We're finishing up a school retreat at this camp, and I can't say enough about the YMCA staff at Camp Surf. Bolling, JJ, Mick, Nat etc. did everything they could to make our event extra special. I was extremely nervous about the food situation before I arrived, but Joe the chef was excellent and accommodated a wide variety of allergies and preferences! It really exceeded my expectations. It was also wonderful to have a beautiful salad and fruit bar at every meal. Fe and the kitchen staff were also wonderful. Thank you YMCA for a week of fabulous memories! read more

YMCA is way overpriced for a non-profit organization and feed for summer camps. The county and local camps are safe, organized and many are 75.00 a week or less. All types of camps just like YMCA. A family with more than one kiddo can forget about it at YMCA. Why should I be forced to pay for a membership for a 30 buck discount that still leaves me paying 200.00 bucks. YMCA, I thought you were better than that. read more

There is ZERO surfing at Surf Camp. The website says that in the event of poor water quality, they will bus them to another beach for surfing. This is not true. Of the five days they were in camp, they bussed them to another beach one time but did not bring the surfboards. Please avoid disappointment and heartbreak for your child and DO NOT sign up for this camp. read more

My kiddo had a ball with wonderful counselors and fun activities. However there was no surfing and no water activities. These are heavily impacted by the poor water quality in the area. It's a shame. The counselors did a great job keeping everyone busy and having fun. We would love to come back if the kiddos can do beach activities in the future but this seems to be very unpredictable. read more

This is an annual treat for us with Adventure Guides. There's little better than camping right on the beach, feet from the waves. The food is passable here, the staff is outstanding. The night times tent to be cold and heavy with dew, heavier than other areas it seems. So - plan ahead If you're tent camping else you'll wake up to a wet bed, etc as water drips through your waterproof tent. read more

YMCA Camp Surf - Great way to stay warm when camping on the beach! - Summer Camps Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

Came here for a 3 days 2 night retreat with a group of 30! It was a fun experience! Pros: -Atmosphere is amazing! I'm not much of a beach person, but coming here has really opened me up more about the "beach life"! -Staff here are amazing! Hands down friendly, approachable and knowledgable. -Team bonding activities are fun, meaningful and challenging. We all got closer together in a short amount of time. -Eco friendly and a great advocate for protecting our environment and natural resources! -Cafeteria is great....ocean view is crazily beautiful and I love how they do "family style" meals! -Salad bar is also delicious! So many different toppings to choose from! -I like that all around the camp grounds, there are games and activities to keep busy. We all love "carpet ball"! -Archery, trails, climbing tower had safety equipments and were all very fun!!! Try it out if possible! Cons: -Water was only available until 7 pm, since kitchen closes at 7. Recommend this place for a short retreat or quick camping trip! read more

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I have been going to this summer camp for 11 years and it is like my home away from home. all of the counselors are loving and genuinely care about their campers. last year I had Ale and Celine and they were absolutely fabulous and so was Marisol. I have met some of my best friends at camp surf and I have never once had a poor experience. The cabin interiors are very nice and taken care of. All of the activities are so much fun and even though surfing was closed last year we were still able to surf at Mission beach. I love camp surf with all of my heart and I hope to send my future children so they can experience what an amazing place it truly is. read more

Camp Surfvival!!! Big After Hours Party!! Prepare for NO SLEEP! Worst place to camp ever, bunch of drunks sitting by the bonfire way after 1000 talking loudly with profanity. If this was a National Park, rangers would be here to shut them down, but since this is the YMCA, there are no rules, no staff, nothing, but bunch of drunks. If you want your child to learn new found volcabury, this is the place, you might not like what the learned. It's 1000 PM, kids running around the campgrounds playing tag. It's Madmax Thunderdome camping... San Diego Fire, we need you to come, the bonfire is out of control. Four fire pits, competing for the Burning Man Competition. I also noticed strong marijuana smell walking by the staff compound. Its probably for medicinal purposes... Staff was hard to spot, no uniformity, they need to have the same uniform, not just a nametag. Programs were sporadic, didn't hear any announcement as to the day's events. Overall, it is was a very bad experience, when you can't sleep, it hard to enjoy your time the next day. Hire some night staff, security, to patrol the grounds. It creates conflicts when we have to police ourselves. read more

YMCA Camp Surf - Late night Bonfires, out of control.. - Summer Camps Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

My daughter and I had such an awesome time and camp surf with her Girl Scout Troop! The camp staff were all so good with the kids and made things super fun! The food was so much better than expected! This was the most fun I have had with my daughter in a long time! We will be back next year! read more

YMCA Camp Surf - Summer Camps Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

Love the camp. Food needs improvement. Such a huge place! Tons of sand dollars to find

Brendan and Brenda mad our experience with the San Clemente Expedition utterly perfect. Great facility with a huge assortment of activities for the kids ! read more

Just picked my 8y/o daughter up from the overnight camp! She LOVED it! The camp counselors were very friendly and informative! They answered all questions and positive energy radiated off of them. The camp post daily pictures of your little ones while they're away and it is password protected. I even gotten a post card from my daughters counselors telling me about my daughters progress and experience! My daughter gained so much confidence in the ocean and has gained memories for life! I definitely recommend this camp! Big shout out to counselors Kate, Emma, & Ruby for making my daughters experience so much fun! read more

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I love this camp. I love the staff. The first time I went to camp surf I was super nervous. When my mom dropped me off and left I cried because I was not used to going to camp and not knowing what time she was going to pick me up. It was very different from school cause I know what time my mom was going to pick me up and I knew she would come and get me, sometimes my dad would surprise me but I knew what time one or both of them were going to pick me up. The staff made me feel so welcome and made me forget that I was missing my parents. One day there was a bunch of stingrays in the water and I stepped on like 5 stingrays but never got stung. My friend was not so lucky. She stepped on a stingray in the wrong area. She got stung and was sitting on the shore in pain. The lifeguards didn't see me. I didn't have one of those wheelchairs so I had to carry her up to the main lifeguard tower so she can soak her foot in very hot water to get the stuff out of her foot. I literally love this camp and I would do anything to go to that camp even though it is kinda expensive I would still do anything to go to that camp even if I have to pay with my own money. Thank you to all of the staff members, lifeguards, cooks, councilors for helping me make a bunch of new friends and help me get closer to friends I already knew. I would be so devastated if this camp closed permanently. read more

This is my home away from home. I absolutely love this place!!! Sure it may not be perfect, but it's camp. Most of the staff are super nice. I'm exited to return this summer. This will be my 6th year! To some, it may not seem like a lot, and to me it's not enough. I can wait to continue going here! Day camp This will be my last year of day camp. Day camp is amazing, and I love getting to see new faces every year, and seeing some familiar ones as well. I like the fact that you have the chance to make friends, and the counselors try to make sure everyone's included Overnight camp Last year was my first week of overnight camp. I love overnight. I do like that you go surfing in the afternoon, when it's a bit warmer than in the morning. read more

My 11 year old daughter recently experienced the 1 week Camp Surf. She loved it! After wandering around the facilities and talking with the staff, I was impressed. Everyone was friendly and they ran a tight ship. The facilities were as I would expect at a Y camp. Nothing fancy (this ain't Club Med), but certainly functional. I know folks like to bash Imperial Beach for a number of reasons, but I found the Y portion nice. The waves were awesome for kids new to surfing. Would I send my kid back again? Heck yes! Dave read more

This place is super fun! We set up tents here, went surfing, boogie boarding, swimming (of course), rock climbing, did archery, volleyball, tetherball, did crafts, played board games, made smores, .... so much fun! The food isn't bad. And the staff is really helpful. They taught me how to surf! =) That mean's a lot. Imperial beach is kinda nasty, but that did not take away from the great time I had here. read more

We just had a camping trip on this place. Most of the crew members are really nice but they need to be trained to handle all age groups. Their entertainment is too childish and their education classes are too long and boring. The 2 instructors we got didn't know their material and were not prepared . One of them was not dressed appropriately . Flashing the kids with her short shorts every time she bent over. Although it's called a surf camp.... NO SURFING was involved. In fact , we were asked to keep the kids from touching the water . I would say , train your staff. . Age appropriate activities. Shorter lessons. And more food options. read more

We came here as a part of a large Girl Scout event for the surfing package; sewage in the ocean kept beaches closed and inaccessible our entire stay. No one ever actually got in the water or touched a surfboard. Nasty oily residue got on the feet of those who did venture into the surf ankle-deep. read more

I came to this place very excited. When I got there, I walked over to the girls cabins and saw that there were not even real windows, just plastic stapled on. Inside the cabin the floor and bunks were sandy along with bugs walking around. The bathrooms were almost as bad. In the bathrooms the showers were right next to the toilets and there were also bugs flying everywhere. On top of the uncleanliness, the staff was beyond rude and, from what I observed, we were treated as if we were going to commit serious crimes and had to be observed constantly. In the morning, there were male staff standing right outside the girl's cabins which not only is awkward, but it seems a bit creepy and makes one feel uncomfortable. Overall this place was not enjoyable and I do not recommend anyone go there. read more

This place is amazing!!! Its a great environment to work with amazing leadership. The staff spends quality time with the children from Land to Sea which is amazing. I highly recommend working here if you love children, are a hard worker and love a positive atmosphere. If you are looking for a place for children, this is your place to go. You won't regret it. Did I mention the food is great and they promote healthy living and also compost. This place is the best Camp in California. A+ Rating! read more

Camp surf was fun for my daughter and her Girl Scout troop they had plenty to do, archery, rock climbing, surfing, crafting etc.... I am not the camper type and I had a lot of fun. The staff there are super friendly and helpful. read more

YMCA Camp Surf - Skit night. - Summer Camps Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

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My 9 year old daughter LOVED her week at Camp Surf!! She had never been away from home before (besides a weekend Girl Scout camp in the Spring) so it was a BIG deal for us to drop her off and leave her there! The cabins were BEAUTIFUL and well-maintained, the dining hall was gorgeous with ocean-views from every window. I want to go to Surf Camp!! She had an amazing week there and can't wait to go back next year! read more

Fabulous Camp! Our daughter went the first time with her Girl Scout troop and returned every single summer for the next nine years. Kids arrive from all over the world to attend Camp Surf. She has made friends in China, Spain, Italy, Australia and more. It's not limited to surfing They offer archery Rock climbing, Skateboarding, sailing, canoeing and she's a very picky eater but raves about the food. Vegetarian options make it very nice. read more

We just returned from a 3-day, 2-night weekend trip here with our Girl Scout troop of 38 adults and girls. Everyone had a fun and wonderful experience, with plenty of activities (archery, climbing tower, arts & crafts, surf and body boarding lessons) and close guidance from the camp counselors. There was the beach, volleyball, Gaga and plenty of other things to do. The adults appreciated the orientation from the director (Clay) and the counselors, who all had positive attitudes and were super caring. They taught everyone how to respect and take care of the environment during the stay. Skit night on Saturday was an integral part of camp. The bathrooms & showers were clean. We felt safe and taken care of by the staff, who all work long hours. We had great interactions with Kelly (surfing), Cameron (archery, climbing tower) and Dane (climbing tower). The dining hall was fantastic - with a fresh, healthy salad and fruit bar. After eating, you had to sort out everything into the correct bins - composte, landfill, plastic cups, silverware, napkins, etc. We had complicated food allergies for some of the kids, including ours, and with advanced notice, the food service director (Joseph), Clay and kitchen staff (Marie, Chava and Danielle) had all our meals safely planned out and ready at a separate window. Thank you for our 1st family and Girl Scout camping experience! We'll definitely be back and spread the word to other troops at our school! read more

Surf camp had to be the most fun camp I've ever gone to. I've gone to Surf Camp for over three years. And I can wholeheartedly say their food is better than my schools. All the staff are nice, and they are always there to help someone if they're in need. I love Camp surf and I will definitely continue going there and I 100% recommend it to anyone else!!! read more

Visited twice and had a blast both times. All activities are very organized and they're family style meals are the best. Staff is friendly and enjoy engaging with the children. Activities are not only educational but provide fun, interactive and hands-on experiences. Good job YMCA Camp Surf!! read more

Had a fantastic weekend at camp surf!! Went with a group of cub scouts. The facility is very neat and well maintained. The bathrooms are clean with hot showers. The food in the dining hall is pretty good. The boys loved playing in the water and learning to surf, boogie board, etc. they even had wet suit rentals. Loved it. read more

This is a a great camp for parents and kids. I've been here ~8 times with my daughter and son through Indian Guides and Princesses. This is consistently their favorite trip each year. I've stayed in the cabins and in tents on the beach. And no the cabins don't have glass windows, nor should they. read more

My elementary school-aged children just finished a week here at Camp Surf's Day Camp. LOVED it! Each and every day the children are busy from drop off, to pick up: surfing, boogie boarding, climbing tower, archery, skits, roasting marshmallows, earning character beads, singing songs, playing games. Talk about the quintessential Southern California summer camp experience! As a parent who works, it's always a challenge finding quality summer camp experiences. This one is a no-brainer. We will absolutely do it again and will recommend it to all our friends! PS They have a password protected website where they share with parents priceless pictures of their smiling kids in the California sun...can't be beat! read more

Just got home from a weekend at YMCA surf family camp. We had a blast. This is our third year in a row and I can truly say this is one of our family favorites. Nice get away on the beach and hassle free. We will be returning next year. read more

Incredible spot for kids! Archery, rock climbing, surfing, sand volleyball, etc. Fantastic food, excellent staff! Was thoroughly impressed with the facilities (very clean), activities, staff, and food. Can't wait to go back!!! read more

Imperial Beach is not nasty at all. Its one of the best beaches in Southern California! I stayed at Y.M.C.A Camp Surf as a child years ago, it was a memorable experiece. I just picked up my son from the Camp a few hours ago, he had a blast. They stayed in cabins. There were many activities. Good food. Made alot of friends. The counselors are very good and fun. ESPECIALLY NAT! I recommend this place to all parents who are looking for summer activities for their child. They have day camp and overnight camping in tents and cabins. Financial Aid is also available. CHECK IT OUT!!! read more

Took my girlfriends son here for surf camp this is the second year in a row he's gone and he absolutely loved it he can't wait to go back next year. read more

We just got back from the Memorial Day family camp and I was so impressed with everything!! This place is amazing the atmosphere was on point you feel like your back in 1950s San Diego. The staff was great they were visible enough that you could find someone if you had a question obut not in your face the whole time. The food was actually really really great they have a fruit bar plus lots of other options for breakfast and salad with lunch and dinner. They offered a few hot options and our whole family was happy. We camped right on the beach a few feet from the water it was truly amazing. They provide wet suits and surf and boogie boards. I really can't say enough good things about YMCA Camp Surf we will definitely be back next year !!! read more

Omg i love this camp so much, its like my other home to be honest. I dont have anything bad to say about it, the food, the counselors, the fun games, everything! is just amazing, even the cabins and the bunk beds. I do have a question though, so im gonna be a senior next year and it seems i cant join soul anymore... or can i ? or is there another group i can join that is especially for 12th graders? if so let me know :) Surf Camp ROCKS :) -karo read more

Recently attended camp surf and was overall impressed with the staff, food and activities. However, the first night we were there it was quit noisy. Camp surf states to have quite hours after 9pm but apparently the other groups did not get the memo. Staff should walk the area more often to make sure campers are actually sticking to this policy. Not only did the noise not end at 9pm but it went on until 2am in the morning. Needless to say, our group got little to no rest. Now, going on to the MAIN reason I would never go back, at 4am I had a tent invader. Someone was in my tent. Their intention? I don't know. I woke up just early enough to see their face and hand but nothing else. Should this beach be more secured? Yes! I believe so. Especially with so many children attending the camp and sleeping out on the beach on their own. I'm still traumatized by this incident. Had I not woken up when I did who knows what could have happened. Not to mention that after I had zipped my tent back up after I discovered it was half way open. The person came back and was playing with my tent. Staff should have 24 hour security/surveillance. Especially on a un gated beach and with so many children. read more

The BEST EVER! What else could be said. My daughter has gone for 4 straight years and it only gets better every year. The setting is perfect, the staff is even better. Love you, Camp Surf. (Charlie's mom). read more

My 10 year old spent 1 week and had a great time. 1st sleepover camp experience and he confessed to having homesick nights but just as quickly told me about all the things he did and accomplished. There are 12 boys per cabin. They surprising were not as gross as I had expected. Boys had fun at all camp activities. Much are posted on the websites for families to view. They also had fun goofing around. He learned a lot about surfing and is excited to keep it going. The camp is nicely run and has a good set up. Facilities and grounds are clean. Will sign up again next year! read more

My 13 yr-old grandson, who is visiting from out of state, just got back from his first week at Camp Surf. He had a blast. They did so much more than surfing--he skate-boarded, kayaked and got introduced to archery, among other things. He met friends that he hopes to stay in contact with from other states and countries, and he couldn't say enough about how great his counselors were. Apparently, the food was wonderful too! I was impressed by the attitude of every YMCA staff member I met when I picked my grandson up. Every one of them was welcoming and friendly and obviously enjoy their jobs. We're signing our grandson up again for next year. read more

I was very disappointed with 'Camp Surf." I actually grew up in Imperial Beach and I wanted my 12 year old daughter to experience surfing at my home beach while visiting last summer. When I called to register I specifically asked how many surf hours out of the 8 hour day their would be, they told me 2 hours with an option to surf 5 or 6 hours if they wanted. Turns out that was not true and they had my daughter on the beach most of the day playing land games. She only surfed 1 hour. She did not want to return the 2nd day, because we were visiting from 14 hours away and she wanted to surf! I kindly asked to be refunded since it was not what we were told, paying for the first day of course. After a slew of phone calls I was pretty much told maybe I could get refunded, and then they never returned any of my further calls to actually get my money. $ 220.00 down the drain! They should re-name the camp "Beach Camp" because they hardly surf. read more