Adventure Day Camp

What are the camp hours?
Camp is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

What time can I drop off and pick up my child?
Drop-off and pick-up are available between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Most camp activities take place between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Parents and guardians must sign campers in at drop-off. Authorized pick-up persons must be 18 years or older.

Is there a minimum number of days per week?
Yes. Campers must be registered for the full week.

How old must children be to attend camp?
Children must be preparing to enter first grade.

What are the camp fees?
Adventure Day Camp at Jack’s Pond, San Elijo Recreation Center, San Marcos Community Center, and Richmar Center is $180 per week. Woodland Park Swim Camp is $206 per week. A $25 non-resident fee applies per week.

What is the registration requirement?
Registration is required for the full week.

Is it possible to get a refund?
Refund requests must be submitted by the Monday before the first day of camp. A $20 administrative fee applies per week, per child. Refunds will not be issued after this deadline.

What if my child is sick?
Credits or refunds are not provided for sick days.

What do campers do during the day?
Campers participate in a variety of arts and crafts, games, and other activities. Refer to the daily camp schedule for more information.

What are the differences between camp locations?
The main difference is location. Adventure Day Camp is offered at the San Marcos Community Center, Jack’s Pond, San Elijo Recreation Center, and Richmar Center. Swim Camp takes place at Woodland Park. Camp themes and activities are generally consistent across all sites.

What is the camper-to-staff ratio?
There is a minimum of one recreation leader for every 15 campers.

Is lunch provided?
No. Campers must bring a sack lunch each day. Lunches must not include nuts. Refrigerators and microwaves are not available.

Are snacks provided?
No. Parents and guardians must provide snacks. Please send at least two snacks in addition to lunch. How are food allergies handled? If your child has allergies or special dietary needs, please provide all food for your child. Do not include nuts or nut products in lunches or snacks.

How is sunscreen application handled?
Parents and guardians should apply sunscreen before drop-off. Staff may reapply parent-provided spray sunscreen throughout the day.

What is the policy for administering medication?
Staff may assist with administering prescription medication, including EpiPens, once required paperwork has been completed and approved by the program supervisor. Staff may not administer over-the-counter medications.

Can my child use a cell phone during camp?
No. Campers may not use cell phones or other electronic devices during camp. Refer to the facility phone list for important contact numbers.

Who should I contact if I have a concern?
Start by speaking with on-site staff. If the issue is not resolved, contact Program Supervisor Amber Cox at acox@sanmarcosca.gov

What are staff qualifications?
Recreation leaders are fingerprinted and background-checked prior to employment. All staff are at least 18 years old, and many are students or recent college graduates.

San Marcos Community Center

Address: 3 Civic Center Drive, San Marcos
Maximum capacity: 30 campers per week
Season: Available during summer break and the last week of winter break

Located in the heart of San Marcos, the Community Center serves as a lively and welcoming home base for Adventure Day Camp. During school breaks, one of our full-time preschool classrooms is transformed into a fun and engaging camp space filled with games, crafts, and hands-on activities.

Campers enjoy a balance of indoor creativity and outdoor play, along with themed weekly activities, special projects, and exciting field trips. Regular swim days at Las Posas Pool and all-site events, such as field days and dance parties, help keep each week fresh and engaging.

This site is a good fit for campers who enjoy a structured indoor setting in a central community location.

View the Community Center camp activity calendar(PDF, 8MB)

Jack’s Pond Recreation Center

Address: 986 La Moree Road, San Marcos
Maximum capacity: 50 campers per week
Season: Available during summer break, Thanksgiving week, winter break, and spring break

Jack’s Pond offers a scenic, outdoor-focused camp experience where nature and play go hand in hand. Surrounded by open space, trails, and natural features, this site gives campers plenty of room to explore, move, and enjoy the outdoors throughout the day.

Campers spend time in shaded picnic areas and throughout the park, making the most of the fresh air and natural setting. The nearby Jack’s Pond Nature Center adds to the experience and offers opportunities to connect with nature in a fun and engaging way.

This location is a good fit for campers who enjoy an active, outdoor environment.

View the Jack’s Pond camp activity calendar(PDF, 8MB)

Richmar Center

Address: 131 Richmar Avenue, San Marcos
Maximum capacity: 30 campers per week
Season: Available during summer break

Richmar Center is Adventure Day Camp’s newest location and offers a fresh, welcoming space for campers. Located next to the San Marcos Senior Center and Fire Station 1, this site provides a convenient home base for a full day of camp activities.

Just across the street, campers visit Richmar Park twice each day to enjoy outdoor play and activities. The park features play equipment, picnic areas, permanent restrooms, a performance plaza, and a futsal mini pitch.

This site is a good fit for campers who enjoy a balance of indoor activities and outdoor play in a new, community-centered setting.

View the Richmar Center camp activity calendar(PDF, 8MB)

San Elijo Recreation Center

Address: 1105 Elfin Forest Road, San Marcos
Maximum capacity: 45 campers per week
Season: Available during summer break

Located near the Town Center in San Elijo Hills, the San Elijo Recreation Center offers a spacious camp environment in a scenic part of the community.

This site features a large indoor recreation space and access to an outdoor patio area, giving campers plenty of room to play, create, and participate in activities throughout the day. Its setting offers a nice balance of being close to the heart of San Elijo Hills while still feeling set apart from busier areas.

This site is a good fit for campers who enjoy a welcoming environment with extra space to move, connect, and stay active.

View the San Elijo camp activity calendar(PDF, 8MB)

Woodland Park Swim Camp

Address: 1148 Rock Springs Road, San Marcos
Maximum capacity: 30 campers per week
Season: Available during summer break

Woodland Park Swim Camp offers a unique experience for confident swimmers who want extra time in the water. Campers swim three times each week in a smaller group setting, allowing for extended pool time and an active camp experience.

Located next to beautiful Woodland Park, this site provides access to open green space, a large play structure, a duck pond, the Woodland Park Pool, and the historic Wood House.

This site is a good fit for campers who enjoy swimming, outdoor play, and an active camp setting.

View the Woodland Park activity calendar(PDF, 8MB)