SparkUp Summer Camp California, Santa Cruz Empowering Young Minds Through Business, Creativity, and Leadership
Welcome to SparkUp Summer Camp — a vibrant 4- week journey where kids aged 8–14 explore entrepreneurship, marketing, design, finance, media, and innovation through hands-on projects, teamwork, and playful challenges. Camps for English and Russian languages.
The Ultimate Summer Adventure for Body, Mind, and Spirit
We are located on the stunning US Santa Cruz campus, surrounded by towering redwood trees and just minutes from the ocean. The entire area is filled with fresh coastal air and peaceful nature — an ideal environment for learning, creativity, and adventure.
Children stay in comfortable UC Santa Cruz campus dorms, 2–3 per room. We provide healthy, balanced meals three times a day, along with snacks and water throughout the day.
Every day includes active sports: soccer, volleyball, tennis,basketball, hiking and optional swimming in the campus pool. We also explore local hiking trails and spend plenty of time outdoors, enjoying the beauty of Santa Cruz.
Wednesdays at the Boardwalk: Where Summer Comes Alive
Every Wednesday, our campers will head to one of the most iconic and beloved spots on the coast — the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
It will be a day filled with ocean breeze, laughter, and true summer memories.
Children will enjoy a walk along the famous boardwalk, experience the atmosphere of a classic California amusement park, and spend time together in a warm, friendly environment. All activities are supervised by our dedicated counselors to ensure every child feels safe, supported, and confident.
We’re creating not just a field trip, but a little adventure they’ll remember for a long time.
Price for Summer Programs
Early birds (till April 30)- price $1475+ $50 application fees
After April 30th- $1595+ $50 application fees.
Week 1 — Start Your First Business
June 21-27
description
Focus: Basics of entrepreneurship
Storyline: Kids create their first mini‑company
Ages 8–12
• Create a product (lemonade, bracelets etc.)
• Design a logo and packaging
• Host a mini‑fair
Ages 12–14
• Develop a startup idea
• Analyze competitors
• Build a landing page structure
Sports: Team games + “Business Relay”
Week 2 — Sports Leadership Week
July 5-11
description
Focus: Leadership, strategy, teamwork
Ages 8–12
• Trust‑building games
• Role rotation: captain, strategist, motivator
• Mini‑Olympics
Ages 12–14
• Sports strategies
• Team management
• Tactical tournament
Business Module: Decision-making and team dynamics
Week 3 — Creative Product Design
July 19-25
description
Focus: Creating a physical or digital product
Ages 8–12
• DIY workshops
• Cardboard, paper, and plastic prototypes
• Product testing
Ages 12–14
• UX thinking
• App prototyping
• User testing
Sports: Active games + “Design Sprint Relay”
Week 4 — Money Week: Finance Made Fun
August 2-8
description
Focus: Money, budgeting, profit, investment
Ages 8–12
• “Money City” game
• How a store works
• Saving and spending
Ages 12–14
• Financial literacy basics
• Mini investment game
• Project budget management
Sports: Team games + “Financial Quest”
Why Choose Camp SparkUp?
Business mindset and collaborations
Mindfulness Practices:
Daily yoga, meditation, and breathwork sessions that cultivate self-confidence and emotional resilience, supporting meaningful personal growth
Nature Immersion:
Forest hikes, and outdoors games
Meaningful Connections:
Screen-free environment where genuine friendships and life-skills flourish
Exciting Excursions:
Weekly adventures to US Santa Cruz campus, amazing trip to Boardwalk
Programs Tailored for Every Age
At Camp SparkUp, we know that every age brings unique adventures, challenges, and dreams. That’s why we offer specially designed programs that meet kids and teens right where they are – helping them build confidence, friendships, and important life skills while having the time of their lives.
SKY Kids (Ages 8–12)
- Fun-filled introduction to business mindset, games, and emotional resilience tools
- Boosts focus, creativity, and confidence - all through play!
SKY Teens (Ages 12–14)
- Empowering workshops on leadership, stress management, mindfulness, and achieving personal goals
- Deeper exploration of the powerful business mindset
Application form
SparkUp in California, Santa Cruz 2026
Your Child's
Complete Safety
& Comfort
At SparkUp, your child’s well-being is our highest priority. Our comprehensive approach to safety and comfort ensures parents can relax while their children thrive in our care.
Professional
Supervision & Care
Begins with our exceptional 1:8 staff-to-camper ratio. Our trained adult counselors are present and engaged throughout the day and overnight. We have team members trained in First Aid, CPR, and our camp’s full medical protocols to ensure safety and preparedness at every level.
Our
Accommodations
Provide a true home away from home. Campers are housed in cozy, well-maintained rooms separated by age and gender, with clean bathroom and shower. Our accommodations are designed to feel like a second home and are accessible to meet a variety of needs.
Water Activities
Are a highlight of summer camp, and we take water safety seriously. All pool activities are supervised by certified lifeguards, and every camper completes a swim assessment before participating in water-based fun like swimming and supervised pool games.
Mealtimes at Camp SparkUp
Are both nutritious and delightful. Campers enjoy wholesome, tasty meals that fuel active days and growing bodies. We provide a variety of balanced, vegetarian options and can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice.
Four Incredible Camp Options
-
Week 1:
Jun 21-27, 2026 -
Week 2:
Jul 5-11, 2026 -
Week 3:
Jul 19-25, 2026 -
Week 4:
Aug 2-8, 2026
For the moment, Camp SparkUp is only offered in English and Russian.
A Typical Day at Camp SparkUp
7:45am Wake Up
8:30am Breakfast + Clean-up Volunteering
9:30am Morning Sessions (Courses + Snack)
12:30pm Lunch
1:30pm ZAP (Quiet Rest Time)
2 – 5pm Adventure Activities
5:30pm Dinner
7:00pm Evening Fun (games, music, bonfires)
8:30pm Evening Snack
9:15pm Lights Out (10pm for teens)
FAQs
What if my child has never done yoga or meditation?
No worries at all! Many campers arrive without any experience. Our morning sessions include a few hours of age-appropriate yoga, breathwork, and guided meditation — all taught in a fun and engaging way by friendly instructors. The rest of the day follows a typical camp structure, filled with games, outdoor adventures, and group activities.
Are cell phones/devices allowed?
We maintain a screen-free environment to help campers fully immerse in nature and build genuine connections. However, to keep families connected, campers are given 15 minutes each day to call home and share highlights from their day.
Will my child be able to contact home?
Yes! We schedule regular opportunities for campers to call home and share their adventures with family.
Who will my child be rooming with?
Campers are grouped by age and gender in comfortable room, each supervised by dedicated counselors who stay with them overnight.
What is the weather like?
The weather in University of California Santa Cruz is part of the adventure! During July and August, we experience warm, sunny days, cooler evenings. We recommend packing for a variety of conditions, and don’t forget your light long-sleeve clothing to stay comfortable during.
Can I visit my child at Camp SparkUp?
Camp SparkUp is designed to help kids build independence and fully engage with the experience, so we don’t offer in-person visits during the session unless there’s an emergency. However, to keep families connected, campers are given 15 minutes each day to call home and share highlights from their day.
What items should my child pack?
To ensure they are properly prepared, please download our Packing Checklist.
What is your cancellation/refund policy?
Full refunds are available up to 30 days before camp begins, with partial refunds available afterwards. See our registration page for complete details.
Ready to Make This Summer Unforgettable?
Camp SparkUp 2026 is where friendships blossom, adventures thrive, and young hearts grow stronger.
Give your child the gift of connection, joy, and confidence this summer.
Connect
Camp Location
University of California Santa Cruz, 1156 High St, 95064