The Local Dish Magazine Calendar of Events, Coupons and more for South Orange County!
2024 Summer Camps
949 VOLLEYBALL CLUB
949 Volleyball Club, celebrating 15 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 3 to August 9. The “core camp” rate is $389 per week with multi-camp and sibling discounts. Go to ActingAcademyforKids.com for details and production schedules.
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 info and registration details at BrainBuildersEd.org and put on your thinking cap. Use promo code “DISH24” to receive 5% off any camp.
CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS JUNIOR LIFEGUARDS
Dive into summer adventure with California State Parks Junior Lifeguards at Doheny and San Clemente State Beaches! Sessions run from June 10 to August 16, offering three action- packed opportunities to become a water safety expert. Mark your calendars for tryouts on April 27, May 4, and May 11 at San Clemente High School. Participants will not only have a blast but also gain valuable knowledge about ocean safety, teamwork, and leadership. It’s an unforgettable summer experience where adventure meets learning! whitney.alfaro@parks.ca.gov
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 5 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, award-winning 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.
CAMULOS FARM
Camulos Farm offers an exciting summer Horse Camp for your child! This exhilarating camp includes daily riding, horsemanship, barn tasks, and loads of fun, emphasizing the special bond between horse and rider. Starting June 17th, with three sessions available, it’s the perfect summer adventure. Campers will dive into horse care and English-style riding, guided by daily lessons on the unique connection with these majestic animals. Running Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., spots are limited. Don’t miss out on this memorable experience—book now! For details or to reserve, visit SaraBlannTraining.com or text 760.484.6564.
LET’S GO! SUMMER CAMPS BY CITY OF DANA POINT
The City of Dana Point is excited to offer a variety of summer camps at the Dana Point Community Center for kids ages 5 to 17. The summer camp lineup includes musical theater, baseball, soccer, tennis, pickleball, cooking, robot building, animation, cultures around the world, jewelry design, quilt making, science, arts & crafts, cartooning and comic creation, and more! Registration is currently open, with early registration discounts ending May 15th. To view the full class schedule with detailed descriptions, visit bit.ly/DPRecreation.
DANMAN’S DANA POINT MUSIC
Celebrating 25 years! Danman’s Dana Point Music offers five weeks of kid’s summer camps starting June 10. Campers learn band creation, setlist preparation, and live show delivery within Monday through Friday sessions. Alongside making friends, campers create a band poster, undergo a photoshoot, and rehearse for the live performance. The camp concludes with a live set at StillWater on Friday. Professional music teachers instruct on guitar, piano, drums, bass, and vocals. Bring this ad or register by May 1 for $25 off. Camps are $350 per week, inclusive of snacks and drinks. Also available is a Chess Camp for all ages/skill levels, priced at only $40. Visit Danmans.com or call 949.496.6556 for more information.
HEAT CULINARY
Register your kid for a week-long HEAT Culinary Camp offering two themes — International Pastry & Desserts and World Cuisine! During this week of cooking, your 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. Ages 8 to 12 years old. Parent permission slip required. HeatCulinary.com
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 H20 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 17 through August 9. Call 949.842.5211 or email SummerBeachCamps@gmail.com for more information.
LAGUNA NIGUEL SCHOOL OF MUSIC
The Laguna Niguel School of Music invites attendees to its summer programs, offering week-long music camps and weekly lessons. Participants, both adults and children, embark on a journey of musical and artistic creativity, fostering positive experiences, critical thinking skills, and self-confidence while honing superior technical abilities. With a focus on singular, unique approaches and superior teaching methods deeply rooted in childcentered education philosophies, the school facilitates an environment where students not only learn but thrive. Students attend to gain confidence, overcome obstacles, and experience healing through music, ultimately emerging as creative, thoughtful, and proficient musicians. Visit LagunaNiguelSchoolOfMusic.com to learn more.
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 a half day program in which you can sign up for one, two, three days or an entire week to receive a discount. Register online at LilKickersSouthOC.com.
LOS RIOS ROCK SCHOOL
Beginner/Intermediate and Advanced Rock Camps are available at Los Rios Rock School in San Juan Capistrano! Pick from seven 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 LEARNING CENTERS
Mathnasium provides students with a customized learning plan and the personalized instruction they need to build their confidence and transform their math skills. Our 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.
SAN CLEMENTE DANCE
Voted #1 Dance Studio in San Clemente! Beginners or advanced participants, from ages 3 to adults, can choose from a wide range of options. Weekly summer sessions with once-a-week classes and week-long dance camps are available. Young dancers, ages 3 to 7, can join 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, visit SanClementeDance.com or call 949.498.7571. Auditions for their Nationally ranked competition company, Element 5, will be held in June!
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 funfilled, 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. The next swim tests are on March 30, April 3, and April 6. Visit the JG website at San-Clemente.org/jg or call 949.361.8261 to learn more.
SAN JUAN HILLS GOLF CLUB
Exciting news from San Juan Hills Golf Club! Mitch Mathieu and Alika Chow are thrilled to lead another summer of golf camps that are dedicated to introducing youth to the joys of golf. Designed for ages 7 and up, with a low instructor/ student ratio of 6:1, these camps prioritize personalized instruction. Beginning on June 10th and spanning six weeks, Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. (excluding the 4th of July week), each day is thoughtfully curated to maximize junior golfers’ experiences. With light snacks provided and beverages available throughout the day, young golfers can focus on honing their skills. Enrollment is simple at SanJuanHillsGolf.com, with camps priced at $390.
SANDLOT TRAINING CENTER
Located at professional skateboarder Ryan Sheckler’s private indoor skatepark in San Clemente, Sandlot Training Center offers skate lessons, camps, and parties. Our weeklong summer camps are geared for ages 6-12, with highly skilled coaches teaching the fundamentals of skateboarding in a fun instructional environment. Our goal is to help your skater improve on their current skateboarding skillset while making lifelong friends and building self-confidence along the way. SandlotTrainingCenter.com
SOUTH COAST CONSERVATORY
Join South Coast conservatory for an awesome 32nd Anniversary Summer! Learn new things and meet new friends all summer long! Five-day camps for ages 4 to 10 including Hip- Hop, Ballet, Cheer, Acting & Singing, and Circus Tricks! Choose a specialized dance intensive 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.
STRATFORD SCHOOLS
Stratford Schools has meticulously crafted the ideal camp experience for your child, blending beloved activities with essential safety measures and flexible scheduling. Academic Camps provide a platform for nurturing your child’s passion for learning, focusing on specific subjects. Our Day Camp presents a diverse range of indoor and outdoor activities, including field trips incorporated into all programs. The Inspirational Specialty Camps offer hands-on experiences to unearth new skills and talents. At Summer@Stratford, campers delve into exhilarating STEM projects, arts, crafts, music, dance, drama, and more. Witness the remarkable moments they’re poised to achieve! Discover further details by visiting us online at stratfordschools.com/summer.
TSTREET VOLLEYBALL
Ranked as the #1 Volleyball Club in Orange County, Tstreet is centrally located in the Irvine Spectrum area. Tstreet offers a full range of positionspecific, 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 was founded 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 OC Great Park and the brand new sand courts in San Juan Capistrano on the Fairmont campus. Sign up online at TstreetVolleyball.com.
VARIANT MOVEMENT
Variant Movement is an elite, competitive, competition team providing quality training and choreography for dancers in San Juan Capistrano. They offer classes for all ages and an exclusive platform for ambitious dancers seeking to elevate their performances through rigorous choreography training. Emphasizing quality over quantity, Variant Movement prioritizes excellent technique training and choreography while valuing the time and dedication of its dancers. VariantMovement.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 2023 Dana Point People’s Choice for “Best Camp for Kids” 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. WestwindSailing.com