Reader’s Choice Awards 2020: Camp Winners

Best Girls Softball League

Mission Viejo Girls Softball

Mission Viejo Girls Softball puts instilling good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty and courage at the center of their program. With the goal of creating well adjusted, stronger and happier children, young girls between the ages 4.5 to 14 get the chance to bond with teammates through sports. And with no initial cost needed to register, young girls get the chance to experience the excitement of softball.

mvgs.org | Mission Viejo

Best Baseball Camp

Coach Ballgame

James Lowe, often referred to as Coach Ballgame, helps kids fall in love with baseball by emphasizing a core philosophy. “What A Ballplayer Does” is a mantra (and a hashtag) that aids in cultivating personal integrity and sportsmanship in players. His lessons place a strong emphasis on teamwork and helping kids develop field skills.

coachballgame.com | Multiple Locations

Best Day Camp for Creative Kids

Fashion Camp

Created in 2010, Fashion Camp gives kids the exciting opportunity to sketch, design, create and sew their own fashion creations. With plenty of workshops, classes and camps, kids get the chance to enjoy the hands-on experience of being their very own fashion designer. Kids get to work closely with fashion camp counselors who currently are in fashion school or who work in the fashion industry themselves.

tustin.createdesignsew.com | Tustin

Best Traditional Day Camp

Camp James

For more than 30 years, Camp James has been a place where kids ages 4 to 11 can explore the joys of nature by kayaking, interacting with wildlife and swimming in the Pacific. Campers can take a dip in the camp swimming pool or the ocean lagoon and participate in several activities like archery, martial arts, arts and crafts, laser tag, rock climbing and more. The camp has now topped our readers’ poll for the 13th time.

campjames.com | Newport Beach

Best Special Needs Camp

RAD Camp

The nonprofit organization RAD Camp is on a mission to offer exciting programs and camps for children and adults with developmental disabilities. RAD, which stands for Rising Above Disabilities, wants every camper to have an exhilarating time while also encouraging independence, growth and respect. To make RAD Camp more accessible to everyone, no camper is ever turned away due to an inability to pay.

radcamp.org | Orange

Best Camp at Sea

Ocean Institute’s Catalina Island Bound Camp

Adventure awaits on the Spirit of Dana Point. Thehistoric 118-foot schooner sets sail for Catalina Island with campers at the helm alongside a professional sailing crew. The ship moors at Two Harbors where campers go ashore for hiking, kayaking and snorkeling.

ocean-institute.org | Dana Point

Best Camp for Girls

Girl Scouts of Orange County Camp Scherman

Girls learn to problem solve, practice independence and make new pals at this popular overnight camp. Campers can choose from different sessions to explore her artsy side, build her outdoor science skills, horseback ride or cook. This is the 10th time it’s been voted a Reader’s Choice winner.

girlscoutsoc.org | Mountain Center, Calif.

Best Ranch Camp

Jameson Ranch Camp

Located in the majestic southern Sierras, this two-week program is open to children ages 6 to 16. Outdoor activities include horseback riding, rock climbing, fishing and swimming. Campers learn about teamwork and community on this working ranch while also participating in events like the Talent Show and Friday Night Barn Dance.

jamesonranchcamp.com | Glennville, Calif.

Best Science/Tech Camp

Bionerds, Inc

Calling all aspiring scientists! Bionerds welcomes children from kindergarten through eighth grade for fun and hands-on biology activities. There are after-school programs, camp programs and parties. Little biology buffs will learn laboratory safety, enjoy guest speakers and explore a multitude of biology topics like bioengineering, dinosaurs and forensic science.

bionerdsllc.com | Multiple Locations

Best Soccer Camp

Liverpool FC International Academy So Cal

For the last 50 years, Liverpool FC International Academy has made it their mission to bring elite soccer to young players that want to play at a higher level. The academy prides itself on creating the best environment for the development of young players, both as soccer players and as people. Offering kids the chance to play recreationally or competitively, players between the ages of 5 to 13 get to play and develop their soccer skills at the academy’s camps.

lfciasocal.com | Irvine

Best Surf Camp

Endless Sun Surf School

Endless Sun Surf School prides itself on being Newport Beach’s original surf school. Established in 1963, the surf school teaches people of all ages and abilities how to surf. Every teacher is CPR-certified and wetsuits and surfboards for all sizes are provided to each surfer. Their day camps are offered from June through August, making hitting the beach this summer even more exciting.

endlesssunsurf.com | Newport Beach

Editor’s Choice

Best Acting Classes

South Coast Repertory

South Coast Repertory offers 10-week acting classes in a warm and welcoming setting, where students gain a deeper understanding of acting and the artistic process, and learn valuable life skills through teamwork, communication and discipline. Skills are built progressively and students study with their own age groups.

scr.org | Costa Mesa

By Sarah Mosqueda, Diana Jarrah and Jessica Peralta