There is nothing I recommend higher than Ucamps. When they first came to my middle school five years ago, my brother and I were itching to go. But we were also nervous; neither of us had good previous summer camp experience. But once Ucamps kicked off, we realized we had nothing to fear. Bald E, the camp founder and director, along with the rest of the staff, create a warm and welcoming environment. All of the counselors were easy to talk to and concerned for the wellbeing of the campers. There's a plethora of workshops, ranging from theatre to fine art to dance to music to hiking and sports. Whatever your interests are, there's something for you at Ucamps. All the activities are engaging, fun, and interactive. Over the years, I've found that poetry and rock band are my favourite two workshops. I've also taken musical theatre, open music, and reader's theatre. I haven't found anywhere else that let's me so thoroughly and openly explore my creative side. In other environments I've felt pressured or like I wasn't good enough. But there's none of that at Ucamps. Not only is there no judgement from the staff, but all the campers are equally as accepting. I can't begin to describe how Ucamps has changed my life and made me a better person. I could go on for hours! My brother has returned for five years straight, and I only skipped a year to visit my grandparents. It's honestly the best camping experience I've ever had. But Ucamps is more than just a camp--it's family. read more

Our 16 year old daughter just completed her third summer camp in So.Cal, and attended last year's winter camp in the Santa Cruz mountains. She can't stop raving about how much fun she has at these camps and the quality of the friendships she has developed over the past three years. As a parent, what I see is my daughter's self esteem flourishing as a result of these camps where diversity is celebrated and acceptance of all people is taught through the thoughtful and caring examples of the staff members. Camp director BaldE has compiled a treasured atmosphere at his camps where children grow in confidence while learning critical life skills that will help them succeed in the workplace and lead fulfilling adult lives. And as a result of my visits to these camps during the closing day ceremonies to pick up my daughter, it is clearly evident that these kids are having the time of their lives. A camp that is a performing arts camp on the surface, and does a spectacular job at doing just that, is also quickly realized by this parent to be a camp where kids can be kids, teenagers can be teenagers, and where a child can become everything that he or she aspires to become in life through global acceptance, sound life lessons and quality friendships with campers and staff. Thank you BaldE & your staff for what you have done for my daughter. read more

This was my sons' (12 and 14) first summer with uCamps and I couldn't ask for anything more. I teach theater to children ages 7-18 and have seen remarkable growth and an explosion of confidence and vigor in all "theater kids," such that I believe all people should have the opportunity to participate in this creative experience. Enter: uCamps. In addition to tons of physical activity, including hiking in the beautiful mountains, my children were instructed in dance, singing, improv (games and scene work), rock band, musical theater, acting, film production, stand-up comedy, audition monologues, and other disciplines. They could sign up for whatever they wanted and on the last day (of only one week!), I was greeted by two wide-eyed boys who'd had the times of their lives. I was treated to a rock band performance by my electric-guitar playing son and a stand-up comedy routine by my musical theater son. I met their new "unbiological brothers," as they called them, and saw for myself the warmth and enthusiasm with which the camp counselors interacted with all of the children. And here's the icing on that huge, sweet, nutritious cake: No cell phones or video games the whole time...oh AND the boys loved the food even though they acknowledged the food was healthy hahaha! We're already signed up for next summer. read more

My daughter has been attending UCamps (Original SDC) for the past 5 years. She absolutely loves the experience and we have actually sent her to attend the winter camp program as well. I attended summer camp as a kid for 11 summers. What makes a camp successful are not just the programs but most importantly the staff that creates and executes an atmosphere of togetherness that builds connections and friendships that will last a lifetime....I still communicate with people I attended camp with more than 40 years ago. Doug (BaldE) has created that type of environment and has put together a staff of people who love what they do, are enthusiastic, and it shows. Everyone is treated equally and are encouraged in all facets to be happy and successful. There is not better investment that you can make to help your child develop, mature, and learn independence than you can my having them attend UCamps. It is a joy to behold when going to the camp site to watch the creativity flow from these kids whether in music, film, comedy, or any of the programs offered by UCamps. Congratulations to Doug and his team for a fantastic program! See you in December! Jeff Schwartz Benicia, CA read more

My daughter is currently at Winter Camp as I write this review. She has been attending UCamps for the past 5 years. This summer she is hoping to be accepted into the LIT (Leadership in Training) program with the intention of someday being a UCamps counselor and "give back" to a program that has been so much of part of who she is today. Each session my daughter attends is a gift. She gathers with friends, old and new, reinforcing how important it is to be who "we are"; to embrace everyone for their individuality and uniqueness; to share talents and experiences. My daughter comes home from each of her UCamps adventures more confident and sure of herself. What more could a parent hope for? I highly recommend the UCamps program and the truly gifted staff that run this program. Each time I wave goodbye to my daughter as the bus takes her away (a very recent memory), I am confident that she is in the best of care. She will be safe. She will have a wonderful time. And most important... she will learn a little bit more about herself and her place in this world. read more

My sons have been attending UCamps (formerly Summer Drama Camp) in Northern CA for 3 and 4 years respectively. I would recommend it for any camper with an "arts/music" oriented interests. The counselors are great and very helpful. Campers get to choose from a menu of activities during the day--so each camper can customize his/her day around "electives" while everyone participates in the common activities like the meals and parties and campfires. The Camp founder and director, Doug Cembellin (aka "BaldE") is very dedicated and promotes a great spirit of inclusion that resonates with me and my kids (and I might add the campers art large). You can see (usually) some of the videos about the camp on the Ucamps website www.ucamps.org and some of the films the campers made are floating around YouTube as well. Also, the food (at Camp Maymac in Northern Cal where Summer Drama Camp has been recently held) is really good. Last year, we got there early and I was invited to "sample" the lunch---camp meals have gotten a lot better since I was 12! read more

Summer uCamp has been a highlight for my middle daughter for the past three years. This summer my youngest daughter joined in the fun for a session. What is truly amazing about uCamp is the 100% acceptance that is generated among this group of teenagers and staff. I appreciate BaldE's attention to hot topics facing teenagers in today's world and i value the importance of exploring all ways of expression to deal with these issues. My eldest daughter was brought to tears this summer after watching her sister dance in the 21 Guns Salute performance. There is nothing more powerful then sending a message that touches one's heart. Thank you uCamp for partnering with me in raising children who are accepting individuals and are willing to "put it out there" and express themselves. THere's something for everyone at uCamp - and the positive, nuturing environment makes the camper's week nothing short of amazing! See you next year uCamp!! read more

All I can say in one word isTRUST. I feel safe and can fully trust the UCamps staff with my daughter in many ways. Trust that she will feel safe and HEARD, Trust that she will have fun and be able to express herself with no pressure, however, loving guidance, when apprehensive to jump in and try something new. Trust that, just as we as parents, try to lay the foundation for our kids that when they go out in the world, they can teach by example how to love with no judgement, taking care of themselves at the same time. My daughter, too, looks forward to camp all year, the kid that didnt want to go away for 5 days, now can't get enough. Also, the fact that our kids get to play, act, with role models that know the balance of play and an end product that boosts kids self esteem through the sky..OH, How WE love Ucamps.. and .ALL of U....YOU can be U at UCAMPS..yay.sorry they bring the cornball out in you too!! and thats OK. read more

I just wanted to say that my son, Nicholas, has been attending uCamps SoCal since its inception two years ago. I truly believe that the nurturing and accepting atmosphere helped prepare him for high school last year. This past summer brought about even more changes - his confidence level is through the roof and words cannot describe how that makes a parent feel. Bald E and Zula, along with all of the other counselors, are dedicated to teaching young people to love and accept one another. They do this while have a fabulous time in a great environment, doing things they already love to do, or learning to do new things that they never thought they'd attempt. Nicholas is looking forward to attending Winter Camp over the holidays and will be going to uCamps SoCal until he can become a counselor there too! read more

Three years after my first review and we're just as thrilled with ucamps now as we were then. Camp changed location this year, but all the amazing staff and great activities were still there. We just picked up the kids from camp and the first thing out of their mouths was that they NEED more uCamps this summer. Not want, need. They happily pick up part time jobs to help pay for their camp adventures. They happily leave their phones and connections to the outside world to spend the time with their camp family. We're so fortunate to have found this amazing group of people who are so dedicated to kids. read more

I was a camper at uCamps this past summer and it was amazing, the minute I got there, even though I was a day late, I was met with open arms. Everyone there is so kind and supportive. I thought taking a dance class, when I was not great, mixed with people who have done dance for years would be intimidating, but the teacher made it super easy to learn. In monologues and scenes, the counselors were SUPER helpful in giving me pointers while letting me make my own choices too. The staff is super dedicated and helpful. Overall, I loved this camp and wish I had been coming here my whole life. read more

My son, Nicholas, has been going to So Cal uCamps for the past four summers and loves it more and more each year. There isn't a better place where your children are completely accepted for who they are and are encouraged to find what makes them happy. This acceptance starts at the top (Bald E, Zula, Awkward and all the counselors) and works its way all the way through the campers. My son has made life long friends - people he may not have previously felt he had much in common with - simply by being open to the experience. I highly recommend uCamps!!! read more

This is a fantastic opportunity for your child to grow, learn, and develop a positive self, not to mention a great break from the parents. My daughter has attended UCamps for two summers and it has been such a positive strong impact in her life. According to her, the camp experience encouraged her to speak out, and feel more at ease in her social circles. All this and she had a great time focusing on the performing arts. We couldn't ask for more! We love UCamps! read more

My daughter has been attending this camp for the past 5 years and has always had an incredible experience. The staff is so amazing! They care so much about the kids and provide such a creative and nurturing environment. Everyone is encouraged and supported to try new things. The camp has had a very positive impact on my daughter. We have tried other camps over the years and I can honestly say uCamps provides something really special. Your kids will love it! read more

Oh My Goodness! This is the best camp ever...my 13 year just went with a friend for her first time. She attended the so cal ucamp. She is already planning next year. She had the time of her life. She met great friends and counselors. We went to pick her up on her last day and we just shocked at what the kids had accomplished. She has just not stopped talking about it yet. She has learned so much there and is so happy. This camp is so awesome! read more

Ucamps is an amazing place where everyone feels welcome and there is something for everyone. Having gone to this camp for 5 years I can confidently say that it was one of the smartest choices I have ever made. Not once did I ever feel unwelcome or left out at this camp. The staff they have do a superb job because they are there for you. Overall I cannot say enough great things about this camp, it really has changed my life for the better. read more

This camp is absolutely amazing! My daughter had a great week with supportive and knowledgeable staff artists and campers too. She hasn't stopped talking about how much fun she had and all she learned. She is already planning on coming back next year! As a former drama teacher and director, I cannot say enough about this camp. Worth every penny!! read more

My grandson has been attending uCamps for four years. Definitely a five star program. Always positive and the kids learn so much during the week. Staff and counselors are professional and terrific with the kids. Thanks "Baldy", "Tiny", "Awkward" and all the staff. You make a difference in youg lives. read more

Thank you Bald E, all the counselors and fellow campers for this amazing camp experience. Our boys had a fantastic time where they could explore their creative sides in a safe and welcoming environment. We're so pleased and impressed and are so very happy to have our sons return next summer. read more