Camp Info
| Ages: | 6–11 |
| Type: | Day |
| Gender: | Co-Ed |
| Adventure: | Adventure, Exploration, Hiking, Nature, Wildlife |
| Academics: | Academics, Science, Ecology |
| Arts: | Arts, Fine Arts, Arts & Crafts |
| Meals Type: | Partial |
| Time: | 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM |
San Diego, CA, USA
Trail walks, outdoor games, and creative projects bring children close to the natural world at Mission Trails Regional Park Day Camp. Nature exploration connects with art and hands-on learning, giving campers several ways to engage with the park. Children spend part of the day outdoors and take part in activities based at the Visitor Center. The mix suits children who enjoy both moving along trails and settling into an art or craft project.
Designed for ages 6–11, the program separates campers into groups for ages 6–8 and 9–11. Activities are tailored to these age groups and emphasize curiosity, teamwork, and participation. Small camp groups keep the experience centered on shared exploration. Themes connect the park with habitats, ecosystems, wildlife, art, storytelling, and science.
Campers should be comfortable working with other children, following leaders’ directions, and staying within designated areas. Trail participation calls for walking steadily for up to a mile. Children also need to manage bathroom visits independently and feel ready to spend the day away from their parents. This combination of nature learning, creative work, and group participation makes the camp a practical fit for children who already enjoy outdoor activity and are ready to explore with a group.
| Ages: | 6–11 |
| Type: | Day |
| Gender: | Co-Ed |
| Adventure: | Adventure, Exploration, Hiking, Nature, Wildlife |
| Academics: | Academics, Science, Ecology |
| Arts: | Arts, Fine Arts, Arts & Crafts |
| Meals Type: | Partial |
| Time: | 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM |
You won’t be charged yet. The camp will contact you to confirm all terms first.
You can still submit a quick request to let the camp know you’re interested.
Two age groups organize the experience: ages 6–8 and ages 9–11. Each group takes part in age-appropriate activities that combine nature exploration, hands-on learning, and teamwork. Most activities take place at the Visitor Center, with part of the day spent outdoors on trails and in outdoor games. Art and crafts provide another way for children to engage with the natural world alongside walking and group participation.
Weekly themes give the program different areas of focus. Explorers of Mission Trails centers on exploration of the park. Habitats, Ecosystems, and Wildlife connects the experience with living things and their surroundings. Nature through Art and Story brings a creative focus, while Mission Trails Junior Scientists gives nature learning a science theme. These themes sit within the camp’s shared approach of curiosity, teamwork, and hands-on participation.
The group format requires children to collaborate, listen to camp leaders, and follow directions. Campers stay within designated activity areas and need to be comfortable walking steadily for up to a mile. Small camp sizes support the program’s group structure. Children should also be ready to spend the day away from their parents and use the bathroom independently.
| Camp option | Hours |
|---|---|
| Regular camp | 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM |
| Optional extended camp | 08:30 AM - 04:30 PM |
Snacks are provided during camp. Children bring their own lunch and a refillable water bottle.
Campers must follow directions, listen to camp leaders, and remain within designated activity areas. All Foundation camp staff complete background checks and are trained in CPR and First Aid.
Children who need medication during camp must bring a completed medication authorization form on the first day. The form records the medication, dose, and administration time and requires parent authorization. All medication must remain in its original container. Prescription containers must show the child’s full name.
Foundation camp staff are trained in CPR and First Aid and complete background checks. Camp leaders guide children through group activities, with campers expected to listen and follow directions. The program uses small camp groups and separates children into two age groups for age-appropriate activities.
Most camp activities are based at the Visitor Center. Pack a lunch, refillable water bottle, hat, and sunscreen. Children should be ready for part of the day outdoors and for trail walks of up to a mile. Optional extended camp adds time before and after regular hours. If medication is needed during camp, bring the completed medication form on the first day.