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
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