My son has spent his last three happy and wonderful summers at Camp James and can't wait to go back every year. It's a safe, super-friendly, cheerful and energetic environment that fosters a culture in which kids treat others well. Every day, we are greeted with broad smiles and given friendly welcomes and hellos and sent off in the afternoon with pretty much the same. Some of the camp counselors even greet my child by name. There are lots of activities that the kids can participate in, from drama to archery to wall-climbing to crafts - the list goes on. There are structured activities and free play activities. There is always a counselor nearby during free play activities, so if a counselor tells you your child is "somewhere around here," that means your child is most likely participating in free play nearby. No worries. CJ is OUTDOORS! So children will get dusty, and occasionally dirty if they're hiking or playing. The grounds are clean. There's always laid back order no matter how busy it gets with hundreds of kids in the camp. CJ has good layers of security checkpoints. Your child is not allowed out without you or an adult you've authorized to pick up. So even if the camp feels big and there are lots of kids, it's safe. As for parking, there are camp attendants who help drivers pull in and out of the parking spaces during peak pick up and drop off times. Finally, this last part of my review is to make sure that the other side of the story is told so you all get the real picture. The camp has a zero tolerance for bullying or inappropriately aggressive behavior. That's one of the reasons my husband and I love and continue to choose Camp James. As for those parents who encourage violent behavior in their child, are not open to discussing what constitutes "appropriate camp behavior," and believe that there should be no consequences when their child punches another kid, they should find a different camp for their child. That's what the remark "your child does not fit in" means. All in all, it's a fantastic, excellent, incomparable camp and we can't wait for our daughter to start attending CJ next summer. read more

Our 6 year old son has attended Camp James for the past two summers. He absolutely loves it and so do we. He can't wait for next summer to be able to go back to camp. When we would pick him up at the end of the day, he would have numerous stories to tell us about the fun things he did. Camp James is going to be one of those special childhood memories that he will be telling his kids about some day. I am a bit protective about the safety and security of the places that we leave our son. Camp James has a double check points with a private password to be able to pick up your child. They have counselors at the exit gate to ensure that a child is leaving with their parent/guardian only. I always felt that our son was very safe at camp and being well cared for. We did some photography at Camp James this summer. We were able to spend the day at the camp and see first hand all of the unbelievable activities they have setup each day. In addition to the fun activities, we were so impressed with the enthusiasm and kindness that the counselors had for the kids. They really gave it their all to make it an incredibly fun for the kids every day. The activities range from learning about science and nature to kayaking and rock climbing. There are also lots of great water activities for the kids to enjoy every day. Our son didn't really start to embrace the water until the end of camp. He still enjoyed going to the water activity and would find something fun to do on land. What made us feel good, is that the counselors never made him feel bad about not swimming and made sure he was still having fun. Camp James gets a A+ for being so well run. It is obvious that they spend an incredible amount of time planning and creating an environment where children can have fun, make new friends, and also be exposed to developmental activities like science and the arts that are not standard curriculum in most schools. We are looking forward to our son going to Camp James every year! read more

Came to this page to completely refute what the most recent scathing review says about the directors here and staff. First of all, from someone who's has their kids come for many summers now, I can't help but feel that exaggerations from one parents inconveniences do not reflect the camp in the right light. To suggest that there are directors here who don't care about the clientele is absolutely bs. Legend and the other directors I've known since my children were young are so caring and not willing to stoop to entitlement - THAT is where they come off as pushy or rude which again, they're not. I praise them for not dealing with rude entitled parents who think the world owes them anything. They are so great as people and staff and I love them. This place is very safe, the staff are friendly and willing to help you if you have questions, and will ensure that your child has a great time. In the review that Anna L posted she mentions that her child even enjoys camp james which is the baseline of why you review a camp anyway. This is my favorite summer camp for kids and it's a joke that anyone should discredit them over their own issues. Refund policy is clear, directors HAVE TO BE ALERT AND CAUTIOUS so don't get your feeling hurt if they come down on you if you're wrong snowflake. Also... in reference to Annalieses review... no one has ever died here. If you're taking about that maybe refer to the one at the whale ACROSS from the campsite.. during the fall of 2018? Lol. Nice try Karen. read more

I worked as a Cilt and what goes on in camp James is CILTS run the entire show and we get yelled at by the directors yelled at by the assistant counselors and life guards and furthermore we don't get paid the people who should get paid are the counselors CILTS and the specialist we're the entire backbone of this camp and I think they should stop yelling at the CILTS because some of us are so messed up from school and I think the director legend should step down either that or be fired because by the way she handles certain situations is so unprofessional to a degree where it makes us want to quit and I understand that Apollo is a new director and he's been doing an amazing job for his first time as a director I also used to be a camper here and I remember it being way more fun but I think now it's becoming too safe and less fun for the campers and I'm not trying to be transphobic but for the sake of the campers I don't think there should be trans people because it's confusing for the kids and staff and I can only imagine what the parents are thinking I have short hair and several campers asked me if I was a boy or a girl and that is an example of the confusion for the campers and staff anyway KEEP IT UP APOLLO YOUR DOING GREAT read more

Last year was my first year working as a paid employee for Camp James. I worked as a lifeguard, and it was a blast. But I was a CILT (Counselor In Leadership Training) for a number of years. Being a CILT is a great opportunity for teenagers because it teaches you great life lessons. For me personally, it taught me a lot about patience and flexibility. I can honestly those years were some of the best summers of my life. This last summer when I was a lifeguard, I didn't know what to expect, because I wasn't with one group the entire day, but I actually liked it better. Being a lifeguard gave me the opportunity to be with every age group of kids. Camp is truly a one-of-a-kind place. What makes Camp so special is the people who help run Camp. Everyone who works at Camp is genuinely happy to be a part of Camp. The fact most of the activities are outside also add to what makes Camp so fun. Camp has everything from Laser Tag to Water Park to Go-carts! It is a great place for kids to come and have a blast while meeting new people and making new friends. I love being a part of Camp and would recommend it to anyone who has a kid between the ages of 4-13! read more

This is my son's third year at Camp James and he absolutely LOVES it! I am probably one of the most paranoid Moms in the world, so I would never allow him to go to a traditional sleep away camp, but I still wanted him to have the "camp experience" that a lot of us had as kids. Camp James is exactly that. The counselors are friendly, singing traditional camp songs in the morning at drop off, welcoming campers for a fun filled day. I'm so happy that my son can be outside all day in the fresh air participating in all the fun activities. We live in South County so my son doesn't know any of the other kids at camp, but he has been able to make lots of new friends and has never once said a negative thing about the camp. He LOVES going to Wild Rivers in the morning, the themes each week, and he thinks the counselors are the best. I feel perfectly comfortable leaving him there all day while I work. They even remind him to reapply his sunscreen after lunch. He comes home sweaty and dusty and exhausted every day which is exactly how it should be after a good day at "CAMP"! read more

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. read more

I have been a part of the Camp James family since I began volunteering as a C.I.L.T. (Camper in Leadership Training) in 2002. In every subsequent year I begin looking forward to summer in September. Camp James has helped me grow to the person I have become. It provided me with great opportunity to work with wonderful campers, a very kind and caring staff, and a positive and supportive group of directors. Camp James was the first place where I enjoyed the opportunity to work with young people, and as a result I pursued and earned a teaching credential. Camp James has helped provide me with professional toolkit to work with and help young people develop. Camp James has also provided me with the opportunity to build and develop great friendships with my fellow staff with whom I remained close over the the years. Overall, I would suggest that anybody who has the opportunity to experience Camp James as a camper, volunteer, or staff member, be sure to take it. You do not want to miss out on such a wonderful place as Camp James! read more

I worked at Camp James for 4 summers while in college, and also upon graduation. I had worked at other summer camps before, but none of them were as fun, creative, and eclectic as Camp James. There is truly something for every camper - and along with a wide-variety of activities comes a wide-variety of kids! Everyone meets new friends and forms bonds that last a life-time. I wish I had been able to go to Camp James when I was child - I might not have felt so out-of-place and awkward myself! The best thing about Camp James, however, has to be the staff. Everyone is CPR and First-Aid certified, so while it might seem like chaos, there is structure and safety in place at all times. Many of the Councilors are going to school for degrees in education, arts education, child development, teaching credentials, etc. Every single staff member is there because they love and care about children. The uniqueness and diversity of the staff is unparalleled. It's just a FUN place to be. It's STILL the best job I've ever had. read more

I volunteered at Camp James this summer and it was one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had. As a CILT (Counselor in Leadership Training) it was nice to work with counselors that explained how to be a good, fun leader instead of just sending the CILTS on bathroom/first aid runs. The directors and lead counselors were always extremely supportive. For a kid, what's not to like? There's something for everyone: Wild Rivers, go-carts, gymnastics, sports, arts and crafts, laser tag, etc. The counselors are fun and engaging and are always keeping things safe. The camp itself is beautiful, the review that called it an "oasis in the middle of the Irvine strip mall jungle" nailed it. From the time they are greeted by the parking crew and spirit greeters to the time they get their otter pops and leave for the day, the kids are always having fun. read more

I went to camp James for about a decade before I started getting internships, and those 10 summers were the best I ever had. Every year I could not wait until summer started, for that meant it was time for camp. And it didn't even matter if I was a camper, or if I was the councilor. As a camper, I had a great deal of fun, while being supported by the councilors (Even for an out-of-place kid like me). If it wasn't for these people, Camp would not have been anywhere near the mark it set each year. As volunteered staff, I learned a great deal and helped in any way I could. As payed staff, I kept coming back each year, not for the money or for the free entrance into to local water park, but because of what Camp meant to me. Camp James is a place where kids can make life-long friends, learn life lessons, and have an amazing experience. read more

Camp James is an amazing summer day camp! From the weekly themes, dress-up days (for both kids AND staff!), tons of activities, daily trips to wild rivers, sleepovers, and specialty camps, Camp James really does have it all! And it is very well organized from the animal groups by age to the passcodes at check-out, to having Round-Up officially begin each day to Round-Down officially ending each day (plus extended am and pm care)! This is truly the best summer day camp I've seen! Each day the campers go to Wild Rivers and get to partake in about 4 other activities ranging from sports, rides, tumbling, dance, drama, hiking, bounce house, rock wall, dune buggies, ropes course, nature, arcade, boats, karate, music, arts & crafts, and various other activities! I HIGHLY recommend Camp James as a fabulous place for kids! read more

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! read more

More years than I can count our family has been connected with the Camp James family. First as campers, CILTs' and ultimately a counselor. As campers my children found a wonderful place to explore old interests, find new ones and make new friends living around Orange County. As CILTs and counselor my children have been trained, mentored and guided with care to express and explore a great many sides of their character, personality and interests. I have seen my children blossom even more as responsible, reliable people. We have shared the Camp James experience with other friends and family and they have come away with a similar feeling- a wonderful experience for our children. Thank you CJ staff for all that you do!!! Much gratitude to you all. read more

Camp James is amazing experience for everyone who goes there. The employers have an incredible talent for finding people passionate about working with children who are also fun-loving and responsible. The camp offers a chance for kids to try things for themselves and get their hands dirty, which is something they don't always get to do nowadays. Each week has a different theme and each day has different activities to keep things interesting and fun. I think the part of camp that draws me back every year is the relationships that are formed. It is a common sight at Camp James to see two children become fast friends then return to camp year after year to spend a fun summer together, or to see the excitement of a camper and counselor reunited. read more

I attended this day camp for 6 years as a camper and I had a great time. I made new friends and learned a lot of skills such as boating, arts and crafts, performance, and even self-defense through the variety of activities that they have. I volunteered there for 2 summers and worked for 1 and learned a lot of important job skills. This camp has provided countless kids, teens, and staff with a fantastic and safe place to spend a summer with awesome people. Camp James is a great place for kids to learn who they are and what they enjoy doing outside of the school year. I have many positive memories and it will always have a special place in the hearts of all who spend time here. read more

My kids love Camp James. They have gone for many years at both locations. We are there to stay. The staff is fun and safety conscious. They made my son feel welcome on his first day. My son loved Heroes Week and Pirate Week. Also getting to play giant Jenga is fun. It does have sand, but it is at the beach. There is plenty of shade at the NB location. I saw someone concerned with the lack of variety on the menu, that actually works for our needs. My son is a picky eater so I know what days he will eat their food and when I can pack a lunch. The counselors and office staff are friendly and helpful. We are fans! read more

I was a camper at Camp James for almost four years and had an absolute blast! Then, when I became old enough, I joined the Camp's outstanding Camper in Leadership Training Program (CILT). it was such a great experience! Now, I am a counselor and couldn't imagine doing anything else! Camp James is such a positive and fulfilling environment for kids. It allows them to do activities they wouldn't normally be able to do (ie archery, karate, or drama). Every camper I know, including myself has a blast at camp! I would recommend this camp to my own family, and I have, because now my 9 year old sister is a camper an loving it too! read more

I have had a child attending Camp James since 1994 and have nothing but suuperlatives for the site and the attending staff. There is absolutely no negativity here as everything is "awesome". That may be mundane to a jaded adult but believe me i want my kid immersed in that kind of positive enviroment. There is grass, water and dirt with large expanses of open fields! Where else can your kids hike, fish, canoe, dance, play outdoor pool, soccer, basketball, ride carnival rides, archery, go carts, crafts and go to a water park -- in one day! The kids come home sweaty, dirty, tired with big smiling faces! Go Camp James! read more