LOS ANGELES SUMMER CAMPS BLOG

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.

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

You know that saying, "there's an app for that?" 

It basically refers to the notion that whatever your interest in a certain subject or activity -- or you need help accomplishing a certain task, you're trying to find something, and so on -- you can simply download an app onto your phone, computer or tablet to help you achieve it.

There's an app for everything, and guess what? The same can be said about camps: "There's a camp for that" fits the bill exactly! 

​What do we mean by, "there's a camp for that?"

L.A. area families looking for a specialty summer camp program for their kids this summer can find the ideal program at L.A. Camp Fair 2018.

L.A. Camp Fair is a free, three-day summer camp expo event taking place on three convenient dates and locations in and around Los Angeles on March  14, April 14 and April 22.

Over 60 camps and programs will be on display. You'll have the opportunity to meet all the camp representatives and learn about their programs. It's a lot easier finding the perfect camp when they're all together in one place compared to contacting all of the individually for information.

• The March 11 Camp Fair takes place at UCLA
• The April 14 Camp Fair takes place at Conejo Creek North Park in Thousand Oaks
• The April 22 Camp Fair takes place at A.C. Stelle Middle School in Calabasas

You might choose to attend just one, two or all three camp fairs, whatever's most convenient for you.  But in order to learn about all the camp opportunities without missing anything, coming to all three camp fairs might be  your best choice since some of the camps are only exhibiting at one or two events.

Grab your free tickets to one, two, or all three camp fairs here. 

The nice thing about looking for summer programs for kids in L.A. is there's never a shortage of worthwhile programs. No matter what kind of camp you want for your kids, you'll be able to find it with such a wide selection of programs.

The thing is, though, families often limit themselves in their camp search because they may be unaware of the sheer incredible scope of available programs.

Sure, everyone knows what a day camp is, and there's many good ones in L.A.

The same can be said of sleepaway camps, too. 

But don't let your camp search stop there!

Did you know you can also find camps that specialize in certain programs, activities or events, which can really increase the potential for your child to have an outstanding summer experience by choosing a program subject that interests them the most. 

Let's say your son or daughter is really interested in learning Spanish this summer. There's a camp just for them!

Or how about computers and technology? There's even camps where your child can code a mobile app! 

Just the thought of sending your child to camp this summer is exciting. But your real challenge is finding the idea one. L.A. Camp Fair 2018 is your solution.

​By attending the Camp Fair (similar to an expo), you' ll meet camp directors and staff from up to 100 different camps and learn about their programs. All the camps will be in one place so you can take  your time going booth-to-booth grabbing free brochures and meeting camp staff. 

​Admission is free and you even have your choice of Camp Fairs to attend either on Sunday, March 11 at UCLA; Saturday, April 14 in Thousand Oaks; or Sunday, April 22 in Calabasas. 

Attending the L.A. Camp Fair is like a "one-stop-shop" for finding the best summer camp for you. Hope to see you there!

Even though summer recently ended and campers have returned to school, this is an exciting time for camps in general as many have already begun planning new and exciting activities for their 2018 summer camp seasons.

The fall and early winter months (generally September through December) are also when most camps begin marketing their programs for the future summer.

Two L.A. summer camps in particular, Pali Overnight Adventures and URJ 6 Points Sports Academy, are have already gotten started promoting their respective 2018 camps with new listings on L.A. Summer Camps.com.  The camps are listed on the site's L.A. Overnight Camps and Specialty Summer Camps pages.

Both Pali and URJ 6 Points Sports offer unique summer camp programming.

Pali offers many amazing specialty camp activities from stunt man camps to cooking adventures and everything in between.

URJ 6 Points Sports has a genuinely interesting program concept in its own right; it's one of the only (if not THE only) sleepaway Jewish sports camps we know about in Los Angeles.

Go ahead and check out Pali Adventures and URJ 6 Points Sports Academy when you can. And don't forget to check back here often as we share more information about various 2018 Los Angeles Summer Camp opportunities going forward.

​Meet camp counselors, staff and learn about the Monarchs Gym gymnastics program at the April 23 L.A. Camp Fair in Calabasas.

Monarchs Gym has something for everyone! Stations, obstacle courses, open gym, games, relays, trampoline & foam pit + snack, lunch & popsicle's in between all the running jumping & playing. Our super packed summer camp curriculum has your kids moving non-stop through either a 6 or 3hr day. We switch up activities every 15-20 minutes, which keep kids motivated and inspired.  Stop by our Camp Fair booth and say hello! 

Parents learn about summer camp opportunities for their kids in many different ways.  Maybe the get a referral from a friend, discover a program via online search, or some other way.

But did you know attending a Camp Fair is one of the best ways to learn about many different programs and meet their representatives all in once place?

Camp Fairs are live events where many camps are on display, usually in booths or tables, which are staffed by the camp representatives themselves.

Parents and kids go booth to booth meeting the camp representatives and learning about the various programs.

Camp Fairs are generally free to the public (the camps pay the Camp Fair promoter to attend the event) and usually take place on weekends.

L.A. Summer Camps.com will be putting on a Camp Fair in Calabasas on Sunday, April 23 from 12:00pm to 3:00pm.  Dozens upon dozens of camps will be there, from day camps to overnight camps to specialty camps and more.

More information is coming soon, including how camps and programs can register for this event and families can get free tickets. So be sure to follow our blog and check back often to learn more about this fantastic summer camp event!

Los Angeles is rife with girls-only schools. Two that come immediately to mind are  Archer School for girls and Marlborough School.

There are many, many more. The sheer number of them is a testament to the popularity and value  single-sex learning environments provide L.A. area girls.

Some parents who send their daughters to girls-only schools may want to break away from that dynamic during the summertime and choose a co-ed summer camp.

Conversely, other parents who send their girls to traditional co-ed schools may feel like summer is the perfect time to choose a single-sex camp.

In any case, if you're looking for a girls-only summer camp in Los Angeles, we have several options for you to consider.

• Rock and Roll Camp for Girls
• Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles
• Alexa Cafe
• Girl Power Summer Camp
• Camp Hollywood Land's Girl's Getaway Program
• Girls Who Code

Please keep in mind L.A. Summer Camps.com does not endorse any of the camps or programs listed above. We only provide this information as a resource to help you get started on your search for a girls-only summer camp in Los Angeles. Please let us know if we can be of further help.

As you may recall, earlier this week we mentioned how sports camps are gaining popularity in and around Los Angeles.  Just this week we've heard from families wanting our opinion on the best football camps, hockey camps and tennis camps in the city.  And even though we're about to head into the coldest time of year, three other moms emailed us about their kids' surf camp interest for the upcoming 2017 summer season.

One of the things we learned long ago through our involvement with camps is when children express interest in learning a new skill or trying a new activity, it’s best to help them pursue those interests as much as possible to the extent that you can.

In this manner, you will be helping your son or daughter learn more about themselves as a person by discovering their likes and dislikes, interests and non-interests, while simultaneously helping them increase their self confidence and esteem as they grow into happy, healthy adults.

If your son or daughter has expressed interest in learning to surf, why not sign them up for surf camp this summer?

If you live in L.A., you probably already know we're blessed with some of the best beaches, weather, and waves in the world.  After all, our local beaches are here and available for your child's enjoyment, and if you're like most L.A. parents, you'll probably be sending your child to camp this year.

Why not combine the two and sign your child up for surf camp? Surfing and summertime go hand in hand.

Great question. The answer depends on what "kind" of surf camp you're looking for. 

It's important to distinguish between a pure surf camp -- where surfing's the primary (if not the only) activity offered -- from other camps which may offer surfing as a smaller component to a more comprehensive summer program that might also boogie boarding, water play, sand games, and other beach-related activities in addition to surfing.

If you want a pure, dedicated surf camp program -- where surfing's the primary focus -- we highly advise learning to swim before signing up for the program.  Sending your child to surf camp if they don't know how to swim could potentially be a very unsafe (and not very fun) proposition.

Now there's just one more thing to note.

Despite our personal thoughts on this subject, individual camps may have their own guilelines regarding previous swimming experience required of their campers.  Check with the camp director for their particular policies before signing up for any program.

Given the sheer number of surf camps available, it's tempting to type "Surf Camps Los Angeles" into Google, then sign up for the first one you find.

While that's not a bad way to find a surf camp, keep in mind ANYONE can make ANYTHING look good online! This means you must be absolutely certain you're not choosing some fly-by-night program that just started teaching kids to surf yesterday.

This isn't to say newer surf camps aren't qualified to deliver an outstanding camp experiences to your child.  All we're saying is, it's pretty darn easy to put up a website, head down to the beach, set up a tent or canopy and call yourself a surf camp. 

Fortunately, there's a number of reputable, established surf camp programs in L.A. and Malibu you can choose from. One consideration is to contact the American Camp Association for a referral to qualified surf camps in your area.  Asking your friends if they can recommend a program is always a good strategy, too.

Once you find some surf camps that interest you, talk to each camp director to narrow down your choice. Eventually you'll find one or two you consider to be the best match for your child.

This is an important question and one often overlooked by families when choosing a summer surfing program. If you don't live near the beach, or your work schedule prevents you from driving your child to camp yourself, consider a surf camp that provides transportation. Some of the surf camps providing transportation do so for free, while others charge extra for the convenience.

Other programs require you to pick-up and and drop-off your kids yourself, so you'll need to find a way to get your child to camp yourself while braving the beach traffic. One popular arrangement we've seen used at many surf camps is a carpool arrangement with other camper families. Ask the camp director to help you facilitate a carpool for your program if this idea would benefit you.

The main point to remember is you have numerous transportation options when it comes to getting your child back and forth to camp.

Many camps in the L.A. area, notably the more popular ones, tend to fill up quickly.  Camps register children on a space-available basis, so when the last spot's gone, it's generally gone for good. The only option you may have at that point is to join the waiting list and hope for the best.

All in all, when you find a program that appeals to you, it's best to register sooner rather than later. This way you can sidestep the frustration and disappointment of finding a surf camp your child's eager to try, only to find out later they don't have room for you.

We are pleased to say another local summer camp has joined L.ASummerCamps.com. Please join us in welcoming STAR Summer Camps to the website. One thing we really like about STAR -- and something we think you'll like, too -- is there wide variety of convenient program locations.

The STAR program is based in L.A. area schools, so it will be very easy for you to find a STAR camp close by.  The have locations just about everywhere from Sherman Oaks to Pacific Palisades and many places in between.

We have listed the STAR summer program in both our day camp and specialty camp categories.