8 Overnight Summer Camps in Southern California

With core activities centering on mountain adventures, science exploration, and arts and crafts, there's plenty of creative fun to be had at AstroCamp. Nightly and themed activities, plus a heated indoor pool, disc golf course, and other attractions, will keep kids occupied in their off-hours. They also offer specialty overnight camp sessions, like Geek Week and Camp CHOP’s Cooking Summer Camp.

Campers can summer by the sea and learn everything there is to know about surfing- the basics, paddling, catching waves, standing up, turning techniques, etiquette, ocean awareness, and safety. Off-hours are spent touring the city, skateboarding, playing ping pong or basketball, and helping repair surfboard dings. Of course, campfires and recap videos of everyone's surfing trials are popular, too.

Teens get an immersive creative experience at SOCAPA's performing arts camps. With acting, dancing, music, filmmaking, and photography, plus a unique action film & mountain biking session, kids will hone their craft. There are "boot camp" courses, introductory units, and advanced classes to suit each skill level. Day camp options also available.

This boys-only sleepaway camp invites youth to climb a 30-foot rock wall, take on a ropes course challenge, learn archery, and hike in the great outdoors. Each week involves a field trip and similarly themed activities. The city of LA oversees the facility, so they manage applications and the potential waiting list. Older teens can participate in the Camper Leadership Training program.

The city of LA manages this girls sleepaway camp, and space is limited so sign up early! Camp activities like rock climbing, ziplining, archery, crafts, swimming, and more encourage girls to stay active, but leadership skills are also promoted. Themed weeks include outdoor and indoor pursuits, creative activities, and field trips. They also offer Camper Leadership Development programs for ages 15-17.

This outdoor-centered camp gets kids in and under the water with kayaking, scuba diving, and other watersports. They also spend time playing games, rock climbing, learning archery, tackling obstacle courses, and more! Transportation to and from San Pedro is offered as part of camp tuition.

This empowering creative arts summer camp offers campers "immersives" to focus on during their camp session, like rock band, film and photo, journalism, DJ, and music production, giving girls plenty of opportunities to express themselves, be creative without judgment, and learn something new! Additional highlights include recreational activities like rock climbing, swimming, zip lining, karaoke, whitewater rafting and more.

Mandy Hampton Fitch said:  Our daughter had never been to sleep away camp. After hearing amazing things about it from friends, we send her off for two weeks and she had the time of her life! She sang, took photos, learned about podcasting, spoke French with some of the girls there and made friends she will have forever. Can't say enough great things about this place!

Not your traditional overnight summer camp experience, The Road Less Traveled offers unique life changing travel opportunities for middle school and high school students. Students can travel to places around the United States, as well as internationally, to engage in meaningful community and environmental service opportunities, language immersion programs, and enjoy unforgettable summer adventures.