The Local Dish Magazine Calendar of Events, Coupons and more for South Orange County!
2023 Summer Camps
949 VOLLEYBALL CLUB
949 Volleyball Club, celebrating 14 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 12 Junior Olympic medals, as well as 6 National Championships at the 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 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’ Performing Arts Camp offers two family-friendly South OC locations this year — Z Playhouse in Mission Viejo and Lyceum Village in Irvine/Tustin. Daily classes in music, acting, and dance immerse kids, ages 5 to 14, 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 5 to August 11. The “core camp” rate is $349 per week with multi-camp and sibling discounts. Go to ActingAcademyForKids.com for details and production schedules.
AMERICAN BEACH VOLLEYBALL
At American Beach Volleyball, kids have the opportunity to make friends, push their limits and have fun. American Beach Volleyball offers sessions for youth through college age players, beginners to pros, and males and females. Fun, encouraging, high-level training is available for ages 12 to 24. Summer sessions are for ages 10 to 12. Professional and encouraging coaches teach hitting, passing, setting, defense, blocking and serving. All participants will learn new skills. No one sits — everyone plays! The beach helps all athletes with strength, speed and agility. ABVC plays on the beach all year long at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point. Register now for summer or fall at AmericanBeachVolleyballClub.com. For more information, call Karen at 949.485.0826 or email info@americanbeachvolleyballclub.com. See you at the beach!
BRAIN BUILDERS
Brain Builders puts the “STEAM” in education — science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Weekly summer camps start in June and children, ages 5 to 16, will learn concepts such as energy, thermodynamics, gravity, coding, and more in camps such as Engineering with LEGO, Robotics, Wood Shop, Video Game Design and 3d Printing! Themed camps are structured, goal-oriented and are either a half or a full day. Sign up for an in-person camp at the Laguna Niguel or Tustin location. Get fee information and registration details at BrainBuildersEd.org and put on your thinking cap. Use promo code “DISH” to receive 5% off any camp.
CAMP JAMES
Located near the scenic Back Bay at Newport Dunes in Newport Beach, Camp James has been an Orange County Tradition for 35 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, drama, a climbing wall, an inflatable water park, mini-golf, laser-tag, dance, karate, fishing, crafts and more. Children love Camp James’ caring, awardwinning staff, theme weeks, and crazy special events. Parents love the flexible scheduling, outstanding reputation, extended hours, and the ACA Accreditation. Go to CampJames.com to learn more.
CAPISTRANO DANCE
Celebrating 20 years in business, Capistrano Dance has had the privilege of serving the community of San Juan Capistrano since 2004. The highly skilled instructors love to teach and the studio is committed to developing courage, passion and joy for dance in all students. Keep your children active this summer in one of the many summer dance camps. Pop and Lock in the Encanto or Trolls-themed hip-hop camp. For younger dancers, between the ages of 3 and 5, choose between Moana, Barbi Fairytopia or Disney princess-themed dance camps. If your dancer wants to take it to the next level, Capistrano Dance also offers technique training for its award-winning competition teams. For more information, visit CapistranoDance.com or call 949.429.2662.
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.
COMPREHENSIVE COLLEGE PREP
CCPrep has been the local go-to location for SAT/ACT/AP Exam prep for over a decade. With its fun and friendly atmosphere, CCPrep has helped thousands of high school students prepare for their exams without the stress and pain most students associate with the process. CCPrep’s inperson SAT and ACT courses have options during both the school year and the summer, and provide an efficient, effective, and economical approach to test prep. Don’t forget about the successful AP Exam Reviews that boast an over 94% pass rate (compared to the national average of 59%). Course schedules can be found at CCPrep.org or you can call the office at 949.305.6655 to learn more about schedules and offerings.
DANMAN’S DANA POINT MUSIC
Celebrating 24 years, Danman’s Dana Point Music offers 3 weeks of kid’s summer music camps starting June 12, including two weeks of Rock Camp and one week of Vocal Camp. Campers learn the process of creating a band, preparing a setlist, and delivering a live show, all within a Monday through Friday camp. In addition to making new friends, campers create a band poster, complete a band photoshoot, and rehearse for the live performance. Participants perform a live set on stage for family and friends at StillWater, at the end of camp on Friday. Instruction on guitar, piano, drums, bass, and vocals is provided by talented and inspiring professional music teachers. Bring in this ad or register before May 1 to receive $25 off. Camps are $325 per week and include snacks and drinks. Check out Danmans.com or call 949.496.6556 for more information.
HEAT CULINARY
Register your kid for a week-long HEAT Culinary Camp focused on world cuisine! During this week of cooking, kids will have fun, learn new skills, and bring home great recipes that will impress family and friends. They will gain basic cooking techniques from roasting and grilling to baking and desserts, all with interesting flavors from around the world. Each day will be full of delicious food and hands-on cooking as they make new friends in the HEAT kitchen. Children ages 8 to 12 are welcome. Camp runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A parent permission slip is required. Go to HeatCulinary.com/cooking-classes-laguna-niguel to register.
JSERRA HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS CAMPS
JSerra Catholic High School is offering youth camps for a variety of sports programs this summer. Camps begin the week of June 12 and run through August 4. These camps are run by JSerra head coaches and staff, and are a valuable opportunity for young athletes to be introduced to and improve the skills needed to excel at the various sports offered at JSerra Catholic High School. Camps take place on the school’s campus, which offers some of the finest facilities in the county. For more information, please visit JSerraathletics.org/information/camps or email athletics@jserra.org.
KG BEACH CAMPS
KG Beach Camps has been a part of the Dana Point Harbor since 1987. Children, ages 4 to 13, enjoy a variety of activities offered from three different camps based out of Baby Beach, near the Ocean Institute. Age-appropriate camps range from the Mini Minnows (ages 4 to 6) to Beach Safari (ages 6 to 9), and H2O Adventures (ages 9 to 13). Campers participate in activities such as trips to the local tidepools, crab hunting, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, kayaking, rowing, whale watching on Dolphin Dave’s Catamaran Safari, beach games, crafts and so much more. Camps fill up fast, so book early. Camps run from June 12 through August 4. Call 949.842.5211 or email SummerBeachCamps@gmail.com for more information.
LAGUNA NIGUEL PARKS & RECREATION
Registration is now open for the City of Laguna Niguel’s Summer Camps. Campers, ages 3.5 through 5, can participate in a half-day camp filled with fun and engaging crafts, games, circle time, and outside exploration at the Little Monarchs camp. Campers, ages 6 through 9, are welcome to join weekly camps which include four days of on-site fun and one off-site excursion at the Crown Valley Knights summer camp. This camp includes swimming at the Laguna Niguel Aquatic Center, special guest presentations, crafts, and group games. Crown Valley Royals is for campers ages 10 through 12 and features three days of on-site fun, one off-site excursion, and Friday excursions on the Laguna Niguel Trolley. For more information, please visit CityofLagunaNiguel.org or call 949.425.5100.
LOS RIOS ROCK SCHOOL
Beginner/Intermediate and Advanced Rock Camps are available at Los Rios Rock School in San Juan Capistrano! Pick from 6 fun, full-week camps for ages 6 to 17, offering 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 a professional stage on the last day of camp. Camp tuition is $399 for new students. When enrolling, be sure to ask about the “multiple camper” discount. Camps run Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. To enroll, please visit LosRiosRockSchool.com/SummerCamps. For details, call 949.456.1081 x700 or email Schedule@LosRiosRockSchool.com.
MATHNASIUM
Mathnasium provides students with a customized learning plan and the personalized instruction they need to build their confidence and transform their math skills. Expert instructors don’t just teach students to memorize or calculate, but to truly understand the way math works. This is why Mathnasium students make huge strides in the classroom and become more motivated and self-assured overall. Mathnasium is North America’s leading math-only supplemental education franchise. Since 2002, the Mathnasium Method™ — the result of decades of hands-on instruction and development — has been transforming the lives of children in grades K-12, helping them understand, master and love math. For more information, visit Mathnasium.com.
PACIFIC MARINE MAMMAL CENTER
Join Pacific Marine Mammal Center for Camp Pinniped and see a marine mammal hospital in action! During this weeklong experience, campers learn how the animal care team rehabilitates seal and sea lion patients through a series of animal observations and mock activities, including weighing fish, preparing fish smoothies, cleaning pens, and learning the art of marine mammal rescue. This summer, campers dive into the world of elephant seals, killer whales, and sea otters through hands-on activities, science labs, arts, and crafts. Campers will leave feeling empowered with ways they can help protect and preserve our oceans and all the animals that call it home. For more information, visit PacificMMC.org/camp-pinniped.
PRIME VOLLEYBALL CLUB
Prime Volleyball Club’s All Skills Camps are for all ages and experience levels. Athletes are separated onto courts by level of play, making it perfect for first-timers or returning players. Sessions 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 helps athletes make key technical adjustments to bring their game to the next level. Prime Volleyball training is fast-paced, competitive, and fun. Go to PrimeVolleyballClub.com for more information and registration.
SAN CLEMENTE DANCE
Join San Clemente Dance & Performing Arts Center’s 27th summer of fun and exciting camps and workshops. Beginners or advanced participants, from ages 3 to adults, can choose from a wide range of options. Weekly summer session with once-a-week classes and week-long dance camps are available. Young dancers, ages 3 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 Dance Intensives, and additional camp and class registrations, please go to SanClementeDance.com or call 949.498.7571. Auditions take place this summer for the Nationally ranked competition teams!
SAN CLEMENTE JUNIOR LIFEGUARDS
The San Clemente Junior Lifeguard Program is an ocean and beach safety program for young people, ages 9 to 16. 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. New participants must first pass a mandatory swim test to be eligible to register for the Junior Lifeguard Program. Swim tests are held on April 1, 5, and 8. Visit the JG website at San-Clemente.org/jg or call 949.361.8261 to learn more.
SOUTH COAST CONSERVATORY
Join South Coast conservatory for an awesome 31st Anniversary Summer! Five-day camps for ages 4 to 10 include Ballet, Hip- Hop, Cheer, Acting & Singing, and Circus Tricks. Choose from two-week, one-week and two-day intensives for intermediate and advanced levels (ages 7 to 17). All camps end with a show on the final day and extended camp options are available. All classes are taught by certified instructors who are focused on your child’s safety and happiness. Visit SCConservatory.com/summer for more info or call 949.367.0099.
ST. ANNE SUMMER KNIGHTS DAY CAMP
Summer is just around the corner, and St. Anne School in Laguna Niguel is excited to welcome back campers from preschool through middle school to the Summer Knights Day Camp! This fun-filled camp runs for seven weeks, June 12 to July 28, from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Campers of all ages enjoy reconnecting with friends and making new ones. Adventure awaits as each week is filled with exciting activities such as field trips, gardening, beach days, water play, arts and crafts, and much more. St. Anne School is also offering Summer Enrichment classes for rising 5th through 8th-grade students. This program offers a variety of engaging and inspiring courses designed to expand students’ experiences and enrich their summer learning. Registration is now open. Visit St-Anne.org/SummerCamp for more details and to sign up.
STRATFORD SCHOOL
Summer@Stratford …it’s not just a camp; it’s an experience. Campers will have endless experiences to keep them engaged and excited, all summer long. Academic camps are a wonderful way to enhance your child’s love of learning while focusing on a specific subject. Specialty camps are packed with hands-on activities that offer experiences for campers to discover new skills and talents. Each week, students in kindergarten through grade 5 jump into action as they explore science and nature, become involved in creative and performing arts, and participate in sports and games. Rigorous sports camp promotes skill building, exposes children to new activities, and builds healthy exercise habits. Campers can enjoy sports and games, exciting STEM projects, arts, crafts, music, dance, drama and more. Visit StratfordSchools.com/summer to learn more.
SUMMER SOUL SURF CAMP
Summer Soul Surf Camp has been providing a summer experience unlike any other for over 18 years. They include 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 day camp programs are available June through August. Campers surf, eat and play together — creating memories and friendships that last a lifetime. Visit SummerSoulSurfCamp.com, email info@SummerSoulSurfCamp.com or call 949.702.7731 to learn more.
THE JOHNSON ACADEMY
Did you know that one out of every five children struggle 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. In fact, reading proficiency is the biggest predictor not only of academic, but life success. The Johnson Academy, located in San Juan Capistrano, offers evidence-based reading and math interventions to improve reading, decoding, spelling, phonemic awareness, comprehension and vocabulary. If your child struggles with keeping up in school, please contact the academy to receive more information. Call 949.487.5251 or visit scheduling@ocsllcinc.com.
TSTREET VOLLEYBALL CLUB
Ranked as the #1 Volleyball Club in Orange County, Tstreet is centrally located in the Irvine Spectrum area. Tstreet offers a full range of position-specific, general skills, sand camps and clinics throughout the summer. Training is open to boys and girls and the program caters to elite as well as introductory level athletes. Tstreet is owned by two-time Olympic Gold Medalist coach and player Troy Tanner who brings his philosophy of “achieving one’s highest potential” to the club. Proper movement patterns and mechanics, repetitions, feedback, and fun are emphasized in all camps! Indoor training takes place at the club’s gym in Irvine. Sand training takes place at the brand new sand courts in San Juan Capistrano on the Fairmont campus. Sign up online at TstreetVolleyball.com.
WESTWIND SAILING
Welcome aboard! Westwind has been providing educational boating programs for the community since 1987. Programs include sailing camps, SUP camps, adaptive sailing, afterschool programs and boating classes for all ages and skill levels. Youth day camps are offered during Spring Break and all summer. Westwind is the 2022 Dana Point People’s Choice for “Best Camp for Kids” and “Best Harbor Recreation” and is a sanctioned U.S. Sailing, Community Sailing Center and STEM Hub. Camp scholarships are available from Cal Boating and the Dana Point Aquatic Foundation (contact Westwind Sailing directly for details). Find Westwind at the OC Sailing & Events Center in Dana Point Harbor. Call 949.492.3035 for more information.
ZEN DOJOS MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY
It can be challenging to keep your kids entertained, safe, and engaged all summer long. Zen Dojos Camps are designed each day to be a unique experience that keeps kids engaged and looking forward to coming back. Your kids will get a summer filled with fun, field trips, arts & crafts, martial arts, and character-building experiences. You will get peace-of-mind knowing that by the end of the day, your child will come home brimming with new, awesome memories from fun, well-rounded activities that support their growth. The fun begins June 12th, full-day or half-day camps. “Local Dish Readers” use code DISH23 to Save 20% when registered before April 15th. To register, visit zendojos.com/camps or call 714.200.6619 for more info.