Tumbleweed Camp: Learn, Play, & Explore in the Santa Monica Mountains

2/24/15 - By Linda DiProperzio

Summer camp is a place where kids can truly come into their own, spending the school break exploring interests, developing new passions, learning valuable skills, and creating life-long memories. And if that camp also happens to be situated on 100 acres of beautiful land in the Santa Monica Mountains, even better, right?

Our sponsor Tumbleweed Camp is a place where children ages 4-14 enjoy the wonders of nature just minutes from Brentwood. And while there are plenty of fun programs for campers to enjoy, the focus is on more than just keeping them occupied; each activity is designed to teach creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication—important attributes for when they get into the “real world.”  

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At Tumbleweed Camp, “dabbling” is encouraged rather than expertise, so kids are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and try new things. And if they're not a pro at it? No worries--while success is certainly celebrated, Tumbleweed makes it a point to applaud the effort as much as the end result, so that kids learn to be persistent and positive.

Tumbleweed is divided into two camps: Tumbleweed South is for PreK-2nd grade kids, with a 5:1 camper to counselor ratio so little ones are under constant supervision. The camp is designed to foster growth and development in a safe and nurturing environment, with both high and low-energy programs. Each day features swimming and lunch, with weekly activities including nature studies, horseback riding, arts and crafts, hiking, and more. Each week at Tumbleweed has a unique twist—one week you may find campers playing Gaga as Wizards; the next you may find Captain Planet talking to the kids about taking care of the beautiful canyon. 

Meanwhile, Tumbleweed North is designed for campers who are entering grades 3 through 8. This program focuses on making friends, gaining independence, and being able to share the responsibilities of working as a team through various traditional and unique day camp activities, including a one-of-a-kind high ropes course, a 40’ inflatable obstacle course, rock climbing, and archery. Each week at North offers a different theme or event, from dress-up days to carnivals to the camp's popular Color Games.

Tumbleweed North campers also get the option of overnight stays at the camp. Sleeping under the stars, singing around the campfire, and roasting marshmallows make for the ultimate camping experience. Other extras Tumbleweed offers include a swim school for private lessons, an afternoon horseback riding program, and some of LA's most well-attended birthday parties.

The camp is accredited by the American Camp Association, which means that it meets, and exceeds, safety and development standards that have been set for camps all over the country. For more info on session dates and tuition, check out the Tumbleweed site. And for more on summer camps around LA and OC, check out our Camp Guide.

This post is sponsored by Tumbleweed Camp, but the opinions are those solely of the author.

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