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Everyone knows that the Central California coast is the perfect place to spend the summer months. Not too hot and not too cold, with the welcoming Pacific Ocean lapping at our beautiful shores. And while it's a great place for the whole family, did you know that the area is home to some amazing summer camp opportunities for kids?
Four Fun Summer Camps in Morro Bay
Summer camps have been around forever. While modern camps may look flashier than those we remember from childhood, not much has changed. Camps are still a great way for kids to spend a little time away from home and build independence. They're also fabulous for discovering new interests and hobbies, making new friends, and gaining an appreciation for the outdoors and other activities.
The fun summer camps in Morro Bay are, of course, centered around the ocean and the great outdoors. There are activities suitable for nearly all ages, and there are plenty of options no matter what your little ones are into.
Morro Bay Little Guards
What could be better than going to the beach every day? The Morro Bay Little Guards program is focused on kids ages six to nine. With its lifeguard theme, there is no doubt that this camp will make all beach-lovers happy. Kids learn the skills and knowledge to enjoy the beach life for the rest of their lives. There's plenty of time in the water--always supervised and safe.
Little Guards is a two-week program held at the North Jetty inside Morro Rock. Sessions are held on the Widdle Walls beach--which got its name for the kid-sized "little walls" waves that wrap around the point. Each session has three hours of instruction focusing on team building, fitness, education, and water safety.
Camp Ocean Pines
The technology-free Ocean Pines camp is modeled after the classic American summer camp experience. They focus on three goals--creating social connections, exploring your environment, and growth through challenges and experiences.
Camp Ocean Pines is located in Cambria, a 30-minute drive north of Morro Bay. It was started back in 1946 and has served more than 100,000 campers over the years. The site is located on 13 acres of pine forests near the ocean.
Project Surf Camp
Project Surf Camp is a special needs camp aimed at getting people to the water that might otherwise not have the opportunity. Each camp session is a half-day (four hours) with "specialist intervention," so each participant gets feedback and support. Thanks to the magic of surfing and the power of the ocean, campers are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and have fun.
Campers meet at Coleman Park each morning. Morro Bay Parks and Recreation hosts the camp at Morro Rock Beach near the outlet of Morro Creek.
Camp KEEP
Camp KEEP (Kern Environmental Education Program) hosts a summer and spring series of field trips that explore various Central California coastal ecosystems. Your kids will get to practice some hands-on science skills while visiting some of the area's most beautiful tidepools, ocean coastlines, beaches, and estuaries.
KEEP also offers ongoing virtual sessions and residential programs in the fall. Check their website for the summer schedule, which includes locations for each camp.
Make it a Summer to Remember with Morro Bay Summer Camps
One look at the Morro Bay area is enough to convince anyone that it's a great place to spend the summer. Imagine being a kid again and getting to explore the coast while trying new activities and making new friends. Even if you don't have time to join a camp, a simple trip to see the local wildlife at Estero Bluffs State Park is sure to inspire. Morro Bay is full of treasures, and summer is the perfect time to explore for the whole family.
