It's time to Fire Up for Camp season! Browse through your San Diego Summer Camps Guide to find awesome summer camps where kids will learn new skills and make lifelong memories. Do you have an artist, scientist or future veterinarian in the family? Now's the time to plan an epic San Diego summer.
ACADEMIC FOCUS
MBMA Summer Camp
University City - 858-457-5895
www.mbmacademy.com
Kindergarten-6th grade; June 29-August 21
Featuring the Tokyo 2020 Olympics! Mission Bay Montessori blends academics with fun camp activities. Campers keep their reading, writing, and math skills sharp in between field trips, crafts, woodshop, coding and more. Half, full, and extended day weekly programs available. Register at www.mbmacademy.com.
ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Summer Critter Camp at Helen Woodward
Rancho Santa Fe - 858-756-4117
www.animalcenter.org/programs-services/education
Preschool-8th grade; June 10-August 30
Children will experience hands-on animal interactions and summer camp activities, including animal-themed games, crafts, songs and more! Check our website to learn about the new themes. Each camper who is signed up for a full week of camp will also receive a free Critter Camp T-shirt!
SeaWorld San Diego Summer Camp
Mission Bay - 619-222-4732
www.seaworldsandiego.com/education
Various Ages; June 14-August 7
There’s no camp like SeaWorld San Diego Camp. Meet ocean animals up close, learn from real animal experts and explore a park full of fun this summer. Spots fill up fast—register now!
DANCE/MUSIC
City Ballet’s Dance Camps
Pacific Beach - 858-274-6058
www.cityballet.org
Ages 4+; June 29-July 24
Dance Camps include classes in ballet technique and special workshops on stage make-up and dance-related crafts and activities, culminating in a free performance for friends and family. Limited class size. Register by June 1 to receive a 10% discount.
San Diego Civic Youth Ballet Camps
Balboa Park - 619-233-3060
www.sdcyb.org/summer-programs
Ages 4-10
Study ballet in Balboa Park this summer! San Diego Civic Youth Ballet, celebrating 75 years in 2020, offers affordable, high-quality ballet camps all summer long in the beautiful Casa del Prado studios. Visit the website for dates and details.
Vernetta’s Dance Studio
North Park - 619-260-1707
www.vernettadance.com
Ages 2 & up; All summer
Tap, ballet and tumbling classes. Fun classes, family-oriented, moms and dads can have coffee and cookies while they watch. Performing opportunities at fairs and festivals. First lesson free.
DRAMA/THEATER
CYT San Diego Kids of Broadway Summer Camp
Multiple Locations - 619-588-0206
www.cytsandiego.org/camps
Ages 5-10; June 15-August 7
Kids bring their favorite Hollywood musicals to life on stage through the magic of CYT musical theater. It will be a high-energy week of singing, dancing and lots of fun. Week-long day camps throughout San Diego County run from June 17 to August 9.
North Coast Rep Summer Theatre Camp
Solana Beach - 858-481-1055
www.northcoastreptheatreschool.org
Ages 4-19; June-July
The Theatre School at North Coast Rep offers an exciting summer of theatre day camps! Broadway Babies ages 4-8 can choose from six different one-week half-day camps, where they will have fun building confidence and acting as an ensemble. Campers 8-12 can select from three different two-week full-day production camps. Students put together a short version of one of your family’s best-loved stories. For more intensive skill-building, tweens and teens can choose from three different two-week, full-day performance camps for ages 12-19. Students go from audition to performance in a fast-paced, fun, and creative environment. All camps focus on actor training and culminate in a showcase for family and friends.
San Diego Junior Theatre Virtual Summer Camp
Balboa Park - 619-239-1311
www.juniortheatre.com/classes
Multiple ages; June 15-August 28
Virtual Summer Camps are now enrolling at San Diego Junior Theatre! Don’t let quarantine prevent you from introducing your child to the magic of theatre. Singing, acting, dancing, and other specialty workshops are all offered via Zoom. Each camp offers innovative ways for young people to participate, create, and collaborate from a computer or tablet. There’s something for every age and level of ability.
Scripps Performing Arts Academy
Scripps Ranch - 858-586-7834
Carmel Valley - 858-509-2624
www.scrippsperformingartsacademy.com
Ages 3.5-16; June 15-August 14
Summer camp at Scripps Performing Arts Academy provides a fun and creative getaway for every student! All camps conclude with a performance in our Black Box Theatre. Present ad from San Diego Family's March issue for $50 off any summer program. Not to be combined with any other offer or discount.
LANGUAGE
Bilingual Kids Spanish and Mandarin
Spring/Summer Camps
Balboa Park - 619-366-3098
www.bilingualkids-sd.com
Ages 4-14; June-August (9 weekly sessions)
Spanish and Mandarin Spring and Summer Camps in Balboa Park! All programs are conducted in a fun and engaging approach in the target language of choice by qualified native teachers and all levels are welcome. In addition, we offer language classes at multiple locations and private tutoring throughout the year.
OVERNIGHT/RESIDENT CAMPS
Girl Scout Camps
Multiple Locations - 619-298-8391
www.sdgirlscouts.org/camp
Grades K-12; Various Dates
Day and resident camp sessions to match your passions. Horses, aquatics, outdoor skills, STEM, arts, hiking, archery, leadership and more. Financial aid available.
PAINTING, DRAWING, CERAMICS
Little Artists
Clairemont/UTC - 858-268-2255
Poway - 858-486-1555
Rancho Bernardo - 858-451-2055
San Carlos - 619-462-1955
Chula Vista - 619-455-3755
www.littleartists.com
Ages 4-18; Various Dates
Offering great programs with convenient classes for all ages. Drawing, painting and cartooning available. Free registration with purchase of 6 classes (new students only).
Little Fish Comic Art Camps
College Area/ SDSU/ La Mesa - 619-356-1103
www.lilfish.us/camps
Ages 7+; June-August
Little Fish’s camps are specialized, highly-engaging experiences constructed with teens and pre-teens in mind. Each themed summer camp runs a full week, Mon.- Fri., 9 am-3 pm. By the end of camp, your child(ren) will come away with a greater understanding of the comic arts and its creation.
Hot Spot Creative Camp
Del Sur/4S Ranch - 858-312-1019
www.thehotspotstudio.com
6+; June 15-August 10
Creative Kids Camp offers a fun, creative environment for kids. Kids enjoy dabbling in pottery painting, mosaics, candle making, canvas painting, slime, succulent garden arranging and a free choice option! Sign up for a full week or by the day. Morning and afternoon sessions offered. Space is limited. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to sign up today!
PLAY BASED
APEX Parkour Camp
Kearny Mesa - 858-260-3887
www.apex-sd.com/camps
Ages 5+; June 10-August 28
Parkour is a great way for youth to focus their energy into fun and functional movements. Camps include activities like vaulting, front and back flipping, swinging, free-running, obstacle courses, perseverance training, self-discipline, character development, cooperative games and more!
SCHOOLS OFFERING SUMMER PROGRAMS
Discovery Isle
Multiple Locations – 877-959-3741
www.discoveryisle.com
Ages 5-12; Various dates
Join us for STEAM activities, sports, games, field trips, swimming and more! Locations in La Costa, Oceanside and San Marcos offer full-day summer camp for elementary-aged children.
Summer Explorers at Gillispie
La Jolla - 858-459-3773
www.gillispie.org/summer
Age 2-Grade 6; June 22 - August 14
Gillispie School in La Jolla invites all students to join it's exciting 2020 Summer Explorers Program! To keep your child fully engaged in purposeful learning and warm-weather fun, Summer Explorers offers an 8-week Parent Toddler Exploration Program (PTEP) for children ages 20-36 months, an exciting Early Childhood Camp for students ages 3-4, and a diverse array of Elementary Camp classes for kids in grades K-6.
SCIENCE & DISCOVERY
Summer Learning Adventure Camp at Birch Aquarium
La Jolla - 858-543-7336
www.aquarium.ucsd.edu
Ages 4-14; June 22-August 21
Summer Learning Adventure Camps blend scientific exploration with hands-on fun and learning. Campers investigate marine habitats, create ocean art projects, and combine science and sports through surfing and snorkeling, all while making new friends and lasting memories. Camps run from June 22-August 21 and are accredited by the American Camp Association.
Fleet Science Center Summer Camps
Balboa Park - 619-238-1233
www.fleetscience.org/events/summer-camps
Ages 3-13; June 15-August 14
Beat the heat this summer and turn your curious kid into happy campers! Join us for a summer chock-full of exciting experiments and intriguing investigations, including Magic for Muggles, Bugs, Rocks and the Wild and Chemistry with a Bang.
iD Tech Summer Camps
Multiple Locations - 1-888-709-8324
www.iDTechCamps.com
Ages 7-19; various dates
From coding and game development to robotics and design, your child will develop in-demand skills and ignite lifelong passions, all in a fun, inclusive environment. Choose from 50+ innovative courses and join our community of over 400,000 alumni. Save $80 with code: TECHCAMP20.
SPECIALTY
Model Railroad Camp
Balboa Park - 619-696-0199 x404
www.sdmrm.org
Grades K-8; June-August
Explore the multitude of disciplines required to build a model railroad. Working from a track plan, campers construct an operational, themed scale model, from track laying, ballasting, scenery construction and circuitry. Campers investigate and apply design principles, research unusual railroad cars, and learn why engineers use arches in the construction of railroad bridges. Scaffolded activities accommodate students of different ages.
SPORTS
Poway Gymnastics
Poway - 858-748-1716
www.powaygymnastics.com
Ages 5+; June 22-August 14.
Poway Gymnastics offers organized, fun and informative camps in an air-conditioned gym. Camps are open to all ability levels from beginner to competitive.
San Diego Ice Arena
Mira Mesa - 858-530-1825
www.sdice.com
Ages 3+; June-August
We have a learn-to-skate program for figure skating and hockey. Learn-to-skate programs run year round. Days and times will vary. If your child is interested in summer camp (day and week camps) you can sign up through your local YMCA. Visit website for more information.
University of San Diego Youth
Linda Vista - 629-260-4583
www.sandiego.edu/campusrecreation/summer-swim.php
Swim lessons: Ages 3+; All Sports Day Camp: 6+
June 20-August 12
Swim Lessons: University of San Diego (USD) offers a wide range of 30-min, 4 day-a-week aquatic classes to meet most age levels. All-Sports Day Camp: Provides kids with a unique opportunity to experience a wide array of recreational activities while learning sportsmanship, teamwork and developing a better understanding of each sport. Use code EARLY2020 and sign up before April 5 to receive 10% off swim registration.
TRADITIONAL DAY CAMP EXPERIENCE
Boys & Girls Club of San Dieguito Summer Adventure Camps
North Coastal San Diego - 858-720-2180
Ages 5-15; June 15-August 20
www.bgcSummerCamps.org
The Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito Summer Adventure Camps programs are offered at five convenient locations throughout Carmel Valley, Del Mar, Solana Beach and Encinitas. There are camp options for everyone. Flexible, affordable and fun!
Girl Scout Camps
Multiple Locations - 619-298-8391
www.sdgirlscouts.org/camp
Grades K-12; Various Dates
Day and resident camp sessions to match your passions. Horses, aquatics, outdoor skills, STEM, arts, hiking, archery, leadership and more. Financial aid available.
Rock Academy Camp
San Diego - 619-764-5200
www.rockacademy.org/camp
Ages 5-14; June 1 - August 7
Summer adventure awaits at Rock Academy Camps. We have it all: sports, science, cooking, art and adventure options. Your child will deepen friendships and create new ones, having a blast as they continue learning and growing outside of the school year. Ages 5-14. Extended Care included: 7 am – 6 pm. Daily and weekly options available.
WATERSPORTS
Aqua Pros Swim School SN
Clairemont or Your Home - 619-209-2990
www.aquapros.org
Infants-adults; Year-round lessons
Dedicated to providing a professional year-round learn-to-swim program, Aqua Pros strives for each individual to reach their full aquatic potential. Swimmers learn proper swim techniques and how to become competent in the water. Water safety is the #1 priority. Aqua Pros has staff to care for kids with special needs.
University of San Diego Youth
Linda Vista - 629-260-4583
www.sandiego.edu/campusrecreation/summer-swim.php
Ages 3+; June 20-August 12
University of San Diego (USD) offers a wide range of 30-min, 4 day-a-week aquatic classes to meet most age levels. Use code EARLY2020 and sign up before April 5 to receive 10% off swim registration.
________
Updated April 2020
________
