Sending Your Kids to Camp Amid the Coronavirus Outbreak? Make Sure the Camp is Following the Rules!7/2/2020 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.
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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!
Discover L.A.'s Top Beach Camps for Your Kids this Summer
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. Status of Various Los Angeles Summer Day Camps Open and Closed Amid COVID-19 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.
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.
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! Holding off on signing up for camp? Think twice before waiting too long or the day camp of your choice could be sold out  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 2020 In-Person L.A. Camp Fairs Are Cancelled. Visit a Virtual Camp Fair Instead! 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. We are sorry to say all of the L.A. Camp Fairs plus the Camp Fair in Santa Barbara have been cancelled due to the coronavirus health threat. Cancelled events include
We are so sad we won't be able to meet together in person to help you find a summer camp for your kids this year, but this website is a great resource to help you find a great day camp, sleepaway camp, sports camp or specialty camp not just in the Los Angeles area but elsewhere, too. Most, if not all, of the camps who intended to participate at the camp fair events will most definitely be operating their programs this summer, so be sure to visit their websites for more information. Meanwhile, we hope to see you next year when the camp fair events resume as usual. Until then, we hope you stay healthy and safe! We regret to inform you this weekend's L.A. Camp Fairs on Saturday March 14 in Los Feliz and Sunday, March 15 at UCLA have been cancelled due to the unfortunate issues surrounding the coronavirus.
All of the camps and programs scheduled to attend the Camp Fair this weekend were looking forward to meeting you and sharing their summer program opportunities with you. As official sponsors of the Camp Fairs, we are very sad we can't get together. But protecting your health and safety is the number one priority, so it's in everyone's best interest to cancel the event. The majority, if not all, of the camps who were planning to participate this weekend are still operating their camps this summer, so please don't hesitate to reach out to them for information. You can find a listings and links to their websites here. There's also a wealth of information about local L.A. area camps on the lasummercamps.com website. If the events are able to rescheduled for a future date, we will let you know right away. Meanwhile, we will post information regularly about additional ways you can connect with the camps that interest you. Thank you so much for your support. We hope you have a great summer and we see you at a future Camp Fair event soon. Sincerely, Your Friends at the L.A. Camp Fair With all the talk about caronavirus, you may be wondering if the L.A. Camp Fair at UCLA is still taking place this weekend in Pauley Pavilion. You'll be glad to know it is!
Join us this Sunday, March 15 from noon to 3:00 PM to meet camp directors and counselors from over 50 summer camps and learn about their programs. Ask questions and get to know each of the camps in person. There's nothing meeting all kinds of camp representatives face-to-face all in one place. You'll be able to get a personal feel for the camps that feel "right" to you and others that don't quite fit the bill. Be sure to bring your kids too so they can see for themselves all the amazing camp opportunities they can enjoy this summer. Grab your free tickets to the L.A. Camp Fair at UCLA today! Even though it's still early March and rainy weather is predicted this week here in Los Angeles, don't let that prevent you from looking for a summer day camp or overnight camp for your kids.
When you consider the millions of families with kids living in L.A. who've already started searching for camps -- not to mention the countless others who've already registered their kids up for various programs -- it's best not to wait any longer before beginning your search for a camp this summer. Most summer camps in L.A. operate with very limited capacity restrictions. If you want to make sure your child grabs one of the few available spots, we advise narrowing down your list of prospective programs to a select two or three, doing your due diligence, then picking your preferred program as soon as possible. When it comes to finding a great L.A. summer camp, the early bird gets the worm. Many camps have long waiting lists of anxious families hoping space opens up for their camper. Find a camp now so you can avoid disappointment later. The L.A. Camp Fair in Los Feliz takes place this Saturday, March 14 in the Los Angeles Friendship Auditorium from noon to 3:00 PM. Meet camp directors from over 40 different programs from day camps to overnight camps and all kinds of camps in between. The Camp Fair is free, but we're expecting a lot of people and only have a limited number of free tickets to give away, so get yours today before they're all gone and find a great summer camp for your kids this summer! Free Los Feliz Camp Fair tickets.
 If you are looking for summer camp for your child this year but having trouble deciding where to start, the L.A. Summer Camp Fair series of camp expo events is the first place to turn. L.A. Camp Fair 2020 is the ideal way to find the best summer camp for your kids this year. Attending the L.A. Camp Fair makes choosing a summer camp easy! The reason why is because you'll be able to meet dozens of camp representatives all in one place and learn about their programs. We always suggest bringing your kids to the Camp Fairs too, in order for them to give their input and share their impressions with you of all the different camps and programs on display at the Camp Fairs. Research shows time and again kids are much more apt to enjoy camp when they feel like they've been part of their own camp selection process versus being "sent" to a camp or program their parents choose for them instead. Four Camp Fairs in the L.A. area to Choose From L.A. Camp Fair is comprised of a series of four summer camp expo events taking place at four different locations and convenient locations in March and April. You're more than welcome (and encouraged!) to attend more than one Camp Fair, but if you only have time for one or two, we advise choosing one close in close proximity to where you live. The Camp Fairs take place in centrally convenient locations as follows:
Don't Forget the Kids!
You can ask questions, get free brochures and learn about all the various camp opportunities here in L.A. under one roof. This year the L.A. Camp Fairs take place: You can expect to see at least 40 or 50 camps exhibiting at each Camp Fair. Camp Wildcraft is a Program You Won't Want to Miss Campers who enjoy art and nature will want to make a point of attending the Calabasas Camp Fair April 4. That's because one particular program that specializes in this type of thing will be on display. The camp is called Camp Wildcraft and it's definitely a camp for kids who crave a summer camp experience involving learning, friendship and fun.
At Camp Wildcraft, campers develop into creative, curious, confident & caring kids who feel at home in nature. The have two different sites -- one at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas and another at The Sycamore School in Malibu. Every day at camp your child will make friends, take hikes, create big, mixed-media art projects, paint and draw, sculpt in wood and clay, sketch in their handmade nature journals, do theatre, build forts, play together with wild freedom and much more. So, please make a point of stopping by Camp Wildcraft's booth at the Camp Fair. You can get free tickets to the event here. But there is just one more thing to be aware of if you're considering Camp Wildcraft for your child this summer. The camp is small by design, so space is limited. If you like what you see about Camp Wildcraft at the Camp Fair, sign up as soon as you can to ensure your child's spot. 
For kids who live in L.A., going to the beach each summer is a natural part of growing up. It's just something kids around here do! There's nothing better than spending time at the beach on those hot summer days. Kids can boogie board, swim in the ocean, play games on the sand with their families and friends and so much more.
Los Angeles Summer Surf Camp Listings
1. Aloha Beach Camp, located at Zuma Beach in Malibu, is widely regarding as one of L.A.'s top surf camps for beginning campers ages 4 to 15 who are new to surfing and want to learn the sport at their own pace. This program is also accredited by the American Camp Association and offers free transportation on buses with seat belts so you don't have to drive your child to camp yourself. If your child is a "hard core surfer," this may not be the ideal program for you. But if your son or daughter wants to learn the basics of surfing while enjoying any number of other fun camp activities every day they're at the beach, consider Aloha Beach Camp this summer.
2. CampSurf, located in Manhattan Beach, offers not just summer surf camps for kids but surf parties, lessons and corporate surf events, too. In fact CampSurf is the official surf school of the Manhattan Beach and other nearby L.A. cities. CampSurf teaches kids how to navigate the ocean and study the waves from the point of view enabling surf campers to enjoy the ins and outs of surfing safely all their lives. The camp even provides wetsuits so campers stay warm in the water.
3. Malibu Makos, located at the northern most part of Zuma Beach, is another Malibu based surf camp for kids offering special events and private surfing lessons, too. Campers ages 5 to 17 can enjoy weekday and even Saturday surf camps and classes. Surfboards, wetsuits and all equipment is provided for all participants. Even campers living further away from Malibu can enjoy the Malibu Makos surf camp program as the camp offers transportation service for an additional fee.
4. Perfect Day Camp Surf offers surf camps for kids at several locations including Santa Monica and Redondo Beach. Campers are encouraged to surf but can also enjoy boogie boarding, beach camps, and a more typical beach camp activities. Kids as young as 5 years old up to 17 are eligible to participate in the program. Sibling discounts and early bird discounts are available. This is a popular L.A. surf camp, so sign up for the program soon.
5. Summer of Surf is a beach and surf camp serving campers in the Pasadena area. In fact it's the only surf camp for kids in the area. If your child can tolerate what might be a longer-than-usual bus ride to the beach, this is definitely a camp to consider if you live in the Sierra Madre, Pasadena, or La Canada Flintridge areas and surrounding communities. Summer of Surf is offering early bird discount specials going on now, so if you sign up for camp today your child can learn to surf this summer and you'll save a few bucks at the same time. Summer of Surf is in partnership with Perfect Surf Day Camp, another surf camp program on our list.  Parents use any number of strategies to find the best camps for their kids. If you're looking for the best L.A. summer camp, you might ask your friends for a reference, or perhaps attend the L.A. Camp Fairs where you can meet in person camp directors from 100's of different programs under one roof.
But what if you're in a time crunch or have a scheduling conflict and can't make the camp fairs? Or what if you're just browsing the internet and have some time to kill? In that case, you're in the right place! We've spent a lot of time researching the best Los Angeles Summer Camps and compiling them in our 2020 Los Angeles Summer Camp Guide. The Guide is easy to use. You can read all about the various camps and click or tap right through to their respective websites. You're bound to find the perfect camp! We spend a lot of our time here on lasummercamps.com introducing parents to all the many wonderful summer camp opportunities available for kids in Los Angeles. But we know families from other nearby cities also visit our site, too, in hopes of finding a fantastic camps for their kids, also.  Looking for a Summer Camp in Santa Barbara? Don't miss the Santa Barbara Camp Fair! On Saturday, April 18 there is a Camp Fair taking place at Santa Barbara City College where parents and kids can meet camp representatives from all kinds of different programs, ask questions, pick up free brochures and participate in sample camp activities. Day Camps, Sleepaway Camps, Sports Camps, Academic Camps and more will be on display. The Santa Barbara Camp Fair will feature over 40 different programs for you to discover as potential summer camp options for your kids this year. The Camp Fair is totally free, so if you want to meet lots of camp directors in person and see what kinds of programs they have available for your kids this summer, make sure you don't miss the Santa Barbara Camp Fair! Get Free Tickets to the Santa Barbara Summer Camp Fair The Santa Barbara Summer Camp Fair is free. Free parking's available, too! But you will need to get free tickets to get in to the Camp Fair due to an expected big crowd. You can get your free tickets here. When you arrive at the Camp Fair, just show your ticket to one of our helpful Camp Fair concierges who will direct your to the event.
We'll see you at the Santa Barbara Camp Fair Saturday, April 18 at Santa Barbara City College!  As sponsors of the 2020 Los Angeles Summer Camp Fairs, we always enjoy learning about and sharing with L.A. families some of the most popular camps around. Steve & Kate’s Camp is one such program.
We are big fans of Steve & Kate's philosophy. They believe that when you trust kids, they develop the confidence to trust themselves, and learn to use their own judgment. So Steve & Kate created a summer camp that puts kids in charge. Because unlike traditional schools, summer gives us the freedom to reinvent learning in a way that allows kids to make their own choices – and, of course, a few mistakes along the way. Driven by this belief, Steve and Kate's Camp puts kids in the driver’s seat of a world of possibilities. So whether your child is a natural-born storyteller with a love for animation, or a budding chef, or a hacker-in-training, or a future fashion designer, they can dive into their passions in a world free from adult judgments and expectations at Steve and Kate's summer camp. No matter where you live in L.A. County, Steve and Kate's Camp has a location near you. The program operates in Manhattan Beach, Pasadena, Valley Village and Beverly Hills. You can also meet the Camp Director, Jessica, in person at the upcoming L.A. Camp Fair in Los Feliz on Saturday, March 14. Jessica will be at the Camp Fair to answer your questions and provide any other information you want or need about Steve & Kate's 2020 summer day camp program. Should your child attend Steve & Kate's Camp this summer, please let us a message in the comments below to share your impressions of your experience with other families who are considering the camp for their kids as well. Ready to find a great summer camp for your kids in 2020? Don't miss the L.A. Camp Fairs! Make your plans to join us at one or more of these fun and informative Camp Fair events now:
L.A. Camp Fair in Los Feliz Los Angeles Friendship Auditorium Saturday, March 14, 2020 12:00pm to 3:00pm Free tickets L.A. Camp Fair at UCLA Pauley Pavilion Sunday, March 15, 2020 12:00pm to 3:00 pm Free tickets L.A. Camp Fair at Cal State Northridge Redwood Activity Center Sunday, March 29, 2020 12:00pm to 3:00pm Free tickets L.A. Camp Fair at Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center Saturday, April 4, 2020 12:00pm to 3:00pm Free tickets We're looking forward to seeing you at the Camp Fairs! We're excited to announce we've added another camp fair date and location to our family of L.A. Camp Fair events. In addition to our UCLA, Calabasas, and Los Feliz 2020 L.A. Camp Fair events, we have added a 4th summer camp expo at Cal State Northridge taking place Sunday, March 29. We'll post more info about this soon, but for now, if you live in Northridge or anywhere near the northern San Fernado Valley, there's an L.A. Camp Fair for you!
Many folks have requested from us a printable and definitive guide to the best Los Angeles summer camps. You asked and we listened! Starting January 1, 2020 we will make available to you an Official Guide of the Best Los Angeles summer camps. You can get it right here with a click of your mouse or tap of your finger. You can also join our mailing list below and we'll email you the free guide the moment it's available. It's the easiest way to find the 2020 summer camp for your child! |
AuthorBlog posts by Cora Carter of L.A. Summer Camps.com Archives
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