Directory of Local Resources for Families in Santa Cruz County
Since 2007 Santa Cruz Parent has provided a directory of businesses and nonprofits which serve families in Santa Cruz County. We hope you will find what you’re looking for here. If you know of a program or service not listed with us and which would benefit families, please let us know: info@santacruzparent.com.
Homeschool Association of California
The Homeschool Association of California is a nonprofit volunteer-run homeschool organization.
Do you have an urgent question or problem? Do you need information quickly? Volunteer homeschooling parents take turns answering our toll-free phone line and they are ready to help you find the help and information you need. If you are looking for support, please call us today!
https://www.hsc.org/ ~ 888-472-4440
Into the Heart of Nature
June 24 – July 19
Into the Heart of Nature camp at Tara Redwood is located in an extraordinary setting nestled in the Nisene Marks Forest near a calm creek. We offer cooperative games, creek exploration, habitat studies, playful skits, and nature-themed art.
Kids explore the various elements that support all life. Tara Redwood School’s summer camp educators are highly experienced in outdoor activities and wildlife studies.
Children learn social skills and kindness. Your child will make new friends, develop mindfulness, and learn how to help others.
Children have access to several hiking trails for daily play and to absorb some of our core tenets for happiness through developing a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of nature to all parts of life.
For children 4 to 8 years old.
5810 Prescott Rd, Soquel, 831-462-9632, https://tararedwoodschool.org/summer-camp-2024/
Kennolyn Day Camp
Ready to get your child away from technology and into a nourishing community of fun, friends, and the great outdoors? Give your child a healthy dose of GRATITUDE, POSITIVE ATTITUDE, and GROWTH at Kennolyn Day Camp!
On 450 acres of privately owned redwood forest only 4 miles from town, and 1 mile from our Overnight Camp, Kennolyn Day Camp is just a short bus ride away. Your child will thrive in this fun, active, supportive environment, and you will get a break (or at least be able to work without interruption). And after a day of exploring the fields, pond, and miles of trails, they’ll be happy-tired after each fun day!
Amazing activities keep your camp busy all day: high ropes course, climbing wall, BMX, fencing, pool time, horseback riding, animal care, archery, crafts, and more!
Campers grades K-9 are placed in coed groups based on their grade with two well-trained adult counselors.
Campers entering 10-11th grade may apply for our Leadership Development program.
Groups follow a planned schedule with some choice built in from Monday through Thursday. On Friday Fun Day, campers grades 2+ choose their own activities during the morning. The afternoon wraps up the week with a fun event based on a different theme each week. This is a great change of pace for campers who spend multiple weeks at Kennolyn.
Nowhere else in the local region will you find a more complete, authentic summer day camp experience. Just ask your friends and neighbors.
8400 Glenn Haven Rd, Soquel ~ (831) 479-6714 ~ https://www.kennolyncamps.com/santa-cruz-day/
La Madrona all day, summer, youth, sports camps, including pool guards, are offered for ten weeks during the summer season.
La Madrona Athletic Club is located in the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains and remains a premier club for health and wellness, balancing a gorgeous facility with a family friendly environment. La Madrona offers year around high level instructional tennis, pickleball and swimming.
The Sports Camp is an outdoor camp that will provide children the opportunity to develop their sport skills, self confidence and self esteem.
1897 La Madrona Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, 831-438-1072, kquinn@caclubs.com
https://lmac.caclubs.com/kids/la-madrona-summer-camps-2019/
Sport camp is a high level instruction based outdoor camp that will provide children the opportunity to develop their sport skills, self confidence and self esteem. The sport camp is for ages 6-10 years old. Groups will be limited to 8 campers.
A typical day for Sports Camp:
- Tennis lesson (60 minutes)
- Athletic & sports games
- Tennis play & court fun
- Pool games (45 minutes)
- Arts & Crafts
- Registration Packet
Summer Pool Guards Camp - Two week sessions- 9-12pm
The La Madrona Pool Guards Program will introduce children to the skills necessary for lifeguarding and aquatics safety. This two week program offers activities such as swim lessons, rescue skills practice, paddle board practice, stretching and strength building exercises along with team building games and fun. Participants will be divided into two groups of 12 based on age and ability. Ages* 6-12 are welcome. All participants must be able to swim one pool length of freestyle, have the ability to float on their back and tread water for 30 seconds. This is a great opportunity to advance in your water safety skills and become a better swimmer for life!
*The ages are a general guide – an assessment may be needed. Please contact Aquatics Director, Kyle Gorham for more information: kgorham@caclubs.com.
A typical day for Pool Guards:
- Warm up/exercise and stretching
- Swim lesson (30-45 minutes)
- Snack break and sunscreen re-application
- Paddle board and rescue skills practice
- Team building games and fun
- Registration Packet
Summer Tennis Camp - One week sessions- 10-1pm
- Tennis Camp is an exciting week of quality tennis instruction
- led by tennis professionals
- Drills to develop or improve your child’s game
- Super fun games that will make them smile
- Groups limited to 8 participants
- Registration Packet
High Performance Tennis Academy
- Ideal for the competitive player looking to improve their overall game
- Main qualification is a strong desire and motivation to play tennis.
- Opportunities to play practice matches
- and/or interclub throughout the summer
