Camp FAQ

Our dynamic summer program runs for over eight weeks, encompassing the last two weeks of June, all of July, and the first two weeks of August. For Summer 2026, the program will open on June 15 and conclude on August 7. The core camp day is from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM. To support our families, we offer complimentary early drop-off at the Hope Ranch location, and Aftercare is available from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM.

We strive to foster a strong sense of community for every camper. Campers are initially grouped by age and school. If you have a specific request to group your child with a friend or sibling, please ensure you add this detail during registration or contact our lead instructor directly.

The majority of our experiential learning camps do not require any previous experience, encouraging all students to explore their passions. For example, we do offer a few specialized pathways:

• Pop and Rock Band: This camp has two levels: Week 1 is designed for beginners (less than two years of instrument experience), and Week 2 is for more advanced musicians.
• Minecraft: This program also offers multiple levels, from beginner to advanced exploration.

Specific details for each unique camp can be found in your Homeroom account.

A typical day is thoughtfully designed to balance structured learning and spirited fun, allowing campers to thrive. Campers rotate through classes and engaging activities across our various indoor and outdoor learning spaces, with dedicated time for snacks, lunch, and recess. Many specialized programs feature exciting project-based learning activities, field trips, and even a Friday overnight for Camp Old School.

We use a streamlined, drive-through system at both our Hope Ranch and Montecito campuses to ensure a smooth transition for your child. For safety, please have your camper sit on the back right-hand side of the car.

• Hope Ranch: Drop-off is at the gym parking lot. Pick-up occurs at either the Gym or the Middle School parking lot, with specific times staggered by grade level from 2:30 PM to 2:45 PM.
• Montecito: Drop-off and pick-up are located in the main drive-through parking lot.

On the first day of camp, parents or caregivers will receive an official placard to display on their windshield. Anyone picking up a camper without this placard must be explicitly listed on the camper’s authorized pick-up list, which you create during the registration process.

Registration is completed entirely online through the Homeroom portal. General registration opens on the last Friday in February. Please note the following deadline: registration for any given camp week closes at 11:59 PM on the Thursday evening immediately preceding the start of that camp week (the following Monday).

Yes, a deposit equivalent to 50% of the total camp fees is required when you first complete your registration.

We understand that plans can change. You may withdraw your child and receive a full refund, minus a $75 administrative fee, if the withdrawal is completed at least 2 weeks before the start of camp. For withdrawals made less than two weeks before camp starts, the refund is 50% of the total camp cost. Withdrawals made after registration officially closes are non-refundable.

Changing camps is a common request and is typically straightforward if there is an opening in the desired camp or if a spot becomes available off the waitlist. Please contact camps@lagunablanca.org to facilitate any changes.

We do not currently offer a sibling discount. However, we are committed to providing access to our programs and offering a limited number of need-based financial aid scholarships. We encourage you to apply for financial aid if you need support.

Waitlist spots are offered strictly in the order of registration. Once a place is offered, you will have 24 hours to accept it before the offer moves to the next family in line. Placement on a waitlist does not guarantee that a spot will become available.

Our commitment to providing a supportive environment means we maintain a maximum staff-to-camper ratio of 8:1. This ratio is achieved with a combination of a lead teacher, assistant teacher(s), and Counselors-in-Training (CITs) dedicated to supporting our campers.

During registration, you will have the opportunity to provide details regarding your camper's daily lunch options, specific eating habits, food allergies, general allergies, or other medical needs. If you have specific medical or allergy questions, we recommend you contact the camp director at camps@lagunablanca.org.

Note: all EPI-Pens are kept in the camp headquarters for the duration of the week and will be returned to you during carline on the final day of camp.

We kindly ask that parents apply sunscreen in the morning before drop-off. Our counselors will reapply sunscreen as needed throughout the day for all outside activities. Campers should bring a labeled water bottle, as water fountains and water coolers are readily available.

Summer @ Laguna is committed to cultivating a supportive environment and providing individualized attention for all learners. However, we may not be able to support all learning needs fully. If your child requires 1:1 support during the school year or has a learning difference that may hinder their full participation in camp life, please contact the camp director at camps@lagunablanca.org so we can proactively discuss an appropriate support plan.

We emphasize core values such as character, community, scholarship, and balance, and we believe in the importance of cultivating integrity, personal responsibility, and consideration for others. If a camper is not treating others (campers, staff) or themselves with respect, we will address the issue privately and communicate with the family. A subsequent infraction will require the camper to be sent home for the day, and a third infraction will result in the camper not returning for the remainder of the week. If a broader safety concern arises, campers will be sent home immediately.

A nutritious mid-morning snack and lunch are provided daily and are included in the camp fee. You can review the daily lunch options within your Homeroom account. If your camper has a preference, or if you know you have a picky eater, you are welcome to provide a packed lunch and snacks instead.

To ensure a successful day of exploration and fun, please pack the following:

• A labeled water bottle
• A labeled backpack
• Layers for the morning weather (please label any article of clothing sent to camp)
• Sunscreen, if you wish to use your own brand when counselors reapply

Specific items may be needed for certain camps, so always check your registration for additional information.

We ask that personal items be kept to a minimum. Cell phones should be left at home or kept off and out of sight during the camp day.

During PE and Aftercare on Wednesdays, campers have the option to cool off with exciting activities like our slip 'n slide, water obstacle course, and water balloon toss stations. Please send your child in water-friendly attire, including a swimsuit if they prefer. Participation is not mandatory, and we will have alternative options for PE and Aftercare. Please note that our Arts at Laguna campers do not participate in PE, but will have access to water play during Aftercare.

We maintain open channels of communication within our close-knit community. You are welcome to contact the general camp email at camps@lagunablanca.org or reach out directly to the lead instructor.

The Director of Summer Programs is Zack Moore, whose direct contact information is zmoore@lagunablanca.org or 805.456.4666.

Yes! We love to share the everyday joy and extraordinary learning happening at Summer @ Laguna. Please follow our S@L Instagram to check out the awesome things happening each week. Photos will also be shared via the Homeroom platform and the Laguna Blanca FlickR account.

Laguna Blanca spans two thoughtfully designed campuses in Santa Barbara and Montecito.

HOPE RANCH CAMPUS (Middle & Upper School)

• General Address: 4125 Paloma Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93110
• Drop-off and Aftercare: 1090 Las Palmas Dr., Santa Barbara, CA 93110
• Pick-up: Varies by camp (4125 Paloma Drive or 1090 Las Palmas Dr)
• Camp HQ: Located in room C105 at 4125 Paloma Drive

MONTECITO CAMPUS (Lower School)

• General Address, Drop-off, Pick-up, and Aftercare: 260 San Ysidro Rd, Montecito, CA 93108