With temperatures reaching record-breaking triple-digit numbers in a large part of the country – notably California, Nevada and Arizona – it’s safe to say that the season has arrived wherein many parents are signing their kids up for summer camp. For many of these parents, the concept of summer camp is envisioned as an antidote to the burdens of modern life; an opportunity for their children to drop the omni-present iPhones and tablets and immerse themselves in a simpler world.

In the 1870s and 1880s, the original concept of summer camp promised boys a chance to escape the hubbub of urban modern life; indeed, “roughing it,” as one early camp founder said, defined character and helped youth out of “dying of indoor-ness.” In 1900, there were fewer than 100 camps in the U.S, but by 1918 there were more than 1,000 – quite the impressive jump.

While we still live in the modern age, you’re going to have to eventually give your kids their iPhones back…but in the meantime, the following roundup of the top local summer camps in Woodland Hills – from performance and art to traditionally fun types – will make this separation anxiety a bit easier to bear.

Art/Performance Camps in Woodland Hills

The Actors Space West is a Woodland Hills-based facility offering professional classes for film and television, with a summer camp program that includes Acting for Film and Television 2017 courses. This two-week day camp for young folks who dream of working in film and television – or those who just want to experience what it’s like to work on a short film – runs from June 19 to June 30 (the first session, which is already sold out for this season) with additional sessions that run from July 10 to 21 (for ages nine to 13) and from July 24 to August 4 (Teen Camp for ages 13 to 19). Campers will get a chance to shoot an actual 15- to 25-minute short film (starring themselves) and even have the opportunity to walk down the red carpet for paparazzi interviews! The Actors Space West is located at 22747 ½ Ventura Boulevard.
camps in woodland hills
Calico Canvas offers art classes for children, teens and adults as well as meaningful and fun artistic development for children and grownups of all ages. The facility’s Summer Art Camp began on the 20th of this month, and is ideal for ages six through teens, offering the perfect fun and educational addition to any summer vacation with painting, crafts and more. Whether you have never thought of yourself as artistic, or you are looking to expand your artistic skills (along with your kids), Calico Canvas’ step-by-step instruction will guide you on the path to creating something beautiful. The facility is located at 20969 Ventura Boulevard #229.

Traditional Camps in Woodland Hills

Amongst the top camps in Woodland Hills, Cali Camp has been called “the best summer camp for kids in Los Angeles” by many who have sent their children here for the season – and for good reason. The facility has become renowned as being a place for laughter, growth and adventure, accommodating kids aged three to 15 with a myriad of activities this mere paragraph could never give justice to. Nestled in a wondrous natural world in the heart of rock-lined Topanga Canyon, Cali Camp is an oasis in which to roam streams, meadows and oak trees, allowing kids to forget about the city for a while and enter an entirely new world. From rock climbing to art and from adventure camp to equestrian camp, every activity here launches each camper’s experience; indeed, campers can reclaim their connection to the environment while fueling their imaginations. Cali Camp is located at 1717 Old Topanga Canyon Road in Topanga.

Camp Calabasas looks forward to getting to know you and your child by way of a partnership with the Little Learners LLC program, which has been providing quality camp regimens for over 13 school years in Agoura Hills and Calabasas. The programs offer premium experiences for each child that attends, regardless of whether it’s during or after school, with seasonal schedules, recreational activities and enrichment classes. For 2017, Camp Calabasas is offering several programs that are not only fun but filled with weekly field trips, special themes and unique “days” such as Jamba Juice Days, Reptile Show Days and more, in addition to swimming, sports, cooking, science and arts and crafts indulgences. The camp is located at 3701 Lost Hills Road in Calabasas.