volley, starts April 1st and is open to boys and girls in grades K through 5. Experienced coaches teach children fundamental skills, help to increase motor learning and create an environment for fun game playing with light balls and a lower net system. Tom Beard, San Clemente High School head coach, NCAA Champion and USAV All-American knows that success is earned through hard work. “It’s our goal to teach kids how to reach their potential by challenging them to make small improvements every time they come in the gym.” For more information, contact Jen Beard at 949.374.9320 or jen@sanclementevb.com or visit SanClementeVB.com.

Santa Margarita Catholic HS

Santa Margarita Catholic High School will offer youth camps this summer for the majority of the school’s 24 sports programs. Camps emphasize athletic skills, character building and teamwork. Santa Margarita’s nationally-recognized athletic program has captured 62 CIF team championships, 81 individual CIF championships, 196 league championships and five state championships – more than any other school since Santa Margarita opened in 1987. The Eagle athletic program has also won the CIF Commissioner’s Cup eight times, honoring the top athletic program in the CIF Southern Section. Camps take place on the school’s beautiful 42-acre campus, which offers state-of-the-art athletic facilities rivaling the nation’s top universities. Under the direction of award-winning coaches, youth camps are designed for young athletes in elementary through middle school who are looking to learn new skills while having fun. Visit www.smhs.org/summercamps to register.

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 are 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 12 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 Middle School “Club” option. Visit www.st-anne.org/summercamp for pricing and more detailed information or, contact Ingrid Trenton at itrenton@st-anne.org.

ST. Mary’s Summer resort

St. Mary’s Summer Resort is dedicated to developing the whole child through inquiry-based exploration. The unique program includes Academic Prep, Specialty Camps, Day Camp and Athletics Camps all in an educational environment. Students will have the opportunity to meet new friends, try new things and make new memories. Weekly Specialty Camps and Day Camps are available for children in Preschool through Grade 8. St. Mary’s four week Academic Prep reinforces existing knowledge and introduces new concepts to prepare students for the start of school in the fall. For more information about St. Mary’s Summer Resort, log onto smaa.org or call 949.448.9027.

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 2017. 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 ranked among the top ten volleyball clubs in the nation (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, conveniently located at the “El Toro Y” in Irvine. Sign up online at TstreetVolleyball.com.

Team Nikos

Team Nikos, the premier club basketball team in Orange County, is proud to present its first Spring Break basketball camps and four amazing Summer basketball camps! Spring Break camps run April 3 – 6 and April 10 – 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. All levels of basketball players are welcomed. Camps are being divided between developmental and intermediate players, with an “Elite Basketball Camp” for club and advanced players looking to take their game to the next level. All camps will be run by seasoned coaches to help players improve their individual skills in a fun environment. Summer Camps will similarly be divided into groups based on your child’s ability. All camps will be held at the amazing new Ladera Sports Center. Go to TeamNikos.com or lrnjb.com to register today.

TEMPLE BETH EL

Gordon & Sklar Early Childhood Center

The Early Childhood Center (ECC) will host eight, one-week, fun-themed programs from June 19th to August 11th. 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 2, 3, 4 or 5 day a week preschool program. “Get Set for Kindergarten Camp” is a full-day option and is open to children entering Kindergarten and runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 3, 4 or 5 days a week. Afternoon programing includes, cooking, science, music, art and “Amazing Athletes.” Contact the ECC at 949.362.3999 x317 or visit TBESOC.org for additional information.

ZEN DOJOS MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY

The Fit & Fun Summer Camp is back for its 12th year! Zen Dojos’ Active Camps will keep your boys & girls, aged 4 to 12, on the move and motivated. Fun drills enhance athletic ability and coordination while the exciting Martial Arts training develops focus, concentration and self-defense in a safe environment. Field trips to Sky High Sports, movies, Laser Quest, Boomers, and Discovery Science Center are included. The fun begins June 12th and you can choose from full-day or half-day camps. Enroll by April 12th for a special $199 full-day weekly rate (plus a registration fee). If you miss the early bird special…mention The Local Dish Magazine at any time and receive a 25% discount off regular rates on two or more weeks of camp! Visit TheKarateClub.com or call 949.240.6574 for more info.