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So Cal Summer Camps
By Jonathon Freeman-Anderson

Legendary summer camps abound from Camp Crystal Lake to NASA's Space Camp. While NASA's Space Camp may not be local, and Camp Crystal Lake may not be real, there are many unbelievable, local summer camps the kids and teens can get out and explore their interests in entertaining, educational environments.

There are camps that allow the average child to excel in an environment where their every activity makes them feel above average and exceptional. With the incredible accessibility to media, entertainment, the world, children are smarter and more aware of their opportunities than ever before in history. If a child wants to learn how to surf, design video games, play music in a band, sail ships, sing arias, build robots, traverse the wilderness on a horse, interactively discover wild science, go to sea, space, or dance and play sports. There are so many great activities available at so many different local camps; it will be difficult to choose the best one for any kid with varying interests. There are some very specific camps as to what they offer and then again, there are camps that host an extreme variety of quality events and activities.

Ever since seeing "Endless Summer," the film about a couple of surfers scouring the globe for great surf, the ocean has seemed like a magnificent ride waiting to be taken. As a kid, however, it always seemed as far away and unreal as the surf seen in "Endless Summer." The idea that a human body could sail across the water on a board is a phenomenal talent and test of physical endurance. Established in 2001, WB Surf Camp, a Residential coed surfing camp, specializes in marine science and ocean safety based Surfing Adventures for ages 11-17. Campers learn how to surf "The Right Way" in California. Surf and explore various breaks while learning about amazing coastal ecosystems. Gain self-confidence and have an adventure that will change life forever. No experience is required as they cater to beginners.

In all of the adventures, campers surf two sessions a day on most days. Teens surf multiple breaks and learn about surfing culture, etiquette, and safety that will allow growth as a surfer and increase skills in the water. Get an experience of a lifetime with Surf Camp. For more information, go to wbsurfcamp.com, call (866) 844-SURF.

Consider sailing for more good times exploring the Pacific's oceanic expanse. In Claremont, California, kids 10-18 can learn to sail tall ships. Featuring a co-ed sailing camp, guideddiscoveries.org, established in 2002, explains to teens how to sail a tall ship and learn marine science while exploring the Southern California Channel Islands. The program is designed to build minds and character through a live-a-board sailing experience aboard the 156' tall ship TOLE MOUR. One-week, two-week, and three-week cruises available; opens in July ending in August; activities include Sail Training, Marine Biology, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, and Underwater Photography. For more information, go to guideddiscoveries.org, call (800) 645-1423.

As far as legendary local camps are concerned, the Academy by the Sea is phenomenal and renowned for its amazing opportunities and life-changing experiences. Located in Carlsbad, California and established in 1943, the Academy by the Sea is a Coed Residential Camp dedicated to helping youth grow and prosper through an assortment of productive summer programs. Academic sessions are designed to assist and enrich students with daily monitoring of academic performance, individual attention, and a supportive faculty. Class sizes are small (average teacher to student ratio of 1 to 10) in order to provide each student with a personalized arena in which to explore his or her potential. Students encounter energetic and experienced teachers who are sensitive to their personal academic needs. Afternoon activities, special events, and weekend excursions allow each student the opportunity to take a break from scholastic responsibilities and experience lasting friendships. They now offer a new leadership camp where kids learn First-Aid/CPR Certification, JROTC (LET1 and LET2), HS Health, HS Physical Education Credit Physical fitness, and nutrition Advanced rank in Military. Cool and fun recreational activities available include surfing/body boarding, volleyball, billiards, flag football, tennis, swimming, kickball, water polo, talent show, and contests everyday. Academy by the Sea offers enrichment courses over the summer in Math, Science, Art, Computer Journalism, Media Production, ESL (beginner - advanced), Reading, Writing, Oceanography, College Experience (ACT/SAT Prep). It is possible to earn school credit while having fun. For more information, go to abts.com, or call (760) 434-7564.

Southern California is one of the most beautiful locations on the planet for sun, surf, swimming, and aquatic sports. Logically with such a long coast, there has to be more than one camp where kids can experience all that the Pacific has to offer. Established in 1999 and located in L.A., at Aloha Beach Camp, a co-ed summer day camp, kids learn to surf, boogie board, and swim in the ocean. Aloha Beach Camp is L.A.'s most comprehensive aquatic sports day camp offering more than 200 safe and cool aquatic activities including surfing, boogie boarding, jet skiing, wakeboarding, ocean swimming lessons, beach ecology, and more. Top it off with unreal giveaways and surprises from Billabong, the camp's sponsor, including special appearances from Billabong surfing pros. Daily transportation is included, there is a 100% money-back guarantee, and all of the counselors are certified lifeguards. For more information, go to alohabeachcamp.com, or call (818) 932-4600.

Many campers prefer more land-oriented activities and there are an equal number of camps that offer fun on the range as much as there are offering fun on the sand. In Glennville, Southern California, at the legendary Jameson Ranch Camp, established in 1934, kids are treated to a private, independent coed camp on a 500-acre ranch in the southern Sierras of California. Jameson Ranch Camp is a working ranch where they garden their own vegetables, slop the pigs, collect eggs, milk the cow, and raise their own ranch beef. Counselors teach a wide range of activities in the outdoors and kids thrive in this noncompetitive environment.

A Jameson Ranch Camp experience promotes a wholesome lifestyle. Growing their own food, singing their songs, tending the animals, playing and working together, all help to develop a caring community where each person is an important part of the whole. Traditional camp activities include western horseback riding, waterfront activities at lake and swimming pool, rock-climbing, theatre, crafts, mountain biking, mountain boarding, archery, riflery, etc. For more information, go to jamesonranchcamp.com, or call (805) 536-8888.

Established in 1946, legendary equestrian and family camp, Kennolyn Camps, is still going strong and offers a wide range of summer camp options from specialized equestrian camp to family camp over Labor Day weekend. Offering 35 activities to choose from for boys and girls ages 6-14, including extensive ropes courses for all ages, horseback riding and more, Kennolyn Camps is located on 300 acres in California's beautiful Redwoods, five miles from Monterey Bay and Pacific Ocean. For more information, go to kennolyn.com, or call (831) 479-6714.

In Agoura Hills, California, established in 1996, Camp Keystone Summer Day Camp is a Coed Day Camp. Located on 30 acres with lush green grass and shady trees, Camp Keystone has over 45 different activities including a 274' waterslide, 60' solar heated swimming pool, 3 zip lines, a state-of-the-art ropes course, go-carts, horses, giant interactive inflatables, archery, boating and fishing, and so much more. With numerous pick-up points located throughout the San Fernando and Conejo Valley, getting to camp in their air-conditioned busses is an enjoyable experience for a child. For more information, go to camp-keystone.com, or call (818) 889 2224.

For tech-savvy teens, consider an entertainment camp where kids can learn to follow their dreams of entertainment success. Established in 2003, in sunny L.A., PlanetBravo's Techno-tainment Camp, a Coed Day Camp, is LA's largest technology camp, and is the perfect blend of entertainment, exercise, and fun for today's 21st century creative kid. Campers at Techno-tainment Camp work in one-week sessions on chosen projects in a variety of fields, including the opportunity to build upon current projects with two-week Expanded Studio Sessions. Camps are available for students entering grades 2-9. Courses include Video Game Creation, Movie-Making, 2D and 3D Animation, Web Design, Programming, Robotics and more. For more information, go to planetbravo.com, or call (310) 443-7607.

Established in 1996, the Young Actors Studio Summer Acting Program is conservatory training in two age groups: 7-12 and 13-18. Summer acting camps include acting for the camera, scene study, technique, improvisation, and a production. A two-week program focuses on previously written work, and a five-week camp where students work with a commissioned writer on a role specifically created for them. Past commissioned plays have been published in the book: "Three New Plays from the Young Actors Studio." Artistic director, Jeff Alan- Lee, is a former child actor, 20- year child acting teacher, and former students include Shia LaBeouf and Scarlett Johannson. For more information, go to youngactorsstudio.com, or call (310) 281-7545 ext. 1.

Performing Arts Workshops, established in 1984, is a coed summer day camp for ages 5-15. PAW's MUSICAL THEATER CAMP: Shine on stage for family & friends in Lion King, Charlotte's Webb, Oliver Twist, Sleeping Beauty, and Vampire High! PAW's LIVE & UNPLUGGED GUITAR CAMP: Play the acoustic guitar. Work with Theater Camp and be a real guitar hero playing before a live audience. PAW's SNAP PHOTOGRAPHY CAMP: Master the social media world. Learn the techniques of digital photography and enjoy the collected works in a portfolio. PAW's iFIT SPORTS CAMP features exciting workshops: Karate, Obstacle Course Alley, Cardio Kickboxing, Yoga, and Speed-Racer. Team sports: Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, Frisbee Golf & Extreme Challenge are also available. For more information, go to performingartsworkshops.com, or call (310) 827-8827.

The Champions Science Adventures Summer Day Camps engage children ages 6-12 in action-packed science fun. Each weeklong camp program is filled with fun experiments, individual projects and engaging science. Better yet, kids get to take home the amazing projects they build providing fun science-oriented play for years to come. Over 92% of parents surveyed said they would recommend Champions Science Adventures Camps to a friend. As the largest provider of science enrichment programs in the United States with 30 years of experience, children are sure to enjoy an unforgettable summer experience. 2010 camp topics include Mystery of the Pharaoh's Treasure- solve an Egyptian Mystery, Go Wild- meet live animals, Space and Rocketry- build and launch an eco-friendly hydro-rocket, and Gizmo's Robot Factory- build a walking K'Nex robot. For more information, call 888-458-1812 or visit scienceadventures.com.

For the rockstar in the kid, maybe it would be worth exploring a fun Rock Music camp. Established in 1999, DayJams Rock Music Day Camp is a Coed Rock Music Day Camp where kids can live their Rock Star dreams. Whether a beginner or a more advanced player, DayJams Rock Music Day Camp offers the opportunity to learn guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and vocals. Work with professional musicians and teachers in a friendly and creative environment.

DayJams was created for kids between the ages of 8-15 by the National Guitar Workshop (NGW), the nation's largest summer music program. Since 1984, NGW has been teaching musicians at overnight programs across North America. At DayJams, younger students obtain a similar experience at day camps in their own communities. A professional staff of music teachers, art teachers, and counselors are committed to providing a safe, fun-filled week of music and creativity. For more information, go to dayjams.com, or call (800) 295-5956.

The Power Chord Academy Music Camp is a Residential and Day coed music camp. The best in amateur musician training, Power Chord Academy is the premiere music camp for teenage musicians & game-musicians, offering a variety of high-energy, exciting, professional learning experiences. At Power Chord Academy, dedicated musicians ages 12-18 are put through the most inspirational, educational, and intensive programs of their young careers. Over the last 11 years, the Power Chord Academy perfected the art of teen musician training, while providing a highly focused, fun, learning environment.

Power Chord Academy currently offers 38 Sessions in 17 US locations with teenage musicians attending from across the world. Be sure to reserve space immediately as Session Space has Sold Out for the last 11 consecutive years. For more information, go to powerchordacademy.com or call (800) 897-6677.

Check out the American Dance Training Camp, established in 2002, it is a Girls' Camp with Residential and Day Camp Sessions. Studies show that dance can increase self-confidence and help build social skills. Rhythms, great and small, feel great and make the body and life feel good. Reduce stress; movement plus rhythm creates an anxiety-reducing, meditative state. Rhythmic movement is so beneficial that dancers have healthier immune systems than an equally fit athlete does. Dance is an endlessly varied form of physical activity with strong mind-body & social components. ADTC has numerous dance camp locations, all just minutes from renowned destination resorts. Unique locations mean that ADTC campers have access to all the traditional activities most want to enjoy at a summer camp, as well as, all of the amenities one is expected to find at a mountain resort. At ADTC, there is just as much fun outside the dance studio as in class. For more information, go to AmericanDanceTrainingCamp.com, or call 866-383-ADTC.

NBC Basketball Camps is a residential summer camps for boys and girls. NBC Camps is the largest, most popular residential basketball camp in the world. Since 1971, they have trained over 150,000 athletes. Located in the United States, Canada, UK, and Italy, NBC Camps provides a camp experience unlike any other. Programs include Complete Skills Camp, Crowell's Intensity Camp, Pure Shooting and Attack Moves Camp, All-Star and Elite Camp, Guard and Post Camp, Team Camps, Family Hoops and much more. For more information, go to nbccamps.com, or call (509) 466-4690.

As kids, everyone has a dream to be something fun and fascinating when they grow up. Sometimes, however, it seems that exploring outlets for those dreams are inaccessible, unaffordable, and/or near impossible. In, and around, the So Cal area, however, are a variety of camps that cater to the creative individual seeking a new skill or exciting opportunity for one's future achievements. So, let kids and teens out to be whatever they wish to be this summer at a cool, fun, and whimsical summer camp today.

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