Choosing the Best Summer Camp

Winter chill still lingers in the air, but summer will be here soon. With only months left in the school year, many families are turning their attention to summer camp. Most programs are accepting registrations, but camps can fill up fast. With this in mind, now is the time to reserve a spot for your child’s summer camp experience. Having a hard time selecting the right camp? We’re here to help!  Check out our list of area camps and you’ll be sure to find the perfect program for your child.

Summer Day Camp

Day camps are enjoyable programs themed towards specific interests. Day camps give kids activity during the day, but let them spend evenings at home. Sacramento parents have lots of day camps to choose from.

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Culinary Day Camp

Kids who love to cook will love Jr. Chef Central in Sacramento. They offer culinary day camps designed especially for kids. The camps teach culinary skills while nurturing an appreciation for home cooking in a creative environment. Their three and five day programs start in June and run through August.

Agricultural Day Camp

Is your child interested in learning about urban farming?  Check out Soil Born Farm’s amazing summer day camp programs. The farm offers three camp tracks, all held on a beautiful 55-acre farm along the American River Parkway. Their farm, cooking, and nature camp programs are perfect for kids age 6-18. These day camp options run from June through August.

Eco-friendly Day Camp

Kids interested in reducing waste and creating art  should consider ReCreate Sacramento’s day camp. This awesome program was chosen by the Maker Corps as their exclusive site in the greater Sacramento area. Recreate offers three day camps in July: Fairy Garden Camp, the Great Cardboard Challenge Camp and Robot Petting Zoo camp.

Computer and Technology Day Camp

Youngsters with an interest in computers and technology will be excited about our local iDTech camp offerings. These programs include day camps focused on coding, Minecraft game design, robotics, and more. Camps are held at Sacramento State University and run June through August.

Day Camps for Animal Lovers

Children looking to connect with animals will love the week-long horse camps at Sugar Ditch Stables. Located in Wilton (just outside of Elk Grove). Hillside Stables in Orangevale also offers day camp programs. These include “Own a Horse for a Week” and  “Fun with Horses” day camp programs. Both ranches run their camps Monday-Friday, June through August.

Swimming Day Camps

Sunshine Kids Camp is another great day camp option. Located in Elk Grove, this unique summer program is perfect for kids age 5-12. Camp activities include swim lessons, hiking, arts, games and in-house field trips. Full- and half-day camp packages are available. Kids age 11-12 can even join a​ Junior Counselor Program to learn leadership, public speaking, organizational and team work skills.

Other Day Camps

Roseville also has some great day camps for kids. The city has several week-long programs for kids age 4-13. Camp themes change each week and run June through July. Camp Play serves children ages 4-6, Camp Roseville serves kids age 6-11, Camp Sparks serves kids age 6-12, and Camp Teen Scene serves kids age 11-13.

Elk Grove’s Parks & Recreation (CSD) has a huge variety of day camp options for kids of all ages. From themed outdoor camps for youngsters, to adventure camps for teens, there are programs for every possible interest. Their summer programs include themes in science, engineering, cooking, fitness, academics… even driver’s ed! Program age requirements and dates depend on the specific camp, but are detailed on their summer camp brochure.

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Overnight Summer Camp

Overnight camps let kids get away from everyday distractions. These camps help build self-confidence, social skills and relationships in fun and educational settings. Parents opting to enroll their child in summer camp will be glad to know that there a many options not too far from the Sacramento area.

Secular Summer Camps

Camp Quest West is a popular camp focused on science, natural wonder and humanist principles. Campers spend a week with like-minded youth in a beautiful Nevada City camp setting. Kids age 8-17 who attend the camp will learn critical-thinking, creativity and empathy. Older kids (age 15-17) can join a Leadership Program, where they will engage younger campers, take part in free thought experiments and join in traditional outdoor fun. There are two camp tracks available, both taking place in July.

Camp Augusta is another amazing camp in Nevada county. The program serves kids age 8-16, including one-week, two-week, and mini-camp programs for younger campers. Tracks run June through August and include activities such as games, arts, hiking, nature and swimming. Campers age 16-17 may opt to enroll in their three-week CIRCLE leadership program which focuses on empowering teens to be independent, responsible and compassionate.

Campers will also enjoy Walton’s Grizzly Lodge. Located in Portola, Walton’s Grizzly Lodge is open to children ages 7-14. The lodge sits in a forested, private lake setting and offers water sports, horseback riding, arts, athletics, zip lining and more. Their one-week camp sessions run June through August. Also, campers age 15 and older can also take part in the camp’s Camper in Leadership Training program

Mountain Camp near Pollock Pines is another great option for kids grade 2-12. Their camp program aims to build positive self-image, friendships and healthy lifestyles. Camp sessions run June through August.

Faith-based Summer Camps

Parents seeking faith-based programs will like Rock-N-Water Camp. Rock-N-Water is a Christian camp situated in beautiful Coloma. The programs serve middle- and high-school students in an environment of discovery, adventure and fun. Rock-N-Water’s camps are week-long camp programs, all of which take place from June through August.

Jenness Park Camp in a popular Northern California Christian camp. The camp is located in Cold Creek and hosts several summer programs throughout June, July and August. Kids can attend CentriKid in July (serves children grade 3-6). Older kids can attend a four-week camp, the CentriFuge program, which starts on July 10.

Choosing a Summer Camp

Choosing the right summer camp will depend on your child’s age, interests and individual needs. Parents with budgetary constraints will be happy to know that most camps offer financial assistance and scholarship opportunities. With dozens of day and overnight camps near Sacramento, families have many camp options from which to choose this summer.

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Not ready to send your child to summer camp? No problem! Check out our list of other places to go near Sacramento.