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Camp Surfbird

Find your Peeps!

Feb 19-21, 2027

For birders ages 13-17

The logo of the American Birding Association featuring a stylized bird silhouette within a circle, with the organization's name partially visible below.
Register Today!

Camp Surfbird is a unique overnight camp experience designed specifically for youth ages 13-17 to enjoy the San Diego Bird Festival to the fullest.

A group of people standing along a pathway near the riverbank, looking through binoculars at the sky. There are parking lot cars, palm trees, and a bridge in the background, with a cloudy sky overhead.

Working together, San Diego Bird Alliance and the American Birding Association have planned an unforgettable weekend for young birders to gather and explore the region with like-minded peers. Campers will be participating in chaperoned festival activities and experiences just for them. Base camp is located at the YMCA Camp Surf in Imperial Beach, CA.

During our weekend together, campers will expand upon their birding skills, learn about the natural history of coastal California, meet other young people with similar interests, explore careers and opportunities in ornithology, research, and conservation while networking with leaders in the field.

People standing outdoors on a cloudy day with a foreground of yellow and white flowers, some holding cameras or bags, and a parking lot in the background.

Includes:

  • Lodging for 2 nights at Camp Surf, located in Imperial Beach

  • Daily transportation for festival activities

  • Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)

  • 2 full-day festival field trips (a pelagic and a land trip)

  • Beach activities on evening of March 1

Not included:

  • Twin-sized sheets/bedding and towels

The meeting place for this activity is at Camp Surf in Imperial Beach. Campers traveling by air or train must be able to travel independently, but will be picked up by Camp Surfbird staff in San Diego and transported to Camp Surf.

Camp cost is $950 per child, A $150 deposit (non-refundable) is due at the time of registration. Contact us at camps@sandiegobirdalliance.org for more information.

Scholarships Available

email camps@sandiegobirdalliance.org for details.