KNOCK AROUND CAMP 2024
Katie Shaw-Bullock (Gidget) (858) 534-3911 | kshawbullock@ucsd.edu
Ben Brickley (Brick) (858) 822-0532 | bbrickley@ucsd.edu
Purchase Knock Around Camps here!
Knock Around Camps are only available for purchase to families that were included in the 2024 pre-registration lottery from now until March 11th. Registration will open to the community on Monday March 11th at 12:00pm.
Knock Around Camp wait lists will open to lottery families on Friday March 8th at 12:00pm. Wait lists will be available to all others when registration opens on Monday March 11th at 12:00pm.
Knock Around Variety Camp – Ages 5-12
By blending scheduled activities with free-time play, Knock Around Variety Camp provides children the opportunity to learn new skills, develop game strategy, and engage in positive social interactions in a friendly, extended family type of environment. Schedules vary by week but will include activities such as swimming, arts and crafts, gymnastics, science, rock climbing, and lots of camp games!
Offered Sessions 1, 2, 3 & 4
Beach Camp – Ages 8+
Located next to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO), our Beach Camp will take the Knock Around philosophy and apply it to the beach. Campers
will have the opportunity to take surf lessons, hike to tide pools, learn basics of marine biology, build sand castles, and play on the beach.
Surf instructors and certified lifeguards are present the whole camp day and adhere to a ratio of three children to every one adult when playing in the ocean. All campers who wish to go in the ocean must pass a swim test on the first day of the session.
Offered Sessions 1, 2 & 3
Gymnastics Camp – Ages 6+
Young gymnasts will love our Knock Around Gymnastics Camp! Gymnastics activities will be held in our gymnastics facility in the Main Gym south balcony. Campers will also be included in other Knock Around Camp games, events, and swimming in our indoor natatorium pool. Gymnastics Camp provides expert coaching from our experienced staff to our campers in a positive and non-competitive environment. The camp will focus on introducing new and improving existing gymnastic skills, while creating a fun and memorable summer experience for all campers.
Offered Sessions 1, 2, 3 & 4
Archery Camp – Ages 8+
Archery Camp teaches archery skills and teamwork in a safe and monitored environment. Emphasis will be on learning form and proper shooting technique, and campers will have plenty of time to practice hitting various targets. Archery equipment is provided. Archery Camp will take place entirely off-site from the main camp in the Warren College area. Campers will utilize the Warren field for archery, swim in Canyonview Pool, and play camp games at Warren College.
Offered Sessions 2, 3 & 4
Robotics Camp – Ages 8+
Robotics campers will learn the ins and outs of basic programming while building a robot made of Legos. Counselors will guide campers to the ultimate goal of completing a functional robot that will compete in an end-of-session contest. Not to be missed!
Offered Sessions 2 & 4
Aquatics Camp – Ages 8+
If your camper’s favorite time of day is swim-time, then this is the camp for them! Camp focus will be on fun and games in the pool. Campers may have the opportunity to engage in inner-tube water polo, diving lessons, kayak jousting, stroke practice, and lots of pool games throughout the week. Campers must be able to pass a swim test in order to participate.
Offered Sessions 1A, 1B, 3A, 3B & 4B
New! Climbing Camp - Ages 7+
For campers who love our weekly visits to the Climbing Center, Rock Climbing Camp will give campers more time to perfect their climbing, bouldering, belaying, and knot-tying skills. Campers will enjoy weekly visits to the Challenge Course as well.
Offered Sessions 2A, 2B & 4A
New! Cooking Camp - Ages 8+
Experience the fun of simple baking and cooking in our first-ever Cooking Camp! This 1-week camp will give campers the chance to make their own tasty creations in the kitchen, all while exploring different types of food groups and learning basic kitchen etiquette.
Offered Sessions 1A & 2A
Fine Arts Camp – Ages 7+
In partnership with the brand new UC San Diego Crafts Center, campers will have the opportunity to participate in woodworking, jewelry making, ceramics, mixed media, and so much more! Not to be missed!
Offered Sessions 1B, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A & 4B
Fantasy/Sci-Fi Camp – Ages 7+
Does your camper love to play Magic or Dungeons and Dragons? In Fantasy/Sci-Fi Camp we will be participating in these activities and so much more! If your camper loves learning about fantastical places and engaging in medieval-like role play, this is the camp for them!
Offered Sessions 1A, 1B, 3A & 3B
Fencing Camp – Ages 7+
The Jr. Musketeers program teaches the sport of fencing to all levels. The program emphasizes skills development and immediate application to competitive fencing. Fencers will enhance technique through individual lessons and drills. We stress the learning of competitive skills and good sportsmanship as well as applying skills learned to the development of positive character. Fencing equipment is provided.
Offered Sessions 1A & 1B
Tennis & Pickleball Camp – Ages 7+
Tennis & Pickleball Camp is a non-competitive camp for kids who have an interest in learning more about these two dynamic racquet sports. The small group atmosphere and fun and positive environment allows for campers to be introduced to tennis and pickleball in a short amount of time. Campers will leave with new and improved skills and an appreciation for both games. Pickleball racquets provided. Some tennis racquets are available, but campers are encouraged to bring their own.
Offered Sessions 2A, 2B, 4A & 4B
Sports Camp – Ages 7+
If your camper is looking for one week of all the best games and sports that Knock Around has to offer, this camp is for them! Campers will participate in a variety of traditional and non-traditional sports and the most popular Knock Around Camp games. Participants should be energetic and prepared to be active the entire day!
Offered Sessions 1A, 1B, 2A, 3A & 3B
For Campers Entering 7th, 8th, and 9th grade
Designed to capitalize on the positive environment of Knock Around, Leadership Camp is a unique opportunity for young teens to interact with great role models as well as form friendships with their peers in a low pressure, active environment! Each session offers a theme around which the camp experience is based. Activities are aimed at challenging the campers and propelling them into leadership opportunities through team exercises, specially designed challenges, and hands-on mentorship with the Knock Around campers. Of course there will still be plenty of time for fun and games as well! This summer we are offering five sessions of Leadership Camp.
Session 1 – Ocean Life and Conservation
June 17–28 *No Camp June 19
Dive into the world of the deep blue sea and explore its many mysteries! Campers will be immersed in basic marine biology and visit the Birch Aquarium as part of their quest to understand the challenges that ocean conservationists face. They will also get a chance to experience the thrill of the waves with trips to the beach and kayaking in Mission Bay.
Session 2 – Food and Fitness
July 1–12 *No Camp July 4
Campers will learn all about different types of food and techniques for preparing healthy and delicious meals and snacks. Practical in-the-kitchen experience will give campers a chance to prepare a meal for their peers. Throughout the session campers will also learn about maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle and participate in sports and fitness activities.
Session 3 – Outdoor Adventure
July 15–26
Outdoor Adventure Camp will allow campers to experience the outdoor lifestyle of San Diego while working with their peers to complete basic survival challenges. Campers will learn fundamental camping skills, such as pitching a tent and reading a compass. We will wrap up the session with an overnight camping trip with UC San Diego Outback Adventures, which guarantees lots of fun-filled memories!
Session 4 – Shutterbug and Multimedia
July 29–August 9
Say cheeeese! In this session we will explore digital media through both photography and video. As a group, the campers will decide on a theme to create the much anticipated camp movie, then work together to film, edit, and present their final take to the rest of camp!
Designed for high school students who would like to further enhance their leadership abilities and learn what it is like to be a counselor at Knock Around Camp. All Junior Counselors will be placed into a group alongside two full-time counselors and asked to take on certain responsibilities, including: dynamically interacting with the campers, facilitating games and projects, monitoring the safety of camp, and participating in various camp activities. In exchange, Junior Counselors will gain positive workplace experience, leadership skills, an environment to grow creatively, and the extreme satisfaction that comes with being a mentor to younger children. Space for the Junior Counselor program is limited and prospective participants must meet the following criteria to be considered for the program:
- Participant must have completed at least one year of high school.
- Participant must have previously attended Knock Around Camp as a camper. Those applying who have not previously attended camp must be referred by a Knock Around Camp family or current employee.
- Participant must complete and return the
application to Gidget by March 25th, 2024
- Participant (even if returning from last summer)
must be available to participate in a training day on Saturday, June 1st, 2024 from 9am–3pm. - Participant is encouraged CPR/First Aid certification prior to the first day of their scheduled session. CPR class(es) are available to those selected to the JC program.
- Participant must abide by all of the health and safety requirements.
Applications will be available starting February 26th, 2024 and are due back on March 25th, 2024. We will notify the prospective participants by April 26th, 2024. Due to the popularity of the Junior Counselor program, we unfortunately cannot guarantee a spot to everyone who wishes to participate. Participants selected as Junior Counselors will be assigned to a group for a minimum of two weeks according to their schedule and our program needs.
The following program costs for training and CPR/First Aid certification apply to all participants selected as Junior Counselors and are payable by check
(made out to UC Regents) on the day of training:
- First Year Junior Counselor with Training and CPR/First Aid Certification: $195
- Returning Junior Counselor with Training only: $50
- Returning Junior Counselor with Training and CPR/First Aid Recertification: $90
Applications will be available starting February 26th, 2024 and are due back on March 25th, 2024. Please have the prospective participant email Gidget at: kshawbullock@ucsd.edu to receive an application or with any questions.
The Knock Around Camps are built upon our belief that environment dictates a child’s summer experience. Each summer we at Knock Around strive to create a low pressure, high energy, positive environment where children are encouraged to create friendships, explore creativity, and have the time of their lives. In each of our camps, children are introduced to a wide variety of activities designed to promote teamwork, self-esteem, leadership, cultural awareness, and friendship. This summer we’re offering a myriad of camp options for kids of all ages. Whether you have a 5 year-old who loves gymnastics, an 8-year old who wants to try their hand at archery, or a 14-year old who wants to play a role in the Camp Movie, Knock Around Camp is the place to be this summer!
A few things to know about in 2024 include two new camps – Cooking Camp and Climbing Camp! The Karen Calfas Polarek Knock Around Campership Fund, named in honor of a longtime Knock Around parent and beloved member of the UCSD community, will give families in financial need the opportunity to attend summer camp. To learn more about the fund, including how to apply and how to give, visit our campership fund page.
We hope you will join us for our 34th year of Knock Around Camp this year, and come see what summer fun is all about!
The Knock Around team,
Gidget and Brick
