Camps

A child's friend through and beyond a parent's cancer

Camp Kesem is a nationwide community, driven by passionate college student leaders, that supports children through and beyond their parent's cancer.

We serve children who have lost a parent to cancer, have a parent undergoing cancer treatment, or whose parent is a cancer survivor – an estimated population of over 5 million children in the United States. Camp Kesem runs over 100 weeks of fun, action-packed and 100% free-of-charge camps from coast-to-coast every summer. Serving children ages 6 to 18, our campers experience a warm and loving environment with other children who have similar life experiences. This community provides the foundation for confidence building, improved communication skills, enhanced life outlook and attitude.

Not currently active at UCSC.

https://www.campkesem.org/  ~  831-204-0217  ~  UCSC, Santa Cruz

We happily serve individuals with an extremely wide range of developmental and intellectual disabilities, including campers with Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, Williams Syndrome, Prader-Willi Syndrome, Angelman Syndrome, Fragile-X, Tourette Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, vision and hearing impairment etc.
We welcome children aged 5 years and older, and adults of any age. There is no upper age limit.

We are sad to report that we are not currently running in-person programs, due to the wildfire damage that Camp Krem sustained.

In the meantime, we are offering Virtual Camp programs, to provide our campers with fun and engagement while we cannot gather in person! To see our Virtual Camp schedule, click here.

Please stay tuned for more information about Summer Camp at our new property, Camp Krem Pacifica, in Ahwahnee.

We will continue to rebuild. We have no intention of abandoning the rebuild in Boulder Creek, and will continue to work hard to get it back up and running. We have acknowledged that this rebuild could take years, and there is a long road ahead. We do not want our campers and their families to have to wait that long, so this new Camp in Ahwahnee has come at a perfect time.

The future for our organization looks bright, as this means that someday, we may have two programs operating simultaneously.

https://campingunlimited.org/ 

Join us at Champ Camp Great Outdoors, a whole new immersive summer experience. We’re elevating day camp to Champion status. Picture a mix of explorations in nature with brainy STEM challenges, fabulous field trips, and games galore! Campers will nurture friendships and unlock hidden talents and even surprise themselves with newfound skills. Get ready—this is where summer magic unfolds. Here are some example of our on-site activities:

• State-of-the-Art Sports
  Play football at Mustang Stadium or kick it on the incredible soccer fields.
• Make a Splash
  Swim and splash around with friends in a cool, refreshing pool.
• Outdoor Adventures
  Explore the nature trails, perfect for scenic hikes,  that connect to the ponds and school facilities.
• Natural Beauty
  Enjoy the majestic views at four ponds located right on the school grounds.
• Unique Access
  Study and research the water to learn more about the ponds and the wildlife there.

And what would camp be without field trips?

 Rockwall climbing 

 Aquatic center  

 Museum 

 Zoo 

 Botanical gardens 

Community Music School hosts workshops, concerts, and summer camps for musicians ages seven and up; maintains a free database of local music teachers; places donated musical instruments with people or organizations who need them; and publishes a free monthly e-newsletter that lists upcoming concerts and music-related events.

Each summer, Community Music School hosts Celtic music camps for musicians of all ages. Our camps are staffed by teachers and teaching assistants (TAs) specializing in traditional folk music from the Celtic diaspora and beyond. Each camp ends with a concert open to family and friends.

Our Teen Camp is a week-long overnight camp that takes place every June at Monte Toyon in Aptos. This unique residential program places teenage musicians (ages 12-18) in a beautiful outdoor setting with great instructors. Teens learn to play Celtic folk music, but more importantly, they spend a week with other teen musicians in a supportive environment, and with a strong sense of community. Students practice and perform in instrument-specific groups, in small bands, and with the entire camp. Other activities include vocal training, Scottish dance, movie night, a barn dance, crafts, a talent show, and lots of jamming!

Our Kid Camp is a two-week day camp that starts in mid-July, and takes place at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Scotts Valley. Children learn to play Celtic folk music in a small and supportive environment. They also learn to make their own bamboo flute, and have plenty of play time! Students practice and perform in instrument-specific groups, and with the entire camp. 

All of our camps are for players of fiddle, flute, penny whistle, recorder, clarinet, harp, autoharp, guitar, mandolin, dulcimer, accordion, keyboards, percussion, Irish tenor banjo, and cello. Campers should be proficient on one of these instruments, with a suggested minimum training time of two years. 

https://www.communitymusicschool.org/  ~  831-471-5184  ~  info@communitymusicschool.org  ~  P.O. Box 531, Santa Cruz, CA 95061

Critter Camp

Campers at Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Camp meet guest speakers from animal welfare professions and get to know a wide variety of animals. There are behind the scenes shelter tours and animal-themed arts and crafts projects, including art that helps showcase pets waiting to be adopted.  Through engaging activities, children learn about being responsible stewards, both for animals and the world around them. SCCAS’ summer camp fosters understanding, respect and empathy toward all living beings.

All proceeds from this program benefit our county’s only Open Admission Shelter, serving animals in need in our community. Please contact Erika Smart erika.smart@santacruzcounty.us (831) 454-7229 with any questions!

Summer Critter Camp 2022 will be held at the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter located at 1001 Rodriguez St. This camp is designed for students between the ages of 7-11 years old. Camp will be held from 9am-1pm on scheduled dates. Summer Camp 2022 is sponsored by New Leaf Community Markets and they will provide vegetarian lunches everyday for the camp students!

There are two full weeks of camp, one partial week of camp, and three day camp opportunities!

Week #1 Camp:  May 31^st-June 3^rd (Short week camp due to holiday) $300 per student. FULL

Day Camp #1: June 6^th $75 per student *please only sign up for one day camp*

Day Camp #2: June 7^th $75 per student *please only sign up for one day camp*

Day Camp #3: June 8^th $75 per student *please only sign up for one day camp*

Week #2 Camp:  July 18-22 $375 per student FULL

Week #3 Camp: July 25-29 $375 per student FULL

All scholarships have been filled. Thank you!

If you have any questions about camp registration, please contact Erika Smart at erika.smart@santacruzcounty.us

Critter Camp

Campers meet guest speakers from animal welfare professions and get to know a wide variety of animals. There are behind the scenes shelter tours and animal-themed arts and crafts projects, including art that helps showcase pets waiting to be adopted.  Through engaging activities, children learn about being responsible stewards, both for animals and the world around them. SCCAS’ summer camp fosters understanding, respect and empathy toward all living beings.

All proceeds from this program benefit our county’s only Open Admission Shelter, serving animals in need in our community. Please contact Erika Smart erika.smart@santacruzcounty.us (831) 454-7229 with any questions!