LOS ANGELES SUMMER CAMPS BLOG

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

• March 14 in Los Feliz
• March 15 at UCLA
• March 29 at Cal State Northridge
• April 4 in Calabasas
• April 18 at Santa Barbara City College

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.

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:

• L.A. Camp Fair in Los Feliz on Sunday March 14
• L.A. Camp Fair at UCLA on Sunday March 15
• L.A. Camp Fair at Cal State Northridge on Sunday, March 29
• L.A. Camp Fair in Calabasas at the Agoura Hills Calabasas Community Center on Saturday, April 4

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:

• March 14 in Los Feliz
• March 15 at UCLA
• March 29 at Cal State Northridge
• April 4  in Calabasas

You can expect to see at least 40 or 50 camps exhibiting at each Camp Fair.

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.

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.

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!

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!

We're still in the planning stages for some of the upcoming 2020 L.A. Camp Fair events. We'll post details here once everything's set. Meanwhile, please mark your calendars for the following events which are scheduled for March and April:

• L.A. Camp Fair at the Friendship Auditorium in Los Feliz
  
• L.A. Camp Fair at the Agoura/Calabasas Community Center in Calabasas
  

The L.A. Camp Fair in Los Feliz will take place Saturday, March 14 at the Friendship Auditorium in Los Angeles, directly adjacent to Griffith Park.  Over 35 different summer camps and programs locally and from out of state will be exhibiting their camps. If you live near the Friendship Auditorium and you're looking for a convenient "one-stop-shop" where you can learn about dozens of summer camps and and programs under one roof,  don't miss this free event. Get your free tickets to the Camp Fair in Los Feliz today!

Families living in Calabasas and surrounding communities, including the West San Fernando and Conejo Valleys, won't want to miss this free event where over 50 different sleepaway camps and day camps will be showcasing their programs and activities for families like yours.  This free summer camp expo event is free for the whole family! You'll be able to meet camp directors and counselors from all the different camps,  get all your questions answered, participate in sample camp activities and make finding a camp for summer 2020 easy.  This L.A. Camp Fair event takes place Saturday, April 4 at the Agoura/Calabasas Community Center.  Free tickets are available now. Grab yours before they sell out!

If the Calabasas or Los Feliz Camp Fairs aren't convenient for you, don't worry! Additional Camp Fairs are coming, too ... we just haven't nailed down the specific dates yet. But rest assured, there will be a L.A. Camp Fair near you for summer 2020 including one at UCLA in March.
Additional potential Camp Fairs include:

• L.A. Camp Fair at Cal State Northridge
  
• L.A. Camp Fair in Orange County
• L.A. Camp Fair in Santa Barbara
• L.A. Camp Fair in Studio City

Additional events announced soon!

We hope to see  you at one or more of the upcoming L.A. Camp Fair events. It's the easiest way to find a great summer camp for your child!

It's always easier to find a great camp when you're able to compare lots of them together all at once.  And the best way to learn about many different camps all in one place is by attending a summer camp fair.

You're probably familiar with a wedding expos or food show where you can visit individual booths to learn about all the different vendors' products and services. The wedding expo might have lots of different D.J's and florists displaying their wares, for example, while the food expo might have different cupcakes, breads, and other various items you can sample by visiting all the various booths.

Camp Fairs are similar events, except instead of food or wedding vendors, summer camps are on display instead.  That means you can go booth-to-booth meeting various camp directors in person and learning about their programs. You can get free brochures and ask questions, and your kids can sample different activities camps might be offering at their respective booths. It's kind of like a Farmer's Market, but for summer camps instead!

If your family lives in Agoura Hills or the surrounding community and you want to find the best camp program for your child this summer, don't miss L.A. Camp Fair's Saturday, April 4 summer camp fair at the Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center.

This event is completely free and you'll be able to meet -- up close and in person -- representatives from more than 50 day camps and overnight camps and learn about the programs. There will be games, activities and free food for the kids, plus lots of free parking to make getting in and out of the Camp Fair a breeze.

We hope to see you at the L.A. Camp Fair for Agoura Hills families on April 4.  While the event is free, we anticipate selling out, so we suggest getting your free tickets right now if you want to come.

See you at the  Camp Fair!

L.A. Camp Fair 2020 is hosting three summer camp expo events so you can find a great camp for your child this summer,  including our popular UCLA Camp Fair event location.

Though our Camp Fair at UCLA is currently in the planning stages, we expect it to take place in late February or early March. We'll have firm details for you shortly, so please check back here often for specific dates and times.  You can expect to meet camp representatives from over 60 different programs at the L.A. Camp Fair at UCLA, so be sure not to miss it.

Meanwhile, you can view information about last year's L.A. Camp Fair at UCLA here in order to get an idea of what you can expect at this year's camp fair...although this year's event will be even bigger and better!

Los Angeles families looking for the ideal summer program for their kids in 2020 will find what they're looking for at the L.A. Camp Fair in Los Feliz.

L.A. Camp Fair offers several summer camp expo events in and around Los Angeles. If you live in the Los Feliz/Griffith Park area, you can't afford to miss the LA. Camp Fair's Los Feliz event taking place Sunday, March 14 from noon to 3pm at the Los Angeles Friendship Auditorium.

With tons of free parking and over 50 summer camps on display, this will be a fun and exciting day for the whole family. We'll have games, activities and prizes for the kids, not to mention an opportunity for you to win free camp sessions from participating camps. You'll be able to meet camp directors in person, ask questions and learn about their programs.  With so many camps and programs coming together under one roof for your benefit, you are guaranteed to find a perfect summer camp match for your child in 2020.

The San Diego Camp Fair summer camp expo event will take place Saturday, March 7 from noon to 3pm in room 101 of the Casa del Prado building in Balboa Park. Just one ticket will admit your whole family to the San Diego Camp Fair on March 7. Get your free tickets today.

We are currently arranging all of the various L.A. Camp Fair dates and locations for the 2020 summer camp season.  The L.A. Camp Fair in Calabasas will take place Saturday, April 4 from 12:00pm to 3:00pm at the Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center in Calabasas.

There's many ways to find and research summer camps, but attending a camp fair is the easiest and most efficient way for to find a program your child will love and you can trust. That's because going to a camp fair provides you the opportunity to meet camp representatives from dozens of different camps, all in one place, and learn about their programs. There's nothing like a face-to-face meeting where you can ask questions and really get to know the people who your child will be spending the summer with!

Attending the Camp Fair is free, but we're expecting a full crowd and want to make sure we have room for you. Get  your free tickets to the L.A. Camp Fair in Calabasas today.

Most of the time we focus on summer camp opportunities for kids and teens in Los Angeles. But we are also involved with helping San Diego families find fantastic day and overnight camp experiences for their kids, too.

To that end, this coming March we're sponsoring the second annual San Diego Summer Camp Fair at the Casa del Prado in Balboa Park where over 50 summer camps will be showcasing their programs for the summer 2020 camp season.

Attending this free event with your kids is a fantastic opportunity for you to learn about all the local (and even some from out of state) camps your child can enjoy during the summer.

Here are the details you need:

What: San Diego Summer Camp Fair and Expo, 2020
Where: Casa del Prado, Room 101, Balboa Park, San Diego
When: Saturday, March 7, 2020
Times: 12:00pm to 3:00pm
Cost: FREE! (Get your FREE tickets here)

If you live in Calabasas or nearby areas and want to find a camp in immediate proximity to you, here's an online Calabasas summer camp directory with several program listings you might find interesting.  The directory is published by Calabasas Mommy.