Frequently Asked Questions

What makes your camps special?

Several things: we have an awesome 170-acre campus with a stocked lake, swimming pool, seven championship sized athletic fields, classrooms, and a chapel with staging and sound. We have hiking trails and basketball courts. We don't need to take the campers off campus because we have everything right here on our gated property that other camps have to go off site for. We incorporate aspects of the whold child, mind, body and spirit. We are in our tenth successful year. Our counselors are caring, dedicated Christians. Our theme weeks are so varied, a child who goes for the entire Summer will never get bored, as activities and guests change each week along with the themes.

What ages do you serve and what are the fees?

Year-round preschool from a part-time toddler program for 2.5 year olds, full and part-time year-round preschool and Jr. Kindergarten, Discovery Day Camps are ages 5-14, Speciality Camps are 8-year-olds to 14-year-olds. Academic Camps are for entering grades 1-8. Camps range from $183 to $500, if you include the optional Discovery Camp in the afternoons after either a Specialty Camp or Academic Camp, there is an extra $91 per week fee. (Refer to flyer for fees.)

When do the Camps run?

For nine weeks, June 20 through August 19, Monday through Friday. Discovery Camps are 9am to 4pm, and Academic and Specialty Camps run from 9am to 1pm. All campers eat lunch together, and during this time they have a daily devotional. Extended Daycare is available 7-9am and 4-6pm.

What is your religious affiliation - is this a church camp?

Rancho Capistrano is the South Campus of the Crystal Cathedral Ministries, and therefore, with the Crystal Cathedral and Dr. Schuller's philosophy of Inclusion, not exclusion, we welcome all denominations. The Crystal Cathedral Ministries' denominational affiliation is the Reformed Church of America. Christian principles are taught and modeled. We do not believe it is our responsibility to indoctrinate your child to a specific religion. Most of the day is spent in fun activities, a short daily devotional is held during lunch, when all the campers are together.

What are your counselors' qualifications?

All counselors are trained in first aid, and lifeguards at the pool are CPR certified.

What is your camper to counselor ratio?

The most campers to one counselor is 12. Campers are grouped by age.

I don't understand the difference between Discovery Camps and Specialty Camps:

Discovery Day camps are full of varied activities throughout the campus. Children swim, fish, canoe, do arts & crafts, field games, and more throughout the week. The theme of the week is incorporated into the program through the activities and special guests and programs we bring in. For example: during the Camp Olympics week, the students have a mini Olympics competition and do more sports related activities that week than on other weeks. Speciality Camps elaborate on weekly Discovery Camp themes and are designed to give the camper in-depth exposure to their chosen field of interest for their current and/or career objectives.

What are the themes of each week?

Please refer to current camp flyer, as themes may vary from year to year.

Do you also have a school there?

Yes, we have a year-round preschool and Jr. Kindergarten, Elementary School and Middle School. We use the Elementary ABeka curriculum, which is a challenging academic program with a Christian base, enhanced with Spanish, Art, Computer, Music, Drama, Field Trips, and hands-on learning utilizing the 170-acre campus. Middle School uses ABeka for Science and History, ABeka for Math and Sadler Oxford for English. The philosophy of the school is to expand the mind, energize the body, and enrich the spirit. Our mission is to help your child identify and maximize their God-given gifts and talents.

Do you have scholarships available?

No, but we do offer a family discount on Discovery Camps at $169 per week for each additional child. The first child is $183 per week.

Where do I send this registration form?

All the information you need is on our website. Fax to: 949-347-4015, or mail to 29251 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, Ca. 92675. Attn: Camps.