Aloha Beach Camp Summer Camp FAQs
Before you sign up for camp, we understand you may have questions. We've done our best to answer them here, but please don't hesitate to reach out to us for more information any time.
1. What is Aloha Beach Camp?
Aloha Beach Camp is an aquatic-themed summer day camp for kids, teens, and tweens in Los Angeles, California. The camp is comprised of three age-appropriate programs under the Aloha Beach Camp name: Keiki Camp (ages 4-6), Kahuna Camp (ages 7-10), and Nalu Camp (ages 11-13). All three programs include over 200 exciting aquatic activities, convenient day-by-day enrollment, free transportation, top-notch counselors, modern equipment, low camper-to-counselor ratios, 100% safety records, and risk-free, 100% money-back guarantees.
2. What's the Difference Between the Keiki, Kahuna and Nalu Camp Programs?
The programs are similar, with differences mostly based on age groups. Keiki Camp has the slowest pace, Kahuna Camp is slightly more relaxed, and Nalu Camp is faster-paced. This age-appropriate approach maximizes each child’s summer camp experience.
3. Where is Aloha Beach Camp Located?
We consider Zuma Beach our home, but campers also take trips to other aquatic locations including beaches and harbors like Channel Islands Harbor and Oxnard Beach Park. Each camp program visits different sites based on age group. Check out the daily activity schedules for the Keiki Camp, Kahuna Camp, and Nalu Camp programs to see where various activities take place this summer.
4. What are the Camp Activities?
Our activities include surfing, sand-castle building, boogie boarding, beach hikes, ocean kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and much more.
5. Who Are the Camp Counselors?
Our staff is comprised of college students, certified school teachers, and professionals, many of whom return yearly. All staff members undergo rigorous vetting, including interviews, reference checks, and background checks. Safety and fun are their top priorities.
6. What is the Camp's Philosophy?
We emphasize safety, environmental respect, and building water skills. We encourage participation, but campers are never forced to do activities and come away with confidence and ocean safety knowledge.
7. Does My Child Need to Know How to Swim?
No. Our program accommodates all swimming levels, including beginners. We offer fun activities both in the water and on the sand.
8. Does My Child Need to Take a Swim Test?
We do a casual "swim assessment" on the first day. Campers enter the shallow water with counselors, and it feels like a fun game. This helps us support each child’s comfort and safety in the ocean.
9. Is Prior Ocean Experience Required to Participate?
No. Some campers are experiencing the ocean for the first time, while others are more familiar. We tailor activities to all comfort levels.
10. Can My Child Be in the Same Group as Their Friends?
Yes! Just list friends on your child's registration form, and we’ll do our best to group them together.
11. Are the Camp Activities Safe?
We adhere to strict safety standards and follow all American Camp Association guidelines. Our equipment and staff are well-prepared to keep campers safe. We have a 100% safety record for 26 years.
12. How Will My Child Get to Camp?
We provide free daily transportation on insured buses and vans. Pickup is between 8-9 AM, with drop-off between 4-5 PM.
13. Where Are the Transportation Meeting Points?
We have pickup points throughout Los Angeles and the Valley, including locations like 3rd Street School in Hancock Park, Bluffs Park in Malibu, and more.
14. Does Transportation Cost Extra?
No, transportation is included in the camp tuition.
15. Who Drives the Buses?
Professional bus drivers drive the buses. Counselors ride the buses with campers for safety and supervision.
16. How Do We Pick Our Meeting Point?
Select the closest meeting point to your home on your child's camp registration form. We have over 20 locations for convenience.
17. What Are the Pick-Up and Drop-Off Times?
Morning pick-up is between 8 AM and 9 AM. Afternoon drop-off is between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Here's a link to our 2025 transportation meeting point pick-up and drop-off schedule. Please note you will also receive a dedicated transportation packet in the mail confirming your family's specific bus information, including pick-up and drop-off times and chosen meeting point location, the week before your child starts camp.
18. What if We Live Outside the Transportation Area?
If you're outside our boundaries, let us know. We may be able to establish a new bus stop that meets your needs.
19. How Long Does the Bus Ride Take?
We aim to keep rides under 60 minutes. Our counselors keep campers entertained on the bus with games and activities.
20. Do the Kids Do Activities on the Bus?
Yes. Counselors engage campers with games and activities making the bus ride a fun part of the camp day.
21. Is There a Discount if We Don't Use the Bus?
No. The bus experience is an integral part of the day, and the transportation fee is included regardless of usage.
22. Do the Buses Have Seat Belts?
Yes, all buses have seat belts, which are required to be worn by all passengers at all times.
23. How Much Does Aloha Beach Camp Cost?
Our Early Bird Discount price is $165 per day, expiring March 1. The price will increase to $192 starting March 2. Visit our dates and rates page for more details.
24. What are the 2025 Summer Camp Dates?
Camp runs from Monday, June 16 to Friday, August 22, operating Monday through Friday except July 4 when camp will be closed.
25. What are the Starting and Ending Times?
Pick-up is between 8-9 AM, and drop-off is between 4-5 PM. If you’re driving, drop-off is 9:45 AM and pickup is 2:35 PM.
26. What is Day-by-Day Enrollment?
We offer flexible day-by-day enrollment, allowing you to pick specific days that work best for you.
27. What's the Enrollment Protection Plan?
For $50, you can make unlimited enrollment changes all summer. Without it, each change costs $35.
28. We've Heard Aloha Beach Camp Fills Up Fast. How Much Space Do You Have Left?
Space is limited, so please check our availability page and sign up early to avoid the waitlist.
29. Is there a Registration Deadline?
There’s no strict deadline, but signing up sooner helps you secure a spot and any available discounts.
30. What if My Child Needs to Miss a Day of Camp?
You can schedule a makeup day, space permitting. Let us know, and we’ll arrange an alternate day for you.
31. Do You Offer Any Discounts?
Yes, our Early Bird Discount offers $27 off per day, with additional savings with today's coupon and when signing up siblings, too.
32. How Do We Sign Up for Camp?
Visit our registration information page and use the online enrollment form to sign up for camp.
33. Who Owns the Camp?
Aloha Beach Camp is a family business owned and operated by Eric and Teri Naftulin, husband and wife, for the past 25 years. Eric's on site with the campers each day all summer while Teri runs the camp office.
34. How Long Have You Been in Business?
Aloha Beach Camp was founded in 1999 by Eric and Teri Naftulin. Summer 2025 will be our 26th year in business.
35. Is Aloha Beach Camp Accredited?
Yes. Aloha Beach Camp is fully accredited by the first and ONLY accredited beach and surf camp in the Los Angeles area. If the camp you're considering is not accredited, then it may not be complying with certain summer camp safety standards, so please be careful!
36. How Can We Connect with You on Social Media?
We'd appreciate the opportunity to connect with you, too! Please join us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. Read our Yelp reviews, too!
37. What Should My Child Wear and Bring to Camp?
After you sign up for camp, we'll send you a "Family Handbook" which describes what to wear and bring to each day. But generally, we suggest a bathing suit, towel, sunscreen, and lunch inside a backpack. You might also want to send a change of clothes for the end of the day. Campers can also bring a little spending money if they want to buy lunch or snacks at camp. Other than that, you'll be all set!
38. What if We Sign Up for Camp but Our Child Doesn't Like It?
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 at all. (Please note, your camper must attend his or her first two scheduled days of camp to qualify for the money-back guarantee. After the first two days, there will be no refunds.)
39. What Are Your COVID-19 Protocols?
Aloha Beach Camp is the only Los Angeles beach camp Licensed and Permitted as an Organized Children's Camp by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health -- the very same government agency who regulates and sets policy to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Accordingly, you can be sure we follow all regulations and guidelines to keep your child as healthy and safe as possible at camp.
40. Where Can We See Pictures and Videos of Camp?
Instagram and YouTube are great starting points. We post pictures on Facebook pretty often, too. And we also have a few photo albums posted here on the website. Here's a page of 21 photos of our most popular activities. And here's a photo and video album of all the fun things your child will do at camp.
41. Can Parents Visit Camp?
Aloha Beach Camp has always had an open-door policy on parent visitation. In prior summers, we've even had organized "Parent Days" where you can come to the beach to see all the fun things your child is doing at camp and meet other camp families, too. Unfortunately, this summer could be different in light of COVID-19. State and local guidelines mandate us to limit the number of people at camp, so as of now, we are unsure whether we will be able to have visitors at camp this summer. If you would like to visit your child at camp, please contact us ahead of time to confirm whether we can host visitors at camp.
42. When is Your Next Open House?
Join us Saturday, May 4 at Lifeguard Tower 7 on Zuma Beach for an Open House. Bring the whole family to play games, sample camp activities, meet our staff, and see how camp operates during the summertime. We offer a variety of activities and programs for all ages, and we would love to show you around!
43. We Have More Questions. What Should We Do?
Don't forget to come to our next Open House to meet us and get all your questions answered in person. You can also email or call us whenever you want at (818) 932-4600. Please also visit our blog or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram where you can learn a lot more about our summer camp. We're looking forward to connecting with you and seeing you at camp this summer!
