There are games of tag and dodgeball, relay races, basketball and soccer drills, and more. They also hike, discover how plants germinate, enjoy visits from live reptiles, and draw inspiration from plants and animals for arts and crafts.
Campers enjoy playing games and exploring nature throughout the 230-acre Park.
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
- Wednesdays: Reptile Day or Miniature Horse Day! Campers gather for special presentations with living creatures. Pending availability.
- Thursday: Beach Day! This many campers’ favorite day. Kids walk on Elings Park trails to Hendry’s Beach for a fun beach day. Shaded rest area and many beach toys are provided. No organized activities take place in the ocean, but campers are allowed to get wet. Please bring a towel and a bathing suit.
- Friday: Slip ‘n Slide Day! Campers must bring a towel and a bathing suit for the wet and slippery fun.
A typical Camp Elings daily schedule:
Time | Mon. & Tues. | WednesdayReptile Day | ThursdayBeach Day | FridaySlip 'n Slide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:45–9AM | Check in Free play | Check in Free play | Check in Free play | Check in Free play |
| 9:15–10:30AM | Friendship & team building activities Nature arts & craft | Friendship & team building activities Nature arts & crafts | Hike to Hendry's Beach | Water activities & games |
| 10:30–10:45AM | Snack time | Snack time | Snack time | Snack time |
| 10:45AM–12PM | Friendship & team building activities Nature arts & craft | Friendship & team building activities Nature arts & craft | Beach time! Drip castle, sand sculptures, sea glass hunt | Water activities & games |
| 12–1PM | Lunch & free play | Lunch & free play | Lunch & free play | Lunch & free play |
| 1–3PM | Friendship & team building activities Nature arts & crafts | Meet live reptiles | Hike back to Camp Elings | Slip ‘n Slide fun |
| 3–3:15PM | Snack & free play Pick up | Snack & free play Pick up | Snack & free play Pick up | Snack & free play Pick up |
Meet Lead Counselor Matthew Oatis
My name is Matthew Oatis, and this will be my first year as a counselor at Camp Elings. I love sports and physical activities and I am happy to have this opportunity to help children learn to love them too.
I was born and raised here in Santa Barbara where I coach track and field at Santa Barbara High. Not only do I work with high school students, but I am also a teacher’s aide at Montecito Union School, where I organize recess games and activities.
Fun Fact: I played sports at all of the schools where I coach now! I look forward to lots of fun being outside playing games this summer.
Support the Park
Operated by the nonprofit Elings Park Foundation, the park receives no government funds for upkeep or improvements.
