While recovery work is ongoing, Palisadians continue to find ways to gather together, including this summer through camps and programs. Here is a selection of some of this year’s offerings.
Camp Cloud
Following the loss of her Palisades studio on Sunset Boulevard in the fire, Violet Dominguez has launched New Vibe Gymnastics 2.0—which is presenting Camp Cloud this summer for participants ages 4 to 13.
“I started New Vibe Gymnastics out of my house, and put my heart and soul into building it from the ground up,” Dominguez wrote of the Palisades space. “The goal of New Vibe Gymnastics was—and always will be—to provide a safe space for children.”
Camp runs Mondays to Fridays from June 9 to August 22. There are full days available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and half days from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Dominguez is also offering a Memorial Day Camp on Monday, May 26, with full and half-days available as well.
Enrollment is open for the studio’s pod classes, which will begin in September. There are classes available for Novas (3 to 4 years old), Supernovas (5 to 6), Stars (7 to 8), Shooting Stars (8 to 10) and Comets (10 and up). There are also Parent and Me, Astros Boys, Nova Independent (newly age 3), and Flips for Dance pods available.
The studio is located at 1815 S Centinela Avenue, Suite B, in Santa Monica.
Sunshine Westside Beach Camp
Sunshine Westside Beach Camp is making a “sun-soaked move” for summer 2025, Associate Club Director Kyle Weindel said.
Due to the recent Palisades fire and closures of Will Rogers State Beach, the camp team announced that Sunshine Westside Beach Camp will be relocating to Venice Beach Galleon South Side location for the 2025 season, with camp running daily from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. June 9 to August 15.
“While we’re all sad to temporarily part ways with Will Rogers, safety comes first,” Weindel said. “With ongoing closures and cleanup in the Palisades, Venice Beach offers the perfect alternative: wide open beaches; gorgeous coastline views; and plenty of space for all our beach volleyball drills, games and training sessions. We’re bringing all the energy and excellence you expect from Sunshine, now on the iconic sands of Venice Beach.”
This summer’s beach volleyball camp will feature: technical skill development (serving, passing, setting, hitting); game play strategies and teamwork drills; small-group coaching with experienced Sunshine staff; competitive scrimmages and tournament-style play; fitness, agility and sand-specific conditioning; mentorship from “top-level” players and coaches; a “supportive, fun and motivating” environment for athletes of all levels.
“Whether your athlete is new to beach volleyball or sharpening elite-level skills, this summer will be packed with growth, excitement and lots of sand between the toes,” Weindel said.
The camp will be set up at the Venice Beach Galleon South Side, located at the end of Washington Boulevard. Directions are to enter the parking lot at the end of Washington Boulevard, follow the road in and make a left to reach the designated drop-off area.
For parent drop-off and pick-up, Weindel said they are “actively coordinating” with the Parking Services Unit to secure parent drop-off and pick-up passes, “ensuring smooth and safe transitions for all families:” “Stay tuned—we will provide clear instructions and passes before camp starts,” he said.
“We know this change might feel big, but we’re confident this season will be just as incredible,” he said. “Our team is already planning creative ways to make the most of the new location, and we can’t wait to see all our players out on the sand. Stay tuned for more updates, packing lists and session details coming soon. And remember: Same Sunshine spirit, brand-new Venice vibes.”
Questions can be directed to the Sunshine Westside team anytime: “We’re here to help and can’t wait to kick off the best beach volleyball season ever,” Weindel said.
sunshinevolleyballclub.com/programs/beach-camp/westside
Photo courtesy of Marney Sobel
MARNEY’S
When the Palisades fire temporarily displaced MARNEY’S, founder and educator Marney Sobel began driving across the county to continue to work with families who enrolled in her educational programming and academic support.
Recently securing a space in Santa Monica at 1221 2nd Street in Suite 150, Sobel is offering an “exciting lineup of programs to meet the needs of families and kids of all ages.”
Morning camp will be available for youngest participants, offering a “chance to explore, play, and learn” in a “safe and structured environment.” The timing is being finalized but hours are approximately 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
MARNEY’S is also debuting an After Camp Cool Down program in the afternoons into the early evenings (also being finalized, but around 4:30 to 7 p.m.).
“This relaxed, post-camp experience includes calming activities like arts and crafts, beading, yoga, and more,” according to Sobel. “What’s more, campers enjoy nourishing dinners from beloved local restaurants such as California Pizza Kitchen and Nick the Greek.”
In August, MARNEY’S will host its Educational Review and Next Grade Readiness Camps, designed to keep “students sharp and confident before the school year starts.” Sobel will partner with Mary Anne from Montreal for an “engaging and effective math review camp.”
“Of course, no summer at MARNEY’S would be complete without the legendary book clubs that have earned a loyal following across the Palisades community,” Sobel said. “Parents are encouraged to form a group and enroll their children for a magical reading journey designed to spark imagination and nurture a lifelong love of books.”
There is “easy drop-off access” for all programming, with 90 minutes of free parking available at the space.
marneys.us; instagram.com/marney__s
Groza Learning Center
Groza Learning Center found a home on Moraga Drive in Bel Air, which is where Founder and Director Tatyana Yukhtman is offering summer camp, in addition to services that are provided throughout the academic year.
“We lost our physical space, but not our purpose,” Yukhtman said. “What rose from the ashes is stronger—more focused, more mission-driven and more dedicated to helping children thrive.”
The Groza Summer Camp program is open to students ages 5 to 13, designed to “ignite curiosity, confidence, and critical thinking in a joyful, screen-free environment.”
There will be weekly themes, including Detective Week, Mad Science, Entrepreneur week and more, allowing campers to “explore real-life skills while being immersed in imaginative, educator-designed activities.”
“With intentionlly small group sizes, every child is seen supported and celebrated for who they are,” according to Groza. “Whether your child is a budding scientist, a creative storyteller or a future CEO, Groza’s camp experience is crafted to nurture their unique spark. And with only a few spots left for this summer, now is the time to secure your child’s place.”
Camp Gan Izzy
Registration for Camp Gan Izzy—which has secured a location for the summer at 1537 Franklin Street in Santa Monica—is now open.
The camp is run by Chabad Jewish Community Center of Pacific Palisades, which has been displaced after the Palisades fire destroyed part of its Sunset Boulevard campus.
“Camp days include sports, arts, STEAM, cooking, trips, beach days, water activities, themed shows and more,” read a previous description. “We pride ourselves on our loving and enthusiastic staff who look forward to giving our campers a fun and safe Jewish camp experience.”
There are four weeks of camp open for registration: June 30 to July 3; July 7 to 11; July 14 to 18; and July 21 to 25. There is also an option for the full summer, June 30 to July 25.
The Santa Monica campus will host a Palisades Children’s Business Fair on Wednesday, May 28, from 5 to 7 p.m., which will give potential campers and families a chance to see the space.
“This exciting event is a special opportunity for the young entrepreneurs of our community to showcase their creativity, talent and hard work as they present and sell the products they’ve proudly created,” read information about the fair.
The marketplace will feature booths like Minnie’s Magical Bath Bombs, Jewels by Javdan, Juicy World, Pink Pony Shop, and more.
“Let’s show our support for these amazing young vendors and for our growing community—and get a first look at the magic happening at our beautiful new location while we rebuild our beloved Palisades campus,” the statement continued.
The event on May 28 will also serve as an Open House & Community BBQ for Palisades Jewish Early Childhood Center, which will convene at the campus for the 2025-26 school year. Jewish Federation Los Angeles is providing 50% off tuition to attend PJECC for fire-impacted families through its HUG Fund.
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