LOS ANGELES SUMMER CAMPS BLOG

Just a quick update on the 2019 L.A. summer camp fairs. We anticipate knowing the firm dates and locations for all these events by October at the latest.

Last year the folks at L.A. Camp Fair organized three amazing camp fair events at UCLA, in Calabasas, and in Thousand Oaks, respectively. We understand they will be doing the same thing again (and perhaps adding one or two additional events) in late winter/early spring of 2019.

To stay apprised of the latest L.A. Camp Fair announcements and developments, keep reading this blog and follow us on twitter.  We'll announce the new information as soon as we get it!

As summer camp website publishers, we speak with many parents looking for outstanding camp programs for their kids.

Some families want a traditional sleepaway camp experience. Others are hunting for that perfect day camp , while still others have no perceived notion about which kind of camp would be best for their kids. They'll know it when they find it.

Yet despite so many different approaches to finding a camp,  there also seems to be one common thread among every parent we talk to: Nobody can believe the school year's almost over and the summer camp sign up season is upon us!

Many parents have already arranged summer camp programming for their kids.  Savvy moms and dads know many camps fill up early and didn't want to run the risk of their child missing out. If you're one of the early birds who already registered your child in the program of your choice, pat yourself on the back and accept hearty congratulations from us! 

But what if you haven't signed up for camp yet?

Will your child miss out on your number one camp because you waited too long to sign up?

Please don't worry! Even though a few camp directors we spoke to last week said they're close to selling out, this is probably an exception, not the rule.  Many of the most popular Los Angeles summer camps still have ample space available for anyone who want to go.  It's not too late!

If you're looking for a specific type of program or already know which camp your child wants to attend this summer, we suggest contacting them right away.  Every minute that goes buy without signing up for the camp of your choice means another potential camper grabbed your child's spot. 

If you don't have any specific requirements as to which camp -- which type of camp --  you choose for your child this summer, then you probably don't have as much to worry about regarding available space. Los Angeles is filled with hundreds of amazing programs to consider, so even if one or two that catch your eye are already full, you can simply move down to the next camp on your list and your child will still have a great time.

We suggest looking into a program the offers the kinds of activities your child will enjoy.  We also advise including your child in the decision-making process, as research shows kids enjoy camp more when they plays a role in choosing their own camp.  Here's just a partial a list of many types of camps and programs in Los Angeles you can consider:

• Traditional summer camps
• Summer Day Camps
• Specialty Summer Camps
• Overnight (Sleepaway)
• Beach Camps
• Surfing Camps
• Acting Camps
• Fencing Camps
• Equestrian Camps
• Cooking Camps
• Performing Arts Camps
• Paintball Camps
• Wakeboarding Camps
• ​And just about any other type of summer camp or program you can imagine or think of!

Whether you've been meaning to sign up for camp and just haven't gotten around to it --  or you've been sitting on your hands and just plain unmotivated about doing so -- take heart knowing there's still time to register, for L.A.'s most sought-after programs.

But you need to act fast. 

​Camps will eventually sell out, so start your camp search now to beat everyone else to the punch.

It's important to note the ten programs listed aren't the only Los Angeles summer camps offering swimming activities this summer. There's many more! The camps listed are just a starting point to help you in your search for finding the best Los Angeles swim camp for your child.

If you end up trying any of the programs above, leave us a comment to let us know how much your child enjoyed camp! Other parents just like you who are considering swimming camps for their kids this summer will be eager to hear your review!

With the school year winding down, one of the common questions parents are asking themselves this time of year is what to do with their kids this summer.

We assume you -- like most L.A. area families -- will put your kids in camp this summer. 

​But deciding which camp isn't easy, especially when finances may be a factor -- and which generally are for almost every family.  The reality is, many programs can seem financially out o​f reach for many families.

"Pricier" camp programs often cost more for a reason. Perhaps they're able to hire more staff than a camp charging less, thereby increasing the level of supervision for your child while they're at camp.

Or maybe by charging a little more, the camp can purchase more modern equipment so your child can enjoy the latest toys, games and activities while at camp.

Like all parents, you certainly want to consider the best camps.  And sometimes when picking camps, you do "get what you pay for."

But we suggest thinking twice before breaking the family budget just to send your child to a more expensive program just because you may have the impression paying $100 per day for camp means you've found "better" program than the one charging $50. 

​Only you can decide what's best for your particular family situation. But if you pressed us, we'd say the best camp for you isn't necessarily the most expensive -- it's the one that fits your family budget and gives you the most peace of mind knowing the people running the program will deliver a safe and fun experience for your child. 

As Calabasas kids return to school from spring break, their parents are making plans for camp. But where can you find a great summer program for your child this year? At the L.A. Camp Fair in Calabasas, of course!

The Calabasas Camp Fair is like a "one-stop-shop" for finding an amazing summer camp for your kids. The biggest and best summer camp expo in the entire San Fernando Valley, the Calabasas Camp Fair will feature over 50 summer day camps and sleepaway camps from all over Los Angeles.

But that's not all.

Even though the camp fair takes place in Calabasas, there will be many amazing programs exhibiting from out of state, too.  One of these programs is Camp Wekeela in the beautiful state of Maine.

The opportunity for Thousand Oaks parents to meet camp counselors and staff from over 50 local summer camps and programs in the Conejo Valley doesn't come along too often.

But if you're looking for a Thousand Oaks summer camp for your kids this summer, mark your Calendar for Saturday, April 14  at Conejo Creek North Park for the Conejo Valley Camp Fair.

Join us at the park any time between 12:PM and 3:00 PM to discover dozens of amazing camp program opportunities for your child this summer.

You can get free brochures and promotional information from all the camps, your kids can play games and activities, you can get all your questions answered about any programs you're considering, and you might even win a FREE camp session from participating camps through exciting drawings and raffles.

We always say the Conjeo Valley Camp Fair is the biggest and best (and FREE!) summer camp expo in Thousand Oaks. Grab your free tickets to this event and come on down to Conejo Creek North Park April 14 to find the perfect camp for you.

Many families have begin their search for the perfect summer camp this year, while others are just getting started making summer plans for their kids.

We suggest coming to next weekend's L.A. Camp Fair in Thousand Oaks on Saturday, April 14 to meet and greet camp directors from over 50 local day camps and sleepaway camps and learn about their programs.

We'll have games, food, and fun activities for the kids, but a delicious BBQ cookout, too!

Plus, you'll have a chance to win FREE camp sessions from participating camps!

The Conejo Valley Camp Fair takes place at Conejo Creek North Park on Saturday, April 14 from noon to 3:00 PM. Get your free tickets to the camp fair here!

Spring is here and the school  year will be over before you know it.  That means it's time for parents to start checking out summer camp options for their kids. 

Most popular programs sell out quickly here in L.A., so we want to help you stay in "in the know."  That's why we'll be featuring some of L.A.'s best day camps and overnight camps this spring to help you avoid overlooking any programs your child might enjoy.

Today's featured program is Aloha Beach Camp, widely considered among parents to be among the top summer beach camps for kids and teens in Los Angeles.

Aloha Beach Camp is L.A.’s most comprehensive aquatic sports day camp program with over 200 safe and fun beach, lake, and ocean activities for kids and teens ages 4 to 14. 

This is a unique program.  The camp's main location is Zuma Beach in Malibu where campers enjoy instructional surfing, boogie boarding, ocean swimming and beach safety lessons.  But that's just the beginning.

In addition to its primary day camp program at Zuma Beach,  Aloha Beach Camp kids also take frequent day trips to many of L.A.’s best beaches, lakes, and water parks such as Paradise Cove in Malibu, Castaic Lake, and Hurricane Harbor Water Park where they go jet skiing, inner tubing, boating, ocean kayaking, and enjoy hundreds of additional aquatic camp activities from sandcastle building to wakeboarding and everything in between.

Considering Aloha Beach Camp's itinerant beach program format, you might be wondering how your child will get to camp each day.  If you're like most parents, you don't have the time or inclination to drive your kids all over town to meet up with the camp group at a different location every day.

Guess what? Aloha Beach Camp provides free bus service for your child. They do the driving so you don't have to.  (More on this convenient service in a moment.)

There's so many fun and convenient aspects of this summer program, we can't imagine any child not absolutely loving the Aloha Beach Camp experience. 

After all, what's not to love? We always suggest doing your own own due diligence, but Aloha Beach Camp appears to offer a unique combination of features and benefits unmatched by other day camps. 

Just in case you need more convincing, though, here' s a few more aspects of the program that really make it stand out, not just in Los Angeles, but among the entire southern California summer day camp landscape.

"Our counselors are dedicated to teaching campers how to do all the camp activities from the ground up," Naftulin said.  "All of our staff are  lifeguards and CPR and First Aid certified and have your child’s safety in mind, irrespective of their previous ocean experience or swimming level. Every child is welcome at Aloha Beach Camp no matter what. "

If you're choosing a day camp with transportation, Naftulin said, double check with the camp director in advance to see if there's an additional fee for the bus.

"This kind of program format -- with a variety of activities and program locations -- keeps campers engaged and looking forward to camp each day all summer. Here at Aloha, kids never get bored!,"  Naftulin said.

Recognizing every child is different and various activities may be more suitable for different age groups, Aloha Beach Camp is actually comprised of three different age-appropriate summer programs for 4 to 7 years olds, 8 to 11 year olds, and 12 to 15 year-olds, respectively.

"All the activities are available to every camper," said Naftulin, "but all the activities are presented to each age group in age-appropriate ways. For example, every child loves jet skiing, and every child gets to do it. But it would not be appropriate for their counselor to drive a jet ski 20 MPH with a 5 year old on board because that speed is reserved for our 12-year old campers and older.  But 8 MPH or so is perfect for a safe and fun jet ski ride around the lake for our younger kids," Naftulin said.

According to Naftulin, camps become accredited by undergoing an intensive on-site audit by a panel of 3rd party industry officials from the American Camp Association while camp's in session.

During the audit, the camp must prove compliance with over 300 safety and quality standards relating to best-practice methods of camp operation. "The standards relate to camper health and safety, transportation safety and execution,  program and activity quality, counselor and staff hiring and training practices, camper-to-staff supervision ratios, and hundreds more ," Naftulin said.

"It's not that unaccredited camps are necessarily 'bad' camps" Naftulin said. "It's that the camps that choose to undergo the stringent camp accreditation process are choosing a system that forces their  commitment to 300 quality and safety standards relative to running an above-board camp. That means parents have extra peace of mind regarding their child's safety when they choose an accredited program."

When considering a summer camp, Naftulin advises parents to use the American Camp Association's accreditation verification tool. "Parents should always verify whether the camp they're considering is accredited prior to signing up" says Naftulin. "If it isn't, you should ask the camp director why it's not."

Among the 12,000 day and sleepaway camps across the country, fewer than 2,400 have earned accredited camp status. "From a quality and credibility standpoint, accredited camps are like accredited colleges and universities. Most parents wouldn't want their kids attending an unaccredited school because the lack of accreditation raises question about the its legitimacy," Naftulin said.

According to Naftulin, camps become accredited by undergoing an intensive on-site audit by a panel of 3rd party industry officials from the American Camp Association while camp's in session.

During the audit, the camp must prove compliance with over 300 safety and quality standards relating to best-practice methods of camp operation. "The standards relate to camper health and safety, transportation safety and execution,  program and activity quality, counselor and staff hiring and training practices, camper-to-staff supervision ratios, and hundreds more ," Naftulin said.

"It's not that unaccredited camps are necessarily 'bad' camps" Naftulin said. "It's that the camps that choose to undergo the stringent camp accreditation process are choosing a system that forces their  commitment to 300 quality and safety standards relative to running an above-board camp. That means parents have extra peace of mind regarding their child's safety when they choose an accredited program."

When considering a summer camp, Naftulin advises parents to use the American Camp Association's accreditation verification tool. "Parents should always verify whether the camp they're considering is accredited prior to signing up" says Naftulin. "If it isn't, you should ask the camp director why it's not."

If you've sent your child to camp before, you're probably familiar with "enrollment sessions -- a fixed period of time, with specific starting and ending dates, the camp requires you to adhere to when sending your child to camp.

Session enrollment is common registration format among camps, but Naftulin says it's a rigid, antiquated cookie-cutter enrollment system that strips parents of what they want the most -- convenience and flexibility -- when signing up for camp.

"What if your family's summer schedule doesn't match up with the camp sessions? What if you want to take a family vacation or have other important activities on your family's summer calendar? Unless ​your family's schedule fits neatly into the camp's predetermined session dates, the session enrollment concept can be awfully inconvenient, not to mention expensive, because your kids might up being forced to miss or skip part of the camp session you already paid for in advance.

"Requiring families to adhere to fixed enrollment sessions doesn't reflect real life," Naftulin said. "It's completely inconsistent with the lifestyle of today's busy families who demand convenience, flexibility and speed.  So here at Aloha, you can create your own camp sessions instead."

To make camp enrollment easier for parents, Aloha Beach Camp pioneered the "day-by-day enrollment" concept where, essentially, every day is a new camp session.  

"When you sign up for Aloha Beach Camp, you can completely customize your child's camp schedule rather than adhering to any prearranged enrollment sessions set by the camp," Naftulin said. "You get complete control in designing your child's camp schedule. You can pick a day here, a day there, on an as-needed or as-wanted basis.  Choose your own starting and ending dates. Come and go to camp whenever you please on a day-by-day schedule you create by yourself."

In addition to free transportation, Naftulin said his day-by-day enrollment format is the camp's most popular feature among families. 

"You don't have to plan your summers around camp sessions anymore," Naftulin said.

"You can easily manage several kids' schedules at once, take a summer vacation, send your kids to summer school, or even to multiple camps at the same time because every day starts over again with new activities, new friends and a new, welcoming environment for every camper,  rather than every few weeks or months when a new session would typically begin. 

"Come to camp any day you want," Naftulin said. "We're here when you need us."

"We want you to be completely satisfied when you choose Aloha Beach Camp," Naftuln said. "Your child gets two full days to try our program risk-free. If they don't love it,  you don't pay. Just say the word and we'll give you all your money back, no questions asked.  We understand camp's not cheap and the summer's too short for kids to spend time doing anything they don't love, so we gladly make this guarantee to you."

If you're like us, you're intrigued to learn a lot more about this Los Angeles summer camp.

Naftulin welcomes parents to call and email him for more information any time, but says attending an Open House is the best way to learn more about the program. 

"You can meet our staff in person and get a true up close and personal feel for how the camp works every day. Our next Open House is Sunday, April 29 at Zuma Beach. It's totally free and your whole family is invited to come down to Malibu. We'll show you exactly how everything works at camp all summer long.  We'll have lots of free food for everyone, too!"

Parents and kids looking for a summer camp in Los Angeles will be thrilled with the selection of so many amazing program opportunities at the upcoming camp fair in Calabasas on Sunday, April 22.

But something that might surprise you is that even though the camp fair will be loaded with L.A. camps, there will be several other programs exhibiting from out of town.

In fact two camps from the east coast are even attending the L.A. Calabasas camp fair. So if you're considering sending your child to an overnight camp this summer, one of these cross-country programs might interest you.