For Palms parents searching for an exciting Palms summer camp experience, look no further. Fitness by the Sea (FBS) is more than your typical Palms kids camp – it’s a one-of-a-kind beach camp that has been a beloved summer tradition for local families for 25 years. We operate at sunny Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades beaches, bringing Westside kids the ultimate blend of fun, safety, and personal growth on the sand and surf. Give your child the chance to make Summer 2025 truly unforgettable at FBS’s beach camp destinations.
Why do Palms families choose Fitness by the Sea? It’s simple: our camp offers everything parents and kids want – and more. Here are just a few reasons why FBS has become the go-to summer camp for the Palms community:
- 100% Safety Record: We’ve been running camp for 25 years with a perfect safety record, earning us recognition as the safest beach camp in Los Angeles.
- Flexible Scheduling: No rigid multi-week commitments – register for any weeks you want and adjust as needed if plans change.
- Extended Care Options: Busy schedule? Optional late pick-up until 4:30pm or 5:30pm ensures your child is supervised while you finish your day.
- 40+ Activities Daily: Each day brings a huge variety of sports, games, and creative activities that kids can choose from freely.
- Convenient Transportation: Skip the traffic with bus stops near Palms (Cheviot Hills & Mar Vista) so getting to camp is a breeze.
- Two Beach Locations: Enjoy our Santa Monica or Pacific Palisades sites – both offer the same amazing program in beautiful beachfront settings.
And that’s just the beginning! Read on for all the details about what makes Fitness by the Sea’s Palms beach camp experience so special for you and your child.
Flexible Scheduling – Sign Up by the Week
We know life gets busy, and summer plans can change. That’s why FBS offers flexible, week-by-week scheduling with no minimum commitment. You choose the weeks that fit your family’s schedule – whether it’s one week or all eleven. The summer 2025 season runs from June 11 through August 22, so you have plenty of dates to select from. If your child is having a blast and wants to attend longer, adding weeks is easy. Plans conflict with a week you picked? No problem – we allow hassle-free rescheduling up to the Friday before your selected week begins. It’s summer camp on your terms.
For example, if a family vacation or unexpected event comes up, just let us know – you can swap weeks without any penalty or hassle. We make sure your summer camp plans can adapt to your life, not the other way around.
To make your life even easier, we also provide optional extended care for working parents. Camp normally ends around 3:30pm, but with extended care your child can keep the fun going until 4:30pm or even 5:30pm. You won’t have to rush out of the office – your camper will be safely supervised and entertained until you arrive. We understand family schedules, and we’ve got you covered. For many working parents in Palms, this extended-day option is a lifesaver on busy weekdays – your child stays happily engaged and cared for while you finish your workday.
40+ Activities – Something for Every Camper
At Fitness by the Sea, there’s never a dull moment. We offer over 40 different activities each day, so every camper finds something they love. From riding the waves to getting creative, kids get to choose their own adventures. Is your child excited to try water sports? They can jump into surfing lessons, boogie boarding, or safe ocean swimming under close supervision. More of a team sports fan? We organize beach soccer, kickball, basketball, capture the flag and more on the sand. Have a creative kid? They’ll enjoy dance, drama, arts & crafts, music, and even puppet shows. We also offer gymnastics, martial arts, yoga, nature exploration, and so much more – all in the fresh ocean air.
What makes our program special is that campers direct their fun. There’s no rigid timetable forcing kids into activities they aren’t excited about. Roughly every half hour, children can switch to a new activity station if they want, empowering them to explore new interests at their own pace. Our enthusiastic staff members are always on hand to help kids discover activities that spark their curiosity. If a camper tries something and decides it’s not for them, we’ll happily guide them to a different activity with a smile. This freedom of choice keeps kids engaged, happy, and eager to come back each day – because no two days at camp are the same!
A Typical Day at Camp – From Morning Rally to Sunset
Curious what a day at Fitness by the Sea looks like? Each morning kicks off around 9:00am as campers arrive full of excitement. On their first day, every camper receives a bright FBS rash guard shirt to wear – it’s not only a cool keepsake, but it also provides sun protection and helps staff easily spot campers in their groups. By 9:30am, the whole camp gathers for a high-energy morning rally on the sand. It’s like a giant pep rally by the Pacific – filled with camp songs, goofy skits, and warm welcomes to pump everyone up for the adventures ahead.
After the rally, the real fun begins. The day is divided into activity periods where campers roam between their chosen activities. Maybe your child will start with a surf lesson or a game of beach soccer. Later, they might move on to an arts & crafts station under the shade, then join a group of new friends for a spirited round of capture the flag. With so many options available, kids can follow their passions and try a bit of everything. We even build in short breaks for snacks, water, and sunscreen reapplication to keep everyone safe and energized.
Around midday, we break for lunch. Campers picnic together under our shaded canopies, enjoying their meals and recharging for the afternoon. (Lunch time is also when sunscreen gets reapplied to all campers, to ensure nobody ends up with a sunburn.) This relaxed lunch period is a great opportunity for kids from Palms to bond with new friends from other neighborhoods – it’s amazing how quickly friendships form when everyone’s having fun by the ocean! Once lunch wraps up (around 12:45pm), we regroup for a brief afternoon rally to refocus our energy and maybe celebrate a camper’s birthday or a big team win from the morning.
The afternoon brings even more adventures – perhaps a second dip in the ocean for a swim or boogie board session, more sports and games on the sand, or a creative activity like a talent show or beach dance-off. By 3:00pm, campers begin winding down with a closing assembly where we highlight the day’s achievements and cheer for campers who tried something new or showed great teamwork. Pick-up runs from about 3:00 to 3:30pm as parents arrive or buses get ready to depart. You’ll be greeted by a happy (and maybe slightly sandy) kid with a big smile and lots of stories to share!
If your child is staying for extended care, the fun isn’t over yet – they’ll enjoy a more relaxed late-afternoon period of play and wind-down activities under our counselors’ supervision until you arrive. Whether it’s building one last sandcastle, reading a book in the shade, or simply chatting with friends, extended care gives campers a mellow end to an action-packed day. Each day at FBS is carefully structured to blend high-energy excitement with healthy downtime, so kids stay engaged without getting overtired. By the time they head home, they’ll be pleasantly exhausted from the fresh air and play – and already excited to come back for more the next morning!
Safety First: The Safest Beach Camp in Los Angeles
Nothing matters more to us than your child’s safety and well-being. After all, we’ve maintained a 100% safety record for 25 years running, earning us a reputation as one of the safest beach camps in Southern California. Every staff member undergoes thorough background checks and extensive training before camp begins, ensuring they’re fully prepared to care for your child and handle any situation with confidence. From the moment you drop off your child, you can rest assured they are in excellent hands. We keep a low camper-to-staff ratio (around 6:1) and have an experienced, adult team of counselors (our staff average about 23 years old) that includes certified lifeguards and CPR-trained crew members. All activities are closely supervised, and all our equipment and procedures meet rigorous safety standards.
Beach days are a blast, but we know the ocean demands respect. That’s why we take extra precautions for any water activities. Non-swimmers and first-time ocean-goers are absolutely welcome – no prior ocean experience is required at FBS. Our counselors personally teach each child how to participate in water activities step by step, at a comfortable pace. Every camper wears a color-coded rash guard for easy identification, and our team keeps a watchful eye whether kids are riding waves or playing on shore. We also conduct regular safety drills so that campers and staff alike know exactly what to do to keep everyone safe. Your child’s well-being is our top priority, and our flawless safety track record reflects that commitment.
Beyond physical safety, we create an atmosphere where kids feel emotionally safe and supported. Our staff are nurturing and encouraging, helping even shy newcomers come out of their shell. According to the American Camp Association, 96% of campers say that camp helped them make new friends and build confidence. At Fitness by the Sea, we see this growth in action every day – campers form new friendships, gain confidence, and head home proud of what they’ve accomplished. We’re not just keeping kids safe at the beach; we’re helping them thrive.
Convenient for Palms Families – Hassle-Free Transportation
Don’t let traffic or logistics stand in the way of an amazing summer. FBS makes it easy for Palms families to get their kids to camp with our convenient bus transportation program. We have nearby bus stops serving the Palms area, so you can drop your child off close to home and skip the long drive to the beach.
Our private buses pick up each morning at designated locations in Cheviot Hills and Mar Vista – both just minutes from Palms. For example, one stop is at the Cheviot Hills Recreation Center (near Motor Avenue), and another is in the Mar Vista area (at a central spot by Centinela Ave). Simply choose the stop that’s best for you, and let us handle the rest. What might otherwise be a 30–45 minute commute to the coast becomes a simple 5-minute stop for you.
Our professional bus service, run in partnership with Mission School Transportation, uses modern air-conditioned buses equipped with seat belts (and booster seats for younger campers).
Two lively FBS counselors ride along on every bus, turning the commute into part of the fun. Imagine your kids singing camp songs, playing trivia games, or giggling with friends under the supervision of our staff – all while you avoid battling the 10 and 405 freeways during rush hour. Morning pick-ups are prompt (around 8:00–8:20am in the Palms vicinity), and afternoon drop-offs have your child back by approximately 3:30–4:00pm (later if you opt for extended care). It’s a stress-free solution that gives you time back in your day and gives kids a chance to bond even before they hit the sand.
Of course, you’re always welcome to drive your child to camp directly, but most Palms parents love the convenience of the bus. It’s one more way we strive to make our camp accessible and hassle-free for families in our community. Whether you live near Palms Park, along Overland Avenue, or by Palms Middle School, getting to our beach camp is easy.
Two Fantastic Beach Locations: Santa Monica & Pacific Palisades
Fitness by the Sea offers two scenic beach camp locations, and Palms families get the best of both worlds. Each site has a designated area on the sand reserved just for our camp – complete with shade canopies, equipment, and nearby restrooms – so campers are comfortable all day long. Both our Santa Monica summer camp and our Pacific Palisades summer camp deliver the same high-energy activities, caring staff, and 100% safety commitment – but each site has its own unique vibe:
- Pacific Palisades Beach Camp (Will Rogers State Beach, Lifeguard Tower 14) – Our largest and longest-running location, known for its wide sandy beach and an unmatched variety of activities. This camp buzzes with energy and traditional camp spirit. Campers ages 4½–14 from all over L.A. attend Palisades for its expansive setting and legendary theme days and events.
- Santa Monica Beach Camp (North of the Pier, Lot 8 North) – A slightly smaller camp setting right on Santa Monica’s iconic beach. It’s perfect for kids who might prefer a more close-knit community vibe while still enjoying tons of activity choices. Campers ages 4½–14 get the classic Santa Monica beach experience in a camp that feels like one big family.
Not sure which location to choose? Many Palms families pick the site closest to home or work for convenience. (Our Palms-area bus stops can transport to either camp.) You can’t go wrong – some families even try a week at each location to experience both! Whichever beach you choose, your child will enjoy sun, sand, and surf under the care of the best counselors around.
Register Now – Early Bird Discounts for Summer Fun
Spots fill up fast for this popular Palms day camp alternative, so we encourage you to register early. For quality and safety we limit group sizes, and many popular weeks (especially mid-summer) sell out each year. By registering during the early bird period, you not only save money but also secure your child’s spot before sessions fill up. In fact, if you sign up by May 1, you’ll lock in our special Early Bird discounted rates. Early planners can enjoy tuition as low as $472 per week (when enrolling for 4 or more weeks) – an incredible value for the quality and breadth of activities we offer.
And remember, you don’t pay anything extra to enjoy flexible scheduling – all those benefits are built into our program.
Enrolling is simple and risk-free. Just select your weeks, reserve your spot, and get ready for an amazing summer. Need to adjust your dates later? No problem – we’ll work with you to accommodate changes whenever possible. Our friendly team is here to help every step of the way, from choosing the right schedule to answering any questions you have about camp life.
Don’t let your child miss out on the ultimate beach camp experience. This isn’t just any Palms day camp – it’s a passport to new friendships, lifelong memories, and healthy outdoor fun by the ocean. Fitness by the Sea has been the summer camp that Palms families trust year after year, and we’re excited to welcome you into our camp family. Secure your spot today and let’s make this summer the best one yet for your child!