Some of my favorite and most influential life experiences have been at uCamps. I have been attending uCamps for 5 years now. I go to both the winter and summer sessions (I always try to squeeze as much camp as possible into my year!) and I did their LIT program last summer. uCamps isn't only a place where you can enjoy the outdoors, create art, play games, sing songs, make friends, learn new skills....I could go on and on... uCamps, as anyone who has gone will tell you, is a life-changer. I had been to other summer camps before, but I had never experienced anything like the friendly, fun, inspiring, and supportive environment I found at uCamps. After just my first week, I had gained confidence and a positive new outlook on life. Even after I returned home, I could clearly see a difference in the way I socialized and expressed myself. Suddenly I felt self-assured, motivated, and more accepting of others. As I've continued with camp, I've only grown further. This camp, and the fabulous staff that works there, gave my life direction. Before uCamps, I didn't feel very passionate towards anything I was doing with my life. But when I returned from my first week of camp, I found I was struck with a sense of awe at the beauty and creativity of the music people were making at camp. I had previously dabbled at singing and piano, but I never took them very seriously until then. Music became my passion. I started taking piano, guitar, and voice lessons. I immersed myself in all kinds of music. When I returned to camp, I decided to try the Rockband workshop to utilize my new-found music skills. I was thrilled by the chance to get to perform with, and for, my fellow campers. The music staff was incredible. They were willing to accommodate for any experience level (I even played drums for the first time ever at Rockband). They gave focus and care to each individual camper. And not only were they extraordinary teachers, but they were amazing performers as well. The inspiration I got from the staff performances helped to push me to work even harder. After several years of doing Rockband, I realized that I wanted to help others learn to express themselves through music, just like the uCamps music staff did for me. I am now applying to colleges as a Music Education major. I can't wait to share with others the joy in music that uCamps helped me to find! To say that I simply recommend uCamps would be an understatement. I can't stress enough what a wonderful experience this camp could be for you or your child. Sign up now! You'll be glad you did. read more

After sending my teenage daughter to UCamps for two years in a row now, there is no question that BaldE has put together here at uCamps is indeed something special. The words esteem-building, inclusive, accepting, fun, rewarding, enthusiastic, spirited are some words that come to mind when describing the environment at camp. The counselors do a phenomenal job of building rapport with the campers, making it a safe and fun environment and they absolutely embody the core values of the program. The creativity that is inspired by this camp is unparalleled. The kids are able to express themselves without fear of judgment and celebrate life without hesitation. This provides for an open, spontaneous, silly and creative experience at camp. The relationships the kids build with one another is unique as well. When we picked up my daughter, her and 5 roommates/friends would not stop hugging each other. It was a love fest!! Their creativity and good-humor showed in all the things they did: the music videos, musical theater performances, choir, short films...all well done and very entertaining. My only complaint is that my daughter had too much fun and didn't bother to send a letter home!!?? (Good problem indeed) Thank you BaldE and staff for another year of amazing memories and rewarding experiences for my daughter. My 2nd daughter arrives tomorrow... read more

We just picked our son up today from his third experience with UCamps. He attended the weekend school camp with his middle school in the fall, attended a week long Winter Camp over the holidays and just finished 12 days of UCamps for summer session. UCamps is a combo performing arts/traditional summer camp that is truly accepting of all kids and their personal characteristics. The counselors are outstanding young men and women- mostly college aged and many majoring in the arts- dance, acting, singing and music. Kids at Ucamps get to choose from multiple electives to craft their own camp experience. They still the traditional campfire, camp songs, swimming, hiking, archery, etc., but this camp also supports students who enjoy the performing arts. The Camp Directors- Bald-E, Tiny and Iver go above and beyond to create a unique camp experience for each and every camper. My son had made so many friends in his time at camp and they stay in touch in between camp experiences. He has learned to appreciate others' talents, perform in front of a large group, step out of his comfort-zone with Improv and most of all concern and empathy for others. Highly recommend and my son will be back at Ucamp in the Fall! read more

Look no further for a camp if you want a unique life changing experience for your child that you will not find anywhere else because this is a place where Being YOU is emphasized. The director and staff constantly reinforce NO TOLERANCE on BULLYING, being kind and non judgemental about others life choices. Your camper will be also be required to have as much FUN as humanly possible. Trust me they will Learn this by example. The most important factor for most parents is knowing that their child is safe and that they get something out if their camp experience. Don't be surprised when your child comes home more grounded, loving and accepting of all. I think the icing on the cake is seeing the campers on the last day in tears. In Loving farewell embraces knowing the deep connections that have been made. Your camper will count the days until next camp. Luckily there is one mid year. And it includes a NEW YEARS eve party You know your child will be safe and having fun. I need to add that the director,his partner,and staff are on my list of people I am grateful for in my child's life and have made a positive impact on my child . read more

Our 15-yr old son has been going to multiple sessions of uCamps for 3 years now, and it is the best thing that's happened to him in his teen years. I like to tell people (I enjoy spreading the word...) - "it's like a classic/normal summer camp, but the main theme is performing arts (music, dance, theater, film, photography...)". It does this without ANY pressure to OVERACHIEVE, while still providing excellent guidance and instruction for kids who already excel in terms of previous training or natural gifts. (They pick one or two 'arts' to focus on, and then spend half (+) of each day preparing for the end-of-camp performances.) Our son keeps in touch with his uCamps friends year round now, like an extended family, they go see each others performances in their respective high schools, etc. This has become his core group of friends and has helped him meet even more new friends in high school, the real friends he'll keep in touch with over the years. It's a nice mix of age groups, too, and handles 'boy-girl' concerns very well. read more

A few years back, our daughter came home from middle school with a flyer and said "This is where I want to go to camp." Her prior experiences with camp hadn't been a success, and this would mean flying her to northern California. The first time she went, it was a bit of a nail-biter. However, she came home a little transformed, more self-confident, having had a great time. Since then she's been to various uCamp sessions, both in northern and southern California, and both in summer and winter, a total of seven sessions (with two more scheduled for this year). I've met a number of the counsellors and visited the camps. The camps are, well, camps, and the counsellors are very warm and upbeat; I've like all I've met. I kinda don't want to like uCamps so much, because my kid doesn't seem to want to come home (except for a long shower). But I have to admit they give my daughter a great camp experience. If you're sending your child to camp, and they have any interest in performing, consider uCamps. read more

We've never experienced anything like UCamps--our daughter has gone 2 years in a row, originally on the recommendation of friends who also love UCamps. She was so excited and when we picked her up she was full of stories about the wonderful things she'd experienced. The adult-child ratio is very high (almost 1:1 this year) and the breadth of activities impressive (everything from making a film to acting, singing...one kid even learned how to play the bass guitar). Along the way, my daughter had the chance to meet kids from all over California and even the East Coast as well as a diverse mix of races, abilities and disabilities--welcome to us as we live in a completely homogenous area. That said, the fun part? The usual wacky campfire songs, good food, clean cabins, a shower every day (better than her at-home track record) and fun times from sunup to bedtime. We'll be doing UCamps for our kids as long as we can...maybe even as a counsel in training some day :) read more

I am the parent of a 5 year camper of the SDC camp in Norcal and I cannot begin to express the joy and PEACE my daughter experiences from this camp. She calls it her other family. The level of acceptance that is created at this camp gives EVERY child the courage to try something new without being laughed at - where in a normal teen's experience do they otherwise find that safe environment fir discovery, self-reflection and a chance to take a risk?? I will never forget the first time I came to pick up on the last day of camp (DON'T miss that day!!), and watched her belting out a Broadway tune when she wouldn't even try out for choir at school. I have done research on and my children have attended many, many camps and this one is such a cut above anything else you will find. You are truly giving your child a gift of self-confidence if you send them to uCamps! read more

This year has been my third year at ucamps, and I love it more than words can explain. I am at my happiest when I am at camp. As cheesy as it is, ucamps is an incredibly accepting place filled with loving wonderful people and great activities. If your child has any social anxiety about going to camp, send them to ucamps. They aim to make sure everyone is loved and accepted throughout camp. I attend the FAME week, and that week is full of doing all sorts of art. If your kid likes music, acting, drawing,or film making, they will love that week. If your child is looking for a leadership program, send them to the LIT program. I love ucamps to an incredible degree, and I cannot even begin to explain the experience your child will have if you send them there. Camp has helped me in so many different ways, and I am so glad I choose to go to Ucamps. read more

My daughter has been to UCamps for seven years, and just finished a leadership training program this summer. It is hard to describe how great the camp is- a combination of arts (drama, music, dance , visual arts, film) workshops and old fashioned camp fun. The staff successfully models acceptance of self and others - I know a lot of kids who found happiness and confidence here. One of the great things is that kids can try new creative things here- you don't have to be already accomplished in an art form. The staff is very high quality and caring, and they have done a great job of balancing fun for teens with structure and support. The Northern CA camp is in a beautiful setting in the Santa Cruz mountains - the kids take a bus there and on the last day parents are invited to a performance. read more

I only have good things to say about this camp. At uCamps, the camper can choose their own schedule. They have the option to act, dance, play music, create a film, make arts/crafts, enjoy the great outdoors, or even lounge by the pool. Unlike other camps, uCamps is built on the ideas of individuality and acceptance so all of the campers can freely express themselves. People of different skin colors, heights, weights, religions, and sexual orientations are all viewed as perfectly imperfect. At uCamps, new friendships are made and old friendships are strengthened. The staff is great because it is mainly made of former campers who have a strong desire to work at uCamps. After 5 years of going to camp, I can say that this place is AWESOME!!! read more

Me and my girlfriend hosted my younger brother from Turkey this summer. It was simply to avoid playing playstation during his entire stay, that we convinced, after many days, for him to go to the camp a week after he landed in San Francisco. Nevertheless, when we went to pick him up today, he did not want to leave at all! I truly believe friendships he made and the experiences he had were eye opening. I was impressed by the creativity and the range of abilities of the counselors. They were so welcoming that they turned the arrival of a foreign camper into the story of the film project that the campers produced. They waved us goodbyes with giant smiles on our faces and my brother is already making his plans to come back next summer. read more

Our teenage son was elated when he picked him up. It was his first time he went to Camp without his pals and was apprehensive. Within a day, it was all forgotten. The counselors were terrific, the program is an all around positive experience for kids. The Camp reinforces being positive, non judgmental of others, accepting andit makes everyone so accessible. It helps build self confidence, break down social barriers. The performances of all the Fame camp activities were great. Kuddos to the counselors and the kids. They all learned many things. Our son want to go back this winter. For sure next summer. He was in the music major and it went great. He has steyed in touch with friends he made at camp. We highly recommend UCamp. read more

One week at this camp and you're hooked. The supportive and friendly atmosphere helped me overcome my stage fright that prevented me from playing with the school band which led to a poor grade in the class. It is impossible to leave this camp unhappy. Actually, that's not true, you'll be sad that you're leaving camp. In just the two summers I've known about the camp I've already signed up for my sixth week. It really is impossible to understand the overwhelmingly amazing time you'll have at this camp untill you've experienced it. And all while learning multiple arts forms from a talented, friendly, and well trained staff of responsible past campers. It is the best thing my dad ever did for me. No question. read more

I've been going to this camp for 2 years now and I recommend it to everyone I know. There's something for everyone no matter what their interests are. Everyone is so kind and accepting and it's such a peaceful environment. It's also a good way to get out of the outside world and into a small sub-universe filled with positive energy. It's a great way to get outside too, it's in a beautiful forest and filled with beautiful redwoods. It's the highlight of my year every year and it can not be explained in words. I would highly recommend coming here if to explore new arts, continue doing something you love, or even for the experience. I love camp and it's one of the best places i've ever been to. read more

UCamps and all the people who work for the organization are awesome! My daughter has been going to uCamps for six years and she absolutely loves it. She has been a leader in training (LIT) for two years and hopes to be a counselor some day. This camp has brought her so many good friends and so much personal growth. She has become more confident, more compassionate, more giving, and more enthusiastic about life! She has learned about tolerance and acceptance and experienced the acceptance and love of her fellow campers and counselors. I really think that uCamps has brought out the best in my daughter and I am so grateful that she has had this experience! read more

I have been part of Ucamps for about 6 years now, and you can put my life on this that Ucamps is one of the best camps ever. I grew up going to Ucamps and it has change my way of growing up and having a more positive youth. This is a camp where anyone can be who they are and be supported and accepted and have a home. Ucamps has pretty much every thing you can ask for in a camp for kids and teenagers. if you send your child to camp for even a week, that week will change them for the rest of their life's, well it did for me so i hope it does the same to your child. I hope you get to attend at least a week of this camp because it's just amazing here at Ucamps read more

My 14 year old daughter went to U camp for the first time this summer and she loved it. I can't remember when I've seen her as happy as she was when we arrived. She made lots of new friends. She studied dance and voice and acting. She went to camp fires and swam. She was away from her phone for 7 days with no complaint at all. When the director offered $25 off if we put down a deposit for camp next year, she told me to please sign her up again. This is from a kid who did not want to go to any camps because she wanted to be free to hang out with her friends. I am very happy to have stumbled on U camp and I hope a lot of other people become lucky too. read more

As a parent, I am so beyond THANKFUL for uCamps! My daughter was severely bullied in middle school and finding uCamps was a complete blessing at that time! She was able to experience and see first hand that you can be yourself, be happy with who you are and be with people that encourage and support you unconditionally! The workshops are amazing! The staff is "over the top"!!! My daughter is now a freshman in College and still holds uCamps as a special place in her heart....This Mom can not express my appreciation enough for all that you do for our teenagers in this crazy world we live in! Keep up the outstanding work!!! read more