HISTORY
Cottontail Ranch is nestled amid the oaks and the blue skies of the Santa Monica Mountains in beautiful Las Virgenes Canyon. Calmont School which had operated a Preschool-9th Grade program in Topanga for 32 years purchased this site in July 2007and is now calling this incredible setting, HOME. This summer, Calmont staff will offer campers aged 3-13 unprecedented opportunities to explore the mountain trails and participate in a wide array of creative and engaging activities.
SUMMER DAY CAMP PROGRAM - AUGUST 10-29, 2009
The beach, the mountains, the sunshine, the valleys, and our unique location allow us to offer a huge range of activities. Calmont Camp lets kids test their limits and improve their skills by offering encouragement and instruction in a non-competitive environment. Choices are available to meet every camper's interests and strengths. Children can enjoy beach excursions, field trips, sports, arts, crafts, ceramics, swimming, cooking, martial arts, board games, environmental stewardship, engineering with LEGOŽ, academic skill building, drama, handball, rock climbing, gardening, and Friday sleepover camps.
Campers aged 5-13 will have different opportunities each week. Sessions 1 and 3 feature a daily three hour engineering and design with LEGOŽ activity along with sports, swimming, climbing wall, arts, and crafts. Session 2 offers a choice of activities each day where campers can either sample several activities or go on an all day adventure (such as beach trip or theme park). Our sign-ups are based on a rotating priority system so that the group sizes are evenly dispersed.
We have created a special program just for our youngest campers, ages 3-4 run by our Preschool staff. The camp activities place a high importance on making friends, developing social and recreational skills, and building self-confidence and include swimming, playing, crafting, painting, story telling, drama, cooking, and gardening.
The core of the Calmont Camp experience is to provide children with fun, excitement, friendship, and adventure. Our caring and enthusiastic staff assures that your child is well supervised. Core members of the camp staff are Calmont School teachers and other staff are selected and screened for their experience with children, teaching abilities, and good character. Each member of our instructional and counseling staff has received certification in CPR and First Aid. Background checks and reference checks are made on all staff. Each activity is supervised at a ratio of 1-6 at the younger level and 1-10 at the oldest levels. Group assignments are made according to age appropriateness and skill level. The emotional and physical safety of each camper is our first priority.
Click on the Session links below for a Camp Schedule:
Camp Sessions are August 10-14, August 17-21, and August 24-28
Click on the Application Link below:
Click on the links below for costs and additional information:
Engineering: Play-Well TEKnologies
Calmont Summer Day Camp 2009 Flyer
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the camp hours?
Our regular camp program begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. Supervision is provided after camp from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m
What should my child wear to camp?
Comfortable clothing, play clothes and closed-toe shoes are required. Calmont Camp is not responsible for lost articles. Parents are requested to mark their child's first and last names on all belongings!
What should my child bring to camp each day?
All equipment will be provided with the exception of swimwear. If your child plans to swim, s/he should bring a swimsuit and towel. Both should be labeled with your child's first and last names. Swim apparel should be carried in a tote bag with the camper's name on it. Campers may bring a bag lunch or purchase lunch at $7 each
How will my child be placed in a group?
Children are grouped according to grade level and age. All groups are co-ed and, depending on size, are supervised by one head counselor, a junior counselor and CIT throughout the day. We always try to accommodate your group requests.
What is the age range of each group?
Calmont Camp is divided into three age groups. Group I consists of preschool children. Group II includes children entering Kindergarten through entering 2nd Grade. Group III includes children entering 3rd Grade through 8th Grade.
Is the Pool Safe?
Campers swim under the supervision of experienced American Red Cross certified lifeguards and instructors.
On the first day of camp, your child's swimming abilities will be assessed and each camper will be assigned to an area of the pool according to his or her swimming capabilities. "Free Swim" allows each child to choose from a variety of aquatic activities, including different types of water games, and floating devices while interacting with other campers and counselors.
Campers entering aged 3 and 4 years old, and 5-7 years old will receive swim instruction for the first 20 minutes of their daily swim program. Our instruction is divided into groups, which are based on the American Red Cross guidelines for swim instruction, ranging from basic beginner to intermediate classes. Each child is placed in the appropriate swim group, where he or she learns new swimming skills and reviews essential water safety techniques.
How do you handle health issues?
Our camp's medication/illness policy is designed to allow us to administer medication as well as to ensure each and every child's safety during this process. For these reasons, we have set up specific procedures for packaging and delivering medications to and from our facility.
In compliance with the California Education Code (49423), any prescription or non-prescription medication that needs to be taken while at camp must have a written statement from both the prescribing physician and parent. The medication authorization can be obtained from the Calmont Camp office. Any changes in dosage can only be made by the prescribing physician. Whenever possible, it's preferred that medication be given by the parent before or after camp hours. Medication will be administered only during the camper's lunchtime. Please schedule your child's dosage accordingly.
All prescription medication must be brought to camp in your child's own prescription bottle. All prescription medication must be properly labeled. Because of the numerous amounts of "as needed" medications brought in, only those deemed necessary by a physician will be stored in the Camp office.
Any child who becomes ill at camp will be taken to the Health office and will remain there until a parent or parent designee can pick up the child. Parents should pick up ill/injured children within 30 minutes of notification. If the Health office determines that your child has a fever of 100° F or more, you will be contacted to pick him/her up. Campers must be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to camp.
Any camper returning to camp with stitches, a cast, a sling, or following hospitalization must have a physician's note indicating the extent of the injury and any limitations required while at camp.
When can I visit your facility?
Please call our camp office and schedule a private tour at your convenience. Our camp office is open M-F 8:00am - 5:00 p.m. Telephone: 818-880-8820. Tours are available on weekends by appointment.