Before you sign up for camp, we realize you may have questions. We've tried to answer them here. Please don't hesitate to contact us for additional information.
SUMMER CAMP PROGRAM and ACTIVITY QUESTIONS
What is Aloha Beach Camp?
Aloha Beach Camp is an aquatic-themed summer camp in Los Angeles for kids, teens, and tweens. The camp is comprised of three age-appropriate programs under the Aloha Beach Camp name. "Keiki Camp" is exclusively for younger children ages 4 through 7. "Kahuna Camp" is for campers 8 to 11. "High Action Camp" is for older kids 12-15 years old. All three programs offer safe and exciting aquatic camp activities, convenient day-by-day enrollment, daily transportation to and from camp, top-notch staff and equipment, low camper-to-counselor ratios, 100% safety records, and a no-questions-asked, 100% money-back guarantee.
If Keiki Camp is just for younger kids, what's the difference between the Kahuna and High Action Camps?
Kahuna Camp and High Action Camp are mostly the same with respect to activities and campsite locations. One main difference is the Kahuna Camp visits Paradise Cove on a routine basis, whereas the High Action Camp generally does not. In addition, the pace of the Kahuna Camp is a bit slower than the High Action Camp for a more age-appropriate camp experience.
Why Doesn't the High Action Camp go to Paradise Cove?
In previous years the High Action kids visited not just Paradise Cove on a routine basis, but also many other beaches from Oxnard to the South Bay. This summer we have decided to stick with Zuma, Castaic Lake, and Oxnard/Ventura predominantly because the older kids seem to like those more, although from time to time High Action kids may still visit Paradise Cove as well as other beaches, who knows?!
There is no traditional campsite like you'll find at other camps. Instead, the beautiful southern California coastline is our campsite! Aloha Beach Camp's Keiki Camp program takes place at Paradise Cove, Malibu with occasional field trips to Zuma Beach. The High Action Camp takes place at Zuma Beach on most Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays with Wednesday field trips to Castaic Lake and Thursday field trips to places like Channel Islands Harbor for ocean kayaking activities. Kahuna Camp does the same, except Kahuna campers also visit Paradise Cove and other beaches as part of their beach camp program. The Keiki Camp activity schedule, Kahuna Camp activity schedule, and High Action Camp activity schedules indicate where we'll be on which days. (From time-to-time we may add additional activities, change locations, and incorporate special events which could change the preplanned schedule but we will always do our best to let you know beforehand.)
What's the camp's philosophy?
Kids who participate in our program enjoy a camp experience that rivals the most memorable times of their lives. They develop lifelong water safety skills and master new aquatic sports like surfing and boogie boarding. They study beach and ocean safety, wave judgment and selection, and how to swim safely in the ocean and more, always with an emphasis on beach safety and environmental respect. When summer's over, Aloha kids come away with a new sense of self confidence, esteem, and appreciation for the beach and ocean environment so they can enjoy these natural wonders safely all their lives.
Who are the camp counselors?
Our camp staff is comprised of college students, teachers, and other childcare professionals with years of experience working with kids, and years of experience working at Aloha Beach Camp. Most are returning for their 5th or 6th year working with us. Many have grown up through our program, starting as campers and working their way up the ranks to become counselors and directors. Our staff is chosen for their ability to work with kids in a leadership capacity plus serve as positive role models. Aloha camp counselors must pass a rigorous 3-phase interview process including at least two person-to-person interviews, 3rd party reference checks, and a criminal background check. Their top priorities are protecting your child's safety while making sure they have lots of fun at camp!
Is previous ocean experience required to participate?
Absolutely not! Aloha Beach Camp's activities are instructional and presented at each child's most comfortable pace. Some campers are experiencing the beach and ocean environment for the first time while others are more experienced. Our program is designed to accommodate kids from every aquatic background so everyone will be safe and have fun no matter what.
Is it safe?
Not only is this a very important question, it's one we're asked quite often as you can imagine. Please know we are sensitive to your concerns and impose strict safety guidelines at all times. Our equipment is top-of-the-line, our staff is experienced and well-trained, and our risk-management program virtually eliminates risk where it can be eliminated. You'll be pleased to know any risks you can think of are generally more perceived than actual. One thing we hope you won’t do is deny your child a fantastic beach camp experience at Aloha because you think it might be less safe than traditional camps. Truth is, you'll be hard pressed to find another camp ANYWHERE where your child will be safer than they will with us...and our 13-year, 100% safety record proves it. In fact there's a motto we picked up from some old sailing buddies we now use as our underlying philosophy: "If it's not safe, we're not gonna do it, and if it's not fun, we're not going to do it for very long.” We welcome your calls and emails to discuss safety in further detail.
ENROLLMENT AND TUITION QUESTIONS
What is "day-by-day enrollment?"
Day-by-day enrollment gives you complete flexibility in planning for camp. You can truly customize your own camp schedule. You don’t have to conform to rigid camp sessions because we don't even have any sessions. Instead you can send your child to camp a day here, a day there ... whatever works best for your family. Feel free to take a family vacation, send your child to summer school, or even attend other camps. Day-by-day enrollment means your other summer activities will not conflict with camp scheduling ever again! Just tell us which days you want to come to camp (they can be any days you want), and as long as we've got room for you, you're in! :)
What is the "Name Your Own Price for Summer Camp" option?
New for 2013, Aloha Beach Camp offers a Season Pass for kids and families who want to save money, guarantee their space at camp, and make the most of the summer experience. With a summer camp Season Pass, kids can attend camp every day all summer on an unlimited basis with NO BLACKOUT DATES. Just show up at the bus each morning because we'll always have room for you, then get ready for a day filled with adventure! The regular price for the Season Pass is $4,650, which is already a nice discount from regular camp prices. But if you would like to pay even less than that, now you can name your own price for camp!
What is the Enrollment Protection Plan?
For just $50, the Enrollment Protection Plan lets you make free unlimited changes to your child's enrollment schedule all summer. You can trade a day here for a day there, switch one week for another, etc. If you don't buy the Enrollment Protection Plan, every change you make will cost $35. The Enrollment Protection Plan is a bargain because it pays for itself immediately. If you'd like to take advantage of this Plan, check the appropriate box on your child's enrollment form.
What if my child doesn't like camp?
We're pretty sure that won't happen, but we offer a 100% money back guarantee just in case. If you're not completely satisfied, we'll give you all your money back, no questions asked, and best of all we'll still be friends, no hard feelings whatsoever.
Daily transportation, on safety-equipped, fully insured buses and vans, is available from your area. To ensure short rides and reliable schedules, we've arranged convenient meeting points. Morning pick-up is between 8:00 - 9:00 AM, and afternoon drop-off is between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM. A link to the transportation sign up form (which includes a detailed pick up and drop off schedule with associated meeting times) will be available in this space soon.
Who drives the vehicles?
Driving duties are typically handled by professional school bus drivers, and sometimes Aloha Beach Camp counselors. Each vehicle usually has at least one additional staff member on board for added safety and supervision.
What are the pick-up and drop-off boundaries? Where do we meet the bus?
A detailed bus information chart will be posted soon. The bus chart will describe meeting point locations and associated pick-up and drop-off times. Meanwhile, below you will find a general list of bus stops. (Please keep in mind new stops may be added, and exiting ones consolidated, depending on enrollment.)
The general transportation service area is bounded by:
Porter Ranch/Granada Hills to the North;
Wilshire Blvd. to the South;
Studio City/Toluca Lake to the East; and
Calabasas/Agoura to the West
We also have pick-up points at:
3rd Street School in Hancock Park
The Brentwood Country Club in Brentwood
Palisades High School in the Pacific Palisades; and
Bluffs Park in Malibu
How do we choose our meeting point?
You can choose your meeting point on your enrollment form when you sign up for camp.
Do the buses have seat belts?
Yes. All Aloha Beach Camp vehicles are equipped with seat belts which are required to be worn by every passenger at all times.
What if we live outside the bus service area?
If you live outside the pick-up area, please let us know because we still may be able to accommodate you.
GENERAL SUMMER CAMP QUESTIONS
Is Aloha Beach Camp accredited?
Yes. Aloha Beach Camp is fully accredited by the American Camp Association. In fact, we are the first and ONLY accredited camp also sponsored by Billabong. If the summer camp you're considering isn't accredited, that means they may not be conforming to certain safety standards, so be careful!
Are you having any Open Houses?
Yes. Our next open house Sunday, May 19 at at our Paradise Cove location from 11:00 in the morning to 2:00 in the afternoon. Here is more information about the open house. If you can't make it May 19 (and even if you can), you might want to host an Aloha Beach Camp open house at your home of office. In this case, we will come to your location to discuss the Aloha Beach Camp program with your friends, family or co-workers, and you can get a nice discount and camp merchandise for your time as the host. There is no cost or obligation, and these are fun events for everyone, so if you're interested please let us know.
I have more questions. What should I do?
Email or call us at (818) 932-4600 or toll free at 1-888-51-ALOHA. Please also visit our blog or Facebook pages where you can learn a lot more about our summer camp. We are looking forward to hearing from you and seeing you at camp this summer!