Camp James is an absolute gem! My son just finished a week there, and it was everything a classic summer camp should be. The kids were outside all day, with a packed schedule of fun activities like kayaking, canoeing, archery, laser tag, yoga, dancing, and paddleboarding to name a few, not to mention fair like games and rides during free time. It was nonstop fun, and he loved connecting with old friends and making new ones. The counselors were incredible, so patient, positive and full of energy. A huge thank you to Jim (AKA Cardinal), the coach for the Bears group this past week! He made the week unforgettable, and my son won't stop talking about how much fun he had and how awesome his coach was. You can also buy food from them (catered daily from nearby restaurants) which is a huge bonus for kids like mine who aren't into cold sandwiches. We just finished 8 weeks back to back of incredible summer camps, and this was definitely a top contender for my kid. We will be back, and I 100% recommend Camp James. read more

Great fun for kids, good people and tons of things for kids of all ages!! Recommend for any child looking to stay busy all summer with no distractions. Safe learning opportunities and learn to be part of a team..5 stars read more

Always a great experience for the kids. Sam-I-Am and Chip have made this a wonderful experience. Thank you for helping the kids build so many important life skills while having fun. read more

This place is amazing!! They have the most wonderful staff and the kids just have an amazing time. They are so good with all the children and they have the best experience. The staff are so kind and go over and above to make sure that everyone has an experience to remember.!!! I am so happy that my family has had the opportunity to attend this camp!! read more

This place is not only a summer camp for kids but an event venue as well. My husbands company hosts their annual picnic here usually every September (minus the Covid years) and it's a great event. The food is actually really good! They have contests and games and they usually have a band which is also really fun & entertaining. They have bicycles you can borrow & ride around the back bay. A Ferris wheel & rides. A bouncer slide for the kids. They have a small bar area that you can order beer or wine for $7 a drink. For our event they had a great selection of food items including chicken & beef. They also had a fish taco vendor, a grill with hot dogs and such. A Balboa bar ice cream vendor, kettle Koran and cotton candy. It's mostly sand in the picnic area, and there are toys for the kids to play with. I think I saw a volleyball net just outside the picnic area with employees playing ball. The restrooms however needed some major attention. The ladies restrooms had two non working toilets and to all go over the floor. By nights end no paper towels. Overall it was a good night. While rather far from where we live, I think it's a great place to host a company party. Unsure of the costs involved but worth looking into. read more

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My son just completed a four week stint at Camp James and the biggest regrets for him are 1) his stint at Camp James is over, and 2) he's closer to aging out for the camp. For the past 4 years, we've had him attend Camp James, and for the past 4 years he's eagerly looked forward to going there. Camp James is hardly an inexpensive camp, but for what you get we think that the value is tremendous. Our son has been to many of the popular camps across Orange County and to say that he prefers Camp James above all of them would be an understatement. The activities, the organization, and even the attention to safety are an order of magnitude better than any other camp we've experienced. Parents can rest assured that their child is being well looked after. The activities are terrific and the camp leaders provide positive encouragement. For as long as we've had our son at the camp, there hasn't been one day where we picked him up with anything less than the biggest praise for the fun that he had. And speaking of the camp leaders--they're a big part of the reason for the experience. His past leaders--Rush, Mew, Walkman, and Gronk (these are the "handles" of the leaders)--were amazing, and they deserve a lot of accolades. Parents: you can't go wrong with Camp James! read more

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Both of my kids absolutely love Camp James! It is the perfect, traditional summer day camp filled with outdoor activities and a daily water activity in the Back Bay. They each started going at age 5 and stayed on as campers through age 13. Some of their favorites are archery, water park, go karts, kayaks, paddleboards, and rock wall. This summer, my daughter chose to be a CILT - Camper in Leadership Training - after she aged out as a regular camper. It turned out to be an amazing experience for her. She got to work with campers of all different ages, giving her great experience at leadership, problem solving, communication, and interacting with children. She was assigned a mentor who met with her weekly to check in, give tips for improvement, and reinforce the things she was doing well. She was always paired with a regular counselor who also helped her as needed and communicated with her mentor and the program director. The Camp has weekly fun activities for the CILTs after hours to help them bond and make sure they were getting the most out of the program. Apollo, the CILT program director, also checked in with her to make sure things were going well and let her know what she was doing well. She's already looking forward to going back next year. I highly recommend Camp James for any child looking for a traditional summer camp filled with outdoor fun and for a teenager looking for a great summer leadership experience. read more

This year is our first year at Camp James. My son was transitioning out of daycare. He starts kindergarten in the fall. My son has always had separation anxiety and the camp counselors and directors helped make the transition out of daycare seamless. Absolutely professional, caring, and patient. If there is ever any problems or concerns they are addressed immediately. They've calmed my nerves through this entire process. He's been with Candy & T-Bone (and several other staff members) and it truly brings me to tears knowing how much they care about my son. The growth we have experienced this summer is immense. My son is so much more independent and I know he will be ready for kindergarten! I did not know if it would be a good fit for my daughter who is 8 is very girly, but it turns out she's actually quite adventurous. After the first week she said she never wants to leave camp. Her camp counselor is Kit (and other helpful staff members) that make her time there so enjoyable. She truly looks up to all of them. There is something for every personality! From the water park to rock climbing & STEM, those are just a few of the amazing activites offered at this full time day camp. We love everything this camp offers and stands for. My kids are fed (delicious catered food for a great price or lunch from home), they have plenty of water, sunscreen is applied appropriately, first aid is always ready to go. I know my kids are in good hands. read more

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Our kids have an absolute blast here! We are back for our 2nd summer (Our daughter is five and our son is about to turn seven). The counselors have amazing energy, the staff has been terrific and responsive, and we love the variety of activities the kids are into everyday. Thanks Camp James team!! read more

1, Don't pay them! Once you pay, no matter what happened, whether their default or yours, your money will never be refunded. They charge your money for the whole year and take advantage of it. It's a waste of your time and money for nothing and get no equal match for the next year camp. In 2021 summer camp, they had an outbreak of COVID19 with no young kids vaccinated at that time. It was unsafe to go. Apparently it was their fault and they didn't take any appropriate action to protect our kids. 2, The price is ridiculously high for a child camp. Your children learn nothing there except tanned heavily and gain more chance of skin cancer. 3, They have an overlord clause: "I understand that I have paid a $200 non-refundable deposit per child and that tuition in full is due by May 24. If I choose to cancel, it must be at least 2 weeks before the first camp date in question and required in writing. There are no refunds, but a credit will be given to be used at a later date, minus the $200 deposit. I understand that there is a $25 charge for all returned checks" Is it even legal? read more

Director "legend" is so amazing running this amazing camp along with all the camp counselors. How they deal with all these kids at once and having to deal with the kids SELF ENTITLED PARENTS who come and give them a hard time when they don't get their way. They're literally watching all these kids and keeping your kids safe and you have the audacity to get mad at them. I witnessed a mom have a tantrum when I was picking up my daughter and because she didn't follow the safety protocols when picking up her child she thought she can just walk In a take her kid but there are safety rules you need to follow for SAFETY REASONS!! The counselors take OUR children's safety very seriously. There are so many activities the camp is sooooo worth the money. I just can't believe they are able to handle all the fun events and kids it's crazy! I love it read more

My son is in his 9th summer this year and asks to go back every summer. The staff and directors are amazing. Between the theme weeks and variety of activities he's never bored and can't wait until he can be a CILT and give back. read more

Camp James is an incredible place. Our son attended for the first time this summer and I previously attended camp as a child myself. Many of the same directors have been working there the entire time! Because they have extensive use of Newport Dunes, there is a huge variety of activities - water park, go karts, laser tag, bounce house, swimming, yoga, STEM, archery, music, rock wall, dance and more! The camp groups rotate through the activities every week so each day is different and well balanced. Your kids will come home tired and happy! The directors, counselors and staff are so caring, nurturing, and enthusiastic, and are particularly good at tailoring their approach to each camper. My son is particularly "spirited" and the directors and his counselor worked closely with us to ensure he had a great and safe experience. Everything is well thought out - it feels like kid paradise! They have secure check-in/out, good lunches, creative theme weeks and even special awards for the kids each week. We felt the enrollment and refund policies were very clearly lined out and fair. We also appreciated the very clear communication and reminders. Camp has not only been fun for my son, but incredible for his self esteem and growth. He has taken on new challenges and built a confidence that I never would have expected coming into the summer. 100% recommend. Sign up early as space does fill up! read more

My son has been attending this camp for 6 years and loves it. The counselors are amazing and fun. Yes, he comes home tired and dirty but that is what camp is about. He looks forward to this every year. He can't wait to become a CILT (teen volunteer) and someday a Laser Tag Specialist. The place is unique... he loves Harry Potter Week and dressing up. They take care of making sure he has sunscreen and drinks lots of water. I love that he is outdoors and not looking at a screen all day. Camp James is the best!!!! read more

Camp James - Summer Camps Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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My name is Barbara and my twin 10 year old granddaughters just had the most amazing week at Camp James. They loved the zip line and water park the most. But their whole week was "the best" Thanks Camp James! See you next year read more

My son went to Camp James for 4 weeks this summer and it was the best experience for him. He would come home and tell me about swimming, paddle boarding, laser tag, archery, karate .....so many fun activities that just scream "best summer camp ever". The experience was absolutely everything that I wanted for him and I am so glad he had the best counselor (Kiki) and made such great memories. read more

This is our second year at camp James and first year my 6 yo daughter did 4 weeks, this year she asked for 6 weeks. It is a fun camp with no gadgets, lots of activities to chose from and all the time outside. Camp counselors have been fun and engaging, she runs there! read more

We love Camp James My son has some challenges emotionally . The counselor, Director and the Coordinator for special needs kids have been wonderful . They have worked with me in assuring the best camp experience for my son . They offered a shadow for 2 weeks to help my son transition into camp free of charge ! I highly recommend anyone with or without special needs children to send their kids to Camp James . read more

Wow! What a great week my twins had at Camp James. I normally don't comment on sites, but my girls loved everything about it. From the cool teen leaders, to the food brought in and the way each leader made my girls feel important and included! I highly recommend this for ALL kids!! read more

Do not go to this Camp. The counselors are rude to the kids and the parents. I needed to switch a few days due to family a vacation that needed to be changed. They didn't give options until I complained to the management 3 days later. They wouldn't help me out at all. They just want your money so they can throw your kids in the water all day. My daughter was bored and did not want to go. They wouldn't even give me half of my money back after I spoke to five different people that all talked to me like I was stupid. Rude and disrespectful people all around. Don't be fooled by this money making machine. Don't be fooled by the comments from the camp. They didn't do anything to help me, the hid behind their policies even though we tried to follow them. They were rude and condescending to my wife and most especially me. read more

Not a safe camp. So many horrific accidents in the past that other moms have shared. I witnessed the craziest things last summer and my son will never go back. The very young staff is fun and nice but not experienced. They continued to tell me that their boss, Legend, was awful to them. Other parents complained so much about her that the office told me she can't give her real name. As an owner? Whaaaat? No staff there can give their name and that is so alarming. I want to know who is watching my kids. After seeing another mom deal with something horrific and not get help for her kid or even a phone call, I will not ever let my son return. They try to cover up things because they are a private camp and make you sign your kid's life away but I will always watch for this in the future. Not worth your kid being hurt. I will take this as a lesson to research camp history and staff at all future camps. Also, way too many children I saw running around at extremely young ages with little supervision. Look at past reviews that are attempted to be hidden about accidents .. all I will say. read more

My three daughters ages 12, 10 and 8 just attended Camp James for their first summer and they can't wait to go back next summer! The counselors were exceptionally welcoming, kind, energetic and fun! The children were greeted every morning with a high five and walking through a pathway lined with their singing counselors. The children loved the activities. One of my girls has a serious food allergy which they addressed quickly and very well when questions arose regarding ingredients in the lunches purchased and brought in. When one of my daughters wanted an opportunity to participate in an activity and we arrived late, the office staff literally ran to communicate the message so she wouldn't miss out! They received awards at the end of the week. The messages written on the back indicated to me how well they became acquainted and grew to know my girls. I appreciate their care as they were reminded to drink water and reapply sunscreen throughout the day. As a parent I couldn't ask for more than the safety, emotional well being, opportunities for discovery and growth and sincere care my girls received at Camp James. We will certainly be back! Thank You Camp James! read more

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This is the second year our daughter has gone to Camp James. She always has such a great time, staff is amazing and are always so warm and welcoming. Obviously it's different this year with Covid, but they are still doing an amazing job! Our daughter always adores her counselors and doesn't stop telling us how much fun she had that day all the way home. Highly recommended! She will be going back for years to come! read more

I wish I was a kid again. Kids come home exhausted and just fall asleep, which is great for parents. Yeah its expensive, but it's newport beach and everything is expensive here. The counselors do a fantastic job considering that they are able to wrangle all these kids and keep them safe... they must have the patience of a saint. The amount of different activities they have is insane.... and they have some seriously cool ones; go carts, ziplines, paddle boarding, swim time in the bay and the pool, a little train that the kids can ride in, etc. read more

This camp doesn't take safety seriously. it is just a matter of time before a child is seriously hurt. My 4 year-old child fell and hit his head. NO ONE told me!!! He told me there were no When I picked him up his eyes were blood shot and he looked like he had too much sun. I asked the council at pick up if there were any issues, and he said no. When we got home he just sat on the couch. I thought he was just worn out after a long day at camp. If I had known he had a head injury I never would have let him sleep. I can't express how irresponsible this place is. The next day the "sun burn" on his scalp was more clearly not a sunburn but an injury. When I finally got of my sun what happened, I called the camp. He had even been to the nurses tent for hitting his head. not one phone call, not one word!!!! This camp is probably ok for older kids, but don't send your little ones. read more

Camp James is great. My older kid who used to attend when it was behind Wild Rivers is now a CILT there and it has been a great experience for him and helps get him off technology. Now my younger kids attend and they have a great time with all the water activities, STEM and drama. It has been nice to have something this year with all the kids activities that have been cancelled. read more

Camp james is like home to me!! It is an amazing place to work, incredibly fun, flexible and accommodating while also being structured and professional. It's an outdoor camp, so it's definitely geared towards kids who don't mind getting a bit sandy, who like swimming (there's at least one water activity every day! with lifejackets, so it's okay if your kiddo can't swim yet), and who like meeting new friends!! Guaranteed every camper will get to do something they've never tried before at least once a day. Camp James is an amazing experience for kids, especially in the age of technology where many kids don't love going outside. read more

Camp James is where we watched a boy become a man, a second home for our camper, and a true family for a kid that went from camper to volunteer to staff member. It's the most welcoming environment for all children, special needs inclusive. They raise money for charity each year (this year raising $10,000 for CHOC in one week). It is the most fun you can have in a summer with activities varying from water park to archery to laser tag, go karts, mini golf, karate, music...the list goes on. Truly a place a where a child can complement their development in the classroom, learning to interact, make friends, and have fun outside of school. It's a place where people really care and with so many traditions and cool theme weeks. When you step foot onto the campgrounds, the overall spirit will make you wish you could attend the camp yourself! read more

Camp James - Campers on a scavenger hunt - Summer Camps Near Me - Newport Beach, California

In the strip mall jungle that is Orange County, Camp James is an oasis for kids. It's located right behind Wild Rivers and they get to go to Wild Rivers everyday. What's better than that? In addition to that, there's tons of space for the kids to play sports, go on the Ferris Wheel, play games, do archery, hike, play volleyball and myriad other options. They even get to do karate, tumbling, fishing, canoing and climbing the rock wall. While there are many options, it seems very structured and supervised. The counselors are mostly teens but there are a ton of them - very peppy and friendly. Security is good there too, with pass codes and multiple checkout stations. My kids have gone three years in a row and always look forward to it. They come home filthy and exhausted, just the way I like it. The only drawback is it's on the expensive side. Otherwise, a great place for kids. read more

A hidden gem in Newport Beach! I have hiked Back Bay for a very long time and have hosted events at the Dunes and never stumbled upon Camp James. They have EVERYTHING a kid would ever want! Too bad there is an age limit or else I would have signed myself up. Kayaking, archery, laser tag, a 9-hole mini-golf course? Really? I loved that they have canoes and stand-up paddles and I loved that they are very spacious. Staff is extra friendly and you can't ask for a better location. I would recommend Camp James to anyone looking for a first-class day camp for their children. read more

We are so grateful that the children have the opportunity to go to camp this summer. Camp James has been wonderful for the kids and the camp has taken great strides in keeping everyone safe and healthy. Being outside is the best thing for everyone and camp this summer has been such a help for everyone's wellbeing. read more

I take care of my Niece and Nephew over the summer since I'm a teacher and have that time off as well. We started going to Camp James when they were located @ the Irvine Meadows/Water park area. I must say that the new location is a vast improvement in many ways. Mostly as both the kids are Water-dogs and love Kayaking and in general love being around water. The weather couldn't be any better as well. Very few Staff are actually Teens, but what Camp doesn't have Teens as Counselors anyway? They are energetic and for the most part really professional. Considering this could be or more then likely is their first job and working with kids can at times be frustrating and tiring, they do a fantastic job! The Director is a very solid individual as well. And to be honest, I'm pretty convinced she's nowhere near an Ex-Hippie. read more

I was searching for a day camp our daughter could go to the last week of August while her Montessori school was closed to get ready for the new year and found Camp James. What a great place! Our daughter had a tremendous time ... swimming, canoeing, fishing, art projects, lots of outdoor stuff. The counselors greeted her each day with genuine enthusiasm and she was disappointed to leave at the end of the day! I hope that they are able to find a new location for summer 2012. If so, we'll be there ALL summer next year! read more

This is my daughters 4th year attending Camp James. Every year, she counts down the days until camp. She even wants to be a counselor here when she's older! With all the craziness this year due to Covid, Camp James has been amazing. They've made everything so easy! Legend (the Camp Director) has been my saving grace! She's so patient with my 5000 questions and always so friendly (never annoyed by all my questions). The camp has done such an amazing job keeping it safe this year (taking temperatures, hand washing, masks, social distancing). I haven't seen my daughter this happy since March!! Thank you Camp James & Legend for all that you do for our kids!! read more

Camp James is a huge disappointment. The site is old run down and really dirty. [Yes, I know they plan to move to the Grate Park] Traffic into the camp site is awful, going through the water park, over the speed bumps, and the dirt road. Parking is near impossible with children, cars, and clouds of dirt. My son hated the "changing room" which he described as filthy. He preferred to wear his wet swim suit rather than change into clothes. When I went to pick up my son the "counselor" told me he is "around here someplace". When I talked with the Director, she told me we don't fit in at CJ. CJ is perfect if you want to drop of your child in a large dirty feed lot and let them run around yelling all day with limited supervision by teenagers. And, don't make suggestions or complain...it means you don't Fit in with the ex Hippies who want to be cool with the kids....High Fives and Waves really don't make a Professional Day Camp for Children. read more

I am so happy to report that CampJames is the place to send your kids for the summer. I wish I had sent the kids sooner. The activities are amazing and the groups are small because of COVID and safety is there top priority. The camp counselors are amazing. Legend was so friendly and helpful. I highly recommend camp James. read more

I have been at camp for about 4 years now and it's an AMAZING place. Camp James has never failed to bring a smile on a child's face. Parents are very satisfied when coming to drop/pick up there kids. All the staff that works there are very friendly and love kids. As a counselor I can sure you we look forward to camp every year and when camp is not running we truly miss it. We have campers that comeback year after year and to see them grow and keep the friendships they make at camp is a joy to see. I car pooled about 4 kids to camp over the summer and they would be at my house ready to go even before I was up. On the car ride to camp they would talk about all the inside jokes and games they experience at camp and the bond they have made with their counselors. The campers are outside all day and are constantly busy paddle boarding, kayaking, going to go-carts and many more. I can guarantee that your child will come home dirty and exhausted from all the fun they are having. You will not be disappointed when you see the smile on your kids face and them begging to come back for more! Camp James is not just a summer camp it is a place for kids to grow up and have the time of their lives. I cant wait for this next summer and many more to come! read more

I urgently called Camp James this morning to let them know my coparent was trying to sneak my son in despite the fact he had just spent the week with my daughter (his older sister) who had been contacted by Contact Tracers last evening after he went to his dads. (he had to work & he had already paid a lot of money) A woman named Legend answered, she was so rude, she cut me off, didn't care at all - I was taken aback. So, I called back at lunch to confirm my son wasn't there. Legend answered again. Rude once again. Sure enough, my son is there! (Eating lunch with other kids!) Legend let me know it's ok though because they "took his temperature" that morning". This is the sound judgement caring for our children in the middle of a surging pandemic. I'm just sick to my stomach. Please keep your children away from your parents. And get them tested. Shame on you Camp James. Educate your staff on asymptomatic spread. read more

Camp James makes me want to be a kid again! My oldest has been going for the last three years and looks forward to it each summer. Thankfully my youngest was old enough to go this year ... so I did not have to drag him away crying (as I did last year) because he was too young to stay. The camp is the perfect amount of structure and silly fun. The counselors are wonderful young adults...many who were there as campers. They are well trained in how to balance authority and playfulness. Everyday when I pick up my sons they have a huge smile on their faces and want to stay even longer. (Should I mention how much I enjoy having some free time?) I wish I could give more than five stars! I just asked my eldest his opinion of Camp James ... And he said "I love Camp James" ... And you know what ... Me too! read more

The camp counselors are about the only thing nice about the camp. It is really expensive and if something comes up they will not refund your money or work with you for another day. Life happens and having to stomach paying $78 a day and it not being refunded is horrible! And the email response when trying to explain my situation was very unprofessional. I will not send my children back!! read more