KNOCK AROUND CAMP
Katie Shaw-Bullock (Gidget) (858) 534-3911 | kshawbullock@ucsd.edu
Ben Brickley (Brick) (858) 822-0532 | bbrickley@ucsd.edu
Knock Around Classic Camp – Ages 5-11
By blending scheduled activities with free-time play, Knock Around Classic 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 can include such activities as swimming, arts and crafts, gymnastics, global kids, outside performers, camp games, and special events! The Knock Around Classic Camp program runs from 8am to 4:45pm. After Camp Care is available from 4:45–5:30pm and costs $40 per two week session.
Offered Sessions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7
Gymnastics Camp – Ages 7+
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, 5 & 6
Musical Theatre Camp – Ages 7+
Campers will sing, dance, and act out some of their favorite musical numbers in this creative camp! Young performers will develop an appreciation for musical theatre while working together to produce an end-of-session theatrical performance for parents.
Offered Sessions 3 & 5
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.
Beach Camp runs from 9am to 4pm. Before Camp Care is available from 8am to 9am and costs $20 per two week session. After Camp Care is available until 5pm and costs $20 per two week session.
Offered Sessions 2, 3 & 5
Isabel and Joaquin Lanckriet 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 your camper 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
Art Camp – Ages 5–8
Designed especially for our 5-8 year old campers, Art Camp will introduce drawing and sketching, watercolor, sculpting, and more! If your camper loves participating in arts and crafts, then this is the camp for them!
Offered Sessions 4A, 4B, 5A & 5B
Building/Lego Camp – Ages 5–8
Calling all future architects and engineers! We’ll be using LEGOS, paired with the basic principles of science and engineering, to build houses, cities, rocket ships ~ anything your camper can imagine! Campers will have the opportunity to work individually and in teams, fostering teamwork and friendship.
Offered Sessions 2A, 2B, 3A, &3B
Sponsored by Braincorp
Playground Games Camp – Ages 5–8
Campers will learn the rules and basic skills needed to play games such as basketball, kickball, handball as well as camp favorite games! Playground Games Camp is designed for the camper that likes to run around and be physically active ~ and engage in some friendly competition, too!
Offered Sessions 3A, 3B, 4A, & 4B
Wacky Science Camp – Ages 5–8
Campers will cultivate a love of science as they participate in one crazy experiment after another in Wacky Science Camp! Basic age-appropriate science principles will be taught as the campers get hands-on experience in this safe and engaging program.
Offered Sessions 5A & 5B
Circus Arts Camp – Ages 7+
Circus Arts Camp will introduce campers to circus and performing arts in a safe and non-competitive environment. Activities will include aerial silks, juggling, slack lining, unicycling, face painting, and mime! Guaranteed to be an experience to remember!
Offered Sessions 1, 2A & 2B
Fantasy Sci-Fi Camp – Ages 7+
Does your camper love to play Magic or Dungeons and Dragons? Are they interested in medieval sports, such as archery and jousting? 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 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 1, 2A & 2B
Hip Hop Camp – Ages 7+
This high energy Dance Camp will get kids moving while teaching basic hip hop techniques. Campers will learn the basics of body control, memory, and quick pick-up. No previous dance experience required!
Offered Sessions 4A & 4B
Outdoor Adventures Camp – Ages 7+
Outdoor adventurers will love to explore the outdoors in this fun, nature-inspired camp. Rock-climbing, gardening, hiking, and basic outdoor skills will be taught by our counselors and Outback professionals. If your camper likes outdoor adventure, then this is the camp for them!
Offered Sessions 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 5A & 5B
Tennis Camp – Ages 7+
Tennis Camp is a non-competitive camp for kids who have an interest in learning more about the game. The small-group atmosphere and fun and positive environment allows for campers to get a good intro to tennis in a short amount of time. Campers will leave with new and improved skills and an appreciation for the game of tennis. Some racquets are available, but campers are encouraged to bring their own.
Offered Sessions 3A & 3B
Aquatics Camp – Ages 8+
If your camper’s favorite time of day is swim-time, then this is the camp for them! Though campers will learn the basics of each swim stroke, the focus will be on fun and games in the pool. Inner-tube water polo, diving lessons, synchronized swimming, kayak jousting, and lots of pool games will keep your campers occupied throughout the morning. Campers must be able to pass a swim test in order to participate.
Offered Sessions 2A, 2B, 5A & 5B
Archery Camp – Ages 8+
Archery Camp teaches archery skills and teamwork in a safe and monitored environment at our new ECRA field. 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 ECRA field for archery, swim in Canyonview Pool, and play camp games in Warren college. Archery Camp runs from 9am to 4pm. Before Camp Care is available from 8am to 9am and costs $10 per one week session. After Camp Care is available until 5pm and costs $10 per one week session.
Offered Sessions 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A & 5B
Creative Writing Camp – Ages 8+
Creative Writing Camp will foster in kids a new, more positive relationship with the written word and work towards developing campers own ‘voice’, while embellishing writing skills that will help them achieve greater success with school assignments. Campers will learn to creatively think outside the box while completing various individual and group projects. As part of the Knock Around family, the order of the day will be fun and friendship!
Offered Sessions 4A & 4B
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 4 two week sessions of Leadership Camp, and 2 one week sessions.
Session 1 – Ocean Life and Conservation
June 15–19
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
June 22–July 2
*NO CAMP JULY 3
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 6–17
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. The two week session will wrap up with an overnight camping trip with UC San Diego Outback Adventures, which guarantees lots of fun-filled memories!
Session 4 – Leadership at the Beach
July 20–31
You asked, we listened - a full session of Leadership Camp based entirely at the beach! Located next to Scripps Pier, our leadership campers will have the opportunity to take surf lessons, hike to tide pools, learn the basics of marine biology, build sand castles, and spend the day at the beach. Much like traditional Beach Camp, all campers who wish to go in the ocean must pass a swim test prior to the first day of the session.
Session 5 – Shutterbug and Multimedia
August 3–14
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!
Session 6 – The Best of Knock Around
August 17–21
Campers will partake in the best-loved games, activities, and field trips in this dynamic session! In a nod to Leadership Variety Camp, leadership campers will have a say in the day-to-day activities and games played within their group and camp as a whole. A great way to celebrate the end of summer!
For Campers Ages 14 and up!
Designed for older campers ready to take their camp experience to the next level, these Adventure Trips run in partnership with Recreation’s Outback Adventures and are sure to challenge teens while providing them leadership opportunities and fostering environmental stewardship. Adventure Trip participants will spend four nights camp-ing in the wilderness with a group of nine students and three guides and counselors. During the expedition, the group will travel by canoe along the Colorado River or by foot in the San Jacinto Mountains. Both options are sure to challenge and inspire while fostering community within the group. Students will also learn technical skills such as minimum impact camping, wilderness navigation, and backcountry cooking.
Black Canyon Canoe - $450
June 22–26
This introductory canoe trip takes us to the Black Canyon on the Colorado River, just south of the Hoover Dam. Participants will learn to navigate up-river while honing their paddling skills. The impressive canyon is filled with treasures: remnants of old silver and gold mines, a myriad of hot springs, and the occasional Bighorn Sheep.
San Jacinto Backpack - $450
June 29–July 3
Mount San Jacinto rises over 10,000 feet, providing backpackers with incredible views of Joshua Tree National Park, San Bernardino Mountains, and the Salton Sea. Participants will have the chance to practice route-finding and group management on trail while hiking towards the summit. The hard work of carrying all the necessary gear on your back is rewarded by gaining confidence and of course the spectacular views from the mountain. No prior backpacking experience required – our guides will take you step by step along the way.
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 20th
- Participant (even if returning from last summer) must be available to participate in a training day on Saturday, May 30th from 9am–3pm
- Participant must be available to participate in one of two camp work days: Friday, July 17th from 4–6pm or Friday, August 21st from 4–6pm
- Participant must complete CPR/First Aid certification prior to the first day of their scheduled session.
Due to the popularity of the Junior Counselor program, we unfortunately cannot guarantee a spot to everyone who wishes to participate. We will notify the prospective participants by April 15th as to whether they have been selected for the 2020 Junior Counselor program. 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 on February 14th and are due back by March 20th. 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 likes everything arts and crafts, an 8-year old who wants to try their hand at archery, or a 14-year old who wants to backpack through the wilderness, Knock Around Camp is the place to be this summer!
This year also marks an exciting new venture for Knock Around – the Karen Calfas Polarek Knock Around Campership Fund, named in honor of a longtime Knock Around parent and beloved member of the UCSD community. This fund 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 30th year of Knock Around Camp this year, and come see what summer fun is all about!
The Knock Around team,
Gidget, Brick, and Firework
