Camp · Science/Tech · Ages 10–13 · $1,595/week
Directory · United States · California · Los Angeles
▌ Science/Tech · Ages 10–13

Chem Kids

Westwood · $1,595/week

YMCA Camp Cullen is a traditional co-ed overnight camp on Lake Livingston, offering a wide range of activities and...

▌ Editor's read The Chem Kids camp is a day program for 5th-8th graders, offered by UCLA Recreation, focusing on hands-on chemistry experiments. The website states that the curriculum is designed by UCLA staff and students, and campers will use university labs and equipment. While specific staff-to-camper ratios are not listed, the UCLA Recreation website mentions that all staff undergo background checks and receive training in first aid, CPR, and emergency procedures. The camp is not accredited by the ACA. Google reviews for UCLA Recreation generally show a high satisfaction, with an average rating of 4.7 stars from over 1,000 reviews, often praising the facilities and program quality. The camp's social media handles are @uclarecreation on Instagram and uclarecreation on Facebook. The program runs for various one-week sessions throughout the summer, with a cost of $505 per week.
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University programRun by an academic institution
Register → Shortlist in planner → Visit website

Who thrives here Ages 10–13

Chem Kids is built for middle-school campers — an age where leadership tracks, deeper specialization, and identity exploration take over from generalist day-camp formats. science/tech programs that thrive at this age publish a clear weekly progression rather than a rotating activity menu, and the staff-to-camper conversation usually matters more than the activity list.

Facts & Credentials

Program type
Overnight camp
ACA accredited
Not verified
Established
Not listed
Operator
University program
Staff-to-camper ratio
Not listed

How we verify these →

Details

  • Category: Science/Tech
  • Ages: 10–13
  • Hours: 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM (drop-off 8:30-9:00, programming 9:00 AM-1:00 PM, pick-up 1:00-1:30)
  • Address: John Wooden Center, 221 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095
  • Phone: (310) 825-3701
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Cost notes: $505/week

↗ What parents like

  • Wide range of activities
  • Focus on character development
  • Affordable pricing

↘ Watch for

  • Large camp size
  • Can be crowded

Logistics

  • Lunch provided: No
  • Transportation: No
  • Financial aid: No
  • Setting: outdoor

Frequently asked about Chem Kids

What ages does Chem Kids accept?
Chem Kids is open to children ages 10–13. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
How much does Chem Kids cost?
Chem Kids publishes $1,595/week for the standard session. $505/week Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
What are Chem Kids's hours?
Chem Kids runs 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM (drop-off 8:30-9:00, programming 9:00 AM-1:00 PM, pick-up 1:00-1:30). If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
Who runs Chem Kids?
Chem Kids is operated by a university program. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
Does Chem Kids provide lunch?
Chem Kids does not include lunch — campers bring their own. Most day camps without provided lunch are nut-free or nut-aware, so check the allergy policy before packing. Frozen water bottles double as ice packs and drinks; insulated lunch boxes hold below 40°F for about four hours.
How does Chem Kids compare to other science/tech camps in Los Angeles?
Chem Kids is one of 525 science/tech camps in Los Angeles that overlap its age range. The differentiation between options usually comes down to four factors: weekly price, day length, indoor/outdoor balance, and group size. Browse same-city alternatives in the directory to compare side by side.

Planning guides

Editorial checklists to use before you compare Chem Kids with other camps.

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