Best Summer Camps and Programs

Summer is just around the corner, and here in the San Gabriel Valley, parents have access to some premier Summer Camps for their children.

Whether you want your kids to be enriched in the arts, they need help in math, or take an interest in science, or want to learn how to surf, give them the opportunity to spend time evolving and meeting new friends. We’ve rounded up the top five choices for kids ages 3 to 19.

1.

Summer Hours: Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Cost: There are a range of options from $275 for one week up to $2400 for a 12 week program.

The closest camp option to home for Altadena residents, SummerKids is located at the top of Fair Oaks Avenue, and has been running camp programs on its 57-acre property since 1978.  The camp offers regular camp programs for K-6 age children, and a "summer challenge" program for grades 7-9 that includes an overnight activity.  Daily offered activities include arts and crafts, group sports and games, swimming, nature activities, hikes, archery, cooking, dance, survival, and gardening.  The camp has an open house in June.

2. Girl Scouts: Camp Osito Rancho

Big Bear Lake

Week long themed camps

$315-$680 depending on session. Contact Thuy Kudsi, tkudsi@girlscoutsla.org. for more information, dates.

Located in beautiful Big Bear Lake, this Girl Scout Outdoor Leadership Center is a resident camp, giving Girl Scouts the opportunity to trek it outdoors the old-fashioned camp way. There is an array of fun teambuilding, self enrichment and social activities including swimming, archery, hiking, challenge courses, to name a few. All horseback riding resident camps feature part of the day spent with horses. Featuring week-long themed camps.

3. Theatre 360 Summer Camp

First Baptist Church of Pasadena | 75 N. Marengo, Pasadena, CA 91101.

5 two-week sessions running late June-late August

Ages 3-19

$405-450 per session

Located within the First Baptist Church of Pasadena, Theatre 360 will be offering theatre camp for kids 6 to 19 years old. Here at the camp, your children will be able to take advantage of the three floors of classrooms, dressing rooms, and large theatrical performance space to hone their acting skills.This camp runs Monday through Friday from 9a.m.-3p.m.

Do you have a little tot who commands attention, loves to be in the spotlight, and has unheard of dancing, singing or acting skills. If so, they seem destined for the big screen. Showbiz Kids is the summer camp for ages 3-5 and meets Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9a.m.-noon

Visit the Theatre 360 website for session dates and to sign up.

4. Sally Ride Science Camp for Girls

Caltech, Pasadena

July 11-15 | Monday through Friday 9-5

4th-9th grade

$895

Named after the first American female astronaut enter space, Sally Ride Science Camp offers an exciting five day long day-only Summer camp for your daughters. Taking place at one of the most prestigious technology universities in the country, girls will be given an opportunity to learn about science, as well as leadership and problem-solving training.

Students will participate in hands-on activities, such as building rockets, robots, and marine habitats through workshops, experiments, and recreational activities. Students will also attend a mid-program excursion to a local science venue, and meet many new friends.

4th - 6th Grade Campers: choose from Intro to Marine Science and Intro to Engineering Majors.

7th - 9th Grade Campers: choose from Marine Science and Astronomy Majors.

5. Destination Science

Kids Klub, Pasadena
7a.m. – 6p.m.

August 1– 5 (Grades 1-2)
July 25 – 29 (Grades 3-5)

$535.00

Kids will spend the week discovering robot science while creating & adapting their own Mega-bot until it ultimately takes on the characteristics of its creator. This robot-themed camp includes a robot maze race, a robo-artist experience and a camp-invasion battle to see which robot will come out on top.

The camp also includes a chance for kids to design mini motorized micro-bots. Other features of include electric room alarms, laser spinners, electronic bug listening devices and more.

Everyday, your child will receive breakfast, lunch, snacks as well as two t-shirts. Save 5% if you sign up by March 31st.