Carlsbad's Best Summer Camp

★★★★★Amanda Sheldon

This is such a fantastic summer camp. We have tried most local options, and this team has delivered. With consistent coaches due to low turnover and an intentional shared approach to building confident kids with strong social and emotional skills, we have been thrilled. Their weekly field trips and themes are icing on the cake!

★★★★★Tina Carter

Carlsbad’s Best Summer Camp truly lives up to its name! My family has been part of this program for many years, and it has been a great experience for both of my kids. My oldest son started in elementary school and now has the chance to come back as a Leader in Training. It has been amazing to see how much he has grown through his time at the camp. My youngest is in second grade and has spent three summers here, and he loves it just as much. The counselors are wonderful with the kids. They are caring, upbeat, and always make sure everyone feels included. The campers stay active, spend plenty of time on the mat, and really enjoy the karate lessons. All of the themed weeks are fun, but Water Week is always the big favorite in our house. If you are looking for a safe, fun, and positive place for your kids during the summer, Carlsbad’s Best Summer Camp is an easy recommendation.

★★★★★jaida garrett

The NCMA After School & Summer Camp program is amazing! The coaches truly care for each and every kid, giving them the perfect balance of fun, structure, and support. The kids get homework help, martial arts, and great activities every day. And in summer the themed weeks and field trips keep it exciting. Safe, positive, and confidence-building… hands down the best program in Carlsbad!

★★★★★Max Salmonsen

I had the privilege of being part of Carlsbad’s Best After School and Summer Camp from the time I was 5 years old until I aged out of the program, and now at 20, I can confidently say it was one of the most valuable experiences of my childhood. This program does so much more than provide after-school care. It builds future leaders. The coaches go above and beyond to make sure every child is given the tools and opportunities they need to succeed, both inside and outside of the program. Their dedication is unmatched, and the lessons they teach stick with you long after you leave. The skills I gained, including discipline, confidence, teamwork, leadership, and respect, have directly shaped the person I am today. I use what I learned at Carlsbad’s Best every day in school, work, and life. It’s rare to find a program that cares this deeply about each child’s success, but that’s exactly what you’ll find here. If you’re looking for a place where your child will grow, thrive, and gain the foundation to succeed in today’s world, I cannot recommend Carlsbad’s Best After School and Summer Camp enough. It truly lives up to its name.

★★★★★carson goettsch

Carlsbad’s Best really is the best! As a parent, I cannot say enough wonderful things about Carlsbad’s Best Summer Camp. From the very first day, I knew my child was in an environment that was safe, structured, and genuinely focused on helping kids thrive—not just filling time. The coaches are the difference makers. They’re not “babysitters”—they’re trained adults who truly care. They set clear expectations, create fun learning opportunities, and constantly find ways to build confidence and leadership skills in every camper. I saw my child come home not only happy and tired from a full day of activities, but also proud of themselves for accomplishing new challenges, learning to take initiative, and showing respect to others. The daily schedule is amazing—balanced with martial arts, STEM projects, arts & crafts, outdoor play, field trips, and team games. It’s never just “keeping kids busy.” Every activity has a purpose: building confidence, encouraging creativity, developing friendships, and reinforcing life skills like resilience, patience, and teamwork. My child LOVED Pizza Wednesdays, park days, and especially the big themed weeks that made every day exciting. What I appreciate most as a parent is the communication and the structure. Everything from the private Facebook group updates, to clear field trip reminders, to consistent rules and expectations—it all gives me peace of mind. Drop-off and pick-up are organized, safety is always top of mind, and even the small details (like sunscreen reminders and hydration checks) are handled. In just one summer, I’ve seen my child grow more confident, respectful, and independent. They’ve made new friends, learned new skills, and developed habits that will carry into the school year and beyond. If you’re on the fence, do it. Enroll your child. This is hands-down the best investment in my child’s summer (and their future) that I’ve made. Carlsbad’s Best isn’t just a camp—it’s truly a place where kids grow stronger, happier, and more resilient every single day.