The best thing about summer for many kids is being out of school. We can all identify with that feeling.

For many kids, though, summer also means Summer Camp. It’s a tremendous way to broaden kids’ learning and social experiences, and for working parents with younger children it may be essential, or finding some other alternative.

Carlsbad and surrounding communities offers lots of options, and while summer is about here and schools are ending, or in some cases already have, there are unique area Summer Camp programs for kids that may be of interest to your children, or at least to you. Keep in mind that due to popularity and registration requirements, it may be too late to get into some of these programs (but you can plan for next year).

Here’s just a small sampling of the many camp programs in Carlsbad and surrounds:

LUX Art Institute in Encinitas has an unusual summer camp that fits in with their unique approach to art. For kids ages 8 to 11, this program offers children the opportunity to meet artists, learn about art, make art AND exhibit it at the Institute. There are 5 weeks of the program, which runs from 1 – 4 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can register for 1 week or all 5. Visit their website for more details about registration.

The San Diego Zoo, one of the world’s best zoos, offers a wide range of programs for kids and their families. As one would expect, the focus here is on learning about the many animals that are at the zoo, coupled with crafts, cooking, music and much more. Kids can learn about animal and plan care at the zoo. There are single day programs, week-long programs, and options for overnights too (1 to 3 nights). Their website has lots more information about the various programs, registration and fees.

The Carlsbad Parks and Recreation Department has a huge array of summer programs for kids aged 3 to 18. Parents and kids can choose from Performing Arts camps, Art camps, Cooking camps, Sports and Fitness camps, Science and Recreation camps, among others. Encinitas, in addition to other programs, offers a popular Seaside day camp.

Here’s a list of day camps in the 760 area code (which includes Carlsbad, Encinitas, San Marcos, Cardiff and other towns).

Do your kids want to learn to surf? Not surprising if they do given the popularity of surfing in the Carlsbad and Encinitas area. The Leucadia Surf School offers a variety of program for young kids, youth and even the adults. You can read more about Leucadia here if you are interested.

Overnight camping has always been a mainstay of summer programs for kids, and the YMCA may be the best known of these types of programs. You can learn more about their programs at Camp Marston and Raintree Ranch (for those interested in horses) here.

Here’s a list of other camps of all sorts in the San Diego area.

************************

If I can provide more information about Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360
or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2007 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits