discover new ways to learn through these hidden gems of summer enrichment for kids

We know there are many resources to find summer camps across the nation but we’re hoping our list gives you a taste of not only the bigger more well-known camps but also some of the smaller nuanced camps. Here are a few tips when making your summer camp schedule.

TIP #1: If your child thrives in a smaller camp look for organizations that are more about community building.

For example: you may have a climate conscious little one that thrives in a smaller class setting. We’ve found one in Pasadena, CA focused on creative re-use and sustainability.

TIP #2: If your favorite camps are sold out mark your calendar now and plan next summer with those registration dates in mind, but also seek out some of the smaller local camps and create a backup list.

TIP #3: Check your local library and local parks departments for camps being offered in the community. These camps can be more affordable and some of the funnest camps out there!

TIP #4: If you are willing to look outside your area or even your state, virtual camps are abundant nowadays. Just remember when registering in other states to please make note of the time zone when creating your child’s class schedule. Some of our favorite camps were thousands of miles away.

Keep scrolling for our Los Angeles area finds and our Nationwide list. These camps are just a small sampling of the variety of enrichment camps out there. Discover new ways for your child to learn by choosing a program that suits your child’s passions and interests.

the LA LIST

Stough Canyon Nature Center

Nestled in the Verdugo Mountains of Burbank, the Stough Canyon Nature Center is for the outdoor lover in your family. Your camper will perform science experiments, craft, and go on hikes and the hikes are what makes this camp special. Your child will learn how the flora and fauna help maintain the ecological balance as well as how cowboys rubbed sage on themselves to smell better.

Location: Burbank, CA
Ages: 6-10
In Person

Stough Canyon Nature Center Experiences Website

Remainders Creative Reuse

Remainders Creative Reuse is an amazing place for artists, especially those who are concerned with global warming. Remainders is focused on creative reuse and sustainability by offering reused art and crafts supplies as well as hosting intergenerational workshops bringing the community together.

They offer a wonderful summer program for children ranging from tinkering, to zero waste to sculpture. If you are in the Pasadena area or close by, we thoroughly recommend this store and summer program.

Location: Pasadena, CA
Ages: 8-13
In Person

Remainders in Pasadena Website

All the Arts for All the Kids Foundation

From the website: Begin this Summer with an Explosion of Creativity, Learning, and Joy! All the Arts for All the Kids Foundation presents two summer sessions, starting Monday, June 6, 2022. Taught by expert artist/educators, each class brings learning to life through creative, hands-on projects and activities.

Location: Fullerton, CA
Ages: ranges from K to 6th Grade
In Person

All The Arts for All the Kids Foundation website

_{From the Canoga Park Youth Arts Center website}

Canoga Park Youth Arts Center

A little jewel in the Canoga Arts District, this Youth Arts Center is near and dear to San Fernando Valley families. Although their classes are still virtual, stay tuned for in person offerings in the future. The small but mighty center has pivoted, for now, to sustain art appreciation for kids during the pandemic. But stay tuned and in the meantime, check out the Canoga Park Youth Arts Center’s YouTube Channel for online workshops.

Location: Canoga Park, CA
Ages: 6-17
Virtual (keep checking back for in-person classes)

Canoga Park Youth Arts Center Website

Chaminade Center for Excellence

The Chaminade Center for Excellence Summer Program is a great option for many families living in the San Fernando Valley. Not only do they have a ton of choices, but you can pick and choose based on your summer schedule. From the Great Books pod of classes to the STEM Enrichment Pod, these classes are engaging, and you can find something for everyone.

Location: 2 Campuses, Chatsworth, CA and West Hills, CA
Ages: Grades 1 – 9 (mostly for the elementary school age child)
In Person

Chaminade Center for Excellence Website

Valley Trails Summer Camp

When my 4th grader went to Valley Trails for a field trip, I was lucky enough to be a chaperone so I was able to see first hand how much all of the children loved it. The children played in the mud, washed clothes, made butter and candles. It was so good to see their smiling faces and their minds working. When I found out they had a summer camp, I was thrilled and I went straight to their website to check it out.

Here’s a blurb from their website: “While many families are focused on what their children may be forgetting from the school year, camp serves a vital purpose in the development of our campers. Valley Trails provides campers the opportunity to try new things, develop real-life skills, and become better people. While the school time focuses on core curriculum and test-taking, our intentional programming develops life skills, critical thinking, communications, self-confidence and so much more. Our campers are not just having “fun” at camp, but they are becoming more well-rounded individuals and better people.”

Location: 2 Campuses: Tarzana, CA and Santa Clarita, CA
Ages: Grades K-8
In Person

Valley Trails Summer Camp Website

THE NATIONWIDE LIST