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, storybook illustration, printmaking, nature art, music or drawing. Morning, afternoon, and all-day sessions are available. Grades K-8. Weekly June 10-July 19. $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 10 – Aug. 9, 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. $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 Biking Camp
Teens will enjoy riding the hills of the central coast with others their age from 12 – 14. Aug. 5 – 8, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. $45-$180. Buellton Rec Center, 301 Second St., Buellton. Contact: 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 10-27, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. $45-$180. Buellton Rec Center, 301 Second St., Buellton. Contact: 688-1086 or www.buelltonrec.com/camps.
Buellton Rec Ultimate Girl Camp
A week of all things girly with a variety of activities including dancing, singing, crafting and more…with a different theme each day of Princess Day, Fairy Day, Tea Party with Dolls Day, Unicorn Day, and “Glam” Day! There will be a break for a snack/sack lunch during the session. Taught by Allison Firey, a musician/performer whose resume includes working as a performer for the Walt Disney Corporation, many national musical theatre tours, and former owner of Enchanted Princess Events. June 10 – 14 Cost is $155 – 10:15 – 11:45 a.m. for 3 – 5 years; 12 – 1:30 p.m. for 6 – 10 years. 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. Camp Millionaire: July 8-12, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Ages 10-14. $370 plus $25 materials fee. Five scholarships offered. Offered through Santa Barbara Park & Rec. Dept. Contact: 805-957-1024 or campmillionaire.com.
Camp Wheez
Campers learn about their asthma while they participate in recreation and arts and crafts. Parents can attend a brief workshop on Friday, Aug. 9, at 11:30 a.m. that provides an update on asthma care and a time to have their questions answered by an asthma specialist, followed by a light lunch.Grades 1-6. Mon.-Fri., Aug. 5-9, 8:30am-12:30 p.m. Free. Extended care available. Veronica Springs Church/First Baptist Church, 949 Veronica Springs Road. 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 10-14 and/or Just 29 – Aug. 2, Mon-Fri, 9 am -10 am for ages 3-5 and 9 am – noon for ages 5-14, or full day 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. for ages 7 – 14. $108-$219. 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-age students, including Physics Coaster Science Magic, Rocket Space, Extreme Innovations, and Robot Challenge. Grades K-6. Weekly session run June 17-July 15. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Extended care available. $339. Foothill Elementary, 711 Ribera Drive, Santa Barbara. Contact: destinationscience.org.
Dunn School Summer Programs
Dunn Summer Programs include aquatics: family pool pass, swim lessons and splash ball camp. Ages 2-12. $100-$300. Runs June 10-Aug. 9. Sports Camps: June 10-July 12. Ages 7-17 $150-$300 includes lunch, T-shirt and pool time. STEM Academy: July 13-Aug.9. Ages 13-16. $3,500. Dunn School, 2555 West Highway 154, Los Olivos. Contact: http://www.dunnschool.org/summer, summer@dunnschool.org.
Gypsy Studios Art Camps
Providing space and guidance for kids to freely create, learn different skills in various mediums and build self-confidence. We will be creating art that holds both form and function as well as guided paintings throughout. Each week will close with a “gallery show” open house featuring our camp artists’ works. Weekly from June 24 thru Aug 2, 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. $375/week. Held at their new Solvang studio at 1669 Fir Ave, Unit 3. Scholarships available. Some camps will include walking field trips to nearby parks, and July 4th will include walking in the Fourth of July Parade. Contact: gypsystudiosart.com or 805-245-2381.
Ice Skating
Improve your ice skating skills, have fun and stay cool this summer! All levels welcome – no skating experience necessary! Kids enjoy group classes, open practice, off-ice training, games, indoor & outdoor activities, and catered lunch. Ages 6-14. Mon.-Fri., June 24-28 and July 29-Aug. 2, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. $395/week. $20 discount for early bird registration and siblings. Ice in Paradise, 6985 Santa Felicia Drive, Goleta, (805) 879-1550. Contact: www.iceinparadise.org/Skating-school/summer-camp or Camp Director Bri Donnelly at bdonnellyice@gmail.com.
Harry Potter Magical Engineering with LEGO Materials
Explore the magic of Harry Potter using LEGO! Find Platform 9 3/4, build Hogwarts Express Train, work cooperatively to construct the mysterious Hogwarts Castle, and challenge the Hungarian Horntail Dragon. June 10-14, 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 24-July 26, 9 am-noon. $350/week, however the week of July 15 – 19 is $375. 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 10 – Aug. 2. Various times and prices range from $125 – 325. 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. New sessions for 2019 include Super Messy Science, Game Design plus SONOS Speaker Design Workshops. Cardboard engineering camp returns with new themes as well as the popular Fiesta plus Cardboard Canoe weeks. Grades 2-6. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Extended care available. Weekly, June 10-Aug. 16. Prices vary. 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 10-Aug. 16, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. $280/week for members; $299/week for non-members. 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.
Nick Rail Sumer Band Camp
Students of all ability levels will receive concert band and sectional instruction three mornings a week. Ages 9-13. Mon., Tue. and Thu., June 17-July 11. $125. First United Methodist Church, 305 E. Anapamu St. Contact: 569-5353 or santabarbaraeducation.org.
Refugio Junior Lifeguards
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. 4 week session. Ages 7-17. Mon.-Fri., June 24-July 19. 10 am-3 pm. $399 (sibling discount $299.). Transportation available for Lompoc and Santa Ynez for $149 (siblings $99.). Refugio State Beach, Goleta. Contact: 805-331-8018 or visit https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=22375.
Safety Town
Children entering or leaving kindergarten will learn to evaluate “safe” and “unsafe” while learning overall safety practices. June 24-28, 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 10-Aug. 16, 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 Rec
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
Traditional camp includes hands-on science activities, games, crafts, snack and lunch time, up-close animal encounters and a guided zoo tour. Specialty camps cater to specific interests such as junior veterinarian, backyard biologist, and the new Aussie Adventure camps. June 10-Aug. 16 from 9 a.m. (full day) or 9 to noon for half day for ages 3-8. Prices range from $185 to $285/week. Santa Barbara Zoo, 500 Ninos Drive. Contact: 805-962-5339 or https://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
Space VR Camp
Explore the amazing world of 360 degree, room-sized total immersion virtual reality experiences. Hundreds of physically active, educational, and entertaining choices. Each child will receive a personalized experience. June 10-14, M-F, Ages 8 and up, $150, Space VR (320 Alisal Rd, Suite 104) Early morning 8:30 – 10 a.m.; mid-morning 10:30 – noon. Email info@spacevrsolvang.com for more info.
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. June 10 – 14 and July 29 – Aug. 2, 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 17 – Aug. 16, for ages 5 – 14. Fees range from $140-$170/wk.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 “Mars and Beyond.” June 24-28, 5:30 – 8 p.m. 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 29-Aug 2. 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 24-28, July 8-12, and July 15-19, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. $165-$200/week. Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum, 3596 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. Contact: 805-688-7889 or www.santaynezmuseum.org
Wolf Wigo’s 2019 Turbo Santa Barbara Water Polo Camp
This camp is designed to help prepare athletes for the rest of their water polo career. The camp is designed to have a direct impact on your overall game and let you have fun doing it. While fitness is a key aspect to a great water polo player our camp philosophy focuses on fundamental position, ball skills and scrimmaging. Santa Barbara Water Polo Camp staff is made up of Olympians, NCAA Division I coaches, and U.S. National Team Players. Ages 10-18. Various weeks throughout summer. Various prices. Day and overnight camper options available. UCSB Campus Pool. Contact: www.santabarbarawaterpolocamps.com or goletapolo@yahoo.com.
Youth Empowered
Students will learn non-contact boxing, circuit training and introduction to weight training for middle-school students. Limited to 10 participants, the cost if $250/week from July 15 – 19; 1 – 3 p.m.Each day will include 2 45-minute training sessions and group discussions. Beginners are welcome, challenge student-athletes of all levels. Contact 805-267-6272. Located at 320 Alisal Rd., Suite 106 Solvang.
YMCA Day Camp and Sleepaway Camp
Campers will enjoy days full of fun and activities geared to their age group. Catch the perfect summer vibe for your family. The YMCA has camps to ignite that sense of adventure, exploration, discovery, and fun for everyone. Grades PreK-8. Various times and dates throughout the summer. Various prices. Registration now offered online. Contact: ciymca.org/camp. Visit ciymca.org/Sleepaway-Camp to sign up for some fun away from home. Caravan Camp: July 8 – July 13 Family Camp Lake Sequoia: August 10–16.
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 “42nd Street” (auditions May 18). Various dates, times and locations. Contact: Arts Outreach, 805-688-9533 or www.artsoutreach.com.
