UCLA Recreation Summer Camp Programs: A Comprehensive Guide

UCLA Recreation offers a diverse array of summer camp programs designed to benefit the campus community by fostering health, wellness, development, and education for all participants and their families. These programs are inclusive, welcoming children with and without disabilities, and are committed to promoting social inclusion through shared recreational experiences. The underlying principle is that learning and playing together fosters friendship and understanding.

Inclusive Environment and Safety Measures

UCLA Recreation Camps are dedicated to inclusivity, welcoming children with disabilities into their programs. However, for the safety of all participants and staff, programs are not designed for children who exhibit significant non-compliant, flight, or aggressive behaviors. The camp community works together to maintain this inclusive environment.

UCLA Recreation Youth Programs adapts its camp programs based on guidance and best practices from various health organizations, including The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), California Department of Public Health (CDPH), and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, as well as the University itself.

Registration and Enrollment

Before enrolling in a camp, parents or guardians must add their dependent(s) to their Recreation profile and ensure that their tier 3 pricing is activated. To secure a spot in the desired camp(s), a payment of 10% of the total cost is required upfront via credit card online.

Financial Assistance

UCLA Recreation offers need-based financial aid on a sliding scale to dependents of UCLA students, staff, and faculty. The aim is to provide some level of assistance to all qualified families. UCLA Students seeking camp scholarships should review information about the CCAMPIS Grant Program to determine their eligibility for funding and other childcare resources.

Cancellations and Transfers

All cancellation and transfer requests must be submitted via the Cancellation Request Form. Refunds are subject to the Camp Refund Policies. All refunds are processed after the final payroll deduction is complete. If payroll deductions fail, full payment by credit card will be required, or the camper(s) may be denied registration or dismissed from camp.

Children may only transfer their spots to siblings or stepsiblings.

Payroll Deductions

For those eligible, the monthly deduction amount will be split equally between the two bi-weekly paychecks that are PAID in that month, regardless of the actual pay period end date.

Refund Policies

The camp may dismiss a child due to psychological, emotional, or physical challenges that prevent safe or effective participation in a group. In such cases, a complete refund for the unused days will be issued. A partial refund may be available for COVID-related absences or extended illnesses lasting three or more consecutive program days. Documentation, such as a doctor's note or test result, along with a written note from the parent or guardian explaining the situation, must be received within eight working days from the first day of absence. Refunds are not available for vacations, special events, short-term illnesses of two or fewer days, or other personal commitments that prevent attendance.

Camp Offerings

UCLA Recreation Youth Programs offers a wide variety of summer camps for children in grades K-12. The camps emphasize each child's needs and personal development within a group setting.

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Activities

Activities vary depending on the age group. Younger children participate in cooperative play, indoor/outdoor games, arts and crafts, swimming, and field trips. For elementary school children, camps focus on areas of interest such as science, sports, acting, creative thinking, performance, and arts and crafts. Secondary school students can enjoy week-long programs in surfing, sailing, and rock climbing, as well as educational exploration.

Specific Camp Programs

Marina Aquatic Center Camps: The UCLA Marina Aquatic Center offers Spring and Summer Day camps for campers in grades Kindergarten - 10th grade. Spring Camp is traditionally offered in March or April. Traditional summer offerings include:
- Sailing Camp (entering grades 6-8): This camp emphasizes hands-on skills in seamanship, teamwork, and sportsmanship, taught in RS Quest dinghy sailboats. No previous sailing experience is necessary.
- Watersport Sampler Camp (entering grades 6-10): Campers learn the fundamentals of sailing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding in Marina del Rey and participate in games and challenges.
- Bruins on Water (entering grades 3-5): Campers are introduced to the Pacific Ocean through on-water aquatic activities, interactive science experiments, and art activities. They learn the fundamentals of sailing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.
Youth Boating Lessons: The UCLA Marina Aquatic Center hopes to add youth boating group and private lessons to their catalog soon.
Facilitated Group Programming: The UCLA Marina Aquatic Center is available for private programming and events, including staff retreats, teambuilding adventures, and youth field trips. Programs are customized to meet the group’s size, makeup, and desired outcomes. Popular programs include:
- Intro to Paddlesport (2 hours): Kayak, SUP, or both!
- Sail and Kayak (3 hours)
- Group Sailing (3 hours)
- Watersport Sampler (4-6 hours): Kayak, SUP, and Sail
- Kayak Teambuilding Challenge (2-3 hours)
Program add-on options include classroom space, outdoor picnic tables, a propane BBQ grill, and a fire pit.

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Essential Information for Campers

What to Bring

Campers should bring a backpack large enough to carry waterproof sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), two snacks, lunch, and a reusable water bottle. Depending on the camp, a swimsuit and towel may also be needed. All items should be labeled with the camper's first and last name.

Camp Sizes and Ratios

Camp sizes vary, but campers are often broken into smaller groups based on age or ability. The staff to camper ratios are as follows:

5 years to 7 years: 1:6 ratio
7 to 10 years: 1:8 ratio
11 years and older: 1:10 ratio

Visitation Policy

Parents/guardians are not allowed to visit or observe during the camp day or at scheduled field trips. However, some camps host Parents and Guardians at designated performances or skill demonstrations. If required, medical/behavioral aides or observations can be arranged through the administrative office.

Important Locations

Sunset Recreation Center: 111 Easton Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1370.
Turn Around: 111 Easton Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1370.
Green Curb: On De Neve Drive before Lot 11.
John Wooden Center: Located atop Parking Structure 4 on Westwood Plaza, south of Sunset Boulevard.
UCLA Marina Aquatic Center: 14001 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292.
Venice Beach: Beach programs operate at Venice Beach, with pick up and drop off at the parking lot at the west end of Washington Blvd by the Venice Fishing Pier.

Registration and Additional Information

How to Register

To register a child, follow the link provided under “Registration Instructions” for Summer Camps 2024.

Refund and Cancellation Policies

For detailed information on refund and cancellation policies, follow the link under “Camp Policies” for Summer Camps 2024.

Waitlist Information

If you are on the waitlist, you will be notified when a spot becomes available. If you do not respond within 48 hours, your child’s spot will no longer be guaranteed.

Friend Requests

Only Rec Camp allows friend requests. Other camps are largely grouped by age or skill level.

Counselor Training

Counselors receive specific training according to their assigned camps. All counselors are Mandated Reporters and are certified through the American Red Cross in CPR/AED and First Aid.

Attendance Policies

Refunds are not available for vacations, special events, short-term illnesses of two or fewer days, or other personal commitments that prevent attendance.

Registration Deadline

Registration closes Wednesday at noon before the following session begins. For example, if camp starts on Monday, July 10th, registration closes on Wednesday, July 5th at 12pm.

Late Drop-off or Early Pick-up

For late drop-offs, parents/guardians must park, pay, and walk their camper to the front of the Sunset Canyon Recreation Center and call the Camp Office at 310-206-4000. A staff member will meet you at the designated location. For early pick-ups, state the date and time and who will pick up your child. Last-minute early pick-ups may not be accommodated, especially between 3:00 - 4:30pm.

Immunization Requirements

UCLA Recreation requires all youth participants to be up-to-date with all immunizations before they can attend programs and camps, including the COVID-19 vaccine.

Disclaimer

Participation in UCLA Recreation programs is voluntary and at your own risk. By participating, you agree to release and hold harmless the University of California from any and all losses, liabilities, injuries, or damages resulting from any and all claims. This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or healthcare advice. If you experience faintness, dizziness, pain, or shortness of breath at any time while exercising, you should stop immediately. If you are having a medical or health emergency, call your health care professional, or 911, immediately.

Job Opportunities

Those interested in a part-time or full-time job this summer can join the UCLA Recreation team. Application information is coming soon.

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