Flying into camp? Yeah, it's pretty common.

Lots of parents are intimidated and scared about the idea of flying their kids into camp. Flying into camp could mean your child flying solo, flying unaccompanied minor, or parents flying in with their child and then leaving their child at camp potentially thousands of miles away. For many parents this notion is crazy or intimidating, but I'm here to tell you that it's extremely common practice and not something to be scared about at all.

About 50% of our campers fly into camp from out of state. There are a variation of methods as mentioned above, but ultimately a large portion of our campers will be staying at camp while their bed at home remains empty thousands of miles away.

Camp is meant to be an escape from the real world and the leaving the comforts of home is a great way to do that. Yes, a new environment can be intimidating to start, but it's also a place that fosters growth and allows campers to grow without the confines of the rigidity and expectations they may have with their friends and family back home.

In addition to our phone policy, we really want campers to be able to take in everything that's going on around them at camp. There are so many new stimuli that are conducive to self-growth and tremendous social and emotional growth. Attempting these self-growth opportunities in the beautiful landscape of Santa Barbara, CA is certainly not a punishment. Year over year, we continue to be blessed with average temperatures of 78 degrees and sunny from day 1 of camp to the very end. We want kids to be adventurous with food, lifestyle, friendships, etc... So what kind of message are we sending them if we see one of the most populous states across the country as out of bounds? Santa Barbara, CA ranks as one of the most expensive areas in the country to live and the reason why is because of its vast beauty, weather, culture, and proximity to the ocean. The opportunity to spend 2, 4, or six weeks in that area is a gift.

Since the closing of Camp Pocono Trails (CPT), we have had numerous former campers signup for camp who will be traveling from the east coast to California for the summer of 2025. We have also had many parents say that the distance is too far and they aren't comfortable sending their kids away from home. I'm here to say that it's both completely normal to worry, but it's also completely normal to send your kids to camp. Experiencing something new, in a new state, with new people is not a horrendous fate. This is an opportunity and we're here to help facilitate that opportunity.

We offer free airport pickup from Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) and pickup from Los Angeles Airport (LAX) for a fee. If you fly your child with unaccompanied minor status, our staff will meet your child at the gate and make an exchange with the airline employees to ensure that the child arrives safely, gets their bags, and is on their way to camp without any trouble. If your child is flying solo, we will coordinate to meet them in the terminal and again ensure they get their bags and get to camp safely. We're here to help and we're ready to do whatever it takes to make these trips go smoothly. If you have any questions about facilitating flights, please don't hesitate to reach out at stephen@campnewheights.com or at 805-364-0170 (call or text). Over the years we have had campers attend from China, France, Germany, Austria, and all over the United States including Hawaii and Alaska. Our campers come from all over and we're happy to welcome them with open arms and make sure that whatever method they use to arrive at camp, they will get here safely and feel comfortable and welcome.

So if you're looking for a transformational experience this summer, come join us at Camp New Heights. Wherever you're from, we'll be in Santa Barbara together.