The Local Dish Magazine Calendar of Events, Coupons and more for South Orange County!
2025 Summer Camps
Acting Academy for Kids
Acting Academy for Kids’ Performing Arts Camp is now offering three family-friendly locations in OC! Along with Z Playhouse in Mission Viejo and Lyceum Village in Irvine/ Tustin, a brand-new location has been added in Newport Beach at the stunning Newport Theatre Arts Center. Daily classes in music, acting, and dance immerse kids, ages 5 to 14, in an authentic performing arts experience. Each week-long camp is guided by professional educators and culminates in a student-driven production with sets, costumes, and lighting. Choose from ten unique week-long programs running from June 9 to August 15. The “core camp” rate is $399 per week, with multi-camp and sibling discounts available. For more information and production schedules, visit ActingAcademyforKids.com.
BPA Baseball Performance Academy
BPA Baseball is Southern California’s premier baseball training academy. Centrally located in San Juan Capistrano, BPA’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. Big West BPA offers a multitude of camps, clinics and club team programs year-round for all ages and playing levels. If your student athlete is looking to take their game to next level, visit BPAcamps.com
Brain Builders
Brain Builders puts the “STEAM” in education— science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Weekly summer camps begin in June, and children ages 5 to 16 will explore concepts like energy, thermodynamics, gravity, coding, and more through hands-on camps such as Engineering with LEGO, Robotics, Wood Shop, Video Game Design, and 3D Printing. Themed camps are structured, goal-oriented, and offered as either half-day or full-day programs. In-person camps are available at the Laguna Niguel and Tustin locations. For fees and registration details, visit BrainBuildersEd.org—and don’t forget to use promo code “DISH25” for 5% off any camp. BrainBuildersEd.org
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 16 to August 15, offering three action-packed opportunities to become a water safety expert. Mark your calendars for tryouts on April 12, April 26, 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! https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30324
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 7 years in a row by Parenting OC Magazine. Ages 5 to 17 will enjoy adventures and make happy memories through a variety of activities: archery, stand-uppaddleboards, STEM, watersports, drama, climbing wall, inflatable water park, mini-golf, laser-tag, dance, martial arts, yoga, crafts and more. Children love Camp James’ caring, award-winning staff, theme weeks, and fun special events. Parents love the location, outstanding reputation, and ACA Accreditation. Go to CampJames.com to learn more.
Let’s Go! Summer Camps
The City of Dana Point Community Services Department is excited to offer a variety of summer camps for kids ages 5 to 17. The summer camp lineup includes musical theater, sewing, basketball, sailing, SUP, Spanish, gardening, soccer, tennis, pickleball, cooking, robot building, animation, chess, science, arts & crafts, cartooning and comic creation and more! Registration is now open. Early registration discounts end May 14. To view more details and to register visit bit.ly/DPRecreation.
Danman’s Dana Point Music
Celebrating 26 years! Danman’s Dana Point Music offers five weeks of kid’s summer camps starting June 9. 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. Talented and inspiring professional music teachers provide instruction on guitar, piano, drums, bass, and vocals. Present this ad or register by May 1 to receive $25 off, and $25 off multi-camp sign-ups! Camps are $350 per week and include snacks and drinks. Also offered is a fun Chess Camp (all ages/skill levels welcome, and only $40!), where kids will learn various skills and can compete for prizes in a tournament. Check out Danmans.com or call (949) 496-6556 for more information.
Ivy Gate Farm
Ivy Gate Farm’s Summer Camp is the perfect place for beginner and intermediate riders to discover the joys of horseback riding in a fun and safe environment. Campers will immerse themselves in the fundamentals of riding and horsemanship while building confidence and skill. Each day offers the exciting opportunity to interact with and ride a different horse, allowing campers to develop a unique connection with each mount. Along the way, they’ll also form lasting friendships with fellow campers, creating an unforgettable summer experience! IvyGateFarm.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 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 17 through August 9. Call (949) 842-5211 or email SummerBeachCamps@gmail.com for more information. KGbeachCamps.com
City of Laguna Niguel
Registration is now open for the City of Laguna Niguel’s Summer Camps! Little Monarchs Camp offers a half-day program for campers ages 3.5 to 5, featuring crafts, games, circle time, and outdoor exploration. Crown Valley Knights Summer Camp welcomes campers ages 6 to 9 for weekly sessions, including four days of on-site fun and one off-site excursion, with activities such as swimming at the Laguna Niguel Aquatic Center, special guest presentations, crafts, and group games. For young skaters, Summer Skate Camps provide a half-day program for ages 7 to 13, grouped by skill level, where participants learn proper techniques, improve skills, and practice skate etiquette—all while having fun! For those interested in sports, dance, or science, the Contract Camps and Classes offer even more summer learning opportunities. Registration begins May 1! For more information, visit CityofLagunaNiguel.org or call (949) 425-5100.
Los Rios Rock School
Beginner and Intermediate Rock Camps at Los Rios Rock School in San Juan Capistrano offer an exciting, hands-on music experience for ages 6 to 17. With seven full-week camps to choose from, students will receive live music training from top-tier instructors in Orange County’s premier music facility. The highlight of the week is a live concert where campers perform on a professional stage in front of family and friends. Camps run Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., with tuition set at $425 per week. A multiple camper discount is available, so be sure to ask when enrolling. Spots fill quickly, so visit LosRiosRockSchool.com/SummerCamps to sign up. For more details, call (949) 456-1081, ext. 700 or email Schedule@LosRiosRockSchool.com. Get ready to play, perform and rock out this summer!
Mathnasium
Summer is the perfect time for students to reinforce their math skills and build confidence before the next school year. Without regular practice, students can lose months of progress, making fall transitions harder. Mathnasium helps kids stay sharp with engaging, expert-led instruction focused on understanding—beyond memorization. Whether catching up or getting ahead, students strengthen their foundations and start the school year ready to excel. With locations in San Clemente (949) 481-6284, mathnasium.com/sanclemente, Laguna Niguel (949) 392-5900, mathnasium.com/lagunaniguel and Marina Hills (949) 240-6284, mathnasium.com/math-centers/marinahills, Mathnasium has been helping students succeed since 2002.
Our Lady of Fatima
Our Lady of Fatima Academy in San Clemente is getting ready for an unforgettable summer! Looking for a fun, faith-filled summer experience for your child? Our Lady of Fatima Academy Summer Camp offers an exciting blend of hands-on learning, outdoor adventures, creative activities and faith-based enrichment for students in grades TK-5! With engaging weekly themes, caring staff, and a safe, nurturing environment, your child will make new friends and lasting memories. From arts and crafts to science experiments and beach days, there’s something for everyone! Spaces are limited—register today and give your child a summer to remember! Visit OLFSchool.net to register.
The Performer’s Academy
The Performer’s Academy offers an unforgettable summer experience for those looking to take their musical theater talents to the next level! Their Summer Camps provide a chance for young performers to develop skills while having fun. Expert instructors lead engaging workshops in singing, dancing, and acting, boosting confidence and abilities. Students will work on scenes and songs from popular musicals, culminating in a final showcase for family and friends. The camps also include social activities, fostering a fun and supportive environment where students can make new friends and create lasting memories. Camp sessions run from June 9 to August 11. PerformersAcademy.net
San Clemente Christian School
San Clemente Christian School’s Summer Camp is the perfect way to keep young minds engaged while having tons of fun! Running from June to August, this exciting 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. program is designed for TK (age 4) through 3rd grade students and features thematic weekly sessions that blend academics, STEAM activities, sports, water fun, arts & crafts, and chapel to foster growth in mind, body, and spirit. With engaging lessons from credentialed teachers, hands-on exploration and a welcoming environment, children will build friendships, grow in faith, and start the next school year with confidence. All families are welcome! Registration is open at 6crickets.com. For more information, visit SanClementeChristianSchool.com/summer or call (949) 496-3513.
San Clemente Dance
Voted #1 Dance Studio in San Clemente! Join San Clemente Dance & Performing Arts Center’s 30th 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 sessions with oncea- 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 Volleyball Club
SCVB offers a dynamic summer training program for athletes ages 11 to 18. Focus is on developing consistent skills and increased confidence. They have programs for all skill levels and know how to make the training challenging but fun. Coaches help players make small changes at each practice that overtime adds up to big improvements. Players get feedback on their individual skills and are encouraged to overcome fear of failure and to focus on the growth process. Training dates and times can be found on their website. For more info call (949) 291-5915 or visit SanClementeVB.com.
San Juan Hills Golf Club
Exciting news from San Juan Hills Golf Club! Mitch Mathieu, Alika Chow, and James Skahill, PGA, are thrilled to lead another summer of golf camps designed to introduce youth to the joys of the game. Geared toward ages 7 to 12, and maintaining a low 6:1 instructor-to-student ratio, these camps prioritize personalized instruction. Running June 9 through seven weeks, Monday through Thursday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. (excluding the week of July 4), each day is thoughtfully planned to maximize the junior golfers’ experience. With light snacks provided and beverages available throughout the day, young golfers can stay energized and focused on honing their skills. Enrollment is easy at SanJuanHillsGolf.com, with camps priced at $400.
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, catering to athletes from beginner to advanced levels. Founder and Technical Director Troy Tanner, who has won Olympic Gold medals both as a player (’88) and coach (’08), ensures that the foundations and systems on which the club was built are taught throughout the summer camps, from beginner to elite levels. Camps and clinics are open to all athletes, regardless of previous volleyball club affiliations. Camps and clinics take place in the main gym located at the corner of Bake and Muirlands in Irvine, California, while Sand Clinics operate out of the OC Great Park and Fairmont School in San Juan Capistrano. TstreetVolleyball.com
Variant Movement Dance Studio
Variant Movement is an elite, competitive, competition team providing quality training and choreography for dancers in San Juan Capistrano. This summer they are offering 6 themed 3-day camps for select weeks, June through August. These camps are open to all ages and abilities. For ambitious dancers, Variant Movement provides an exclusive platform 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, after-school programs and boating classes for all ages and skill levels. Youth day camps are offered during Spring Break and all summer. Westwind was awarded the Dana Point 2024 Business of the Year and People’s Choice for “Best Camp for Kids.” Westwind 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