Camp Hess Kramer/WBT Camps
WBT Camps, including Camp Hess Kramer and Gindling Hilltop Camp, offers Jewish overnight summer camp experiences in Malibu, California, focusing on community...
▌ Editor's read The website https://wbtcamps.org/ loads successfully and presents as a legitimate camp site for Camp Hess Kramer and Gindling Hilltop Camp, collectively known as WBT Camps. The camp is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), with accreditation expiring in 2024, as confirmed by the ACA directory. California state licensing information indicates a facility license number 197800001. The camp has been operating for 70 years, as stated on their 'About Us' page. WBT Camps is a non-profit organization, as indicated by its mission and structure. The website explicitly states that all staff undergo background checks. The program type is overnight, offering sessions for various age groups. Google reviews for 'WBT Camps' show an average rating of 4.8 stars from 100+ reviews, with parents frequently praising the strong community, engaging activities, and positive impact on their children's Jewish identity. Social media handles found are @wbtcamps on Instagram and 'wbtcamps' on Facebook.
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ACA-accredited ~300 standards audited
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Since 1956 70+ years operating
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Nonprofit operator 501(c)(3) tax-exempt
Facts & Credentials
- Program type
- Overnight camp
- ACA accredited
- Yes
- Established
- 1956 (70 years)
- Operator
- Nonprofit organization
Details
- Category: Water Sports
- Ages: 7–18
- Hours: Overnight camp
- Address: 3663 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90010 (WBT administrative office)
- Phone: (213) 835-2196
- Cost notes (2026): $1,520 - $7,630 per session
Last season (2026): Runs Overnight camp, 8 sessions (2 one-week, 6 multi-week blocks), from Jun 13 to Aug 2.
Last season's sessions (Summer 2026) ⛓
These are last summer's dates and prices. 2027 details are not posted here yet, so check with the camp before you plan around them. Multi-week blocks marked ⛓ are indivisible — register for the full session.
- Yahm Surf 1 Jun 13 – 23, 2026 · 2 weeks · $3,000 Last season
- CIT (Counselor-in-Training) Jun 14 – Aug 2, 2026 · 8 weeks · $7,630 Last season
- Teetam Jun 16 – 21, 2026 · 1 week · $1,520 Last season
- Chaverim (CHK) Jun 16 – Jul 7, 2026 · 4 weeks · $6,740 Last season
- Lev (CHK) Jun 23 – Jul 7, 2026 · 3 weeks · $4,600 Last season
- Vatikim (GHC) Jul 12 – Aug 2, 2026 · 4 weeks · $6,740 Last season
- Yahm Surf 2 Jul 12 – 19, 2026 · 2 weeks · $3,000 Last season
- Nefesh (GHC) Jul 19 – Aug 2, 2026 · 3 weeks · $4,600 Last season
↗ What parents like
- Transportation included
- Extended care available
- Financial aid available
↘ Watch for
- Expensive
- Far from home
Logistics
- Lunch provided: No
- Transportation: Yes
- Financial aid: Yes
- Setting: outdoor
Frequently asked about Camp Hess Kramer/WBT Camps
- What ages does Camp Hess Kramer/WBT Camps accept?
- Camp Hess Kramer/WBT Camps is open to children ages 7–18. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
- How much does Camp Hess Kramer/WBT Camps cost?
- Camp Hess Kramer/WBT Camps listed $1,520/week for the standard session in 2026. Final cost depends on session length and sibling discounts, and new-season rates may differ.
- What are Camp Hess Kramer/WBT Camps's hours?
- Camp Hess Kramer/WBT Camps runs Overnight camp.
- Is Camp Hess Kramer/WBT Camps accredited?
- Yes — Camp Hess Kramer/WBT Camps is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and has been operating for 70 years. ACA accreditation means the camp has been audited against ~300 health, safety, and program-quality standards covering staffing, supervision ratios, emergency response, and program design.
- Who runs Camp Hess Kramer/WBT Camps?
- Camp Hess Kramer/WBT Camps is operated by a nonprofit organization, with 70 years of operating history. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
- Does Camp Hess Kramer/WBT Camps provide lunch?
- Camp Hess Kramer/WBT Camps does not include lunch — campers bring their own. Most day camps without provided lunch are nut-free or nut-aware, so check the allergy policy before packing. Frozen water bottles double as ice packs and drinks; insulated lunch boxes hold below 40°F for about four hours.
- Does Camp Hess Kramer/WBT Camps offer extended care?
- Yes — Camp Hess Kramer/WBT Camps offers extended care (Not applicable (overnight camp)). Extended care is usually billed separately from the core session; ask whether single-day drop-in is allowed or if it requires a full-week commitment.
- Does Camp Hess Kramer/WBT Camps offer transportation?
- Camp Hess Kramer/WBT Camps provides transportation. Coverage zones and bus stops vary; ask for the route map for the summer you're enrolling in. Some camps fold bus fees into tuition, others bill separately.
- Does Camp Hess Kramer/WBT Camps offer financial aid?
- Yes — Camp Hess Kramer/WBT Camps offers financial aid or scholarships. Most camp aid is need-based, application-based, and awarded on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted, so apply as soon as the form opens (usually January-February for the upcoming summer).
Planning guides
Editorial checklists to use before you compare Camp Hess Kramer/WBT Camps with other camps.
- How to choose a summer camp · Use the decision checklist before you compare finalists.
- Sports summer camps guide · Check coaching style, intensity, safety, and logistics.
- Financial aid and scholarship camps · Compare aid policies, discounts, and application timing.
- 2026 summer camp prices · Benchmark weekly cost before you commit a deposit.
Camps near here
Same city, with age-overlapping options first. Other camps to consider alongside Camp Hess Kramer/WBT Camps.
- Camp Hess Kramer - Elementary (2nd-6th) · Malibu · Ages 7–12 · $1,520/week
- Aloha Beach Camp · Malibu · Ages 5–15 · $875/week
- Aloha Beach Camp · Zuma Beach · Ages 5–15 · $875/week
- Aloha Beach Camp · Zuma Beach · Ages 5–15 · $875/week
- Aloha Beach Camp · Zuma Beach · Ages 5–15 · $875/week
- Malibu Makos Surf Camp · Malibu · Ages 4–17 · $525/week
- Rancho Sea Air · Malibu · Ages 4–14 · $1,200/week
- Keiki Beach Camp at Zuma Beach · Malibu · Ages 4–6 · $875/week