Day Camps, Free Lunch and More: Summer Fun for IB Youth

As Imperial Beach moves closer to summer and students move closer to getting out of school, there are plenty of options for fun, safe, affordable things to do.

The will host its annual seven-week summer day camp from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning June 27 and running through Aug. 12. Non camp-related activities will resume at 2 p.m. The children of members of the Boys & Girls Club IB may pick up their kids as late as 6 p.m.

Camp includes weekly trips to the Mar Vista High School pool, picnics at Mission Trails and Mission Beach, and a visit to Cabrillo National Monument, among other activities, said Monique Macado, an administrative assistant at the Boys & Girls Club IB.

“Programs and camps like these are important because it gives kids a chance to stay involved and engaged in education, all while having fun,” she said.

Members pay $90 for the week, or $25 a day, while nonmembers pay $35 for the day or $100 for the week. Payment can be made with cash or ATM/debit card. Checks are not accepted.

For more information or to sign up, visit in person or call 619-424-2266, ext 224.

Attendees can register up to the day of camp, but space isn’t guaranteed, so staff suggests parents sign up their child at least a week before camp starts.

Regardless of whether you attend a day camp, the Seamless Summer food program will hand out free snacks and lunches to all children ages 2 to 18 from June 27 to Aug. 10.

"You don't have to be [eligible for] pre-reduced [lunch] or anything," said Sara Smosburg, child nutrition director for the South Bay Union School District. "It doesn't matter what your eligibility was for the school year; we just hand you a lunch and you take a milk, and that's it."

Lunch will be served at the Boys & Girls Club of Imperial Beach and the IB Sports Park from 1-2 p.m. and snacks from 3:30-4 p.m. Food must be eaten on-site, she said.

Students who currently attend after-school programs can continue this summer from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Friday at Central Elementary School and West View Early Learning Center from July 5-29. The Seamless Summer program will all take place here, but only runs while the after-school program is active.

Activities will include some academic enrichment, art, outdoor activities and field trips to the Children's Museum and PETCO Park.

This is only open to students currently attending after-school programs. Contact the for more information.

offers day and overnight camps, each at five-day intervals throughout the summer from June 20 to Aug. 19. Registration is open until each session is full.

Students entering first through seventh grades are eligible for day camps which cost $195. Students entering fifth through seventh grades have an overnight option.

Specialty day camps will also take place at Camp Surf, such as surf and skate, marine science and junior lifeguard camps.

Mariners (for students entering grades 3-6), Beachcombers (for students enter grades 9-11) and Watermen (for students entering grades 7-8) camps are also offered. For these three, costs can range from $545 to $1290.

Parents can apply for financial aid. Assistance forms are available on Camp Surf’s website in English and Spanish.

Click here for more information or to apply online. You can also sign up in person or by calling 619-423-5850.

Child care and summer day camp expenses can be written off as an expense toward the Child and Dependent Care Credit in next year's taxes, according to the IRS. Overnight camps do not qualify.

Kids come from all over for the camps and programs, said Natalie Corrall, Summer and Outdoor Education and Program director.

“We have a variety of programs that offer education, water and surfing skills as well as value-based skills that kids will be able to use even after they leave camp,” she said.

It is important for children to build self-confidence and friendships especially at a young age, Corrall said.

“We really have a cool outreach program for our community, and water safety is huge for this community,” she said. “Kids should feel safe and confident when they go to the beach.”

The IB Sports Park and Recreation Center will also have summer day camps from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Director Jim Coates said there will be games, barbecues, day trips, time at the Mar Vista High School pool and more.

Interested parents are asked to contact the Sports Park after June 10 at 425 Imperial Beach Blvd. or by calling 619-628-1385.

Stay tuned to IB Patch for more details.

As it does the rest of the year, the will have plenty of activities.

There are book clubs but also the Local Heroes Story Time, Movie Night and something to do just about every day of the week.

Click here for a link to the library’s full schedule.

The Community Center for the Arts was established in January 2011 by local art educators as well as dancers, artists and visual and performing arts professionals. The group will hold its first summer Arts Day Camp for children 6 to 12 at Nestor United Methodist Church.           

Camp runs Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m from July 11-Aug. 5 for $1oo a week.

Attendees can sign up for as many weeks of camp as they want, from one to four. During that time, they will be immersed in music, art, theatre and dance, which will culminate in a special musical revue performance.

At the , the Junior Rangers program meets every Thursday from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Click here for a link to the Rangers full schedule.

Special needs children or large groups should coordinate in advance with education staff. Call 619-575-3613, ext. 305 or 306.

The South Bay Family YMCA will hold summer day camp for children ages 5 to 17 at locations throughout the South Bay, including the new Border View Family YMCA about five minutes from Imperial Beach.

“From archery camp to H20 camp, kids will make memories that will last a lifetime,” said Rebecca Kelley, Marketing, Business and Community Relations director for the South Bay Family YMCA.

Parents can register online or in person at the YMCA branch located at 1201 Paseo Magda in Chula Vista. In person sign-ups are also available at their Childcare Administration Offices located at 50 4th Ave. in Chula Vista, she said.

Prices vary depending on the camp. Financial assistance is available to families that cannot afford fees, she said.

Camp provides an opportunity for our youth to develop new skills, friendships and memories in a safe and caring environment, Program Director for the YMCA Ed Stanfield said.

“Our entire camp staff team works year round with our youth in camp and after school programs. It’s not just their summer job,” he said.