Aloha Beach Camp Summer Camp FAQ's. All Your Questions Answered Here
Before you sign up for camp, we know you may have questions. We've done our best to answer them here, but please don't hesitate to contact us for more information any time.
Program and Activity Questions
Everything you need to know about Aloha Beach Camp's 2024 summer camp activities and program. Contact us any time for additional information.
1. What is Aloha Beach Camp?
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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 is exclusively for younger campers ages 4 through 6 • Kahuna Camp is for campers 7 to 10 • Nalu Camp is for older kids 11 to 13 years old All three programs include over 200 exciting aquatic activities, convenient day-by-day enrollment, free transportation to and from camp, top-notch counselors and staff, modern high-end equipment, low camper-to-counselor ratios,100% safety records, and risk-free,100% money-back guarantees. |
Aloha Beach Camp offers 3 age appropriate summer beach day camp programs for L.A. kids and teens.
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2. What's the Difference Between the Keiki, Kahuna and Nalu Camp Programs?
The programs are much more similar than different. The major difference between them generally relates to the age-level they're designed for. The pace at Kahuna Camp is slightly more relaxed than Nalu's. The pace at Keiki Camp is a little slower than Kahuna's. This age-appropriate approach enables your child to make the most of their summer camp experience with us while enjoying a safe and fun beach camp experience they'll never forget.
3. Where is Aloha Beach Camp Located?
Along with our primary location at Zuma Beach, campers take day trips to other beaches and harbors to explore some of the best aquatic venues L.A. has to offer.
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We consider Zuma Beach our home because camp takes place there most of the time. But the fun doesn't stop there. We also take field trips to Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard Beach Park and many other aquatic venues on a routine basis so campers can experience all the best aquatic sites L.A. has to offer. The Keiki Camp daily activity schedule, Kahuna Camp daily activity schedule, and Nalu Camp daily activity schedule indicate the specific locations that each individual program will visit this summer. (From time-to-time we may add or change locations, and/or incorporate different activities or special events which could necessitate modifications from pre-planned schedules, but we'll always do our best to tell you beforehand.)
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4. What are the Camp Activities?
When you sign up for Aloha Beach Camp, your camper will enjoy over 300 safe and fun beach camp activities ranging from surfing to sand-castle-building, boogie boarding to beach hikes, ocean kayaking to stand-up paddle boarding, and so much more. Here's an in-depth look at this summer's Keiki Camp, Kahuna Camp and Nalu Camp daily activity schedule so you can see all the different activities your kids will experience at camp this summer.
5. Who Are the Camp Counselors?
Aloha Beach Camp's staff is comprised of college students, certified school teachers, and professionals in their fields who have years of experiences working with kids.
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Our staff is comprised of college students, schoolteachers, and childcare professionals who have years of experience working with kids and years of experience working at Aloha Beach Camp. Many are returning for their 5th or 6th summers (if not longer) working with us and have grown up through our program, first starting out as campers and then working their way up to become counselors and directors. Aloha Beach Camp counselors are chosen for their ability to work with kids in a leadership capacity plus serve as positive role models. Each must pass a rigorous 3-phase interview process including in-person interviews, 3rd party reference checks, and a criminal background check. Our staff's top priority is protecting your child's safety while making sure they have lots of fun at camp!
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6. What is the Camp's Philosophy?
Kids who attend our program enjoy an amazing beach and surf summer camp experience unlike any other. 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. Most importantly, we will never force a child to do any activity they're uncomfortable with; we will enthusiastically encourage them to participate instead. When the summer's over, Aloha kids come away with a new sense of confidence, esteem, and appreciation for the beach and ocean environment so they can enjoy these natural wonders safely all their lives.
7. Does My Child Need to Know How to Swim?
Knowing how to swim before attending camp is not a requirement. At the same time, it may be a good idea for your child to have at least some swimming experience before signing up if you think this would help you feel more comfortable sending them. Whatever you decide, please rest assured many campers who attend our program have very little (if any) swimming experience in the ocean or pool. Accordingly, our program is designed to accommodate kids of all swimming levels because we offer many fun activities both in the water and on the sand. Everyone (even non-swimmers) is welcome at Aloha Beach Camp!
8. Does My Child Need to Take a Swim Test?
We prefer to call it a swim assessment, not a test, because there is no "pass or fail" involved. (Everyone "passes" no matter what :) We realize some campers may get anxious over this, but there's no need to worry. Here's how it works. On your child's first day of camp, our counselors will enter the shallow ocean water together with your child. We'll duck under a wave together to see who pops up first -- just like we're playing a fun game together! It takes just a minute or less to complete this assessment, and from this point forward our staff will be able to help your child become safer and more comfortable in the ocean and improve their aquatic safety and swimming skills. So, remember, it's not a test, just an assessment, and your camper will be fine, no need to worry! :)
9. Is Prior Ocean Experience Required to Participate?
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Absolutely not! Aloha Beach Camp's programs and 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 have more experience. Similarly, some campers may have prior swimming experience in the pool, but not the ocean. Since no two campers learn alike, our program is designed to accommodate kids from every aquatic background enabling them to be safe and have fun at camp no matter what.
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10. Can My Child Be in the Same Group as Their Friends?
Of course! There's a designated field on your child's summer camp Registration Form where you can list friends your child wants to be grouped with. Just enter their names and we'll handle the rest.
11. Are the Camp Activities Safe?
Rest assured we're extremely sensitive to your safety concerns and impose strict safety guidelines at all times. We adhere to all CDC guidelines to protect campers and staff and prevent the spread of COIVD-19. Further, our equipment (including but not limited to surfboards, boats, jet skis, buses, and beach toys) is modern and top-of-the-line. Our staff is certified, 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 because you may have an unfounded perception it's not as safe as traditional camps. Truth is, you'll be hard-pressed to find another camp where your child will be safer than they will with us...and our 25-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 gonna do it for very long.” We welcome your calls and emails to discuss beach camp safety in further detail.
Transportation Questions
Find answers to all your Aloha Beach Camp summer camp transportation questions here.
12. How Will My Child Get to Camp?
Daily transportation, on safety-equipped, fully insured buses and vans is included free from your area. To ensure short rides and reliable schedules, we've arranged convenient meeting points. Campers are picked up each morning at their respective meeting points between 8:00 and 9:00 AM, then transported directly to the day's activity site -- a local beach or lake -- then returned home to the same meeting point each afternoon between 4:00 and 5:00 PM.
13. Where Are the Transportation Meeting Points?
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We have bus stops throughout Los Angeles and Valley communities. Below is a general list of our transportation pick-up and drop-off areas. We're pretty sure you'll find a bus stop near your home or office. But even if you don't live or work within the following transportation boundaries, please don't let this stop you from signing up for camp since we still may be able to work with you to establish a new bus stop for you that's convenient and meets your needs.
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The general transportation service area is bounded by:
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We also have pick-up points at:
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14. Does Transportation Cost Extra?
Nope! Using our bus service is entirely free and included in your camp tuition as a benefit of enrollment. Unlike other camps, Aloha Beach Camp never charges extra for transportation.
15. Who Drives the Buses?
Driving duties are typically handled by professional school bus drivers, and sometimes Aloha Beach Camp counselors. Each vehicle usually has at least one additional Aloha Beach Camp staff member on board for additional safety and supervision.
16. How Do We Pick Our Meeting Point?
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There's a dedicated space on your camper's Registration Form where you will be able to choose the transportation meeting point closest to your home or office. We have more than 20 meeting points throughout L.A. and the Valley, so depending on where you live or work, you shouldn't need to drive more than a few minutes to meet the bus. There will definitely be a bus stop close to you!
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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 2024 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 live outside our transportation boundaries, please let us know. In certain cases, we still may be able to accommodate you.
19. How Long Does the Bus Ride Take?
In general, the further you live from the beach, the longer your child's bus ride will be. We strive to maintain short rides and reliable schedules while keeping the longest bus ride at 60 minutes or less. Many campers say riding the bus is the most enjoyable part of the camp day. Our counselors ride the bus with the kids while keeping them busy, entertained, and playing games. Nobody ever complains the bus ride's too long, because our staff makes it lots of fun!
20. Do the Kids Do Activities on the Bus?
Yes. There is generally at least one additional counselor (in addition to the bus driver) on each Aloha Beach Camp bus route. The counselors provide safety, supervision, entertainment and activities for the kids en route to and from camp.
21. Is There a Discount if We Don't Use the Bus?
Unfortunately, not. Riding the bus is an important part of the camp day where campers play games, sing songs, make new friends, bond with their counselors and have lots of fun. We don't want anyone to miss that, but even if you prefer driving your child to camp yourself, our transportation contractor will not extend us any discounts based the number of campers who take the bus; we are required to pay their full rate whether or not the bus is full.
22. 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.
Enrollment and Tuition Questions
You can find answers and information to all of your summer camp registration questions here. Please reach out any time if you need assistance with the registration process.
23. How Much Does Aloha Beach Camp Cost?
This summer, we're excited to offer our Early Bird Discount price of $159 per day indefinitely. That’s right, no expiration date! You’ll save $10 per day per camper compared to our regular rates, and there’s no rush to beat the clock. Prices will remain steady, so you can plan your summer with confidence. For more details about Aloha Beach Camp’s 2024 camp program, including any additional discounts that may apply, please visit our dates and rates page. Friendly word of advice: At these low prices, space won't last long, so sign up now for a summer filled with adventure, fun, and lifelong memories at Malibu’s premier beach camp!
24. What are the 2024 Summer Camp Dates?
The first day of camp is Monday, June 10. The last day is Friday, August 16. Camp operates Monday through Friday during these months.
25. What are the Starting and Ending Times?
Assuming your camper takes the bus to and from camp each day, morning pick-up is generally between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM, and afternoon drop-off between 4:00 AM and 5:00 PM. If you are dropping off and/or picking up your child at camp, we please arrive at 9:45 AM for morning drop-off and 2:35 PM for afternoon pickup.
26. What is Day-by-Day Enrollment?
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Day-by-day enrollment gives you complete flexibility planning for camp. It's the first camp enrollment format that works with "real-life" schedules allowing you to truly customize your own camp schedule by signing up for camp by the day. You don’t need to conform to rigid prearranged camp sessions because we don't have any sessions. Instead, you can send your child to camp a day here, a day there ... whatever works best for your family. Day-by-day enrollment means your other summer activities won't 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 have space those days, you're in. Couldn't be easier!
(Please note: COVID-19 could potentially influence our ability to offer day-by-day enrollment this summer. More information here.) |
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27. What's the Enrollment Protection Plan?
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For just $50, the Enrollment Protection Plan lets you make free unlimited changes to your child's enrollment schedule all summer. You can switch a day here for a day there, trade one scheduled week for different one, rearrange one combination of enrolled days to 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, make sure the appropriate box is checked on your child's Enrollment Form.
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28. We've Heard Aloha Beach Camp Fills Up Fast. How Much Space Do You Have Left?
Pent-up demand for camp is at an all-time high, largely because kids can't wait to get outdoors after being locked inside due to COVID for so long. The good news is, we still have limited availability in select age groups. Please view our space availability page for details, then sign up for camp right away so you can avoid the waiting list.
29. Is there a Registration Deadline?
There is no registration deadline per se. But we advise signing up sooner rather than later so you can save money and avoid the waiting list. Aloha Beach Camp is only a small camp with limited space, and when the last spot's gone, it's gone for good. Once we sell out, enrollment will be closed for the year. You can check our space availability page for current openings. Another reason it behooves you to sign up now is because you might qualify for a discount that won't be available later. So if you're considering Aloha for your child this summer, it's best not to wait.
30. What if My Child Needs to Miss a Day of Camp?
You're always entitled to a make-up day (space permitting) for any days your child might miss. Just let us know alternate day that works better for you, and as long as we have space, you're in :)
31. Do You Offer Any Discounts?
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You bet! Our standard Early Bird Discount, where you can save up to $10 per day off regular camp rates, is available now. Be sure to sign up today for this special deal, as it may expire at any time. You can also save an additional $25 with today's coupon when you sign up for at least five days of camp or more this summer. And new this year, you can even name your own price for summer camp.
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32. How Do We Sign Up for Camp?
Please visit our informational page detailing the camp registration process. You can also sign up for camp now with our online Enrollment Form.
"Nitty Gritty" Summer Camp Questions
33. Who Owns the Camp?
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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, husband and wife, in 1999. Summer 2024 will be our 25th year in business.
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Aloha Beach Camp Owner and Executive Director Eric D. Naftulin
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35. Is Aloha Beach Camp Accredited?
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Yes. Aloha Beach Camp is fully accredited by the American Camp Association. In fact, we are the first and ONLY accredited beach and surf camp in the Los Angeles area. If the camp you're considering is not accredited, then the camp may not be complying with certain summer camp safety standards, so please be careful!
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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 reviews on Yelp, 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 as follows:
- Campers and staff will have their temperatures taken before boarding the buses and/or arriving at camp each morning. Nobody will be admitted to camp if they are sick, show signs or symptoms of COVID-19, or have a temperature of over 100.4 degrees
- Activities have been redesigned so campers are in smaller groups
- Sharing of high-contact toys and equipment will be eliminated to the extent possible and, where it cannot be eliminated, the toys and equipment will be disinfected throughout the camp day including after each use
- Campers will be spaced out at camp and on the buses to ensure social distancing
- The buses will be disinfected each day
- Campers and staff wash and sanitize their hands throughout the day
- Campers and staff will wear masks while on the camp buses
- Staff will wear masks at camp except while eating or in the water
- Campers will wear masks at camp except when eating, in the water, or participating in activities requiring physical exertion
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?
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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! Learn more about the Open House or get your free tickets here.
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Join us at Zuma Beach for our next Open House of the summer camp season.
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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!
