MANHATTAN BEACH, CA

Manhattan Beach Summer Day Camp

Here, we put kids in charge.

Preposterous? Possibly. Effective? You betcha.

When you trust kids, they trust themselves. For 44 years, we’ve put kids in charge of their own learning experience. As they try, fail, and learn on their own, they learn to trust their own judgment, and tackle the challenges of an ever changing world with creativity and confidence.

Campers choose minute to minute from a variety of activities. They’ll decide what they want to do, and for how long. Our job is to get out of their way, cheerlead creative risks, and provide just enough guidance to make sure nobody does anything totally* senseless.

*Totally senseless: By our definition, mistakes aren’t senseless. They’re how you learn.

SHOW ME ACTIVITIES

Buy any number of days. Use them any time. Get refunds for unused days.

You can buy a Day Pass here and 22 there, or go for the whole shebang with a Summer Pass. You don’t even have to tell us when you’re going to show up (or pretend like you know when you’re going to show up). If you have unused passes left over, we’ll automatically refund them in full at summer’s end.

Lunch, snacks, and all hours, 8am–6pm, included.

SHOW ME FEES

Camp Details

DATES

NOTES

Summer dates & location coming soon

HOURS

8am to 6pm

AGES

4-12

ADDRESS

DIRECTOR

Rachel

manhattanbeach@steveandkate.com

CALL/TEXT

323-244-2089

FOOD

View Weekly Menu

Activities for Every Interest

In the early morning and late afternoon, campers ramp up and wind down with recreational choices. For the bulk of the day, children will choose from the activities listed below. While we can’t say exactly what the day will look like, one thing is for sure: The campers are in control.

Kids bring their stories to life in the Media Lab, as they create stop-motion “shorts” filmed on our custom-built animation stages designed to frame sets perfectly.

kinder_sewing — Campers of all ages design their own clothing & adornments using customized patterns & challenges. They’ll make items like bags, clothing, & accessories through a mix of hand & machine sewing.

dance_Perform_stage — Enjoy motion-based games like Switch & Just Dance, plus new karaoke systems, back drops, & party props. Whether it’s expressing themselves through song & dance, or acting out a play, if they can dream it, they can do it!

robots_2 — Within the Media Lab, campers have access to the latest in robotic equipment to promote learning & problem-solving. This space has both guided activities & self-directed games & tools like robot landscapes & custom mazes.

breadmaking1_web-309 — A beloved space where baking enthusiasts & taste-testers unite to experiment with recipes. Choosing from a variety of fillings, spices, & add-ons, campers explore new flavors or customize creations to suit their individual tastes.

maker_boys — Explore creativity through crafts, inventor kits, & even 3D pens, to construct take-home projects or collaborate on large-scale builds. Our hand-selected STEAM-based materials are designed to foster curiosity & exploration.

piethrowing_8 — Our 43+ year-long camp traditions continue, with games such as Finding Chuckie (a beloved, mini rubber chicken) & Friday Pieday–where campers & staff celebrate the end of the week with a whipped cream pie to the face!

gaga_girl — Each site is filled with a core set of athletic equipment that utilizes & complements the unique spaces & interests of its campers. Kids & staff band together to exercise, play sports, design games & obstacle courses, & more!

specials_boy3 — Each day, campers delight in a unique, show-stopping special activity. These could include movement classes, workshops, performances, local speakers, or more! Summer 2024 activities coming this spring.

waterslide_3 (5) — Games and activities like water tag, inflatable slip n’ slides, & giant sprinklers make for unforgettable water-adventures on hot summer days (space and local water restrictions permitting).

lounge_2 — A communal place to socialize & play with a wonderland of indoor games like foosball & marble mazes. In our quiet corner, campers unplug with sensory objects, puzzles, fidget toys, & a library of books for all ages.

JOIN OUR INTEREST LIST

Testimonials From Our Summer Camp in Manhattan Beach

I am so grateful for Steve & Kate's camp and for the experience my son had there last summer. There was one counselor in particular that went above and beyond to help him feel like he fits in, that his opinions are valued, and that his talents are meaningful. With her help, camp has given him an amazing boost to his confidence this summer, and it has been a joy to watch him spread his wings. I am also grateful to the camp director, Rachel, who gives wise leadership to both the kids and the counselors and empowers everyone on the team to be their best.

Jeanne F.

This was Jack's second year back at the Manhattan Beach location and I feel like things really started to click for him in so many ways this summer. For a kid that is so focused on sports I love that he was encouraged to explore other parts of who he is, all while being surrounded with supportive people that just wanted to see him have a good time.

Kelli K.

I have an 8 year old daughter who has been attending Steve and Kate’s for the past four summers. From the moment you check in until the moment you check out it’s such a smooth operation. The flexibility that this camp offers is amazing, but we keep returning for the innovative studios, the energetic counselors, and the one of a kind model. When I describe Steve and Kate’s to others I often use the term "free range kids”. My daughter loves that she can go where she wants, when she wants, and for how long she wants. Whether it’s the sewing room or bread making or robotics the kids have the freedom to decide. I really can't say enough good things about this camp!!

Maya

Fees

Maybe you’re the type who likes to plan ahead. Maybe you’re not. Either way, we’ve structured our fees to work around your calendar–whether you’re making it up on the fly or trying to crack the color code of a multi-tab Excel spreadsheet.

Buy any number of Day Passes or a Summer Pass, and use them whenever you’d like during the summer. You don’t even need to let us know when you plan to join–just show up! If for any reason your plans change, we’ll automatically refund your unused Passes in-full at summer’s end. We also offer need-based financial aid to qualifying families. Learn more or submit an application, here.

All fees include lunch, snacks and all hours 8:00am to 6:00pm.

Fee includes lunch, snacks, activities and all hours 8:00am to 6:00pm.

Buy any number of Day Passes and use them anytime
Upgrade to a Summer Pass at any time by purchasing 30 Day Passes per a given child
Unused Day Passes are automatically refunded in mid September

Fee includes lunch, snacks, activities and all hours 8:00am to 6:00pm.

One fee covers the entire summer–that’s up to 43 days of camp in Manhattan Beach!
If you purchase a Summer Pass and use less than 30 days of camp, we’ll calculate what you would have paid at the Day Pass rate and refund you the difference automatically in mid September

JOIN OUR INTEREST LIST

Does your employer offer back-up care through Bright Horizons? Learn how to use your benefits at Steve & Kate’s Camp, here!

STAFF

Tireless child advocates, who balance structure and guidance with staying out of campers’ ways. All staff members are background checked and trained in CPR & First-Aid.

FOOD

We provide daily lunch options from a rotating variety of local restaurants and caterers. We’ll also offer an array of snacks for kids to nosh on throughout the day. Check out the daily menu.

MENTORSHIP

This camp location also participates in a Mentorship Program for teens who might want to work at camp some day or who just aren’t quite ready to give up that sweet camper life. This program guides children ages 14-15 through camp experiences aimed to develop their leadership skills, all while honoring our approach to self-directed learning. Learn more, here.

Details About Camp in Manhattan Beach

Mentorship Program

We’re excited to offer our Mentorship Program at this camp location for Summer 2023!

Intended exclusively for children ages 14-15, our Mentorship Program is an experience where participants can get a taste of what it’s like to be a counselor and develop leadership skills, while upholding our self-directed philosophy.

With the supervision of Steve & Kate’s staff, Mentees (our program participants) will help facilitate camp activities, engage with campers, and help encourage camper connection and participation. The program utilizes self-directed learning to support Mentees in their development into young adults ready to take on more responsibilities.

Mentorship Rates:

Mentorship Day Pass Rate: $85
Mentorship Summer Pass Rate: $2,550

Per usual, any unused Mentorship Day Passes will be automatically refunded in full at summer’s end. If you purchase a Mentorship Summer Pass and end up using less than 30 days of camp, then we’ll calculate what you would have paid at the daily rate and refund you the difference automatically.

Mentorship Application:

To participate in the Mentorship Program, please submit an application here. Please note that Mentees must attend the camp location they apply for. Once approved, your local director will email you with instructions for completing registration. If you have any questions please reach out to your local director.

Virtual Camp Orientation & Drop-off/Pick-Up Procedures

Check out our virtual camp orientation for everything you need to know before your first day of camp, coming this spring. Once we get closer to summer, we’ll email registered families a link to our virtual, camp orientation. This will provide important information such as camp drop-off & pick-up procedures, how to check-in and check-out of camp each day, what to bring (and not bring), and a few more camp details.

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Contact Your Local Director

Our directors work year-round and would love to help you learn more about our program and at the same time learn more about you and your camper.

rebeca_edit — RACHEL

She/Her

This is Rachel’s 7th summer with Steve & Kate’s Camp. Rachel loves being active and enjoys hiking, biking, kayaking, SUP, yoga, HIIT and beach walks.

This summer Rachel can’t wait to see all the beautiful faces of former campers and to meet all the kiddos joining for the first time.

EMAIL US
CALL OR TEXT US

Best-of-Marin-Hall-of-Fame-flooring-400b3456-1

11ad5c_96c507ee9a5d4e27808c938832ab5575_mv2-copy_adobespark

AND DOZENS MORE!

Stay In The Know

Be the first to know about site updates, events, registration specials, & more!

"*" indicates required fields

EMAIL ADDRESS*

FIRST NAME*

ZIP CODE

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA

Manhattan Beach Summer Day Camp

Here, we put kids in charge.

Buy any number of days. Use them any time. Get refunds for unused days.

Camp Details

Activities for Every Interest

STOP-MOTION ANIMATION

SEWING SALON

CODING

THE STAGE

ROBOTICS

BAKERY

TINKER LAB

S&K TRADITIONS

SPORTS & REC

WEEKLY SPECIALS

WATER PLAY

LOUNGE

Testimonials From Our Summer Camp in Manhattan Beach

Fees

Fee includes lunch, snacks, activities and all hours 8:00am to 6:00pm.

Fee includes lunch, snacks, activities and all hours 8:00am to 6:00pm.

STAFF

FOOD

MENTORSHIP

Details About Camp in Manhattan Beach

Daily Menu

Contact Your Local Director

RACHEL

She/Her

Stay In The Know