Camp Fire San Diego
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Camp Fire San Diego
We appreciate your support of Camp Fire San Diego - Camp CaHiTo and your understanding during this time. Wholesome and fun camp experiences are what make Camp CaHiTo one of the most popular camps around. Activities include hiking, archery, arts and crafts, games, sports and more! A special camp for your little ones ages 3-5, with a half or full day option.

These awesome camps are a great start for little campers to become more comfortable in small groups. In accordance with guidance from the CDC, San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency, California Department of Public Health, and the American Camping Association Currently, the following Spring Break.
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Wholesome and fun camp experiences are what make Camp CaHiTo one of the most popular camps around. Camp CaHiTo is the San Diego affiliate of the Camp Fire organization, a national leader in youth development for more than 100 years. Camp Fire has always recognized that curious youth exploring their world need a secure place to grow up.
Snorkeling with Leopard Sharks (the harmless ones) at La Jolla Shores. The shallow coastline of La Jolla makes it a perfect setting for our youth to discover the beautiful marine life, off the San Diego coastline. Snorkeling is not hard, and we will spend ample time making sure everyone is comfortable with the equipment and techniques before entering the water.
The Store will be open during Lunch Time, Pick up, and PM Extended Care for camper's enjoyment; items are optional to purchase. Campers can purchase items from the CaHiTo Gear Collection including a Lunch Bag, Water Bottle, or Backpack for $3-$5 each. Or they can purchase additional snacks, fruit, sports drinks, juice, or fun size candy for a nominal fee ranging from $.25-$3.00.
In order to provide the safest environment for your children, we have established several systems to effectively monitor Camp CaHiTo against any kind of threat. We also have a comprehensive internal communications system as well as a system to quickly communicate with parents. Camp CaHiTo is equipped with a PA system that can alert staff to any situation that may arise.
Camp CaHiTo provides a number of unique challenging experiences that are a wonderful tool in teaching teamwork and self-confidence. Oh, and did we mention that they are a TON of fun as well?! That being said, safety is our number one priority for every activity. Our staff are provided with an instruction guide for every major activity.
Reviews (25)
Josh B.
Josh B.
Aug 13, 2021
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My Kids love this camp. The staff is so helpful and friendly. We love they come home exhausted and in need of a long bath to get the dirt off of them.

As the staff has animal nicknames I'd like to give a special shout out to "Rattlesnake". He does an amazing job knowing the kids and being a positive influence.
J. L.
J. L.
Jun 19, 2021
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When I picked my son up from Camp Cahito today, he was having a good conversation with the director Newt who had personally walked him out. My son said he had an "amazing" three days at camp. Despite the Covid challenges, he had a great time as he did when he attended Camp Cahito years ago. Every staff member I encountered was very professional, and it appears the director runs a tight ship. Would definitely recommend.
Gena G.
Gena G.
Dec 06, 2019
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I'm following up on my last review. Another 5 Stars for this camp! My son loves it here and can't wait to go back in January. The staff, location and security are top notch. Kids have a blast here. I can't say enough good things about camp CaHito!
E. F.
E. F.
Dec 02, 2019
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My sons (ages 5 and 7) spent their entire summer at Cahito. They came home dirty and exhausted every day. I wouldn't trade this camp experience for any other in San Diego. Plus, it's in the middle of Balboa Park!

The staff are helpful and kind.

Go Cahito!
Mary D.
Mary D.
Aug 07, 2019
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I would have rated four stars for the overall experience, yet I needed to ding two stars because of the customer service. Details as follows:

Overall experience ( 4 stars): My son has attended 3-4 different camps with Camp Cahito. We have a membership with the YMCA and have chosen to return to this camp because of a few things: availability, ease of scheduling, fun/quality of program. I'll specify that the camp is a very fun experience - not academically focused which is fine for our needs. My son comes home dirty and happy. The employees I've interacted with have been very nice and
Mary Dorsey
Mary Dorsey
Jul 30, 2019
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The experience my son has had at Camp Cahito has been very good. So far he's attended 3-4 different sessions and he's loved all of them. They're outside all day and get access to the snack shack (pay-as-you-go, sugary foods). I don't mind this arrangement but some might.
My summary:
Good (4 stars): Nice program, nice people, happy kid, reasonable prices, and availability /flexibility of time.
Not-so-good: cancellation policy is really strict. I cancelled two months in advance, within 24 hours of booking. They made an exception and refunded part of the tuition - usually they take the whole thing
Darryl C.
Darryl C.
Jan 05, 2019
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We have taken our son here several times over the last 3 years. He has a fantastic time each time he attends camp. They do ID you upon pick up and barcode scan the sticker for the day. They do have a snack bar. You have to put money on a card to use and the child can only buy snacks for themselves. The kids do get to make a tidied t-shirt (not sure how often), practice archery, & (depending on age and season) they can stay overnight on Thursday!
Jenny W.
Jenny W.
Nov 21, 2018
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My son has been going to Camp Cahito for the past few years. I can't say enough about the environment and the counselors. They make it a safe, fun, active, engaging, and loving place for kids to go and enjoy being outdoors, exploring and trying new things. My son had a few rough first day this summer where he didn't know anyone and the counselors took him by their side until he felt comfortable to be with his group. As a parent, it made me feel beyond appreciative and grateful to know how much they care. While every counselor is fantastic, I have a huge shout out to Newt for the
Leslie Wilcox
Leslie Wilcox
Nov 13, 2018
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Activities all year long except there are always bums here dont' go at night alone they will bother you!
Tiwul F.
Tiwul F.
Aug 17, 2018
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My 5-year old is finishing his week at Camp Cahito and he's been having a great time! It's impressive that many of the camp counselors know all the kids by their first names. My son's friend is also in the camp and we filled out the Friend Request form so that they're in the same group (make sure you do this if you want your kid to be in the same group with his/her friends). The kids do get super dirty, but it's to be expected since the activities are 100% outdoor. Just make sure to have them wear old sneakers you don't mind throwing away at the end of summer. And
David Smith
David Smith
Dec 07, 2017
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We have been sending our Campers here for years, the Staff are attentive and really try and make every Camper feel included. Our Campers are loving the new upgrades at Camp year to year.
The Pros include
- Outdoor Programing
- Archery
- Small Groups
- Great Counselors
- Rock Climbing
- Location in Balboa Park
Josh F.
Josh F.
Nov 23, 2017
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What a fantastic experience!!! My niece and nephew were in town for the holidays I needed to drop them off somewhere while I worked. Based on some recommendations from friends, we decided to go with Camp Fire. I'm so glad we did! Every evening when I picked up the kids they raved about the experience. It's located in the middle of Balboa Park and all of the activities involved participatory outdoor adventures. The kids are already asking me when they can go back again! Run, don't walk (because apparently there really isn't much!), to enroll your kids in Camp Fire San Diego.
Katie B.
Katie B.
Sep 19, 2017
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This camp does not even deserve one star. It is very sad how poorly this camp is run. Parents are completely fooled into thinking this camp is great, as it seems the lead staff is coached to put on an act for the parents. It is quite strange to me how much is charged per child per week,yet the quality of the camp is rarely improved and used/broken equipment is all that is provided. The bathrooms are out of soap,dirty, and unisex for all adults and children.
Beth P.
Beth P.
Sep 07, 2017
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My little camper had the best time at this Camp. He loved the Archery and Rope Quest and is already asking when he gets to go back. Everything is outdoors which is great! Thanks.
Amy K.
Amy K.
Aug 11, 2017
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Our son has been at this camp several weeks this summer and really enjoyed it. The counselors are very helpful and I like that they take "hikes" around Balboa Park plus have a weekly water day. The only challenging part is parking. They are strict about pick up times so get there early to find a spot and walk or be charged for going past 3:30. Also the lines to sign out can be long and not terribly efficient. Nonetheless as long as our son likes it we will be back next summer!
Kelly F.
Kelly F.
Jun 20, 2017
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DO NOT send your child to this camp! Director is super rude and condescending. We signed up for this camp strictly for my son to go with his two friends from school. He's never been here before and does not know one child except for them. There was a form that we were unaware of that needed to be filled out. The director was completely passive aggressive, rude, and unsympathetic. Our son is very shy. I'm a business owner and I would do anything in my power to try and make it right for the customer. She wouldn't even consider moving him into their group. I get it, my best friend
Mariana M.
Mariana M.
Feb 04, 2017
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Our 4 year old daughter spent two weeks at camp last summer and loved it. She learned archery and bravery (finally went down the BIG slide). She loved buying tteats at the Snack Shack everyday and bonded with her camp counselors. She's excited to go back this summer.
Jen Roberts
Jen Roberts
Dec 31, 2016
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My boys love this camp. They come home dirty and happy. Online registration is easy, especially if you are a returning camper.
Karen K.
Karen K.
Aug 30, 2016
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Hands down, the best place for an urban kid to have a true camp experience! Lots of activity as well as a diverse option of things to do makes for a happy and exhausted kid and the end of the day. Who doesn't like that?

The staff is cream of the crop- last summer we went and tried out several camps. The counselors were typically good enough, but didn't seem to know what to do if the kids were sassy, which my son does at times. It's clear from the start that Camp Cahito is organized, well trained in positive discipline and natural consequences. The emotional growth from his weeks
S. C.
S. C.
Jul 14, 2016
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Not recommended. The grounds were full of dirt which was fine. Since I wanted the true camp experience. But then it was hard to find parking especially they are doing street work all summer. What made us stop going half way is that our kid didn't have a good experience and was told that the camp counselors yelled at the kids.
Donesita P.
Donesita P.
Jul 13, 2016
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A great place for kids to be kids. The staff is attentive and supportive. The management is competent and the activities are great....especially the once a week sleepover.

Our grandson says " this place is awesome!!!"
Amy C.
Amy C.
Aug 05, 2015
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Three things my son 8 year old loved about Camp Cahito...
1) archery
2) hiking and the dirt
3) building forts

Mr. Ash is really fun too!
Christina A.
Christina A.
Apr 12, 2013
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The first day of summer camp I picked up my boys and they were filthy, covered in dirt from from head to toe. I was over the moon!

You see, my kids' outdoor time is seriously infringed upon. They commute to and from a school that is at some distance from our home, then must contend with all sorts of supplemental afterschool programming to ensure that they can one day get into Hahvahd. And then there's homework. Along with their peers, theirs is the first generation so profoundly stuck indoors, according to author and activist Richard Louv.

Come summer, I just want my kids to be outside
Christina R.
Christina R.
Jan 14, 2013
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Great summer camp! Each week is a different theme and is a full day camp! Love the options to pick and choose by the week, allowing us to take vacations etc.

This camp is run by many prior campers who are the best authority on what the campers love to do. The songs have been passed down for years and they perform them every morning at role call with gusto! The spirit of the camp is very unique and more "family" than other camps where you lose contact quickly with the other campers. Here, it's expected that you'll be back for more fun, year after year!

The current
Julie T.
Julie T.
Aug 07, 2012
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This traditional outdoor day camp was a hit with the girls in our house. Both the 4.5 (not typically outdoorsy) and the 7 (VERY outdoorsy/adventure seeking) year old loved it and they enjoyed being in a group with their friends (the camp was very accommodating of that) and the counselors were so friendly and wonderful to the kids. Check in and pick up was very secure and professional and easy. The first day of the week for drop off was super simple and parking was easier than I expected.

They did archery, water play, songs, crafts, fort building and hiking. Both girls were covered head to