Get (the Kids) Out!: Summer Camp Guide

School's almost out! Summer’s almost here! The beaches are calling your name!

Wait, school’s almost out? The kids are probably rejoicing about that fact, but you might be concerned about keeping them active, busy and entertained during their three months of freedom. Luckily, there’s this thing called summer camp. And we think you should take full advantage.

We’ve got plenty of summer camp options around the entire county below. Click on the links for all the details of each camp, like specific camp descriptions, location and contact information. Extra points if you can find enough summer camps to keep your kids busy consistently throughout the summer!

If you know of any good camps we missed, let us know in the comments.

RAMONA/JULIAN

• What: YMCA Raintree Camp is the perfect place for young horse riders. Ride horses, learn to care for them and more at this horse-tailored camp in Julian for those ages 9-16.
• When: Six-day sessions run from June 17-Aug. 17.
• Cost: $560-$660

POWAY/RANCHO BERNARDO/ESCONDIDO/CARMEL VALLEY

• What:Camp Science Safari and Culinary Creations are for the curious kids out there. Future scientists, fashionistas and chefs can get a taste of their future at these day camps.
• When:Sessions run from July 23-27; July 30-Aug. 7; Aug. 6-10; Aug. 13-17
• Cost:Average cost per camp is $225.

POWAY

• What: Outpost Summer Camps is great for all North County residents, with offerings like rock climbing, sailing and more, all tailored for kids ages 3 to kids in 9th grade.
• When: There are three sessions offered at Outpost: June 18-July 6; July 9-20; and July 30-Aug. 17.
• Cost: Pricing varies anywhere from $155-$1180. You can see the breakdown of it all here.

RANCHO BERNARDO

• What:Rancho YMCA has plenty of choices to summer activities for the kids. From day camps, to extended camps to overnight camps, there’s something that will catch your child’s eye.
• When: Day camps run from June 11-Aug. 31.
• Cost: Prices vary on each camp.

EAST COUNTY CAMPS

• City of Santee Recreation Services has plenty of summer activity camps. Check out what they have to offer on June 22 from 5-6 p.m. at City Hall.
• East County YMCA boasts more than 100 summer camps to keep kids away from the video games during the long summer hours.
• Lemon Grove Recreation Services is bringing back summer camps with fun trips for the kids to places like the Chula Vista Nature Center, a Padres game and Soak City. Sessions will run June 25-Aug. 31. Call 619-825-3800 for all the info.
• The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Center has a day camp for kids this summer that can cater to plenty of East County families.
• The City of La Mesa has summer classes that will keep the kids active, as well as their brains.

OCEANSIDE

• What: The City of Oceanside offers plenty of summer camps, like skate, surf and swim camps, in four-day sessions.
• When: The sessions run from June 11-Aug. 17 in four-day increments.
• Cost: Prices vary from $70-$110.

• What: Mottino Family YMCA offers up summer camps for the kiddos. Register them for activities like bowling, surfing, swim and more.
• When: Camp start dates go from June 11-Aug. 20 and are available in daily or weekly sessions.
• Cost: $25 deposit plus anywhere from $155-$300. Discounts are offered for YMCA members.

CARLSBAD

• What: Sunrise Surf School will get your kids out on the water riding the waves in no time. Kids as young as 6 can participate, but note that kids ages 6-11 need to be accompanied by an adult. This might be something for the teens in your household. Overnight Surf Camp Weeks are available, which means date nights for you and your significant other.
• When: Sessions vary, but overnight camps run from June 11-15, June 25-29 and July 9-13.
• Cost: Group lesson is $60, private lessons are $90 and overnight camps are $700 for the week.

• What: City of Carlsbad has half-day and all-day camps for your young ones. Pick the best camp suited for your child and sign them up. Choose from basketball, laser tag, art and more.
• When: Dates vary depending on which camp you choose. Check the site for specifics.
• Cost: Cost varies depending on activities, but discounts are given to residents.

ENCINITAS

• What: Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA offers summer day camps to keep the kids busy during the day, allowing for a more productive day for you. Options are seemingly-endless, with choices like theatre, art, science, space camp and even half-day options for those who can’t be away from mom to long.
• When: Dates vary depending on which camp you choose. Check the site for the specifics.
• Cost: Cost varies depending on activities, but discounts are given to YMCA members.

• What: City of Encinitas Parks and Rec offers to take the brood off your hands and keep them active with camps like junior lifeguarding, seaside camp and more.
• When: Dates vary depending on which camp you choose.
• Cost: Cost varies depending on which camp you choose.

LA JOLLA

• What: Camp at the Aquarium has summer adventure camps that will keep the kids learning all throughout summer. Camps are divided by grade with fun activities like snorkeling.
• When: Four-day weekly sessions run from June 25-Aug. 24
• Cost: Prices vary and there are discounts for Birch Aquarium members.

• What: Young Architects Camp with LJ Historical Society is inviting future architects to come learn the principles of architecture and its role in the building of the community of La Jolla.
• When: Classes will run July 23-27 from 9 am to 3:00 pm.
• Cost: $350.

CORONADO

• What: Coronado Recreation Department hosts a plentiful amount of summer camps for kids of all ages, including rock climbing, golfing, swimming and more. You can download their summer brochure to see all the offerings.
• When: Dates vary for each camp.
• Cost: Prices vary for each activity. See the brochure for full pricing details.

IMPERIAL BEACH

• What: YMCA Camp Surf gets your kids on the beach and in the water. Choose from a day camp or overnight camp for kids in grades 1-7.
• When: Sessions run from June 18-Aug. 17.
• Cost: $195-$225 a week.