2018 Summer Camp Guide

Fun, summer activities for your kids!

949 volleyball club

949 Volleyball Club, celebrating 9 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 three family-friendly South OC locations this year—The Cabrillo Playhouse in the historic district of San Clemente, Community Roots Academy in Laguna Niguel, and OC Music & Dance in Irvine. Daily classes in music, acting, and dance immerses 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 11th to August 18th. 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 art. Located in Talega Business Park in San Clemente, TAPOC offers classes in art, music, voice, acting and dance. Its fun, inspiring performing and visual arts summer camps are taught by highly-qualified instructors. Weekly summer classes or week-long Performing Arts Camps are available for ages 3 to 18. Week-long Mini-Musical Camps are offered Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. All Things Art Camps run from Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Early and late pick-up is available. There are two Summer Productions; The Little Mermaid & Once On This Island (May through August). Auditions are April 26th and 27th. Visit TheArtsProjectOC.com or call 949.276.2787.

Bella Collina

Bella Collina San Clemente’s popular Junior Golf Camp is back! Each week-long session includes instruction lead by experienced, nurturing golf professionals. Campers aged 5 to 14 of all skill levels enjoy confidence-building clinics, on-course play, instruction on rules and etiquette, and fun golf games and activities. Golf achievement medals are awarded at the end of each week. Camps run from June 18th to August 6th, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $289/members and $229/guests – golf clubs, lunch and snack are provided. For reservations and more information, please call 949.498.3771 or visit BellaCollinaSanClemente.com.

Bold Girlz

Bold Girlz, with locations in Mission Viejo and Newport Beach, is the #1 place for girl’s glamour parties and summer camps for more than 6 years. Fashionista FUN Camp offers daily self-esteem building activities such as fashion shows, singing and dancing, t-shirt decorating, jewelry making, fun spa facials, etiquette, and more. Girls will learn outfit selection and get their hair and makeup done for a fashion show finale on the last day. Parents love that they incorporate a day of etiquette and dining skills into the camp with an interactive method that makes learning manners fun. This is perfect for ages 6 to 11. They also offer an afternoon session for ages 4 to 6 with dress-up, crafts and fashion shows. For more info, visit BoldGirlz.com.

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. More info at CampJames.com

Capistrano Acting Academy

Capistrano Acting Academy’s goal is to enhance the lives of its students and families through performing arts. Students gain confidence, become comfortable in the public speaking arena, develop into better team players and have fun through cultural enrichment. As the teaching arm of Camino Real Playhouse, Capistrano’s Acting Academy students have the benefit of over 27 years of theatrical and educational experience. The youth director, Christine Dickinson, is both an Accredited Teacher and a Family Counselor, and has led her students to achieve awards in performance, art, music, and photography as well as assisted children in developing routines, setting short and long-term goals, learning life skills and aiding in socialization. By limiting enrollment, the academy commits to more individualized attention and a more complete experience for your child. Visit CapistranoActingAcademy.org for more info.

CircusTrix OC

Get your jump on at Orange County’s hottest new trampoline park, CircusTrix OC. This extreme air sports park offers trampolines, a ninja course, zip line, trapeze, aerial silks, and the crown jewel: SuperTramps! Camps run Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Four individual weeks are available at $180 per week. There is an Early Bird special of $150 if you sign up by April 31st (ages 6 and up). Arts and crafts, “Junior Flight Crew” training, and Thursday pizza lunch included. Check out CircusTrixOC.com or call 949.445.1340 for more details. Don’t miss out on a FLIPping great time!

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’ facility with competition-sized spring floors, a tumble track, and tumbling equipment. Have fun learning new Cheer and Tumbling skills and make new friends! Camps include a CSA t-shirt and morning snack. Sessions are offered Monday through Thursday, 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., during the weeks of June 25th through 28th; July 16th through 19th and  August 6th through 9th. For registration and additional information regarding camps, teams and classes, please call 949.248.7873 or visit CoastSpirit.com.

Concordia University TEEN/Kid ENTREPRENEUR ACADEMY

“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 22nd through 28th and KEA runs July 23rd through 27th at Concordia University’s Irvine campus. Contact Stephen.Christensen@cui.edu or visit cui.edu/tea or cui.edu/kea for more information.

Danman’s DANA POINT MUSIC

Celebrating 20 years! Danman’s Dana Point Music offers four weeks of kids Music/Rock/Vocal camps starting on June 11th. Monday through Friday camps consists of five days of rehearsals, picking a band name, doing a photo shoot, instruction on your instruments, making a band t-shirt, formulating a set list, and performing Friday for family and friends at StillWater. Instruction on guitar, piano, drums, bass, and vocals is provided by inspiring and professional music teachers. Snacks and drinks are provided daily. The cost is $299 per camp, but if you register before May 15th, you can get in for $274. The jamming begins June 11th at Dana Point Music. Bring in this ad before May 15th to receive $25 off. Check out Danmans.com or call 949.496.6556 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 $574 per child and run from June 18th to 22nd, July 9th to 13th and July 16th to 20th. Call 949.496.5794 x7 or visit DanaWharf.com to learn more.

Ellen Gates Equestrian

Ellen Gates of Cold Spring Farm is a lifelong equestrian. As a Grand Prix rider and World Cup qualifier, she and her experienced staff share their love and knowledge of horses with campers each summer. Conveniently located in San Juan Capistrano’s Sycamore Trails Stables, Ellen and her team offer 6 horse riding camps for children ages 6 to 17, running June 5th to August 16th. All levels of riding experience are welcome. The camp is a fantastic introduction to equestrian life for novice riders. Each child will learn proper riding techniques, horse care and safety while enjoying some fun crafts in between. Treat your young one to a wonderful experience this summer. Call Ellen at 949.290.4826 and visit OrangeCountyShowJumpers.com for more information. Camp spaces are limited.

Girl in the Curl Boy in the Barrel

If you want an amazing surf experience, then look no further! Girl in the Curl is a legendary surf institution providing quality and safe surf instruction in Hawaii and California since 1987. The organization specializes in both youth and adult classes, clinics, private camps, special occasions, corporate team-building, and women’s retreats. Girl in the Curl is proud to work with special needs participants. The surf school is fully insured and has a fun, friendly staff that is trained in CPR and water safety – all with a fun-loving family vibe! Classes are held at the epic surf spot for learning (Doheny State Beach), located in the heart of beautiful Dana Point. All gear is provided and photography services are available upon request. Drop in the shop on Pacific Coast Highway or you can check them out online at GirlInTheCurl.com.

The Johnson Academy

Did you know that one out of every five children struggles in reading? Children who receive intervention before 3rd grade have a 90% chance of increasing their reading skills to meet their intellectual abilities. Due to the high demands of literacy, reading is more important than ever! At the Johnson Academy, located in San Juan Capistrano, we offer evidence-based reading and math intervention programs to improve phonemic awareness, comprehension, vocabulary knowledge and cognitive abilities. If your child struggles with keeping up in school, please contact us to find out more information! Call 949.487.5251 or visit scheduling@ocsllcinc.com.

Lil’ Kickers

What do puppies, sharks, aliens and soccer have in common? Lil’ Kickers! Lil’ Kickers is a child development program filled with creativity, high energy activities and loads of fun. The summer program features the award-winning Lil’ Kickers curriculum, multi-sport games and a special science/crafts curriculum. Each activity is led by professional teachers and coaches to ensure the highest quality program in a safe and comfortable environment. Lil’ Kickers South OC offers half-day or full-day camp options. You may sign up for one, two, or three days or for an entire week to receive a discount. Register online at LilKickersSouthOC.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 28th through August 28th. 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 Dr. Seuss Week. 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 24 years, the Nellie Gail Ranch Summer Tennis and Swim Camp have introduced the great game of tennis to over 12,000 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 to.” More info at NellieGailTennis.com/tennis-camps

Prime Volleyball

Prime Volleyball Club’s All Skills Camps are open to all ages and experience levels. Athletes will be separated onto courts according to level of play. Sessions will focus on individual skills training including hitting and defensive footwork, passing technique, serving, defensive eye-work and reading, arm swing mechanics, setting and overhand passing, as well as game strategies and tactics with game-like play each day. Prime coaches teach fundamental volleyball skills using the same training methods and techniques as the USA Olympic teams as multiple Prime coaches have worked with Team USA! Prime assists athletes with making key technical adjustments to help them elevate their game to the next level. Prime Volleyball training is fast-paced, competitive, and fun! Get more information and register online at PrimeVolleyballClub.com.

San Clemente Junior Lifeguards

The San Clemente Junior Lifeguard Program is an ocean and beach safety program for young people ages 9 to 17. Participants receive education and experience in ocean safety, first aid, rescue techniques, body surfing, board surfing, physical fitness, and Marine Safety operations. This fun-filled, three-week program meets just north of the San Clemente Pier. Parents can choose from one of six sessions beginning in June and ending in August. New participants must first pass a mandatory swim test. Swim tests are held at the San Clemente Aquatic Center on select weekends in March and April. Visit the JG website: www.san-clemente.org/jg or parents can call 949.361.8261.

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 11th with full-day, half-day, and extended hour options. Students from two years of age 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 more detailed information or to register. 

Santa Margarita Catholic High School

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 64 CIF team championships, 92 individual CIF championships, 202 league championships and six 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 nine 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.

summer@stratford

Summer@Stratford infuses its STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) program into an innovative summer camp experience. A wide variety of camp sessions are designed for children entering preschool through 8th grade. Beginning in preschool, young campers learn, explore, and engage in imaginative camp-style activities that promote STEAM learning — all while enjoying non-stop summer camp fun. For elementary-age campers (grades 1 through 5), Stratford takes themed project-based learning to a whole new level with sessions including Worldly Adventures, Innovation Design, Culinary Exploration, and Team Building Challenge. Stratford’s middle school camp sessions offer a robust assortment of academic classes where themed activities come to life through specialized sessions including Artificial Intelligence, Crime Scene Investigations, Visual Effects Filmmaking, and more! Explore Summer@Stratford at StratfordSchools.com/summer-camps.

SUMMER SOUL SURF CAMP

Summer Soul Surf Camp has been providing a summer experience unlike any other for over 11 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 camps are offered June through August 2018, with limited spots for day camps. 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.

Team Nikos

Team Nikos, a premier Club Basketball Academy in Orange County, is proud to present its Annual Spring Break Basketball Camp and four amazing Summer Basketball Camps for 2018! Spring Break Camp will run April 2nd through 5th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. All levels of basketball players, boys and girls, 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 our Team Nikos seasoned coaches to help players improve their individual skills in a fun and safe environment. Summer Camps will similarly be divided into groups based on your child’s age and 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 Early Childhood Center CAMP KOCHAVIM

The Early Childhood Center (ECC) will host eight, one-week, fun-themed programs from June 18th to August 10th. 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 programs include cooking, science, music, art and “Amazing Athletes.” Contact the ECC at 949.362.3999 x317 or visit TBESOC.org for additional information.

TSTREET VOLLEYBALL CLUB

Tstreet is ranked #1 in California, #7 in the nation (USClubRankings.com), and home of the 2015 and 2017 USAV Junior National Champions. Named after an iconic, family beach in San Clemente, Tstreet clinics range from position specific, age specific, general skills, sand-camps, and more throughout the summer. Training is open to boys and girls ages 8 to 18, and programs cater to introductory through advanced level athletes. Last summer, the improvement of 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, located at the “El Toro Y” in Irvine. Sign up online at TstreetVolleyball.com.

YMCA OF ORANGE COUNTY

Discover the adventure of a lifetime! The YMCA of Orange County is proud to offer several amazing camps where any and every child can build confidence and make new friends in a safe and nurturing environment. Summer Day Camps are available during the school break and offered at more than 40 schools across Orange County. Specialty Camps at YMCA’s Health & Fitness Centers offer sports, arts, science fun and more on a weekly basis. For the ultimate summer experience, kids aged 5 to 17 are encouraged to participate in Camp E.L.K.’s summer sleepaway camp in the San Gabriel Mountains. Learn more about finding the right YMCA camp for you at www.ymcaoc.org/camps.

ZEN DOJOS MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY

The Fit & Fun Summer Camp is back for its 14th year! Zen Dojos’ Active Camps will keep your boys and 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 CircusTrix OC, movies, Laser Quest, Boomers, and Discovery Science Center are included. The fun begins June 11th and you can choose from full-day or half-day camps. Take advantage of the “early bird special” and save 30% when registering before April 22nd. Visit TheKarateClub.com or call 949.240.6574 for more info.