2022 Summer Camp & Activities Guide

SPECIAL PULLOUT SECTION V

The Capistrano Dispatch March 24–April 7, 2022

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SUMMER CAMP & ACTIVITIES GUIDE

Welcome

TO THE 2022 SUMMER CAMP & ACTIVITIES GUIDE

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Spring is here, which means the end of the school year is near and summer is just around the corner. For so many parents here in South Orange County, that means now is the time to plan for your children’s summertime activities and extracurriculars. Picket Fence Media has you covered with the 2022 Summer Camp & Activities Guide, our annual special section in which we compile information on some of the area’s summertime programs for young kids and teens. In this year’s issue, we highlight Westwind Sailing in Dana Point, where kids who want the chance to go sailing or paddleboarding can do so, as well as learn about the importance of water safety skills. We also explore some of the surf schools in South County offering daytime and overnight camps for groms, and we check in on the Los Rios Rock School’s summer rock camps, where kids can pick up musical instruments and gain experience performing with others. The latest guide also offers a fun at-home activity for kids to learn more about ecosystems by setting up their own terrariums, and outlines details on the Capistrano Unified School District’s summer session for high schoolers. Utilize this information to plan for a fulfilling, challenging and fun summer your children won’t forget.

CAPO UNIFIED OFFERS

SUMMER PROGRAMS FOR HIGH SCHOOLERS

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BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO

apistrano Unified School District will offer summer school classes at the Capistrano Valley High School campus in Mission Viejo starting this June.

Registration for CUSD’s six-week summer session program for high school students is open through May 26. Incoming freshmen should meet with their middle school counselors, and incoming sophomores through seniors should coordinate with their high school counselors for registration information.

The summer session will start on June 13 and end July 20, with students having July 4 off for Independence Day. Teachers will also be on the Capistrano Valley High campus Mondays through Thursdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., to help students with their course work.

Students can expect to complete most of their assignments online, but they are welcome to attend classes in-person during the bell schedule, according to CUSD. As for exams, the students must complete those at the campus.

The Capistrano Dispatch March 24–April 7, 2022

The summer program is intended to give students flexibility in their coursework and exams, as they’ll have the option to take multiple exams in one sitting and can complete their classes before the session ends on July 20.

“With this flexibility in mind, students can arrange to take their exams so that they can still take family vacations, attend sports camps, or hold a summer job,” CUSD explained.

As part of the summer session, students must also complete an orientation assignment, completed and submitted online,

by June 24. Those who don’t complete the assignment by the due date will be dropped from the class.

During the first two weeks of the program, there will also be an orientation session on the campus that students are encouraged to attend, though it is not required. The orientation session will occur every hour on the hour during school hours, according to the district.

For more information, students and parents can visit CUSD’s website at capousdca.schoolloop.com.

SUMMER SAILING

A Look at Westwind Sailing Summer Programs

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

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or kids looking to get out on the water in a sailboat or on a paddleboard, Westwind Sailing summer programs offer kids aged 6 to 17 the chance to sail and learn the importance of water safety skills.

Westwind Sailing offers five camps: Mini Mates, Wayfarer, Voyager, Teen Sailing, and Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) camps for kids at all skill levels.

The Mini Mates Day Camp is for the youngest group of kids, from 6-8 years old. The camp runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Mini Mates is a great way for young children to learn boating safety, rowing and begin sailing with Westwind instructors. During the camp, kids will meet the Dana Point Harbor Patrol, explore the tide pools, play boating games and take a sailing trip.

“It’s an opportunity to be on the water and experience, explore and see what winds do, or currents do a little bit,” Westwind Sailing Executive Director Diane Wenzel said.

The Wayfarer Day Camp is for kids aged 8-10 years old. From 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, kids get the chance to learn the importance of ocean safety and safe boating.

Wayfarers will learn to sail on their own. They’ll start off with an instructor in the boat, learning basic skills, but by the end of the week, they’ll be able to sail on their own under instructor supervision.

“When these kids are out there, they’ve got a lot of responsibility,” Wenzel said. “They are a vessel on the water, and they have the same rules and responsibilities as other vessels. It’s a lot for them to do, we’re in a very controlled environment, but it builds so much self confidence in them.”

The camps also run capsize drills so that campers are prepared in the case that their boat tips over.

“The boats are really easy to right up, and yet they need to learn how to do it so that they’re not afraid of it,” Wenzel said. “It’s just part of the sport.”

The Wayfarer camp also includes hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathe-

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matics (STEM) projects in which they will learn to measure the wind and sails The Voyager Day Camp is for kids 11 to 13, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The camp also includes STEM projects. In the Voyager camp, kids will learn the same skills as the Wayfarer camp, but they’ll be able to venture out a bit farther in their vessels.

On the last day of camp, kids will get a chance to sail in groups down to the wharf.

“It’s a big excursion for them, because it’s like, ‘Wow, I did this,’ ” Wenzel said. “It’s only a mile down the way, but when you’re 8 or 10, it’s like, ‘Whoa!’ ” The camp partners with Lil’ Skippers Snack Shack so that campers can enjoy a snack after their excursion.

In the Teen Sailing Camp, teens 12-17 years old will learn to sail on 14-foot Capri sailboats.

They’ll learn the basics of boating safety and rigging. The camp runs from 8:30 to11:30 a.m., Monday through Friday.

Westwind also offers a SUP camp, for kids aged 10-17. The camp runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 to 11 a.m.

Each camp will receive a safety demonstration from the Harbor Patrol.

Westwind Sailing provides scholarships for at-risk youths and kids. Kids qualify for a Dana Point Aquatic Foundation Scholarship if they are a member of the local Boys & Girls Club, a member of the Great Opportunities nonprofit, qualify for free or reduced school lunches, or have a physical or developmental challenge.

“We have lots of opportunities for these kids to be able to get these scholarships, and we’re able to give out one scholarship per child per year,” Wenzel said. “It’s a full scholarship for the whole week. So, it’s not like they have to pay any portion of it.”

The empowerment of being on the water and learning to sail on your own transcends being on the water, Wenzel said. She added that the confidence the kids build in Westwind Sailing summer camps is something they can take with them long after they’ve returned to shore.

You can apply for a scholarship starting on April 1 at westwindsailing.com/forms--waivers.

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SUMMER CAMP & ACTIVITIES GUIDE Children showing interest in playing music can hone their craft through a summer camp at Los Rios Rock School.

Photo: Courtesy of Los Rios Rock School

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Music to My Ears LOS RIOS ROCK SCHOOL READY TO NURTURE CREATIVE SPIRIT

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BY COLLIN BREAUX

s South Orange County fully reopens after COVID-induced shutdowns and life springs back to normal, kids might be itching to tap into their inner musician and perform in front of a crowd.

If your little one is interested in drumming or started picking up a guitar, look no further than Los Rios Rock School for help in guiding them along.

The musical academy is offering six summer rock camps this year, with various dates ranging from June 20 to Aug. 1. The camps will cover different expertise levels, for children just starting out to those looking for more of an advanced challenge.

“Our Los Rios summer camps offer a condensed week-long version of the Los Rios program for kids aged 6 to 17,” owner Tyler Marolf said. “Los Rios camps are a hybrid of one-on-one learning, group rehearsals, and performance experiences that truly inspire confidence and memories that last a lifetime.”

The Capistrano Dispatch March 24–April 7, 2022

The set list of songs the campers choose together are performed in concert at the end of the week on the school’s home stage. All friends and family are invited to enjoy the free shows on Fridays at 11 a.m. Camp times are 9 a.m. to noon, Monday-Friday.

The cost is $399 per camper. Families can sign up at losriosrockschool.com and call 949.456.1081, ext. 1, for more information. Though Los Rios Rock School is gearing up for the summer camps, they are open year-round.

“With an 8,000-square-foot building, state-of-the-art music studios and unparalleled staff, over 200 students and families attend on average twice a week to study, socialize, rehearse and play music together,” Marolf said. “Los Rios performs 100 songs live in concert at Orange County’s best concert venues, and the unique part is the students pick every one of those songs.”

Lessons offered at Los Rios Rock School include singing, piano, keyboard, bass, and recording.

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The Capistrano Dispatch March 24–April 7, 2022

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SUMMER CAMP & ACTIVITIES GUIDE

THE INNER ARTIST Kidcreate Studio Offers Inventive Opportunities for Youngsters

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BY COLLIN BREAUX

oes your kid like to dabble in painting and coloring? If so, consider enrolling them in Kidcreate Studio’s summer camps, which are geared toward art and transferring what’s in their mind onto a canvas.

Kidcreate Studio in Dana Point is offering the camps from June to August for kids ages 3-12.

“Our camps are small and allow for plenty of individual attention, with low teacher: camper ratios,” studio owner Kristen Olosky said. “Our playful preschool camps for 3- to 6-year-olds are perfect for first-time campers. Our camps for 4- to 9-year-olds have fun

The Capistrano Dispatch March 24–April 7, 2022

Little Picassos in Orange County can create their own artwork at Kidcreate Studio’s summer camps. Photo: Courtesy of Kidcreate Studios

trendy themes and offer a great chance to get messy with art materials kids probably won’t see at home.”

As for kids 7-12 years old, the camp for that age range will introduce children to notable artists and build more on techniques—while staying messy, hands-on, and process-focused.

“Don’t be afraid to try things. Don’t worry

about making mistakes,” Olosky said when asked for advice to give to young artists. “Let yourself enjoy the process, and forget about whether your art is right or wrong. You will be amazed by what you can create.”

Children benefit from creative activities as they help build fine motor skills, longer attention spans, problem-solving skills, and social

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skills, Olosky said.

“Making art frequently helps children become more comfortable taking creative risks, while building their confidence and resilience when things don’t go as planned,” Olosky said.

Visit kidcreate.com to sign up and for more information.

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The Capistrano Dispatch March 24–April 7, 2022

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SUMMER CAMP & ACTIVITIES GUIDE

Activity HOW TO BUILD A SELF-SUSTAINING ECOSYSTEM

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BY BREEANA GREENBERG

uilding a terrarium is a fun and engaging way to learn up-close about ecosystems. After hands-on experience planting small foliage in a sealable container, kids can watch as those plants grow in the enclosed space.

A terrarium is an excellent way to learn up-close about rain and decomposition cycles.

Closed terrariums are largely self-sustaining; after you’ve planted and misted your plants, the terrarium requires minimal upkeep.

The terrarium will establish a mini rain cycle—the humidity within the closed container will build as condensation on the walls and drip down to water the plants. Small insects that you can add to the terrarium will eat dead leaves or mold that may grow.

MATERIALS Container • Choose a container with enough room for air to flow • A bottle or mason jar will work well, but stick to clear containers • A large plastic bottle, like a party-sized soda bottle, works well for this activity with kids, as you can cut the top off the bottle and reattach it for easier planting Base • The terrarium needs a layer for excess water to collect without the plants’ roots sitting in water, which could lead to root rot • Rocks, pebbles, orchid bark, or Leca work well for this layer • Adding charcoal on top of your base will help keep the terrarium clean Soil • This is the layer you will plant your foliage in; any multi-purpose soil mix will work.

Plants • Make sure to pick small plants that won’t grow much bigger, or won’t grow quickly.

Dwarf ferns, moss, small vining plants such as string of pearls or string of turtles are great options.

Optional critters • Adding insects can also help keep the ecosystem healthy. Some critters will eat mold if it begins to grow and will eat dead and dying leaves

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Once you’ve chosen your container, make sure to wash it thoroughly and let it air dry before you begin. If you’re working with The Capistrano Dispatch March 24–April 7, 2022

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a plastic bottle, you can cut the top off for easier access.

2. Once the jar or bottle is clean and dry, add your base layer. This can be made of rocks, pebbles, orchid bark or Leca (also known as Lightweight expanded clay aggregate). Fill your container with an even layer of your chosen base material.

Optional: Once you’ve added your base layer, add in a thin layer of charcoal. The charcoal will help absorb any odors and filter out toxins or chemicals in the soil.

3. On top of the base layer, add your soil mix.

This is the layer in which you will be planting your miniature foliage—keep this in mind as you add in your soil, as you may want to add more soil as you plant.

4. Plant your foliage in the base layer. Moss is a hardy and easy-to-plant option, but dwarf ferns and small vining plants such as string of pearls or string of turtles can be an attractive addition. Make sure to loosen the dirt around the roots when planting ferns or vining plants.

Optional: You can add more rocks or pebbles around the plants as decoration.

5. Mist your plants and leave the lid off for 1530 minutes to let the plants dry off a bit.

Optional: Adding insects to your terrarium such as worms, Springtails or snails will add more life into your terrarium. These critters will help to keep the ecosystem healthy by feeding off any dead or dying matter. These critters will need fresh air, so you’ll need to drill holes or add a mesh top to your terrarium.

6. Watch and learn as the terrarium establishes a mini rain cycle.

CARE

These ecosystems are just about fully self-sustaining. Once assembled, just make sure that the terrarium gets the appropriate light for the plants inside. For many plants, that means bright, indirect light.

If you’ve chosen to add critters to your terrarium, you won’t be able to fully seal off the terrarium. You can always add a mesh top or drill holes into your container to make sure air can flow through and avoid critters getting loose.

The terrarium should fill up with humidity during the warmest parts of the day. If you do not notice the terrarium building condensation, it may be a good idea to mist the plants again. thecapistranodispatch.com

The Capistrano Dispatch March 24–April 7, 2022

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SUMMER CAMP & ACTIVITIES GUIDE

LOCAL CAMPS and Resources SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

949 VOLLEYBALL CLUB 949 Volleyball Club, celebrating 13 years in San Juan Capistrano, provides summer camps for both boys and girls, ages 9 to 18, at any ability level. The club has won 12 Junior Olympic medals, as well as 6 National Championships at the 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 Junior National Championships. The summer camp’s goal is to teach beginners the fundamentals of the game and to prepare juniors and seniors looking to compete in the NCAA. 949 Volleyball Club promotes sportsmanlike behavior inside and outside of the gym, instills the values of integrity, dedication and hard work, and focuses on having fun! Space is limited; please register early. For more information, contact Justin at 949.374.2890 or visit 949vb.com.

The Capistrano Dispatch March 24–April 7, 2022

AMERICAN BEACH VOLLEYBALL CLUB

CAMP DISCOVERY

Fun, encouraging, high-level beach volleyball training for beginners through pros, youth through college, co-ed. Ages 12-24, and 8-12 in summer. Encouraging coaches teach hitting, passing, setting, defense, blocking and serving. Are you an indoor player or athlete needing cross-training? Beach volleyball helps all athletes with strength, speed and agility. ABVC plays at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point ALL YEAR LONG. Questions: 949.485.0826 or email info@americanbeachvolleyballclub. com. Register now for spring or summer: americanbeachvolleyballclub.com.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF THE SOUTH COAST AREA Boys & Girls Club of the South Coast Area is proud to be THE place where kids can be kids again. Join us after school, for spring break, or our 10-week summer camp.

Affordable for all. Call us at 949.492.0376, email info@bgcsca.org, or visit bgcsca.org for more information. 1304 Calle Valle, San Clemente.

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Camp Discovery at Discovery Cube! Campers will take a walk on the wild side during Curious about Creatures, which features animals from prehistoric past to present. Kids will go out of this world during our Space camp, as they explore “strange new worlds” through spacecrafts, engineering and experiments.

In World of Motion, campers will explore the exciting principles of physics and motion as they experiment with racecars & build flying machines. In California STEAMin’, campers will engineer their own solutions to real-world problems. 2500 N Main Street, Santa Ana. discoverycube.org. 714.263.3851. thecapistranodispatch.com

SUMMER CAMP & ACTIVITIES GUIDE

WESTWIND SAILING

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Welcome aboard! Westwind Sailing has been providing educational boating programs for the community since 1987: Sail and SUP camps (spring break and summer), adaptive sailing, after-school programs and boating classes for all ages and skill levels. Westwind was honored by the Dana Point Times as a 2021 winner in the “Best of Dana Point People’s Choice Lantern Awards” for “Best Camp for Kids” and “Best Harbor Recreation” and is a sanctioned US Sailing, Community Sailing Center and STEM hub. Boating scholarships are available.

34451 Ensenada Place. Dana Point Harbor.

949.492.3035. westwindsailing.com.

CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE SUMMER CAMPS Summer camps are a time for children to form lifelong memories and friendships while seeking out new adventures and engaging in stimulating activities. San Clemente proudly offers over 300 camps and programs by expert instructors for all interests and abilities.

Save on summer camps with discounted prices through “Early Bird Registration.” Savings fly away May 3; don’t miss out on great deals. Camps fill up quickly! Register today at san-clemente.org/recreation. 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente.

KIDCREATE STUDIO Kidcreate Studio is an art studio just for kids.

We specialize in classes, camps and parties for children ages 18 months to 12 years. We offer classes in our studio in Dana Point, as well as on-the-go. Kidcreate is a great way to introduce your child to the wonderful world of art. We provide a positive, self-esteem-building environment and projects that match the developmental needs of children at different ages. Exploring art, feeling free to make some messes, and having fun—that’s what Kidcreate Studio is all about. 34255 Pacific Coast Hwy, Suite 113, Dana Point.

949.370.9509. kidcreate.com/dana-point.

The Capistrano Dispatch March 24–April 7, 2022

YMCA OF ORANGE COUNTY Adventure Awaits this summer at the YMCA. From day camps to sports camps to overnight camps to e-sports camps and more, you can plan the perfect summer for your child with us. Locations throughout Orange County.

714.549.9622. ymcaoc.org.

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SAN CLEMENTE VOLLEYBALL CLUB San Clemente Volleyball Club…Helping players grow for 12 years. For kids new to volleyball, our Club Lite program (beach & indoor) is a great place to learn the game. This program is year-round, you can join anytime, and the first practice is free. For competitive club players, we offer Sand Training, Skills Training, and Tryout Training. *All programs use our flexible Punchpass system allowing you to participate based on your schedule. tom@sanclementevb.com. 949.291.5915. sanclementevb.com.

SOUTH COAST CONSERVATORY Join us for an awesome 30th Anniversary Summer at South Coast Conservatory! Five-day camps for ages 4-10 including Ballet, Hip-Hop, Cheer, Acting & Singing, and Circus Tricks!

Two-week, one-week & two-day intensives for intermediate and advanced levels (ages 7-17). All camps end with a show on the final day & extended camp options are available!

All taught by certified instructors who are focused on your child’s safety & happiness!

27652 Camino Capistrano, Laguna Niguel.

949.367.0099. scconservatory.com/SUMMER. Page 19

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SUMMER CAMP & ACTIVITIES GUIDE

SOUTH COUNTY CENTERS OFFER PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMIES, IMMERSIVE PROGRAMS FOR SUMMERTIME LEARNING

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BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

ummer can be a time for rest and relaxation, but as parents with children know, it can be difficult to keep them content during the whole break from school.

Fortunately, there are plenty of museums and other centers for learning around South Orange County that provide opportunities for young ones to get off the couch, enhance their skills, and make new friends in a fun and encouraging environment.

Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens has long been a mainstay for providing a vast swath of experiences to people young and old, and this summer is no exception, albeit in a new format.

The youth performing arts program will hold two one-week classical music academy sessions and a two-week dance academy, with space within both genres for beginner and intermediate skill levels.

“The structure of Casa Romantica’s summer academies is unlike anything else in Orange County—it’s a kind of residency program for children, being exposed to high-quality instruction and meeting like-minded peers at a beautiful retreat,” says Amy Behrens, executive director. “Kids who participate love our academies so much that they apply to return for more instruction the next summer.”

“Having offered these programs with growing popularity since 2015, the natural evolution is to increase the number of children we serve, and to support them in their artistic development for multiple summers,” Behrens added.

Applicants must submit a student report card for the current school year, and verification of prior experience is required for the Music Academy and the Summer Dance Academy.

The first scheduled academy is the Classical Music Workshop that takes place from Monday, July 11, to Friday, July 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A program for beginning musicians, children ages 8-12, will receive daily private lessons, an introduction to music theory, and activities such as reading music, group music-making, and lectures to ensure a well-rounded education.

Students will learn classical music with classically trained music instructors, in a program where no experience is required for students to participate. The Academy concludes with student demonstrations for parents and caregivers on the final day to show what they have learned.

The Music Academy, which runs from Monday, July 18, to Friday, July 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., is a program for musicians ages 12-17 with at least three years of prior musical instruction, and it is dedicated to en-

The Capistrano Dispatch March 24–April 7, 2022

Photos: Courtesy of Dominique Dinh

semble training, composition, and intensive instruction.

Like the beginners’ session, there will be daily private lessons and unique lectures, as well as music theory and ensemble practice before ending with a student recital.

Finally, the Summer Dance Academy, from July 25 to Aug. 5, is designed for dancers ages 10-16 with a minimum of two years of prior dance instruction. The goal is for students to expand their dance education in ballet, jazz, contemporary, and hip-hop with daily classes, as well as specialty classes including choreography, tap, lighting, costuming, and lectures.

The dance academy also concludes with a student recital.

There is no tuition for Casa Romantica’s programs, but there is a $200 refundable credit card deposit required at registration. Lunch and snacks will be provided for free upon request. For the Classical Music Workshop, instrument rentals are also provided for free so children first learning an instrument can try it out without the need to buy a new instrument.

Registration is currently open at casaromantica.org/summer-academies.

In Dana Point, the Ocean Institute will continue to run camps as it has done for more than 20 years, including various curriculums for all ages to enjoy.

From June 13 to Aug. 12, children can attend weeklong (Monday-Friday) sessions

that start at 9 a.m. and end at 4 p.m.

There are camps for younger kids, such as the Sea Squirts camp for children aged 5-6 and Neptune’s Mysteries for 6- to 7-year-olds, where participants can investigate the inner tidal marine life. The hands-on experience will allow children to see sea stars, sea urchins, horn sharks, shovelnose guitarfish, and more.

For 8- to 9-year-olds, the Ocean Discovery camp is similar to the aforementioned sessions and also includes activities such as a research cruise.

Children attending Buccaneer Adventures will learn about pirate life, those within Shipwreck Hunters will explore different wrecks and sail on the Spirit of Dana Point, and there are also the Coastal Explorers and Marine Science Internship Academy programs for those above the age of 10.

Riley Russell, the Ocean Institute’s director of education, said that the camps are extremely immersive and impactful, and they allow participants to explore new things and meet new peers.

“We really just try (to) foster a great, fun learning environment for those kids,” she said. “It’s just such a great educational journey for them during the summer.”

Despite the longevity of the camps, the staff members at the Institute are consistently researching and coming up with new ideas to ensure the curriculum is up to date with the

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educational and scientific world.

One of the newer programs is designed for counselors in training, for incoming high school freshmen to incoming high school seniors. The program is in its second year of existence.

Participants come in to be interviewed and experience the hiring process, and then are assigned to a camp for three weeks. There, they will be advised by current counselors before getting the chance to lead activities and stations in the final days.

Russell said that the Ocean Institute stands out from other similar centers because of its location and wealth of natural resources around it.

“There aren’t a lot of camps that are located right on the water, or (within) walking distance to tide pools, (that) have a research vessel that kids can go out on or have a tall ship that they can sail on all within one week,” she said.

Visit oceaninstitute.org for more information. Registration for the general public opens on March 28, while members receive early access on March 14.

Additionally, Mission San Juan Capistrano is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., from Tuesday through Sunday.

The Surfing Heritage and Culture Center has yet to announce its own programming for the summer. thecapistranodispatch.com

SUMMER CAMP & ACTIVITIES GUIDE

SOUTH COUNTY SURF CAMPS As summer break begins, ditch the video games for a surfboard

BY ANDREA CLEMETT

Dana Point and San Clemente have longstanding reputations for being nesting grounds for great surfers, and Southern California is a destination for the World Surf League professional championships. Whether it’s been a dream to surf, or you want to get outside or participate in new activities as a group, the diverse surf programs in South Orange County help get people in the water at all ages.

JP’s Surf Camp

949.547.2088, jpssurfcamp.com Location: San Clemente Pier Programs: $85 for a one-day session or $350 for five-day sessions After John Pierce started surfing in his early teens, he taught a few of his friends so he would have company in the water. His passion for education led him to teach third grade at Truman Benedict Elementary School in San Clemente, and it only seemed natural that he opened JP’s Surf Camp in 2001.

“It’s kind of nice to have the teaching and then jumping into the surf camp in the summer; I go from being a teacher to more of a coach,” Pierce said.

JP’s Surf Camp began as individual lessons and quickly grew to a full weekly camp of 20 students broken up into groups.

“It’s more like small group instruction, which I think kids learn best in that environment,” Pierce said.

The five-day camp sessions commence June 6 and end Aug. 1 for surfers ages 6 and older who have the ability to swim the length of a pool with confidence.

Pierce, who is also CPR-certified, said the surf camp strives to teach surfers water safety, tides and daily surf conditions.

Endless Summer Surf Camp

949.498.7862, endlesssummersurfcamp.com Location: San Onofre State Campground Trail 4 Programs: $1,295-$1,395 youth five-day overnight camp; $1,395 adult overnight five-day camp; $695 “Surf & Turf” five-day camp; $595 five-day camp; $100-plus private lessons.

The Endless Summer Surf Camp offers programs tailored for every type of surfer’s needs.

Camp director and professional surfer Jason Senn taught surf lessons as a way to pay for college.

It progressed when he opened the surf camp in 1992.

Weekly overnight camps have a minimum of a five-night stay up to a 15-day stay, with an additional $150 for weekend supervision.

Weekly day sessions are from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The camp has three-overnight sessions during the summer for adults who are new to surfing or want to get to the next level.

And why stop there? Endless Summer has a unique “Surf & Turf‘’ program in which participants 10 and older will surf in the morning and take golf lessons in the afternoon at Talega Golf Club.

Debut Surf School

714.887.3928, debutsurfschool.com Location: T-Street Programs: $375+ “Tons of Fun” weekly event during spring break for ages 6-9; $149+ private or smallgroup, lessons year-round.

Jed Laidlaw, an ISA surf coach, has a solid foundation for teaching surfing, having helped pioneer a surf school in his hometown of Tynemouth, United Kingdom when he was just 18 years old.

His curiosity for travel and knack to teach led him to share the “stoke” in the Canary Islands, Portugal, France and now in San Clemente. Laidlaw has found success in his one-on-one and smallgroup approaches to surf lessons for those aged 6 and older.

The surf school caters to participants who are new to the sport or seek to refine and expand their fundamentals.

He said he first communicates with clients to understand expectations and to outline achievable goals prior to getting in the water.

Laidlaw also works to foster confidence and ocean knowledge within the rapid growth of female participation in the sport, since many of the lineups are still male-dominated.

Ladera resident Bella Duel, 13, rides a wave in front of coach Jed Laidlaw from Debut Surf School on March 12. Photo: Andrea Clemett

The Capistrano Dispatch March 24–April 7, 2022

California Surf Academy

949.379.2521, thecaliforniasurfacademy.com Location: T-Street, San Onofre State Campground, San Onofre State Beach or Doheny State Beach Programs: Weekend surf packages run from June through August, and $110-$130 for private instruction year-round.

Owner Alek Rockrise started his surf journey as a 10-year-old grommet from Texas who would spend his summers at Endless Summer Surf Camp in San Clemente.

As the pandemic changed the landscape of large gatherings, Rockrise ventured from working in larger surf schools to launching California Surf Academy in 2020 for private lessons and surf coaching.

The academy offers weekend surf packages that include two surf sessions during a five-hour duration. This year, it will reserve a few weekends exclusive to adults 18 years and older. The program gives a fundamental introduction to surfing while catering to those who want individual attention.

Registration for the programs will be posted on the surf academy’s website in mid-May. Private lessons are also available.

Summer Soul Surf Camp

949.702.7731, summersoulsurfcamp.com Location: San Onofre State Beach Programs: $600 four-day session Hawaii-born Josh Baxter grew up in a strong grassroots surfing family in which he was victorious in competitions in Hawaii, the U.S. and France, and he is a three-time U.S. longboard champion.

A proud father of two daughters, Baxter opened Summer Soul Surf Camp more than 17 years ago.

The surf camp is located at Dogpatch, the southernmost section of San Onofre Surf Beach and often referred to as the California version of the classic Waikiki Beach.

Participants can enroll in weekly sessions beginning in June for both males and females between the ages of 9 and 16.

The camp’s instructors share passion for the sport and create camaraderie outside the water with fun beach activities.

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The Capistrano Dispatch March 24–April 7, 2022

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