Instead of listening to “I’m bored” this summer, why not consider an overnight camp experience for your kids. If they’ve never been away from home before, this is a great approach to getting started where they’ll be kept busy, meet friends, learn new skills and maybe want to go back every year! Some of these sleepaway camps are a bit of a drive, but the extra journey will be worth it as your kids settle into some of the prettiest places in California and potentially have one of the best summers of their lives!

Camp Ocean Pines

Located on the central California coast in Cambria, Camp Ocean Pines – established in 1946 – sits on thirteen acres of Monterey Pine Forest that overlook the ocean and is located on Northern Chumash and Salinan land. Kids select from daily activities such as arts and crafts, hiking, singing, acting, ocean kayaking, swimming and more from a flex schedule. They sleep in authentically constructed strawbale cabins overlooking the Pacific Ocean and dine in a historic, ocean view dining lodge.

Kennolyn Camp – Santa Cruz Mountains

Set among 450 acres of private Redwood forest in Soquel, California, kids camping at the Kennolyn Camp Santa Cruz Mountains location participate and try activities such as animal care, outdoor adventures, sports, yoga, biking, swimming, ropes courses, ceramics and much more. Cabins surround an adorable and actual Town Square that looks like a hidden village in the Redwoods. 

Kennolyn Camp – Huntington Lake

Kennolyn Camp – Huntington Lake – for kids in grades five to 11 – is all about the water. In the Sierras, 45 miles south of Yosemite, activities include wakeboarding, tubing, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, diving, canoeing, kayaking and other splashy activities that require getting wet. Kids experience rustic tent camping and meals prepared in an outdoor kitchen and served campfire side. 

Camp Natoma

Sleeping under the stars, connecting with nature and being creative are what campers will experience at Camp Natoma located on 360 acres in the Adelaida Mountains between San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles. Operating since 1941, this traditional overnight camp encourages rock-hopping through creeks, singing camp songs, swimming, trying new outdoor activities and making life-long friends. Kids sleep outside on cots and eat in an open-air dining hall. 

If you are searching for a new home, San Joaquin Valley Homes is still busy building homes throughout the Central Valley. Our model homes are open daily and virtual tours are available on our website for your convenience. Our model hours are Sunday and Monday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit www.sjvhomes.com for more information.