![A female zoo employee with a gecko on her arm showing it to two young children during ZooCamp, a summer camp in Santa Barbara.](http://storage.googleapis.com/montecito-estate-com/uploads/Picture170.jpg)
Zoo Camp
Zoo Camp at the Santa Barbara Zoo caters to children aged 3–12, providing them with an enriching outdoor experience focused on animals and our natural environment. Your child will experience hands-on science activities, games, crafts, up-close animal encounters, and more. Traditional zoo camps are offered year-round, but during the summer, specially themed camps like Conservation Camp and Jr. Zookeeper Camp take center stage.
No matter what time of year, Zoo Camp offers an immersive introduction to the animal kingdom and scientific exploration. The counselor-to-camper ratio varies based on age and registration, with an average group size of approximately eight campers per counselor. Preschool groups tend to be smaller, while older camp groups may be larger, ensuring your peace of mind while your child enjoys their time at camp.
Art Explorers Camp
Art Explorers is a local art enrichment program designed to boost visual art skills and nurture self-confidence by sparking a child’s creativity. Kids are encouraged to unleash their imagination through STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). The program offers a diverse range of camps: aspiring filmmakers can dive into Stop Motion Explosion to master filmmaking techniques, while others explore the secrets of special effects. Harry Potter enthusiasts will enjoy the All Things (Harry Potter) Magical and Fantastic Beasts camp, and teens can elevate their artistic prowess in 2D and 3D Art Camps. There’s also Extreme Art, where kids spend their days immersed in drawing, painting, and sculpting. Throughout the year, the local team of educators also provides after-school programs.
![Two young girls sitting at a table in green t-shirts doing an art project.](http://storage.googleapis.com/montecito-estate-com/uploads/Picture222.jpg)
MOXI Summer Camp
Children in grades 1 through 6 are enthusiastically welcomed to join the dynamic and enriching Santa Barbara summer camps hosted at The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, affectionately known as MOXI. These summer programs are meticulously crafted to foster curiosity, ignite critical thinking, and enhance problem-solving abilities in every participant. Moreover, campers gain exclusive access to a plethora of state-of-the-art exhibits and benefit from the guidance of highly qualified science educators.
UCSB Summer Camps
The University of Santa Barbara (UCSB) offers many exciting summer camp opportunities catering to children aged 5 to 14. UCSB’s Summer Day Camp ensures a safe and energetic environment where boys and girls can develop their physical abilities and interpersonal skills. Campers can dive into pool activities, tackle a ropes course, unleash creativity in arts and crafts sessions, and revel in themed Fun Fridays. Beyond fun and games, the program also educates campers on environmental stewardship, ocean conservation, global cultures, and other important topics.
For children aged 6 to 12, the Summer Literacy Camp provides enriching, multi-sensory experiences that foster literacy skills through creative projects and activities. Meanwhile, the Aerial Arts Camp offers a thrilling introduction to aerial silks, combining performance, dance, and acrobatics elements to enhance endurance, cardio strength, and flexibility. This camp is perfect for aspiring Cirque du Soleil performers looking for a full-body workout and artistic exploration.
UCSB also hosts other summer programs tailored for adults, ensuring a comprehensive offering that caters to the community's diverse interests and ages.
![A young woman, a pre-teen boy, and a teenage girl on a set with scripts in their hands.](http://storage.googleapis.com/montecito-estate-com/uploads/Picture33.png)
Summer Enrichment Camp, Girls Inc
Girls Inc. presents dynamic summer enrichment day camps tailored exclusively for girls, designed to foster essential life skills through engaging, hands-on, experiential learning activities. Campers participate in sports and movement, literacy exercises, artistic exploration, gardening, cooking, and beyond. In addition to these enriching experiences, Girls Inc. hosts a specialized Summer Gymnastics Camp led by certified gymnastics coaches, catering to beginners through intermediate levels. These camps provide a supportive environment where girls can learn, grow, and thrive in a variety of stimulating and empowering pursuits.
Junior Golf Camp at Santa Barbara Golf Club
If your child is destined to be the next Tiger Woods, then this camp is tailored for them. Children aged 7 to 14 are invited to participate in a rewarding week at the Santa Barbara Golf Club, where they will receive expert instruction from local professionals. Whether they are beginners or intermediate, campers will enhance their swing technique, grasp the essentials of the game, and develop proper course etiquette while deepening their understanding and appreciation of golf.
![Two young ballerinas with their hair pulled back and roses in their hands following a performance.](http://storage.googleapis.com/montecito-estate-com/uploads/Picture49.jpg)
Inspire Dance S.B. — Ballet Intensive
Ideal for aspiring dancers, this camp caters to children dreaming of mastering ballet, the cornerstone of dance. Geared towards ages 7 to 18+, Inspire Dance S.B.'s Ballet Summer Intensive delves deep into ballet fundamentals while also imparting cutting-edge techniques. Beyond dance, the program offers workshops on set and costume design, complemented by inspiring field trips to enhance learning experiences.
Cate Summer Institute
Get your kids ready to pack their bags and embark on an adventure, making friends from around the globe. The Cate Institute presents four distinctive Santa Barbara summer camps focused on academics, leadership, and outdoor exploration, including residential options where campers stay overnight in dormitories overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Carpinteria.
For 6th and 7th graders eager to delve into learning, the Academic Camp awaits. Meanwhile, the Cate Sports Academy caters to 3rd to 11th graders with choices ranging from half-day to sleep-away options, perfect for sports enthusiasts. The Cate Summer Outdoors sleep-away camp offers a residential experience for 6th to 10th graders interested in exploring the natural splendor of Santa Barbara County and beyond. Lastly, the Cate Summer Mini provides a delightful day camp explicitly tailored for preschool children. The entire Cate lineup ensures a summer filled with fun and learning for children of all ages and interests.
Proximity to quality schools, recreational facilities, and activities enhances home values. In addition, our diverse educational offerings, including the vast array of Santa Barbara summer camps, play a pivotal role in shaping a promising future for our children. So, if you’re considering a move here, please check out my comprehensive website, then call me at (805) 886-9378 or email me at Cristal@montecito-estate.com.
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