San Diego French American School Camps

The camp lineup combines school-led Explore programs with sessions led by specialist instructors and partners. Toddler and preschool Explore groups use creative play, indoor projects, outdoor activity, and a rest period. Preschool campers also take part in Playball twice a week, with games that introduce movement and sports skills. Toddler enrollment is limited to children already enrolled at SDFAS or families preparing to join the school.

For kindergarten through fifth grade, Explore Camp builds each week around a theme. Morning and afternoon activity blocks include projects, games, and collaborative learning. A related field trip takes campers beyond the classroom to local museums, parks, or historic sites. Art is available as a morning half-day choice, and tennis occupies an afternoon block. Both can also be selected as add-ons to a full Explore week.

Specialty sessions follow their own approach. Marine Bio Camp pairs morning experiments and lessons with afternoon coastal exploration. Bibliophilia Camp gives writers time to draft, edit, revise, read, and share their stories. NW Film Camp groups participants into younger Creator and teen Filmmaker tracks, with teams working on original screen projects. For ages 12–16, the CIT pathway requires an approved application and at least a one-week commitment. Participants shadow supervisors, help lead activities, and receive leadership training and CPR certification.

Families pack lunch and extra snacks each day, as hot lunch service is unavailable during school camps. A lunch box with one or two snacks, any needed utensils, and a reusable water bottle belongs in each camper’s bag. Lunch and recess are part of the school camp schedule.

Food allergies and special instructions should be shared during registration and with the enrichment team and school nurse. The camp cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment. Friday activities may include sugar-free popsicles, depending on the planned activities and weather.

School camp staff are background-checked and trained in child supervision. Daily sign-in and sign-out use Procare. Preschool and elementary campers stay in separate groups, even when other groups are combined because of enrollment. Campus transitions during extended care are supervised by trained staff.

Activities move indoors when weather requires a change. Families should send closed-toe shoes and clothing suited to outdoor play, and apply sunscreen before arrival. Unsafe or disruptive behavior can lead to removal from a program. In a medical emergency, parents are contacted immediately.

Campers who are not enrolled at SDFAS must complete the required preschool or K–8 medical enrollment package. Forms can be uploaded through the enrollment platform or submitted to the school nurse. Missing required medical paperwork can result in cancellation of camp enrollment.

A nurse is on campus for minor medical needs. Families should report health needs and allergies before camp. Medication must be accompanied by a doctor’s instructions and signed authorization. Additional forms address asthma, allergy and anaphylaxis plans, medication recommendations, and over-the-counter medication consent.

School associates lead the preschool program, while specialty sessions bring in instructors with relevant experience. Art Camp is led by Art Deco Studios founder Sarah Allen. Coach Bryce Bettwy is a USPTA-certified tennis professional and a former collegiate player. Marine Bio Camp’s instructor, Ms. Mobley, is a science teacher and marine biologist. Writing instructor Megan holds a master’s degree in education and has taught at a project-based school. NW Film Camp uses experienced filmmaking instructors. School camp staff are background-checked and trained in child supervision.

Procare handles daily sign-in and sign-out for school camps. Families new to the school receive login details by email before camp and can download the app ahead of arrival. Photos and camp updates are shared through Seesaw.

Early pickup should be arranged in advance. Requests to change a child’s schedule, class selection, or participation must be submitted in writing to the enrichment team. Parents are contacted immediately in a medical emergency.

School camp drop-off runs from 8:15 to 8:30 AM at the preschool gate, with regular pickup from 3:15 to 3:30 PM. Enrolled extended-care campers can be collected from 3:30 to 4:30 PM. Specialty programs have their own hours, including morning art, afternoon tennis, and NW Film Camp’s earlier finish.

Label personal items and pack lunch, snacks, water, a light jacket, sun protection, and suitable shoes. Preschool families also bring a tot-cot and a change of clothes. Summer school camp registration is by the full week. External students need additional medical and enrollment paperwork.