Cali Camp, a cherished local icon nestled in the heart of Topanga, has been a premier children’s summer day camp for 70 years. Welcoming campers ages 4–15 from both the Topanga community and across the greater Los Angeles area, Cali Camp offers a place where childhood thrives and adventure awaits.
This past year has been especially difficult for many families in the Topanga and Pacific Palisades communities, particularly in the wake of the recent fires. In response, Cali Camp launched a special fire-relief initiative to support returning families from the Palisades. In combination with its traditional campership program, the initiative has generated over $150,000 in free and reduced camp tuition, ensuring more children can experience the joy of summer camp.
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Campers at Cali Camp enjoy daily swimming and an incredible range of activities—from horseback riding, go-karts, and zip lining to arts and crafts, dance, drama, and gymnastics. Sports lovers can dive into beach volleyball, ping pong, foosball, and even a game of Harry Potter Quidditch. Themed weeks and special dress-up days keep the experience fresh, imaginative, and deeply memorable.
Behind the fun is a dedicated team. Cali Camp’s exceptional staff is made up of many former campers who return each year to “pay it forward.” Each counselor is carefully selected and thoroughly trained before camp begins and throughout the summer. The Leadership Team begins in-depth preparation in April and provides continuous support, prioritizing camper safety while nurturing each child’s social and emotional growth. At Cali Camp, the goal is simple: celebrate the joy of play and let kids be kids.
Executive Directors Ariel “Kahuna” Abt and Kassandra “Blaze” Wilsey are marking their 11th year at the helm, with more than two decades of Cali Camp experience each. Kahuna first discovered Cali Camp as a 5-year-old camper and has since served in numerous roles. She holds degrees in Education and Political Science from UC Irvine and brings her love of learning and play to every camp session. Blaze is a Cal State Northridge professor and Recreation Management graduate who infuses the camp with her passion for outdoor education and sustainability. Together, they provide strong, heartfelt leadership rooted in years of hands-on experience.
Cali Camp remains deeply committed to the Topanga community, partnering with fellow campus organizations like Manzanita School, FocusFish, and Oak Tree Club. The camp offers a 5% discount for all Topanga families as a way of giving back and making camp more accessible to local residents.
Families interested in learning more can visit calicamp.com or call the camp office for details. No matter what the summer holds, Cali Camp hopes all Topanga families enjoy a season filled with connection, laughter, and the beauty of the canyon they call home.