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.
*Please check with the camps to make sure they are operating this summer.
DAY CAMPS
All About Theatre
325 Washington St, Santa Cruz
831.345.6340
[email protected]
allabouttheatre.org
Celebrating over 19 years and over 145 musicals in Santa Cruz County. We offer training in the performing arts for 3-6, 6-10, 10-13 & 13-16 We are elated to be back with an amazing summer season: James & the Giant Peach, Newsies & Shrek the Musical. We are offering week long and two-week long camps in performing arts along with our Theater in the Park program – at the London Nelson Center. There’s an opportunity for everyone to come and be part of the magic… We are located in downtown Santa Cruz. Check out our website for additional information on our summer camps and productions.
All About Theatre
AAT has been our family’s community for the past five years. My daughter has blossomed in front of my eyes. We both have thrived and succeeded in the theatre and have found lifelong friends and connections.
– Joanna Eskilson (parent)
California Ocean Alliance’s Marine Mammal Scientist-In-Training Course
9099 Soquel Drive, Suite 8, Aptos, CA 95003
[email protected]
CAoceanalliance.org
Are you interested in becoming a marine biologist? Then join us for the Marine Mammal Scientist in Training Program – a one week summer educational opportunity offered to high school students. Students are paired directly with professors at local institutions around the Monterey Bay Area (including Stanford, UC Santa Cruz, and Monterey Bay Research Institute) to learn what it takes to conduct science that leads to the conservation of marine mammals. Space is limited – learn more at caoceanalliance.org/education/mmstp/
California Ocean Alliance
I really don’t think I can pick a favorite part. The conversations I had with all of the professors, watching seal training, going out on boats and tagging whales, and meeting dolphins all are some of my favorite moments.
Lindsey Templeton, Student
CYT Santa Cruz
216 Mt. Hermon Rd suite E
P. O. Box 231
Scotts Valley CA 95066
(831)239-3821
cytsantacruz.org
We create a hands-on theater experience, and are focused on building performance skills, self-confidence, and teamwork. Our camps include rotations through drama, dance, and music. CYT Summer 2022 presents two different camps. Musical Theater Camp June 27 – July 1, for kids age 4 – 18, will take place in Aptos. Intensive Theater Camp is a three week camp for kids age 8 – 18, with a weekend of Broadway style performances of Bye Bye Birdie. This camp will rehearse in Scotts Valley and Watsonville from July 5 – 22, and performances are July 22 – 24.
Four Points Youth Camp
Located at Orchard School
2288 Trout Gulch Rd, Aptos
[email protected]
FourPointsYouthCamp.com
Four Points Youth Camp is a new summer day camp with activities designed to broaden every camper’s horizon. Serving campers in grades K-8, our activities include sports, arts and crafts, technology, and traditional camp games. These activities are designed to cater to each age group. With new unique themes each week, every camp session is a fresh experience.
Four Points Youth Camp
We had a great time! It was the perfect combination of friendship, games, new arts and crafts, and a low key, beautiful setting. Thank you for this new camp!
Jennifer Greenburg
Interfaith Peace Camp
Held at Holy Eucharist Catholic Church
527 Corralitos Road, Watsonville
831-345-2742
[email protected]
Interfaith Day Camp, August 1st-5th, 9am to 4pm, for grades 1st thru 8th. Offering music, crafts, games, lunch and snacks. Early registration by June 30. Sponsored by Tent of Abraham of Santa Cruz and Holy Eucharist Catholic Church.
Kuumbwa Summer Jazz Camp
kuumbwajazz.org/education cabrillo.edu/services/extension
Kuumbwa Summer Jazz Camp
kuumbwajazz.org/education
cabrillo.edu/services/extension
Kuumbwa’s Summer Jazz Camp is back in 2022, in partnership with Cabrillo College’s Summer Youth Program! For over 25 years Kuumbwa’s Summer Jazz Camp has been a destination for dedicated student musicians, grades 8-12, to learn about the thrilling creativity and limitless possibilities of jazz. 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. Students will receive one-on-one and group instruction by professional music educators. The camp will focus on developing musicianship skills for live performance, basic improvisation, soloing, phrasing, collaboration, and music theory.
Dates: June 13 – 23
Location: Cabrillo College
Little Garden Patch Farm
4635 Fairway Drive Soquel CA 95073
(831) 476-0964
littlegardenpatchfarm.com
Our play-based, emergent program offers arts & crafts, outdoor play and imagination, stories & games, hands-on science and nature with gardens, farm animals, and social learning in a beautiful outdoor setting. A cozy home environment and nurturing staff complete a magical childhood wonderland that children and parents love.
Monte Vista Christian School Summer Camps
2 School Way, Watsonville 95076
831-722-8178
mvcs.org/camps
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
This summer get your kids out in nature, unplugged, outdoors, and active! Utilizing its 375-acre redwood forested campus, Mount Madonna School’s camps return the weeks of July 11 and July 18 for children ages 5 to 13* including arts, forest play, nature crafts, cooking and baking, hands-on science experiments, hiking and a half-day horse camp option. Includes Redwood Explorers camp for ages 10-13. An all-day horse camp is offered the week of August 1. Camps are Monday through Friday, 9:00am-3:30pm. Transportation is available from Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Aptos and Corralitos. Details and registration online at mountmadonnaschool.org/summer.
Santa Cruz Soccer Inc Santa Cruz Soccer Camp
831.246.1517
santacruzsoccercamp.com
For over 30 years our vision of joy and adventure remains. Almost all coaches have been young players who joined the harmony and magic of the camp and have graduated through our Leadership Development Program. From the inspiration and resonance experienced at Delaveaga Park during 10- week-long summer camps, the coaches and directors are in service to the new paradigm celebrating the Evolution of competition.
SC SPCA Kids Summer Camp
(831)566-3753
2601 Chanticleer Ave., Santa Cruz
spcasc.org/humane-education/
Our 2022 summer camp is happening in our brand-new shelter! There are three weeks each for students going into 1st through 3rd grade and those going into 4th through 6th grade. We offer one full week to teens age 13 and up that will focus on aspects of shelter careers.
Tara Redwood School
5810 Prescott Road, Soquel
831.462.9632
tararedwoodschool.org
Into the Heart of Nature Summer Camp is located in an extraordinary setting nestled in the Nisene Marks Forest. Summer at Tara is not only fun but healthy, peaceful and inspiring. We offer a values-based program for ages 4 – 8 with low camper group ratios. At summer camp your child will make new friends, learn a new skill, develop mindfulness, help others and absorb some of our core tenets for happiness. Living on this planet and in this unique place, we learn how each of us can / do have an impact and influence on our world and how we can make a positive difference.
Thomas Farm Films
Aptos
(831) 612-6312
[email protected]
Located on an organic farm in Aptos, CA—Thomas Farm Films educates children how to make movies. Our hands-on curriculum promotes CREATIVITY, SELF-CONFIDENCE, & CRITICAL THINKING…resulting in real, professionally edited and scored short films that will be screened together at local theaters in Thomas Farm Film Festivals and beyond. All children ages 5 to 18 can learn the craft, as we offer partial & full scholarships for those in need. We offer a payment plan as well as multi-week and sibling discounts.
Web of Life Field (WOLF) School
220 Cloister Ln
Aptos CA 95003
(831) 684-0148
WOLF School’s Summer Nature Day Camp offers a science and nature theme all week and an outdoor adventure every day! Kids will experience redwood trail walks, music, camp arts & crafts, cooperative games, science activities, and more, plus field trips to Nisene Marks and Rio Del Mar Beach. 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.
CLASSES
Cabrillo Youth Chorus Summer Voice Camp
CabrilloYouthChorus.org
A week-long camp aimed to give your child an unforgettable experience as they put together a musical performance in one week! 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, or contact us at [email protected] or call 831/479-6155.
Community Boating Center, UCSC
790 Mariner Park Way
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
831-425-1164
Recreation.ucsc.edu/youth/juniorsailing/index.html
The UCSC Community Boating Center has been teaching local juniors how to sail for over 30 years. All classes are hands-on, co-ed classes, ages 8-16 and are taught in RS Quests, RS Visions, and Lasers. Students learn the basics in the protected Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor and progress to the beautiful Monterey Bay. Enjoy sailing in a safe, fun, and supportive environment with knowledgeable, experienced staff. Sign up today! (Adult classes are also available!)
Dancenter
810 Bay Ave., Capitola
(831) 475-5032
Kids Summer Dance Camps
dancenterinfo.com
June 20-24 “Under the Sea” ages 4-6, Dancing Around the World ages 7-11, June 27 -July 1 “In the Jungle ages 4-6, Dancing Through Time ages 7-11, 5-Week Summer Session for all ages and levels starting July 5th
International Academy of Dance (IAD)
320 Encinal Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: 831.466.0458
[email protected]
International Academy of Dance and Ready. Set. Glow! are teaming up this summer to bring you the best summer camps ever! Join us either in our Ballet Storybook Camps (Ages 4-8), or our Ninja Hip-Hop Camps (Ages 5-10). We’re offering 8 different weeks of magic and fun, so choose your theme and come join us for movement games, art, and dancing! We even have Early Drop-Off/Late Pick-Up Options, with a GLOW After Party happening until 2pm for maximum fun (and ease for parents). Sign up for any 4 weeks before April 15th, and save $100. Reserve your spot today!
The Epicenter
831.291.3787
be-the-epicenter.org/classes
Offering year-round immersive sessions that empower children 7-11 through guided exploration in nature. We focus on awareness of self, others, and the natural environment as we explore and create through drawing, writing, painting, dancing, singing, and play. Our sessions cultivate mindfulness and a sense of joy, wonder, and awe.
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, and supportive staff that encourages every child in their growth of large motor skills and gymnastics along with social, emotional, and cognitive development. Our goals for our students are to help them feel control and empowerment in their bodies, to build self-esteem through success, to open up imaginations, and to feel confidence and joy in their exploration of movement.
Kirby School
425 Encinal Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-0658 x111
kirby.org
Kirby School empowers students to shape their futures with confidence. Our independent middle and high school offers a world-class college prep curriculum, small class sizes, individualized attention, Tuition Assistance, and our commitment to student social and emotional well-being. Join our community where teachers are attuned to each learner’s strengths and interests, and students are challenged based on their readiness, not their grade level. Ranked one of the top STEM schools in the nation by Newsweek, Kirby graduates attend excellent four-year colleges and universities.
Luke’s Skate Lessons
Various Skate Parks
(831) 465-4609
Luke’s Skate Lessons
Various Skate Parks
(831) 465-4609
[email protected]
lukesskatelessons.com
Skate lessons aren’t only a way to improve your capabilities, but it’s also to find a community that will accept you for you!
Our classes teach basic-advanced tricks, skatepark etiquette, safety equipment use, camaraderie, stretching techniques, life skills, and more!
Sign up and start today!
MusicalMe, Inc. offering Music Together™
All over Santa Clara & Santa Cruz Counties
831-332-9002
musicalme.com
Our Music Together classes are playful, rich, and engaging. They help young children —babies, toddlers, and preschoolers—discover their inner music-maker by playing with the grownups they love. Our music and movement classes also offer other important benefits: music for children supports overall early childhood development. Join us!
Pleasure Point Yoga
3603 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz
(831) 479-9642
pleasurepointyoga.com/kids
Peace Warriors in training are guided through yoga, mindfulness, movement arts, rhythm & music, and art activities in a safe and supportive environment while cultivating a kind and compassionate inner voice. Each day will focus on a different theme relating to the cultivation of Peace, Courage and Compassion while having fun!
Santa Cruz Gymnastics
(831) 462-0655
[email protected]
Beginning in June, 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.
Watershed Art Studios
1050 River St #116, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-234-3430
camptanneryarts.com // lindacover.org
Camp Tannery Arts is an art intensive summer program introducing children to the world of art with professional artists at the Tannery Arts Center. Workshops: drumming, printmaking, dance, mural arts, music, poetry and more. Artists: Ibou Ngom, Abi Moustapha, Sarah Bianco, Oumou Faye, Moha Aoualou, Asha Tobling, Heejin Lee.
ENRICHMENT
Adventures with Art
Be Natural Music
740 Water St, Santa Cruz, CA
(831) 515-8369
BeNaturalMusic.Live
Learn and perform Jazz, Rock, Reggae, Motown, Pop & more at our two locations: Santa Cruz and Cupertino. We offer ongoing private Music Lessons, Real Rock Band classes for teens, & young adults, Workshops, and Summer Music Camps. We offer lessons on voice, piano/keyboard, guitar, bass, drums & percussion, saxophone, clarinet, ukulele, harp, theory and composition. Summer camps, kid & teen musicians showcase their talent & creativity as they compose original music, script music videos, and record their song on stage! The final high-quality music video is posted on our YouTube Channel to jump-start your kid’s career.
Be Natural Music
We are so lucky to have an amazing program like Be Natural Music in our area. It’s been amazing. It’s given our daughter the confidence to perform in front of a large crowd and truly be a rock star.
Kevin P., parent
Encompass Community Services – Youth & Family Counseling
831-429-8350
encompasscs.org/youth_services_counseling
A lot has happened this year, and summer is a great time to reconnect with your kids and support their mental well-being. Encompass Community Services offers comprehensive mental health and substance use counseling services to youth ages 3 to 20 and their families across Santa Cruz County. Our counseling services are personalized to meet the individual needs of youth and to enhance the strengths and assets of each family. Bilingual Medi-Cal, low-cost, and FREE group, individual, family and telehealth services are available. Call today to schedule your free screening! Growing Social
Growing Social
Growingsocial.org | [email protected]
408-914-0552.
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, 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
Mathnasium of Santa Cruz
1642 Mission Street
Santa Cruz, CA. 95060
(831) 440-7574
mathnasium.com/SantaCruz
Make it a Mathnasium summer! While most students experience math learning loss over summer, the pandemic has caused many kids to fall behind. Mathnasium’s personalized learning plans are proven to improve grades and give them a head start going into the new school year. Our summer programs are designed to work in tandem with the other summer camps and activities. Just 2 or 3 one-hour sessions per week are all kids need to help keep their math skills on track for the upcoming school year. And your child will continue to enjoy summer, because we make learning math fun.
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz 95062
831.420.6115
santacruzmuseum.org
This summer, connect with nature as a family with the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. Start the season with nature crafts, live animals, and music at the Summer Kickoff Festival, June 25. Explore nature through a different lens during extended hours (with free admission for all) every First Friday. Get your hands dirty while learning about native plants every 3rd Saturday through Saturdays in the Soil. The Museum’s interactive exhibits engage visitors of all ages in learning about Santa Cruz, from shore to mountain summit. Admission for kids is always FREE! Visit santacruzmuseum.org to learn more.
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
“[My child] had a wonderful time at camp last week. He said it was his best school ever.”
Nature Explorers Spring Camp parent
Santa Cruz Public Libraries
224 Church St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-427-7713
santacruzpl.org
The SCPL Summer Reading Program is back in-person! Earn books, attend events, and win prizes. Reading just 5 books over the summer helps prevent learning loss in students. Kids can continue learning while having fun at programs such as storytimes, craft and STEAM activities. Amazing performers will present shows all summer long. Sign up at any branch or online at santacruzpl.org\srp starting June 1st.
The Bookakery
BookakeryBoxes.com
Looking for activities to do with your kids at home? Have a kid that always wants to help in the kitchen or curl up on your lap to hear a good book? Love getting packages? The Bookakery has just the thing: Bookakery Boxes, a monthly subscription box for kids aimed towards fostering a love of reading and baking. Each Bookakery Box comes with a hardback picture book, kid-friendly recipe card, baking item and activity, all based around a theme of the month. Order yours today! Use code GUISC10 for 10% off any subscription length (renews at standard rate). Expires 12/31/2022
PRESCHOOLS
Child Development Resource Center
Santa Cruz County Office of Education, 400 Encinal Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-466-5820
cdrc4info.org
At the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, the Child Development Resource Center is dedicated to helping families find a suitable child care match or preschool program. Our bilingual services supply a variety of resources for families. We also offer many supports for preschool teachers and child care providers. Utilizing our referral database which contains all licensed preschools and child care programs in Santa Cruz County, we can work up a free listing based on your family’s needs. Contact us today and get the support you need as you choose a preschool or child care program.
Coast Redwoods Montessori
Lic #4Lic. #44403546 255B Mt. Hermon Rd., Scotts Valley
831.461.9330
CoastRedwoodsMontessori.com
Coast Redwoods Montessori provides infant, toddler and preschool learning environments utilizing Montessori principles of education. Our curriculum includes language, math, science, culture, geography, courtesy, practical life, art and music. Our convenient location includes a 7000 square foot yard with a park quality climbing structure and garden. We offer programs for children 6 months through 6 years old.
Little Acorns Montessori
Lic #444413867 1215 Chanticleer Ave., Santa Cruz
831.464.1400
LittleAcornsMontessori.com
Little Acorns Montessori provides a warm and caring environment, encouraging children to develop self-confidence and social and academic skills. We have a beautiful corner lot in Live Oak. Our Montessori trained teachers provide a unique, individualized learning program for children 6 months through 6 years old.
Quail Hollow Montessori
Lic #444408893 187 Laurel Dr., Felton
831.335.4710
QuailHollowMontessori.com
Voted Best preschool in San Lorenzo Valley, Quail Hollow Montessori offers an excellent, individualized learning experience for your child with a solid foundation in both academic and social skills in a beautiful, neighborhood setting. Our goal is to help children blossom into self-confident, compassionate, inquisitive, and respectful individuals with a life-long love of learning.
Rocking Horse Ranch Preschool
Lic #444400117
4134 Fairway Dr, Soquel
831.462.2702
Rocking Horse Ranch is a play-based preschool located on 3 beautiful acres in sunny Soquel. We offer morning, afternoon, and full day sessions. Our outdoor space offers lots of room to explore, including our gardens and many different kinds of animals. Come visit us!
RECREATION
Adventure Sports Unlimited
303 Potrero Street, #15, Santa Cruz
831.458.3648
asudoit.com
Adventure Sports Unlimited (ASU) is Santa Cruz’s premier swim school. We teach infants through adults the joys of water and adventure. Our Ocean programs introduce families to our magnificent marine environments through the Santa Cruz Island Camping Trip. We explore the world-renowned underwater landscape of Monterey Bay through our Open Water Scuba courses. It all starts in our custom-built aquatics facility with our tropically heated pool. We want to make your entry into the water world truly enjoyable. ASU – Come Play With Us!
Cougar Swim School
7105 Hwy 9, Felton Ca. (location of pool)
208 Prospect Hts. Santa Cruz 95065
831-239-4228
cougarswimschool.com
Kurt Edwards and Cougar Swim School represents swimming excellence with over 25 years of teaching and management experience, Kurt Edwards, and the staff of Cougar Swim School offer quality swim lesson for all ages and abilities, Water Polo, Junior Lifeguarding, and Aqua Day Camp. Our summer program is made up of 4 to 5 sessions that are 2 weeks in length with eight, twenty-five-minute classes. Classes are held on Monday thru Thursday for both weeks. Cougar Swim School also offers Lifeguard training classes for anyone 15 year and up, who want to work as a lifeguard.
Jim Booth Swim School
Santa Cruz at Harvey West Pool and Watsonville at Duncan Holbert Pool
831.722.3500
jimboothswimschool.com
Be a water wonder! From our Little Otters swim class for parents and their babies to Aquaphobics, our adult beginner class, the whole family splashes together at Jim Booth Swim School. Little Otters beginning at age 4 months is a gentle introduction to our 94-degree pools 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. The whole family can swim at Jim Booth Swim School.
Parker Hammond Golf
401 Upper Park Road
Santa Cruz CA 95065
831-423-7214
Parkerhammondgolf.com
PHGolf summer camps are for juniors who want to start learning the game of golf in a fun, active environment with kids their age and ability. Players will learn all aspects of the game including short-game, full-swing, and on-course coaching.
City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Department
831.420.5270
Register for our popular summer camps?and?junior guards for a fun-filled summer. Get moving with Skatedogs Skateboarding Camp, World Cup Soccer Camp, and SUP Camp. Create with virtual art camps or expand your knowledge with?science and STEAM camps. Visit santacruzparksandrec.com to view the Summer Activity Guide in Spanish and English. Online registration opens Saturday, April 9, and Monday, April 11 for phone registration for the City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation summer programs.
UC Santa Cruz Summer Sports Camp
UCSC Summer Sports Camps
UC Santa Cruz is excited to announce summer sports camps! June 13-17, 2022 UCSC offers girls basketball and volleyball camps. Both camps focus on all skills development and are for 5th – 8th grade girls and all skills levels. Volleyball contact Gabrielle Houston [email protected] Basketball contact Todd Kent [email protected] $200 9 AM – 4 PM.
SUMMER EATS
Kianti’s Pizza & Pasta Bar
1100 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-469-4400
kiantis.com
Order at kiantis.com. Patio, curbside and delivery for our entire menu and drinks including Kianti’s Kids Pizza Kits, $45 Family Dinner Special, Happy Hour, Kianti’s Signature Cocktails, Bottles of Kianti’s Wine and Kianti’s Vodka, Gin, Rum, Whiskey or Tequila.
2 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