Twenty-six years of unforgettable summers have made Coast Sports a staple on the Westside.
For founder Steve Morris, that longevity comes down to one simple idea: give kids the freedom to have fun.
More than two decades ago, Steve started the summer camp on a whim, unsure of its future beyond one summer when just 17 kids enrolled.
But years of refining the high-energy program has helped Coast Sports grow and achieve a daily attendance range of 170-215 kids at Brentwood Science Magnet.
Each day, kids can expect a creative theme or special event — like Survivor Day, Superhero Day or Medieval Day — that emphasizes humor and imagination. Scavenger-style games, themed competitions, messy events like color runs and water battles create a lively experience for children ages 4 through 15.
In an increasingly structured world, programs like this offer what many kids are missing: imagination, socialization, resilience and the freedom to play.
“Kids today are more structured. They don’t always get the chance to just be kids anymore. We give them that space — to use their imagination, to play, to be creative,” Steve said.
Mornings are largely unstructured, allowing children to move freely between activities for as long as they are engaged. Afternoons shift to a more organized format, with campers grouped by age and rotating through themed activity stations.
Younger campers have their own designated space and staff, while older teens can take on leadership roles as counselors-in-training or assistant coaches.
The camp’s strong community culture brings former campers back as mentors and staff, with many families returning across generations.
Year after year, Coast Sports has evolved to stay relevant to kids’ interests, adding new attractions such as laser tag, a rave-style dance tent, baking activities and interactive games.
Flexible scheduling and financial assistance ensure no child misses camp, giving every child the opportunity to laugh, explore, create and build friendships.
After more than two decades, Steve said the camp’s impact is best reflected in what the kids call him.
“The greatest joy in my life, through this whole experience, is having my name go from Steve Morris to Coach Steve. Not something I could have ever predicted, but the blessings have been manifold,” he said.
This summer, the fun begins on June 22. Camp is scheduled Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Aug. 5. To register for camp or see more photos of the endless fun, visit CoastSports.com.
