CAMP CALIFORNIA SAVUDRIJA

Camp California is CCUSAs adventure in providing American style summer camp opportunities in Europe. Camp California is located on the coast of the beautiful Adriatic Sea in Croatia.

Camp Californias 7 and 14 day sessions will allow children from around the world to learn new sports, develop strong and lasting friendships, improve their English through our "Living Language Program" and learn from our experienced International staff. All this within a safe and fun outdoor environment.

 
At Camp California children will make friends, learn new skills and gain a better appreciation for diversity. Focus will be developing a cohesive cabin group and building a sense of cooperation to live and play together. We will always encourage involvement over competition while developing respect for others. Lastly, smiles, happiness and fun are required.

Camp California is the first American-style summer camp in Europe. Give your child the opportunity to experience many new activities, learn English and make friends from around the world.

Here are just few of the great reasons to send your child to Camp California:

• Have your child spend a fun, safe and educational 2 weeks on
the beautiful Adriatic Sea.

• Your child will greatly improve their English language ability by
participating in Camp Californias Living Language Program.
English is the only spoken language at camp.

• Give your child the opportunity to make friends from around the world.

• Your child will learn lots of new activities in a structured safe environment.

• The supervision will be by trained counselors with a ratio of one counselor for each 5 children.

• A wide variety of activities will make for a great summer!

Our campers and staff come from over 20 countries around the world. Children ages 8–14 can participate in Camp Californias on-site 1 or 2 week sessions. Children ages 14–17 can participate in Camp Californias Teen Program, or our Teen Sailing Program, which includes a one week open water cruise on the beautiful Adriatic. We also have a new CIT (Counselor in Training) program for children 15–18 years old, with leadership development activities on-site.

Our campers come from all over the world. Most come from Europe: France, England, Italy, Hungary, Croatia, Slovenia, Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia represent the majority of the more than 20 nationalities that attend our camp!. We also host many campers that come as far as Russia, the Americas and South Korea .
The language of the camp is English, so at least a basic knowledge is a pre-requisite. If you are not sure your child speaks English well enough to attend the camp, your local Camp California office is happy to conduct a short interview to determine if they meet the minimum level necessary for a successful stay at camp.

The Summer Camp Specialist since 1986, CCUSA has placed more than 100,000 international workers from 60 countries in more than 1000 summer camps across the United States. CCUSA enjoys a worldwide reputation for safe, quality programs and friendly, personal service.

THE ACTIVITIES

At Camp California, we are happy to offer a huge variety of activities. From sports to the arts and, of course, good old campfires and games – we truly have something for everyone. 

American Football

A traditional American field sport similar to rugby. Two teams try and move the ball down the field by running or passing the ball to team mates with the goal of making it into the "end zone". Traditionally this is a full contact sport but at Camp California we play a version of "touch football".

Using different bows and arrows, children shoot at large archery targets from different distances aiming for the bulls eye. Learn the parts of a bow and arrow, as well as all safety rules.

This activity includes beading, painting, jewelry making, drawing, sculpture, tie-dye, watercolor, candle making, and many other handicrafts. All materials are supplied by the camp, except your imagination.

What a blast! A large inflatable tube pulled behind a ski boat. We can take 4 campers and 1 counselor at a time. Saved for the weekend or special events. Youll get wet! 

In this classical American sport, 2 teams of 9 players each equipped with a bat, gloves, and a baseball (which can also be a softball for younger children) play against each other. There is a pitcher, a catcher, first, second and third baseman, a shortstop, a right, center and left fielder in each team on the baseball filed.

This is another typical American team sport. 2 teams of up to 10 members play on a court. The goal is to throw the basketball into the opponent teams basket consisting of a metal ring and a net, attached to a backboard. The game is played according to various rules for time, fouls and scoring.

We have a collection of acoustic and bass guitars, drums, a piano and synthesizer, flutes and other assorted percussions and wind instruments, all of which you can learn to play – even if just the basics. By the end of the session, you will be able to participate in a concert where everyone can show off what they have learned while at camp.

Ceramics/Pottery

Children can express their creativity with a piece of clay. Our counselors will teach them basic pottery and ceramics skills, how to make basic forms, pots, vases, and so on. They can use the kiln (furnace) to glaze the creations and are free to take them home.

Simulated rock face on the side of our Ropes Course Tower. Learn the sport of climbing in a safe and secure environment. Campers get the opportunity to go climbing in Rovinj at the end of each session.

Along with football and rugby, cricket is a traditional British team sport played on an evenly mown grass field. There are two teams playing this game, each trying to knock down the wicket - a stick of wood balanced on two posts - with a ball hit by a bat. It is similar to American baseball, but you catch the ball without a glove.

Become an ace reporter and track down all the stories that happen at camp each day. Then write up the report, add some fancy pictures and graphics, and produce our daily camp newspaper, where everyone finds out what has happened – and what is going to happen!

Our professional dance instructors will teach you classical and modern dance steps, for both choreographed performances, as well as during the evening disco. From the tango to the waltz, you can boogey your way to the stars.

Digital Photography

Join our group of electronic shutterbugs as they journey around camp learning basic photography techniques by shooting pictures of all the other kids in camp. Then it is back into the lab to digitally download and organize all the photos taken each day. This class culminates in the Final Slide Show at the end of each session, as well as offering the daily photos that are available online on Bunk1.

An off-Broadway original play is created and performed by the children, with the help of the professional drama counselors, using costumes, and various arts and crafts creations made at camp. Our new stage also boasts a professional sound and light system, as well as a bigger performance area.

Fencing is a contest between two opponents, each trying to touch the other with various weapons: a foil, épée or sabre. You will learn the various rules to this sport, and dress in the protective fencing gear.

This game is played by two teams consisting of 11 members and two substitutes each. The object is to propel a ball along the ground using a curved stick and score by hitting the ball past the opposite goalkeeper into the goal.

Within this activity, the children use a fishing string or rod, a line with a hook, a bob, and other equipment to catch various sea fish. Campers travel to the neighboring harbor for this activity.

Gymnastics at camp consists of the following different events: floor exercises, the beam, and rhythmic gymnastics. Strength, balance, movement, power and grace are all components of the technical performance, and all are taught at camp. 

Our sea kayaks are open-topped, solid-shell boats, in which the kayaker uses a double-bladed paddle to propel and steer the boat. Children learn the parts of these boats, basic steering and paddle control, as well as water safety skills within this camp activity.

And camp, we offer Taekwondo as our Martial Arts program. Taekwondo assumes a variety of forms; exhibitions normally include free-style fighting, training sequence of moves, wood-breaking, and basic technical training. A colored belt system is used to show merit and progress, and our instructors are certified Black belts.

Come try our brand new mountain biking course, where we teach you not only how to repair your bike, but also how to ride around obstacles, over hills, through water, and across wooden platforms. You will also go on trail rides in the foothills and villages in the area.

Come sing camp songs, as well as traditional choral pieces, even if you have never sung before. As long as you have the desire, we will get music out of you.

This sport is an outdoor recreation for physical and psychological exercise. Using a map and a compass, the goal is to find the way out an unknown area, usually an uneven, woody terrain, like a mountain forest.

Learn to build a fire, cook a variety of great foods all out at the Tee Pee Village. 

Popular with both boys and girls alike. This traditional Maori dance from New Zealand teaches both rythem and hand and eye coordination with two balls on a string. One of Camp Californias most popular activities! 

These are various two-person games that require less activity on hot summer days. We combine tetherball (hitting a ball attached to a string around a pole), foosball (table soccer), ping pong (table tennis) and giant Chess to keep kids busy without tiring them out.

Come and build your own model rocket, and then launch it into the heavens. If you have built it well, the parachute will deploy, and it will land safely back on earth. 

High and Low Ropes are challenge courses in the air, between platforms built on top of tall and massive trees. All children wear special gear, while climbing and participating in this activity under constant supervision of CCA Staff. The aim of this sport is to enhance balance and agility, as well as develop teamwork.

Our sailing program consists of small Optimist class boats, good for 1-2 sailors, where you can learn the basics of sail control, steering, wind and water effects, and water safety. We also have larger 4-meter boats, good for 3-4 sailors, with a full set of sails (main, jib and spinnaker) and capable of more advanced sailing exercises. All these boats are followed by our inflatable raft powered by an outboard motor, which can be used for rescues and teaching purposes.

This is a sport of swimming and diving underwater usually with swim fins, a mask or goggles, and a snorkel for breathing. The primary reason is underwater exploration, where the diver can keep their face downward while observing all the sea life in the area.

This is one of the more popular sports in Europe, as well as at camp. The game is played by two teams, consisting of 11 members each, defending a netted goal, while attacking the oppositions goal at the other end of a rectangular field. In each team there are defenders, midfield players, wingers, center forwards/strikers, and a goalkeeper.

A user friendly version of American Baseball with a slower pitch and larger, softer ball. Nine players on each team. One at bat and the other on the field. Played on a diamond shaped field with 4 bases and an outfield. Its Americas interpretation of Cricket.

We offer both leisure swimming and the opportunity for swimming lessons for campers a little less confident in the water. 

This team sport is played by two teams of 12 members, out of which 5-7 are allowed to play at the same time on a slightly larger area than a basketball court. Goals are scored by passing and dribbling the ball with any body part except the feet, and hurling it into the net of the opposite team.

Our tripping program for campers 14 - 17 years of age. We travel to exciting destinations around Croatia participating in a variety of activities. Rockclimbing, kayaking, Mountain Biking and outdoor living skills are just a few of the wonderful activities we enjoy.

If you know Napoleon Dynamite then you know Tetherball. A ball on a string on a pole in the ground. Two players and your goal is to wrap the ball around the pole in your direction. Another very popular leisure activity at Camp California.

In connection with Digital Photography, the Video production class will make short video films. They will learn about scripting, acting, pre- and post-production techniques, and digital editing on the camp computers. Their films will have their grand premier at the Closing Campfire.

Volleyball
This game is played on a rectangular sand court between two teams of 6-6 players. The court is divided by a high net into two equal halves. The aim is to return the ball to the opposite teams half before it touches the ground, by different team players hitting it with the hands, fists or arms of maximum three times. The play is started with a serving, followed by two preliminary hits used to set up a teammate to spike the ball, and drive it downwards into the opponents court over the net.

This is a demanding physical team game played by two teams up to eleven members on each part, out of which 7 are allowed in the water at the same time. The aim of the game is to throw the ball into the opponents goal, by passing and dribbling the ball. Holding, pulling back, or dunking the opponent is not allowed.

This is our special water trampoline and climbing tower, which float 50 meters off the beach. Children can run, jump, and slide on various elements, or just rest in the sun and observe the others at play. New elements are added all the time, and this is one of our most popular activities at camp.

 Windsurfing

A surfboard equipped with a keel, a mast, and a triangular sail, allows a person to ride the waves and ocean using the different directions of the blowing wind. We have 3 different sizes of boards to suit all ages and abilities.

 Children will learn how to use various hand and power tools for shaping wood, and making various objects, like boxes, picture frames, go-karts, and other decorative gift items, which they can take home at the end of camp.

New at Camp California somce 2007

In addition to all the acitivities offered at Camp California in 2006, we are pleased to offer the new and improved programs for this summer!

Sailing Camp. Last years Teen Sailing Program was such a huge success, weve expanded the program! Our first week will be in resident camp learning the fundamentals of sailing. There is no better way to do this than to start small. We learn to sail on our Optimists and 412s as well as basic seamanship, knots and wind theory. Our second week we take our new skills to the open sea where we will spend 7 days on larger open water boats. We cruise the Croatian coast and its many islands and inlets under the supervision of a professional skipper. After your two week experience you have the opportunity walk away with a sailing certificate.

Our 2 week teen adventure program. This program (for 14-17 year olds) will include new exciting activities and destinations around Croatia. In addition to our traditional Teen Adventure Program, T2 (New for summer 2007!) will give campers an opportunity to visit new and exciting parts of this beautiful country! Our two-week outdoor wilderness adventure programs includes mountain biking, backpacking, canoeing/whitewater rafting/kayaking, caving, orienteering, camping, outdoor cooking and leadership training. There are limited spaces available for this 2 week adventure. Click here for more information about this exciting new program. Click here to register.

Expanded Performing Arts Department. Take part in our acclaimed theater productions, either as one of the stars of the show, or assisting with the technical support backstage. With our upgraded sound and lighting, productions will be even better than you remember them. Weve also upgraded our computers and software for both digital photography and video production.

Ceramics Program. Summer 2006 we offered pottery for the first time at Camp California. This summer we have even more exciting and sophisticated projects to bring home after camp and use around the house or give as gifts to family and friends!

Evenings and special programs

-  4th of July;  Air Band;  Campfires; Capture the Flag; Carnival; Disco; Dutch Auction; Egg Drop; Gold Rush; International Night;  Movie Night; Mr. & Mrs. Camp; Night Line; Scottie the Pirate;Teen Jam

SUMMER 2010 SESSION DATES

Camp California will operate 1 one-week session and 4 two-week sessions for its Residential Camp program. It will also offer 4 two-week sessions for its Teen Program, and 3 two week sessions for its new Sailing Program.

1.      session: 20. June –  26. June

2.      session: 27. June – 10. July

3.      session: 11. July – 24. July

4.      session: 25. July – 7. August

5.      session: 8. August – 21. August

Teen Adventure Camp:  2 - 5. session

Teen Sailing Camp:  2 , 3. session

A two-week camp schedule
All campers will arrive on the Sunday afternoon (between 3pm and 5pm) of the first day and will depart on the Saturday morning of the last day. Campers will participate in scheduled activities each day as well as special events such as tours, excursions and carnivals. Heres a sample of a typical two week schedule:

COST OF THE PROGRAM

Session 1 Resident camp		one week		445 €
Sessions 2 and 3 Resident camp		two weeks		1095 €
Session 4 Resident camp		two weeks		895 €
Session 5 Resident camp		two weeks		895 €
Sessions 2, 3 Teen Program I		two weeks		1395 €
Session 4, 5 Teen Program		two weeks		1295 €
Sessions 2,3 Teen Program II		two weeks		1435 €
Session 4, 5 Teen Program II		two weeks		1335 €
Session 2,3 Teen Sailing		two weeks		1975 €

 

Discounts
For all Resident camp sessions there is a sibling discount of 50 € and returnee discount of 75 €.

For all Sailing camp sessions there is a sibling discount of 100 € and a returnee discount of 100 €.

All the above fees include a non-refundable registration fee of 95 €.

An Additional 25 € is to be paid to Camp California for your childs spending money at camp. Camp California has a camp store available for kids to get basic necessities such as: post cards, stamps, toothpaste, etc. You can view all the items available at the Camp Store on this website. Should you wish to purchase additional items, or articles that are more expensive, you can increase the amount of pocket money to include these additional items. But campers should NOT bring money to camp.

 
Proof of medical insurance is required for all participants during their stay at camp. Camp California offers competitive travel insurance if you need it. The price is 15 € for 1 week, and 25 € for 2 weeks.

TRANSPORTANTION
Transportation to the camp is not included in the price, but Camp California charters buses from a variety of European cities to accommodate your childs travel needs (depending on demand).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION

Can parents talk to campers on the phone?
One of the many wonderful experiences campers will have at camp is independence. A chance to be away from Mom and Dad for one or two weeks, make new friends and gain a sense of independence, confidence and responsibility. It is best done by completely participating in the camp program and putting all the campers energies into making new friends from other countries, learning new skills in the activities they are participating in, and enjoying their new found independence. Staying in touch with home by phone does not help this process. However, we do encourage campers to write postcards, letters or faxes as often as they would like. We also appreciate the parents communicating with their children throughout the session in any of the above written methods. In addition, parents will receive at least one e-mail a week from their childs counselor to let them know how their child is doing. In special cases, such as birthdays or anniversaries, it is possible to speak with your child if pre-arranged with the camp administration.

Are campers allowed to use mobile phones in camp?
No. We believe at Camp California the main reasons that campers come to our camp is to improve their English and make new friends. This would not happen if every camper at camp had their own cell phone and spent time talking with friends and family at home.

What is minimum level of English required?
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.

Are there English Classes provided for those with a lower level of English?
Each and every day at camp is an "English lesson". Camp Californias "Living Language Program" makes our camp the English classroom.

Dont forget however, that all communication in the cabin group and in the other activities is in English. Each cabin group has one counselor that is a native English speaker, as well as a counselor that has English as a second language. They represent the countries that our campers come from and are available to talk with campers from their country in their native language in special cases. 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 one and two week sessions.


Can campers go to camp store as often as they want?
Campers are able to go to camp store once a day and go in cabin groups. They are limited in the amount of sweets they are able to buy each time. We do not recommend having any more than �25 available for the camp store for a two week session.

Can two friends be in the same cabin?
Camp is for making new friends and practicing English. Being in the same cabin with a friend from home often prevents campers from experiencing improvements in English. Friends in the same cabin often 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 you feel that your child will have a better experience with a friend, a request may be made in writing by the parents of both campers and the camp administration will consider the request. But this is not a guarantee that both campers will be placed in the same cabin.

Can a camper be situated in a cabin with a counselor or other campers that speak same language?
We always try to have no more than two or three campers from the same country in the same cabin. However, we cannot promise as it really depends on the number of campers that come from any given country. If in the event your child is the only child from a certain country, then we would introduce them to the counselor(s) that come from the same country. They would be available for your child if ever needed.

Can campers change activities after starting them?
The activities are based on learning skills that progress through a five-day program. Opening day we do a tour of camp and introduce all the campers to the different activities offered at camp. Each camper will then sign up for six activities they would like to take for the first week - three activity periods in the morning and three in the afternoon. Monday is the introduction day in each of the activities. If after the first day a camper would like to change, then this will be the opportunity to do so. Starting Tuesday, all activities are well underway and it is then not possible to change. Starting week two, campers have an opportunity to sign up for new activities for the full second week of camp.

Can campers from different cabins
get together during the day?
There is scheduled free time every day. Although campers are free to do what they want during this time, they must stay on the camp property and under the supervision of the cabin counselors. Free time after the last activity period of the day is usually the best time to meet with friends outside the cabin group. Campers can also request to be scheduled for the same activities.

Who will provide help to a camper
if he or she is injured or ill?
This of course depends on the nature of the injury or illness. All staff are trained in basic first aid and many are certified in their home countries. In most cases the first line is of course the "Camp Mum". She is trained in either basic first aid/CPR or is a Qualified Nurse in her home country. For anything other than the basic bumps and bruises of childhood, we have a hospital less than 10 minutes from camp. In most cases a bandage, disinfectant, a few extra glasses of water or a few hours rest in the "Keep Well Cabin" is all that is needed to have your child back at 100%.

What about the food? Is there a vegetarian option?
The food is wholesome, tasty and tailored to a European childs taste. We do not have lots of sweets or junk food. For both lunch and dinner, we have a salad bar available to everyone. For campers with special dietary needs, this should be made known to your local CCUSA office before signing up to go to Camp California. In most cases we would be able to meet the needs of the camper but this should be organized prior to camp. We do have a vegetarian option for each meal but this needs to be ordered no later than the week before your child arrives to camp.

What is Teen Adventure?
Teen Adventure is a "tripping program". Out of the 14 day session, 10 days are spent outside of camp traveling around Croatia, participating in a variety of activities including: kayaking, rafting, mountain biking, canoeing, sailing, rock-climbing as well as some outdoor living skills. Groups are up to fifteen teenagers between the ages of 14 and 17 along with two counselors: one Croatian and one native English-speaking counselor. The activities are geared more for older and more independent campers.

Can a camper who is 14 or older stay in camp
instead of going on the Teen adventure?
All fourteen year olds have a choice of either Camp California resident camp or the Teen Adventure program. If this is the campers first time at camp however, we recommend the resident camp program. Older campers can choose between the Teen Adventure program, or they can remain at camp and participate in our new CIT (Counselor in Training) program. Both choices will offer the ultimate camp experience, but the camp administration may make recommendations based on the campers past experiences, and their ability to fit in with the rest of the resident camp or Teen Adventure group.

Should campers bring their own sports equipment?
Campers are free to bring any sports equipment relevant to the activities offered at Camp California. However, for most activities offered at camp, the necessary equipment is provided. The two exceptions would be skateboarding or roller hockey. Campers need to bring their own skateboard or roller blades and safety equipment such as helmet, elbow, kneepads and gloves. Everything else is provided.

Should healthy campers take any medications to camp?
No – the medical center has a complete range of basic over-the-counter medication for normal minor injuries or sickness. Should a camper need stronger medication, we would take them to the medical center in Umag, which is only 5 minutes away. If campers need to take any prescription medication, this should be indicated on the Medical Form, and detailed instructions for taking the medicine should be sent with the camper, and given to the Nurse upon check-in on the first day at camp.