San Diego Family Digital Camp and Summer Programs Guide 2023

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San Diego 2023

CAMPS & SUMMER PROGRAMS

Camp is More Essential than Ever

Lisa Pawlak

One thing parents probably 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 finally come to fill in some of those gaps. One way to accomplish this is to send your kids to summer camp.

Some of the social-emotional benefits of summer camp include regaining a sense of social connectedness, trying new activities, improving self-confidence, discovering better communication skills, and making new friends. At many camps, kids also experience a boost in physical health. Below, we take a deep dive into the reasons why summer camp is more essential than ever.

Social Connectedness

When social isolation was initially recommended to slow the spread of COVID-19, most of us didn’t understand how deeply this behavior would impact today’s youth.

“Over the last couple of years, we have noticed that children tend to have a harder time interacting and relating socially to others, engaging in abstract thinking, and coping with stress,” says Robyn Higgins, education and tours manager at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “We have seen this manifest in a variety of ways during camp as children have begun to relearn and practice some of these skills. For instance, children may have a harder time adapting when a planned activity changes, or it may take them longer to connect with other campers.”

At summer camp, children are able to regain a sense of interconnectedness with their surrounding communities as they practice face-to-face communication skills, meet new people, develop friendships, and bond over common interests and activities.

Growth Mindset

When it comes to post-pandemic kids, the inability to experience life with a growth mindset is another area of concern. Children who possess

a growth mindset understand that skills and abilities can be improved with sufficient time and effort. Those lacking this approach often lack the self-confidence required to move past life’s inevitable failures and tackle new challenges. Summer camp can help kids expand their mindset.

“At camp, we see the power in meeting and working with new friends,” says Elle Muse, recreation supervisor of Seaside Day Camps in Encinitas. “Whether it is that small bit of competition or encouragement from those around you, these interactions help children get out of their own heads and work through new experiences to create self-confidence.”

Opportunities to Try New Things

“Opportunities to try new things is one of the most valuable benefits of summer camp and has the greatest impact on children who are returning to camp after the pandemic,” says Muse. She explains that camp inherently creates a new environment and experience, placing children outside their comfort zone.

Depending on which camp you choose, new opportunities may involve physical activities like hiking, rock climbing, archery or horseback riding; alternatively, kids may be exposed to more cerebral activities such as using unfamiliar materials for art projects, experimenting with STEM concepts and learning new campfire songs.

To be clear, placing kids outside of their comfort zone is rarely a bad thing when it’s in a safe environment. Kids can develop new skills, discover new passions, enjoy independence and adventure, and experience boosts in self-confidence and self-esteem.

Independence

For any parents out there with helicopter tendencies, the pandemic may have sharpened those well-intentioned (but often harmful) instincts to swoop in and over-manage their child’s life. If this sounds familiar, it’s not too late to correct it. Rest assured that summer camp can provide

a safe and separate space for kids to learn how to think independently, make their own decisions and learn from their mistakes.

“Summer camp encourages children to engage in discovery, exploration and problem-solving, ultimately supporting their holistic growth and development as they navigate the world,” says Higgins.

To further foster your child’s independence, be sure to allow their participation when choosing summer camp programs.

Physical Activity

With kids spending more time than ever indoors and on screens, it’s no surprise that there is a childhood obesity epidemic. According to the CDC, obesity now affects about one in five kids—and things aren’t heading in the right direction.

Summer camp can help kids achieve or maintain a healthy weight, along with developing greater physical stamina and endurance, through fun activities like hiking, swimming and outdoor games. If your child plays (or wants to play) year-round sports, programs focused on building sportspecific skills may be a particularly good fit.

Keep in mind that not only can camp boost physical fitness, it also leads to improvements in mental health and well-being. As Muse so aptly observes, “Camp is the place where building new friendships and learning emotional intelligence is disguised by fun.”

To find a summer camp near you, flip through this magazine or visit www.sandiegofamily.com/resources/ summer-camps-and-programs.  v

Want to learn more about growth mindset? Read our article, “How and Why to Develop Growth Mindset in Kids” at www.sandiegofamily.com/ parenting/how-and-why-to-developgrowth-mindset-in-kids

Lisa Pawlak is an award-winning contributing writer living in Encinitas with her family.

Helen Woodward Animal Center

Summer Critter Camp: Where kids connect with animals!

Program Highlights

This camp is great for any animal lovers who are in Preschool up through 8th grade. Campers will spend their day experiencing daily hands-on animal interactions with a variety of species, themed games and activities, and crafts to take home! Camp themes alternate between “In Your Wildest Dreams” and “Animals Through the Ages.” We even offer a special camp for 7th and 8th graders on select weeks that focus on “Critter Careers.” Scholarships, extended care, and discounts are available.

Dates & Times

June 5th–August 25th. PreK 9am–1pm, Kinder+ 9am–3pm

Ages 4–13

Rates & Discounts

PreK daily rate $75/day/child or $300/week/child. Kinder+ $95/day/child or $380/child/week

Area

6461 El Apajo Rd, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067

Phone: 858-756-4117

email: education@animalcenter.org

website: www.animalcenter.org/programsservices/education/summer-critter-camp/

www.facebook.com/hwaceducation

Champions Champ Camp

Camp days are filled with activities that inspire creativity, confidence, and friendship.

Take convenience, flexibility, and laughter to the max!

Full-time or part-time care with unplugged activities that inspire creativity, confidence, and friendship. Expertbacked curriculum in themed weeks (like outdoors, arts, STEM) are filled with field trips, interactive sports, water play, group activities, adventure, and more!

Dates & Times June 19 – August 23

Times: 7:30am – 5:30pm

Ages 5 – 12

Half Day: $205 for 5 days

Full Day: $315 for 5 days

SIGN UP NOW!

Multiple Locations in San Diego

Phone: 1-800-246-2154

email: ChampCampQuestions@kindercare.com

www.discoverchampions.com

www.facebook.com/KCEChampions

See what a day at summer camp is like through the eyes of our campers...

Encore Creative Arts Camp

9 Fun weeks of Visual, Performing, & Media Arts Camps, and more...

Program Highlights

FUN FULL DAY CAMPS & AFTER CARE Encore Creative Arts Camp specializes in Visual, Media, and Performing Arts programs for kids ages 7 to 15, plus special Camps for 4-6 year olds. Our program hours are 9:00 am to 3:00 pm with additional after care programs from 3:15-5:15 pm. Drop off starts at 8:30 am. Each camp module is between one and two weeks, so you can sign up for as little as one week or all summer long! Nine jam-packed weeks of activities that your kids will love with enough hands-on experiences to keep them engaged while they’re learning. There will be focused classroom activities as well as daily outdoor activity breaks. This year’s camps include Musical Theatre, Mad Science, Anime & Manga, Magic Camp, Media/Film, Photography, Miniature Crafts, and more! Imagine all of the elements of the ideal arts camp that you want your child to attend and you have Encore Creative Arts & Enrichment Summer Camp! Encore Creative Arts students will have hands-on opportunities to create, perform, and have an art exhibit and/or sharing for friends and family at the end of each camp. Students will become skilled in the camp of their choice, learn to collaborate, and communicate through their art form, and create lasting memories.

Dates & Times: June 19-August 25, 9:00-3:00pm (aftercare available)

Ages: Ages 4-15 years old

Rates & Discounts: Starting at $375./week, SDFM5023

Kearny Mesa

858-652-3264

email: info@encorecreativeartscamp.com

website: www.encorecreativeartscamp.com

encore creative arts camp facebook page

SIGN UP NOW!

Awesome Kids!

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego Summer at the Club: Awesome Camps for

Program Highlights

Summer at the Club is a complete experience! Activities include sports, swimming, arts & crafts, STEM and more. Different themes make each week unique and special. Theme weeks include Super Heroes Week, Star Wars Week, Patriotic Week and Water Week. The theme is incorporated into special events, art projects and other hands-on activities. Members will also participate in the Summer With A Goal (SWAG) Program. With many children falling behind academically, stopping the traditional summer learning loss is crucial. SWAG keeps members’ minds engaged throughout the summer. Camps also offer weekly field trips.

Dates & Times

June 5 to August 23 - times vary slightly from site to site, but typically from 7 am - 5 pm, Monday - Friday

Ages

5 to 13 years old

Rates & Discounts

Fees vary based on site and program. Scholarships and sibling discounts available.

$140 - $196 Day Camp • $210 - $220 Adventure Camp

$60 Membership Fee • $10 Day Camp Registration Fee • $20 Adventure Camp Registration Fee

Area

Multiple locations throughout the county. Find your location at https://www.sdyouth.org/clubs

Multiple locations throughout San Diego County

Phone: 858-866-0591

mailto:info@sdyouth.org

www.sdyouth.org/summer2023

Camp Galileo Innovation, friendship and fun

Program Highlights

Camp Galileo engages rising K – 10th graders in creative STEAM-inspired projects and active outdoor games. Our dynamic staff inspires kids to turn ideas into reality, collaborate with peers and play hard outside. Stanford research shows that kids who participate in Galileo’s curriculum tend to persevere at unfamiliar challenges, share their ideas more freely and respond better in the face of failure. Spaces fill fast—sign up now.

Dates & Times

9am - 3pm • Optional extended care: 8–9am and 3–6pm

Ages 5–16 yrs. old

Rates & Discounts

Rates Start at $475 per week

Scholarships are available https://galileo-camps.com/scholarship-program/ Area

San Diego North County Coastal

address:

Aviara Oaks Middle School

6900 Ambrosia Lane, Carlsbad, CA 92011

phone: 800-854-3684

email: info@galileo-learning.com

web: www.galileo-camps.com

www.facebook.com/galileocamps/

Girl Scouts San Diego

Program Highlights

Outdoor experiences are key to mental and physical well-being for Girl Scouts. The cool touch of water as they dip their toes into a lake. The warm sun on their face as they learn a new skill. The breeze on their arm as they take their first hike. All are part of the Girl Scout outdoor experience. Girl Scout camps are fun places where girls grow by leaps and bounds. Campers discover new interests, take important time off from school and social pressures, and challenge themselves in a supportive environment. Campers have a say in the activities their groups will participate in, so no two sessions of camp are the same. Learn more about the various day and sleepaway camp programs available and register at sdgirlscouts.org/camp.

Dates & Times

Starting June 26 through August 11; Times vary

Ages

K-12th grade

Rates & Discounts

Prices vary; Financial aid is available for Girl Scout members

Area

Escondido, San Diego, and Julian, CA

1231 Upas Street

San Diego, CA 92103

Phone: 619-610-0821

Email: customercare@sdgirlscouts.org

Website: www.sdgirlscouts.org/camp

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sdgirlscouts

Develop yourself and embrace new, exciting challenges at Girl Scouts camp this summer!