Camp James

Camp James is an incredible camp! No matter who you are, when you walk on camp grounds, you become apart of the camp family! Everyone fits in and everyone is friends! Camp James teaches incredible life skills, whether it be sharing, or learning that it’s ok to be silly sometimes! Camp James is so awesome! Whenever I tell people about them, they are shocked at all the activities they have to offer! I definitely recommend sending your kids there!

My 7 year old LOVED this Camp! She would beg me to go to Camp James and we even tried the overnight, which was equally as fun as the day camp. The location is beautiful and easy to get to. Love the curbside drop off — easier for moms with babies still in car seats. Security was great. You have to have a family password and give it to have your child released to you. Staff was super helpful and FUN. My daughter participated in so many fun water activities. This camp is highly recommended.

My husband and I saw Camp James campers last year while we were paddle boarding and we knew we had to send our kids for an experience of a lifetime! I have a 4 year old girl and 6 year old boy who have seriously cried when we picked them up because their day was SO awesome. I felt extremely comfortable with the Camp James operation and as a nurse, I would consider myself picky. I had to ask the directors for some changes and they were more than willing to help me out with my needs– I ALWAYS felt listened to… at the end of the day, they genuinely cared about the kids and their needs. I was struck by the awesome attitudes of their superstar counselors– I NEVER thought I’d let my 6 year old have a sleepover at camp but I always felt so safe with them– Koda, Stryder, Dot, Traveler and Bitsy were outstanding– seriously the best of the best. Their hiring is amazing– I don’t know how they find these counselors that give 110% every day– they are totally focused on the kids and will make great teachers, therapists, psychologists someday (lots of them are in college with these majors). They have roll call in the AM that seriously feels like the best pep rally EVAH– it got me so pumped for my own day. My little ones had to hit up the first aid station for sunscreen in the eyes and little cuts and they were treated with great care. In short, I remember summer camp as a time where I tried new things, got sweaty and dirty, experienced a little room from my parents, felt confident and cool getting to know awesome mentoring older people– Camp James is all of those things and then some– my husband and I kid each other often about how we are going to run away so we can be Camp James campers.

I’ve known about this place for a long time but only got to use them this year as my Girlfriend’s son went this past summer. He loved it! He’s 10. Archery, a sleepover, lots of water sports and his favorite — laser tag. I’ve met a few of the staff, and they were all really great with the adults and playful and fun with our 10 year old. I see a couple bad reviews which I don’t understand. I’ve heard some parents will have a fit when they cancel half way through, breaking the contract and still want a refund. Sad. I’ve only heard good things about the camp.

My daughter and I tried this place out for four days while visiting here on business. She had fun and got to try out new things, but here are a few recommendations and considerations:
1) If your kid does not swim, or is learning how, help them to prepare for being at a summer camp where everyone else already swims. We’re from out of town and while she’s had a swimming class she’s not an avid swimmer. They told us that would not be a problem, but I think it was for my daughter the first day.
2) It’s super dusty as it’s on the Newport Dunes area — and thus everything is coated in dust/​sand. Don’t wear nice clothes and expect to lose some clothes.
3) lunches are challenging for out of town guests, as she’s got a ground beef and nut allergy. She was pretty hungry for long days — and I’d say there wasn’t enough food for her. You can buy lunches but considering how much they are running around outside all day, I’d try to get some advice on how to ensure your kid has plenty to eat and drink while there.
4) Prepare to lose things — we did.
Everyone is super nice. My kid was able to try different things. She loved canoeing. She came home singing new songs. She really liked her camp counselors and had no real complaints other than swimming issues and food, and getting sand in her eyes.
Pricing is comparable to most camps and daycare programs.

My 6yo attended 2 weeks of Camp James this summer with a few of his friends. He had a great time — we couldn’t believe the wide range of activities they had organized every day for the kids. Archery, canoeing, swimming, go-​karts, zipline, bounce houses, singing, mini golf, etc… every day I picked him up, he was bouncing off the wall with fun stories.
The counselors always seemed cheerful and helpful — whether it was 8am on a Monday morning, or 5pm on a Friday evening. They were often dressed in crazy costumes and really seemed to engage the kids and tried to make them feel special. Even little things they did, like smooth logistics in the parking lot or extra counselors when check-​out got was busy were nice to have.
I was glad we arranged for our kids to be in the same group — a lot of the kids seemed to come in «pre-​formed» groups, so if you were a solo kid, I can see how camp might not be as fun (or even a little intimidating). The Friday «Carnival» sounded like a lot of fun — I didn’t know that most parents attend this, so my poor guy was left off to the side because I wasn’t there. :(Next year, I’ll know to attend that event with him.
All in all, a really nice, traditional summer camp experience that we really enjoyed and are looking forward to next year.

The security at this camp is HORRENDOUS! I enrolled my 5 year old into Camp James for the Summer camp because I heard how great the camp was. Well, on the 3^rd day, my child GOT OUT of camp and NOONE saw her following me out of camp, back to my car after dropping her off in the morning… Thank God it was ME who realized she was out IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD behind me, and not a kidnapper or a car hitting her! Another day she was playing only with one other little friend off to the side (6 years old), with the makeshift barrier gate (??) completely REMOVED from the perimeter and a group of about 8 workers/​strangers from another organization working inside the Camp James grounds setting up for their event, and NOT a counselor IN SIGHT! Needless to say, I addressed these instances to the «Directors» and as mortified as they «seemed» at the time, I don’t feel that they felt it necessary to even attempt to redeem their negligence and had the gall to tell me that they would «yell at the counselor» because the children «should have been with (her) group the whole time and not by themselves»… really? Well yelling at young camp counselors isn’t correcting the overall security issues. There are a few other things I saw and experienced that showed me that the people in charge of this camp aren’t looking out for the best interest of the children, like the heavy and incredibly awkward mobile-​bathroom doors at the top of super steep stairs which are practically IMPOSSIBLE for little ones to manage, no paper towels in the bathroom at reach-​able levels for little ones to dry their hands (even though I asked them to install one 3 times), kids punching each other while a counselor standing by did nothing, and they even lost my kid’s clothes one day and the poor thing had to be in her bikini all day while kids picked on her and called her names… AMAZING that I found her clothes within seconds after they whined about how they had no idea what happened to them! Seriously, this camp needs to get it together. I am posting this so that parents can be informed, who want the utmost in security and care when someone else, especially someone we are PAYING good money to, are watching and caring for our children and that safety and security is #1. Due to these factors, I do NOT recommend Camp James. Find another camp that actually cares about the well being and safety of your most precious children!

I give this place a bad review for the poor customer service in the office. Frankly it is terrible. They have a terrible process for getting kids placed in groups that fit for the child and have no flexibility for fixing the issue unless you are willing to pay them more money to fix their failure. After paying $ 2000 for 2 children my daughter got placed in a group of all boys. They were dismissing my concern and only agreed to make a change if I paid them more money. They simple needed to place the child in another group if there is an opening but won’t unless you give them more money. I can easily pay the additional money but the fact that they try to sucker people for more money for their mistake is wrong. (I’m glad my son didn’t get placed in a group of all girls).

A hidden gem in Newport Beach! I have hiked Back Bay for a very long time and have hosted events at the Dunes and never stumbled upon Camp James.
They have EVERYTHING a kid would ever want! Too bad there is an age limit or else I would have signed myself up. Kayaking, archery, laser tag, a 9-​hole mini-​golf course? Really? I loved that they have canoes and stand-​up paddles and I loved that they are very spacious. Staff is extra friendly and you can’t ask for a better location.
I would recommend Camp James to anyone looking for a first-​class day camp for their children.

I must say that I have never, ever seen an environment that encourages exploration, friendship and leadership like Camp James does. In the hustle and bustle of Orange County, Camp James is one of the last things remaining that allow kids to really be kids.
Camp James is a friendly and safe environment that pulls kids away from technology, and outside to really interact with other kids. The staff is always professional, but also knows how to encourage children to have a good time!
Pro Tips:
What to wear: Make sure you send your child to camp IN THEIR BATHING SUIT, this makes getting to the water much easier. Also, never let your child wear anything You or they care about to camp. Camp enrages exploration and fun, and often along with this comes a little dirt.
*** ALWAYS WEAR CLOSED TOED SHOES. Camp Rule!
What to pack: A Towel, Reusable water bottle, Sunblock.
What to do: Always meet your child’s counselor. It makes them more comfortable, and they are more likely to tell you any problems and ALL THE FUN your child may have had throughout the day.

I remember working here as a CILT named Ledlander, back in 2008 when this was next to Wild Rivers. So many fond memories of going on go karts, paddling canoes in the lake, going in the arcade, and even riding a ferris wheel that spun upside down. The daily trips to Wild Rivers were definitely a huge plus for me and the kids and all-​in-​all, it was fun going here. I hope this place is doing well at its new home. :)

I take care of my Niece and Nephew over the summer since I’m a teacher and have that time off as well. We started going to Camp James when they were located @ the Irvine Meadows/​Water park area. I must say that the new location is a vast improvement in many ways. Mostly as both the kids are Water-​dogs and love Kayaking and in general love being around water. The weather couldn’t be any better as well.
Very few Staff are actually Teens, but what Camp doesn’t have Teens as Counselors anyway?
They are energetic and for the most part really professional. Considering this could be or more then likely is their first job and working with kids can at times be frustrating and tiring, they do a fantastic job!
The Director is a very solid individual as well. And to be honest, I’m pretty convinced she’s nowhere near an Ex-​Hippie.

My kids love Camp James. It is a rare treat for a working mom to have her kids say «can we get up early to get to Camp in the morning?» We are just finishing up our 3^rd summer with the camp and they have enjoyed every day of it.
It is a bit different this year at Newport Dunes; at first we missed the old location by Wild Rivers because my kids liked the hikes and the daily visits into the waterpark. But the cooler temps by the beach and lots of activities, like paddleboarding and kayaking, have kept them happy this year.
It has been great for my boys to meet kids from other schools and they have made friends they look forward to seeing each summer. And the counselors are fun and engaging. There are lots of kids and lots of noise and they come back home with sand in their hair and shoes and ears and they are super dirty and worn out which tells me they had a great time. Another nice thing is that many of the counselors return each year so my kids know them and the counselors remember the kids.
Two friends from our school attended a few weeks at Camp James and then had to go to the Boys and Girls Club, and the kids were begging their mom to bring them back to Camp James; they said the Boys and Girls Club was too boring.
I have to admit, it can be a little expensive but there is a sibling discount when you have more than one child attending. My bigger complaint is they spend so much time playing in the sand and swimming in the bay, they never want to go to the beach on the weekends with me.

I was searching for a day camp our daughter could go to the last week of August while her Montessori school was closed to get ready for the new year and found Camp James. What a great place!
Our daughter had a tremendous time … swimming, canoeing, fishing, art projects, lots of outdoor stuff. The counselors greeted her each day with genuine enthusiasm and she was disappointed to leave at the end of the day!
I hope that they are able to find a new location for summer 2012. If so, we’ll be there ALL summer next year!

Both my kids (Boy and girl) have attended Camp James’ regular summer camp, specialty camp and holiday camps and have always had a wonderful time! The counselors have always demonstrated patience with my children and ensured that each had the best time possible. My son has special needs and they were ALWAYS happy to work with me (and especially him) to ensure that he had a great experience.
It’s always good to see a good ol’ fashion «get loud and get dirty» camp for our kids. They get to try so many different things throughout their time there. My sons favorite was the fishing boats! My daughter always loved the opportunity to dance on stage and chant with her group!
I would highly recommend this camp to any family. Your shy kids and your not so shy kids will get something out of it!

Camp James makes me want to be a kid again! My oldest has been going for the last three years and looks forward to it each summer. Thankfully my youngest was old enough to go this year … so I did not have to drag him away crying (as I did last year) because he was too young to stay.
The camp is the perfect amount of structure and silly fun. The counselors are wonderful young adults… many who were there as campers. They are well trained in how to balance authority and playfulness.
Everyday when I pick up my sons they have a huge smile on their faces and want to stay even longer. (Should I mention how much I enjoy having some free time?)
I wish I could give more than five stars! I just asked my eldest his opinion of Camp James … And he said «I love Camp James» … And you know what … Me too!

Best Camp Experience EVER! I have two sons that are completely different in their personality and interests and it has been difficult to find a place or activity they both enjoy. I have tried different types of camps, but none has been able to give both my boys what they need. They LOVE going. It is their happy place. I researched the camp before attending and was still amazed how professional they all are. The leaders really get to know the kids in their group and communicate with the parents at pick up. They entertain them and keep them active. I feel I am leaving my kids in a safe environment, especially when I see parents that work for the Irvine Police Department and USMC dropping off their children. We all trust the staff. I would HIGHLY recommend this camp to ANYONE!

Camp James is a huge disappointment. The site is old run down and really dirty. [Yes, I know they plan to move to the Grate Park] Traffic into the camp site is awful, going through the water park, over the speed bumps, and the dirt road. Parking is near impossible with children, cars, and clouds of dirt. My son hated the «changing room» which he described as filthy. He preferred to wear his wet swim suit rather than change into clothes. When I went to pick up my son the «counselor» told me he is «around here someplace». When I talked with the Director, she told me we don’t fit in at CJ.
CJ is perfect if you want to drop of your child in a large dirty feed lot and let them run around yelling all day with limited supervision by teenagers. And, don’t make suggestions or complain… it means you don’t Fit in with the ex Hippies who want to be cool with the kids… High Fives and Waves really don’t make a Professional Day Camp for Children.

I’ve worked at Camp James for 6 years and I can’t get enough. It’s such a gem! It’s a beautiful piece of land staffed by wonderful people who care about the greatest kids! How could someone leave that? :D There are so many fun activities that the kids get to partake in and they get to go to Wild Rivers in the morning every single day!

In the strip mall jungle that is Orange County, Camp James is an oasis for kids. It’s located right behind Wild Rivers and they get to go to Wild Rivers everyday. What’s better than that?
In addition to that, there’s tons of space for the kids to play sports, go on the Ferris Wheel, play games, do archery, hike, play volleyball and myriad other options. They even get to do karate, tumbling, fishing, canoing and climbing the rock wall.
While there are many options, it seems very structured and supervised. The counselors are mostly teens but there are a ton of them — very peppy and friendly. Security is good there too, with pass codes and multiple checkout stations.
My kids have gone three years in a row and always look forward to it. They come home filthy and exhausted, just the way I like it. The only drawback is it’s on the expensive side. Otherwise, a great place for kids.