LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. – As a kid, everyone wants the summer of their dreams filled with playing, laughing and (yes, even) learning. The Youth Center’s Camp SHARK (Science, Hands-on, Art, Recreation and Knowledge) will leave kids full of exciting summer memories to share with their classmates when they return to school. 

What is Camp SHARK?

From June 9 to August 8, kids ages 5-12 will have the opportunity to join The Youth Center at Rossmoor Park to take part in electronic-free, fun-filled activities ranging from bracelet-making and invisible ink crafts to building robots and stethoscopes in STEM workshops. 

Camp SHARK’s summer schedule is also packed with weekly field trips to local destinations like the Aquarium of the Pacific, Discovery Cube, Knott’s Berry Farm, Dave & Busters, the Reptile Zoo and Fountain Valley Skate. 

There are also plenty of dress-up and theme days scattered throughout the three months to encourage kids to come to camp with crazy hair, dressed like an alien, a tourist and more! 

Pippi Wiltjer, a local camp attendee from last year’s Camp SHARK, shared a highlight of her summer.

“There’s a lot of activities and field trips, so you always have something to do. There’s also a lot of friends to play with. Some days, we do water activities, and you’re always in the sun. Pretty much every single day is an adventure,” she said.

Scholarships are also available to families, so all children can have the opportunity to benefit from Camp SHARK. While these scholarships can make a huge difference to families, the spirit of giving extends beyond the campers.

“Working at Camp SHARK has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life,” said Johnny Flaim, a Camp SHARK staff member. “Every day, there’s something new, whether it’s a trip to the Discovery Cube or a camp-wide water balloon fight. I look forward to Camp SHARK every year and can’t wait to meet the new campers.”

In the heart of Rossmoor, Camp SHARK is a place where creativity is nurtured, minds are inspired and connections are made. A day at Camp SHARK is a day spent well. Kids can go home happy, exhausted and fulfilled, and maybe with new “jaw”-some adventures to share!

Camp sponsors

Southland Credit Union provides campers with t-shirts to ensure safety on field trips. They also teach financial literacy to high schoolers during The Youth Center’s Leadership Academy program. Southland Credit Union has been serving residents of Orange County and Los Angeles County since 1936. 

Mittera are leaders in the print, mail and marketing industry. The company prints informational brochures for Camp SHARK and makes it possible for The Youth Center to promote itself and inspire community engagement.

Rossmoor Community Services District allows The Youth Center to host Camp SHARK at Rossmoor Park. They are a key part of Camp SHARK’s success!

The Port of Long Beach supports Camp SHARK’s MariTime projects, which involve camp activities focused on sea life and the ocean, promoting sustainable, climate-friendly practices in ports here in Long Beach and around the globe.

To learn more about The Youth Center and its programs, visit theyouthcenter.org, send an email to [email protected] or call (562) 493-4043 for more information!