Traditional day camp in Altadena, run by Tom Sawyer Camps since 1926. Campers are grouped by grade into groups of 13-14 led by two counselors and choose their own activities, with horseback riding and swimming instruction alongside archery, axe throwing, wilderness living and unstructured play. Pre Camp serves ages 3-5 (9:00am-3:15pm), Day Camp grades K-4 and Outpost grades 5-8 (both 9:15am-3:45pm), in one- and two-week sessions across nine summer weeks; campers bring their own lunch. The camp is ACA-accredited and a WAIC member, swim-tests every camper on the first day and supervises free swim at a 4:1 camper-to-counselor ratio; Saturday camps, a Thursday rock climbing club and private horseback lessons run during the school year.
Sessions & rates
| Session | Dates | Ages | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outpost Session 1 (currently in 5th-8th grade, Two Weeks)9:15am – 3:45pmRegister → | Jun 15 – Jun 26, 2026 | 10–14 | $2040 | Past season |
| Day Camp Session 1 (currently in K-4th grade, Two Weeks)9:15am – 3:45pmRegister → | Jun 15 – Jun 26, 2026 | 5–10 | $1820 | Past season |
| Pre Camp Session 1 (ages 3-5, currently in TK or younger, Two Weeks)9:00am – 3:15pmRegister → | Jun 15 – Jun 26, 2026 | 3–5 | $1790 | Past season |
PAST_SEASON; Camp is closed Friday, July 3rd
Availability shown as of Aug 8, 2026.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact Tom Sawyer Camps Inc directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
Camps nearby
Accreditations & licensing
As stated by the camp or listed in the accrediting organization's directory — confirm current status with the accreditor.
Google Reviews
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★Yue MaWe are extremely disappointed with the unprofessionalism by the Tom Sawyer staff. A birthday party was scheduled, and just five days before the event, we were notified via E-mail (in a late afternoon right before closing time) that it was being canceled due to a lack of staff. This left us scrambling to find a last-minute alternative for the event. What is even more frustrating is that, at the last minute, we were informed that they actually had enough staff available. By then, we had already secured another venue. Additionally, we were told that an executive director would follow up with a phone call, but that never occurred. The lack of proper communication and follow-through is completely unacceptable. Based on this experience, we would not recommend this company for hosting any event.
★★★★★Daphne CouchI attended this camp about 5-7 years ago. I am currently 15 and I still think about my memories at that camp. It is so fun and one of the best memories I have of my childhood. I loved this camp, I 10000% recommend it.
★★★★★Emily Flynn VencatI could not recommend this camp more highly. They have always been incredibly excellent with my children (ages 7 and 12)... but this summer they went above and beyond to deliver a fantastic, fun and safe summer for my children while adhering to strict safety measures for covid. Their ability to deliver safe fun at this difficult moment in time deserved the greatest applause possible. I would give 10 stars if I could.
★★★★★John SongSo, I attended this camp about 16 years ago...and this review might be a little late. Attending this camp is one of my favorite childhood memories. I met a lot of friends and had a lot of fun doing outdoor things.
★★★★★Kurt von Schleicher (KurtwVs Insta)My wonderful grandfather, Bill Schleicher, first founded this camp in Laguna Beach, moved it to Oak Grove Park and then my dad, Rodney Kim Schleicher, administrated it for many years. Gobs of fun, adventure, learning, 40 horses to ride, mud fights, a whole lot of swimming and jumping off of bridges into lakes and rivers. Both hardworking guys—great born again Christian men—had high standards of honesty and integrity. They really lived what they believed and taught the kids! (Bill and his oldest son, Kim, became real believers in Jesus Christ some years after the camp's founding and they never forced their beliefs upon anyone ..or hid em). Of course they treated all the children there (my brothers and sister include) just the same with love and appropriate discipline. I remember later becoming a Junior Counselor and got to go on all the trips. The River Trip, the Mexico Trip at Christmas and the California Caravan Trip ..hiking deep into the Sierra Nevada Mountains using pack mules to go find excellent trout fishing.. those were my favorite trips! This camp with all its different locations is still fantastic to this day, one of the nation’s best. It has always maintained a high referral rate among locals and those beyond! @kurtwvs