Jun 1, 2014 - Coach Derek and his Team are hosting a variety of camps, ... Early Signups receive a promotional rate ...
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THIS IS AN INTERACTIVE PDF You can directly access the websites, emails, and social channels of the camps featured in this guide by clicking the links and buttons appearing in each listing.
THE SCHOOL YEAR IS CHANGING IN CALIFORNIA
Did you know that many school districts in Southern California recently decided to move the start of the school year up to early or mid-August? If your child is in pre-K or older this may affect you, so it is particularly important to plan ahead and find camps that meet your needs. Because California’s standardized tests are offered in early May, many school districts have decided that starting the school year after Labor Day is too late. The largest district to move up the school year is the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), which as recently as 2011 began in early September. This year LAUSD will start school Tues. August 12. The Santa Monica –Malibu School District starts a week later on August 19, while several other districts, including those in Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Culver City and the Palos Verdes Peninsula start August 25. Many private schools and a few public school districts, such as Irvine Unified, have kept their starting day until after Labor Day. With so many changing calendars, there is no uniform season for camp offerings. Some camps are maintaining a traditional schedule, offering camp from late-June until the end of August. Other camps have moved up their schedule to accommodate LAUSD students. Moreover, any camp that uses a public school for camp will need to change its schedule to comply with the new school year. So if your child starts school in late August or early September, camp offerings during the second half of August are limited. The SocalMoms Summer Resource Guide can help you plan your summer, as it lists the different dates that camp is offered as well as important information about each activity. So keep the guide handy over coming weeks, and pass it on to friends!
WHAT IS THE RIGHT CAMP FOR YOUR CHILD?
Camp should be more than a babysitting service for your child. A good camp teaches a variety of new skills and reinforces learning for campers of all ages. “Camp is a great way for a child to build and develop social skills, without the stress of academic pressure [from school],” says Lily Ross, a licensed social worker and parenting coach based in Los Angeles. “Many kids develop a sense of ownership at their camp group and develop lifelong friendships there.” She notes that some children enjoy their camp so much that they end up working there when they are older. This helps develop a sense of responsibility. Choosing a camp can be based on your child’s interests, or what you want your child to learn. Try to complement what your child does during the school year, even if he or she is only in pre-school. For example, a child active in athletics during the school year might do well in an academic-oriented camp. For older children, camp can be a way to perfect a developing skill. Soccer players may want to go to a soccer camp to improve their skills, while musicians may look for a camp that offers lessons in his or her instruments. Camp fees vary widely, and your family’s budget will dictate how much you can spend on camp. Be sure, however, to evaluate all costs when looking at camps. Consider these questions: Does the camp offer free before and/or after-care? Do the camps include lunch and snacks? What are the transportation options? Are there any “materials fees,” which is a fee in addition to camp that is typically collected on the first day. (continued on the next page)
WHAT IS THE RIGHT CAMP FOR YOUR CHILD?
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Consider the camper-to-staff ratio, and make sure you are comfortable with that ratio. Younger campers such as preschoolers do well with about five campers per adult, while grade school children are usually fine in larger groups. The camp should be willing to give you this number and provide information on available medical facilities. Another assessment tool is the website of the American Camp Associations-http://www.campparents.org--which monitors thousands of camps in the U.S. More than 2400 camps are listed in the ACA directory as meeting 240 stringent camp standards defined by the association. And don’t forget to ask your fellow parents if they have camps to recommend. Other members of SoCalMoms are a great source for information.
WHEN IS YOUR CHILD READY TO GO TO CAMP?
The answer to this question will vary widely, depending on how long the camp day or camp period is and of course depending upon your child. Being the first in the family to go off to camp might make it particularly hard, while a younger child might be eager to start camp if he or she has watched older siblings enjoy themselves at camp. If your child has any emotional or physical concerns, you may be particularly hesitant to let them try a new experience. For only children, or those who have never attended camp, consider trying to recruit a few friends to also attend camp. Approach the parents of your child’s classmates and see what their summer plans are. A group of several children who already know each other and attend the same camp can be useful for both the children and their parents. The campers will start a new experience with other people whom they already know and that should make the experience less frightening. In addition, the parents can arrange a carpool to make transportation easier for all. If you or your child is set on a particular camp, and you cannot find any friends to join your child, don’t despair. Camps are equipped to deal with shy children. “There are plenty of strategies for kids who are hesitant, and most camps work to support a child who is more hesitant,” notes Ross, the Los Angeles parenting coach. For more suggestions on assessing camp readiness, go to this link http://www.campparents.org/righttime for tips from the American Camp Association.
Credit: The previous articles were written by Laurie Lande, a Los Angeles writer with three children between the ages of 2 and 12.
Toddler Camp is the fastest growing parent-and-me toddler program, providing a unique toddler experience that involves fun-filled adventures, early learning activities, and outdoor sensory play. Toddler Camp also takes the work out of planning a different age appropriate outing for your little one each week. The program includes the opportunity to meet new friends, explore new places, access our local knowledge of the best spots, programs and entertainment, be introduced to Toddler Brands and parenting experts on toddler topics. We roll everything you need for your toddler into one program! Summer session includes 8 weekly adventures, a healthy snack every week for parent and child, and new welcome and VISIT: http://ToddlerCamp.com goodbye gift bags plus all kinds of fun surprises. LOCATIONS: Multiple Cities. Visit website for details. PHONE: 323.487.2267 AGES: ~18 months to 5 years. Groups split up by age. Visit website for more details.
Kick Off This Summer With A Party In The Park! FUN FAMILY ACTIVITIES AND CARNIVAL GAMES VENDOR VILLAGE AND THEMED LOUNGES LIVE MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT SPORTS & FITNESS DEMOS KID FRIENDLY FOOD
June 1, 2014
Starting at 10:00am
Los Angeles Pan-Pacific Park (next to The Grove LA)
Malibu Canyon Camp aims to ignite each camper’s individual passions and inspire new ones in a fun, safe, and sustainable environment. Your child will experience an intelligently planned, well-balanced camp program located on one of California’s greenest campuses, filled with creative, natural playscapes. MCC goes beyond the ordinary day camp: every camper gets to help plan his or her summer by selecting from a wide variety of activities each morning, including sports, arts, dance, swimming, SCUBA, archery, hiking, ropes course, yoga, cooking, and much more. Then, after an organic lunch, each camper gets to enjoy the specialty of his or her choice while working with experts in each field. MCC is proud to have created a place where campers can feel supported in a fun, safe environment! LOCATIONS: 1666 Las Virgenes Canyon Rd, Calabasas, Ca 91302 VISIT: http://MalibuCanyonCamp.com PHONE: 310-592-9321 AGES: 5-15 years
Funky Divas & Dudes provides your child (ages 4-10) with a positive channel to rock out this summer! In this fun performing arts camp, children will engage in unique specialized activities that encourage self-confidence, social skills, physical health and using their imagination. Activities include: Dance Classes, Fairytale Theatre Plays, Music Videos, Cheerleading, TV Commercials, Acting Improvisation, Treasure Hunts, Face Painting, Arts & Crafts, Beach Play, Theme Days and More! We have a high counselor to camper ratio, giving the campers the benefit of individual attention. Healthy meal plans will be available. Other camp locations include: Iverbe Dance Camp (Culver City), Summer @ Village (Pacific Palisades), The Summer Institute @ CEE (West Hollywood) and Camp VIP (Manhattan Beach). Let’s get funky! AGES: 4- 10 years VISIT: http://funkydivasanddudes.com PHONE: 310.839.6642 MAIN LOCATION: Shutters Hotel, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Super Soccer Stars is inviting kids to celebrate the 2014 World Cup Brazil this summer! Each day campers learn skills from the countries participating in the tournament. Super Soccer Stars teaches soccer skills in a fun, non-competitive and educational environment. Through our age-specific curriculum, we use soccer to nurture, build self-confidence and develop teamwork. Low child-to-coach ratios and positive reinforcement ensure that each child improves at his or her own pace while having a blast! LOCATIONS: Encino, Pasadena, West LA, Santa Monica, Granada Hills, Huntington Beach, Playa Vista, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood AGES: 2-12 years VISIT: http://la.SuperSoccerStars.com PHONE: 310.998.0010
Design N’ Innovation Camp (Camp DNI) is a project-based summer camp that sparks curiosity and teaches kids ages 6-13 to use their imagination and inventive thinking skills to create, design and build innovative solutions to camp session challenges. Each camper receives a workbook, & *materials kit for each session, and campers must bring lunch. Camp DNI offers session I: Do-It-Yourself Tech Lab (July 7-18), and session II: Innovative Board Game Design (July 22-26 and July 29-August 2). Camp is Monday-Friday: 9am-3pm, Before & Aftercare $15. LOCATIONS: Venice Lutheran School 815 Venice Blvd, Venice, CA AGES: 6-13 years PHONE: 323.439.0074
VISIT: http://CampDNI.com
Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum offers a variety of summer camp programs tailored to specific age groups. The camps include theatre technique workshops and utilize ensemble storytelling techniques to excite young people to Shakespeare. Children with the ability to sustain concentration and who enjoy working in a group have fun and flourish in our camp. Each camp culminates in a sharing or performance. (After-camp care is available for a fee). LOCATIONS: 1419 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga, CA 90290 VISIT: http://theatricum.com AGES: 4-7 (Young People’s Camp), 8-14 (Youth Drama Camp), Grades 9-12 (High School Intesive Shakespeare Seminar) PHONE: 310.455.2322
GOLS Soccer offers an intensive week-long soccer camp program that focuses on skill-building games and exercises based on the age and skill level of the players. The camp sessions focus on developing soccer fundamentals and teamwork. Kids not only learn a love for the game, but also many other life skills including listening, paying attention and following directions, positive self-esteem, patience, teamwork and friendship. Please visit http://golssoccer.com for more details. LOCATIONS: Multiple locations including Valley Village Park and Westwood Park & Recreation Center. Check our schedule for additional information. AGES: 3 and up, but 4 and up is typical PHONE: 818.906.1707
Soccer Shots believes “it is important that all children have a positive first experience with organized sports. Our goal is simple: to leave a lasting, positive impact on every child we serve.” Our nationally recognized non-competitive skills program offers a high energy, fun, age-appropriate introduction to the wonderful game of soccer. Our innovative curriculum tailored to each age group extends beyond physical activity to incorporate values like respect, sharing, teamwork, encouragement and cooperation. For more information, please visit http://SoccerShots.org. LOCATIONS: San Fernando Valley (Encino, No. Hollywood, Chatsworth, West Hills), LA/Westside (Pacific Palisades, Marina Del Rey, Centry City), South Bay (Torrance) AGES: 2-3 years (Soccer Shots Mini), 3-5 years (Classic), 5-8 years (Premier) PHONE: 310.857.6560
Purple Twig offers ‘Art Exploration for Kids’ and provides a summer camp that caters to families that need flexible summer schedules, allowing for single and multi-week enrollment. Because art is more than just paint on paper, we explore all kinds of materials like ceramics, recycled materials, wood, fabrics, as well as the traditional materials like watercolor and charcoal. We make art that is sophisticated and age appropriate while providing an enriching experience focused on various techniques and on each child’s process. This is an intimate camp--3 teachers for every 14 kids. Please visit http://PurpleTwig.com for more information. LOCATIONS: 2038 Colorado blvd. Los Angeles, CA. 90041 AGES: 4-9 years PHONE: 323.254.8944
Academic Achievers’ KinderPrep Camp provides your child with an early start on their academic career, developing kindergarten skills, increasing confidence, and developing a passion for learning. The curriculum is tailored to each child’s needs and interests to build upon existing skill sets. The KinderPrep Camp is built upon the new California Common Core Standards for Kindergarten reading, writing, and math, and it also follows the STEAM educational framework (Science, Tecnology, Engineering, Art, Math). By using high-quality, cross curriculum teaching in small classes, KinderPrep Camp meaningfully engages children and allows them to accel at their pace. http://AcademicAchievers.com. LOCATIONS: 1419 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga, CA 90290 AGES: 4-5 PHONE: 310.883.5810 Ask for Janis
Zimmer Children’s Museum offers a Summer Camp wiith a different social responsibility theme each week. Each camp day features art of all kinds, creative and scientific exploration, and plenty of museum playtime, which all kids LOVE! Experienced educators and an inventive curriculum ensure that the summer camp at the Zimmer engages kids in body, mind and heart. Themes include: ‘What’s the habitat’, ‘Imagine & Invent’, ‘Cosmic Curiosities’, ‘World Art & Architecture’, ‘Rock, Pop, & Roll!’, ‘planet eARTh’, ‘What’s your power?’ LOCATIONS: Zimmer Children’s Museum, 6505 Wilshire Blvd., #100, LA, CA 90048 AGES: 3-8 years (sessions vary by week. Child must be appropriate age and potty learned by camp start date) PHONE: 323.761.8912 (ask for Belinda) VISIT: http://ZimmerMuseum.org
MNR Dance Factory offers summer dance camps that are a fun way for dancers of all levels to experience a range of different dance styles. Learn ballet, jazz, hip hop, musical theater, lyrical, contemporary, Bollywood, Aerial arts training, modern, cheerleading and tumbling during this all-day program that allows dancers to create lasting friendships and enjoy their dance experience. Each 2 weeks session ends with a showcase performance. For more information, please visit http://MNRDanceFactory.com. Session 1: June 30-July 11 Session 2: July 14-July 25, Session 3: July 28-Aug 8, Session 4: Aug 11-Aug 22 LOCATIONS: 11606 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood, CA AGES: 7-11 Mon, Wed, & Fri | 12+ Tues & Thurs PHONE: 310.826.4554
Canyon Creek Summer Camp (CCSC) is a co-ed sleepaway camp for children ages 7 and up. The 81-acre campus in the Angeles National Forest offers state-of the art athletic facilities and numerous water programs held at nearby Castaic Lake. A wide variety of activities will keep your child engaged from morning to night, without the distraction of TV or electronic devices. Sports offered include baseball, soccer, football, basketball, and hockey as well as non-traditional sports such as archery, mini-biking, scuba diving and go-kart driving. Non-sports activities include ceramics, cooking, jewelry making, talent shows, art and music; interested campers can sign up for private piano or drum lessons. LOCATIONS: An hour’s drive northeast of Los Angeles in Hughes, CA AGES: 7-15 years VISIT: http://canyoncreeksportscamp.com PHONE: 661.724.9184
Wondertreekids offers two programs designed to jumpstart and advance early learning and development. The first one is Pre-School Transition Camp, which is designed to empower your child during the separation process through engaging activities, resuling in improved interaction and communication. Creativity and immagination form the pilars of this innovative program taught by nurturing staff that is dedicated to the emotional, social, and intellectual development of your child. The other program is a variety of Enrichment Classes targeting specific age groups. Classes include: Music, School Readiness, Parent & Me Toddler Pre-School, Sign Languages, Messy Art, Family, Music FUNdamentals or Piano. Our program fully engages children and allows them to accel at their pace. PHONE: 310.535.0001 LOCATIONS: 710 S Allied Way, El Segundo, CA 90245 AGES: Enrichment Classes: Birth – 6/Transition Camp: 2-4 VISIT: http://wondertreekids.com
Zooga Yoga is bringing you a series of Zooga Night Outs so you can enjoy a special night out on the town while your child enjoys yoga adventures, games, arts & crafts, snacks, dinner & a movie. Zooga Night Out will be every 2nd and Last Saturday of the month. 5-10pm. $35/per child. $25/addt’l siblings ages 2 and up (must be potty trained).Kids can bring pj’s and sleeping bags. Reservations recommended. For more information, please visit http://ZoogaYoga.com. LOCATIONS: Zooga Yoga, 4311 Overland Ave, Culver City, CA0230 AGES: 2 and up PHONE: 310.839.6642
Circle of Friends Summer Camp offers an eight-week, theme-based summer camp program that will delight and inspire children with a variety of activities; innovative water play, exciting science exploration, music, specialists, interesting arts and crafts projects, and delicious cooking programs, your child is sure to have a fantastic summer. Flexible hours, days, and weeks to accommodate all schedules. All staff are fully qualified teachers; no assistants or aids. For more information, please visit http://aaeecc.org. LOCATIONS: 12020 Burbank Blvd, Valley Village, CA 91607 AGES: 2-5 years PHONE: 818.766.6369
Head Above Water has taught thousands of children ages 6 months and up to swim each summer since 2002. All swim instructors are Red Cross trained and certified with a minimum of 6 years experience. They apply a gentle approach to make learning to swim fun. Whether learning to swim or ‘brushing up’ on lessons from last year, your child will receive swim lessons tailored to his or her specific needs and goals. LOCATIONS: Teachers will come to your pool or they have 12 beautiful heated private pool locations in Santa Monica, Venice, Cheviot Hills, Playa Vista, West LA, Westwood, Sherman Oaks, Toluca Lake (SALT WATER!), South Pasadena, San Marino, Alta Dena, and Monrovia. For exact addresses and hours of operation check out our website: https://headabovewater.net/areas.php. AGES: 7-15 years PHONE: 310.867.9282 VISIT: http://HeadAboveWater.net
MUSE Early Childhood Education Summer Program gives young children, 2.5-4.5 years old, abundant opportunities to explore the natural world, develop ideas and skills, build compassionate relationships with friends, and above all, have fun! This summer program focuses on helping children develop and explore social and emotional connections, building the foundation for successful futures as independent thinkers and collaborators. Music, Art, Movement and Gardening are woven into the weekly curriculum. Organic lunch & snack prepared by our executive chef. 2 MUSE teachers in every class with a 15 student capacity. Mon-Thurs 9am-1pm. Visit http://MuseSchool.org for more details. LOCATIONS: 1666 Las Virgenes Canyon Rd, Calabasas, Ca 91302 AGES: 2.5-5 years (Summer Program), 18 months-2.5 years (Parent/Toddler Program), 2.5-5 years (Early Childhood Program) PHONE: 818-880-5437
Coach Derek and his Team are hosting a variety of camps, including Basketball, Baseball, Flag Football, and Multisport camps. Coach Derek’s Summer sports camps enrich children at all levels and skills. Camp is designed so everyone has fun while developing sports skills, overall strength and coordination plus life lessons like teamwork and self-respect in a positive, non-competitive environment. All coaches are CPR are trained in First Aid. For more detailed information, please visit http://CoachDerek.com. LOCATIONS: Playa Vista (Playa Vista Sports Complex, El Segundo (Center Street Elementary School) AGES: 2 and up PHONE: 310.839.6642
St. Matthew’s Summer Session is designed with flexible scheduling, our beautiful campus and facilities, and a variety of courses and sports camp offerings, to enhance your child’s summer experiences. Summer Session is open to all age-eligible children. Programs for preschool - grade 2 and course for grades 3-7. Mix and match to fit your summer schedule. Full-day, morning and/or afternoon options available. Classes in language arts, math, and science as well as visual and dramatic arts, woodworking, cooking and crafts. Classes designed to reinforce study skills, as well as core math and writing skills. Swimming. Special Friday activities LOCATIONS: St. Matthew’s Parish School in Pacific Palisades AGES: Preschool to early teen PHONE: 310.454.1359
Children’s Arts Institute (CAI) is a day camp that specializes in arts, dance, music, sports, theatre, and much more. CAI is an arts program for young people. CAI provides a dynamic, nurturing environment that inspires children to discover their unique, creative talents through a variety of hands-on workshops. Our summer program offers three sessions of camp. The program is designed to allow participants to choose their own schedule of workshops based on their interests and desires. We offer a 5% sibling discount. LOCATIONS: Valley Campus @ Children’s Community School, 14702 Sylvan Street, Van Nuys, CA 91411. Westland Campus @ Westland School, 16200 Mulholland Dr., LA, CA AGES: 5-17 PHONE: 818.780.6226
TODDLER CAMP SPECIAL OFFER
GOLS SOCCER PROMO RATE
Early Signups receive a promotional rate of $175, which is $20 OFF the standard summer rate. This offer is for a lmited time. Summer is the most popular session so do not wait. Reserve your spot today! RETURN TO GUIDE
Members of SoCalMoms.com will receive $75 OFF per week when you mention SoCalMoms.com when you register. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer.
MALIBU CANYON CAMP PROMO
CANYON CREEK SPORTS CAMP
Members of SoCalMoms.com receive $100 off ANY camp session. Multiple and family discounts are also available. Register by downloading the form from our website.
Canyon Creek Sports Camp (CCSC) is pleased to offer members of SoCalMoms.com a discount of $100 per camper for any summer session, including its 1-week session that begins June 15, 2014. RETURN TO GUIDE
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FUNKY DIVAS & DUDES PROMO
ZOOGA YOGA PROMOTION
Let’s get funky! Enroll online before May 15th and take advantage of our early bird discount by entering discount code FUNKYBIRD14 at checkout.
Zooga Yoga is offering 10% off your first class Zoopak at Zooga Yoga when you use code “socalmoms.”
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CAMP DNI SPECIAL OFFER
HEAD ABOVE WATER PROMOS
Camp DNI is willing to extend its alumni rate of $850 to first time customers who are members of SoCalMoms.com.
Mention SoCalMoms and get your first 30min. swim lesson FREE at one of HAW’s private heated pools. 60% off your first 1-hour swim lesson at your home pool. $40 off all group Parent and Me classes at your pool. $25 off LG service booked 15 days or more in advance. Offer for a limited time. RETURN TO GUIDE
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