If you’re anything like my family, “Last Minute” could be your family’s surname. I don’t say that to shame us. No — we are an overworked, overscheduled bunch who should be handed trophies for keeping as many balls as we do juggling in air. But if you’ve let signing your kids up for summer camp slip from your orbit this year, don’t fret.  

Here is a roundup of some flexible summer camps in and around L.A. County. These camps provide flexible scheduling options and diverse activities to suit families looking for freedom in how — and when — you use the camp services.

1. Got Game Camp

Website: gotgamecamp.com

Locations: Multiple sites across Mid-City L.A., West L.A. and San Fernando Valley.

Dates: June 12-Aug. 22 (varies by location); 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., with extended care from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Flexible options: Weekly registration available. Campers can customize daily schedules based on interests.

Activities: Sports, art/science projects, water play, games and field trips for ages 6 and up.

2. Aventuras Forest School

Website: aventurasforestschool.org/summer-camp

Location: Griffith Park area.

Dates: Weekly options from June 16-Aug. 15; 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Flexible options: Enrollment occurs on a rolling basis until full.

Activities: Spanish immersion through nature-based play and exploration in Fern Dell’s forest environment.

3. UCLA Recreation Summer Camps

Website: recreation.ucla.edu/summercamps

Location: UCLA Campus and Marina Aquatic Center in Marina del Rey.

Dates: June 16-Aug. 22. Most camps run between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (varies by program). Extended care is available.

Flexible options: Registration closes Wednesdays at noon before the following session begins. Example: If camp starts July 10th, registration closes Wednesday, July 5 at 12 p.m. 

Activities: Specialized programs by interest (e.g., arts, nature, counselors in training or water sports at Marina Aquatic Center). 

4. Fitness by the Sea Beach Camp

Website: fitnessbythesea.com

Location: Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades

Dates: June 11-Aug. 22; 9 a.m.-3 p.m., with extended care options

Flexible options: Options to sign up by the week. Parents can change their child’s schedule as needed throughout the summer

Activities: Campers are free to choose their own activities, which includes more than 50 different water sports, team and individual sports and creative activities.

5. Pali Adventures

Website: paliadventures.com

Location: Running Springs.

Dates: One-week sessions run from June 8-Aug. 16.

Flexible options: For this overnight camp, campers choose a morning specialty and design their own activities for the rest of the day to create a personalized camp experience.

Activities: Includes traditional camp activities alongside specialties such as filmmaking, a rock music program, motor sports, culinary arts and flying trapeze.

6. Aloha Beach Camp

Website: alohabeachcamp.com

Location: Zuma Beach, Paradise Cove, Channel Islands Harbor and other beach sites.

Dates: June 16-Aug. 22.

Flexible options: Day-by-day enrollment is available. There is also a “name your own price” option for families.

Activities: Surfing, sandcastles, bug hunts, beach hikes and more.

7. Tech Revolution STEM Summer Camps at UCLA

Website: lavnercampsandprograms.com

Location: UCLA, Cal Poly Pomona, Crossroads School.

Dates: June 16-Aug. 22; 9 a.m.-3p.m., with extended care options from 8 a.m.-5:45 p.m.

Flexible options: Weekly enrollment with the ability to switch weeks or cancel if needed, with an option to receive a credit for a later camp. Campers can build a customized schedule by selecting different STEM courses each week.

Activities: Robotics, game design, coding, engineering and more.

8. Steve & Kate’s Camp

Website: steveandkatescamp.com

Location: Five locations across L.A. County

Dates: June-August (camp dates vary); 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Flexible options: These camps provide flexible options for families who prefer day-by-day enrollment without requiring long-term commitments. Families can purchase day passes to use whenever and wherever convenient. No advance commitment is required. Campers can even leave and come back the same day.

Activities: Self-directed learning experiences including arts, sports and creative projects.

9. Anderson Adventure Camp H20

Website: rosebowlquatics.org/camp

Location: Rose Bowl Aquatics Center in Pasadena.

Dates: June 9-Aug. 8; 8 a.m.-3 p.m., with extended care options from 3-6 p.m.

Flexible options: Weekly registrations. Some weeks are still open.

Activities: Swimming lessons, arcade games, arts and crafts, parachute play, flag football and more.

The post Flexible Los Angeles Summer Camps for Busy Families  appeared first on L.A. Parent.

The summer is coming, which means Apple stores are offering the free Apple Camp once again. Camp begins June 19.

Apple Camp is part of Today at Apple, a free complimentary educational initiative that transforms Apple stores into vibrant hubs of learning and creativity. Celebrating its 22nd anniversary, Apple Camp is designed for children aged 6 to 10 and their families, aiming to help the next generation of creators dive into immersive experiences, learn new skills and express their creativity using the iPad.

Guided by Apple’s Creatives and Creative Pros, families embark on a journey where the magic of Apple is not just observed but experienced firsthand. These dedicated team members are the heart and soul of Today at Apple sessions, bringing each participant’s creative vision to life.

2024 Apple Camp Program: A Story of Kindness

This year’s theme, “Create an Interactive Story of Kindness,” invites campers to explore the depths of their imagination in a 90-minute storytelling odyssey. Armed with the all-new iPad Pro and the innovative Apple Pencil Pro, campers will craft their very own storybooks. From drawing enchanting illustrations to recording whimsical sounds and shaping fun 3D objects, the Pages app becomes a canvas for young minds to express their unique interpretation of kindness.

Unleashing Creativity Across the iPad Universe

At Apple Camp, children learn that storytelling knows no bounds. With a variety of iPad models at their disposal, campers can mix and match drawings, shapes, colors and sounds to weave tales of characters exemplifying kindness in myriad ways. It’s a hands-on lesson in creative storytelling and visualizing ideas that resonate with the heart.

Interactive Tools for Interactive Minds

Exclusively for Apple Camp, the Today at Apple team has crafted custom templates within the Pages app. These templates serve as a playground for interactive storytelling, allowing kids and families to collaborate on filling out their story pages with acts of kindness. Adults are more than spectators; they’re active participants, lending their voices and sounds to enrich the narrative, even in multiple languages.

A Celebration of Creativity

As the session draws to a close, a celebratory moment awaits. Families gather to share their digital masterpieces, using AirDrop to showcase their stories on a communal display. The culmination of their efforts is not just a shared experience, but a tangible memory: Each family leaves with a special Apple Camp t-shirt and a digital copy of their book, exported as an EPUB file for the Books app — a keepsake to cherish and a story to share for generations.

Join the Adventure

Apple Camp sessions are set to commence on June 19, first gracing Apple Stores in the US, Canada, and select European locations, with the rest of the world soon to follow. To stay abreast of the latest updates and information on Apple Camp, be sure to visit apple.co/apple-camp.

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These days, most kids’ daily routines begin with school, perhaps followed by sports practice or another extracurricular, ending with some TV time before tucking into bed and repeating it all until the weekend. While there is nothing wrong with a routine, the monotony and reliance on screen time can make many children feel stuck in a rut.

Enter HAWKs L.A.(Hiking Adventures With Kids), which provides a variety of programs ranging from after school enrichment to week-long camps. 

Playing outside is a source of joy, creativity and freedom that children innately possess. HAWKs L.A.’s programs are designed to nurture and encourage children’s natural sense of wonder. In doing so, their curriculum is designed to educate children about animals and ecosystems, help develop geographical skills and begin identifying native species. Guiding young adventurers on their nature walks are HAWKs educators, who are equipped with a diverse range of skill sets. Many educators have backgrounds in counseling, elementary school teaching, biology, entomology or parenting their own little ones, too. HAWKs L.A. rotates 10-20 locations within each of their regions, which educators have scouted for features like restroom accessibility, trail steepness, poison oak levels or other safety concerns.  

Aside from their nurturing approach, HAWKs L.A. is unlike any other nature program because of unique experiences like shallow water snorkeling where children count trout populations, star gazing at Mt. Wilson Observatory and moonlight hikes. Participants of the moonlight hike have the chance to learn about nocturnal creatures and experience the changes of a natural landscape as day turns to night.

Whatever the activity, HAWKs educators are deeply engaged with their adventure group, tailoring the experience to each child’s special interests. Their philosophy is not to compete with video games and TV shows, but to help each child connect to their surroundings. A number of educators are known to facilitate activities like jumping around on boulders, digging for crystals, or structure building with sticks to simulate popular games like Minecraft and Legend of Zelda.

From seeking out nocturnal animals in the darkness of the night, to recording insect and pollinator observations, HAWKs L.A. will foster courage and confidence, and cultivate the intrinsic curiosity in every child. 

To learn more, visit hawksla.com.

The post HAWKs L.A. Is Reinventing Play Time appeared first on L.A. Parent.

Miracles for Kids, in partnership with Waves of Impact, is hosting the12th Annual Surf & Paddle Camp this summer for families with critically-ill children.

This July, “Surf & Paddle” summer camp offers a much-needed physical/mental respite families to enjoy a day of sun, surf and sand for free. Joyful memories are created as children with life-threatening illnesses and their families enjoy a carefree day filled with surfing, paddle boarding, yoga, sand-castle building and time together.

Parents get a break from the overwhelm of ongoing care management, with nothing on their agenda but watching their kids experience the achievement of learning something new. Siblings get a day that feels all about them, too — receiving the same special treatment and attention. Child patients get to enjoy a moment of feeling like just a fun-loving kid again as spirits are lifted and they get to run wild on the beach instead of running to doctor’s appointments.

Upcoming surf days:

Friday, July 14 – 7 a.m.-3 p.m. – Surf Day

Bolsa Chica State Beach

Thursday, July 20 – 8 a.m.-2 p.m. – SUP & Kayak Day

Newport Aquatic Center, 1 Whitecliffs Dr., Newport Beach

While families across America are gearing up for summertime travel adventures, parents of critically-ill children continue to face the ongoing struggles and stresses of managing everyday care needs. Miracles for Kids empowers people to “be the miracle” for families struggling with the battle against a child’s life-threatening illness. Leveraging the power of community, the California-based nonprofit provides for essential needs such as housing and bills, in addition to emotional wellness, such as days with family-friendly opportunities for critically-ill children and their siblings to experience joyful play. 

“Miracles for Kids is grateful to all of the sponsors and volunteers who make our Surf & Paddle camps possible each year. Working together, we provide a day where families can hit the pause button on a life filled with extraordinary stress – and simply enjoy each other,” says Autumn Strier, co-founder and CEO of Miracles for Kids.

Learn how you can “be the miracle” for families in need and explore internships, corporate sponsorships, community programs, giving circles or local events at MiraclesForKids.org.

The post A Break from illness: Surf & Paddle Camp appeared first on L.A. Parent.

For more than 20 years, children and their families have gotten the opportunity to explore their creativity in the form of Apple Store Camps. This year, the free sessions, titled “Design Your Dream Invention on iPad,” will be held from June 10 to Aug. 5.

According to Apple, the sessions are geared towards children between the ages of 8 and 12, as well as their parents or guardians.

“We’re so thrilled to welcome campers and their families into our stores this summer to tap into and expand their imagination at Apple Camp,” says Deidre O’Brein, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail.

“This exciting and fun program celebrates the great inventors, trailblazers and entrepreneurs of the future by providing them the tools and skills to learn and connect with each other and our team members.”

During the 60-minute sessions, which are led by an Apple Creative, participants will be using Apple Pencil, Keynote and Freeform. No prior experience of these accessories and apps is necessary as Apple Creatives will teach children and their parents/guardians how to use the technology. All materials will be provided at the application as well, along with an Apple Camp t-shirt.

After participating in a discussion about inventions, students will then brainstorm an invention that could help improve a part of their neighborhood or help a loved one via the Freeform app, and the Apple Creative will draw it on an iPad. With Freeform, users can use shapes and sticky notes, as well as drawing and writing tools, to brainstorm their designs.

Participants will then use Keynote to insert details about the inventions and create GIFs in the style of trading cards that will be displayed in the session’s “Wall of Fame.” This segment will last an additional 30 minutes, and everyone has a chance to be featured and share their inventions with the other attendees. This final portion of the session is optional to attend.

Parents and guardians must register prior to attending a session. Click this link to find a session near you.

Renee Elefante is a student journalist based in Orange County. A rising senior at Chapman University, she is an editorial intern for L.A. Parent Magazine and the editor-in-chief for her university’s student-run newspaper, The Panther.

The post Free Apple Store Camps are Back for the Summer appeared first on L.A. Parent.

Summer camp season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate the start of summer camp than with a brand-new summer camp theme song?

 In honor of its 100-year anniversary, Camp Woodcraft Rangers has collaborated with Grammy-winner Lisa Loeb to produce a new signature camp song for the campers called “Oh, Camp Woodcraft!” Loeb has been involved in summer camps since she attended them as a kid. She even started The Camp Lisa Foundation for children who may not have the funds to attend a sleepaway camp. Every child, she says, should have the opportunity to attend summer camp.

When working on the theme song, it was important to Loeb that the campers’ voices were part of the song literally and lyrically. “The project wouldn’t really exist without the campers and the counselors, because it’s their song,” says Loeb. The song had to be a collaborative project because the campers know the heart of the camp, the traditions and activities. In the songwriting process, Loeb used her experience as a songwriter and her connection to summer camp to create a song that was unique for the campers.

As a busy musician, Loeb is always trying to work on projects that she is passionate about, and summer camp is clearly one of them. In our conversation, she expressed how unique and important the things we experience at summer camp are in creating long-lasting memories. By writing the Woodcraft Rangers’ theme song and featuring the campers, they have created something that will last forever — just like the summer camp memories Loeb cherishes.

Woodcraft Rangers is at the forefront of expanded learning opportunities in the greater Los Angeles area. From the start, Woodcraft challenged the norm by opening its programs to all children from every race, religion and socioeconomic background. Today, Woodcraft Rangers serves 20,000 youth ages 4-18 annually at after school enrichment programs, summer day camps and overnight camps. Visit www.woodcraftrangers.org

The post Woodcraft Rangers Celebrate 100-Year Anniversary  appeared first on L.A. Parent.

My oldest daughter, now 10 years old, has been intrigued by sleepaway camp since she first saw the 1998 rendition of “The Parent Trap.” 

I get it. The upbeat camp songs, lakeside camaraderie and silly cabin shenanigans that take place at the fictional Camp Walden make nearly any observer, no matter their age, want to step into the story and join the fun.

Of course, not all children are ready to detach from their family for a sustained period of time in real life — and not all parents are ready to agree to such a thing. I only submitted to my own child’s request because a few of her friends’ parents signed them up for the same camp and for just one week, so that they could support one another and test the waters as a crew.

If you and your child are thinking of making sleepaway camp a part of summer, there’s much to weigh as you deliberate. Here’s what camp staffers say about camper readiness — words of wisdom to consider as you figure out what’s best for your family.

Step one: Know your children — and their limits

Without a doubt, sleepaway camp requires a child to have a certain level of maturity and independence, says Becky Ackley, director of summer enrollment with Idyllwild Arts Academy and Summer Program. Campers must be able to dress themselves, take care of personal hygiene, make good food choices and respect personal boundaries and personal property. You know your children best, of course. If you think they can manage the above for the most part, Ackley says that camp staffers are ready to support them when small bumps pop up along the way.

“You can rest assured that our summer staff will nurture your child, care for them and help them succeed, both in their art programs during camp and after they return home,” she says.

For Chelsea Parrish, account executive with L.A. Parent, sleepaway camp is on hold. Her 4th-grade daughter attended a two-night camp with her school this year, and upon return reported that two nights was long enough. And that’s ok, too: If a child is outright stating they’re not ready, it’s a good idea to believe her.

Step two: Pick a good-fit camp

If your child is feeling ready, working together to research all kinds of camps can ensure your child has a positive sleepaway camp experience. If they love painting and crafting, find an art-centric camp. If they are at their best outside, a nature-based camp is a solid pick. If they prefer flexibility, find a camp with diverse activity options that allow them some freedom of choice. 

Nicole Lauhon, summer camp director of Camp Ocean Pines in Cambria, Calif., says her camp is an example of the latter. Campers decide what activities they want to do each day (from archery and beach swims to self-care spa activities), building their decision-making skills every day. Ideally, your child also uses camp as a time to explore. They might make mistakes as they learn, and this allows them to practice navigating any big feelings that come up as they go. Staffers are prepared to assist with personal challenges, to validate emotions and to work through conflicts between campers.

“So beyond new friends and new hobbies, campers leave with confidence and stronger social skills,” Lauhon says. “Camp is a place where we come together as a community and learn about ourselves and others.”

Step three: Meet homesickness with resilience

No matter how ready you and your child may think you are for sleepaway camp, that first experience is sure to come with a bout of homesickness. And it’s ok to feel a little nervous or fearful — most campers and their families feel a wave of emotions pre-departure.

“Summer camp is a growing experience, and growth often requires a leap of faith,” says 

Mara McDonough, assistant director of Walton’s Grizzly Lodge summer camp in Portola, Calif. “Being ‘all-in’ on camp [as a parent] helps,” she says. “Show your child videos of camp and help them identify what most excites them. You can acknowledge any nerves or anxiety, but dwelling on those can hold a camper back.”

Instead, McDonough says to remind your child of how resilient they are and that they’ve overcome similar experiences in life, such as their first day of kindergarten, their first sleepover or their first piano recital.

“Remind them that they can do hard things, and that summer camp is going to be so much fun,” suggests McDonough.

Step four: Await your child’s return

As parents, we understand that our children won’t be home forever. To that end, I see the value of experiences like sleepaway camp, which will give my child opportunities to test the waters of independence and to grow without my physical presence. As my own family prepares for this summer and our first-ever sleepaway camp experience, I find myself both apprehensive and excited for my daughter. I cannot wait to hear about her week, and to see her bloom at rising to the challenge of being away.

“Time and time again we hear from parents that their child came home a more independent and self-assured version of themself,” says McDonough. “Kids are incredibly resilient, and a child who truly believes they can work through challenges almost always can. Campers come home and approach the world a little more openly — and with more confidence.”

Chelsee Lowe is a writer, mom and interim digital editor of L.A. Parent.

The post Off to Sleepaway Summer Camp appeared first on L.A. Parent.

Summer camp is a great way to keep education rolling by offering kids lessons in social skills, encouraging them to develop new interests and interact with the world outside the classroom. 

If you’re interested in pushing your kids’ learning beyond the four walls of a building, we’ve rounded up a few nature camps to get you started. Spending time in nature can inspire your kiddos’ creativity, boost their health and gift them with a lifetime of fun memories. 

Note: You’ll find many of the area’s top summer camps listed at LAParent.com. To find your best summer camp experience, click on the Summer Camp Directory button in the upper-left corner and sort by camp and location.  

Here are eight nature-focused camps, most of which are located in the greater Los Angeles area. 

Nature-based learning 

With 127 acres of plants, natural landscapes and animal life to check out, The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden’s Nature Camp in Arcadia is ideal for outdoor adventuring. Director of Education Brooke Applegate explains that each week of camp introduces a different theme. “It’s a chance for campers to engage with nature in an unstructured way, and they have the most magical time,” Applegate says.  

Campers ages 5-10 can choose from activities such as fort building, reading under the trees or creating art with the nature around them. Kids love playing in meaningful ways outside and parents love the balance between the choice of play and the structured educational experiences the camp provides. Exploring the natural world creates respect and care for the environment. “We’re changing these kids’ lives and putting them on a trajectory of empathy,” Applegate says. Camp runs June 5 through Aug. 4. 

Garden learning 

For more than 15 years, RootDown LA, located in South L.A., has been offering educational programs that teach kids of all ages about food sustainability, healthy eating and agriculture. “Our mission is to empower youth through healthy food adventures,” says Executive Director Karen Ramirez. 

Kids who visit RootDown LA learn to care for the environment by weeding, composting, tree pruning and helping out with other gardening maintenance. “We also provide access to food justice lessons and supply produce to the community,” Ramirez says. 

RootDown LA’s monthly garden workdays invite kids, parents and caregivers to stop by at 9 a.m., meet new friends and get their hands dirty. Studies show playing in the dirt can help boost immune systems and that spending time in the garden inspires a child’s curiosity. At RootDown LA, campers enjoy playing with worms and learning together about food systems. “It’s a huge relief for some students to be able to be in a safe green space,” Ramirez says. “And it’s good to stop and smell the roses.” To learn more, visit RootDownLA on Instagram.  

Survival skills 

Looking for a nature camp focused on how to survive in nature? Camp Manu Kids Survival Camp (designed for ages 6-13) is an immersive camp experience intent on building a more intimate relationship with nature.  

Dropoff for this day camp is at Griffith Park Recreation Center in L.A., and campers get to explore various national and recreational parks, where they gain a deeper understanding of the local plant and animal life. Discussions that bring awareness to geology, conservation and environmental protection all start in these inspiring outdoor spaces. “The entire camp helps prepare children to be outdoors,” says the camp’s founder, Manu Toigo.  

Encourage your kids to take it to the next level and grab their sleeping bags for Camp Manu’s weeklong Survival Sleep Away Camp. Toigo says this camp is survival-oriented and teaches kids basic skills including how to build survival tents, look for water and keep up a safe campground. “No child is going to feel left out,” Toigo says. Through the activities and discussions in both the day camp and sleep-away camp, campers can build confidence within themselves and become better stewards of the environment. Choose from several camp options beginning the week of June 12.  

Unplug on the Beach 

The Catalina Island Camps program invites campers to unplug, connect and discover. “When campers are outdoors, they unplug from their busy lives at home filled with schedules, screens and responsibilities,” says Executive Director Tom Horner. 

This unplugging gives kids an opportunity to connect with other campers, adult leaders and the nature that surrounds them. All these positive connections provide kids with healthy opportunities to discover more about themselves as they build social skills, independence and critical-thinking skills, Horner says.  

Activities include archery, gardening, sailing and other ocean and waterfront activities. Campers (ranging from grades 1-10) learn skills that will last long after the summer sun sets. Campers can choose from one-, two- or four-week sleep-away sessions that kick off June 12. 

Farm know-how 

A camp that reminds us that the Earth is the source of everything is one of the many goals of Camp Journeys at Moonwater Farm in Compton. “When kids come into the space, they grow and change and love every part of it,” says Camp Journeys’ founder, Andrea Collins. For those kids who dream of spending their days on a farm, make their dreams a reality by feeding chickens and tending to rabbits, all while taking part in weekly themes ranging from science and technology to urban agriculture.  

 “There’s an elevation of ecological consciousness we’re trying to feed into the awareness of generations to follow,” says Kathleen Blakistone, co-creator of Moonwater Farm. The camp achieves this every summer when kids, ages 5-13, enter this community-focused natural space. “It really is a small urban farm in a residential backyard,” Blakistone says. Time on the farm allows campers to step out of their comfort zones and build lasting friendships and cultivate a deep respect for the land. Camp runs throughout July. 

Child-led camp 

If you’ve been searching for a child-led nature camp, your search is over. EverWild — with camps in Malibu, Santa Clarita, Pasadena, Topanga Canyon and elsewhere — focuses on creating a safe environment where kids can express themselves in a natural space. “The basis of camp is learning through exploration and freedom to play,” says Lindsay Carron, program manager. “This means children are able to bring their passions to the program.” Child-led play supports imaginative thinking and helps kids learn about risk-taking skills.  

Mentors help guide playtime, exploration and activities that inspire curiosity. Days open and close with “circles of gratitude.” In this secure space, campers discover new interests and interact with plants and animals. This creates room for a deeper kind of awareness — inside and out. “Kids have the opportunity to engage in deep topics and not even realize it,” Carron says. Weekly camps run daily June 26 through Aug. 11, and ages start at 3 years old for some camps and go up to 12.  

Play with purpose 

With a guiding theme in place, Summer Camp at Nature School LA, held mostly at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area, emphasizes play, relationship building and exposure to the natural world — grounded in educational support. “Our greatest emphasis is for the children to be outside,” says Biljana Milasin, founder and director of Nature School LA. Raising the campers’ environmental awareness, showing kids ages 3-11 the science inherent in all nature and reading stories make up a part of a typical camp day. 

“Parents love that their children are outside exploring and spending quality time in nature,” Milasin says. “It’s so grounding being in the earth.” 

Weekly options run June 24 through July 15. 

Traditional sleepaway camp 

With 54 years of experience, River Way Ranch Camp, located in Sanger and serving ages 7-16, supports campers’ individual interests in a traditional sleepaway-camp setting. “While being outdoors, campers gain confidence as they try new activities such as the high-ropes challenge course or learning to waterski for the first time,” Camp Director Ashley Grother says. 

Camp favorites include a giant inflatable obstacle course that floats atop a private lake, water-skiing and inner-tube rides. Choose from one or two-week camp sessions beginning June 18.  

Tonilyn Hornung is an author and freelance writer who lives with her husband, son and many furry friends. 

The post Back Outside With Nature-Focused Summer Camps  appeared first on L.A. Parent.

Veteran elementary school teacher Eliko Ozeki began incorporating mindfulness tools into her classroom about a decade ago. She observed that expectations for children were rising, and that the world around them was moving faster than ever. Ozeki wanted to implement activities that would allow students opportunities to slow down and get in touch with their bodies and thoughts.

First, she introduced her students to tai chi, teaching them how to perform gentle stretches and postures and to focus their minds on these slow movements. Elements of chi gong came next. She taught the kids how to tap their bodies lightly, how to learn to notice and describe physical sensations in their limbs. Like Ozeki, other educators have carved out time for yoga in the classroom and report that these mindful strategies have improved their students’ physical and emotional regulation. 

“These practices help kids identify their feelings and body sensations more readily, and that helps them express themselves and connect with others better,” Ozeki says. 

The mindfulness doesn’t have to end inside the school classroom. Want your child to have a more mindful summer? Here are a few studios and camps with mindfulness-related classes for learners of all ages.

Yoga Rascals

As its name implies, Yoga Rascals is all about getting kids to stretch and strengthen their bodies through yoga. There are weekly classes at La Mesa Community Center for learners ages 5-10. And Yoga Rascals’ summer camp is back in action this year — in La Mesa and Carlsbad. Both locations will have two weeks of half-day camps that include plenty of yoga, plus arts and crafts, nature walks and more. Check the website for exact dates and registration information. 

Mindful LA

Mindfulness facilitator Brooke Campenelli teaches in schools, studios and offices around L.A. And in the summer, her Mindful Kids LA Camp combines mindfulness lessons with games, yoga, arts and crafts, scavenger hunts and more. Camp can be a week-long experience or a day camp, and kids ages 5-12 are welcome. Refer to the website for camp information and registration. 

Aziam 

Pronounced as “as i am,” the Aziam studio has locations in Santa Monica and the Luxe Hotel on Sunset Boulevard. There are multiple kid and teen classes, each aimed at increasing strength, mental awareness and self confidence. There’s a class that includes a combo of hip hop dance and yoga for kids ages 5-10; a class that includes yoga, meditation and a sound bath finale and a yoga and meditation class for students ages 10-15. Summer camp dates are pending (camp is two hours a day, five days a week), but registrants can expect to learn and practice the eight “limbs” (or pillars) of yoga with some hip hop dance infusions. 

Zooga Yoga

Zooga Yoga is a Culver City-based studio that offers a variety of classes year round, both in the studio and in Tellefson Park. Yoga classes for young learners incorporate animal poses, partner poses, music and more. Breathing and meditation are also part of some classes. Detailed descriptions on the website can help families find the best-fit class for their child. Week-long summer camps for kids ages 3-8 are now listed online and include yoga, art and playtime at the park. 

Be Like Water Tai Chi

Tai chi is sometimes described as moving meditation, or internal martial arts, with participants moving through poses slowly and deliberately while also concentrating on their breath. Be Like Water Tai Chi hosts classes outdoors in both Santa Monica and Westwood. Though all ages are welcome, tweens and teens may be more successful with these 60- to 75-minute classes. New students can take their first class for free. 

Chi Gong — online

“Chi” means life force, or the energy that powers us. Similar to tai chi, practitioners of chi gong go through a system of slowly repeated movements, focusing the mind on how internal energy is flowing through the body. According to California chi gong teacher Lee Holden, even just a few minutes of practice a day can lead to noticeable improvement in stress level, mood and overall energy. The practice is suitable for all ages. Holden’s YouTube channel offers numerous chi gong videos to try at home, including a 13-minute practice for kids. 

Tai Chi at home

Want to bring tai chi into your house for the whole family? Ozeki recommends Tai Chi for Kids, created by Cari Shurman, another educator and a longtime student of tai chi. Shurman believes in the power of tai chi so much that she made multiple instructional video collections that kids (and parents) will love.

Chelsee Lowe is a writer and mom in L.A. who writes about food, culture and travel.

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While making your summer plans this year, consider checking out an inclusive summer camp as a way for your kids to spend some quality time with children of all learning and physical abilities. According to the American Camp Association, an inclusive camp is one that creates space for all children, regardless of ability, race, language and income, to be integral members of a community, feel a connection to their peers, have access to meaningful activities and receive the support needed to succeed.

These are the core tenets upon which Design Hive, located in Mid-City L.A., was, well, designed.

Science teacher Lauren Arshad and technology teacher Jennifer Cefaly founded Design Hive so kids could have access to cutting-edge, hands-on programming. Primarily a science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) workshop, the program also focuses on helping develop children’s emerging fine and gross motor skills.

Design Hive is intended to be flexible. A regular day runs from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., but the model allows for attending half or full days, and you can decide whether one or several days a week work best for your family. There are virtual options in place as well. Arshad says they serve children of many different backgrounds and physical abilities in ages ranging from 5-12 years. “We’re good at paying attention to the needs of the individual student and providing opportunities for them to excel,” she says.

The world’s a stage — for all

For your tweens and teens, check out California State University, Northridge’s six-week Teenage Drama Workshop, a camp that has inclusivity written into its script. CSUN has been educating kids ages 11-18 in the theater arts for the past 64 years.

Executive Director Garry Lennon says the goal has always been to create a safe environment for students to learn about theater. “We have kids of all learning abilities,” Lennon says. “Our approach is making everything as inclusive as possible and in an encouraging environment.”

The program’s core curriculum includes acting, dancing and singing. Students can add elective classes in areas such as improvisation, puppetry and playwriting, and they have the opportunity to be cast in either a musical or non-musical play, with rehearsals happening in the afternoons during camp time. Through the magic of performance art, Lennon says, staff members help guide students in discovering who they are and who they want to become. 

Focusing on friendship

For 33 years, Camp James, located in Newport Dunes, has offered kids (ages 4-13) an inclusion-based camp experience. Executive Director Scottie Roach says Camp James is committed to meeting children where they are and offering campers the opportunity to play and grow with their peers. Camp James works together with parents/caregivers to help campers of all abilities feel a sense of belonging. “Kids just want to be accepted for who they are,” Roach says.

Camp James focuses on a child’s whole being, which is why the camp offers a wide range of activities. From arts and crafts to bounce houses to canoes and kayaks, children are able to step into a new experience or solidify established interests during their four-week day camp. All activities are intended to get the creativity flowing and support kids in cultivating friendships. 

Chani Mintz, director of The Friendship Circle in Newport Beach, says the program’s main goal is to give kids a sense of feeling included. “Every child deserves to have friends,” she says. The Friendship Circle “seeks to provide every individual with special needs the support, friendship and inclusion that they deserve.

“We do lots of field trips that can accommodate all kinds of kids,” Mintz continues. When the campers aren’t taking trips, they’re engaging in onsite activities such as arts and crafts, music, dance and sports.

Solving social mysteries

If you’re looking for an inclusive camp that centers learning and playing in small groups, then all clues lead to Social Detective Academy in North Hollywood. Jeffrey Jessum, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist who works with adults and kids on social-emotional intelligence across the development spectrum, founded the academy.

In the summer camp program, children ages 6-12 are given opportunities to learn how to navigate social terrain through structured activities. “We teach verbal/nonverbal communication and listening skills,” Jessum says.  Campers spend their days making new friends and solving “social mysteries” designed to increase awareness, self-regulation, creativity, mind/body connection and social/emotional aptitude.

This year, Social Detective Academy is focusing on a group experience of six kids per group. “We will continue doing the social-skills groups, which is a microcosm of camp,” Jessum explains. Children have the opportunity to practice their social skills with a strong emphasis on cultivating healthy, good relationships with their peers. Jessum says the program benefits all campers and develops a culture of acceptance for everyone. 

Getting kindergarten-ready

If you’re searching for a camp for your littles, the Child Success Center in West L.A. is ready for you. Camp Director Melissa Idelson, a pediatric/sensory integration trained occupational therapist, founded the Child Success Center so children who are struggling with learning and socializing have a place where they can feel safe and successful. “Our kindergarten readiness camp is for parents seeking to enrich their child’s readiness skills,” she says.

With 10 kids per class for two- to three-week sessions, this camp provides help in areas such as social and fine motor skills. 

“For a child that needs a small play learning environment, with a kindergarten readiness emphasis, this has been a beautiful camp,” Idelson says. The Child Success Center also offers camps for kids ages 6 to 8. The Social Brain Building Camp is run by a therapist and is a week-long camp with eight kids to a class. Idelson says the camp centers work on taking social perspectives, group dynamics and sensory motor play. 

Offering structure and diversity

If a more specialized summer camp fits your child’s needs, The Help Group provides services to children with a variety of needs. “We’re most known for our programming for children and young adults that service the entire autism spectrum,” says Laurie Stephens, Ph.D., and senior director of autism and LGBTQIA+ programs.

The Help Group’s summer programs includes camps that focus on social skills development where the goals encompass teamwork and high-level conversation, as well as camps that offer more activity-based courses such as sports and/or cooking and travel camps.

 “The number one thing is that our programs are designed to go with the camper’s interests and make them feel comfortable,” Stephens says. This support can look like taking breaks from activities when needed with access to sensory materials. The Help Group works to accommodate as many students as is safe, she says, and creates a space for kids to interact in a way that bolsters confidence and learning. 

Meeting twice-exceptional kids’ needs

Seeking to create an “immersive ecosystem” for twice-exceptional (2E) children and their families, Samuel Young founded the Young Scholars Academy. “Twice-exceptional students can be gifted in one area and struggle in others,” Young says.

A virtual program, Young Scholars Academy offers classes and camps that support 2E students year-round. Its summer camps are capped at eight students per class so kids can build lasting friendships. “The backbone of this program has been to connect with students around the world,” Young says.

Virtual campers ages 8-18 can choose from hour-long courses such as speech and debate, engineering, sketching and even a class in Dungeons and Dragons. Young says having an hour a week to have your strengths appreciated builds confidence, and kids leave the academy feeling proud of their accomplishments.

Choosing the right inclusive camp

If you’re unsure an inclusive camp is right for your child, Roach of Camp James advises calling the camp and asking questions specific to your child’s needs. This approach is also supported by Undivided, an organization that aims to help parents who are raising kids with disabilities dream bigger and achieve more through community, collective knowledge and resource support.

Undivided recommends asking camps these three critical questions when searching for an inclusive camp:

• Do you have experience working with kids with disabilities? I’d love to speak to the camp director to see if the camp could be a good fit for my child.

Tip: Think about specific accommodations your child might need to be successful and ask how the camp can support them.

• Can a 1:1 aide accompany my child to provide extra support?

Tip: Some camps put extra restrictions on the number of people allowed due to COVID-19. Aides take up one of those spaces, so it’s important to ask how that factors in.  

• How do you encourage socialization with kids who might communicate, behave or interact in unique ways?

Tip: Go deeper by asking whether the camp enthusiastically supports inclusive play, accessibility, camp buddies, peer modeling and celebrating each child for who they are.

An inclusive camp can have positive benefits for all, including boosting self-esteem and increasing compassion. “Many kids who have vulnerabilities are struggling with isolation as a contributing factor, and part of the healing will involve helping kids be a part of communities and groups,” Jessum says.

Tonilyn Hornung is an author and freelance writer who lives with her husband, son, many furry friends and never enough closet space. 

The post Check Out These Inclusive Camps Serving Campers of all Abilities appeared first on L.A. Parent.