LOS ANGELES SUMMER CAMPS BLOG

It's getting easier and easier for Los Angeles families to find the best summer camps for their kids.

In addition to the  L.A. Camp Fair expo taking place Sunday, March 13 at UCLA, the organizers of the Los Angeles summer camp expo have added another date and location for their popular "find a summer camp" family of summer camp expos. This additional camp fair happens Sunday, March 6 at Dodger Stadium.

Over 50 camps and program will be on display at both venues. Get your free tickets to the UCLA event here or the Dodger Stadium event here.

We came across an article on CampSearch.com, one of the top another summer camp search engines, discussing the importance of choosing a stable camp as it relates to emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic. We advise reading it.

​The article points out various points of considerations parents should be aware of not just from a financial perspective, but from staffing and others with respect to various challenges certain camps could be facing in a post-pandemic world.

​It's an interesting and high-value read, especially for those families wanting to send their kids to camp next summer while making sure the selected camp is in a strong position financially and operationally.

Join us online Sunday, May 2 as we host our final virtual summer camp fair of the 2021 camp season.

All sorts of L.A. summer camps and programs will be online to meet you.

Though this is a virtual camp fair in an online environment, the principal purpose of this event is to help you find the best in-person summer camp for your kids this year.

You'll be able to meet camp representatives from local Los Angeles day camps, sleepaway camps, sports camps, STEAM and STEM camps, dance camps, baseball camps, cooking camps and just about any other type of summer camp or program  you can think of.

Please don't miss this free event! RSVP today (it's FREE!) to save your space for the Virtual Camp Fair.

We're looking forward to seeing you May 2!

Meet and interact via live chat and video with camp representatives right from  your own computer. Gather free brochures, win free swag and find the best in-person summer camp for your kids  at this free online event.

Reserve your FREE tickets to the Virtual Camp Fair today!

One camp director in Los Angeles, who preferred to remain anonymous because his camp is almost full and he wants to make sure everyone gets a fair chance at grabbing the few remaining enrollment slots, told us last week, "Families are signing up fast and furious. We haven't seen a consistent registration activity day-after-day like this in years."

While it's relatively unusual for many camps to fill up this early (it's still only February, after all), three side effects" of the the coronavirus have created a race among families to sign up for camp sooner rather than later for summer 2021.

Camp registration is as competitive as its ever been because:

1. There are fewer camps than before. Unfortunately, many popular camps have not recovered from the aftereffects of the pandemic. The wreckage was just too great, sadly causing many programs to close their doors for good. But even though there are fewer camps, just as many kids as before, if not more, still want to attend camp this summer.

2. Demand for camp is at an all-time high.  Since kids have been cooped up inside for so long they are ITCHING to get outside and enjoy a camp experience where they can run, play and have fun with their friends.

3. Camps are required to reduce capacity by 25% to 50% of normal enrollment summer.  Fewer campers means less likelihood of spreading COVID-19 at camp, so camps are admitting only has as many kids.

Remember, the early bird gets the worm. Don't let your child miss out on a wonderful camp experience this year because you waited too long to sign up. Now is the time to find the best Los Angeles summer camp for your child and lock in your space today.

We're always on the lookout to help you find the best camps for your kids. Especially for this upcoming 2021 summer, the ability to participate in a outdoor camp program is a much-needed treat for the millions and millions of kids who've been cooped up inside for so long because of COVID-19.

In general, our main purpose here is to help you find a camp in and around Los Angeles. But we don't want to stop there, principally because we know many families visiting our site might be looking for overnight camps or summer program opportunities in other areas of the state or country.

We don't want you to miss any of them, so we just wanted to call your attention to a new website that promises to help you find the best summer camp for your kids according to their interests and other criteria important to you when choosing a summer program.

CampSearch.com is a relatively new website, but we've been tracking its activity lately every day.  It's definitely gaining traction. There appears to be more camps placing their profiles on the site every hour. So if you have a few minutes and want to find a camp outside of L.A. you now have a place to find it.

Most of the people who visit our website are families looking for the best summer 2021 summer camps in Los Angeles for their kids.

But dozens of camp professionals visit our site each day because they are interested in advertising their programs on our site.

If you're a camp director, we have several easy and affordable online advertising options to help you fill your camp with kids.

1. Standard Website Listing. The Standard Website Listing includes a listing in the category of your choice (day camps, overnight camps, sports camps or specialty camps). Your listing includes a program description, a photo and full camp contact information, and links to your website. Here's our current day camp listing page and overnight camps listing page so you can see what your listing would look like. The price to join is $195 for a full year.  Here's more information and a sign up form.  (We are adding a "virtual" / online summer camp section soon, too. Let us know if you're interested in joining that one!)

2. L.A. Camp Guide. The L.A. Camp Guide is a comprehensive full page website listing where you can include photos, videos, text, reviews, audio, contact forms, social media and website links -- literally anything you want to showcase your camp to the world and connect with family prospects and get more campers in 2021. Here's an existing camp's full page listing on in the Camp Guide so you can see what yours can look like. Here's another one. Your page can look any way you like. Unlike other online Camp Guides, we keep ours large enough to be a valuable resource for parents, but small enough participating camps don't get lost in the crowd. The price to participate is $299 for a year.  Here's a more info including a sign up form.

3. Bundle the Standard Website Listing and L.A. Camp Guide together for a $95 Discount. Many camps decide they'd like to purchase a Standard Website Listing and participate in the L.A. Camp Guide, so we offer a $95 discount if you'd like to sign up for both. Purchased separately, participating in both would cost $494, but we're offering this special deal until Jan. 31 where you can combine both advertising opportunities for a total price of just $399. Here's more information and a form to sign up, if interested.

Questions? Leave a comment and we'll connect with you right away. Stay safe!

As  you may know, L.A. SummerCamps.com sponsors the annual L.A. Camp Fair family of in-person events.

You'll be able to connect face-to-face with camp counselors and directors via live chat and video, gather free brochures, play games, win prizes, pick-up free swag, and learn about all the amazing camp opportunities so you can make informed camp decisions for your kids this summer.

Reserve your spot for the virtual camp fair here.

We hope you are healthy and safe amid the latest COVID-19 surge in cases. What a year it's been.

We hear from parents every day how much their kids missed going to camp last summer after the coronavirus forced so many camps to close.

We know how much kids depend on the camp experience to enjoy the outdoors, make lots of new friends, and have tons of fun. After being cooped up inside for the balance of the spring semester last school year, not camp to look forward to was flat-out devastating for kids everywhere.

The L.A. Camp Fairs were not immune. We had to cancel five different Camp Fairs planned at UCLA, in Calabasas, Santa Barbara, Los Feliz, and Cal State Northridge.  We were so sad do to this because we know how much L.A. area parents and families depend on the Camp Fairs to help them find suitable camps for their kids.

When we were forced to cancel last year's events, we hoped it was an aberration and we'd get back to normal in 2021. We are still crossing our fingers, so we have tentative plans to resume in-person camp fairs for the spring at all the locations mentioned above. There's even talk of a vaccine right now, which makes us even more optimistic we can have Camp Fairs again in 2021.

At the same time,  it's important to understand the live event industry will likely be among the last to come back in the age of coronavirus. Even small get-togethers will likely be prohibited for the foreseeable future, let alone large social gatherings among strangers like Camp Fairs.

Just in case the COVID-19 pandemic prevents us from having in-person camp fairs in 2021, all is not lost. We will have virtual camp fairs instead! But don't worry, we understand when you hear the world "virtual" it conjures up thoughts of boring online meetings and home-school experiences we've all had to tolerate the past year.

No, we're talking the real deal instead! You will be happy to know we just got a hold of an amazing digital camp fair platform that rivals the in-person experience. You will be able to meet camp directors and counselors online, view camp photos and videos, download camp brochures, and so much more all in real time.

So please, stay tuned. We'll keep you apprised of the status of the L.A. Camp Fairs frequently in this space. We hope to see you at the camp fairs soon!

In fact, camps have already begun planning for how best to host campers next summer in such a manner that protects their health and safety while preventing and mitigates the spread of COVID-19 at camp.

Kids need camp now more than ever.  You know that, we know that, and every camp director knows it, too. Accordingly, as part of your camp selection process in the coming year, be sure to ask the Camp Director to explain his or her health and safety strategies to operate camp in the midst of COVID-19.

By following public health guidelines outlined by the CDC and state and local authorities, we expect camps to make the proper adjustments including capacity limits, distancing requirements and enhanced hygiene protocols, among others, for the purposes of implementing safe and engaging summer camp programs, activities and experiences in 2021.

Fingers crossed!

If you live in Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, or anywhere in the Conejo Valley and you're looking for a day camp, sleepaway camp, specialty camp, or any other kind of summer camp for your kids this year, you'll find as many programs as you can handle at the Conjeo Valley Summer Camp Fair this April.

Designed specifically for Conejo Valley families who have camp and school-age kids, the Camp Fair takes place at the Lakeside Pavilion at Conejo Creek North Park in Thousand Oaks.

This is an outdoor event with all COVID-19 CDC health and safety guidelines in place.  Can't wait to see you at the Conejo Valley Camp Fair. Get your free tickets today!

While the uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic makes advance planning difficult, we are pleased to say we're on track for many safe, fun and informative Camp Fair events in Spring 2021. 

Though we have not determined the specific dates of each event, we currently have Camp Fair events planned for March, April and May in:

• Los Angeles (Los Feliz)
  
• West Los Angeles (UCLA)
• San Fernando Valley (Agoura, Calabasas and Northridge); and
• Thousand Oaks (Conejo Creek North Park)

Our team is diligently working with state and local officials to develop safety protocols in line with industry-best standards to ensure your health and safety at the Camp Fairs.  We will announce specific dates of each event by February, 2021. Meanwhile, if circumstances surrounding the coronavirus have not improved significantly by March, we may need to reschedule the planned events. We will notify you immediately of any changes. Meanwhile, we encourage you to visit our new Virtual Camp Fair website where you can find a camp safely and comfortably from your own home.

We are looking forward to seeing  you at the L.A. Camp Fairs this Spring!

Many summer camps in Los Angeles are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Others are still operating. California Governor Gavin Newsom gave permission for day camps to open with modifications, but left the ultimate decision to each individual county as to whether day camps could open.

Many of the camps that remained closed based their decisions on various factors. Some felt they could not safely or feasibly comply with the various modifications required for them to operate. Others have decided to remain closed given L.A. County's soaring coronavirus case numbers.  Those camps that have decided to operate have done so based on their commitment to complying with new modifications.

As a parent, it's ultimately up to you to decide whether to send your child to camp this summer. Some families feel completely fine sending their kids to camp amid the coronavirus outbreak. Others feel it's not worth the risk.  For instance, COVID-19 cases are increasing among camp counselor age kids, so families  might be hesitant about having their kids hang out with their 19-year old counselor who may be potentially be infected with the coronavirus disease.

Again, it's a personal choice. But whatever you decide, it's important for you to remember that camp itself is the direct opposite of social distancing.  Summer camp is based on kids and their counselors interacting in a close community.  It's important for you to take this into account before deciding to send your kids to camp this summer. It's also important for you to make sure, if you do decide to send your kids to camp, the camp you're choosing is fully complying with the new guidelines. Such guidelines include, but are not limited to, campers and staff wearing masks at camp, social distancing guidelines and more. 

Before sending your kids to camp, the American Camp Association advises parents to ask the Camp Director a series of questions regarding it's COVID-19 policy health and safety procedures.  Here's how the YMCA camps in Northridge are doing it, just as a reference point. If you decided to send your kids to camp this summer, just make sure the camp is taking all the right precautions, and that you feel completely comfortable and confident with your decision.

Fitness by the Sea Beach Camp, and Malibu Makos surf camp, decided to open their respective day camps this summer amid the COVID-19 pandemic.  Unfortunately Fitness by the Sea closed after just one day, and Malibu Makos completely changed course, deciding against even reopening in the first place, due to rising coronavirus cases in Los Angeles. This is an unfortunate situation, especially because kids need camp now more than ever.  Let's all hope for better days ahead!

As you may know, Governor Gavin Newsom recently gave the official green light for day camps to open in California this summer amid the coronvirus pandemic, subject to various restrictions and modifications.

Upon Newsom's announcement, the hones was then left to individual counties to decide whether to allow summer day camps to open within them, and to impose additional reopening guidelines as they saw fit.

Several Los Angeles area summer day camps have decided to reopen even while coronavirus cases spike in L.A., while others have decided to remain closed. Most of the camps agree the new modifications are difficult to contend with and summer camp 2020 will be like no other.

In early June we provided a brief list of camps that would be closed in Los Angeles this summer.  Some camps have pivoted to reopening, while others may not have made the cut on the initial list. So we wanted to give you the latest information as we know and understand it, regarding the following 12 prominent camps in the Los Angeles area and their current operating plans for summer camp 2020.

EDIT: The following list was originally posted June 27, 2020. It was modified again July 1, and is believed to be accurate as of this date. Given the recent surge in coronavirus cases in Los Angeles, however, we advise double checking with the individual camps or programs for the most updated information regarding each camp's respective status for this summer.

• Aloha Beach Camp - Program temporarily closed until further notice. Camp director has indicated the intention of operating this summer if COVID-19 cases improve and restrictions such as campers have to wear cloth face masks  at the beach are lifted or revised.
• Camp Keystone - Day camp closed. Offering a new "Family Series" instead.
• Camp Kinneret - Day camp closed for summer 2020.
• Camp Funtime - Encino day camp closed for the 2020 summer day camp season.
• Sandy Days Kids Camp - Beach camp open amid coronavirus pandemic for summer camp 2020.
• Valley Trails Summer Camp - Day camp in Tarzana open this summer.
• Fitness by the Sea - Summer camp opened June 29, then closed down again amid COVID-19.
  
• Malibu Makos - Surf camp in Malibu closed.
• Saken Sports Camp - Offering virtual online camps while awaiting approval to open live in-person camps.
  
• Sierra Canyon Day Camp - Day Camp in Chatsworth open amid Covid-19
• Tumbleweed Day Camp - Initially closed, then decided to reopen day camp for 2020.
• Got Game Camp - Offering virtual summer camps for summer day camp 2020.
• Sports Plus Day Camp - Planning to open July 6 for a morning day camp program only.

If you are aware of any summer camp opening and/or closings we haven't listed here, please leave a comment so we can add it to this list. Thanks!

Even if COVID-19 caused your child's favorite summer camp to close or suspend in-person programs, all is not lost! Many camps have moved their programs and activities online. Don't forget to check out vcampfair.com. It's a great resource for finding the best online summer camps for your kids this year.

After being cooped up inside for the past several months, Los Angeles area kids and teens were looking forward to a long, fun summer at camp. Unfortunately, many camps won't be open this summer due to the coronavirus. It's disappointing for all of us. Here's a partial list of some of the notable L.A. summer camps which are not operating this summer.

• Aloha Beach Camp
• Cali Camp
• Camp Encino
• Canyon Creek Summer Camp
• Fitness by the Sea
• Sandy Days Kids Camp
• Tocaloma Day Camp
• Tumbleweed Day Camp

The above is not a comprehensive list of call the Los Angeles camps closed this summer. If you are aware of any others, please leave a comment so we can add it to the list.

As you certainly know by now, the coronavirus pubic health crisis caused the LA Camp Fair events to be cancelled this year. Unfortunately, many parents depend on the camp fairs to find a summer camp program their kids will love. 

Cancelling this year's camp fairs left many parents where to turn, not just to find a camp, but also with the question of whether camps are even operating this summer due to the global pandemic.

Thankfully, many camps are still "full steam ahead" and fully intend to operate this summer.  Others have pivoted and designed online programs as an alternative to in-person programming just in case they are unable to operate this summer.

Meanwhile, we want to let you know how you can find a camp your child will enjoy this summer even though the camp fairs were cancelled.  In response to cancelling the camp fairs, there is now a new website called vcampfair.com. It's the first virutal camp fair website were you can search for camps and find them online rather than attend an in-person camp fair.  If you find a camp that interests you, you can easily contact the camp director for more information right from your own computer.

Whether your child attends camp the traditional way this summer or the coronavirus situation and forces kids to remain inside and choose an online camp instead, we hope you and your loved ones stay healthy and safe until this whole thing blows over and we can return to a somewhat normal lifestyle again.

Some parents and families are concerned whether camps will be operating this summer due to the coronavirus public health outbreak. An equally big concern is whether families will even have enough money to send their kids to camp. Allow us for a moment to ease your mind.

For one thing, local camps and programs have every intention of operating this summer while providing a safe, healthy and fun camp experience for your kids this year.  For many programs, the first day of camp is still three months away.  We're optimistic the coronavirus issue will be behind us by then, and your kids will be able to by outside in a fun, social environment at camp with their friends.

Next, we realize the financial impact of the coronavirus situation has not been easy.  That's why many Los Angeles area camps have come together to offer various coupons, discounts and promotions to help you save money at camp this summer. Please take a moment to see the various discounts available.  Summer 2020 is a great time to get a discount at camp!

Many parents are taking a "wait and see" approach to signing up for summer camp due to the Covid-19 public health situation.

Even though it's only March and summer is still several months away, some families are wondering if camps will even be operating.  Other parents are feeling uncomfortable at the very thought of sending their kids to camp since most camps take place in close community settings.  Moreover, kids attending sleepaway camps often need to fly or otherwise travel some distance from home, and the prospect of traveling right now is not a very comforting one (if it isn't outright banned).

We understand and sympathize with these feelings. However, we also caution parents to think twice before casting the idea of summer camp aside.  Doing so could cost you the opportunity of finding space for your child at camp in the long run.  Here's why. 

Most families we know have already cancelled their summer vacation and travel plans deciding to stay close to home instead. Add to that the number of families foregoing overnight camp this summer, and the ripple effect of all this could be that most local day camps will be sold out. There just won't be enough space to accommodate all the kids who want to attend.

The self-quarantine and school cancellations are giving everyone a taste of how difficult it is when active kids are stuck at home with nothing to do.  By the time summer gets here they'll be climbing the walls needing activity and stimulation.  But you still want them close to home just in case, right? Plus, many parents will need to increase their work hours to compensate for missed days. This adds up to an increased demand for day camp programs.

We anticipate all these families will turn try to sign up for day camps all at once,  probably in May or June when Covid-19 has hopefully leveled and begun to decrease.  At that point, parents will be faced with the prospect of incredible competition to find available space in camps already filled to the brim. 

No one wants to find themselves on a wait list or, perhaps worse, have to send their kids to a camp that may be their second or third choice. That means it's best to reserve your space now at your favorite day camp now to cover your bets later. Most camps have very reasonable refund policies given today's unfortunate coronavirus environment, so if you sign up for camp now but change your mind later, you'll  likely get your money back. 

By signing up for day camp now, you can wait out the coronvirus situation with confidence knowing you're child is safely signed up for the program of your choice. Let everyone else fight over the few remaining spots at camp when all of this blows over.

The coronavirus public health threat has disrupted everyone's daily lives. Summer camps -- and families like you who are looking for camps for their kids -- aren't immune from this unfortunate situation.

As you may know, lasummercamps.com sponsors the L.A. Camp Fairs every year. This year, the camp fairs in Los Feliz, at UCLA, in Calabasas and at Cal State Northridge all had to be cancelled. Stopping the spread of the coronavirus is the number one priority right now.

We know you rely on us to share the many exciting summer camp programs and opportunities for kids in L.A. Historically, one of the ways we've done that is by telling you all about the L.A. Camp Fairs. Unfortunately, large gatherings in public places isn't prudent right now, so in conjunction with the camp fair organizers we developed a "virtual" camp fair website called vcampfair.com.

What's vcampfair.com? It's the online equivalent of a live summer camp fair but it takes place online instead. You can visit all the camp fair booths, learn about all the participating programs, connect with camp directors and more, all from your own computer.

For the foreseeable future, most of us will be staying close to home. We'll be using our computers and mobile devices more than ever to purchase supplies, gather information and monitor events. Now you can go to a camp fair and a great summer camp right from the comfort of your own couch.  Check out the virtual camp fair and find a great camp for your kids today.

No doubt about it, there's lots of fearful people out there. And because most camps take place in a close community, parents have questions about whether camps will be operating this summer.

We've spoken to many camp directors here in L.A. the past few days to gauge their plans for this summer. Every one of them says it will be "business as usual" this summer with every intention to operate.

That's good news for parents, who often view sending their kids to summer camp as a rite of passage or at least a traditional experience each summer they don't want their kids to miss.

Moreover, many families depend on day camps as a child care mechanism so their kids have someplace to go during the day while their parents work.

The hope is this:  By the time the weather warms up and cold and flu season passes, the cornoavirus health threat will be gone (if not greatly reduced) and there will be no impact to camps regarding this subject whatsover.

At the same time, it's always best to plan ahead. If you've already signed up for camp, or just considering a program or two, make sure you have a clear understanding of each camp's refund policy and keep checking their websites or calling them for updates regarding their latest plans.

Regarding the type of program you're considering, there may be benefits to attending a day camp this summer (versus a sleepaway camp) since day camps generally take place in large open-space outdoor environments, not in a closed contained cabin settings like sleepaway camps do.  On the other hand, most sleepaway camps we know of have sophisticated health and wellness programs in place and are ready to share an amazing camp experience with your kids.

Whatever kind of camp  you choose this summer, make sure you ask the camp director about their staff safety certifications, pre-camp and arrival day screening procedures, and on-site medical staff including nurses, Health Supervisors and more.  You must be completely satisfied with the camp's emergency response and communicable disease plans and strategies, otherwise you should find another camp.