Aloha Beach Camp Summer Camp Blog 2022

​Two summers ago, in 2020, we were unable to open camp due to COVID-19.

In 2021, we operated on a limited scale while still under the cloud of COVID.

 For instance, we had a blast at the beach, but were to unable visit Castaic Lake for boating, wakeboarding, tubing or jet skiing as part of our phased reopening plan while still dealing with COVID-19.

This summer, for 2022, we are hoping and planning for a return to normalcy while offering all the   usual activities and experiences campers love. 

At the same time, the Omicron variant is raging.  And as we all know, the only thing predictable about the coronavirus pandemic -- and what may happen next -- is unpredictability itself.

Accordingly, even though we are hoping to reimplement lake activities, and all the other events and locations campers have come to know and love about Aloha, it's prudent for all of us to move forward with a certain degree of educated skepticism that   COVID-19   is completely behind us, and   everything will be normal for summer 2022. 

So please consider this post a   friendly "heads-up."  While we always strive   to present the program and activities we plan for, COVID-19 might throw us a curveball. Activities, events, experiences and    other offerings may be modified, unavailable, subject to limited capacity, closure, or   cancellation depending   on evolving COVID-19 circumstances or other reasons without notice.

In the age of COVID, we're all used to this by now. We hope you will go with the flow and understand that no matter what happens, we will always error on the side of keeping campers, staff and the public    safe while presenting the best possible program for kids.

Can't wait to see you this summer. Aloha!!

We hope your family is healthy and safe and you are looking forward to a fantastic 2022 summer camp season. We are posting this message in late December 2021 and will update it as necessary going forward as summer 2022 draws near.  Meanwhile, we will take the following health and safety measures to   protect campers, staff, and families against the spread of COVD-19.

RELATED: How   COVID -19 may impact camp activities this summer

Limited Capacity:   In the past, we've hosted hundreds of kids at camp. In light of COVID-19, capacity is restricted to just 30 campers.

 Vaccination: Camp counselors and staff will be fully vaccinated. Eligible campers   are required to be fully  vaccinated prior to attending camp.   Campers who are inelligible  for vaccination much show proof of a negative PCR   COVID test  within 72 hours of arriving at camp.

​Physical Distancing:   Participants will be spaced apart  to the extent  feasible  while at camp.   Campers will generally partipcate in camp activities within their own camper  groups, separate from other groups.

Sanitation:  Campers and staff will  santize/wash their hands throughout the  day.  Hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the campsite. Toys and equipment will be sanitized  throughout the day with limited-to-no sharing among groups.   Camp vehicles  will be disinfected each day. Most meals will be  eaten outside.

Face coverings:  Campers and staff will wear masks when traveling in camp vehicles and while participating in indoor activites, except we do not anticipate mask-wearing will be required within cag bin groups since campers and staff will generally remain with their own groups separated from other groups.

Air Travel: Participants traveling to Hawaii must follow the rules and regulations outlined on the Hawaii Safe Travels website . These may include showing including proof of vaccination status and/or a negative COVID test from an approved facility within 72 hours of entering Hawaii and attending camp.

From singing songs on the beach to  learning to surf,   younger children ages   4 to 7 love  our Keiki Camp program.  Keiki Camp takes place at lifeguard tower 7 at Zuma Beach. It's the first beach day camp just for younger kids.  So many fun things to do!

Want to see something funny? Our counselors thought we were snapping a photo. But it was a VIDEO! LOL!

Every day we received questions from concerned parents regarding our plans to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our camp communiy.

Though restrictions are loosening, will always error on side of health, safety and caution.

You will likely see the CDC coming out with new camp guidelines sooner rather than later, although we are under the guidance of the LA County Dept of Public Health. 

While are most of the restrictions, as they stand now, are quite feasible for us, as being outside at the beach is among the safest places you can be.  Staff will be vaccinated and wearing masks, kids will wear them when not swimming, eating or participating in physical activity, and all the groups/cohorts will have their own equipment with no sharing between groups.

Everyone will wear masks on the bus with windows down. Buses will be disinfected 2 to 3 x per day. We may eliminate some or most of the field trip locations and keep everything at the beach depending on certain conditions. We are the only beach camp licensed, permitted and accredited by the LA County Dept. of Beaches and Harbors, LA County Dept. of Public Health, and American Camp Association. The LA County Dept of Public Health is the same govt agency that sets COVID protocol.

We assume things will loosen even more, and will make adjustments accordingly going forward. But for now, this is part of our plan.

We had a fantastic online open house  last weekend!  If you joined us, we hope you found it useful and informative. If you missed it, don't worry  -- we've already got our next  open house  on the calendar and hope you can make it for this one.

Aloha Beach Camp is getting full, with demand for summer camp  in 2021  already at an all time high. Don't miss out!   Reserve your space at our virtual summer camp open house for Sunday, April 11. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Each day we get emails from parents who want to sign up their kids for beach camp.

Many of the messages contain the same questions, so it caused us to think, "there must be many more other families out there who have the same questions, but haven't taken the time to ask."

So, here's a quick post of some of the questions (and answers!) we received just this morning. You can always visit our FAQ's if you have additional questions, or feel free to leave us a comment here and we'll respond right away. We are here to help!

Aloha Beach Camp does not operate according to prearranged sessions. You can pick and choose the days you want to send your kids to camp. Read about unique day-by-day enrollment where you can in essence "cherry-pick" the days you want your child to come to camp.

There's an interesting article on lasummercamps.com today. Talks about how the coronavirus has created a huge demand for kids' summer camps and how tough it will be for parents to find available space at camp this year.

From a personal perspective, we can tell you we still have room for your camper at Aloha, but it's getting tight. Everything the article says is true. Here's the link again so you're up to speed on how hard it might be to find room as camp this summer in a post-pandemic environment.

Of course we hope you'll choose Aloha Beach Camp! We're L.A.'s only   5-Star, American Camp Association Accredited  beach camp with operating licenses and   permits  from the  Los Angeles County Dept. of Beaches and Harbors  and  the L.A. County Dept. of Public  Health.  That means we are a COVID-compliant business  dedicated to your child's health,   safety and fun at camp this summer. ​

That means this coming summer is more meaningful and important  than ever. Demand for camp is at an all-time high, and  many programs are already enrolling kids.   In fact,  many camps are reporting an interesting trend: As COVID restrictions  begin to relax and the vaccine provides new hope for some return  to normalcy,   families are signing  up for camp earlier than  ever  while recognizing how  competitive finding available space at the top camps this year will be.

The question  remains, though: How do you even FIND the best summer camps?   Simply signing up for the first camp you find isn't enough, let alone wise. You need to make sure you're  choosing one with  appropriate credentials,  a  proven track record,  quality reputation and an overall above-board program where the counselors and staff are committed to  creating a  safe, fun  and memorable experience for your kids this summer.

Aloha Beach Camp has a profile  listing there, too. But in addition to us, you can find literally any type of  camp you want, according to any criteria important to you, such as type of camp, camp location, etc. enabling you to find the best summer program for your kids this year. ​