The Local Dish Magazine Calendar of Events, Coupons and more for South Orange County!
2026 Summer Camps
ACTING ACADEMY FOR KIDS & TEENS
Acting Academy for Kids’ Performing Arts Camp offers three OC locations, including Z Playhouse in Mission Viejo, Lyceum Village in Irvine/Tustin and a new Newport Beach site at the Newport Theatre Arts Center. Daily classes in music, acting and dance immerse kids ages 5–14 in a true performing arts experience. Each week-long camp, led by professional educators, ends in a student production with sets, costumes and lighting. Ten sessions run June 8 to August 14. Core camp rate is $425 per week, with discounts available. ActingAcademyForKids.com
CREATE A MAKER
Powered by Brain Builders
Does your child always want to take the lead on building? At Create A Maker, we let them take the driver’s seat! Students will get to build hands-on projects using LEGO bricks and use technology such as 3D printers and laser cutters. Get ready for an exciting summer starting the week of June 8 at Create a Maker, Laguna Niguel. Live in central and North OC? Check out our Brain Builders center in Tustin! Find more details at
BrainBuildersEd.org and use code “DISH26” for 5% off camps.
CAMP JAMES
Located near the scenic Back Bay at Newport Dunes, Camp James has been an Orange County tradition for more than 35 years and was named “Best Day Camp” by Parenting OC Magazine for seven consecutive years. Ages 5–17 enjoy activities like archery, paddleboarding, STEM, watersports, drama, climbing wall, mini golf, laser tag, dance, martial arts, yoga and crafts. Known for its caring staff, theme weeks and special events, Camp James is ACA-accredited and parent-approved. CampJames.com
DANA POINT YACHT CLUB
A landmark in the harbor since 1952, Dana Point Yacht Club blends rich maritime tradition with a modern commitment to accessible sailing. Its Junior Sailing Program runs June 8 to August 7, offering week-long camps for ages 6-16. Led by highly qualified coaches, the program focuses on safety, confidence-building, and skill development—while keeping the experience fun and inspiring. From first-time sailors to seasoned racers, DPYC delivers an unforgettable summer on the water. It is filling up quickly, reserve your spot for a fun summer! PDYC.org
DANMAN’S
Dana Point Music
Celebrating 27 years, Danman’s Dana Point Music offers five weeks of summer camps starting June 15. Campers form a band, create a setlist and perform a live show by week’s end. Along the way, they design a band poster, complete a photoshoot and rehearse with professional instructors in guitar, piano, drums, bass and vocals. Camps are $350 per week and include snacks and drinks. Register by May 1 or present this ad for $25 off (plus multi-camp discounts). Danmans.com | 949.496.6556
CITY OF DANA POINT
Summer Camps
Discover an unforgettable summer in Dana Point! The City of Dana Point Community Services Department offers an exciting lineup of summer camps for ages 5–17. Choose from musical theater, basketball, sailing, SUP, robotics, tennis, pickleball, cooking, animation, chess, science, arts and crafts, cartooning, anime and more. Registration is now open, and early‑bird discounts are available through May 6. bit.ly/DPRecreation
FAIRMONT SCHOOLS
Fairmont’s award-winning summer programs keep kids curious, challenged and connected, with locations in San Juan Capistrano, Anaheim, Anaheim Hills and North Tustin. Camp programs for preschool through eighth grade offer an ACA-accredited experience combining recreation, academics and field trips. Summer School for kindergarten through eighth grade focuses on reading, writing and math, taught by Fairmont teachers and tailored to each student. High school students can choose from a wide range of UC-approved, WASC-accredited courses offered in person and online. FairmontSummerPrograms.com | 714.234.2757
IVY GATE FARM
Summer Camp at Ivy Gate Farm offers a fun, safe and educational experience for riders of all levels. Led by experienced instructors with more than 20 years of horsemanship experience, campers learn the fundamentals of riding and horse care while building confidence and responsibility in a positive, encouraging environment. Kids enjoy hands-on time with horses, develop their skills in the saddle and gain a deeper connection to these incredible animals—all guided by a passionate team dedicated to making each day meaningful and memorable. IvyGateFarm.com
KG BEACH CAMPS
A Dana Point Harbor tradition since 1987, KG Beach Camps offers fun, age-appropriate programs for children ages 4–13 at the OC Sailing & Event Center. Camp options include Mini Minnows, Beach Safari and H2O Adventures, with activities like tidepool trips, paddleboarding, sailing, kayaking, whale watching, beach games and crafts. Camps run June 15 to August 7 and fill quickly, so register early.
KBBeachCamps.com | 949.842.5211
LIL’ KICKERS
What do puppies, sharks, aliens and soccer have in common? Lil’ Kickers! This child development program is packed with creativity, high-energy activities and fun. The summer program features the award-winning Lil’ Kickers curriculum, multi-sport games and science and crafts. Led by professional teachers and coaches, each session is designed to provide a safe, supportive environment. Lil’ Kickers South OC offers flexible half-day programs, with options to attend one to five days per week, plus multi-day discounts. LilKickersSouthOC.com
LOS RIOS ROCK SCHOOL
Beginner and intermediate rock camps at Los Rios Rock School in San Juan Capistrano offer a hands-on music experience for ages 6–17. With seven full-week camps, students receive live music training from top-tier instructors. The week concludes with a live concert, where campers perform on a professional stage for family and friends. Camps run Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m.–noon, with tuition at $425 per week. A multi-camper discount is available. Spots fill quickly, so visit LosRiosRockSchool.com/SummerCamps to register. 949.456.1081 x700 | Schedule@LosRiosRockSchool.com
THE PERFORMER’S ACADEMY
The Performer’s Academy offers an engaging summer experience for young performers looking to take their musical theater skills to the next level. Summer camps provide training in singing, dancing and acting, led by expert instructors who help build confidence and ability. Students work on scenes and songs from popular musicals, culminating in a final showcase for family and friends. Camps also include social activities, creating a fun and supportive environment where students can build friendships and lasting memories. Sessions run June 8 to August 10. PerformersAcademy.net
SAN CLEMENTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
San Clemente Christian School’s summer camp keeps young minds active with engaging, themed weekly sessions. Running June through August from 9 a.m.–2 p.m., the program is designed for TK (age 4) through third grade and blends academics, STEAM activities, sports, water fun, arts and crafts and chapel. In a welcoming, hands-on environment, children build friendships, grow in faith and gain confidence for the upcoming school year. All families are welcome.
SanClementeChristianSchool.com/summer | 949.496.3513
SAN CLEMENTE DANCE
Voted back-to-back No. 1 dance studio in San Clemente, San Clemente Dance & Performing Arts Center celebrates its 31st summer of camps and workshops. Programs are offered for all levels, ages 3 to adult, including weekly sessions, once-a-week classes and weeklong camps. Young dancers ages 4–11 enjoy camps with arts and crafts, games and more, while intensives for beginning through advanced dancers feature hip-hop, jazz, ballet, tap, musical theater and tumbling. Auditions for the nationally ranked competition company, Element 5, will be held in June.
SanClementeDance.com | 949.498.7571
SAN JUAN HILLS GOLF CLUB
San Juan Hills Golf Club offers another summer of junior golf camps led by Alika Chow and James Skahill, PGA. Designed for ages 7–12, camps feature a low 6:1 student-to-instructor ratio and focus on personalized instruction. Sessions run for seven weeks beginning June 8, Mondaythrough Thursday from 8:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. (excluding the Fourth of July week). Each day is thoughtfully structured to help young golfers build skills and confidence, with light snacks and beverages provided. Camps are $400. SanJuanHillsGolf.com
WESTWIND SAILING
Westwind Sailing has offered educational boating programs since 1987, with sailing and paddling camps, adaptive sailing and classes for all ages and skill levels. Youth camps are available during spring break and throughout the summer. Recognized by the Dana Point Times Reader Recommends as “Best Camp for Kids,” “Best Kids Classes” and “Best Harbor Rec,” and named the city’s 2024 Business of the Year, Westwind is a U.S. Sailing Community Sailing Center and STEM hub. Located at the OC Sailing & Event Center in Dana Point Harbor. 949.492.3035 WestwindSailing.com
WILD RIVERS WATERPARK
Registration is now open for the 2026 Wild Rivers Junior Lifeguard Camp. This one-week camp for ages 6–12 combines fun and learning as campers build water safety skills, basic first aid knowledge, teamwork and confidence in a supportive environment. Campers also enjoy daily time on Wild Rivers’ water slides. Spots are limited and fill quickly. Registration closes 72 hours before camp begins, with no sign-ups accepted after noon on the Friday before each session. A full-day option is available, with pickup at 3:30 or 5 p.m. Use promo code LD50 for a special Local DISH offer, valid through May 1. WildRivers.com