LOS ANGELES SUMMER CAMPS BLOG

Summer camping experiences can lead to friendships and memories that last a lifetime and at Camp Keystone. The staff at Camp Keystone is committed to making sure your child has a most memorable summer camp experience! ​

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!

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.

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.

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.

We want summer 2019 to be your child's best camp experience ever.  L.A.'s got a extraordinarily large number of camps to choose from, but just spending a little time on our website will help you find the perfect camp fit for your child. 

The first step in your summer camp search should be to identify a list of camps with a program and activity focus that matches the sorts of things your child likes to do. 

Just last week, we spoke with a parent who signed her child up for a Los Angeles area sleepaway camp, but her daughter wanted a day camp instead.

Our advice? We strongly suggested the mother follow her daughter's wishes. Ignoring her daughter's preference for a day camp versus a sleepaway program would not only lesson her chances for a good camp experience, it would probably create resistance the very idea of attending camp in the first place.  

So the important lesson here is, start by finding the type of camp your child wants, then begin your camp search there.

Summer camp websites these days are so full of great information and colorful pictures, videos, and virtual tours, it almost seems like you're standing right in the middle of the camp site itself.  But you're not!

Gathering online information from camps that interest you is a great idea, but remember, these are only first impressions and the websites are designed to "sell" you on their programs.

If you find a camp you like online, your next step is to reach out to the camp director in person to ask whatever questions you might have -- but don't stop there!

We highly advise visiting the camp in person so you can meet the camp director and his or her staff face to face while taking a live tour of the camp site.  (If the camp does not offer personal tours -- which would be unusual, since most typically do -- then attending an Open House is the next best thing.  Check out our listings for some upcoming Los Angeles summer camp open house dates and times.

After you've met the camp director and camp counselors and visited the camp in person, you might feel somewhat differently (positively or negatively) compared to your initial impressions upon finding the camp online.

Maybe you don't like the camp as much  now as you thought you did before. On the other hand, maybe your visit confirmed your initial feelings and now you love it even more. In any case, your trip to the camp was worthwhile because now you're either sure you want to sign up or ready to move on to the next step in your camp search -- something you wouldn't have been able to do with as much confidence had you made your decision site unseen. 

Assuming you love it and your child does too, the final step in the process before signing up should be to check references. Ask the camp director for names or two or three past or current camp families who wouldn't mind sharing their impressions of the camp program with you.

If you are impressed by what you hear, now is the time to sign up!

If not, you can either ask to speak with a few more references, or move on to another camp.

There are so many different summer camps in Los Angeles to choose from, even if you don't find  one you love right away, keep looking! You are bound to find your child's perfect L.A. summer camp sooner rather than later.

Capitol Debate offers summer camps and yearlong online debate programs focused on building students’ communication and critical thinking skills, thus leading to better academic performance at school and opening up career opportunities in their future.

Their summer camp programs include Business Communication Camps, STEM Communication Camps, and Public Speaking and Debate Camps. Through Capitol Debate’s Communication and Debate programs, participants become prepared to give outstanding speeches in classes, excel in interviews, and express themselves confidently in their daily lives.

Not only will Capitol Debate campers and students learn communications skills; they will feel an increase in self-worth, work on critical thinking skills, and improve communication with their peers. Many of Capitol Debate’s former campers have gone on to participate in national debate tournaments and enroll in prestigious universities (UCLA, Stanford, USC, and Harvard to name a few).

Capitol Debate offers various camp dates at more than 35 locations for the 2019 Summer Season, with international camps in Singapore. 

Camp representatives from Capitol Debate will be in attendance at the March 9 Camp Fair at UCLA to meet you and answer your questions about their program. Attending the Camp Fair is a great way to discuss and learn about all the various summer program opportunities for your kids this summer. Free tickets are available here.  Capitol Debate has a camp program located on the campus of UCLA,  so their attendance at the Camp Fair is a perfect match.

Many families we speak with are looking for a religious-based summer camp. Camp Wise is a fun and active Jewish summer day camp at Stephen Wise Temple in Bel Air where preschool through 7th grade campers enjoy swimming in the camp's on-site pool, sports in their gym, and specialty activities such as art, science, cooking, music, and more.

Campers in 1st through 7th grades have weekly field trips, and everyone enjoys special programs such as carnivals, weekly themes and dress-up days, not to mention Rockin' Shabbats!

If a Jewish summer camp interests you, contact Camp Wise for more information for meet their representatives in person at upcoming L.A. Summer Camp Fairs in March and April

The Camp is located at 540 South Commonwealth Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90020. If you'd like more information,  you can meet Camp Super Duper staff and learn about the program at the upcoming March 10 L.A. Camp Fair in Los Feliz where Camp Super Duper and many more camps will be exhibiting their programs. ​

We're big fans of American Camp Association (ACA) accredited programs.

While camps that have not achieved accreditation are not necessarily any worse than those that have, we generally recommend choosing an accredited camp because this is your best guarantee you're picking a program that meets the highest safety and operational standards in the entire summer camp industry.  You can learn more about camp accreditation here.

Families who live in Calabasas and nearby communities can lean about many accredited camp opportunities at the upcoming L.A. Camp Fair at AC Stelle Middle School on April 7.

One of the programs exhibiting at the Calabasas Camp Fair is Phoenix Ranch Day Camp, is an accredited camp with the ACA.

​Located in Simi Valley, Phoenix Ranch Day Camp is preparing an incredible experience for Summer 2019 for campers kindergarten through 8th grade.  They offer a wide variety of programs including drama, archery, go-karts, sports, arts & crafts, nature study, dress-ups, theme days, workshops, game room, swimming and much more.  Even though it's a day camp program, Phoenix Ranch also offers 5 day / 4 night sleepover adventures during the summer, too. 

Seem like a great time all around! So if you would like to learn more about this program or other camp opportunities available for your child this summer, head on out to the Camp Fair on April 7. You can meet staff representatives from Phoenix Ranch Day Camp and many other accredited (and non-accredited) summer camp programs. ​

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.

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!"

We had a GREAT time at last Sunday's L.A. Camp Fair at UCLA!

Despite the rainy weather -- and the last minute move to hold the Camp Fair inside Pauley Pavillion rather than outside the Sunset Canyon Recreation Center -- over 1,000 people attended the Camp Fair!  These families got to meet and interact with camp representatives from 62 amazing day camps, overnight camps, and every other kind of camp and summer program you can imagine.

We are so happy to be able to match up so many families with so many wonderful programs. We know you will find a fantastic summer camp experience for your kids this year, simply because you attended the Camp Fair!

But if you were among the hundreds (and hundreds and hundreds and HUNDREDS!) of families who attended Sunday's event, now your real work begins!

After collecting lots of brochures and meeting many people, you now have the task of sorting through all your materials to find a great camp for your child. 

Sometimes it can be overwhelming seeing so many camps and people together in one place, so we've compiled  a list for you below with links to all the camps who participated at Sunday's Los Angeles Summer Camp Fair.  Just click on the links below to visit each camp's website and learn more.

(By the way, the following list is also a great resource for families who may have missed Sunday's UCLA Camp Fair and want to find a super program for their kids this summer!) ​

Thank you again to all who attended and we hope you have an awesome experience at camp this summer!

L.A's filled with an amazing variety of summer camp opportunities for kids. The types and programs and activities are endless.  While many kids are perfectly happy attending a traditional camp experience where they get to enjoy a diverse set of camp activities such as horseback riding and archery, other kids may have more focused interests.  We've highlighted three popular beach-themed summer day camp options in the L.A. area for kids. Click through to their websites for more information, or meet them in person at the  upcoming L.A. Summer Camp Fair and Expo in March and April.

Established in 1999, Aloha Beach Camp Summer Day Camp is a veritable aquatic playground for kids and teens. This camp bills itself as L.A's most comprehensive aquatic summer camp, and we can see why. The camp takes place at a wide variety of Malibu beaches like Zuma and Paradise Cove, plus day trips to Castaic Lake. Hurricane Harbor and other fun aquatic venues on a rotating basis where campers enjoy surfing lessons, boogie boarding instruction, jet skiing activities and more. Free transportation on buses and vans is provided. The camp also offers a 100% money-back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied. www.alohabeachcamp.com

L.A. Camp Fair 2018 is a summer camp expo in Los Angeles featuring over 100 summer day camps, sleepaway camps, specialty camps and many other kinds of fun and exciting programs where families can connect live in person with camp counselors, staff and other representatives from the exhibiting camps and learn about their programs.

Attending a Camp Fair is one of the most (if not THE most) convenient and informative ways to find out about all the available summer camp opportunities for your child because Camp Fairs provide an environment where so many different camps all come together under one roof to share and discuss their programs and activities with you and to see if their program would be a good fit for your son or daughter this summer. ​

In fact, many of the participating summer camps will be doing sample live activities and demonstrations at their booths so your child can get a "sneak peak" at the actual activities they'd enjoy at camp this summer. 

The Camp Fair takes place at three different locations in greater L.A. on three separate dates this year in March and April. No matter where you live in L.A., you'll find a convenient Camp Fair event near you. ​

Several parents have reached out to us inquiring about whether L.A. Camp Fair tickets cost money. The answer is no!  Tickets to all three camp fair events are entirely free, and just one ticket will admit your whole family to any of the three Camp Fairs. 

What happens if you show up to the Camp Fair without tickets? No worries, you won't be turned away! To the contrary, you'll be welcomed with open arms to any or all three L..A. Camp Fair events whether or not you show up at the door with tickets. But we suggest getting tickets beforehand for two reasons.

First, reserving your tickets ahead of time helps us know how many families to expect at each event. We want to make sure we have the right amount of games, food, activities and everything else, so your advance ticket helps us plan better for the right number of people.

Second, your free Camp Fair ticket automatically enters you into drawings and raffles to win gifts, prizes, and even free camp sessions from participating camp exhibitors

Many families view specialty camps as all the rage, but L.A. has its fair share of traditional summer camp camps, too.  In fact these types of programs have been a staple for Los Angeles children to enjoy every summer for years.

One such program is Young Set Club.

​For over 30 years, Young Set Club has provided a hands-on experience where campers choose from a variety of activities, have opportunity to progressively build skills, and gain a sense of belonging.  Their camp leaders -- their counselors and staff -- build a culture that encourages everyone to help each other become more creative and thrive in a fun and supportive camp environment.

Young set club is a traditional summer day camp located in Thousand Oaks. To learn more about the Young Set Club's program and meet their staff in person, come to the L.A. Camp Fair on Saturday, April 14 at Conejo Creek North Park.

Not only will you meet representatives from Young Set Club, there will be many other excellent camps and programs who operate summer camps in Los Angeles just like theirs for you to discover. 

The L.A. Camp Fair is free and fun for everyone and will be an exciting event for the whole family, so be sure to join the fun on April 14. 

Boys and girls who love art or simply want to learn the craft can meet lots of different art camps at the upcoming L.A. Calabasas Summer Camp Fair on Sunday, April 22 at AC Stelle Middle School.

One of the more popular Art Camps attending is the Summer Art Academy, otherwise known simply as "The Art Camp."

The Art Camp's dynamic, hands-on workshops will awaken your child's hidden talents. Choose from a wonderful variety of inspiring workshops like Woodworking, Watercolors, Sculpture, Cartooning, Martial Arts, Magic, Yoga, Theatre Arts, Cooking, Fine Art and more! This year have your child spend some summer days with inspirational teachers and artists who will uncover your child's creative unique self. Campers ages 5 to 15 are eligible to participate. Online enrollment is open now. 

Interested in attending the Camp Fair? Get your FREE tickets today and we'll see  you April 22!

Year after year, sports summer camps are among the most popular programs for kids and 2018 is no different. It's only January and we've already heard from many sports camp owners and directors their camps are beginning to fill up.

There's still time to sign up, though, and lots of time to find a great sports camp for you!

Where's the best way to find a great sports camp? Come to the L.A. Camp Fair at UCLA in March!

Over 75 camps and programs will be on display, including one of the top sports camps in Los Angeles, Iverbe Day and Sports Camp

​Iverbe is a camp that's dedicated to creating a fun, positive summer experience in a safe environment at the Willows Community School, Palisades High School and at St. Anastasia School in Westchester.

The program is committed to providing your child with a uniquely personal camp experience. Iverbe's camp counselors understand the importance of developing relationships with their campers and will help them build meaningful relationships with each other.  The camp's goal is to provide a safe, supportive environment where campers are free to explore their capabilities and focus on having fun.

To meet the staff from Iverbe and many other sports camps and programs this summer, get your free tickets to the L.A. Camp Fair today.

Can you daughter make her on iPhone at summer camp? She might be able to now, if you check out this unique summer camp program called Girls Who Code!

​Girls Who Code Campus offers two-week courses for girls ages 10 through 18. Each course dives deep on challenging material, like iPhone App Development, Wearable Tech & Fashion Design, or Website Design & Development. Courses focus on hands-on activities and explore computer science concepts in a fun, creative environment that facilitates sisterhood and confidence-building. Campus is hosted at Scripps, Harvey Mudd, and Loyola Marymount University.

Several representatives from the Girls Who Code summer program will be on hand to meet you at L.A. Camp Fair 2018 Sunday, March 11 at UCLA. The L.A. Camp Fair is totally free and greater L.A.'s biggest and best camp expo, so grab your free tickets today for the Camp Fair and meet the staff from Girls Who Code (and about 75 other L.A. area camps).

Attending L.A. Camp Fair 2018 is the easiest and most convenient way to find the best camp for your child so they have an absolute blast this summer!

​If you're looking a performing arts summer camp for your child, Idyllwild Arts is worth your consideration. At Idyllwild Arts, summer is serious fun! Since 1950, the Idyllwild Arts Summer Program has offered intensive workshops in dance, film, music, songwriting, theatre, visual arts and writing to students of all ages and abilities, including Family Week. Located in the beautiful mountains of Southern California. Art Workshops are available for Kids and Teens (ages 5-18), Adults, and Families.  Learn more about their program and many others at L.A. Camp Fair 2018, greater L.A.'s best summer camp expo.