Best Summer Camp for Kids in Orange County – Camp James

My son went to Camp James for 4 weeks this summer and it was the best experience for him. He would come home and tell me about swimming, paddle boarding, laser tag, archery, karate .....so many fun activities that just scream "best summer camp ever". The experience was absolutely everything that I wanted for him and I am so glad he had the best counselor (Kiki) and made such great memories.

This is our second year at camp James and first year my 6 yo daughter did 4 weeks, this year she asked for 6 weeks. It is a fun camp with no gadgets, lots of activities to chose from and all the time outside. Camp counselors have been fun and engaging, she runs there!

Camp James is an incredible place. Our son attended for the first time this summer and I previously attended camp as a child myself. Many of the same directors have been working there the entire time! Because they have extensive use of Newport Dunes, there is a huge variety of activities - water park, go karts, laser tag, bounce house, swimming, yoga, STEM, archery, music, rock wall, dance and more! The camp groups rotate through the activities every week so each day is different and well balanced. Your kids will come home tired and happy! The directors, counselors and staff are so caring, nurturing, and enthusiastic, and are particularly good at tailoring their approach to each camper. My son is particularly "spirited" and the directors and his counselor worked closely with us to ensure he had a great and safe experience. Everything is well thought out - it feels like kid paradise! They have secure check-in/out, good lunches, creative theme weeks and even special awards for the kids each week. We felt the enrollment and refund policies were very clearly lined out and fair. We also appreciated the very clear communication and reminders. Camp has not only been fun for my son, but incredible for his self esteem and growth. He has taken on new challenges and built a confidence that I never would have expected coming into the summer. 100% recommend. Sign up early as space does fill up!

Director "legend" is so amazing running this amazing camp along with all the camp counselors. How they deal with all these kids at once and having to deal with the kids SELF ENTITLED PARENTS who come and give them a hard time when they don't get their way. They're literally watching all these kids and keeping your kids safe and you have the audacity to get mad at them. I witnessed a mom have a tantrum when I was picking up my daughter and because she didn't follow the safety protocols when picking up her child she thought she can just walk In a take her kid but there are safety rules you need to follow for SAFETY REASONS!! The counselors take OUR children's safety very seriously. There are so many activities the camp is sooooo worth the money. I just can't believe they are able to handle all the fun events and kids it's crazy! I love it

I wish I was a kid again. Kids come home exhausted and just fall asleep, which is great for parents. Yeah its expensive, but it's newport beach and everything is expensive here. The counselors do a fantastic job considering that they are able to wrangle all these kids and keep them safe... they must have the patience of a saint. The amount of different activities they have is insane.... and they have some seriously cool ones; go carts, ziplines, paddle boarding, swim time in the bay and the pool, a little train that the kids can ride in, etc.

My name is Barbara and my twin 10 year old granddaughters just had the most amazing week at Camp James. They loved the zip line and water park the most. But their whole week was "the best" Thanks Camp James! See you next year

Attending camp for the first time and my son absolutely loves it. Plan to return every summer. Everyone you encounter is kind and helpful. Highly recommend this summer camp.

This camp is the best hands down for kids to be a part of. My kids have attended many camps but this one by far is the best. (Ignore the one star reviews, the people who work this camp are so friendly and easy when you don't treat them with an entitled attitude) I get told each day about the activities and my kids are dirty and tired just how they should be at the end of each day! Wish I could attend!

Wow! My twins just had the best experience at Camp James. The leaders were all so encouraging and supportive throughout the camp and, my girls came home feeling important each day! From the fun lunches brought in, to the water jungle, my kids never wanted to come home.
It was a TEN! Sign up early, it sells out every Summer!

Wow! What a great week my twins had at Camp James. I normally don't comment on sites, but my girls loved everything about it. From the cool teen leaders, to the food brought in and the way each leader made my girls feel important and included! I highly recommend this for ALL kids!!

This is my daughters 4th year attending Camp James. Every year, she counts down the days until camp. She even wants to be a counselor here when she’s older! With all the craziness this year due to Covid, Camp James has been amazing. They’ve made everything so easy! Legend (the Camp Director) has been my saving grace! She’s so patient with my 5000 questions and always so friendly (never annoyed by all my questions). The camp has done such an amazing job keeping it safe this year (taking temperatures, hand washing, masks, social distancing). I haven’t seen my daughter this happy since March!! Thank you Camp James & Legend for all that you do for our kids!!

This is the second year our daughter has gone to Camp James. She always has such a great time, staff is amazing and are always so warm and welcoming. Obviously it's different this year with Covid, but they are still doing an amazing job! Our daughter always adores her counselors and doesn't stop telling us how much fun she had that day all the way home. Highly recommended! She will be going back for years to come!

We are so grateful that the children have the opportunity to go to camp this summer. Camp James has been wonderful for the kids and the camp has taken great strides in keeping everyone safe and healthy. Being outside is the best thing for everyone and camp this summer has been such a help for everyone's wellbeing.

we love this camp! the kids come home so exhausted from a busy and super fun day. we love the precautions they have in place to handle the pandemic. super organized and extremely fun for kiddos. highly recommend.

This is my daughters 4th year attending Camp James. Every year, she counts down the days until camp. She even wants to be a counselor here when she's older! With all the craziness this year due to Covid, Camp James has been amazing. They've made everything so easy! Legend (the Camp Director) has been my saving grace! She's so patient with my 5000 questions and always so friendly (never annoyed by all my questions). The camp has done such an amazing job keeping it safe this year (taking temperatures, hand washing, masks, social distancing). I haven't seen my daughter this happy since March!! Thank you Camp James & Legend for all that you do for our kids!!

I am so happy to report that CampJames is the place to send your kids for the summer. I wish I had sent the kids sooner. The activities are amazing and the groups are small because of COVID and safety is there top priority. The camp counselors are amazing. Legend was so friendly and helpful. I highly recommend camp James.

An incredible camp right in Newport Beach - well run (Legend is great to work with) and definitely an awesome experience for the kids.

Camp James is great. My older kid who used to attend when it was behind Wild Rivers is now a CILT there and it has been a great experience for him and helps get him off technology. Now my younger kids attend and they have a great time with all the water activities, STEM and drama. It has been nice to have something this year with all the kids activities that have been cancelled.

Camp James is where we watched a boy become a man, a second home for our camper, and a true family for a kid that went from camper to volunteer to staff member. It's the most welcoming environment for all children, special needs inclusive. They raise money for charity each year (this year raising $10,000 for CHOC in one week). It is the most fun you can have in a summer with activities varying from water park to archery to laser tag, go karts, mini golf, karate, music...the list goes on. Truly a place a where a child can complement their development in the classroom, learning to interact, make friends, and have fun outside of school. It's a place where people really care and with so many traditions and cool theme weeks. When you step foot onto the campgrounds, the overall spirit will make you wish you could attend the camp yourself!

My son is special needs - ADHD, ASD, and he has sensory challenges. The head counselor, "Jazz," was highly organized, communicative, and worked with our family to provide a positive camp experience for my anxious, high-energy 7 year old. My son has a behavior IEP (at school) that is as long as I am tall, and at this camp, he did not have any issues. The staff accommodated us by providing his daily schedule ahead of time so that we could front-load him on what his day would be like. His daily "helper" and counselor were attentive, kid-centered, and sweet; but they were firm enough to set and enforce boundaries with a rowdy group of seven year olds. I cannot even imagine how much work, organization, and training go into running this highly efficient, well-staffed enterprise. The counselors really look out for the kids, and their enthusiasm for making Camp James a truly memorable experience is clear. After a truly devastating school year, we are so grateful to this place for restoring our son's confidence and happy demeanor. Thank you Andrew and your entire staff for all your hard work and follow-through!!

My 8-year-old daughter loves this place. Her favorite activities are the morning dance party, swimming in the back bay, kayaking, and the inflatable bouncy houses. My daughter has (at times) paralyzing anxiety. So sending her somewhere unfamiliar, where she doesn't know anyone, is risky at best and more often than not, a total disaster. The staff are so caring and understanding; they checked in on her and provided updates and feedback to us. She begged us to send her back again this summer. Thank you Camp James from a very grateful family!

This camp is a diamond in the rough. I was a little taken by the reviews before my son was signed up for this camp, but I decided to go for it. He had the BEST time! He was in such a good group with great company!! They did activities like go karting, kayaks, laser tag! Will DEFINITELY be back 🙂

Camp james is like home to me!! It is an amazing place to work, incredibly fun, flexible and accommodating while also being structured and professional. It's an outdoor camp, so it's definitely geared towards kids who don't mind getting a bit sandy, who like swimming (there's at least one water activity every day! with lifejackets, so it's okay if your kiddo can't swim yet), and who like meeting new friends!! Guaranteed every camper will get to do something they've never tried before at least once a day. Camp James is an amazing experience for kids, especially in the age of technology where many kids don't love going outside.

We love Camp James My son has some challenges emotionally . The counselor, Director and the Coordinator for special needs kids have been wonderful . They have worked with me in assuring the best camp experience for my son . They offered a shadow for 2 weeks to help my son transition into camp free of charge ! I highly recommend anyone with or without special needs children to send their kids to Camp James .

My three daughters ages 12, 10 and 8 just attended Camp James for their first summer and they can't wait to go back next summer!
The counselors were exceptionally welcoming, kind, energetic and fun! The children were greeted every morning with a high five and walking through a pathway lined with their singing counselors.
The children loved the activities. One of my girls has a serious food allergy which they addressed quickly and very well when questions arose regarding ingredients in the lunches purchased and brought in.
When one of my daughters wanted an opportunity to participate in an activity and we arrived late, the office staff literally ran to communicate the message so she wouldn't miss out!
They received awards at the end of the week. The messages written on the back indicated to me how well they became acquainted and grew to know my girls.
I appreciate their care as they were reminded to drink water and reapply sunscreen throughout the day.
As a parent I couldn't ask for more than the safety, emotional well being, opportunities for discovery and growth and sincere care my girls received at Camp James. We will certainly be back! Thank You Camp James!

My three daughters ages 12, 10 and 8 just attended Camp James for their first summer and they can't wait to go back next summer! The counselors were exceptionally welcoming, kind, energetic and fun! The children were greeted every morning with a high five and walking through a pathway lined with their singing counselors. The children loved the activities. One of my girls has a serious food allergy which they addressed quickly and very well when questions arose regarding ingredients in the lunches purchased and brought in. When one of my daughters wanted an opportunity to participate in an activity and we arrived late, the office staff literally ran to communicate the message so she wouldn't miss out! They received awards at the end of the week. The messages written on the back indicated to me how well they became acquainted and grew to know my girls. I appreciate their care as they were reminded to drink water and reapply sunscreen throughout the day. As a parent I couldn't ask for more than the safety, emotional well being, opportunities for discovery and growth and sincere care my girls received at Camp James. We will certainly be back! Thank You Camp James!

Great summer day camp for children!

My son and daughter have spent 6 summers at Camp James. Their summer would not be complete without spending time here. The counselors are so enthusiastic and my kids have really developed some close friendships. I'm happy because when I pick them up at the end of the day, they are exhausted and have not spent any time on their devices. Their activities are fun and they are active the entire time. I recommend this camp to any parent. I wish they would make a camp like this for us adults!

Lots of different activities keep the kids interested and excited.

My kids who are 5, 9 and 11 now have been going to camp james for ever. My 11 year old has been going since he was 4 as did my other kids. I can't say enough good things about this camp. There is so much variety to do at this camp. Swimming, fishing, canoeing, water games, arcade, singing dancing etc. They come home utterly happy and exhausted. The camp counselors have been great with all my kids, very engaging and full of energy. Since it's one of the only camps around that offer full day, outside activities that you would find at a stay a way nature camp we always see people we know from the kids school. If your kids want to buy lunch their menu changes each day and is brought in from local restaurants which my kids are excited about. I also want to add that the counselors make sure the kids apply sunscreen multiple time a a day so they don't get burned (mine have never come burned). I would recommend this camp to anyone who wants their kids to have a fun, eventful summer and not be stuck in the house playing video games.

This is the best camp ever! All the counselors are wonderful, energetic and keep our son entertained all day. The camp just exudes energy and makes you want to stay! My son will come back every year from here on out. It truly is a special camp experience! If I could give more then 5 stars I would.

Camp James for the win! My daughter LOVES the CILT program! What a great balance between responsibility, mentoring, and fun.

My son has been attending this camp for 6 years and loves it. The counselors are amazing and fun. Yes, he comes home tired and dirty but that is what camp is about. He looks forward to this every year. He can't wait to become a CILT (teen volunteer) and someday a Laser Tag Specialist. The place is unique... he loves Harry Potter Week and dressing up. They take care of making sure he has sunscreen and drinks lots of water. I love that he is outdoors and not looking at a screen all day. Camp James is the best!!!!

Camp James is wonderful! My daughter LOVES this camp! She talks about it year round and always says she wants to be a counselor there someday. We have gone for the past 4 years and honestly have never had a problem. The counselors have always been super sweet and loving and my daughter has a special bond with many of them who return every year! The front office has always helped me out and we have never had a problem. The staff are amazing!!! I love connecting again every summer with them all! They have always gone out of their way to figure out any scheduling issues we have had- change in a vacation or a day. They have everything a child could hope for- rock wall, kayaking, SUP, pool, water play, archery, sports, mini golf, and they have a carnival every year! She has done the overnights and has loved them! They make everyday fun and silly! Honestly I cannot imagine my daughter going anywhere else. We are always sad to say goodbye every year when summer ends!! I would give them six stars if I could. I highly recommend this park!

This is the 3rd year in a row that our kids have enjoyed multiple weeks at Camp James! They love the variety of activities offered each day- especially paddle boarding and the water inflatables. The counselors do a fantastic job of connecting with the kids and making everyone feel included. If you are looking for an outdoor camp to keep your kids active and engaged, this is it!!

THIS is the 1st time we have been to Camp James!! My kids are having an amazing time and are so excited to go every day!! Kudos to the staff who are all very polite and professional regardless of age!!

My boys have had the best two weeks at this years camp!

Yesterday was our son's first day at Camp James. He had a blast! Signing him up was a breeze, and I felt the prices were unbeatable in comparison to the other camps around Orange County (it's an all day camp that literally keeps kids busy the entire time). The moment you drive on the lot, you are greeted with VERY cheery people with smiles plastered on their faces (nice way to start a Monday morning). I thought they were extremely organized considering the amount of activity going on. Little John (counselor) was eager to help us find our Son's group and explain the routine for the day. In one day my son participated in; archery, magic, swimming, water park, gaga, dodge ball, rock climbing, and karate. He made a handful of new friends immediately. Um, hello!! This is every kids dream! He was happy and sandy. I am jealous I never went to such a spectacular camp! We are all looking forward to years of fun at Camp James.

Camp James is a place where children make memories for a lifetime! The activities are so much fun, the staff is amazing and it really is such a special place. I love how everyone has a camp name and you can't help but smile when you walk into a crowd of counselors singing and laughing. It's where childhood memories are made!

my two boys (8,4) absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVED camp james! we moved back to korea and only come to irvine for summer break so our time here is so limited and special. i orginally signed my boys up for two weeks of camp james and two weeks at a different camp for variety but ended up forfeiting the money at the other camp to send the boys back to camp james!!! all of the staff members are so dedicated and awesome especially aqua and potterhead who endured countless hours of sandplay and being marked all over bodies by my 4 year old son 🙂 grey squirral does an excellent job to keep the camp running smooth, filled with laughter and excitement. Oh!! the boys loved the hot lunches served here and said the meatball pasta is the best ever!! if ur kids love the outdoors and wants to just be loud and have fun in the sun....then send them to camp james! thank u for the wonderful memories! we will be back next year!!