It starts from the top down. Kahuna and Blaze set a tone that creates a happy, fun and relaxing atmosphere where the kids and employees get to enjoy the sweet months of summer creating memories for a lifetime. It's not fancy but they're not roughing it either. It's just the right mix of Topanga nature-inspired tranquility sprinkled with breezy silliness. This is a happy place and you feel it as soon as you arrive. Feels good to leave my son here knowing he's going to have a great day and come home dirty and tired with stories he's eager to share. 5th year and now a Jr Leader - what a lovely place to learn, grow and laugh through childhood summers. read more

We absolutely love Cali Camp! I have two boys, and both have had an amazing experience there. My older son loved it so much that he is now becoming a Junior Leader, which says everything about how meaningful Cali Camp has been for him. My younger son, who is in 2nd grade, went for the first time last year and is already so excited to go back. What really stood out to me was how quickly they both adapted. My younger son joined not knowing anyone and felt welcomed almost immediately. Both of my boys felt included from day one. The staff is incredibly caring, supportive, and attentive. You can truly feel that they work hard to create a safe, joyful environment for the kids, and as a parent that means everything. The activities are fantastic: well planned, age appropriate, engaging, and fun. The natural setting is also beautiful and feels especially important these days. My boys came home with confidence, stories, friendships, and summer memories they will cherish forever. And the camp spirit is real. We still sing the silly songs at home, especially the announcements song whenever we have a family announcement, and the birthday song too. I cannot recommend Cali Camp enough. It has been such a special part of our family's life. read more

My son went last year for the first time and absolutely loved it. He still talks about it all the time. We are definitely coming back this summer. He loved everything about it - the silly camp songs, the games, the horses and especially the bamboo forest. It is a magical place where kids get to be kids. read more

My twins have been attending this camp for the past 5 years and nothing beats it! We've tried other camps nearby and nothing comes close!

Spelling correction: Soleil (instead of Sawley) So thank soleil, gears and strings, you for the great staff at Cali camp for being so great. read more

Cali Camp - Rope climbing - Day Camps Near Me - Topanga, California

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Best camp on earth. The End. No, but seriously, my daughter in having her 4th summer here at Cali Camp because she loves it. She loves it so much that she plans on being a JL one day but she's got a few years We've been to almost every camp over here in the valley over the years but Cali Camp has always come out on top which is why we keep coming back. The folks that run it are EXCELLENT at what they do. Kudos to Kahuna and Blaze! They have an incredible staff working for them. The different themed weeks and dress up days are awesome. They do a great job at keeping the activities interesting, fun & engaging. The kids look forward to whatever is coming up the next day. I love that Cali Camp is actually out in nature in Topanga and not on a concrete playground of some school that is on summer break. There are animals everywhere and even a Mustangs camp for kids who enjoy being around horses. I love that Cali Camp is a safe place for all kids and they even celebrate Pride month which is so important in this day and age. We will keep coming back. Keep up the great work, Cali Camp! And a Big ups to Rocks for being so friendly at drop off. read more

We sent our son this summer, he's 7. There is so much for him to do. He comes home happy and can't wait to go back the next day. The staff I've only communicated via email. But whenever I do write them, I get a speedy and helpful response. Cali camp is more expensive than some of the other day camps, but I see why. It's pretty amazing. I will definitely be sending him back next summer! read more

My first son was 4 years old when I was looking for a camp. A dear friend (who is currently about 46 years old) recommended Cali Camp. His story was that for his first summer his parents only signed him up for one week. He loved it so much but unfortunately the camp was sold out for all remaining weeks that summer. He said he cried every day the whole rest of the summer because he couldn't be at Cali Camp. Each summer thereafter he went the entire summer and he said it was a key piece of his childhood that was so meaningful. Clearly he remembered it so well he told the story 35 years or so later!! I chose Cali Camp based on that personal recommendation for my then 4 year old. He's now 9 and my younger son is 7. My kids go the whole summer every year and have done since our first experience. When I pick them up from the bus the last day they are in tears because camp is over. Doesn't matter if we're leaving for Hawaii the next day they just wish they were still at Cali Camp. One of my favorite parts of the camp is the affirmations and awards the kids get regularly. They also have a couple of overnights (with or without parents depending on age) which are such great opportunities for the children to experience independence in nature in a well supervised safe way. I can't give a better recommendation than the truth that I've never considered another option. read more

My daughter has been attending Cali Camp, this summer will be her third year. She loves the camp and looks forward to attending. The camp has many activities that the kids enjoy. Cali Camp is located in a beautiful natural area in Topanga Canyon. The counselors are attentive the campers. The camp also offers a few sleepover nights. read more

Cali Camp is a wonderful camp. My daughter enjoys every second she is there and talks about it throughout the entire school year. The grounds are beautiful and there are so many unique areas for the kids to play and learn. Everyday is a new adventure! Besides the beautiful grounds, what really sets this camp apart from the others is the caring staff members. From the lifeguards, to the nurse, the counselors to the directors- the staff at Cali Camp truly care about your child's well being. They are genuine and really focus on each individual creating a unique memory for each and every child. The camp also puts on great events that the families are able to attend which really brings my heart back to my childhood. Cali Camp doesn't only create experiences each summer day, they create long lasting memories that will remain with my children forever. Thank you Cali Camp for all that you do! read more

My daughter loves Cali Camp! She continually says it's the best camp ever! They are great with young kids and have worked with my now 5 year old on swimming and skills she didn't have. the counselors were wonderful and my daughter connected with a few favorites as well as making friends along the way. I highly recommend if you haven't tried this camp to check it out. read more

Our daughter loves Cali Camp! These folks offer a great experienced, backed by well trained and compassionate camp counsellors. We particularly appreciate the variety of activities they offer, and swimming every day. But the highlight of every year is their themed weeks (and in particular their Harry Potter week). My only issue is the price. I understand you get what you pay for, and you get a lot with Cali Camp. But woof, they sure are expensive! That said, if you can afford it, you should. It's a really excellent camp and offers enduring positive memories for any child. read more

This is the most magical place! We found Cali Camp last year for my 12-yr-old daughter after remembering it was the same place I spent a summer as a child when I lived in LA. My only regret is that I didn't remember the camp sooner! Coming off a pandemic year and being at home for school, it was tough. Cali Camp and its incredible staff completely changed my daughter in the best possible way! They brought out her happiness and all the things that had been missing. She got to be a kid again, have fun, laugh, make new friends, do arial arts everyday! There is no technology which is my favorite part and they have so many activities to choose from. The minute she steps on the bus, she is transformed and in her happy place. Camp starts on the bus - with Bus Cup! Its a special thing and once you know, all you want to do is sing it with them and win! I almost forgot to mention the incredible property in Topanga Canyon, with so much outdoor space and ample amounts of shade under beautiful trees. The Cali Camp staff, every one of them is welcoming, kind, compassionate and willing to help make sure all the kids are happy and having the best time, and in the specialty group they want. I could not be more grateful to have found Cali Camp and for giving my daughter a place to thrive and be herself in such a safe and wonderful place. It is truly her happy place! I cannot thank them enough or recommend them enough. I love you Cali Camp!!! THANK YOU :) read more

Cali camp is by far the best thing to ever happen to me. I have worked in camps for 9 summers, the last 2 being with Cali. Each of the staff members, directors included, have SUCH a deep passion for what they do. I have never felt so much love all in one place. My life has forever been changed because of this camp and I hope it has the opportunity to change yours too! read more

I attended CaliCamp as a camper, a junior counselor, and a counselor. The excellent program has just continued to improve. I have very fond memories of CaliCamp and would highly recommend it to any parents looking for a safe, well organized, diverse camp for their children. read more

I wish I were a kid again so i could go! Cali Camp is so very cool that its hard to describe in words. My 12 year old daughter went here for several weeks this summer. She came home exhausted and happy every single day. What more could a parent possibly want ? Staff is extremely helpful and professional. The camp grounds have absolutely everything a kid could want. We WILL be back next year for sure. read more

We LOVE Cali Camp! Our kids have been coming for years can't get enough.. our oldest is even starting the Junior Leader program this year! Many other camps we have seen in the LA area feel very urban, either being on a school campus or otherwise having lots of cement everywhere - not Cali Camp! Giant oak trees shade much of the property and you really feel out in nature when you are there. Cali Camp has helped our kids make life-long friends, learn how to conquer their fears, and most of all provided memories of summers spent in the sun! If you're considering camps, I definitely recommend putting Cali Camp at the top of your list to see! read more

My daughter LOVES this camp! She went last summer for the first time, after we won a gift certificate in her school auction (for Micheltorena Elementary) and she's been talking about it practically non-stop ever since. "Mommy, when do I go back? Is it time for Cali Camp yet? How about now? What about NOW???" She loved everything about it, especially the counselors, games, songs, talent show, swim-time, backwards day, and even the bus ride to and from camp. She goes back again next week and can hardly contain her glee. We're fans for life! read more

This is an absolutely magical place that gives children the opportunity to find themselves and make lifelong friends in a safe, loving environment. The activities are awesome and the staff really care about the kids and the camp. read more

This place is so special! Our son has been attending Cali Camp for a handful of years now and absolutely loves it. The owners and counselors are pure magic. They ensure a safe, fun, and adventurous camp experience for the children and it shows on the smiling campers' faces at the end of every camp day! We are grateful that Cali provides a rich experience where kids can play games, swim, ride horses, and challenge themselves in new and fun ways in beautiful Topanga. Thank you, Cali Camp!! read more

This will be our son's 3rd year at Cali Camp (I wish we would of known about it earlier). We went to one of their open houses (highly recommended - see my pics) and saw how big and beautiful the grounds were and how many different activities the kids can do. They have different themed weeks with games that go along with the themes ex. Pirate Week. The staff and camp counselors are well trained, helpful and super friendly and its always great to hear how many years they have been working there. In addition some of the counselors used to be kids that attended Cali Camp year before. Our son loves Cali Camp and every year he has more friends that join him. We live in Marina del Rey and Cali Camp has a bus that comes to pick him up...the bus ride is about an hour but they have a ton of fun on that bus with the counselors, they sing songs and play games. And every day they come home exhausted and can't wait for the next day :). read more

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As an employee of Cali Camp at Big Rock Ranch since 2002, I have had a unique perspective of the faciliy in its entirety. CC @ BRR is an absolutely beautiful piece of land in Topanga, a haven nestled between The Valley and The City. The gorgeous property has recently undergone massive renovations. The camp offers many activities, including aerial arts, dance, martial arts, go-carts, horses, skateboarding, bmx biking, music, theater, target sports/archery, swimming, and so much more. They've also added a new culinary program in which they will begin serving a menu designed by a professional chef. But, that's really not the clincher. What sets Cali Camp at B.R.R. apart from the rest of the "camps" in the area, is the staff. Everyone from the owners to the counselors undergo extensive training and live for the Cali Camp culture. In fact, not only do most of the staff return year after year, but almost 75% of them were campers there themselves. It's a culture, a family, and a place that becomes one's home. People ask me all the time why I still worked there after so many years; beyond the fact that I got paid to play, I returned to work every morning enthusiastic, happy, and at home. I wish I had gone here as a kid, but I can't wait to send my future children here. read more

We had our son's 6th birthday party at Cali Camp and it was a huge success! Everyone was so impressed by the camp, and we are blown away by the service of your team. Sugar, Spice, Ice and Spam were happy, helpful, attentive and fun. Our son was so happy to see his name on the board when we pulled in and I was grateful to see the team greeting us to offer help. We did the Bamboo Forrest, Rocks/ Ropes and camp games. Each was a great choice for the energetic guests! They especially loved searching for the panda in the Bamboo Forrest! Thank you, Cali Camp, for creating such a memorable party for all of us, we hope to be back next summer! read more

Cali-Camp at Big Rock Ranch changed my life. I attended from the time I was five through being a counselor at 18 years old. Twenty-plus years later, I still have friends from camp. My social skills and self-confidence come from the summers I spent singing in front of an audience, horseback riding, playing tennis, swimming, and doing tons of other activities. Other camps say they have it all, but no other camp has a dozen acres of pristine open space with as many opportunities for children as Cali-Camp at Big Rock Ranch. I have always and continue to highly recommend Cali-Camp to parents of kids of all ages. Your child will never forget their experience at Cali-Camp. read more

Just visited camp for their first Open House of 2021. We arrived with a number of questions about safety protocols and left feeling happy and confident that the Cali Camp Team has spent a lot of thought, time and effort into making this coming summer a great success. It is such a beautiful setting, with so many activities for campers to choose from, and the staff are truly top-notch, eager to help kids thrive. read more

Our kids have been attending Cali Camp for years now. Our daughter even went on to become a counselor there. I researched camps extensively when we were looking for a way for our kids to spend the summer that didn't involve being in front of a screen all day. The variety of activities, beautiful remote yet convenient location and the transportation from all over LA helped us decide on Cali Camp. After our kids' first day at camp they got off the bus brimming with excitement to share everything they had done. It filled our hearts with joy knowing they were learning to appreciate being outdoors, being active and being a part of a group. It is a one of kind experience for kids. read more

Cali Camp is without a doubt the best summer camp experience a family can hope for. I am so lucky I got to go there for 10 years as a camper. It truly made me into the person I am today. Cali Camp is where I learned how to swim, how to play, how to make friends, and so much more. When I became a Junior Counselor there, at just 13 I knew I wanted to be a teacher and work with kids for the rest of my life. Now I am a teacher, and a staff member at Cali Camp for over 10 years and I am so grateful to this camp for everything it has given me. I get to look after the children of previous staff members who looked after me. The staff there truly love being there and give 110% of themselves every day to make sure all campers are having an amazing time. This camp is not just about how many amazing activities there are (and there are SO MANY), it is about the atmosphere. Cali Camp has created something truly special for all campers, staff, and families that come here. If I could recommend it more than a 10/10 I would! read more

What a wonderful experience!! I am lucky enough to have my kids at Cali-Camp from two different perspectives. Johnny is a camper and Alycia is Jr. Staff. I can't say enough good things about the place. Both of the kids are gaining positive memories - Alycia is developing her tolerance and patience while gaining self-confidence by helping with the younger campers and Johnny is widening his experiences by having enormous fun with martial arts, zip-lining, and archery. The grounds are lovely but, as a parent, my favorite part of Cali-Camp is the respect, given and taken, by the staff for both the campers and jr. staff. Thank you, Cali-Camp, for a wonderful summer for my kids! read more

I have a high energy son and made the mistake of booking him here for the whole summer when he was 4 1/2. I was new to the area and it was my son's first summer ever at camp. I expected that, since the option was available to book for the whole summer, that other kids would spend the entire summer there too and that there would be a changing variety of projects and experiences for the kids. I was wrong. Most of the other campers were in and out and not there for the duration of the summer. Also they do basically the same handful of activities every week. My son had issues with not following the group at times and running off. I understand this is not ideal and wish it wasn't the case but sometimes our children's behavior is not perfect despite our best tries. The way that one staff at the camp treated me regarding this was really disgusting. I have never felt such hatred and disrespect in the way a staff or teacher has ever spoken to me. There are nice ways to say things and there are nasty ways to say things. I am open to hearing everything so that I can understand what things I need to work on to help my son evolve, but they treated me like trash about this. I had several weeks left of camp when they told me that my son was no longer welcome to come to camp. It was approximately $3000 that I had already spent for those remaining weeks. The staff told me I would be reimbursed for the days that he was no longer allowed to come. I said okay as I certainly did not want to impose my son on anyone or cause any stress for the staff or issues with other campers. One of the last days we were there one of the younger staff said next to me "everything is perfect when he's not here". I get she was a young teenager but it wasn't nice. I checked my bank account for weeks to see when the money would be reimbursed. I waited very patiently and then began sending emails and making calls to check to see when I would get the money back. I left several kind voicemails and emails just following up to see what was going on. After 30 days of multiple voicemails and emails no one ever responded to me. Finally I told them that I would have to get my lawyer involved if they did not reach back, which prompted an immediate nasty email response. They told me they were only going to give me approximately $200 back. I was furious. I decided not to take legal action because the whole thing had been so draining having already dragged on for so long. For someone who invested so much money into their camp- thousands of dollars- I was treated like absolute trash. A lot of the younger staff and counselors here are sweet but some of the other older staff is nasty and rude. The woman who was the rudest to me, her nephew or son was also in the program. My son told me that this boy was bullying him. He was just expressing his feelings and frustration with me and was 4 1/2 at the time and with limited vocabulary. I was just expressing my concern and letting her know what my son had said in the nicest way possible as I was trying to fully understand exactly what was happening at camp and trying to piece it together between everyone's versions of events. The staff who I told this to snapped at me and told me that that was a horrible thing for an adult to say about a child. I had no bad intent in reporting this but was trying to figure out the dynamic and let her know how my son felt. He offered that information to me and it was not anything I tried to extract from him- they were his words not mine. Bottomline is, don't send your child here all summer because they will get bored because there is a lack of varied activities. Also I dont really feel like some of these staff like kids all that much. They certainly have no tolerance or training for any child that behaves less than perfect. If you have a spirited or energetic 4 year old boy then this is not the place for him. We have since switched to Camp Calabasas and the camps at the Calabasas Tennis & Swim Center. The staff and kids at these places are so sweet and my son has been there for two years now with no issues at all. Camp Calabasas has a varied program so that if you send your child there all summer they will have a variety of changing projects and activities. I dont like leaving bad reviews & didn't post for years as I was scared of their further wrath if I shared this. I wish we could try going back to Cali Camp now that my son is older and better behaved but the experience there was so awful with how the staff spoke to me and looked at me and made me feel as a parent when I was only ever truly kind with them and had spent thousands of dollars which I never got back. It's a bummer because the location is awesome. Other people had great experiences here maybe because their kids are perfectly behaved or they didn't try going there all summer. Live and learn. read more

Cali Camp is my home away from home. It has been a hidden oasis for me and my coworkers since our very first day. This camp is magical for those who work here but even more so for the children! Seeing kids emerge themselves in the CaliCamp culture is life changing. The directors are focused on giving campers the most exciting, fun, and sometimes even a goofy experience. It's all about offering kids a fun safe place to be whoever they want to be. As a specialty area coordinator, I can tell you it isn't all fun and games. While the campers and also many staff members aren't aware of the endless amount of work that goes on beyond the scenes I can promise any parent that safety and fun are our number one goal. This place is more than a camp and has changed my life, it has made me believe in myself, push myself, and better yet has taught me the true meaning of unconditional love. Cali Camp is the family you didn't know you needed. read more

What a wonderful and exploratory experience. The buses run perfectly on time so every drop off and pick up is perfect. There's so many resources and activities for the kids to participate in. And the staff is accommodating. They are solutions oriented and flexible. My daughter is an expert lanyard maker now. read more

Cali camp is an amazing oasis in a bevy of summer camps. I have sent my children here for years. It is such a welcome change from busy LA in a beautiful part of Topanga canyon. Everyone should just visit to experience this wonderful camp. read more

My son was at this camp for 10+ years, and to this day it has and continues to play a big part in who he is today. He started off as a camper and grew into a strong staff member. They really molded him into the man he is today-- and when I visited him in Washington DC, the woman at the reception desk got up out of her chair to greet me, giving me a kiss and telling me I had done one fine job in raising this child.... I really think sometimes the honor should go to Cali Camp! The staff and professionalism of everyone is amazing. There was once an accident that happened as the bus left the camp. All directors and staff were on the ground when it happened, and quickly they got another bus, got the kids off one, on to another, gave them ice cream, and called the parents. Only one child needed minor emergency treatment and the nurse was right there. I felt so lucky to know that all was OK at the end of the day. The staff called me to tell me what happened, got another driver to drive the second bus to return the kids to their families and get my son home safe in the event he was in shock. It was a practice second to none, and I had worked with a lot of industrial accidents and injuries, never seeing anything so very professionally handled. The camp in recent years has undergone some major changes for the better and they offer SO much... dance, horseback riding, marrtial arts, go carts, swimming, skateboarding, archery, theater, dance, and carroms ( always my favorite!) The friendships with campers, staff, and other counselors he worked continue into today. It always intrigues me how my son always has to make at least one trip back to see the camp each summer to everyone. I don't know what it is about this camp, but the relationships that campers, counselors and staff come away with is second to none... Lifetime friendships are created at this camp....even marriages! One of the major pluses this camp offers is the transportation to Topanga each day. parents can rest assure that the camp is on the phone as early as 5 am with all bus drivers, having a special driving tip of the day, and your child is picked up on time and gets to the camp safely. And the best?-- not only the counselors, but the kids come back year after year! No parent will EVER be disappointed. I wish I could have gone to this camp when I was a kid! PS: One of the college essays submitted to college admissions committees was on "My Summers at CALI-CAMP" read more

Literally one of the best places I've ever been. I've been here during their summer camps and another time for a birthday party, both times I was blown away. From the breathtaking views to their amazing staff who are always energetic, fun, and they seem to genuinely love their job. I can't say enough about this place I love I it love it love it!! read more

Great lunch menus which my picky eater would even want more food!!! Wonderful counselors and are very responsible and kids friendly!! Pristine camp locations - still cannot believe LA has such a hidden gem in it!!! read more

I just spent a day with 93 5th graders as one of about 15 chaperones. It was a day filled with activities. There was definitely a lot of fun had since they were out with their friends.There were pluses and minuses to the whole place. I think the minuses, unfortunately, outweighed the pluses. First issue was clear. They booked a group that was entirely too big for the facility. The staff was obviously overwhelmed and didn't really know how to deal with that many kids. We were broken up into 6 groups and we cycled between 6 activities. Our first activity was the zipline. The kids were super excited as they suited up with harnesses and helmets and waited in line. 6 kids went on and 9 where still waiting. There was the constant sound of chatter of the staff over these loud CB radios. Suddenly the girls running it very callously said "ok guys. We're out of time. Time to move onto the next activity". They were hustling us out. Some of the kids frantically were looking around trying to understand what was happening. The girls running it were very cold and very insensitive. It was obvious that they didn't like working with kids and that they had very little empathy. At that point the parents staged an angry mutiny and we stood our ground. Nobody was leaving until every kid went on the zip-line ( remember this place is expensive. We payed a lot per child ). After a while they agreed. After a certain point a special needs child became stuck about 90% of the way up. They left him screaming and crying in terror for over 20 minutes with no plan for how to get him down. It was sickening to watch. The dads where all saying "can i go get him?" but the girls kept saying we were not allowed to go up there. Eventually we implored the one in charge to do anything. Eventually she slowly walked over to the gear and said "fine. I'm putting on my gear". That was the slowest 10 minutes of our lives while she slowly suited up while rolling her eyes at how inconvenient this was. That was definitely the worst part of the day. Then we had the hike. This isn't a great hike by SoCal standards. The path is very treacherous and a lot of people got hurt because they slid and fell or got scraped. Kids where tumbling down and taking adults down with them. Not their fault really but it's kind of important to recognize that this is something you can do with kids for free all over the place in that very same neighborhood with great trails. There was this kind of silk "Circ-De-Soleil" thing that kids do in groups of 6 with this padded tent. That's fun but don't wear jeans. Archery is good so no complaints there. The creepiest thing about the day is A) how much the kids are controlled and never allowed to just be kids and B) how much they were told to be quiet! The biggest complaint is how much they were told to shush the whole day. "Be quiet!" "No talking!" "I'm not choosing you because you were talking!" "I'm only choosing quiet hands!". That last one was in reference to if one of the kids said "ooh pick me" while raising their hands they would be disqualified. Once we got to the campfire part ( which was big enough for about 6 people. We had 115 and we were freezing. ) they made this big announcement about there will be no noise, not talking or we would all get in trouble! Then they proceeded to guide the kids on these prearranged chants and singing and clapping games. So the take-away is you can make sounds with your voices as long as it's you're saying what WE tell you to say. My unfortunate assessment of this place is that it's a place that makes money by providing this camp experience to kids but run by people that really don't like kids. We just wanted to let the kids howl into the sky and laugh and joke with their friends but it was so hard to hear them being told to be quiet over and over and over again. The funny thing about it is that they start the day with a funny speech about how they want to kids to be "up to no good" and that they don't really like rules. Then you learn that it's all about rules and that there is zero tolerance for being up to "no good". read more

Our son has been going to Cali Camp for 3 years now and he absolutely loves it! It is the quintessential summer camp for kids - beautiful grounds in nature, lots of choices of fun activities and tons of things for them to do. Our son is super active and he comes home everyday having done archery, swimming, horseback riding, rock climbing, aerial arts, basketball, trampoline...you name it. The counselors are great, all the kids love them. Also the camp's yellow bus ride to Topanga and back is a lot of fun for the kids, they make great friends, have fun socializing and sing songs together. Our son has enjoyed going to Cali Camp more and more each year, and I really recommend it to any parent who wants their kids to spend quality time outdoors during the summer, having a blast! read more

My son, Jake, attended Cali Camp last summer. It was his first time at a day camp and he was both excited and nervous for what was to come. Within the first 10 minutes on the bus ride, his nerves dissipated and he was fully on board. The counselors on the bus were energetic, kind, and made all of the campers feel at ease. When Jake returned that afternoon, he had at least a dozen adventures to share with us and he couldn't wait to return the next day. The activities that Cali offers are amazing. Every afternoon, Jake would tell me his schedule from that day and my eyes would brighten. Go Karts, Archery, Rocks N Ropes, Hiking, Swimming...the list goes on and on. He was never bored, always challenged, and loved every moment. The combination of wonderful counselors, incredible activities, and a magnificent environment make Cali Camp a truly fantastic place for a kid (and adult, if they would let me ) to spend their summer. read more

Becoming a member of the Cali Camp family is the best decision I have ever made. I have worked as a Horse Wrangler for the past two summers here. I love being an area specialist because it combines my passion for horses and kids. As a Horse Wrangler I have the pleasure of teaching the wonderful "Mustangs" group not only how to ride, but also help them build teamwork and interpersonal skills. Whether it is saying "please" and "thank you," listening when another person is talking or learning how to trot their horse, the campers are always learning/refining skills. My favorite part is seeing the campers every summer, and seeing how much they have grown as an individual throughout the year. I can't wait till next summer! read more

I was real apprehensive sending my 6 year old to camp -alone without any friends. Although I live in Santa Monica the drive seemed too far to send him by himself. After meeting the Bus driver at the Albertson's stop and seeing all the kids, I felt relaxed. I sent him off and thought about him all day. Will he eat? Will he make friends? Will they ask him questions. Will he speak up? I held my breathe all day and when he came home, he had nothing but great things to tell me. He even told me he couldn't wait to wake up the next day and go to camp. He has grown in these last 5 days of camp. He's assertive, more social, full of energy and enthusiastic about camp. I'll start my savings to send him a whole 4 weeks next year! read more