How Camp Helps Kids Reconnect by Disconnecting
While technology is a necessary part of daily life, taking planned breaks from it has tremendous benefits, especially for kids and teens. According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), kids between ages 8–12 spend an average of 4–6 hours each day on screens (up to nine hours for teens) by browsing social media, playing video games, watching TV, doing schoolwork and more.
Plan a much-needed digital detox by sending your kids to camp this summer. Most camps enforce “no phones” policies, creating the perfect canvas for “old-fashioned” fun. Of course, some kids enjoy attending technology-based camps, which offer their own set of benefits, such as supporting STEM education. If that is what your children choose, schedule time away from screens when they get home.
Most summer camps
provide opportunities to:
Build meaningful relationships. One of the best things about summer camp is that everyone is subject to the same rules. Even better, parents aren’t the ones who need to enforce them.
Once unplugged, children encounter valuable opportunities for social development. “We live in such a fastpaced world and taking a break from screens can really help us to slow down,” says Kelly “Aqua” Nelson, a camp director with Girl Scouts San Diego (GSSD). “This is especially important for youth because it allows for face-to-face interaction and builds connections.”
Summer camp provides an excellent forum for making new friends, as well as strengthening prior relationships. For kids who struggle in this area, Sandy “Skipper” Sultz, Outdoor
Education Manager with GSSD, provides reassurance: “Camp staff are experts at helping kids make new friends, so there’s a supportive structure for building social skills.”
Explore new interests. With so much time spent on screens, kids are not in the habit of trying new things in the real world. While at camp, kids can participate in a range of fun activities and skill-building adventures––going for nature walks, singing around a campfire, learning to surf or swim, engaging in the arts and STEM projects, navigating a high ropes course and so much more. Campers will almost certainly build self-confidence and may even discover lifelong passions along the way.
If your child is anxious about trying new things, rest assured that camp counselors are experts at drawing kids out of their comfort zones. “Camp is a place where a kid can be a kid,” says Nelson. “We encourage discovery. Campers are able to try new things in a safe, supportive environment, where it is OK to fail.”
Get outdoors and connect with nature. From soft grassy fields and tree-lined trails to sweeping waterfront vistas and bright shooting stars, campers are sure to gain new perspectives while surrounded by nature’s bounty this summer.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), outdoor play can lead to improved physical health, better learning outcomes, positive changes in behavior, and lower levels of stress and depression. “Eyes, muscles and cardiovascular systems benefit [when there’s] a break from screens, competition, urgency and inactivity,” Sultz says.
Summer day camps held at parks or playgrounds allow for plenty of fresh air and free play. Specialized camps like soccer, basketball, dance, gymnastics and horseback riding strengthen skills while providing daily exercise. Even camps themed around more sedentary activities (i.e. arts and crafts, cooking), typically offer accompanying physical activities such as hiking, swimming and outdoor games. We encourage you to find the right camp fit for your children.
Build better technology habits. This may surprise parents, but research conducted through the American Camp Association (ACA) revealed that many kid campers prefer a “no phones” policy: “Campers described how because there are no phones allowed at camp, they are able to meet people and interact with them offline, form closer connections with others (including those they know from home), get a much-needed break from the expectations and pressures of social media, and have the opportunity to live in the moment.”
Summer camp can help kids and teens build better long-term technology habits. After experiencing how much fun life can be without phones, they may be less likely to reach for their devices this fall.
To avoid sliding back into old habits, discuss the benefits when kids get home, be sure to model responsible digital behavior and consider making a family technology contract. Visit www.sandiegofamily.com/parenting/ how-to-make-a-family-digitalcitizenship-contract to learn how. v
Lisa Pawlak is an award-winning contributing writer residing in Encinitas with her family.
Program Highlights
The City of Poway offers a fantastic variety of high-quality, affordable, and unique specialty camps that include something for everyone! Specialty camps are generally held over the span of one week, and the programs offered include skateboarding, dodgeball, laser tag, gymnastics, creative and performing arts, technology, science, cooking, STEAM/STEM, fencing, cheerleading, archery, sewing, and much more. Specialty camps are presented through independent contract instructors, full of passion and eager to share their expertise and talents. Families can create a full-day camp experience by taking advantage of Summer Camp Lunch Hour! Participants who register for a morning half-day camp and an afternoon half-day camp during the same week in the same location can register for Summer Camp Lunch Hour. Participants will be supervised by staff and will be escorted to and from camp areas/rooms. With over 150 summer camps, will you join in on the fun?
Dates & Times: Weekly starting June 16 - August 8
Ages: 3-17
Rates & Discounts: Rates vary by camp
address:
13325 Civic Center Drive, Poway
phone: 858-668-4570
email: activenet@poway.org
web: www.poway.org/classes
www.facebook.com/cityofpoway/
Helen Woodward Animal Center
Explore San Diego’s premier animal camp with daily interactive experiences for kids.
Program Highlights
Get ready for a summer of wild adventures at our Summer Critter Camp—San Diego’s best animal camp for preschool through 8th grade! Two rotating themes offer double the fun, with each week packed with unforgettable animal experiences. Our two exciting themes are Magical World of Animals and Adventures with Animals. Plus, for our 7th and 8th graders, we offer an exclusive Critter Careers camp where they’ll dive into the world of animal professions! NEW! Our brand-new Humane Education campus opens this summer! Campers will explore habitat-themed rooms, animal-inspired playgrounds, behind-the-scenes visits, and more. With scholarships, extended care options, and discounts available, there’s no better time to secure your spot. Enroll today—or explore all the other fun animal programs we offer!
Dates & Times: June 2 – August 22 (9:00 am – 3:00 pm)
Ages: Pre K – 8th grade
Rates & Discounts
15% discount for military. Scholarships and sibling discounts are available as well.
address: 6447 Helen Woodward Way, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
phone: 858-756-3954
email: omarim@animalcenter.org
website: www.animalcenter.org/ programs-services/education/ SIGN UP NOW!
www.facebook.com/hwaceducation
Helen
Woodward Animal Center’s
Summer 2025
Where animals amaze and magic is real — crafts, games, and laughter make it ideal! Adventure awaits with each new day — lifelong memories are just a pawprint away!
Hands-On Animal Fun — Meet and interact with fascinating creatures
Magical World of Animals
Odd Weeks
Explore the enchanting adaptations that make animals seem like real-life wizards. From camouflage to waterproofing, discover the extraordinary magic of nature’s abilities!
Adventures with Animals
Even Weeks
Embark on a global journey to uncover unique habitats, bizarre behaviours and traits, and how these amazing animals thrive in the wild. Solve clues and unravel nature’s mysteries!
Critter Careers
7th-8th Grade — Same Each Week
Dive into the world of animal professionals! Meet industry experts, experience exclusive animal activities, develop leadership skills, and discover careers that work with animals.
Summertime Crafts & Activities — Creative crafts and playful games inspired by the season, with a focus on animals and compassion
Themes & Learning — Engage in alternating weekly themes that educate and entertain, creating moments to cherish forever!
Camp Carmel Creek
Program Highlights
Camp Carmel Creek is on a mission to fill childhood summers with joy, curiosity, adventure and community. Camp Carmel Creek is a unique specialty camp with a classic camp feel, which is to say that our campers can expect to have all the experiences they love in a day camp, while getting to choose the activities they are most passionate about doing each day. We also know summer camp isn’t just for kids. Parents are always in-mind as we create our summer camp experiences. We provide flexible scheduling, a state-of-the-art safe facility and top-tier staff and camp leadership. San Diego parents have many camp choices and put hours of thought into planning summer activities. We want to make that choice a little easier - you won’t even need to pack a lunch!
Dates & Times: June 16 - August 8, 9 am - 4:30 pm
Ages: 5-13
Rates & Discounts: Click here for rates and discounts
Area: Carmel Valley
11860 Carmel Creek Rd.
Phone: 848-704-3700
adam@campcarmelcreek.com
www.campcarmelcreek.com Facebook
www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090495485434
Lisa Gipson
SAN DIEGO COUNTY’S Best Summer Camps
There’s a lot of buzz about summer camps. Wondering what all the excitement is about? Summer break offers a unique and exclusive opportunity for kids to explore new interests and learn new skills in a fun, supportive, relaxed environment. It also allows them to engage in activities they may not have time or energy for when they’re in school. This month and next we’re highlighting awesome camps in a variety of categories. Kids work hard all year, so encourage them to explore and play hard during summer!
SWIMMING LESSONS
Aqua Pros Swim School
Clairemont Mesa; All ages www.aquapros.org
Floaties Swim School
Poway & Chula Vista; All ages www.floatiesswimschool.com
There may still be time to register for local Junior Lifeguard programs. Access a list of countywide programs at www.sandiegofamily.com/resources/ summer-camps-and-programs/juniorlifeguard-programs.
STEM CAMPS
Camp Galileo
Downtown San Diego; Grades K–8
June 9–July 18
www.galileo-camps.com
Engaging STEAM exploration, handson collaboration and outdoor fun. Use code GALSDFAMILY40 to save $40 per week.
Tennis + Coding Camp
Del Mar; Ages 6–12
June 2–July 25
www.delmartennis.com
The physical activity of tennis and mental agility of coding (with Ember Coding Lab) provides the best of both worlds!
Fleet Science Center STEM Camps
Balboa Park; PreK–8th grade
June 2–August 8
www.fleetscience.org/events/camps
Focusing on inquiry and play, kids investigate fascinating concepts like air pressure, electrical currents, life cycles and chemical reactions.
San Diego Model Railroad Camps Balboa Park; TK–9th grade
June 16–August 1
www.sdmrm.org
Campers paint, plaster, lay track and construct a mini-town with buildings, trees, trains and people.
Soar & Explore STEM Camp
Emerald Hills; Ages 7–13
June 9–July 3
www.eisca.org/camps
Campers explore ocean science, flight, basic video game development, renewable ways to save our planet and more.
THEATER AND DANCE CAMPS
CSP’s Summer Theatre Camp Escondido; Ages 7–14
June 16–July 3
www.centerstagesd.com
Engage in scrumdiddlyumptious singing and dancing at Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka Kids summer camp!
Theatre Camps at North Coast Rep Solana Beach; Ages 4–19
June 17–August 2
www.northcoastreptheatreschool.org
Fun ensemble performance for ages 4-8, skill building for ages 8-12 and intensives for ages 12–19.
City Ballet Dance Camps Pacific Beach; Ages 4–18
June 16–July 11
www.cityballet.org
Two-week sessions for kids with a passion for dance. All experience levels welcome!
San Diego Junior Theatre Summer Camps Balboa Park; Grades K–12
June 9–August 8
www.juniortheatre.com
Week-long performance camps and musical theater intensives include acting, singing, dancing and specialty classes in beautiful Balboa Park.
St. Bart’s Musical Theatre Camp Poway; Ages 8–14
June 30–July 11
www.stbartschurch.org/summercamp
Two-week “Matilda” theater intensive introduces kids to scene study, singing, choreography, props, makeup, sets and more.
Photo credit: San Diego Jr. Theatre
Photo credit: San Diego Jr. Theatre
Woo hoo! Summer is finally here! Have you registered kids for summer camps yet? You never know when they’ll discover a new hobby or passion project. Here’s a round-up of animal camps, traditional day camps, sports camps, overnight camps and more. See the full roundup of camps at www.sandiegofamily.com/resources/summer-campsand-programs/time-for-camp.
NATURE & FARM CAMPS
TRADITIONAL DAY CAMPS
Camp Carmel Creek
Carmel Valley; K–8th grade
June 16–Aug 8
www.campcarmelcreek.com
Kids love choosing daily activities; parents love flexible scheduling and top-tier staff! Flip to p. 8 to learn more.
Coastal Roots Farm Camps
Encinitas; PreK–5th grade
June 9–Aug 15
www.coastalrootsfarm.org/farm-camp
Full- or half-day programs where kids explore the natural world and food systems through cooking, crafts, science and more.
Kids Dig Archaeology Camp
Escondido
www.sandiegoarchaeology.org/ summer-camp
Mission Trails Regional Park
San Carlos
https://mtrp.org/daycamp
SPORTS CAMPS
Momentum Acrobatics Summer Camps
Sorrento Valley; Ages 3.5–17
June 9–Aug 8
www.momentumacrobatics.com
Build strength, flexibility and confidence while enjoying full- or halfday sessions of trampoline, parkour, tumbling, aerial skills and more.
San Diego Legion Rugby Camp
Encinitas; Ages 8–18
July 7–11
www.sdlegioncommunity.com
Learn rugby skills, leadership and teamwork from the pros of San Diego Legion at this fun camp for all levels.
Tennis + Coding Camp
Del Mar; Ages 6–12
June 2–July 25
www.delmartennis.com
Summer at the Club
(see Traditional Camps)
City of Poway Summer Camps
Poway; Ages 3–17
June 16–Aug 8
www.poway.org/classes
Fantastic full- or half-day specialty camps at a high-quality, affordable program. Flip to p. 4 for details.
Discovery Isle Summer Camp
Preschool–K and 1st–5th grade
San Marcos: June 16–Aug 15
Oceanside: June 16–Aug 8
www.discoveryisle.com
Participate in hands-on activities, science and nature exploration, creative arts, sports and games. A perfect blend of indoor and outdoor fun!
San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum Explorers Camp
Escondido; Ages 4–8
June 16–Aug 15
www.sdcdm.org/summercamp
Weekly camps include museum exhibits, hands-on exploration, exciting themes and activities with new friends.
San Diego History Center
Park Pioneers
Balboa Park; Ages 7-11
June and July
www.sandiegohistory.org/camps
Enjoy hands-on activities, museum visits, garden adventures and creative projects—all inspired by Balboa Park’s history, culture and beauty.
Summer at The Club
Multiple locations; Grades K–8
June 2–Aug 20
www.sdyouth.org/day-camp/2025summer-at-the-club
Kids enjoy fresh air, exciting outdoor activities, new friendships and memories that last a lifetime!
YMCA Day Camps
15 locations; Ages 5 & up
June–August
www.ymcasd.org/camps
Traditional, specialty and teen leadership camps throughout the county.
CREATIVE ART CAMPS
Hot Spot Creative Kids Camp
Liberty Station (Point Loma)
Ages 6+
June 19–August 17
www.thehotspotstudios.com
Campers participate in daily art projects (pottery painting, candle making, mosaics and slime) in addition to playtime.
Summer Camps @ Little Fish College Area/La Mesa; Ages 7+
June 2–August 8
www.lilfish.us/camps
Campers explore fun and creativity by developing characters, penciling, inking and coloring their own comic page.
Monart Drawing & Mixed Media
Art Camps
Liberty Station (Point Loma)
Ages 6–9 and 9–12
June 2–August 1
www.monartdrawing.com
Kids learn drawing skills and techniques while creating beautiful works of art with a variety of materials.
San Diego History Center Scenes of San Diego
Balboa Park; Ages 8-12
June and July
www.sandiegohistory.org/camps
Campers explore the beauty of local landscapes, flora and fauna while experimenting with different artistic mediums.
ACADEMIC ADVENTURES
Elementary Summer Camp at LePort Montessori
Solana Beach; Ages 7–12
June 9–August 8
www.leportschools.com/programs/ summer-camp
Unlock the magic of Montessori, where hands-on exploration and pursuit of knowledge create epic moments and lifelong learners.
MBMA Summer Camp University City; Preschool–6th grade
June 23–August 8
www.mbmacademy.com
Preschoolers learn about transportation, K–1 study dinosaurs and grades 2–6 explore STEAM topics at this fun Montessori camp.
Spanish Language Camp for Teens San Diego State University Ages 13–15
June 9–June 27
https://larc.sdsu.edu/diagora/ languagecamps/spanish
Engage in fun cultural activities, develop language skills and build lasting friendships in an immersive environment.
SUMMER @ The Rhoades School Encinitas; Grades K–8
June 16–August 22
www.rhoadesschool.com/student-life/ summer-camp
Enjoy sports, games, STEM projects, arts and crafts, academic enrichment, music, drama and more. There’s something for everyone!
WATERSPORTS CAMPS
SEA Surf Camp
La Jolla Shores; Ages 5–17
June 1–Aug 26
www.surflajolla.com
Learn character development while surfing in a fun and safe environment with world-class coaches. Improve skills, learn ocean safety and build confidence.
YMCA Watersports Day Camp
Mission Bay; Grades 3–9
June 9–Aug 1
www.ymcasd.org/camps
New for 2025: The YMCA is partnering with Mission Bay Boat & Ski Club to offer an exciting watersports camp for all skill levels. Lunch included!
OVERNIGHT CAMPS
YMCA Overnight Camps
• Raintree Ranch Horse Camp, Julian
• Camp Surf, Imperial Beach
• Camp Marston, Julian
Ages 7–17; June 15–Aug 15
www.ymcasd.org/camps
ANIMAL CAMPS
Birch Aquarium Summer Camps
La Jolla; Ages 4–13
June 16–August 8 www.aquarium.ucsd.edu/learn/camps
Explore marine animals, create fun crafts, engage in science activities, surf, snorkel and more!
Critter Camp at Helen Woodward Rancho Santa Fe Preschool–8th grade
June 2–August 22 www.animalcenter.org/education
Enjoy daily animal interactions (with birds, mammals, reptiles and invertebrates), animal-themed games, crafts and songs. Flip to p. 6 for more.
YMCA Raintree Ranch Horse Camp {see Overnight Camps}
Summer Camps for All Abilities
Find classes and camp programs designed specifically for youth with disabilities at www.sandiegofamily.com/ resources/summer-camps-and-programs/ summer-camp-for-every-kid.
