OC Register: Summer Camp Guide 2024: Sleep-away camps
March 24, 2024
By JESSIE DAX-SETKUS | OC Family
A camper takes an ATV’s for a spin around the dirt track at Pali Adventures camp in Running Springs. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
ACADEMY BY THE SEA SUMMER CAMP
● Entering grades 7-12
● July 8-20
● 2605 Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad
● 760-547-5288
● www.armyandnavyacademy.org/academy-by-the-sea-summer-camp/
Located on the campus of a boys’ boarding school, this coed camp features two activity-filled weeks that campers can enjoy either as a sleep-away camp or day camp. Campers can focus on studying topics such as aquaculture, leadership, aviation, computer science, music and athletic performance.
AMPLIFY SLEEP AWAY CAMP
Girls grades 3-12
● Four two-week sessions, June 16-Aug. 10
● 10820 Reeves Road, Ojai
● 805-699-5247
This camp is a deeper version of the “school of rock” concept. Campers choose specialties of “tracks” that can include playing in a band but also involve other creative pursuits such as being a DJ, music production, video making, podcasting, photography and journalism.
ASTROCAMP
● Ages 8-17
● June 15-Aug. 10
● 26800 Saunders Meadow Road, Idyllwild
● 800-645-1423
Explore the sky through state-of-the-art telescopes and participate in science activities. 1- and 2-week camp sessions also offer rock climbing, zip lining and hiking in the San Jacinto Mountains.
CAMP HOLLYWOODLAND
● Ages 6-17
● June 17-Aug 11
● 3200 Canyon Drive, Hollywood
● 323-467-7193
● laparks.org/camp/camp-hollywoodland
This camp for girls offers a range of activities, including sand volleyball and singing around the campfire, in a forest environment that’s right in the middle of Los Angeles.
Camp Scherman Girl Scout Camp, located in the San Jacinto Mountains, is open to all girls, not just those involved with scouting. (Courtesy of Girl Scouts of Orange County)
CAMP SCHERMAN GIRL SCOUT CAMP
● Ages: First-12th grade
● June 23-Aug. 9
● 32700 Morris Ranch Road, Mountain Center
● 949-461-8800
All girls, not just scouts, are welcome at this camp in the San Jacinto Mountains that features games, outdoor activities, and confidence and leadership skill building.
CAMP WOODCRAFT
● Ages: 7-13
● June 18-July 28
● 32706 Morris Ranch Road, Mountain Center
● 213-814-6298
One of Southern California’s original sleep-away camps has been around since 1922. The camp is a program of the Woodcraft Rangers, founded by author and naturalist Ernest Thompson Seton, whose pioneering Woodcraft Rangers program was a forerunner to groups such as the Boy Scouts. The camp is located at 5,500 feet in the San Jacinto Mountains near Idyllwild.
CATALINA SEA CAMP
● Ages: 8-17
● June 8-July 19
● Toyon Bay, Avalon (business address is 27282 Calle Arroyo, San Juan Capistrano)
● 800-645-1423
Kids with an interest in marine biology can spend a week on a private beach on Catalina, snorkeling, taking boat trips and practicing hands-on marine science. Three-week camps for older participants include instruction in diving, sailing and ocean kayaking.
CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC CAMP
● Ages: Entering grades 9-12
● June 9-15
● Chapman University, One University Drive, Orange
● 714-997-6815
● www.chapman.edu/copa/music/festivals/instrumental-camp.aspx
During this weeklong camp, students will stay in the Chapman University dormitories while working with conservatory faculty and guest instructors. The camp culminates with campers performing insdie the 1,044-seat Musco Center for the Arts.
ENDLESS SUMMER SURF CAMP
● Ages: 11 and up
● Dates: June 10-Aug. 30
● San Onofre State Park Campground
● 949-498-7862
Each five-day surf camp session includes small-group surf instruction, lodging, three meals per day plus snacks, 24-hour supervision and free-time activities including skateboarding, ping-pong and movies. All surfing equipment is provided.
GRIFFITH PARK BOYS’ CAMP
● Ages: 6-17
● Dates: June 17-Aug. 24
● 4730 Crystal Springs Road, Los Angeles
● 323-664-0571
● laparks.org/camp/griffith-park-boys-camp
The City of Los Angeles has operated this camp since 1924. The 10-acre facility in Griffith Park includes 16 air-conditioned cabins, a 30-foot rock wall, a challenge course, archery range, lighted basketball court and hiking trails.
IDYLLWILD ARTS
● Ages: 5-18
● July 9-27
● 52500 Temecula Road, #38, Idyllwild
● 951-659-2171
Three distinct programs help campers develop their creativity. The Children’s Center offerings for kids 5-8 provide a nurturing environment for youngsters to discover the joy of self-expression. The Junior Artists Program for those 9-13 immerses campers in art under the guidance of professional artist-instructors. Teen programs (13-18) include high school intensives and workshops where students focus on a discipline such as creative writing, music, dance, fashion design, filmmaking or acting for the camera.
Noelle Hajducko, 8, dangles from safety lines after jumping 50 feet off a tree during Pali Adventures camp in Running Springs. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
PALI ADVENTURES CAMPS
● Ages: 8-16
● June 9-Aug. 17
● 30778 Highway 18, Running Springs
● 909-867-5743
Students can choose from a variety of specialty camp tracks with themes such as secret agent, motor sports, Hollywood stunts, fashion, culinary and performing arts.
RAWHIDE RANCH
● Ages: 7-15
● Nine sessions June 9-Aug. 16
● 6987 W. Lilac Road, Bonsail
● 760-758-0083
Campers live like they’re in the Old West. Daily activities include Western riding lessons (geared toward beginning and intermediate riders), animal and horse science classes, swimming, rock climbing, archery, arts & crafts and outdoor cooking. Evening activities include gathering around the campfire, camp-wide games and a talent show.
SANTIAGO SUMMER CAMPS
● Ages: 3-13
● Dates: Various camps June 24-July 28.
● 27912 Baker Canyon Road, Silverado
● 714-649-9800
●santiagoretreatcenter.org/summercamps
The center offers various sleep-away camps for boys, girls and different ages, including Vacation Bible Camp, Blossom: The Catholic Camp for Girls and Quo Vadis: The Catholic Camp for Boys. Activities include hiking, swimming, music, crafts and games, along with learning stations that reinforce the daily virtue and Bible theme in a hands-on way.
SUMMER SOUL SURF CAMP
● Ages: 9-16
● Dates: Eight sessions running June 10-Aug. 15
● San Onofre State Beach
● 800-522-1352
Boys and girls will learn about ocean safety, physical fitness and healthy eating while surfing and enjoying other fun beach activities.
