Yikes no. I agree with everything the reviewer said about the counselors teaching the kids inappropriate things not to mention kids of all ages are mixed together it is chaos. We were signed up for only two weeks of this camp and it can't end soon enough (he's only going to have gone 5 of the 10 days because it's that bad). He started toward the middle of the season, but there was zero help with regards to how things worked or where he would go and I did NOT feel good about leaving my son there so I stayed for at least an hour to get him acquainted with things. The counselors are friendly enough and the director is very responsive and helpful which is why I even gave two stars. YMCA is twice as expensive but 10 times better. I regret signing him up for this camp. Free range for your child to have access to limitless junk food if you load their card. Expect bullying, bad language and bad behavior. Have no idea how these other parents rate this so highly. read more

HANDS DOWN BEST DEAL AROUND! The cost of the camp is soooo reasonable, but better yet, my kiddo LOVES going every day! I was nervous that he would be too old this year (10) to still want to just play all day, but he comes home excited about the activities and the counselors... and TIRED! From what he tells me, there are always various activities that campers can choose from, from dodge ball to arts and crafts. We haven't signed up for any of the extra add-on activities because he is so engaged with the normal day to day things planned. The counselors are very meticulous in the sign in and sign out process, so safely is a minimal concern. Everyone I have come across has been so friendly and helpful, from Alicia in the main office to every counselor I have encountered! I can not say enough good things about this camp! THANK YOU CAMP SHARK!! read more

I emailed concerns tonight and the owner responded very quickly! We hope some corrections are made tomorrow!

I volunteered there and recommendations hem completely. They do everything and more that they say in their ads. With Lena Lumme at the helm, she is a fantastic leader. read more

My daughter has attended both the 'kids night in' and Camp Shark. Every time she comes home full of fun stories of whatever activity she was involved in. Her only complaint of Camp Shark was that the day they went to the zoo "they walked for 5 hours." So I guess they got to see the whole zoo. Shes only been to camp shark a few times and I was so impressed how many of the counselors knew her name and would tell me a story about her from that day. read more

Wow! What a great center for kids. My two boys went to Camp Shark and loved it. When kids were 18, they for a job there and learned a lot of job skills that helped them in their future careers. Check this Center out. Lots of programs for kids. read more

10/10 recommend! The camp director is increíble and made sure my children felt comfortable their first time ever being at camp. They loved the all the activities and the camp helpers were amazing in helping them feel safe and at home! read more

My kids loved Camp Shark! They got to be out in fresh air and be active through their camp days. They were excited to hang out with friends and make new ones, AND were actually excited to share how their day was! My son's birthday happened to fall on a camp day and the staff went above and beyond to make him feel special, which I really appreciate. Would absolutely recommend! read more

Our family utilized "Camp Shark" and Kids Night Out and can not recommend, in fact, I would advise against it. These are my opinions and observations: Camp Shark, the kids are outdoors all day without access to AC (except a small room for staff and those who get sick from the heat) and my child often came home with borderline heat exhaustion, sunburned and appeared as if they were not taken care of with attention all day. It's not just coming home dirty, it's picking up your child and observing they seem as if an adult didn't remind them to drink water, eat their lunch, rest in the shade, wash their hands etc. If you don't pay extra for all the activities, then your child is left to wander around the park all day. Think, "Lord of the Flies" mentality. Most kids looked to be congregating under shade of trees for large portions of the day on mats. Another red flag is that the staff is mostly youth volunteers (13-16 yrs). The park is not fenced which is a scary safety issue when you consider anyone could approach a child at any time. If I had not been locked in to pre-payment without another option, I would have not sent my child after the first week but those with childcare issues are left with limited options during summer. The snack shack is nothing but junk food (which they shell out for free on certain days of the week) and no attention was paid to dietary restrictions so if there is an issue with food allergies, I could never recommend as far as safety concerns. read more

The Youth Center is a phenomenal organization that serves the youth in our community. The staff are beyond friendly, the facility is clean, the programs are the best in Orange County, and the kids are always smiling when I see them pass through. I can't think of a better youth program in Southern California that is truly dedicated to serving our children. Kudos, Youth Center, on your outstanding work! read more

We moved out of state only reason my son stop attending here, but my son was able to come throughout the pandemic and was being homeschooled it was great place to make friends and have fun. They have a couple youth volunteer here and my son always loved hanging out with them. If you are homeschooling or maybe just want an after school program this is great program. I think its great for kids who aren't into anything in particular but still want them apart of something this is a great place. read more

Not sure about the actual center itself... but I got my Christmas Tree from them this year on Los Alamitos Blvd. So I went to tree lots all over Long Beach, Cerritos, and Hawaiian Gardens but I wasn't feeling the vibe from any of their trees. Plus I was trying to get a gauge of the prices of the trees with type and quality. I ended up getting my tree from them because not only was the 5 ft grand fir ($39) I picked out a super PINEY smelling one but the staff selling the trees were really friendly and patient and answering all my tree questions. My tree is also very furry, not a bald spot in sight and very shiny with soft needles. Staff and volunteer youth offered to trim brushes and the bottom of the tree to my liking. They also offer to bind your tree in plastic netting for transport, very helpful for me as I live in an apartment complex with stairs. They then strapped my tree to the top of my car =) Although the price of my tree was about $4 more than the same size and type of tree variety I chose from the other sights....there was something special about my tree and the people selling me the tree. It called out to me. Plus it had a very distinct and strong PINE smell, other lots trees didn't have that, other lots also had dry trees. My tree is super lush and green...love it, had to have it!! So worth it! For about $4 they also sell mistletoe which benefits the local boy scouts troop. Tree stands were $12 extra as well. The lot itself is also nice because its in a big lot with a tent covering the trees and they had holiday music and complementary hot cocoa and cider that the children were handing out. 100% of the proceeds of the sale go to the Los Alamitos Youth Center, so that makes me feel like I supported the local youth and still got something for the holiday. read more

The Youth Center - My Tree from the LAYC - beautiful and healthy grand fir - Child Care & Day Care Near Me - Los Alamitos, California

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I've been a part of the Youth Center board of directors for the last 3 + years. During this time, I have watched the Executive Director, board and staff work tirelessly day after day, week after week, and month after month to better the lives of our local youth. This is the first time I've had an opportunity to serve as a board member for a nonprofit and the Youth Center has far exceeded both my expectations for the role of a board member, and my understanding of the positive impact one great nonprofit can truly make in the community they serve. read more

The Youth Center is an awesome place. My daughter loves coming here. The workers are great, especially Lina, Jamie and Julie. The kids are cool. They are disciplined but have the freedom to be themselves. The summer program, Camp Shark, was so fun and she loves spending time with her friends there after school. All in all a great place. Highly recommended. read more

I am fortunate to recently volunteer at The Youth Center. I have been impressed by how attentive the staff is to the kids & how much the kids seem to enjoy it here. The Youth Center in Los Alamitos has been around since 1952 serving children and their families with valuable programs and activities to benefit them. They touch the lives of more than 3,000 youth a year in their summer camps, after school programs, music education programs. If my kids were school-aged I would definitely have them go here. read more

The director finally contacted me and offered to have my son back, free of charge, and informed me that staff have been "retrained" on these issues. Although I did not take her up on the offer, I appreciate the effort. Hopefully in the future others have a better experience than we did. read more

The youth center is a great place to send your kids. They offer activities, homework help, and tutoring. The staff is amazing and willing to go the extra mile for the families they work with. You won't find a better place for your children! read more

I would like to give a Five Star shout out to the Los Alamitos Youth Center. This organization is the epitome of community youth service. They provide after school activities for children who would otherwise be with little or no supervision. We need more organizations like the Los Alamitos Youth Center in our area. Patricia read more

They are great at keeping my children entertained and safe. The counselors are great and very supportive of my children. Ps My children's friends are the ones that told us about this place!! read more

No cause more NOBLE than being a CHAMPION for all CHILDREN. This team sincerely offer safe haven for ALL children with arms wide open. Need proof? Come and see, plus check out the army off volunteers and sponsors that supports them. I am one of the VOLUNTEERs. read more

The staff doesn't even pay attention to the kids. They take away personal items such as laptops, phones, and tablets. Some kids get treated way better than other kids. Barely any staff out there watching. One of the staff has yelled at kids for not knowing where to sit. They also put kids in time out. Barely even take care of the kids like when they get hurt they write in a binder about what has happened. I have seen kids bullying the other kids and staff had done nothing about it even when the kids told them they have been bullied. When staff tutor they don't really help them, They just give them the answer. They barely take them outside to play or to get fresh air. The striking thing has gotten out of control, If one person gets all the strikes no computers for everybody. read more

The Youth Center is such a wonderful program, it really goes beyond any expectations you can possibly have. The staff and directors are the sweetest most caring people you'll ever meet. They really do make it their goal to provide the best child care for parents. I definitely recommend this program! read more

The Youth Center is an absolute gift to the community. You will not find a group of staff and volunteers more dedicated to making the lives of our youth more fulfilled. They provide a valuable service to the community and to providing value added programs for our youth. Thank you for being there for the community and our kids! read more

I love the Los Alamitos Youth Center! This past Christmas they took 60 kids to see Shuttle Endeavor for the first 60 families that signed up...and it was FREE!! Thank you for caring about our children and taking the time out of your busy schedules to take them on an all day adventure in Los Angeles! Very cool! read more

My kids had fun here over the summer, I just wish they had somewhere to go that was a little cooler!

I took my child to the Free After School Program and was impressed with how quickly she met new friends. She had nothing but positive things to say about the Youth Center and could not wait to go back. The kids and staff members are extremely friendly. Everyone is engaging. I couldn't have found a better place for my daughter to go after school. The fact that the program is completely free only makes it more impressive to me. i want to thank the Youth Center! read more

The Youth Center is a great place for kids to go after school. My daughter started attending this year and she has made new friends, improved her grades and is always telling me about the different games and activities she plays with her friends and the staff. The center is very safe and I am always greeted by a staff member when I come to pick her up after school. They do arts and crafts, sports, games and contests every day! I am so thankful for the free after school program! I don't know what I would do without it! read more