happy young boy at the beach with surfboard

With warm temperatures and clear blue skies, summer is the perfect time to get wet in San Diego. Whether your kids enjoy swimming, surfing, sailing or just splashing around, you can find their favorite watery activity at one of San Diego County’s many aquatics-based summer camps. 

Children attending aquatics camps can improve swim skills, learn about ocean and beach safety, spend time in or on the water, and experience the health benefits of being outdoors and physically active. They will also have opportunities to make new friends, build screen-free communication skills, decompress from school-related anxiety, and generally have a great time.

IN THE POOL

Whether your little fish dreams of diving off the blocks at the Olympics, wants to improve competitive strokes for swim team or simply loves to spend time at the pool, swim camps are an excellent summertime option.

“Swim camps offer a unique opportunity that allows young student-athletes to interact with and learn from some of the best coaches and swimmers in the sport,” says Daniel Perdew, former camp director of UC San Diego Swimming Camps. “They give young aspiring swimmers a firsthand look at what they could reap from their hard work and serve as a motivating tool upon return to their daily routine.” 

There are a number of privately owned swim schools (such as Aqua Pros and Floaties) that offer lessons or camps, as well as local community pools, high schools and universities that offer swim programs.

Water enthusiasts might also enjoy camps that visit waterparks—think Sesame Place, SeaWorld, Legoland, the Wave—where kids enjoy exhilarating waterslides, floating in lazy rivers and wave surfing machines.

AT THE BEACH

Can your child identify a riptide? Does he know what to do if stung by a jellyfish? Fortunately for local families, a number of Junior Lifeguards (JG) programs are offered each summer through San Diego’s city and state beaches, and can provide the answers. Junior Lifeguards receive essential ocean safety education from seasoned professional lifeguards—all in a fun, recreational environment. 

"JGs spend many hours learning about ocean awareness, marine life, basic first aid, CPR, sun protection, how to detect skin cancer, lifeguard skills, body surfing, body boarding, surfing and teamwork through a variety of fun beach games and competition,” says Patty Mackle, Junior Lifeguard coordinator for Torrey Pines State Beach.

Most JG programs are designed for kids ages 9–17; some also offer Junior Grommets for ages 7–8. Kids who love the program and return year after year often become lifeguards themselves—an excellent summer job for teens. Learn more about the various junior lifeguard programs available in San Diego County at www.sandiegofamily.com/resources/summer-camps-and-programs/junior-lifeguard-programs.

If your child’s main goal is to learn to surf, try a specialized surf camp. There are plenty of day camps for all ages and abilities offered up and down the San Diego coastline. Kids learn surfing basics such as paddling the board, catching waves, standing up and surfing etiquette; more advanced surfers work to improve technique. Experienced coaches keep kids safe, while providing instruction on ocean safety.

Local sleepaway surf camps, such as YMCA-operated Camp Surf, include a range of traditional camp activities.

ON WATERCRAFT

If your child loves boating, consider a specialty camp that teaches kayaking or sailing, or high-speed thrills such as wakeboarding or waterskiing. One week at a watersports camp likely involves all of that, plus surfing and paddle sports. Multi-sport camps are often at a single location, such as Mission Bay Aquatic Center.

“So many of my fondest childhood memories revolve around the water,” reflects Josh Cantor, CEO of Carlsbad Lagoon’s Camp H20 Extreme. “We work very hard to facilitate those lifelong memories.”

Other aquatics programs introduce STEM education and coastal explorations via kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Older kids and teens can even learn to snorkel or scuba dive to experience the underwater world. 

“A marine science camp gives students the opportunity to develop their love for the ocean or explore the possibility of pursuing marine biology as a field of study in the future,” says Amy Bergen Zerofskim, SEACAMP San Diego director.

CAMPS FOR KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

The nonprofit organization, Surfing Madonna, offers a surf camp for kids with special needs in Oceanside. Sessions are free to participants and run from June through August. Campers receive one-on-one surf lessons from professional instructors. Visit www.surfingmadonna.org for more information.

Autism Society San Diego holds a specialized surf camp at La Jolla Shores for ages 5 to adult. Learn more at www.autismsocietysandiego.org/surf-camp.html.

Several regional aquatics programs offer inclusive camps that provide aids and/or special equipment to campers with special needs. Check community organizations and aquatics centers well in advance to explore the best options for your child.

Lisa Pawlak is an award-winning contributing writer living in Encinitas. Her two kids love to swim, surf, and generally splash around.   

_____________

So Many Camp Options: Which summer camps are best for kids?

So Many Camp Options: Which summer camps are best for kids?

Mom, my friends go to summer camp every year and have so much fun! Can I please go? Kids hear about fun camp activities from friends or how they met so many people, and they want to have the same . . .

Read more

Camp is More Essential than Ever 

Camp is More Essential than Ever 

One thing most parents agree on is that kids have missed out on important growth opportunities over the past several years. With the most acute stage of the pandemic behind us, the time has come to . . .

Read more

Countdown to Camp!

Countdown to Camp!

Activities that prepare kids for summer fun This year’s camp season promises to be bigger and better than ever! Parents, take advantage of summer break to send the kids to camp—it’s a unique . . .

Read more

Summer Camp Guide 2024

Summer Camp Guide 2024

It's time to Fire Up for Camp season! Browse through your San Diego Summer Camps and Programs Guide to find awesome experiences where kids will learn new skills and make lifelong memories. Do you ha . . .

Read more

Junior Lifeguard Programs

Junior Lifeguard Programs

Have Fun this Summer with San Diego Junior Lifeguards Every summer thousands of kids in Junior Lifeguard uniforms gather at San Diego County beaches for a fun-filled, formative experience. Whether sw . . .

Read more

10 Tips to Find the Right Day Camp

10 Tips to Find the Right Day Camp

Summer day camp is a place where children can learn new skills, acquire new interests and make new friends. But there is no one-size-fits-all camp. To find the right day camp for your child, conside . . .

Read more

Top Five Reasons Kids Should Go to Camp

Top Five Reasons Kids Should Go to Camp

Summer camp can be one of the most rewarding, unforgettable experiences in a child’s life. Camp provides children with a community of caring mentors who provide experiential education that leads t . . .

Read more

Is Your Preschooler Ready for Day Camp?

Is Your Preschooler Ready for Day Camp?

There’s so much to love about summer camp: fun traditions, new friendships, the great outdoors, art, athletics and much more. Even the littlest campers can expect a positive experience. According . . .

Read more

How Not to Worry When Your Kid Goes to Camp

How Not to Worry When Your Kid Goes to Camp

If your kids are going to camp this spring or summer, you may be wrestling with worries and what-ifs. What if the other kids are cliquish or mean? Will the camp director call me if she’s miserable . . .

Read more

Is My 5-Year-Old Too Young for Full-Day Camp?

Is My 5-Year-Old Too Young for Full-Day Camp?

Wondering if your child is ready for full-day camp? See what preschool director Ms. Lydia has to say. Do you have a question about kids ages 2–6? See below for how to submit to "Ask Ms. Lydia." D . . .

Read more

Fun Ideas for Summer Camp Care Packages

Fun Ideas for Summer Camp Care Packages

Here are some fun ideas for summer camp care packages! Camp care packages do not need to be big. It is better to keep the summer camp care item simple—a card, a little love note, or a small box o . . .

Read more

5 Camp Strategies Parents Can Use to Help Kids Thrive

5 Camp Strategies Parents Can Use to Help Kids Thrive

Ask kids why they love camp, and you’ll often hear, “Because it’s FUN!” For many families, camp is an experience where kids have a great time doing things they don’t usually get to do. But . . .

Read more

12 Ways to Make Summer Learning Fun

12 Ways to Make Summer Learning Fun

Help your child retain reading, writing and math skills this summer without making it feel like work.  Incorporate learning into daily errands and interactive activities found in your own backy . . .

Read more

8 Free Camps for Kids Facing Adversity

8 Free Camps for Kids Facing Adversity

Millions of kids nationwide face adversities such as a parent having cancer, death of a loved one, their own cancer diagnosis or family substance abuse. Many organizations offer a reprieve for local . . .

Read more

Summer Camps for All Abilities

Summer Camps for All Abilities

  The abundant benefits of summer camp are for everyone, so if you have children, teens or young adults with developmental disabilities, a chronic medical condition or unique needs, don’t let . . .

Read more

Be Family Informed – Sign up for our Newsletters below!

Subscribe