One of the most significant experiences campers have at camp is gaining independence. Camp provides a chance to be away from home, to make new friends, and gain a sense of independence, confidence, and responsibility. Campers adjust to camp life much more easily if they don’t hear or see their parents while they’re at camp. Therefore, we do not have campers talk to parents on the phone, and we don’t have parents visit campers during camp. Our campers focus all their energies into making new friends, learning new skills, and participating in all that camp has to offer.
Campers write letters or postcards home two to three times per week. We scan the letters and email them directly to parents. We also encourage parents to write letters, postcards, or emails to their camper(s). Emails are printed and delivered to campers during mail time each day.
Campers traveling by plane or bus are encouraged to bring a phone to camp for use during travel. All phones are then collected at check-in and kept for safe keeping over your child’s stay at camp. They will receive the phone, along with any other valuables they check into the office, on closing day check-out. Please be sure your child’s phone is fully charged before they leave for camp. We do not have electricity available for recharging phones while at camp. Camp California is proud to be a device-free camp. We believe the best connections happen face-to-face. By unplugging and taking a break from technology, our campers build social skills and connect with each other by being 100% present at camp.
Each camper must have a basic level of English to be able to communicate their personal needs while at camp. They must also have a basic understanding of English so they can participate fully in all of the wonderful opportunities available to them at camp.
Each and every day at camp can be thought of as an “English lesson.” Camp California’s “Living Language Program” makes our camp an English language classroom. All communication in the cabin group, and in the various activities of camp, is in English. The majority of our counselors are native English-speaking. All Camp California staff are trained to communicate to the campers in a way that even the most basic of English levels can understand. Campers will receive the “Camp California Living Language” diploma after the end of the one- and two-week sessions.
There can be positives and negatives to friends from home being in the same cabin at camp. Friends in the same cabin could isolate themselves from the rest of the group by either speaking their native language or staying in their “comfort zone” and not reaching out and making new friends. However, if your child is attending Camp California for the first time and may need a little support for his/her first summer, a request may be made in writing by the parents of both campers and the camp administration will consider the request. This is not a guarantee that both campers will be placed in the same cabin. Camp California organizes cabin placements based on the best interest of all campers and to encourage the core values of our program.
We always try to have no more than two or three campers from the same country in the same cabin. In fact, our perfect situation would be to have seven different languages represented in each cabin group. However, we cannot promise as it really depends on the number of campers that come from any given country. Please also understand that “cabin time” plays a small part of each day. The majority of each camper’s day is spent doing the many activities we offer. Your child will have plenty of opportunities to be with other children from the same country. However we do encourage children to speak in English while at Camp California.
Before coming to camp, campers will select 10 activities they would like to take for the first week of camp, in order of preference. We do our best to give them their top 5 activities and provide their schedule for the first week. During the first week of camp, they will choose their activities for the second week.
In most cases, the “Camp Mom” will be able to take care of a camper who is not feeling well. Our Camp Moms are either Qualified Nurses in their home countries and/or trained in basic first aid and CPR. Additionally, all of our staff are trained in basic first aid, as well as many being certified in their home countries. For anything other than the basic bumps and bruises of childhood, we have a medical center and hospital less than 10 minutes from Camp California.
The food at Camp California could be said to be the best food offered at any summer camp. It is fresh, wholesome, and tasty, and there are an incredible amount of options each meal time, so all campers are able to find something they enjoy. Breakfast features both hot and cold menu options, and fresh fruit is always available. For both lunch and dinner, there are multiple options for hot entrees, and there is always a robust salad bar and a daily soup option. A pasta option, as well as a potato option, is always available at both lunch and dinner. The menu does not include an abundance of sweets or junk food, and all meal times have vegetarian options. If a camper has special dietary needs, please make this known on the Camper Application in the Health History Form. In most cases, we are able to meet the needs of the camper.
Necessary equipment is provided for all activities offered at Camp California, so there is no need to bring any sports equipment; however, if a camper would like to bring their own equipment, they are free to do so.
The camp medical center has a complete range of basic over-the-counter medication for normal minor injuries or sickness. Should a camper need stronger medication or treatment, we take them to the medical center in Biograd or Zadar. If a camper needs to take prescription medication, this should be sent with the camper and indicated on the Medical Form. Detailed instructions for taking the medicine should be sent with the camper and given to our “Camp Mom” upon check-in on the first day at camp.
Teen Adventure campers are eager to embrace new experiences. They are adventurous, love the outdoors, and enjoy being part of a team. They’re ready to take on new challenges, and look forward to creating incredible memories and friendships.
No experience is necessary in any of the activities, just a desire to participate and an excitement to take on new challenges.
A mix between tents and cabins, depending on their location and the weather.
A detailed packing list will be included in the Parent Handbook. We strongly recommend packing in one large backpack-style pack and one day pack. Campers will be responsible for carrying their own pack. We do not recommend hard-suitcase-style luggage for Teen Adventure.
All excursions, activities, and meals are included with tuition. We recommend Teen Adventure campers bring €50 for snacks and souvenirs along their journeys.
Our expectation is that all campers contribute positively to the group. Any camper who is negatively impacting the experience for others through abusive language, harmful behavior, or unsafe actions could be dismissed from the program. Camp California campers are strictly prohibited from using drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, including vaping. Anyone violating this policy will be sent home. Campers, counselors, and parents appreciate these policies for being fair and consistent.
Teen Sailing campers are adventurous, love being on the water, and enjoy being part of a team. They’re ready to take on new challenges, and look forward to creating incredible memories and friendships.
Campers do not need previous sailing experience, just the desire to have an amazing, fun-filled water adventure.
A detailed packing list will be included in the Parent Handbook. We strongly recommend packing in one large backpack-style pack and one day pack. We do not recommend hard-suitcase-style luggage for Teen Sailing.
All excursions, activities, and meals are included with tuition. We recommend Teen Sailing campers bring €50 for snacks and souvenirs along their journeys.
Our expectation is that all campers contribute positively to the group. Any camper who is negatively impacting the experience for others through abusive language, harmful behavior, or unsafe actions could be dismissed from the program. Camp California campers are strictly prohibited from using drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, including vaping. Anyone violating this policy will be sent home. Campers, counselors, and parents appreciate these policies for being fair and consistent.
