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
June 16, 17, 18, 20, 2025
*No Camp on June 19th
Time: 9:00am-3:30pm
Grades: 3rd-5th
Location: Writer’s Ink
2730 Historic Decatur Rd
Barracks 16, #204
San Diego, CA 92106
Cost: $275 with early bird discount code
SUM25_DISCOUNT!
at checkout
$300 regular price
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.
Shutterbugs Photography
Camp
June 23-June 27, 2025
Time: 9:00am-3:30pm
Grades: K-2nd
Location: Writer’s Ink
2730 Historic Decatur Rd
Barracks 16, #204
San Diego, CA 92106
Cost: $350 with early bird discount code
SUM25_DISCOUNT!
at checkout
$375 regular price
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.
Lights, Camera, Create: Narrative Filmmaking
June 30, July 1, 2, 3, 2025
*No Camp on July 4th
Time: 9:00am-3:30pm
Grades: 6th-8th
Location:
Outside The Lens
125 14th Street
San Diego, CA 92101
Cost: $275 with early bird discount code
SUM25_DISCOUNT!
at checkout
$300 regular price
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.
People and Places: The Art of Street Photography
August 4-8, 2025
Time: 9:00am-3:30pm
Grades: 6th-8th
Location: La Jolla Historical Society
780 Prospect St
La Jolla, CA 92037
Cost $350 with early bird discount code
SUM25_DISCOUNT!
at checkout
Regular Price: $375
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!
Find out about our needs based scholarships
10% sibling and military discount
For more information please contact us at: programs@outsidethelens.org or (858) 349-7578
Refund & Cancellation Policy (for summer camps): 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.