By Katie Arnoult
For many, summer means months of sitting in the house, faces in front of a screen all day, instead of enjoying the outside. The Youth Center’s Camp S.H.A.R.K. (Science, Hands-On, Art, Recreation and Knowledge) is flipping that perspective and giving SoCal kids a fun-filled, tech-free experience, right in the heart of Rossmoor.
The Youth Center is based in Los Alamitos and Rossmoor, but it serves families all over the area. Through various programs and events, the award-winning organization has served families and the community since 1952. In 1996, The Youth Center opened its full-day summer camp in Rossmoor Park, which has grown to provide Camp S.H.A.R.K. to many more families.
With an emphasis on art, science and staying active, Camp S.H.A.R.K. provides a summer camp experience to kids from kindergarten to fifth grade. Every day, campers take part in games, art projects, specialized classes and more. And at the end of each week, campers enjoy “Water Day,” when kids battle with water guns, play in sprinklers and race down water slides under the sun. The camp also lets kids take field trips to exciting locations like the Aquarium of the Pacific and Sky Zone. At Camp S.H.A.R.K., there is something for every kid to enjoy.
One camper, Poppy, shared that her favorite camp activity was the slime craft, a weekly activity offered to kids. Another camper, Michael, said that he enjoyed the golf class, while another student said that her favorite field trip was going to John’s Incredible Pizza.
But The Youth Center cannot put on such a huge camp by itself; Camp S.H.A.R.K. is supported by the Rossmoor Community Services District and The Port of Long Beach. RCSD provides scholarships to low-income families and lets The Youth Center use Rossmoor Park to host the camp. The use of the tree-filled park allows the camp to have a spacious outdoor setting. Additionally, in 2024, The Port of Long Beach awarded The Youth Center a grant for its Maritime Project, allowing Camp S.H.A.R.K. to have more engaging lessons inspired by marine life.
“These partnerships allow us to offer a unique blend of education and adventure that sets Camp S.H.A.R.K. apart from traditional camps,” said Alisha Donahue, Youth Programs Coordinator for The Youth Center.
Camp S.H.A.R.K. has not only been able to give young kids a great summer experience but also older students. Over the years, the camp has become a popular choice amongst high school students to log in volunteer hours, grow as leaders and have fun. Volunteers help manage games and crafts while getting to know kids and even participating in the activities themselves.
“My favorite aspect of Camp S.H.A.R.K. is the opportunity for growth as a volunteer,” said Yara, a high school student. “I get to know more kids and their passions and ambitions through the camp.”
Yara added that volunteering has helped her to learn patience and that she now has a new respect for camp staff and teachers everywhere.
Each year, The Youth Center’s Camp S.H.A.R.K. has done more than offer a safe and engaging environment for SoCal kids. The camp has created connection and growth, bringing the community together under the summer sun. To learn more about Camp S.H.A.R.K. or donate for a camp scholarship, visit theyouthcenter.org or call (562) 493-4043.