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Community Corner

Summer Camps in IB and San Diego

Send the kids off to camps in town or around the county.

Summer’s here! School’s out! The beaches are calling your name!

Wait, school’s out? The kids are probably rejoicing about that, but you might be concerned about keeping them busy, safe and entertained during the summer.

Luckily, there’s this thing called summer camp. And we think you should take full advantage.

We’ve got plenty of summer camp options around the entire county. Click on the links for details about each camp, from activity descriptions to location and contact information.

Some are nearby, but some may be worth the drive because of their focus on specialities like architecture and the outdoors. Extra points if you can find enough summer camps to keep your children busy all summer long.

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IMPERIAL BEACH

  • What: YMCA Camp Surf gets your kids on the beach and in the water. Choose from a day camp or overnight camp for kids in grades 1-7.
  • When: Sessions run from June 18-Aug. 17.
  • Cost: $195-$225 a week.

 

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  • What: will hold a free afternoon camp in Veterans Park for Kindergarten through 5th grade. Raffle tickets will be handed out throughout games and lessons, and a raffle will be held the final day of camp for boogie boards, bikes and other prizes. Parents are invited to attend the last day of camp to see what kids learned.
  • When: July 23-27 from 5-7 p.m.
  • Cost: Free

  • What: offers game rooms, an art center and various sports for kids 7-17 to play. 
  • When: The center is opening weekly Monday through Friday, beginning at 11 a.m.
  • Cost: All children ages seven to 17 are welcome to become members for a one-time fee of $5 and a waiver form signed by a parent or guardian.

 

  • What: has camp children can attend day-to-day or weekly. Field trips, dress up days, playtime and more near home.
  • When: Camp begins June 25 and ends July 27.
  • Cost: $25/day and $90 a weekfor members. $35 a day and $100 a week for non-members.

 

  • What: The Community Center for the Arts at Nestor United Methodist Church is hosting summer camps which are perfect for your child's inner artist. Kids from 2nd to 6th grade can dance, act, be on stage and make music at these arts-focused camps.
  • When: July 2-20, Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Cost: $100 per week.

 

CORONADO

  • What: The Coronado Recreation Department hosts a large selection of summer camps for kids of all ages, including rock climbing, golfing, swimming and more. You can download their summer brochure to see all the offerings or check it out in the media box.
  • When: Dates vary for each camp.
  • Cost: Prices vary for each activity. See the brochure for full pricing details.

 

SOUTH BAY

  • What:South Bay Family YMCA offers up a plethora of summer camps for kids of all ages. Click here for your options.
  • When: Camps run in week sessions through the end of July.
  • Cost: Price varies depending on which camp you choose.

 

LA JOLLA

  • What:Camp at the Aquarium has summer adventure camps that will keep the kids learning all throughout summer. Camps are divided by grade with fun activities like snorkeling.
  • When: Four-day weekly sessions run from June 25-Aug. 24
  • Cost:Prices vary and there are discounts for Birch Aquarium members.

 

  • What: Young Architects Camp with LJ Historical Society is inviting future architects to come learn the principles of architecture and its role in the building of the community of La Jolla.
  • When: Classes will run July 23-27 from 9 am to 3:00 pm.
  • Cost: $350.


RANCHO BERNARDO/CARMEL VALLEY

  • What: Camp Science Safari and Culinary Creations are for the curious kids out there. Future scientists, fashionistas and chefs can get a taste of their future at these day camps.
  • When: Sessions run from July 23-27; July 30-Aug. 7; Aug. 6-10; Aug. 13-17
  • Cost: Average cost per camp is $225.

 


RANCHO BERNARDO

 

POWAY

 

OCEANSIDE

  • What: The City of Oceanside offers plenty of summer camps, like skate, surf and swim camps, in four-day sessions.
  • When: The sessions run from June 11-Aug. 17 in four-day increments.
  • Cost: Prices vary from $70-$110.
  • What: Mottino Family YMCA offers up summer camps for the kiddos. Register them for activities like bowling, surfing, swim and more.
  • When: Camp start dates go from June 11-Aug. 20 and are available in daily or weekly sessions.
  • Cost: $25 deposit plus anywhere from $155-$300. Discounts are offered for YMCA members.


CARLSBAD

  • What:Sunrise Surf School will get your kids out on the water riding the waves in no time. Kids as young as 6 can participate, but note that kids ages 6-11 need to be accompanied by an adult. This might be something for the teens in your household. Overnight Surf Camp Weeks are available.
  • When: Sessions vary, but overnight camps run from June 11-15, June 25-29 and July 9-13.
  • Cost: Group lesson is $60, private lessons are $90 and overnight camps are $700 for the week.

 

  • What: City of Carlsbad has half-day and all-day camps for your young ones. Pick the best camp suited for your child and sign them up. Choose from basketball, laser tag, art and more.
  • When: Dates vary depending on which camp you choose. Check the site for specifics.
  • Cost: Cost varies depending on activities, but discounts are given to residents.


ENCINITAS

  • What: Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA offers summer day camps to keep the kids busy during the day, allowing for a more productive day for you. Options are seemingly-endless, with choices like theatre, art, science, space camp and even half-day options for those who can’t be away from mom to long.
  • When: Dates vary depending on which camp you choose. Check the site for the specifics.
  • Cost: Cost varies depending on activities, but discounts are given to YMCA members.

 

 

RAMONA/JULIAN

  • What: YMCA Raintree Camp is the perfect place for young horse riders. Ride horses, learn to care for them and more at this horse-tailored camp in Julian for those ages 9-16.
  • When: Six-day sessions run from June 17-Aug. 17.
  • Cost: $560-$660


EAST COUNTY CAMPS

  • City of Santee Recreation Services has plenty of summer activity camps. Check out what they have to offer on June 22 from 5-6 p.m. at City Hall.
  • East County YMCA boasts more than 100 summer camps to keep kids away from the video games during the long summer hours.
  • Lemon Grove Recreation Services is bringing back summer camps with fun trips for the kids to places like the Chula Vista Nature Center, a Padres game and Soak City. Sessions will run June 25-Aug. 31. Call 619-825-3800 for all the info.
  • The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Center has a day camp for kids that caters to plenty of East County families.
  • The City of La Mesa has summer classes that will keep the kids active, as well as their brains.
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