Youth Programs

Youth Programs offers a diverse range of high-quality classes, camps, birthday party options and more for children and youth up to age 18. The facilities and recreational professionals at UC Davis provide an enjoyable and enriching experience for your children.
 

Summer Camps 

The Youth Programs Summer Camp Guide is now available and registration begins March 13th at noon. Call (530) 754-4304 for more information.

Sign-up to receive email updates on the 2013 Youth Programs Summer Camps.

What is UC Davis Youth Programs? 

Featuring the outstanding facilities and recreation professionals at UC Davis, Youth Programs offers a diverse range of high quality camps, classes, trips and swimming lessons for youth up to age 18. Participants may enhance their creativity in the well-equipped Craft Center, learn about teamwork and fitness at the air-conditioned ARC, improve their swimming skills at the Rec Pool or learn valuable cooking and nutrition skills. Our staff is comprised of highly qualified UC Davis students who are passionate about making this summer an exciting one for your kids.

Program Philosophy

UC Davis Youth Programs is based on the idea that all children can benefit from experiencing recreation firsthand. It is our belief that the relationships that are formed, the friendships that are made, the skills that are developed and the experiences that are taken away from UC Davis Youth Programs will have a positive effect on each camper that will last a lifetime.  

Program Goals for Participants

1. Provide experiences that encourage LEADERSHIP and TEAMWORK.
2. Develop COMPETENCE in RECREATION SKILLS
3. Learn and develop FRIENDSHIP SKILLS.
4. Help each camper develop an affinity for his or her ENVIRONMENT and COMMUNITY. 
5. Provide opportunities to take RESPONSIBILITY and foster INDEPENDENCE.
6. Have FUN while accomplishing goals.

Who are the staff?

We are committed to UC Davis Student Development. All of our counselors and instructors are undergraduate students, graduate students or recent graduates of UC Davis. We value diversity in not only background and ethnicity but also education and life experiences. These individuals have a desire to share their appreciation for recreation and learning with youth in the community. Many of our employees are interested in working in education, recreation, youth programs or other areas where they will have the ability to make a difference in the lives of youth.

Who is the Director?

Our Senior Assistant Director, Jeff Heiser, has been working in the camp and recreation field for over fifteen years. He has directed both residential and day camps in the non-profit and public setting and is excited for his third summer with Youth Programs. Jeff received his undergraduate degree at UC Santa Cruz, his Master’s in Recreation and Leisure Studies at San Francisco State University and is an active volunteer for the American Camp Association as an accreditation visitor and a member of the Local Council of Leaders. He and his wife relocated from the Bay Area to Davis to be closer to their family. His children will all be participants in programs this summer in both swim lessons and our brand new Aggie Camp A for our youngest campers.

What type of experience and training do the staff have?

Staff are selected after a competitive application process that includes written responses, group interviews that include preparing and leading a program, reference checks and thorough criminal background checks. Our staff are required to be First-Aid and CPR Certified prior to starting work. Our ten-week, two-unit internship training course includes mandatory topics required by the American Camp Association, including, but not limited to, camp purpose and outcomes; developmental needs of campers; risk management; behavior management; recognition, prevention and reporting of suspected child-abuse; as well as responding to emergency procedures. All staff are trained on their responsibilities as a mandated reporter, and we continue to make this one of our top priorities in preparing our staff for their positions. We feel that our staff selection process and training program are essential in providing an enriching and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

 For more information, call (530) 754-4304 or e-mail youthprograms@campusrec.ucdavis.edu.