2018 Sumer Camp & Activities Guide

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

Welcome to the 2018 Summer Camp & Activities Guide

School’s (Almost) Out for Summer! tart early on planning and pre-registering for your child or teen’s summer camp and activities-filled time off from the Capistrano Unified School District’s schedule.

Local camps offer youngsters a plethora of options to fulfill every interest and hobby, including surfing, science, reading, acting, exploration and much more.

Our annual Summer Camp & Activities Guide— featuring a mix of half-day and full-day activities in Dana Point, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano and surrounding cities— will provide information to help you and your child plan an endless summer of adventure.

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

Carter, 14, San Clemente

Carter, a student at Bernice Ayer Middle School, attends a summer camp that is geared more towards education and his foreseen career path in technology.

Carter started going to iD Tech camp at the University of California-Irvine at age 12 and plans to continue going each year.

“It seemed very interesting and it’s the right way to go if I want a career that involves technology,” Carter said. “Technology seems like (a growing field) in the future; we’re going to need more people in technology because that’s where everything’s going.”

With hobbies including reading and video games, Carter said that learning skills at the iD Tech summer camp—including how to code, create software and build computers—were fun for him.

“It shows you different aspects of technology: 3D printing, design and game development,” Carter said, adding that he is comfortable working with all of these technological facets.

Although still unsure about which venue of technology he hopes to grow his career, Carter said that his interest is in design, since going to the summer camp. Also, he added, the camp has created a support system for him, in that other attendees of the iD Tech camp who are passionate about technology like he is, become close and valuable friends.

Caden, Dana Point, Pictured at 10

Seasons in the Sun Local kids learn valuable lessons in summer camp, with some fun

BY EMILY RASMUSSEN

very child has their own unique experience at summer camp with an even wider variety of takeaways from their time at the youth getaways. With local summer camp offerings ranging from technology to horseback riding, students in Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano learned valuable skills that could apply to their college and career paths—not to mention they had some fun along the way. Here are some of their favorite memories.

Caden, 17, Dana Point

When this San Juan Hills High School student started going to YMCA Camp Oakes when he was 10 years old, he was somewhat doubtful of summer camps because he was homesick his first year.

Although the week-long camp of activities including horseback riding and rock climbing were enjoyable, Caden said that he wasn’t used to sharing his space with so many people and at the time, and just wanted to go home.

“The first time I went, it was new for me

—my first time out of the house for more than a couple days, I missed my bed, my own food, being able to go into my room and have my own space,” Caden said. “I had to be around new people every second of the day—I was kind of homesick the first year, but when I got home I couldn’t wait to go back next year.”

Since that first year, Caden went to YMCA Camp Oakes—based in Big Bear— every year for three years.

“It’s always going to be something new to go out and be on your own, but it is so fun,”

Caden said. “You meet new people, try all of these different activities—it’s something different than your house and family.”

In addition to the camp allowing for Caden to try new, interesting activities, he said that the camp also helped him grow a sense of independence and maturity.

“It was a great real-world experience without having your parents there to coach you on everything,” Caden said. “You have older role models who aren’t full-on adults, the counselors really help—you look up to them and they’re not your parent.”

Kate, 15, San Juan Capistrano

After participating in Westwind Sailing camp in Dana Point for four years, San Juan Hills High School student Kate has her sails set on becoming an assistant instructor.

“It’s helped me to try new things, work with groups and learn how to communicate better with other people,” Kate said.

The camp, which typically has groups of three per boat, teaches attendees how to sail. It’s a physically and mentally challenging task for someone who has never set to sea before, Kate said.

“It’s really fun and you learn a lot; it’s a nice skill to have if you enjoy the beach,” she said.

The skill has also helped Kate learn how to adjust to unfamiliar settings and how to not panic in situations that you would need to act fast, she added. For Kate’s foreseen career and college route in the medical field, these mentalities are important to develop, she said. •

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

Going Up the Country tay engage ith these tips for your ne t fa ily roa trip ummers are made for road trips. On-the-road getaways are not only a wallet-friendly means of travel, but also a family-friendly escape that keeps everyone together. Before you jam everyone into the car for fun-filled summer adventures, here are a few tips, games and tricks to make your road trip entertaining and educational.

Fair Game enefits of enrolling i s in pro ect goal ase activities

BY EMILY RASMUSSEN

Ask for input from everyone.

Whether your family is heading up the coast to Monterey, cruising to Mammoth Lakes or are loading up for a camping trip, involve your children in the planning process.

Silence Siri or Alexa and put the navigational system away. Instead, buy a paper map and plot your course. Research places to stop and explore along the way—maybe a visit to the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery outside San Simeon is on your trip north.

Get creative with games inside the car.

Exploration isn’t exclusive outside the car.

Load up your car-game arsenal and use driving time for creative, interactive games.

Go through the alphabet. For this game, pick a category such as fruits, cities or sports

teams. Then take turns coming up with items starting with that letter. Play the license plate game. Keep your eyes set on passing cars. Try to find all 50 states. Ever wonder where other cars are going? Pick a car and craft a story of their travels. Let imaginations run wild.

Embark on a listening adventure.

It’s inevitable. At some point in the trip, the miles will seem endless. Help beat the road-trip lull with an audiobook. The miles are guaranteed to fly by. You could opt for a family-friendly classic adventure novel like Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island or Douglas Adams’ science-fiction comedy The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Whatever you choose, enjoy the journey where your family will be transported to far-off lands for a new adventure together. •

rojects engage children and come in a variety of forms, ranging from science fair competitions, entering crafts or photography in local fairs to volunteering for a long-term cause. Whether it’s a friendly competition between peers or collaborating as a team for an ultimate goal, working on projects teaches children and teens how to manage time, be responsible for their work and take constructive criticism.

Long-term benefits of projects can help children build resilience and learn how to set appropriate benchmarks, said Katie Hurley, a child and adolescent psychotherapist and parenting educator in Los Angeles, in a PBS article titled, “How to Help Your Child Set and Reach Goals.”

According to Hurley, working on projects with long-term goals teaches children: • Responsibility: Success or failure depends on what they put into it.

• Time management: Kids learn how to manage their time to meet their goals.

• Confidence: Nothing beats the feeling of meeting your own goal.

• Resilience: Kids learn to cope with the small setbacks that might stand in their way.

• Perseverance: They learn to keep trying and rework their steps until they meet their goals.

There are a myriad of opportunities in Orange County for students to become involved with a goal-based project, whether it’s independent or with a group.

One option to foster team building skills is with the Boys and Girls Club of Capistrano

Valley, which includes education, art and physical programs. An example of a unique program to the Boys and Girls Club is their character and leadership development clubs, such as the Keystone Clubs or Torch Club.

“Helping youth become responsible, caring citizens and acquire skills for participating in the democratic process is the main thrust of these programs,” the Boys and Girls Club of Capistrano Valley website said. “They also develop leadership skills and provide opportunities for planning, decision-making, contributing to (the) club and community and celebrating our national heritage.”

For more technical projects and goals, OC Science—a student-run nonprofit organization that focuses on science and engineering—is an example of a challenging educational program. OC Science is affiliated with the Orange County Science & Engineering fair, but also has more frequent projects for students.

One of the OC Science projects is Problems of the Week, which engages elementary and middle school students to challenge themselves with sciences such as biology, chemistry, physics and earth sciences.

“As opposed to traditional competitions, OC Science allows students one week to think out their answers and come up with creative solutions to free response questions,” the OC Science website said.

With the program running from October to March, students who perform well and show a deep understanding of the topics are invited to compete in the Science Bowl, which takes place in April.

Extracurricular projects and goals aren’t limited to competitions. With volunteer opportunities that can range from working with faith-based groups or helping the environment, there’s interests for any field your child may be interested in.

Plus, some volunteer groups allow adults to join, so parents can use this as an opportunity to bond with their children while doing a fun and productive activity. OneOC. com is a resource that families can use to find volunteer organizations, with some that will satisfy service-learning hours.

Regardless of the resume-building skills that children or teens will learn while being involved in goal-based projects, the personal knowledge acquired will prepare them for an array of challenges both inside and outside of the classroom. •

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

Five

Health Benefits of Enrolling Your Child in Camp

BY EMILY RASMUSSEN

hether it’s sailing a boat for the first time or learning a new technical skill, summer camps push the intellectual boundaries of what children are used to on a daily basis.

Camps give your child an opportunity to grow in a variety of ways, whether it’s a chance to develop a new skill or to have some adventurous fun.

Here’s five health and psychological benefits of enrolling your child in a camp.

1.Sense of independence

If your child has attended camps before, you may have noticed changes in their selfconfidence. Camps can help children grow by allowing them the opportunity to try experiences on their own, growing their sense of independence and overall maturity.

“It is in the crucible of this community that children gain self-esteem with humility, overcome their inflated sense of self, and develop a lifelong sense of grace and wonder,” Bob Ditter, licensed clinical social worker specializing in child and adolescent treatment, said to the American Camp Association (ACA) in their article “Benefits of Camp: Psychological Aspects.”

2. Making friends

This may seem like an obvious reason, but it’s arguably one of the most important.

Building relationships with peers from a variety of backgrounds can help grow your child’s community of friends and mentors.

“Each summer at camp, a unique setting is created, a community is constructed that allows participants to get in touch with a sense of life that is larger than one’s self,” Bruce Muchnick, licensed psychologist who works extensively with day and resident camps, said to the ACA. “The camp community seeks to satisfy children’s basic need for connectedness, affiliation, belonging,

safety, and feelings of acceptance and appreciation.”

3. Change of scenery

Even with school field trips or family vacations, a child’s sense of the world might be limited to their neighborhood or city.

Breaking out of the norm can enlighten your child’s grasp on what else is out there.

“It gets them away from a neighborhood or situation that may exist in their neighborhoods that isn’t healthy,” former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell and former chair of America’s Promise - The Alliance for Youth, said to the ACA. “It teaches them how to get along with others—both young people as well as adults. To give our children a safe place to learn and grow–camp does that.”

4. Taking risks

This may be your child’s first time trying something exciting outside of school or home. Regardless of its size, taking risks is an important lesson for children to learn.

“What makes camp a special community is its focus on celebrating effort. In this less pressured atmosphere, children learn more readily what positive things to say and do when they make mistakes and face challenges,” Michael Brandwein, noted speaker and consultant to the camp profession, said to the ACA.

5. Different perspectives

Camps can serve as a catalyst for understanding people’s differences. Often, children will be obliged to hear other ideas—whether they agree with them or not—which is a healthy start for having an open mind to other people’s thoughts and feelings.

“Campers are urged to include, not exclude, others,” Brandwein said to the ACA. “They are praised for choosing new partners and not always the same ones. They are encouraged to respect the differences between people.” •

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

Local Camps

Capistrano Acting Academy

Make it a memorable summer

949 Volleyball

In just six years, 949 Volleyball Club has earned eight Junior Olympic Volleyball medals and has four National Championships of their own. At 949 Volleyball Club, our goal is to teach beginning players the game’s fundamentals and to prepare juniors and seniors for NCAA-level competition. The club promotes sportsmanlike behavior both on and off the court. With each player, we instill the values of integrity, dedication and hard work all while having fun and learning to play the game. Space is limited. Be sure to register early. 32701 Calle Perfecto, San Juan Capistrano. 949.374.2890. www.949vb.com. Email Justin@949vb.co for more information.

Acting Academy

Summer Performing Arts Camps serving ages 4 - 13. Campers are guided through a full theater immersion experience via four daily classes—music, acting, dance and fusion. The culminating event will be a Friday performance on one of our three main stage theaters! Children can participate for one week, the entire summer or anywhere in between. It’s time to watch your star shine at Cabrillo Playhouse, 202 Avenida Cabrillo, San Clemente; CommunityRoots Academy PAC, 29292 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel; OC Music & Dance, 17620 Fitch Avenue #160, Irvine 92614, 949.427.0072, www.actingacademyforkids.com.

Excitement and adventure await your kids with loads of Summer Fun! Camp begins June 25 and encompasses six separate weeks, each with a different theme. We accept ages 6 - 16. Each play is an original script with tons of laughter – for both the kids and the audience. Along with enjoying theatre games, these amazing kids learn their lines, blocking, timing and are costumed and made up to perform by Friday at 2 p.m. They offer sibling and return student discounts too. 31776 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano. 949.489.8082. www. capistranoactingacademy.org.

Basics of Skateboarding

Basics of Skateboarding is a hands-on camp designed to bring kids together with their community. At this camp, children develop and enhance their skateboarding skills while creating new friendships with other camp participants. Our camps are here to guide participants with little to no skateboarding experience through the basics by providing structured lessons.

We also offer intermediate and advanced camps. Camps are open to young skateboarders ages 3-12. 949.922.9922. www.basicsofskateboarding.com.

Bella Collina Kid’s Summer Golf Camp

Evidence suggests regular physical activity may help improve a student’s academic performance. This summer, challenge your child by introducing them to the exciting world of golf. Each weeklong session includes instruction by experienced, nurturing golf professionals. Campers enjoy confidencebuilding activities, on-course play and fun games. Golf achievement medals are awarded at the end of each week. Clubs, lunch and snacks are provided. Runs from June 18 to August 10. Cost is $289 per week ($229 for members). 200 Avenida La Pata, San Clemente. 949.498.3771. www.bellacollinasanclemente.com.

Johnson Academy

Did you know that one out of every five children struggle in reading? Children who receive intervention before third grade have a 90 percent chance of increasing their reading skills to meet their intellectual abilities. Due to the high demands of literacy, reading is more important than ever. At the Johnson Academy, located in San Juan Capistrano, they offer evidence-based reading and math intervention programs to improve phonemic awareness, comprehension, vocabulary knowledge and cognitive abilities. If your child struggles with keeping up in school, please contact the academy to find out more information. 31831 Camino Capistrano, Franciscan Promenade, Suite 100, San Juan Capistrano. 949.487.5251 scheduling@ocsllcinc.com.

City of San Clemente

Adventures are now open with early bird savings lasting until April 14. The city of San Clemente is offering more than 300 courses and camps this summer. Explore a variety of programs from sports to performing arts, cooking and more. Visit Camp Palooza at the Vista Hermosa Sports Park on Saturday, March 31, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., to meet instructors, earn free giveaways, discover camp discounts and enjoy recreational swimming. For information and registration visit www.san-clemente.org/recreation or call 949.429.8797.

JP’s Surf Camp

Come join the fun at JP’s Surf Camp, San Clemente Pier. Our summer camp, for ages 6 through adult, runs June 11-August 3 daily from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 12:30-3:30 p.m. sessions. Small group instruction is provided for beginner through intermediate surfers and surfboards and wetsuits are included. Full week sessions are $275 and single day sessions are $65/day. Early Bird Special pricing runs through April 14. 647 Camino De Los Mares, San Clemente. 949.547.2088. www.jpssurfcamp.com.

KG Beach Camps Endless Summer Surf Camp

Learn to surf at San Clemente’s premier surf camp, where dreams have come true since 1992. Whether you have never surfed or if you want to take your surfing to the next level, we have surf instruction and coaching for you. We have day and overnight surf camps as well as private and group lessons for beginning, intermediate and advanced surfers. We also offer surf and turf camps at Talega Golf Course with PGA Teacher of the Year Randy Chang. 949.498.7862. www.endlesssummersurfcamp.com.

Come down to the Dana Point Harbor for a week of fun! There are activities from stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, kayaking and tide pool walks to games, crafts and much more. Join us for an adventure on a 60-foot catamaran while we look for whales and explore the open ocean. The little ones will join us for a different adventure every day; crab hunting, treasure hunts, water games and sand castles will fill their days at camp. 34451 Ensenada Place, Dana Point.

949.842.5211. www.kgbeachcamps.com.

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

More Local Camps

The Ecology Center

Mathnasium

We help kids catch up, keep up and get ahead in math. Mathnasium’s goal is to significantly increase your child’s math skills, understanding of math concepts, and overall school performance, while building confidence and forging a positive attitude toward the subject. Children don’t hate math. They hate being confused and intimidated by math. With understanding comes passion.

And with passion comes growth—a treasure is unlocked. 1001 Avenida Pico, Suite E, San Clemente, 949.481.6284; 22 Monarch Bay Plaza, Dana Point, 949.240.6284; www.mathnasium.com.

St. Anne SCHOOL

The Summer Knights Day Camp is the ideal combination of fun and education for kids 2 years old through middle school. Camp days are filled with a balance of light academics, arts and crafts, water play, weekly themes, special guests, cooking and field trips with a flexible schedule for working parents.

The eight-week-long camps begin June 11 with full-day, half-day, and extended hour options. Visit www.st-anne.org/summercamp for more information and to register.

32451 Bear Brand Road, Laguna Niguel, 949.276.6711.

Waterbabies Swim School

We are known for our warm 92-degree salt pool, small classes and teaching every child to be safe and happy around water.

Swim lessons reduce the risk of drowning!

Swimming builds self-esteem! Swimming enhances physical, mental and emotional development! Swimming is an activity that lasts a lifetime! A trusted choice for over 25 years. 142 Avenida Granada, San Clemente. 949.488.2512, www.waterbabiesswimschool.com.

Westwind Sailing

Welcome aboard! Westwind Sailing opened in 1987 to provide public access boating education in our community. Summer fun at Westwind includes sailing and SUP camps and classes for all ages and skill levels. We are a sanctioned US Sailing Community Sailing Center and our instructors hold US Sailing, USCG, ASI, ACA, CPR and first aid certifications. Our programs meet at the OC Sailing & Events Center, located in the Harbor at 34451 Ensenada Place, Dana Point.

949.492.3035. www.westwindsailing.com.

YMCA of Orange County St. Margaret’s Episcopal School

Be inspired, explore interests and have fun at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School this summer. Summer camps are designed and taught by St. Margaret’s renowned faculty on the beautiful 22-acre campus, in dynamic, technology-rich learning environments.

STEM, Performing and Visual Arts, Athletics and Exploration camps available weekly for students Preschool through Grade 12! Registration open now, for more information, visit www.smes.org/summer. 31641 La Novia, San Juan Capistrano. 949.661.0108.

Discover the adventure of a lifetime! The YMCA of Orange County is proud to offer several amazing camps where any and every child can build confidence and make new friends in a safe and nurturing environment.

Summer Day Camps are available during the school break and are offered at more than 40 schools across Orange County. Specialty Camps at our Health & Fitness Centers offer sports, arts, science fun and more on a weekly basis. For the ultimate summer experience, youth 5-17 are encouraged to join us for Camp E.L.K.’s summer sleepaway camp in the San Gabriel Mountains.

Learn more at www.ymcaoc.org/camps.

13821 Newport Ave., Suite 200, Tustin.

714.549.9622. www.ymcaoc.org.

Photo: Courtesy

Giving Back Local nonprofits offer volunteering opportunities for youth

s the bell rings and finals are completed, students begin to look forward and think of their summer plans. Amid beach time, summer camps and visiting with friends, volunteering at a local nonprofit organization in South Orange County is a rewarding way to dedicate spare time. Students won’t have to look far in order to find a local organization in need of an extra hand this summer. Here are a few choices.

Family Assistance Ministries

Community Outreach Alliance www.communityoutreachalliance.com

Community Outreach Alliance (COA) focuses on equipping students with the necessary tools to make smart decisions and act as community role models, staying free from drugs and alcohol. Give back while also having fun, as COA empowers kids to lead Youth Alliance clubs and activities that include videogame events, fishing trips, comedy nights and more. COA is more than simply volunteering, it is a lifestyle open to all ages.

The Ecology Center

www.family-assistance.org

www.theecologycenter.org

Headquartered in San Clemente, Family Assistance Ministries (FAM) is a faith-based nonprofit organization with one mission: assisting those in need in Orange County.

Whether it be with food, shelter or counseling, FAM casts such a wide net of help that there is an assortment of volunteer opportunities; anything from helping organize a food drive, to clerical duties, to tutoring a child.

Reach out to the organization for upcoming fundraisers and event opportunities.

A wealth of knowledge, The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano is a one-stop shop for all information regarding the preservation of our planet. The Water Effect is a program ran by local student ambassadors to further educate schools and communities on simple tips to help conserve water, while challenging locals to use reusable water bottles. The Ecology Center runs eco-friendly workshops throughout the summer to give local kids tools to help the environment. •

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

DIY Camp

Try these affordable, at-home activities this summer ooking back at your own childhood, some of the best summer memories are those that were spent at home or in the backyard. With heavy travel and activity schedules for both parents and kids, it’s refreshing (and financially sound) to spend time in the comfort of one’s home. That doesn’t mean it has to be all work and no play. Adventures for your kids can still be found with a few household items, a jump rope or basketball and craft supplies.

Get Crafty Stop by a local arts supplies store and pick up construction paper, markers and crayons.

Encouraging kids to explore their creative side by making decorations for their room, mimicking the solar system or even making cards for local military members currently deployed is an easy and affordable way to bring out their artistic side.

Up-Cycle Art Take crafting a step further and turn cardboard boxes into space ships and milk jugs, and cartons into space packs or use recycled plastic lids to create a solar system.

Kids can take a spin around the world in their rocket ship or sail over the seas with a jetpack then draw images of what they saw on their journey.

Play Around Physical exercise like playing tag, going for a hike, skateboarding or beach volleyball are simple and free forms of fun.

According to the Power of Moms website, including daily rewards after chores or must-do lists is another stimulating and healthy way to keep children busy throughout the summer months.

T U R N T H E PAG E F O R O U R

5-Day Activity Outline!

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

5-Day Activity Outline Making your own summer camp and activities this summer for your kids is guaranteed to be both affordable and memorable!

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Make-it Monday

Trip Tuesday

Wet Wednesday

Think Thursday

Friend Friday

Whether it’s learning how to make a few treats for the family barbecue or Fourth of July party, or building a fort out of old cardboard boxes and leftover firewood, children can explore this day of the week with inventions and innovation.

Grab bikes from the garage and ride along the San Clemente Beach Trail, visit the Blas Aguilar Adobe in San Juan Capistrano or throw Frisbees in Sea Terrace Park in Dana Point. Trips do not have to be four-hour drives through heavy Southern California traffic.

Cool off from the hot weather with the kids and visit the Ole Hanson’s Beach Club pool or one of the countless Pacific beach entrances.

Ever wonder how laffy taffy is made at the county fair?

What about the ecosystem of our local waters?

Compile your own fun facts for kids, pick up a new book or take them to a museum to get them thinking about different ideas.

Socializing with peers is an integral part of healthy development and happiness. Take turns with other parents so children and teens can surf with friends, roast marshmallows at a beach bonfire or head to Ralphs Skate Park.