Summer Camps in San Diego

Uncover your child’s creative potential at our media arts summer camps in San Diego!

Our unique programs offer an engaging and fun environment for K–8 campers to dive into various media arts disciplines such as photography, filmmaking, design, animation, and more. Equipment and snacks are provided. Limited space is available, register today to reserve your spot!

The OTL Summer Camp Experience

Through hands-on experiences guided by our Media Educators, youth build essential technical skills while fostering creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration.

We invite youth to embark on a fun-filled journey where they unleash their imagination, explore various artistic mediums, and experience the world of media arts.

Registration Now Open for Summer 2025!

Photo Wonders: Trick Photography

Monday, June 16th—20th, 2025
9-3:30pm
Writer’s Ink 2730 Historic Decatur Rd Barracks 16, #204 San Diego

Grades: 3rd-5th
Price: $275*
*Use early bird discount code
SUM25_DISCOUNT! at checkout
$300 regular price after 4/15/25
No Camp on June 19th!

Transform your photos with creative techniques! Using iPads and DSLR cameras, develop your photography skills while creating eye-catching images as you explore special effects in photography including fun with double exposure, forced perspective, light writing, stop-motion animation and more. Equipment and snacks will be provided.

Shutterbugs PhotographyCamp

Monday, June 23rd—27th, 2025
9-3:30pm
Writer’s Ink 2730 Historic Decatur Rd Barracks 16, #204 San Diego

Grades: K-2nd
Price: $350*
*Use early bird discount code
SUM25_DISCOUNT! at checkout
$375 regular price after 4/15/25

Embark on a fun and creative journey into the world of photography! In this camp your little ones will use iPads to explore the basics of photography and stop-motion animation through engaging and hands-on activities. They’ll learn about elements of art such as shapes, color, and lines, perspective in photography (close up, worm’s eye) and elements of portraiture (expression) while using their creativity to capture the world around them through the lens of a camera. Equipment and snacks will be provided.

Lights, Camera, Create: Narrative Filmmaking

Monday, June 30th—July 3rd, 2025
9-3:30pm
Outside The Lens 125 14th Street San Diego
Grades: 6th-8th
Price: $275*
*Use early bird discount code
SUM25_DISCOUNT! at checkout
$300 regular price after 4/15/25

Calling aspiring filmmakers! Explore the essential aspects of filmmaking and bring your vision to life on screen, from concept development to post-production. Learn about the different roles in filmmaking, such as screenwriter, director, cinematographer and editor. Collaborate with fellow campers to create a short narrative film that you can add to your portfolio. Equipment and snacks will be provided.

Capture and Create: Mixed Media Photography

Monday, July 21st—25th, 2025
9-3:30pm
Writer’s Ink 2730 Historic Decatur Rd Barracks 16, #204 San Diego

Grades 6th-8th
Price: $350*
*Use Early Bird Discount Code
SUM25_DISCOUNT! at checkout
$375 regular price after 4/15/25

Capture amazing photos, and transform them into unique pieces of artwork with the use of mixed media. Learn some new artistic techniques and add a new dimension to your photographic work! Equipment and snacks will be provided.

Picture Perfect Photography Camp

Monday, July 28th—August 1st, 2025
9-3:30pm
Writer’s Ink 2730 Historic Decatur Rd Barracks 16, #204 San Diego

Grades 3rd-5th
Price: $350*
*Use early bird discount code
SUM25_DISCOUNT! at checkout
$375 regular price after 4/15/25

Embark on an exciting journey into the world of photography! Develop your photography skills and discover the wonders of capturing moments through the lens. Master camera basics, experiment with techniques, brainstorm creative ideas, capture and edit photos, and showcase your work! Equipment and snacks will be provided.

People and Places: The Art of Street Photography

Monday, August 4th—8th, 2025
9-3:30pm
La Jolla Historical Society 780 Prospect St La Jolla

Grades 6th-8th
Price: $350*
*Use Early Bird Discount Code
SUM25_DISCOUNT! at checkout
$375 regular price after 4/15/25

Take your photography to the streets! Show people your world, through your eyes while exploring urban landscapes of San Diego and techniques street photographers use to capture the moments, objects, places and people that they see. Using DSLR cameras, explore the relationship between people and place as you learn about environmental portraiture, landscape photography, photojournalism, storytelling, lighting, framing and more! Equipment and snacks will be provided.

10% sibling and military discount available
Find out more about our need based scholarships

For more information please contact us at: programs@outsidethelens.org or (858) 349-7578

Summer Camp 2025 Refund & Cancellation Policy: Due to preordering supplies and staffing expenses, refunds are allowed within 5 days of registration. There will be a 10% processing fee when issuing a refund. Outside The Lens (OTL) may at times need to cancel classes due to low enrollment, at which point a full reimbursement will be issued. OTL is not responsible for providing refunds or offering makeup sessions for camps missed as a result of illness, emergencies or events beyond our control.

*Early Bird Discount available through April 15, 2025, while space is available.

Summer Camp Volunteers Needed

We are looking for high school student volunteers for OTL summer camps. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about media arts education and gain professional experience. Limited opportunities available, contact us to submit your resume.

Email Us to Learn More

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