So many peoples’ lives were changed by summer camps. They are places not just to get away from parents and make new friends, but to try new things, enjoy nature and learn crafts. We canoed, made lanyards, caught frogs and snakes, learned guitar, made fires in the wilderness and cooked and cleaned up afterwards. Those were timeless experiences that gave us a lifetime of memories.
DAY CAMPS
Be Natural Music
740 & 742 Water St, Santa Cruz
831.515.8369
BeNaturalMusic.Live
Learn and perform Jazz, Rock, Reggae, Motown, Pop & more at our two locations in Santa Cruz and Cupertino. BNM offers private Music Lessons, Group classes, Real Rock Band classes, Performance, Summer Music Camps & more! Offering lessons & classes on the following instruments: Voice, Saxophone/Horns, Piano/Keys, Guitar, Bass, Drums & Percussion, Ukulele, Harp, Jazz Theory & Composition. During our Summer camps, young musicians compose original music together, script music videos, and record their songs at Santa Cruz Recording! The final high-quality music video is released on our YouTube Channel & Soundcloud. Please contact us for more details @ www.benaturalmusic.live
Cabrillo Extension Summer Camps for Kids
6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos
831.479.6331
[email protected]
extension.cabrillo.edu/youth
Dozens of fun and engaging one-week camps on our Aptos campus. Choose from camps in Cooking & Baking; Science & Exploration; Computers & Technology; Creative Arts; and Sports & Play. Morning and afternoon camps let you choose two activities per week that fit your camper’s interests. Diverse, high-quality camp content for kids ages 5 to 16 to explore, create, and grow. Join us for one week, or all summer long!
“Such a great experience and my son learned so much. He learned to code and create his virtual worlds. He was so happy!” ~Virtual Reality: The Future is Now Camp parent
Cabrillo Youth Chorus Summer Voice Camp
CabrilloYouthChorus.org
This week-long camp July 29–August 2 will give your child an unforgettable experience as they put together an original musical performance! Children ages 8 to 18 learn music theory and musicianship; participate in dance, improvisation, and rhythm games; play recorders, Orff, and other instruments; and perform in musical theater. No experience is needed – just a love of singing! For more information, check out our website, contact us at [email protected], or call 831.824.4023.
Camp Kayetz
831.479.3444
tbeaptos.org/camp-kayetz.html
Camp Kayetz offers a wholesome, inclusive, Jewish day camp experience to campers ages 6-15. June 17-July 12, 2024 9am-3pm. Camp meets at Temple Beth El in Aptos with weekly field trips including Skyzone Trampoline Park, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, beach trips and camping in the redwoods at Henry Cowell. Come for the summer fun; stay for the friendships! Email Jess Mitchell with questions: [email protected]
CYT Santa Cruz
216 Mt Hermon Rd. Suite E, Scotts Valley
831.239.3821
cytsantacruz.org
We create a hands-on theater experience focused on building performance skills, self confidence, and teamwork. CYT summer 2024 presents two different camps, “CYT Goes To The Movies” (one-week camp) for kids ages 4-14 and “The Adams Family” (three-week camp) for kids ages 8-18 including a weekend of Broadway style perferformances!
Growing Social
408.914.0552
Growingsocial.org
[email protected]
Growing Social is a highly therapeutic, educational outdoor program offering Summer Camps and school year services to those with social learning differences (including Social Communication Disorder, Autism Spectrum, ADHD, ADD, social anxiety, and those without a formal diagnosis). Farm animals, gardening, cooking, and other creative group activities are utilized to teach and practice social learning concepts. In small groups, students are carefully matched by age (K-young adult) and skill level. Social vocational and camp counselor opportunities for teens and young adults. Sessions are taught by Stephanie Madrigal and Amy Miller, Speech and Language Pathologists
Into the Heart of Nature
Tara Redwood School Campus, 5810
Prescott Rd, Soquel
831.462.9632
[email protected]
tararedwoodschool.org/summer-camp-2024
Located on 108 acres of Redwoods, oaks, and sunny meadows bordered by bubbling creeks, our big playground, a sunny clearing in the woods, will be the center of our camp activities of fun games, nature exploration, and nature-themed art. Each week we will focus on one of the essential elements that support all life; earth, water, air, and heat; explored through themes of the forest, ocean, earth, and the universe. As we learn more about the interconnectedness of our world, children will develop friendships, practice mindfulness, and learn how to care for each other, animals, bugs, and the environment we all share. 9am – 3:00pm, ages 4 – 8.
Kennolyn Day Camps
8205 Hacienda Lane, Soquel
831.479.6714
kennolyncamps.com/santa-cruz-day
Ready to get your child away from technology and into a nourishing community in the great outdoors? On 450 acres of privately owned redwood forest only 4 miles from town Kennolyn Day Camp is just a short bus ride away. Your child will thrive in this fun, active, supportive environment. And after a day of exploring the fields, pond, and miles of trails, they’ll be happy-tired after each fun day! Nowhere else in the local region will you find a more complete, authentic summer day camp experience. Just ask your friends and neighbors.
Kuumbwa Jazz Camp
extension.cabrillo.edu/youth/kuumbwajazz.org/education
Registration for Kuumbwa’s annual Jazz Camp is now open! Jazz Camp is a performance-based day camp for students grades 8-12. Featuring nine days of collaboration, learning, and listening, this camp covers all aspects of jazz theory and appreciation, and will help students grow as musicians. Camp concludes with a performance on the renowned Kuumbwa Jazz Center stage. Dates: June 10 – June 21, 2024. Location: Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Dr., Aptos, VAPA Complex. Times: Grades 8-9 attend from 9 AM-12 PM; grades 10-12 attend from 11 AM-2 PM. Jazz Camp Concert: Friday, June 21 at Kuumbwa Jazz Center. You can register for the camp online.
Little Garden Patch Farm
4635 Fairway Drive, Soquel
831.476-0964
littlegardenpatchfarm.com
Little Garden Patch is so much more than just a farm! Our play-based, emergent program offers arts & crafts, cooking fun, outdoor play and imagination, stories & games, hands-on science and nature with gardens, farm animals, and social learning. All in a beautiful outdoor setting that includes a puppet theater, play structures, trampoline, sand & water play, outdoor stage, and picnic area. A cozy home environment and nurturing staff completes a magical childhood wonderland that parents and children love. Come see why young children say, “Little Garden Patch Farm is the best camp I’ve ever been too!” For ages 5-8.
Monte Vista Christian School
2 School Way, Watsonville
mvcs.org/camps.
831.722.8178
Slide into summer with a variety of day camps! From athletics to the arts, MVC summer camps include action-packed activities for a wide range of ages and skills, and is open to all who are looking for a fun and memorable experience in a safe and positive environment. Limited spaces are available. Learn more about the full slate of options at mvcs.org/camps.
Mountain of Fun, Mount Madonna School
491 Summit Road, Watsonville
408.847.2717
mountmadonnaschool.org/summer
Summer day camps on Mount Madonna School’s redwood-forested campus: offering three themed Preschool Camp sessions for ages 3-5, June 24-August 2; Elementary and Middle School camps, July 15-August 2, featuring Creative Arts Impact with rock band, culinary arts, visual and digital arts; Outdoor Wilderness Survival Camp with a low ropes course, martial arts, hiking, astronomy, team-building and an overnight campout. Forest play, nature crafts, friends and more – unplugged, outdoors and active! Camps are Monday through Friday, 9:00 am-3:30 pm. Transportation is available. Details and registration online at www.mountmadonnaschool.org/summer.
Parkour Summer Camps
[email protected]
831.266.7604
IG: @pkgensantacruz
pkgensantacruz.com/schedule
MOVE.PLAY.EXPLORE.GROW. Allow your kids to un-plug, develop fine & gross motor skills, strength, mental fortitude, creativity, self confidence, flow through the practice of parkour/freerunning. All our coaches keep your child’s health, safety, enrichment – and fun- top of mind! And are qualified by ADAPT; CPR, ACE, AFFA, SafeSport, & CPR certified. Summer Camps in June, July and Aug. Level up your summer, make new friends and make your world a playground with Parkour Generations! Questions? Shoot us an email anytime; [email protected] We look forward to helping you learn to Master Your Movement ™️ at PARKOUR GENERATIONS Santa Cruz.
Peace United Church of Christ – Peace Creation Camp
900 High Street, Santa Cruz
www.peaceunited.org
Peace, creation, camp, for ages, 5 to 12, is an interfaith exploration of creation as a gift and ourselves as Stewart’s of that gift. Each day will include a story, music, movement, and an experiment or a craft related to the elements of air, fire, earth, and water. Snacks and T-shirts provided. As leaders at Peace UCC, we aim to protect all children attending our program and give parents peace of mind in knowing they are in good hands. That is why we perform background checks on all of our staff and volunteers. Scholarships and lunch assistance are available. Register Early our enrollment is limited to 30. Please Register at www.peaceunited.org.
Radius Gallery – Everywhere You Look Art Camp
1050 River Street
Studio #127, Santa Cruz
831.706.1620
www.radius.gallery
Everywhere you look…there is art! This week-long immersive art camp will be filled with new ways of seeing, hands-on creative expression, field trips to museums, art studios, and public art. Students will experiment with location drawing, painting, assemblage, bubbles, and collage. Each day will include discussions on creativity, dedicated sketchbook time, and conversations about perspective. Ages 5 – 7 and 8 – 12.
Redwood Music Camps
[email protected]
CommunityMusicSchool.org
Young musicians explore the music of Ireland, Scotland, and more! For players of violin, viola, flute, penny whistle, recorder, harp, guitar, mandolin, ukulele, accordion, small keyboards, and cello. Students practice in instrument-specific groups, and with the entire ensemble. Crafts include making your own bamboo flute! Teen Camp (June 10-15) is a one-week sleepover camp for ages 12-18 in Aptos. Kid Camp (July 22-Aug 2) is a two-week day camp for ages 7-13 in Scotts Valley; a family concert is on Saturday, August 3rd at 10am. Information and registration is online at CommunityMusicSchool.org.
Riekes Santa Cruz Forest School
www.riekessummercamps.org
[email protected]
At the Riekes Santa Cruz Forest School, Mother Nature serves as both our teacher and classroom, where work and play are one. Children enjoy self-directed free play in the forest and meadow at the NEST in Felton, California. Forest School children often develop a deeper respect and sense of wonder for our environment while cultivating social emotional skills that form a foundation for learning. Fridays are our Field Trip Days. Locations may include Natural Bridges, Henry Cowell, or Fall Creek.Register at www.riekessummercamps.org Scholarships are available. For more information please email: [email protected]
Santa Cruz Gymnastics
831.462.0655
scgym.com
[email protected]
Beginning June 3rd, we will be offering Gymnastics Camps for ages 5–12! Come FLIP WITH US at our weekly themed camps. Camps include gymnastics lessons on all Olympic events, supervised open gym time, group games, crafts and time in our foam pit! Full and half day options are available for each weekly camp. Check scgym.com for more information and to register.
Santa Cruz Soccer Camp
831.316.3138
santacruzsoccercamp.com
Join us for our 40th summer! We focus on fun and learning through enjoyment to build skills, be active, and enjoying the summer! We offer 8 weeks of camp during the summer for kids ages 5-14. We practice tucked in the redwoods of the beautiful Delaveaga Park. Most of our experienced staff have grown up in our program through our Leadership Development Program and we look forward to seeing the next generation of campers come through!
Santa Cruz SPCA
2601 Chanticleer Ave, Santa Cruz
831.566.3753
[email protected]
spcasc.org/events/summer-animal-olympics-camp-2024
Our 2024 camp theme is “Animal Olympics.” Campers will learn about animals that achieve amazing feats of speed, height and agility and will test our shelter animals in “Olympic” contests. The children will work and play with our shelter dogs and cats daily and make treats and enrichments for them.
Santa Cruz Waldorf Redwood Summer Camp
Santa Cruz Waldorf School, PreK-8
2190 Empire Grade Santa Cruz
831.425.0519
santacruzwaldorf.org
Kinder-campers (Age 5 by Jan 1, 2023)
Grades-Campers (entering 1st – 5th grades)
June 17- Jun 28th M-F 8:30-3:30 weekly $425
July 1-3 M-W 8:30-3:30 $250
July 8-26 M-F 8:30-3:30 weekly $425
Redwood Summer Camp at Santa Cruz Waldorf School provides children with an unforgettable summer experience. Two camps have screen-free activities tailored to age groups that make camp engaging, relaxed and fun in a friendly, wholesome atmosphere on our beautiful campus. The Redwood Summer camp program provides children with plenty of time for free play and movement alongside opportunities to learn, create and spend time among the redwood trees on and adjacent to campus.
Seven Directions Creative Learning Center
831.713.9392
[email protected]
sevendirections.org
Seven Directions has fun and creative summer camps for kids ages 5 & up! Art, science, theater, table top role playing games and so much more! Whether your kid loves animals or anime, fairies or Pokémon, practical or digital art, theater or science, exploring nature here in Santa Cruz or exploring the realms of imagination in Dungeons & Dragons, there is something for everyone at Seven Directions. And nearly every camp gets daily interactions with our 35+ live exotic animals! Join us at our bright and lively studio space at the entrance to downtown Santa Cruz or meet us on site at some of Santa Cruz’s most beautiful scenic locations. Make friends, express creativity and keep learning alive during the summer months with Seven Directions Summer Camps!
Summer at Santa Catalina
1500 Mark Thomas Drive, Monterey
831.655.9386
[email protected]
santacatalina.org/summercamp
It’s a girl thing! Summer at Santa Catalina, open to girls ages 8-14 in grades 3-9, is offering three 2-week sessions, a 5-week session for our musical theatre program, and three 1-week mini-camp sessions for campers in grades 2-5. Each session has day and overnight options, with all of our campers participating in exciting classes, community building, and fun-filled all-camp activities! We intentionally build our community to create opportunities for campers to try new things, build independent and creative thinking skills, gain a sense of personal and community responsibility, and learn to access their own powerful inner resources.
Web of Life Field (WOLF) School
220 Cloister Ln, Aptos
831.684-0148
wolfschool.org
WOLF School’s Summer Nature Day Camp offers a science and nature theme all week and an outdoor adventure every day! 5-11 year olds will experience redwood trail walks, music, arts & crafts, cooperative games, science activities, and more, plus field trips to Nisene Marks and the Newt Pond. Sample themes are: Solar, Survival, Creek, Animals, Plants, and Natural History. WOLF School’s educational nature camps inspire kids to experience the outdoors, connect to nature, build healthy relationships, and gain awareness of their impact on environment and community—all in a fun camp setting led by our knowledgeable, friendly, and energetic naturalists.
WEST Performing Arts
831.425.9378
Santa Cruz
westperformingarts.com
Summer 2024…CREATIVE CHAOS! Get ready for next level imagination with our award-winning youth theatre company for ages 6 -18. Our unique, process-based theatre and art classes, camps, and conservatory-style studies encourage young performers to embark on a creative journey and craft their own performance experience full of innovative collaboration, From immersive theatre-based day camps to original plays and classic productions or improvisation to hone your funny bone. We have it all. Come play! Our classes, training programs, and presentations are process-driven, believing that the creative journey is what matters. We build confidence, communication, and community.
“What happens on stage at WEST Performing Arts is amazing. What happens inside the kids, from blossoming confidence to reignited enthusiasm, is miraculous.”
~ Bryn Kanar, a WEST parent
ENRICHMENT
Adventures with Art
[email protected]
adventureswithart.com
Let your child’s creativity run wild this summer! Adventures with Art is a website that offers tips and tutorials for a number of different art forms, including drawing, painting, digital art with Procreate, crochet, embroidery, and more. Run by an artist who was born and raised in Aptos, Diana loves to share her art knowledge with other artists of all skill levels at adventureswithart.com
Chartwell School
2511 Numa Watson Road, Seaside
831.394.3468
chartwell.org/summer
Chartwell School, located on 60 acres in Seaside, CA, serves students with dyslexia and other related learning differences who are not currently reaching their full potential. We do this in grades 1-12 by providing targeted and direct instruction to empower learners with the skills, strategies, tools, and social-emotional mindset they need to thrive in college and beyond. Summer@Chartwell is a three-week program that emphasizes literacy, math, STEAM, and enrichment skills.
Drawn2Art Studios
19C Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center, Aptos
831.661.5652
[email protected]
drawn2artclasses.com
We offer a high quality, fine art drawing and painting program that goes far beyond cut and paste, and arts & crafts. Inspirational teachers help students build skills and confidence. Curriculum is varied to include still-life, landscape, animals, portraiture, Anime and more. Students, ages 4-12, teens and adults, begin by using drawing mediums, then move onto painting. Join Us for a Trial Art Class. Classes scheduled ahead of time, based on availability. Sign up by or before April 30th, Receive $25.00 OFF each Summer Camp. New Students ONLY Pay Registration Fee. Each camp is themed! Come Join Us for a Fun-Filled Day!
Freedom Schoolhouse and Farm
freedomschoolhouseandfarm.com
Freedom Schoolhouse and Farm offers a unique program in a beautiful setting. Our curriculum is emergent with a strong emphasis on creating a connection to the natural world. We seek to promote and maintain basic principles of Freedom, with the goal of educating our children to be critical thinkers. Our open classroom creates a warm environment, and we encourage freedom of choice and relationship building. Set on several acres, every day is filled with the beauty of nature, joys of friendship, and fun activities geared toward artistic expression, physical movement, and the development of a lifelong love of learning
International Academy of Dance (IAD)
320 Encinal Street, Santa Cruz
831.466.0458
[email protected]
iadance.com
Spend the summer dancing! We’re offering 7 different weeks of magic and fun, so choose your theme and come join us for movement games, art, and dancing! Perfect for ages 4-8, our camps offer a playground for imagination to thrive. We even have Early Drop-Off/Late Pick-Up Options, with an After Party happening until 2pm for maximum fun (and ease for parents). If you’d like to get started before summer, sign up for a trial class now! Just visit our website, iadance.com. We also have classes for older kids, teens, parents, and grandparents. We can’t wait to dance with you!
Make a splash at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
www.montereybayaquarium.org
UnderwaterExplorers
Kids ages 8-13 will dive into a watery world of wonder in our summer Underwater Explorers program. During this 90-minute program they’ll get the experience of taking a surface SCUBA dive in our Great Tide Pool, just off the Aquarium’s back deck. In this unique program, kids will see the ocean like never before and make lasting memories as they connect to marine life. No diving experience or equipment is needed — just a sense of wonder! Let’s make waves! For questions, please call us at 831.648.4800, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily. Tickets available for purchase online at www.montereybayaquarium.org/UnderwaterExplorers
Music Together/MusicalMe, Inc.
Locations throughout Santa Cruz and Santa Clara County
Call/Text: 831.332.9002
[email protected]
musicalme.com
Come join the fun at our Music Together classes – where magical moments happen through playful, rich, and engaging music experiences! Let your little ones, from babies to preschoolers, explore their inner music maker alongside you, their favorite grown-up. Our music and movement classes are not only a blast but also provide essential support for your child’s early development. Summer-only special: Unlimited Bonus Classes! Join us now and create beautiful memories together.
Santa Cruz Public Libraries (SCPL)
Aptos: 7695 Soquel Ave, Aptos
Boulder Creek: 13390 West Park Ave, Boulder Creek
Branciforte: 230 Gault St, Santa Cruz
Capitola: 2005 Wharf Rd, Capitola
Downtown: 224 Church St, Santa Cruz
Felton: 6121 Gushee St, Felton
Garfield Park: 705 Woodrow Ave, Santa Cruz
La Selva Beach: 316 Estrella Ave, La Selva Beach
Live Oak: 2380 Portola Dr, Santa Cruz
Scotts Valley: 251 Kings Valley Rd, Scotts Valley
Santa Cruz Public Libraries (SCPL) is your partner for student success. SCPL provides online and in-person educational resources and K-12 homework help. Students can access research databases, take practice tests, check out a laptop or tablet, or join one of our programs (like chess club or the diverse youth meetup). SCPL also provides early literacy resources and educational programs for toddlers and young children. Find a book to share with your child, stop by for a storytime, or check out one of the online resources. Visit SantaCruzPL.org and follow us on social media @santacruzpl.
Quote from patrons:
What is your favorite memory of the library?
“Visiting the library on a rainy day. The sound of rain and smell of books is always so nice .” ~ Danielle
“Hanging out upstairs in the downtown branch with the kids on a rainy day.” ~ Tabitha
“All the story time and crafts for my preschooler!” ~ Chelsea
SERVICES
Youth Cruz Free on Metro
scmtd.com/youthcruzfree
K-12 students can ride METRO for free! Buses serve 24 routes that provide convenient transportation throughout Santa Cruz County. Whether it’s to school, work, the beach or hanging out with friends, students may ride any route in the METRO system for free except Highway 17 Express service. Riders in 8th grade and under may be asked by the driver to identify their grade level or school. Riders in grades 9-12 will be asked to show ID. For help, call Customer Service (831) 425-8600 or email [email protected]. For more information visit scmtd.com/youthcruzfree.
“Our youth are the future of transit. The Youth Cruz Free program is a big step toward giving all kids the access to METRO they deserve.” ~ METRO CEO/General Manager
SPORTS
Jim Booth Swim School
Watsonville
831.722.3500
Jimboothswimschool.com
Be a water wonder! Lessons for all ages! From our Little Otters swim class for parents and their babies to our adult beginner class. The whole family can splash together at Jim Booth Swim School. Little Otters is a gentle introduction to our 94-degree indoor pool that will make you confident that you are guiding your infant to a happy water experience. Our lessons emphasize quality swimming in an exciting class taught by our caring, well-qualified teachers. Developmental swim team and advanced swim lessons will be offered at our outdoor pool located in Watsonville at Toadal fitness. The whole family can swim at Jim Booth Swim School!
Junebug’s Gym
3910 Portola Drive, Suite 2, Santa Cruz
831.464.BUGS (2847)
JuneBugsGym.com
June Bug’s Gym is a place where your child can experience a fun-filled adventure in movement. We have a caring, respectful staff that encourages every child to grow at their own pace while supporting social, emotional, and cognitive development. Our goal is to promote confidence and self-esteem in our students, open up their imaginations, and help them experience the joy of movement in an ever-changing environment designed to test their skills.
4 Comments
Teresa Goldberg
I will be spending the summer in Santa Cruz with my 13-year-old daughter. She loves art. Do you know of any art camps or art classes?
Linda Kay
Santa Cruz Mountain Arts and Mon Ami offer children’s art classes
brogan dahl
Hi. How can my summer camp program get on your website?
Summer camps
Your article captures the essence of summer camps as transformative experiences for children. In martial arts, we often emphasize the importance of structure and discipline, which can also be found in these camp environments. Encouraging kids to try activities like martial arts could provide them with not only physical skills but also confidence and resilience that carry into other areas of their lives. It’s fascinating how these varied experiences contribute to holistic development.