It’s time for parents to register their children for summer camps throughout the Santa Ynez Valley and beyond. Here are some possibilities.
Arts Outreach Summertime Arts
The Arts Outreach Summertime Arts classes are a diverse way to dive into the fun of learning new art techniques. Explore painting, drama, woodworking, songwriting, printmaking, guitar playing, mask-making, music or drawing. Morning, afternoon, and all-day sessions are available. Grades K-8. Weekly June 11-July 20. $80-$100/session. Los Olivos Elementary School. Contact: 805-688-9533 or www.artsoutreach.com.
Buellton Rec Center Day Camps
Campers will have fun, make friends, and enjoy a field trip each week. One-, three- and five-day options available. Bring a nutritious sack lunch daily and a positive attitude. Ages 6-12. M-F, June 11 – Aug. 10, 7:30 am – 6 pm. $45-$180. Buellton Rec Center, 301 Second St., Buellton. Contact: 805-688-1086 or www.buelltonrec.com/camps.
Buellton Rec Center Surf Camp
Campers will have fun learning to surf. Longboards provided and wetsuits are highly recommended. One-, two-, three- and four-day options available for three weeks in July. Ages 11-16. 8 am-4 pm. $65-$200. Pick-up locations at Buellton Rec Center and Solvang Vets Hall. Contact: 805-688-1086 or www.buelltonrec.com/camps.
Buellton Rec Center Teen Camp
Teens can enjoy a day camp with others their age. Have fun, make friends, and enjoy two field trips a week. Ages 12-14. M-Th, June 11-28, 8 am – 6 pm. $45-$180. Buellton Rec Center, 301 Second St., Buellton. Contact: 688-1086 or www.buelltonrec.com/camps.
Camp Millionaire and Moving Out Financial Camps
Interactive, experiential financial education camps for kids. All of the programs use The Money Game to teach kids about money and investing. They learn about money by doing money. Camp Millionaire: July 9-13, $495. Moving Out Camp: Ages 14+ July 16-20. $495. Contact: 805-957-1024, elisabethdonati.com or campmillionaire.com.
Camp Wheez
Campers learn about their asthma while they participate in recreation and arts and crafts. Parents attend a brief workshop which provides an update on asthma care and a time to have their questions answered by an asthma specialist, followed by a play presented by the children. Grades 1-6. Mon.-Fri., Aug. 6-10, 8:30am-12:30pm. Extended care available. Free. First Baptist Church, 949 Veronica Springs Rd. Contact Info: 805-681-7500 x8754 or sansumclinic.org/camp-wheez.
Challenger Soccer Camp
Join the UK’s best soccer players to learn or improve moves, dribbling, passing/receiving, shooting and defending. Ages 3-16. June 11-15 and/or Aug. 6-10, Mon-Fri, 9 am -10 am for ages 3-5 and 9 am – noon for ages 6-16. $105-$166. Sunny Fields Park, 900 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang. Contact: https://challenger.configio.com.
Destination Science
Destination Science is a warm, wonderful environment where kids feel comfortable making connections with others. A variety of STEM focused camps offered to elementary aged students. Transforming Robots, Rovers Rocketing to Space, Amusement Park Science, and Science Makers & Inventors camps all being offered. Grades K-6. June 11-July 13. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Extended care available. $359. Foothill Elementary, 711 Ribera Drive, Santa Barbara. Contact: destinationscience.org.
Dunn School Summer Programs
Dunn School offers camps and programs throughout the summer for students of many ages and interests. Offerings include their Summer Academy, aquatics programs, baseball camp, and wilderness first aid training. Various ages, dates, times, and prices. Dunn School, 2555 West Highway 154, Los Olivos. Contact: 805-686-0615 or dunnschool.org/summer-welcome.php.
Gypsy Studios Art Camps
Each week’s emphasis will differ and focus on the art movement, genre or style focus. Contemporary, impressionism, and pop art focuses will be offered. Ages 7-14. 10 am-2 pm. M-F June 11-15, July 16-20 and July 30-Aug 3. $355/week. Gypsy Studios, 597 Ave of the Flags, Ste 103, Buellton. Contact: gypsystudiosart.com or 805-990-2105.
Ice in Paradise
All levels are welcome. There are group classes, open practice, off-ice training, games, crafts and more. Ages 6-14. Mon.-Fri., June 11-15 and/or Aug. 6-10, 8:30 am-4 pm. $395/week. Ice in Paradise, 6985 Santa Felicia Drive, Goleta. Contact: 805-879-1550, matt@gmail.com or iceinparadise.org
Jedi Engineering with LEGO Materials
The Force Awakens in this introductory engineering course for young Jedi! Explore engineering principles by designing and building projects using LEGO materials such as X-Wings, R2 Units, Energy Catapults, Defense Turrets, and Settlements from a galaxy far, far away. Create motorized and architectural projects with imagination and engineering to defeat the Empire! June 11-15, 9 am-noon for ages 5-7 and 1-4 pm for ages 7-12. $125. Ballard Elementary School. Contact: www.play-well.org.
Little Big Riding School Camps
Weekly riding camps are being offered in June and July with a different theme every week. Mon.-Fri., June 25-July 27, 9 am-noon. $350/week. Extended day available from noon-3 p.m. for $150/week. The Little Big Riding School, 2035 Edison St., Santa Ynez. Contact: thelittlebigridingschool@yahoo.com or 805-886-2215.
Los Olivos Dance Gallery Camps
Students can dance the summer away at Dance Camp. They will have fun, make friends, and build confidence during these dance camps for both boys and girls. Ages 3.5 and up. Various weeks June 11 – July 27. Various times and prices. Los Olivos Dance Gallery, 2948 Nojoqui Ave., No. 6, Los Olivos. Contact: lodg@verizon.net or www.losolivosdancegallery.com.
Mie’s Beads Camps
Students will learn a variety of beading and jewelry making techniques. No experience necessary. All materials are included in the tuition price. Ages 10+. June 25-29 or July 23-27. 9 am-1 pm. $185 or $40/day. Register by 5/15 and save $25/week. Mie’s Beads, 1539A Mission Drive, Solvang. Contact: mie@miesbeads.com or 805-686-8804.
Moxi Museum
Discover. Explore. Create. Join us for a one-of-a-kind summer of creativity and innovation at MOXI Summer Camp. For summer 2018, MOXI is excited to offer the MOXI Institute of Cardboard Engineering and Digital Creativity Camp. Grades 1-6. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Extended care available. Weekly, June 11-Aug. 17. Contact: 805-770-5012 or www.moxi.org.
Nature Adventures
Children have opportunities to experiment, experience, and observe the natural world around them while engaging in the scientific process. Ages 4-14. Mon.-Fri., June 11-Aug. 17, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. $215-$265/week. Extended care available. S.B. Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta del Sol, and Sea Center, 211 Stearns Wharf. Contact: 805-682-4711 or sbnature.org/natureadventures
Reading Skills and Speed Reading Programs
Instruction in phonics, fluency, comprehension, love of reading, textbook skills and speed reading offered once a week throughout the summer. Offered in partnership with Allan Hancock College and designed/taught by Institute of Reading Development instructors. Pre-K to Adult. Tuition varies by program grade. First Christian Church, 1550 South Collee Drive, Santa Maria. Contact: Institute of Reading Development, 1-800-903-0162.
Refugio Junior Lifeguards
Young participants learn how to be safe in the ocean, what to do in an emergency, how to respect and care for the environment, and the importance of living a healthy and active lifestyle. Mon.-Thurs., June 25-July 20. 10 am-3 pm. $399. Refugio State Beach and El Capitan State Beach. Contact: 805-331-8018 or refugiojrguards@parks.ca.gov
Safety Town
Children entering or leaving kindergarten will learn to evaluate “safe” and “unsafe” while learning overall safety practices. June 25-29, 9 am-noon. $25. Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church, 1825 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang. Contact: Lis Wilson, 805-688-6323 x242, lis@syvpc.org or www.syvpc.org.
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Children spend their day immersed in hands-on art making, cultural history and creative problem solving. All camps include a visit to the museum to learn about and be inspired by original works of art. Ages 5-12. Mon.-Fri., June 11-Aug. 17, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $250 SBMA Members, $300 non-members. SBMA’s Ridley-Tree Education Center at McCormick House, 1600 Santa Barbara St. Contact: www.sbma.net/kidsfamilies, 805-884-6441 or rkrieps@sbma.net.
Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation
The city of Santa Barbara offers more than 40 summer camps with full- and half-day options for a variety of interests including cooking, theater, sports, dance, Legos, art, and many more. Contact: 805-564-5418 or sbparksandrec.org/all-summer-camps/
Santa Barbara Zoo Camps
Traditional camp includes hands-on science activities, games, crafts, snack and lunch time, up-close animal encounters and a guided zoo tour. Speciality camps cater to specific interests such as junior veterinarian, backyard biologist, and the new Aussie Adventure camps. Ages 3-12. Santa Barbara Zoo, 500 Ninos Drive. Contact: 805-962-5339 or www.sbzoo.org/learn/zoo-camp/
Solvang Parks and Recreation
Solvang Parks and Recreation will once again host a variety of specialty summer sessions, including Horse Camp, American Girl Doll Camp, Woodworking Camp, Cookie Camp, Jr Chef Camp, Robotics Camp, LEGO camp, Slime Camp, Art Camp and other classes, clinics and events throughout the summer. Various ages, dates, times, locations, and prices. This year, registration will be available online. Contact: 805-688-7529 or www.cityofsolvang.com/179/Parks-Recreation
Summer Quilt Camp
Students will make a large throw-size quilt from start to finish. Learn how to use a sewing machine, piece the top and quilt on a long arm. Lunch included. Supplies are not included in the camp cost (approx. $150) Beginner to advanced. July 16-20 and Aug 6-10, 11 am-3 pm. $150. The Creation Station Fabric and Quilt Shop, 252 E. Hwy 246, Unit A, Buellton. Contact: 805-693-0174 or www.thecreationstation.com
UCSB Youth Programs
UCSB Recreation Department offers a variety of camps for various ages such as Day Camp, Junior Lifeguards, and Surf & Kayak Camp. Sessions run from June 18 – Aug. 17, for ages 5 – 14. Contact: 805-893-3913, camps@recreation.ucsb.edu or recreation.ucsb.edu
VBS at Bethania Lutheran Church
Grades K-5 will have a fun filled week at “Shipwrecked.” July 16-20, 5:30-8pm. Free. Dinner provided from 5:30-6 pm for $5/day or $20/week. Bethania Lutheran Church, 603 Atterdag Rd. Solvang. Contact: 805-688-4637 or bethanialutheran.net
VBS at SYV Presbyterian Church
Grades K-6 will have an adventure filled week at “Babylon. July 30-Aug 3. 9 am-noon. $25. Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church, 1825 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang. Contact: Lis Wilson, 805-688-6323 x242, lis@syvpc.org or www.syvpc.org.
Wild West Camp
Design your own brand, braid a lariat, learn to weave a basket, sing cowboy songs, cook lunch over a Dutch oven just like out on the range, ride in a real stagecoach and much, much more. Lots of outdoor fresh air and fun. Ages 7-11. June 25-29, July 9-13, and July 16-20, 9 am-1 pm. $165-$200/week. Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum, 3596 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. Contact: 805-688-7889 or www.santaynezmuseum.org
YMCA Counselor In Training
The CIT program is to give young emerging leaders opportunities to lead and mentor campers. CITs will get valuable leadership training from camp staff prior to camp starting. Community service hours will be granted upon completion. Application and interview process is required. Grades 7-12. Various times and dates throughout the summer. $25-$35/week. Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA, 900 N Refugio Road, Santa Ynez. Contact: 805-686-2037 or ciymca.org/stuartgildred/activities/summer-camp/
YMCA Day Camp
Campers will enjoy days full of fun and activities geared to their age group. Weekly field trips including some overnight opportunities for older campers during certain weeks. Part time or full time options available. Grades PreK-8. Various times and dates throughout the summer. $138-$195/week. Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA, 900 N. Refugio Road, Santa Ynez. Contact: 805-686-2037 or ciymca.org/stuartgildred/activities/summer-camp/
YMCA Sleep-away Camp
A variety of summer sleep-away camps are available through Stuart C. Gildred YMCA. Grades 3-12. Various dates, locations and prices. Contact Info: 805-686-2037 or ciymca.org/stuartgildred/activities/summer-camp/
YMCA Sports Camps
Surfing, basketball, football and tennis camps are available at different times throughout the summer. Grades 3-8. Various locations and times. $120-$225/week. Contact: 805-686-2037 or ciymca.org/stuartgildred/activities/summer-camp/
Youth Community Theater
The Arts Outreach Summer Youth Community Theater program is an opportunity for students to dive into live theater in an intensive four-week program. Students will take lead roles, teach younger students, create friendships, learn new talents, and foster pride through acting, singing and dancing. Grades 5-12 will produce “The Drowsy Chaperone” (auditions May 5). Various dates, times, and locations. Contact: Arts Outreach, 805-688-9533 or www.artsoutreach.com.
