Summer Camp Guide 2015

2015 Summer Camp Guide
A tidal wave of summer camps are getting ready to make a splash this summer. Gear up, get on board and dive in to an adventurous, active & exciting break from school. Our 2015 Summer Camp Guide provides parents with a handy resource on loads of local fun throughout south OC. Register now to take advantage of early sign-up discounts… before your camper’s fave sells out!

949 Volleyball Club
949 Volleyball Club in San Juan Capistrano is now in its 6th year of operation. The club has won 6 Junior Olympic medals, as well as two National Championships at the 2013 and 2014 Junior National Championships. 949 provides summer camps for both boys and girls ages 9 to 18 and all ability levels. The club’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. Log on to 949vb.com for more information or contact Justin directly at 949.374.2890 or Justin@949vb.com.

Acting Academy for Kids
Acting Academy for Kids’s Performing Arts Camp is offered in two South OC locations this year—Camino Real Playhouse in San Juan Capistrano and Cabrillo Playhouse in San Clemente. Daily classes in music, art, acting, and dance immerse kids aged 4 to 13 in an authentic performing 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 22nd to August 28th. The “core camp” rate is $275 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 Orange County
TAPOC is your one-stop shop for arts education and training! Whether your child is a serious artist-performer or is interested in trying something new this summer, The Arts Project OC presents inspiring and fresh performing and visual arts summer camps taught by talented instructors. An 8-week summer session and/or week-long Arts camps are available for ages 3 and up in San Clemente’s Talega Business Park. Your aspiring musician can make music with friends at The Sound Studio’s vocal and instrumental camps. The Art Studio camps explore mediums such as painting, drawing, mixed media and more. In The Black Box, become a triple threat in singing, acting, and dancing! Summer Production: Into The Woods. All students cast. Go to TheArtsProjectOC.com for fees, schedules and registration.

Basics of Skateboarding
Basics of Skateboarding (BOS) offers Summer Skate Camps for kids ages 3 to12 in San Clemente, Ladera Ranch and Costa Mesa. Whether you’re a three-year-old who’s never been on a skateboard, or an intermediate 12-year-old, BOS provides the guidance and instruction necessary to take your skateboarding to the next level. All campers receive direct instruction from an experienced skateboard teacher and are grouped according to ability and age. The camp focuses on basic skills that are acquired in a skatepark, ranging from skating bowls and making transitions, to proper safety and confidence building. Children develop and enhance their skateboarding skills while creating new friendships with other campers. BOS camps run year round and increase in availability and times June through August. Visit BasicsofSkateboarding.com, call 949.922.9922 or email mattsheridan@BasicsofSkateboarding.com for more info.

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 22nd to August 14th from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Golf clubs, lunch and a snack are included; member rates are $275/week and guests are $215/week. For more information, call 949.498.3771 or visit BellaCollinaSanClemente.com.

Brain Builders
Brain Builders puts the “STEAM” in education — science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Weekly Engineering with LEGO® camps start in June and children, ages 5 to 14, will learn concepts such as energy, thermodynamics, gravity, robotics, animation, and more! Young builders test their skills and projects against equipment like the Bridge Crusher, Earthquake Simulator, and the 20’ Gravity Race Track. Themed camps are structured and goal-oriented and are either a half or a full-day. Get fee info and registration details at BrainBuildersEd.org and put on your thinking cap. Use promo code “thelocaldish” to receive 10% 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 27 years and was awarded “Best Day Camp” for 2013 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. Camp starts June 23rd and ends August 29th. A Summer Camp Open House will be held April 19th (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.). Go to CampJames.com or call 949.729.1098 for more info.

Club Literacy
Club Literacy is offering its dynamic “Learning Luau” in Dana Point! Club Literacy has inspired thousands of students to improve their reading and writing skills. Classes are designed to fan the flames of your scholar’s budding and burning desire to learn! Pre-K to 3rd graders will enjoy one-of a-kind programs such as Books & Cooks, Bugs & Books, All About Me (Scrapbooking & Journaling), Book Publishing, Connecting Cursive, and Math Journals. The K Smart Start and First Grade Smart Start classes are summer staples. Classes and camps run from June 22nd to August 21st. Camps are 2 hours long, 4 days per week, ranging from $133 to $250. To learn more, visit ClubLiteracy.com or call 949.717.6624.

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’ 11,000 square foot facility with competition-sized spring floors, a tumble track, and tumbling equipment. Have fun learning a routine to show your parents while making new friends and memories. Camps include lunch, snacks, a t-shirt and a Thursday performance for parents and friends. Sessions are offered Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., during the weeks of July 13th to 16th, July 27th to 30th and August 10th to 13th. For registration and additional information regarding camps, teams and classes, please call 949.248.7873 or visit CoastSpirit.com.

Teen Entrepreneur Academy: Concordia University
“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) & Kid Entrepreneur Academy (KEA). 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 high school students 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 one winning a $1,000 prize! KEA is open to 5th through 8th graders and offers hands-on instruction in business principles and entrepreneurship. TEA runs July 12th to 19th and KEA runs July 13th to 17th at Concordia University’s Irvine campus. Contact Stephen.Christensen@cui.edu or visit cui.edu/tea or cui.edu/kea for more information.

Dana Wharf Kids Fishing Camp
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 $489 per child and run from July 6th to 10th and July 20th to 24th. Call 949.496.5794 or visit DanaWharf.com to learn more.

DanMan’s Music School
Not your father’s band camp! DanMan’s five-day intensive workshops let campers create and name their own rock bands and put on a real show for family and friends. Instruction on guitar, piano, drums, bass, and vocals is provided by inspiring professional music teachers. Exercises include creating set lists, making band posters, T-Shirts, a photo shoot and rehearsing for the Friday Show. The cost is $250 per camp, but if you register before June 15th, you can get in for $225. The jamming begins July 6th at DanMan’s Music School with five 1-week sessions. Bring in Danman’s ad from this issue before June 15th to receive $25 off. Check out Danmans.com or call 949.496.6556 for more information.

Endless Summer Surf Camp
Celebrating its 23rd anniversary, Endless Summer is the longest running surf camp in south OC and caters to first timers wanting to learn the basics of surfing and ocean safety, as well as experienced surfers looking to improve their skills. Offering a new camp every Monday from June through September, the fun in the sun continues for 15 weeks at San Onofre State Beach. Day camps (10 & older) run Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and include equipment, lessons, lunch, snacks, drinks, and a t-shirt for $495. Week-long overnight camps are $895 and include accommodations, surf equipment, surf lessons, all meals, snacks, drinks, and a camp t-shirt. Surf & Turf (surfing & golf) camps, private lessons, group lessons and adult camps are also available. Visit EndlessSummerSurfCamp.com or call 949.498.7862 to register early; all camps sell out every summer!

JSerra Catholic High School
JSerra Catholic High School is excited to announce its brand new summer program for middle school students – Lion Engage! Designed for students entering grades 6 to 8, Lion Engage is a great opportunity to dive into experiential learning. You will learn hands-on from passionate and engaging instructors, interact with high school student mentors, and have fun while doing it! You may choose between morning and afternoon sessions, and each session will be one week long. For more information, visit JSerra.org/lionengage or call Emma Moran at 949.493.9307 x1107.

KinderCare
In search of a fun and educational environment for the kids this summer? KinderCare Learning Centers offers six, two-week units for children in preschool, pre-kindergarten and elementary school (3 to 12-year-olds). Summer programs include superheroes among us, school-age store, all about jungles and rainforests, puzzling puzzles, mixed-up fairy tales, and clash of the colors. You can sign your child up for one program or all six! KinderCare’s curriculum is rich in educational value with a focus on fun. School-age children will have the opportunity to participate in weekly off-site field trips. All field trips have a low teacher to child ratio. Please call 888.523.6765 or visit KinderCare.com to learn more about the 18 centers in Orange County. Mention The Local Dish Magazine to receive a free day of learning and free registration for summer!

City of Laguna Niguel
Your camper will run and play like a Squirrel or a Coyote at Crown Valley Park! Squirrels will participate in dramatic play stations, science & nature exploration, construction toy activities, hand-ball, board games, large group games on the soccer field, the slip-n-slide, camp sing a-longs, hiking in the botanical preserve, and arts & crafts. Squirrels will visit the new splash pad and have lunch by the new nature playground. Daily, campers will swim and enjoy weekly themed visitors! Coyotes will participate in board and card games, creating friendship bracelets, ball games, icebreaker activities, low and high intensity group games, team-building activities, arts & crafts, daily swimming, food crafts, nature hikes, scavenger hunts, dramatic challenge games, karaoke, Wii games, and “minute to win-it” contests. Campers will enjoy two weekly trips; to the Main Beach in Laguna on Tuesdays and then to an amusement park on Thursdays. To register, visit CityofLagunaNiguel.org/recreation or call 949.425.5100 for more details.

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, July 1st 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, Photography, The Great Outdoors, Little Chefs, Music, and Woodworking. 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!

Olympica Gymnastics Academy
Olympica Gymnastics Academy has brought South OC its fun, high-energy “Summer Fun Gymnastics Camp” for over two decades. The camp is chock-full of recreational gymnastics, athletic games, arts & crafts, music, special events and special guests. Flexibility is as important to your schedule as is gymnastics, so you can pick and choose half or full days all summer long and receive great discounts for week-long bookings and for siblings. Ages 3 to 13 are welcome and camps run from June 22nd to August 21st. Every child is a champion this summer! For more information, visit OlympicaGymnastics.com or call 949.582.3329.

San Clemente Christian School
Summer Quest is San Clemente Christian School’s answer to the dreaded, “I’m bored!” This faith-based camp is run by the school’s faculty, with a low child to teacher ratio in a safe and loving environment. Outdoor fun like jaunts to the beach, pool, or park and field trips to Legoland, Knotts Berry Farm, county fairs, and water parks keep the youngsters busy all summer long. Character building, new friendships, and creative play are emphasized. Summer Quest offers camps from June 29th to August 21st from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. At only $185 per week, this is one of OC’s most affordable camps. Half-day and drop-in rates ($50 field trip cost not included) are also a great value. Convenient extended care is available for busy and working parents from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at a mere $210 per week. To register, visit CapoBeachChristianSchool.org.

City of San Clemente
Incredible adventures are now open with sizzling early bird savings lasting until May 5th! The City of San Clemente is offering over 300 courses and camps this summer. Explore sports, surfing, science, performing arts featuring Into the Woods, Jr., live action film, preschool exploration camps, dance & cheer, cooking, day camps with field trips and more to guarantee your best summer ever! Not sure what camp to sign up for? Come to CAMP PALOOZA at the San Clemente Aquatics Center on Saturday, May 9th to meet instructors, earn free giveaways, discover camp discounts, and enjoy recreational swimming. For information and registration visit San-Clemente.org/recreation or call 949.429.8797. Don’t forget to Like Us on Facebook at facebook.com/SanClementeRecreation for all the latest news and recreation updates.

San Clemente Dance & Performing Arts Center
San Clemente Dance & Performing Arts Center is celebrating its 20th anniversary with fun and exciting summer camps and workshops! Beginners to advanced participants, from ages 3 to adults, can choose from a wide range of options. An 8-week summer session with once-a-week classes and week-long dance camps are available. Young dancers can “Let it Go” at Princess Dance Camps with themes like Frozen, Cinderella and Rapunzel. Junior and Teen Dance Camps feature hip hop, jazz, ballet, tap, musical theater and tumbling. Intensive Workshops for intermediate and advanced dancers are also offered at SCDPAC and taught by some of California’s top instructors. For information on week-long Hip Hop and Ballet Intensives, Adult Fitness, open auditions for The Nutcracker (no experience necessary), and additional camp and class registrations, go to SanClementeDance.com or call 949.498.7571.

South Coast Conservatory
South Coast Conservatory in San Clemente and Laguna Niguel offers a wide range of Camps and Dance Intensives for children and teens. The littlest dancers (4-7) can enjoy Fairytale Ballerina, Mini Hip Hop, Song & Dance, or “Cheernastics” camps. Older kids (7-11) will have a blast learning Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, Tumbling, Musical Theatre & the new “Jedi” Hip Hop camp for boys. Dance Intensives are available for intermediate and advanced students. Audition for South Coast’s nationally ranked dance teams or join the internationally acclaimed Ballet Conservatory Intensive, a two-week training program with international master instructors. For registration and rates, drop by one of the two studios or visit SCConservatory.com. Mention the ad in The Local Dish Magazine to receive a 10% discount.

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 will be 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 start June 22nd with full-day, half-day, and extended hour options. Students from preschool through middle school are welcome to join for one week or all eight. Older kids will love the new middle school “Club.” Visit St-Anne.org for pricing and more detailed information or contact Ingrid Trenton at itrenton@st-anne.org.

The Steve Johnson Tennis Academy
The Steve Johnson Tennis Academy offers the best summer program for juniors. Steve is recognized as one of the top developmental coaches in Southern California and leads a staff of qualified teaching professionals. Steve Johnson, Jr., is the most decorated player in the history of NCAA tennis and is a top 40 player on the ATP Tour. The Academy is located at the Rancho San Clemente Tennis & Fitness Club and offers a complete and challenging junior training center. Half and full-day (tennis and swimming) morning camps, for 4 to 12-year-olds, are perfect for kids seeking summer fun and who want to learn tennis from the best. Afternoon camps are geared toward competitive players of all ages that want to be challenged with drills and competitive play. Register before June 1st and receive a $25 discount on the full week of morning camp. Go to SJTennis.com or call 949.492.1515 to learn more.

Summer Soul Surf Camp
Summer Soul Surf Camp has been providing a summer experience unlike any other for over 10 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 and day camp programs are available June through August 2015. 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.

Tstreet Volleyball Club
Ranked as the #1 Volleyball Club in Southern California by ClubRankings.com, Tstreet is centrally located in Irvine. 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 our program caters to experienced as well as introductory level athletes.  Last summer, the improvement of our inexperienced ‘Day Campers’ was phenomenal.  Participants went from no volleyball experience to making school teams and earning roster spots on high-level club teams.  Owned by two-time Olympic Gold Medalist coach and player, Troy Tanner brings his philosophy of “achieving one’s highest potential” to the club.  Proper movement patterns & mechanics, repetitions, feedback and fun are emphasized in our state of the art gym.
Sign up online: TstreetVolleyball.com.