Girls sharing the bowls they made in a Youth Program class.
Summer Camps

Youth Programs

What is UC Davis Youth Programs?

Boasting outstanding facilities and featuring experienced recreation professionals at UC Davis, Youth Programs offers a diverse range of high quality camps and swimming lessons for youth up to age 17. Participants may enhance their creativity in the well-equipped Craft Center, learn about teamwork and fitness at the air-conditioned ARC, or improve their swimming skills at the Rec Pool. Our staff is comprised of highly qualified UC Davis students who are passionate about making a positive impact on your campers life!

Summer Camps

Check out this summer's Youth Programs offerings and start planning your child's fun summer schedule today! Browse all our camps, classes and programs right here on our web pages. 

Campers and a counselor work on their art projects in the Craft Center.

Who is eligible to register?

We will be offering camps to the entire community again this summer! Check out our registration page for more details!

Who are the staff?

Youth Programs staff members are selected after a competitive application process that includes written responses, group interviews, reference checks and thorough criminal background checks. Once selected, our staff are all required to be first-aid and CPR certified prior to starting work. All staff are trained on their responsibilities as a Mandated Reporter, and we continue to make this one of our top training priorities. All of our counselors and instructors are undergraduate students, graduate students or recent graduates of UC Davis. Our counselors and instructors have a desire to share their appreciation for recreation and learning with youth in the community.

Youth Programs staff posing for a group picture on Sports Day.

Program Goals for Participants in Youth Programs

  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 their ENVIRONMENT and COMMUNITY
  5. Provide opportunities to take RESPONSIBILITY and foster INDEPENDENCE
  6. Have FUN while accomplishing goals