Summer Fun Recreation Program

NEW THIS YEAR: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY.

Program Fees:

• $35 administration fee per child for 7 weeks of camp for qualifying families only (see Priority Registration below). If you believe you qualify for the discounted rate, please complete the Priority Registration Application (Summer Fun Program) and complete the requirements below. 
• $490 per child for 7 weeks of camp for families who did not submit an application, do not qualify or have missed the deadline (see "Open Registration" below).

Program Requirements:

All Parks and Recreation participants must have a current 2026 Medical Questionnaire completed and on file in their PerfectMind account. The Medical Questionnaire must be completed through your PerfectMind account by selecting My Profile and then Amend Medical Information.

All participants must also have updated emergency contacts listed in their account. See the Authorized Pick-Up / Excused Absences drop-down list below. 

Please note: All participants must have all required information completed. Failure to complete all requirements will result in automatic withdrawal from the Summer Fun Program.

Accepted Documents

Must upload at least one document from this list:

• 2025 Income Tax Return
• 2025 W-2 Form
• Two months of pay stubs for each adult in your household
• CalFresh Letter (must be active during Summer 2026)
• Current utility bill indicating eligibility for a low-income discount

Accepted Documents

Must upload at least one document from this list:

• 2025 Income Tax Return
• 2025 W-2 Form
• Two months of pay stubs for each adult in your household
• CalFresh Letter (must be active during Summer 2026)
• Current utility bill indicating eligibility for a low-income discount

Application Submission (Pre-Registration): 

February 16-May 1

• Qualifying families must submit the Priority Registration Application and upload supporting documents during this period
• See Application below and Accepted Documents list above
• Families who qualify will be notified and invited to register during Priority Registration

Priority Registration Application (Summer Fun Program)

Priority Registration (Qualifying Families): 

April 8-May 13

• Families who submitted an application and qualify may register in PerfectMind at the discounted rate
• The $35 administration fee is due at this time

Open Registration: 

May 15 - June 17

• Families who do not qualify, did not submit an application, or missed deadlines may register beginning May 15 at 9:00 a.m.
• Program fee during Open Registration is $490 per child

Field trips to some of Santa Barbara’s fantastic recreational and educational sites MAY be a part of the program. Some field trips may involve walking to a destination. When participants are transported, vehicles inspected by City Motor Pool and approved by the California Highway Patrol, or public buses, trolleys, or other City-approved vehicles will be used. Staff is never allowed under any circumstances to transport participants in their personal vehicles.  As required by law, seat belts will be worn at all times by staff and passengers.
 
Participants must be well-behaved and follow good passenger etiquette. Please note: students interested in attending field trips that involve an admission fee, such as the movies, will be required to bring money.

For a copy of the field trip calendar or information on how to sign up for a field trip, please speak with your on-site Summer Fun Program staff.

Authorized Pick-Up

To update your information, please follow these simple steps:

1.) Log-in to PerfectMind.com
2.) Once logged in, click on "My Profile" then "My Info".
3.) Click on your child’s name (if you have more than one child, you will need to update each child individually)
4.) Click on the purple “Edit” button
5.) Scroll down “Emergency Contacts / Authorized Pick Up Persons” and you can add up to 4 people.

If you need to add more than 4 people, please email RAP@SantaBarbaraCA.gov. 

Instructions

Excused Absences 

Exceptions will be made due to illness, emergencies, 1-week family trip/reunion, or participation in summer camp scholarship administered by the Santa Barbara Police Activities League (PAL). Click the button below if you need to excuse an absence from Summer Fun. 

Absence FormFormulario de ausencia

The Parks and Recreation Summer Fun - Junior Counselor In-Training Program is designed for young adults entering the 7th-12th grades for the 2026-2027 academic school year. JC’s will have the opportunity to gain community service hours and leadership experience under the guidance of Parks and Recreation Summer Fun camp staff. JC’s are expected to interact with campers, help with activities and special events, and most importantly, serve as a positive role model for younger campers.

Program Requirements:

All Parks and Recreation participants must have a current 2026 Medical Questionnaire completed and on file in their PerfectMind account. The Medical Questionnaire must be completed through your PerfectMind account by selecting My Profile and then Amend Medical Information.

All participants must also have updated emergency contacts listed in their account. See the Authorized Pick-Up / Excused Absences drop-down list above. 

Please note: Failure to complete these requirements will result in automatic withdrawal from the Summer Fun - Junior Counselor In-Training Program.

How to Apply

To be considered for the Summer Fun Junior Counselor In-Training Program, JC applicants are required to do the following:

1. A Recommendation Form- This form must be completed by a Teacher, School Principal, or Mentor. Please do not use a family member as a reference. See below "2026 JC Recommendation Form."
2. 2026 Junior Counselor In-Training Application. Please note: the application must be completed by the Junior Counselor and not a parent or guardian.
3. Mandatory Interview (see below) - all JC applicants must attend the Mandatory Interview in order to qualify for the program. 

Important Dates

• Summer Fun Junior Counselor Application Due: Friday, May 1, 2026 by 5:00 p.m.
• Mandatory Junior Counselor Interview: Saturday, May 9, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. in the Carrillo Recreation Center, 100 E. Carrillo St. Details about the interview will be emailed to all applicants.
• JC’s that are accepted into the program will be notified by email on: Friday, May 13, 2026
• If selected, JC’s must pay the $35 non-refundable fee by: Friday, June 19, 2026.
• If selected, JC’s must be present (at their site) for training: Monday, June 22, 2026 at 8:45 a.m. sharp2026 JC Application   2026 JC Recommendation Form

Additional Information

For questions about the Junior Counselor Program, please call (805) 564-5495 or email us at RAP@SantaBarbaraCA.gov