uCamps Blog!

4th Annual Winter Break Camp is HERE!!!

2011-12-15T17:15:00.000-08:00

December 27th-December 31st!!
Our 4th Annual Winter Break Camp is approaching!!!! We could not be more excited to end 2011 with all of you!!

Zula, Eugie, Darvius, Bald E and Awkward at the Premiere!

The USC screening of the film 'Cyberbullied' was a huge success and we were THRILLED to see so many members of our uCamps family there.

The film won't be out until next Spring, but there will be an exclusive uCamps screening at Winter Camp!!!

If you want to be a part of this special screening and have the week of your life, register on our website TODAY (https://www.ucamps.org/2011WinterCampRegForm.html).

Alex, Bald E, and Megan Being Fierce After the Film

Alanna and Emily perform at Winter Camp 2010

Spend a week with your camp family during winter break at the beautiful Camp Sempervirens in the Santa Cruz Mountains!!!!!

Enjoy all the art, friendship and fun of summer while sipping hot cocoa, dancing at the Ho Ho Hoedown and celebrating at our famous New Year's Eve EVE Banquet and Performance Extravaganza. Winter Camp takes place at the perfect time of year. Campers can enjoy the holidays with family, attend camp to celebrate the new year, and still have a few days of winter break before returning to school.

Registration for Winter Camp ends at NOON on Monday, Dec. 19th, so even if you can't pay the full amount, register NOW to save your spot and email us at info@uCamps.org ! Scholarships in the amounts of $50-$250 are STILL AVAILABLE!! If you need a little help, especially over the holidays, don't be afraid to ask!

Spaces are filling up fast, so register ASAP to reserve a spot and start the New Year off right!!

Keanu and Bald E @ USC Screening

Winter Camp 2011-- STRONGER TOGETHER!!

www.uCamps.org

info@ucamps.org

415.240.6852

"Cyberbullied" Premiere's this Friday, Dec. 9th, 2011 @ USC

2011-12-07T16:45:00.000-08:00

Hello all!!

For the past semester I have been directing a USC-funded documentary called 'Cyberbullied', and am very excited to say that it is officially completed!!! The film promotes cyberbully awareness and turns the darkness into light, offering hope and compassion in the face of fear and ignorance. I'm proud of the film and have kept our uCamps family at the forefront of my mind throughout the filmmaking process.

I am also pleased to announce that due to some recent donations to our Scholarship Fund we will be able to award Scholarships and Financial Aid toward getting more campers to our Winter Break Camp, Dec. 27th-31st, 2011!! If you would like to join us at our 4th Annual Winter Camp, please email info@uCamps.org or give us a call at 415.240.6852 to inquire about Scholarships!

Please visit and subscribe to www.YouTube.com/PerfectlyBaldE for info on uCamps, Cyberbullied, and more!

The premiere of 'Cyberbullied', featuring several of our uCampers, is on Friday, December 9^th, and all are welcome!

Bald E and Megan at the Test Shoot

Friday, Dec. 9th, 7:00pm - USC Documentary Premieres ('Cyberbullied', 'Canto de Famila', 'Second Chance')

IMPORTANT NOTE - TICKETS ARE FREE but arrive early as the theatre fills up fast.

Link to location map of The Norris Theatre on USC's campus - http://web-app.usc.edu/maps/?id=31

Link to general map with address and parking structures (I recommend PSD or PSB)

http://cinema.usc.edu/assets/047/10153.pdf

Enjoy a sneak peek into the making of the film ‘Cyberbullied’:

'Cyberbullied' VIDEOS

To register for Winter Camp go to www.uCamps.org/dates_rates.html

Happy holidays, and I hope to see you all at Winter Camp!!!

Bald E

Hollywood's Month of Movember!

2011-11-16T14:50:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!!

It’s Movember--the month formerly known as November, which is dedicated to growing mustaches and raising awareness and funds for men's health. I have joined the movement and will be donating my upper lip to the cause for 30 days. My mustache (Mo) will spark conversations, and no doubt generate some laughs; all in the name of raising vital awareness and funds for cancers affecting men.

Why am I so passionate about men’s health?

*1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime
*A man is diagnosed with prostate cancer every 2.2 minutes
*1 in 2 men will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime
*24% of men are less likely to go the doctor compared to women

Please support my efforts by making a donation at http://mobro.co/MichaelKinson.
You can even write a check payable to “Movember Foundation”, reference my name and Registration Number 1994790 and send it to: Movember Foundation, PO Box 2726, Venice, CA 90294-2726

Hollywood with his Winter Camp Cabin 2010!

We only have a month to grow Mo's and raise awareness and funds, so please come along for the ride.

Funds raised will help make a tangible difference to the lives of others. Through the Movember Foundation and their men’s health partners, the Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVESTRONG, Movember is funding world class awareness, research, educational and support programs which would otherwise not be possible.

For more details on how the funds raised from previous campaigns have been used and the impact Movember is having please click on the links below:

About Movember
Prostate Cancer Foundation research
LIVESTRONG
Global Action Plan

Thank you for donating at http://mobro.co/MichaelKinson and for helping me change the face of men's health.

Go the Mo!
Hollywood La Fierce

Family Camp Success! WINTER CAMP Excitement!!

2011-10-25T15:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Fall Everyone!!

Family Camp was an absolute success! And we are so excited for another amazing Winter Camp (Dec. 27-31)!!!

We had over sixty friends, families, and staff members enjoy a relaxing weekend full of laughter, art, and sports! Family Campers got to choose from workshops such as hiking, photography, softball, kickball, archery, BMX, Popstar dance, improv, arts and crafts, open music, and music video.

Family Camp Music Video "Footloose":

In addition to the daily workshops, family campers spent over two hours on the 100 foot slip 'N' slide, had a movie night in the Film Lodge, danced three country dances at the hoe-down, and performed at two campfires!!!

Popstar Dance- Campfire Performance "Run the World":

Join us for Winter Camp which takes place at beautiful Camp Sempervirens in the Santa Cruz Mountains December 27-31, 2011!

Enjoy all the art, friendship and fun of summer while sipping hot cocoa, dancing at the Ho Ho Hoedown and celebrating at our famous New Year's Eve EVE Banquet and Performance Extravaganza. Winter Camp takes place at the perfect time of year. Campers can enjoy the holidays with family, attend camp to celebrate the new year, and still have a few days of winter break before returning to school!
Register NOW at https://www.ucamps.org/2011WinterCampRegForm.html. It's going to be a BLAST!

Join Us for our First Ever FAMILY CAMP!!! Oct. 14-16, 2011

2011-09-15T13:34:00.000-07:00

Hellooo uCampers and uFamilies!

We hope you are having a great beginning of the school year!!

First and foremost, we'd like to thank all parents and campers for making Summer 2011 the best summer yet!!! The amount of fun and laughter shared, combined with the magnificent art that was created was simply astonishing!! All five weeks of camp were incredibly successful, and it is all because of you! :)

Watch one of our Special Film Projects to get a glimpse of the art, creativity, and FUN created this summer!!

"We'll be Alright" Music Video

To continue the uCamps spirit through the fall, we really hope you'll join us for our first ever Family Camp (see below for details):

FAMILY CAMP HAS FINALLY ARRIVED!!!

Join us for an amazing weekend of fun in the Santa Cruz Mtns, Fri. October 14 - Sun. October 16.

The Wonderful Campfire!

Hosted at Camp MayMac, the gorgeous facility we use during the summer, for around $100 per person, you will enjoy the following:

3 Days, 2 Nights - 6 meals (Great food, no dishes to do, everything's prepared for you. There's vegetarian options at every meal).
The first meal will be dinner at 6pm or 7pm on Friday and the last meal will be lunch on Sunday.
Stay in comfortable, private cabins with a private bathroom and shower.
Each day there will be activities for adults only, kids only, and activities for everyone together.
Daytime activities include: Rock Band in the music lodge, arts and crafts, singing, dancing, writing/poetry, acting, cooking, yoga, archery, BMX dirt bike track (we have 10 bikes, helmets and pads), swimming, 100 foot slip n slide, softball, basketball and more!!
Evening activities include: campfire, s'mores, movie night, traditional hoedown, games, star gazing, night hike and more!
There will be a relaxed schedule of activities posted and you can do as you please. Do nothing or fill up every minute with fun stuff.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is only a 20 minute drive from the camp and Roaring Camp Railroad is only 3 miles away.
For Adults: There is a bar (The Trout Farm Inn), less than 2 miles from the camp, with live music and karaoke if you care for an adult beverage.

Rate Includes: all food, housing, activities and equipment use.
Pay by check or credit card.

AGES 12 & UP: $135

AGES 8 - 11: $105

AGES 4 - 7: $85

AGES 0 - 3: FREE!

So come lay by the pool, roast a marshmallow, tell your friends, bring the kids, fly solo, whatever works best for you! It's going to be an awesome weekend and I genuinely hope you can make it. Please spread the word. The more the merrier!!

Register for Family Camp by Clicking here: REGISTER FOR FAMILY CAMP!

The Main Lodge Where the Music Happens

or copy and paste directly: https://www.ucamps.org/2011FamilyCampRegForm.html

More photos of Camp MayMac!

The Grove

The Dining Hall

Beautiful Cabins Tucked Away in the Forest

See Alex Bringer, Al Winter, and Stephanie Shaw in "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown"!!!!

2011-05-20T17:33:00.000-07:00

Come see this fabulous production of You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown by California High School!!!!!

Directed by Laura Woods and Lucerne Mottaz.

Stephanie Shaw (seen with Counselor Shucks) plays Charlotte Braun!!

When:
May 18

May 19

May 20

May 25

May 26

May 27

Where:

California High School
9870 Broadmoor Dr

San Ramon, CA 94583

Tickets can be purchased online at http://californiahs.revtrak.net/tek9.asp (under Drama Productions) or at the door. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $5 for Middle School students.

Alex Bringer is on crew!!

Cast:Charlie Brown - Wesley Enos
Snoopy - Aron Garst
Linus Van Pelt - Graham Harper
Lucy Van Pelt - Katie Nerheim
Sally Brown - Marissa Dadiw
Schroeder - Matt Hern
Peppermint Patty - Ronnie Stephen
Marcie - Jamie Feller
Pig Pen - Charlie Nault
Frieda - Sheyenne Dangerfield
Patty - Christina Henning
Charlotte Braun - Stephanie Shaw
Violet Gray - Ali Cox
Chorus (understudy Sally) - Sarah Horsley
Chorus (understudy Lucy) - Melanie Bottini
Chorus (understudy Peppermint Patty) - Breanna Northrup
Chorus (understudy Marcie) - Emily Curley

Al Winter is on crew!!

Crew:Jonathan Akkawi
Tom Ash
Kaden Baker
Nicole Barratt
Alex Bringer
Ross Botelho
Chris Cullen
Devin Diehl
Evan Gaither
Toria Gibson
Michael Henning
Evan Hillis
Kelly Iaquinta
Brenden Phung
Camara Rauen
Emmy Searles
Mohammed Syed
Hayden Tessman
Christina Wing
Al Winter

A sneak peak at our new SoCal Camp home!!

2011-05-13T18:31:00.000-07:00

We're SO excited to be spending the week at our new AMAZING Southern California facility, PILGRIM PINES for SoCal Camp (July 3rd-9th)!!!

To Register for SoCal Camp, CLICK HERE or go to uCamps.org/dates_rates.html

Check out this beautiful camp tucked away in the San Bernardino Mountains in Yucaipa, Ca.

PILGRIM PINES!

Labyrinth

Performance Stage & Movie Screen

POOL!!

40 ft. Rock Wall

Cabins w/ bathrooms

CAMPFIRE!!!!!!

(Many more activities and buildings not shown here: Basketball Court, Volleyball, Film Lodge, Ping Pong, Hiking Trails, Dance Studio, Art Center, etc.)

SUMMER CAMP 2011 IS GOING TO ROCK!

See Ashley Chambers in "High School Musical" and Wyatt Dunn in "Footloose"!!!

2011-05-06T13:19:00.000-07:00

See Ashley Chambers in

High School Musical!!!!!!!!

WHEN:

May 6th at 7pm

May 7th at 7pm

May 8th at 2pm

May 13th at 7pm

May 14th at 7pm

May 15th at 2pm

Ashley plays a Skater in
High School Musical!!

WHERE:

The Center for the Arts

Castro Valley High School

19400 Santa Maria Ave.

Castro Valley, CA 94546

**Tickets vary from $7 to $20!

__________________________________________________________________________________

See Wyatt Dunn in Footloose!!!!!!!!

WHEN:

May 7th at 7pm
May 11th at 3:30pm
May 12th at 7pm
May 14th at 7pm

WHERE:

College Park High School

201 Viking Dr.

Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

Wyatt Dunn

Rollin' With the Artistic Ball of Meat!

2011-04-29T12:50:00.000-07:00

Hey uCampers!

The Ball of Meat

I think a lot about camp during the rest of the year, and I didn't even realize it until some friends of mine told me how often I talk about it! My favorite memories are...difficult to choose... it's not only the campfires and the myriad of activities - it's those moments in-between. The times during the day, when an in/outside joke originates between a few people, and then spreads to everyone like jam on a pb+j through-out the rest of the camp. It doesn't take very long until the whole family is part of the group, probably a maximum of 17 mins and 29 seconds :). By the time everybody is cheering it together - the song, cheer, or phrase is already engrained in my dome; the laughter we share is tucked under my hat like a photo album.

The first night I got back home, after 5 abs-solutely amazing weeks last summer, I kept mentioning camp so much to my friends that they gave me a direct order: every time that I brought up camp, I was obligated to sing them another camp song. By the end of the day, I sang about 14 or 15 songs- dance moves, silly voices, and all! Meaty no lie, I sang at least that many. Bazooka bubble gum, Wee-wee-tot, Da-Moose-da-moose, Tennessee wiggle-walk, FROGGIE!!!, Hey-burrito, Austrian went yoddling, Beaver crawl, Hehobodiddilybop, Purple Stew, Baby Shark, Red-Wagon, Hippo:), Ding-dong, Herman-the-Worm....and so many more, I felt pretty silly like a camp-public-library (the San Francisco one: 6+ stories high). No, that extra night of campfire did not get camp out of my system! I just can't help myself, nor would I ever want it to stop. Camp is my megafavorite time of the year, better than Christmas and it tops my birthday by far :).

I loves u.....Camps! :D

- the Ball of Meat

Post-Camp Art!!!

The Mural at Skyline College

At Skyline College, Panchita and I were part of a group assisting the Gallery Director - Paul Bridenbaugh - commissioned to paint an abstract form of a Vietnamese Dragon; it is located outdoors adjacent to the art gallery entrance.

The Dragon on Meatball's mural

The image embodies the Sky Dragon, the blue represents the Sky as the Dragon's abode; the pale yellow glimmering from above represents moonlight. The Dragons' body is filled with textile patterns from various cultures, representing the diversity of people and communities.

Revered all over Asia, Dragons are seen as benevolent and omniscient, who bring blessings and good fortune. Moving the trinsic energy of the image into the entrance to Building 1, a poem by Song Dynasty Master Xuedou Zhongxian is painted above the doorway to accompany the piece.

See Spaz and Rooster in Benicia High's Production of "Beauty and the Beast"!!!!

2011-04-22T10:14:00.000-07:00

WHEN:
Thurs April 28th at 7,

Fri April 29th at 7,

Sat April 30th at 7,

Sun May 1st at 2,

Fri May 6th at7,
Sat May 7th at 2 & 7,
Sun May 8th at 2.

WHERE:

Benicia High School
1101 Military West

Benicia, CA 94510

$8 STUDENTS
Opening Night Thursday is $8 for everyone and there will be a raffle drawing!

Prince Adam was cursed to a beast form by Enchantress who saw no love in his arrogant heart for others. The one way he could break the spell was to learn to love another and earn her love in return before the last petal from his enchanted rose fell, which would bloom until his twenty-first birthday. But who could ever learn to love a beast? Ten years later, Maurice, an inventor from a nearby village, becomes lost in the woods and seeks shelter in the Beast's castle, the Beast imprisons him for trespassing. His daughter Belle, a bookworm who dreams of life outside her provincial village, finds him trapped in the castle and offers her place in his stead. The Beast accepts with a promise she'll remain in the castle forever. In the beginning Belle views him as nothing more than a monster, he views her as difficult and stubborn. But the two soon taste the bitter-sweetness of finding you can change and learning you were wrong.

Spaz - As Cogsworth

Rooster - As Lumiere

CAST AND CREW:

Christine Mani- Director
Kaylyn Peterson- Director
Chris Piazza- Vocal Director
Isaiah Boyd- Choreographer
Holly Wing- Stage Manager
Elise Robertson- Stage Manager

Emily Armour - Assistant stage manager
Nick DeFazio - Sound designer
Phil Alexander - Technical director
Brandi Guisto - Co-Vocal Director
Aleci Martinez - Tech
Elias Martin - Tech
Stuart Blackie - Sound assistant

Kayla Santos- Belle
Austin Carr- Beast
Brandi Guisto- Mrs. Potts
Nicholas Bustamante- Lumiere
Tori Morgan- Cogsworth
Liana Beeson- Babette
Maddy Dean- Wardrobe
Katie Hall- Chip
Andy Chase- Chip
Austin Scott- Gaston
Nicholas Carrell- LeFou
Jazz Hathorn- Silly Girl
Rachel Morgado- Silly Girl
Camille Roybal- Silly Girl
Christian Baltazar- Maurice
Sierra Beard- Ensemble
Lindsay Blackie- Ensemble
Alycia Brom- Ensemble
Kayli Devincenzi- Ensemble
Anna DiFrancesco- Ensemble
Zoe Garfinkel- Ensemble
Margaret Hanzel- Ensemble
Tyler Harris- Ensemble
Juliet Henry- Ensemble/ Dance Captain

Sara Kelley- Ensemble
Andrew Martinez- Ensemble
Alejandro Middleton- Ensemble
Caitlin O'Leary- Ensemble
Gregory Salais- Ensemble
Adam Thomas- Ensemble
Jed Weiss- Ensemble
Aubrey Niemi- Ensemble

Bald E's Anti-Cyber Bullying Documentary is Green Lit!!

2011-04-15T17:54:00.000-07:00

Bald E @ SDC FAME CAMP

This is Zula with an exciting update!

A HUGE congratulations to Doug "Bald E" Cembellin whose documentary on cyber-bullying got picked to be funded by USC, which he will direct Fall Semester with his choice of a nine person crew! Shooting begins this August and the film will premiere in December 2011.

Bald E will have more information to follow but for now he'd like to send his deepest thanks to our uCamps community. You're the reason we're making camps and making films!!

Can't wait to see you all this summer!!
www.uCamps.org

See uCamper Audrey Rink in Laguna Hills High's performance of "Crimes of the Heart"

2011-04-08T16:43:00.000-07:00

LHHS Drama Presents...
CRIMES OF THE HEART
a play by Beth Henley, directed by LHHS seniors, Gianna McLaughlin and Megan Crayne Beall, and produced by Susan Lord

In this dark comedy, three sisters, Lenny, Babe, and Meg Magrath, reunite in their hometown of Hazlehurst, Mississippi over unusually deadly circumstances.

WHEN: April 7th, 8th, and 9th at 7pm

WHERE: Laguna Hills High School
25401 Paseo De Valencia
Laguna Hills, Ca.

Tickets are $7 w/ ASB and for senior citizens, $10 w/o ASB and for general admission

uCamper Audrey Rink

THE CAST (in order of appearance):

Lenny..........Megan Crayne Beall
Chick...........Audrey Rink
Doc.............Cailon Moore
Meg............Becca Berry
Babe...........Gianna McLaughlin
Barnette......Basil McCallum

CREW!! (in no specific order):

Stage Manager: Gabby Jackson
Stage Crew: Jessica Lee, Shelby Alpert-Waldman, Elyse Haro
Sound: Jake Price
Lights: Kat Bausch
Programs: Emily Braithwaite
Props mistress: Kimberly Eleazar
House Manager: Emily Prichard
Costumes: David Schafer and help from Mrs. Delahunty (:

NOTE: This play may not be appropriate for children. (think of it as a PG-13 movie!)

"Do-It-Yourself" Scholarships!!!

2011-04-01T12:06:00.000-07:00

It has been said that "individually, we are one drop; together, we are an ocean."

In today’s tough economic climate, students and families need all the help they can get in order to make the most of their summer experience. At uCamps, we’re doing our part to help as many families as we can, but we need your help!

ANYONE can play a part to help get students to camp!

You've never been uCamps because your family hasn't been able to afford it
You've been to uCamps for years & want to continue, but this year money's a little tight
You've received a scholarship from uCamps' Financial Aid, but it's not enough
You are a parent, teacher, friend or neighbor who just wants to help students experience camp

uCampers: You can bring this form to school, work or around your neighborhood!

uParents: This will make it easy for your friends, family or colleagues at work to donate!

The "Do-It-Yourself" Scholarship Form will be available SOON for download off the uCamps website at www.uCamps.org .

Details to follow! :)

#ThinguMUSTbringToCampThatsNOTonThePackingList!

2011-03-25T14:34:00.000-07:00

What's NOT on the uCamps Packing List that you MUST HAVE @ CAMP?!?!

Awkward – Blankie!!!!

Kelly Sullenberger - Baby wipes! (for the unwise decision of wearing flip flops in that dust!)

Hey You – Open Arms

Skunk - Toe socks because they're fashionable :)

Tiny - Obnoxiously large water jug

Hannah Neill – Your Imagination

Sushi – Crocs

Michael Styles Smith – Iron Gym equipment!

Zula – Tripod

Max Marriner - NO experience in something

Bald E – Razor for my bald head! A loud voice & at least one awesome wig or hat.
Xena - Penguin Socks
Katie Tanaka - Sharpies! & things for campfire performances!

Paps – Pappy Snacks… to please and bribe Paps!

Alex Bringer - old ucamps tshirts (if you are an oldie :D), tutus, inspiration & BE URSELF!!

Coffee – Coffee, Duh!

Emily Pallack – oldspice, swagger, footie pajamas, voice, plethora of music &
soundtracks, excitement, open mind

nic-knack - your two best friends at camp are your sweatshirt and your water bottle!!

Mooscles – unicycle

Bear - your RADIOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Ani Pirinjian - a tutu!...that includes the guys too :)

HollyWood- all the glitter you have in your craft drawer!!!

uCampers in WEST SIDE STORY @ Terra Linda High (March 18-20)

2011-03-18T15:18:00.000-07:00

uCampers Shannon Gerrity, Sierra Lewandowski, Delaney Tight and Kate Granlund will be in WEST SIDE STORY this weekend!!!

Terra Linda is proud to present one of the most beloved and classic musical of all times- the Bernstein masterpiece, West Side Story with Kate on lights and Shannon, Sierra and Delaney acting!!

Kate & Shannon with "Awkward" @ uCamps!

Sierra & Delany @ Shakespeare Fest. in Ashland

Based on one of Shakespeare's most famous romance tragedies, Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story takes place in the urban slums of New York. It begins amidst the conflict between the Sharks, led by the suave Bernardo, and the Jets, headed by the charismatic Riff. Transcending all differences, however..., are Tony and Maria, who ignore the feud between the two gangs as love becomes the only thing they live for. But, as we all know, the star-crossed lovers are doomed when they first meet. With classic and memorable songs such as "Tonight", "I Feel Pretty", and "America", this is one theatre experience you won't want to miss!

Mar. 18 (Fri) - 8pm
Mar. 19 (Sat) - 8pm
Mar. 20 (Sun) - 2pm

Director: Christina Stroeh
Assistant Director: Brian Breen
Stage Manager: Sarah Adler

Tickets are $10.00, available in advance at the Terra Linda Student Store, which can be contacted at (415) 492-3119. Tickets will also be sold at the door for the same price, yet arriving early is advised in order to ensure a seat. There is no late seating!

ANTI-BULLYING WEEKEND RETREAT & USC FILM DOC

2011-03-11T16:31:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

Bald E here. I am currently in pre-production for an anti-cyber-bullying documentary I hope to direct next fall for my MFA program at USC in Los Angeles. As part of the documentary, uCamps will be hosting a 2 day, 1 night anti-bullying awareness retreat at Camp Sempervirens from 10am, Saturday, March 19 to 11am, Sunday, March 2011!!!

At the retreat, we will sing songs, play games, have discussions and share testimonials about our experiences with cyber-bullying and other forms of bullying. We will also have a campfire. Discussions will explore what we can do in and out of school to help those in need. There will be a small film crew there (2-3 people) filming the event.

We will have a lot of fun, but it may also be an emotional experience. Please be aware, THIS IS NOT CAMP!! This is a retreat focusing on the topic of cyber-bullying.
{WATCH THIS SHORT TRAILER TO GET AN IDEA OF WHAT THE DOCUMENTARY MAY BE LIKE}

RETREAT INFO:

WHAT: ANTI-BULLY RETREAT sponsored by uCamps (Only 20 spaces available)
WHEN: 10am, March 19th to 11am, March 20th
WHERE: Camp Sempervirens, Boulder Creek, CA / ADDRESS: 20161 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA 95006
COST: Only $40 (You can pay when you arrive) Price includes an overnight stay, all retreat activities and three meals plus a ride TO Sempervirens. Only $20 if you have your own transportation there & back.

WHO I HOPE WILL ATTEND:

Campers who are currently being bullied or have been bullied in the past.
Campers who have themselves been bullies and now feel bad about past behavior (most of us, myself included, have teased or bullied before).
Parents who's child has been on either end of the issue (bully or target of a bully). (We also need drivers to and from the retreat...mini vans anyone??)
Former campers and current or former staff members who have experience and/or an opinion on this issue.

TO REGISTER:

Send an email to info@uCamps.org with your interest in attending.
Pack a small overnight bag, with a change of clothes, a jacket, flashlight, bedding, pillow, towel and toiletries.
We will provide lunch and dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday. All for only $40 (thanks to "The Dude" who's supporting the cause).
Arrive at Camp Sempervirens between 10am-11am on Sat. 3/19.
Call or email with any questions or concerns.

I hope you can make it. We want to hear your stories. We want to know how you feel about cyber-bullying.

We want to do our part to promote awareness, offer support and lend a helping hand in the form of a loving community. The film we make is designed to provide hope for those students who feel alone, isolated and bullied.

I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU!!

Much love,

Bald E

Absolutely: Relay for Life!

2011-03-04T15:09:00.000-08:00

Our very own fabulous uCamps Counselor, "Absolutely" is taking part in the American Cancer Society's "Relay for Life" charity event at UCSB for the second year in a row!

"Relay For Life" give us a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember those we've lost, and fight back against the disease that has caused too much pain for far too long. I fight so one day no one has to ever face cancer again."


ABSOLUTELY

Absolutely's goal is to raise $800. She's already at 50%!!! If you would like to help her reach her goal, you can do so by visit her personal web donation page:

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

Click to Help Absolutely's Charitable Efforts!

Every donation really does make a difference in advancing the American Caner Society's lifesaving work. We understand what it is like to have a limited budget, but imagine what $1 a person can add up to! :) Any amount, large or small, will help save lives.

The 2011 Relay For Life of UC Santa Barbara
will be held Friday, May 13th, 2011
12PM @ UCSB Track.

Absolutely is grateful for your support!
.

Twinkle Toes' Travels: Keeping Art Alive

2011-02-25T15:11:00.000-08:00

In a time where budgets are being cut left and right, (and the Arts are always the first to be affected), we do our part to bring art and fun into our communities schools. Each year we offer Free in-class workshops that focus on team-building, communication and FUN! THIS year, workshop leader "Twinkle Toes" is visiting schools across California adding her AMAZING dance experience!

Twinkle Toes with the 2010 SoCal Camp Hip Hop Dancers!

"Twinkle Toes" (currently located in Los Angeles) is a prolific and dynamic Hip-Hop dancer & choreographer who dances with the Boxcuttuhz and GRV dance crews and has been with uCamps since 2004.

Routine won 2nd Place at VIBE 16!!!

If you want Twinkle Toes to visit your school in either the San Francisco Bay Area or Los Angeles / Orange County, send an email to info@uCamps.org

Jared with the Original SDC 2009 Hip-Hop Dance Crew

Connor at the Original SDC Camp - NorCal

Hip Hop Workshop 2010

SoCal

The World According to HollyWood

2011-02-18T10:23:00.000-08:00

"If you don't know where you're going, any road will get you there."

I heard this while I was walking out of Starbucks the other day and I actually stopped and asked the fierce old woman to say it again. She recited it to me and suddenly it all hit me. This quote was all about living freely. I know I am not alone when I say that I don't know where I'm going and now that I think about it, I wouldn't want it any other way. This isn't to say that I don't have goals--after all if it weren't for goals none of us would have accomplished as much as we have in our lives whether we're 13 or 35. We also wouldn't be able to shout:

"GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!! OLE! OLE! OLE! OLE! OLE! OLE!"

HollyWood LaFierce

There is so much that I have seen out of uCampers and when I think about all the roads they walk, be it a smooth concrete path in the city or a dirt road in the forest, I can't help but see a better future. The more time you spend concerning yourself with 5-year-plans and "where will I be in 20 years," the less time you have to stop and smell the roses. I can't tell you where we will all be in the future, although wherever we are there's no doubt we will be right where we should be! uCampers have so much to offer the world and there is not a doubt in my glitter-filled mind that the world will graciously accept all u have to offer.

As I complete this message to head to some much needed beauty rest (being fierce is terribly tiring after all, but you already knew that) I say this, walk your road and don't be afraid to smell the roses because even if you have allergies, a rose is still pretty to look at and you should never miss a chance to admire the roses of your life (my roses are camp, campers, my family, and my dog). What's your rose?

Love to you all,

HollyWood

Stefan, HollyWood, and Ray Ray

"Lifelong Friends"

2011-02-11T14:23:00.000-08:00

Why hello everybody!!!!!

Each year we have a new uCamps theme that blends in with our lives and activities while at camp, and seem to follow us throughout the year. Our theme songs are written by members of our wonderful staff, and here are a few from the past:

Live the Dream (2007) - Written by Coffee McAnchorsteam

Welcome Home (2008) - Written by Paps

We Are One (2009) - Written by Spaced

Our 2010 theme was "Lifelong Friends" to pay tribute to all of the amazing friendships our campers create while at camp and was written by our Asst. Music Director, Sushi.

Here's Sushi playing "Lifelong Friends" for all of you to enjoy at home and to sing along!!

“Lifelong Friends” LYRICS

Looking back on those early days

The ones I spent alone

I didn’t know about your caring ways

I didn’t know that you could help my load

And when I look up at the stars at night

I’m thankful that they shine

Had no idea that what would shine most bright

Is the friendship I found when you put your hand in mine

CHORUS:

And for the rest of my life

I’ll recall a time I thought would never end

But what I have to keep with me

Is the memory of a lifelong friend

Now I look at all this joy around me

It’s a feeling I have seen but never touched

Now it surrounds me as far as I can see

It’s the hope, the love, the dream that I needed so much

CHORUS:

And for the rest of my life

I’ll recall a time I thought would never end

But what I have to keep with me

Is the memory of a lifelong friend

CHORUS:

And for the rest of my life

I’ll recall a time I thought would never end

But what I have to keep with me

Is the memory of a lifelong friend

Stand-Up with Spaz!!

2011-02-04T10:36:00.000-08:00

Spaz Here!

This Winter Camp I had the honor of introducing our VERY FIRST EVER Stand-Up Comedy Workshop! I am so ecstatic that I got to share my passion with my uCamps family! Stand up comedy is one of the coolest ways to express yourself because laughter is a language that everyone can understand. Stand up comedy is about relating to other people through humor, about expressing to the world who you are by showing them what you find funny, and chances are, they find it funny too. Like dancing, singing, poetry, acting, film and music, stand up is an art form that brings people together. There’s nothing quite like making a room full of people laugh by telling them a joke you wrote yourself. And if you’re going to give stand up a try, what better place to do it than uCamps?!

The eight very talented campers who attended the workshop @ Winter Camp (True, Way, Dan, Max, Zane, Ryan, Nick, and Zoey) had only 3 days to come up with 1-2 minute routines and they not only did it, they were AMAZING!

Max's Stand-Up @ Winter Camp

Zane's Stand-Up / Improv Rap

The workshop is very casual and very group oriented. There is never any pressure to perform, but they had so much fun everyone wanted to anyways!!! The first day we talked about the basics of stand up comedy, different types of jokes and how jokes are written, then from there we worked on everyone’s routines together. When performances came, the comedians were a bit nervous but once they stepped out in front of the wonderful uCamps audience it was pure comedic magic! I could not have been prouder of them.

Here is one of MY stand-up comedy routines from earlier this year! If you are interested in learning more, join the "Stand-up Comedy" Facebook Group by clicking HERE & keep your eye out for the Stand-Up Comedy workshop at camp this summer!!

With lots of love and laughter,

Your friend,

-Spaz

Memories of uCampers!

2011-01-28T16:35:00.000-08:00

This week, the uCamps blog is dedicated to memories that uCampers have submitted!!

Happy reading!! :)

I went to uCamps SoCal last summer and it was my first time ever going to camp. It was so much fun and will probably be my favorite camp no matter where I go. It was fun to not only do what I love, but get trained in what I love. I took Musical Theatre, where we performed a number from The Lion King, Stage Combat, and Rock Band, where I experienced being a singer in a band for the first time. We were titled The Feminists and performed the song “Just A Girl” by No Doubt. Besides all the fun workshops you can choose from I really enjoyed the in-between activities. I did my very first official hoedown...which I was worried I'd hate but I actually had fun. I also loved the night time bonfires. When camp ended I felt sad that I couldn't go down and sing some campfire songs. The people were so much fun! I loved the counselors. Skunk was my counselor and she was so amazing! I picked her for my Rockstar mentor. I was the only one who picked her so I had her all to myself which I enjoyed so much! Hollywood was simply amazing. I love how I could talk to him about Barbra Streisand and he knew what I was talking about! Hey You was hilarious! I loved everyone there! uCamps was definitely life changing.

-Hailey (a.k.a. Funny Girl)

uCamps SoCal

Where to begin? Ok, so my name is Jared (a.k.a. Rock), and I attended the 2010 SoCal uCamps. My favorite memory would have to be writing my first song. The camp has inspired me, and I have written many since then. It was amazing to get down in front of everyone and sing. Another thing happened right before I was singing. I would shout “RUB THE STUMP” (uCamps spirit stump) louder than anyone at the camp, and then when I got down there, I became what I presume to be the first one to ever rub the wrong stump. Has anyone else done that before? Anyways, my last one is how Hey You would talk in the lunch room, and then everyone would break in with a random table cheer! I can't wait for next year, and I truly hope I get to be in Grilled Cheese's cabin again! GO WOLF PACK!

-Jared

uCamps SoCal

One fine day Megan and I were trying to come up with a cabin cheer for breakfast to the tune of “Tik Tok”. When our cabin informed us we wouldn't have a cheer for breakfast that day, we tried to create it for lunch. I told Megan that it would sound weird because then the song would go: "Wake up in the morning, ready for some LU-UNCH” instead of “Break-fast” making lunch two syllables. Then Megan said “Lu-unch” really loudly and silly at lunch later which just caught on. Now we forever have the word LU-UNCH! ♥

-Erin
LIT/FAME/Discovery Camp and Original
4 years

Remember, if you want YOUR memory posted, email it to info@ucamps.org or Facebook message us! We would LOVE to hear from you!!! :)

Thanks for reading!

"It Gets Better"

2011-01-21T14:40:00.000-08:00

uCamps is a place where you can be yourself, where everyone is accepted for who they are. No one laughs at you when you try something new and you're encouraged to express yourself and find out WHO you are.

Bullying has been an ongoing issue for many generations and has rapidly progressed and expanded along side the growth of technology. The youth can no longer simply walk away from bullys at school, they now have to deal with cyber-bullying at home in their personal space on the their computer and at their fingertips on their mobile phones.

We feel very strongly about this global issue and want to do everything we can to help YOU and anyone you know who is going through this. YOU'RE NOT ALONE. We've all been there and have made it through. Just know that it gets better.

Thanks to our very talented Film Workshop Leader, Darvius, our 2010 Winter Campers created their own "It Gets Better" video to submit the It Gets Better Organization! Pass this video along to your friends and family and keep your eye out on www.itgetsbetter.org to see our video up on their site!! Check out http://www.itgetsbetter.org/ and see others from all around the world sharing their stories!

To all uCampers and uFamilies... uCamps continues to be a safe, magical place because of YOU. Thank you for being who you are, and during the year, in between camp seasons, don't forget that we're only a click away! We're still here to support you. Contact us anytime through email or Facebook.

From uCampers to uStaff, we Thank You!!!

2011-01-14T12:49:00.000-08:00

Helloooo everyone!!!!! Year round we receive emails from uCampers to uStaff. Here are just a few for your blogging entertainment!! :)

Camille Steens

uCamps,

I just wanted to say that I have arrived safely back in Holland. I miss you all very much though!

And thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you! I could fill up a whole page with that word, but still it wouldn't express enough how much the last two weeks have meant to me.

Bald-E, you have taught me so much about myself, about life and of course about being a leader and a counselor. I can't thank you enough!

I really want to thank Giggles too, for being an awesome counselor the second week and helping me be a good LIT.

And thanks everyone for bringing all those awesome uCampers together and creating a place so special that it changes your life. I feel like I have become a more loving person thanks to you.

Lots of love,
Camille Steens

Bald E

Giggles

Way Chen

Dear uCamps staff,

Each year I've come to camp, I would say it was my favorite year. Every year you offer something awesome and new that amazes me. I'm writing this because you deserve much more gratitude than a small note on a thank you card. Honestly, I can say that this camp has changed my life completely. SDC is where I started dancing, which is my life's passion now. It's where I opened up to new people and started being more outgoing. It's where I met some of my lifelong friends. And most importantly, it's where I learned to LOVE. This emotion that we all share is so accepting and supportive. Back when I couldn't dance for beans, Workshop Leader, Pitah Bread, supported me with LOVE and acceptance in his Krumping Workshop. No one laughed at me or put me down. And that's what kept me going. And that's what kept everyone else going. SDC is the birthplace of raw talent. I mean look at Kylie Rothfield! I am amazed by the growth, talent and the ambition of these campers. What sets the difference from this camp and others is the LOVE. When I cried during the first week's candlelight ceremony, I realized how important this camp is to me. I cried because I knew when I went home, the love wouldn't be there anymore. Sure, there would be love, but not the SDC kind of love. I try to bring it to my school and daily life as much as possible; but I still miss camp. I wanted to thank you for bringing me this far: Helping me grow through dance and the Rockstar program. Teaching me how to be loving and accepting. Allowing me to teach, share my love of dance, and inspire others. Each and every one of you is an undetachable part of this camp. Keep doing what you're doing because there are hundreds of other campers who share the same love for this camp; or what I call my second home.

With all the love from the bottom of my heart,

Way Chen =)

Krumping Workshop: Original SDC 2008

Stephanie Parker

I went to uCamps SoCal and that was my first time with uCamps. So, I was in the choreographed theater workshop with Skillet and Tiny and all week there were complications like people dropping out and the group was already really small so we had to change our choreography and our lines weren’t fully memorized. When performance night arrived, the four of us were really nervous but we went up there and performed it with no errors! We even got a standing ovation! The thing that made it so wonderful was not only that, but the script was about how art affects our lives so everyone could really relate. (: And that’s just one of the many wonderful moments. Don’t even get me started on uKindergarten because performing that at campfire as a kindergarten version of Sushi was hilarious and amazing.♥

Sushi

Tiny

Skillet and Stephanie

Thanks for reading!!!!! Have something you would like to share?? Send us YOUR uCamps Blog submissions!!! Tell us what's new with you or your favorite camp memory! Written a poem recently that you wanna share? Have recent Videos of your uCamps inspired Music, Singing, Dancing, Acting, etc! Email them to info@uCamps.org or send them through FB Messaging at www.facebook.com/uCamps!

www.uCamps.org

Words from Awkward!

2011-01-07T16:53:00.000-08:00

Hello uCampers!!!!

Welcome to the uCamps Blog! Awkward here! :)

On our uCamps blog we will periodically post new information about camp, as well as favorite memories and stories submitted by YOU, our uCampers and uStaff!

We recently finished our third annual Winter Camp and it was absolutely AWESOME!!! The amount of art that was created and fun that was had in just four days was absolutely incredible! It rained, it poured. But we danced in the rain, trudged through the puddles and enjoyed cozy, indoor campfires. Debbie Donuts came to host the HoHoHo Hoedown and the New Years Eve EVE Ball was a great success (With amazing food to boot!)

One of MY favorite memories from Winter Camp occurred during lunch on the second full day of camp. All of a sudden the song “I know a song that gets on everybody’s nerves” started playing in the dining hall….on repeat. Sushi immediately stood up from the table looking extremely confused, and walked over to the uCamps sound system thinking she could just turn the song off. This was not the case, however. All of the staff sitting at our table began looking around trying to figure out what was going on. Then we saw “The Dude”, the Facility Director of Camp Sempervirens in a fit of giggles at the head of the table. We had our culprit! The Dude had put the song on through his speakers so we had no control over how long the song persisted. The campers, of course, were getting extremely frustrated by the song. At first they resisted it, and then eventually the entire camp joined in singing the song a few times through. The song continued for a good ten minutes, accompanied by the camp singing the ABC’s to try and drown it out before The Dude finally shut it off causing the room to fill with applause, as well as cheers such as “Silence? I LOVEEEEEEEE SILENCE!!!” Just because I was having such a good time, I leaned over to Wikipedia, our host for the week, and told him to turn it back on. He waited a few minutes and then turned it back on to the dismay of all the campers. Wikipedia, the Dude and I, however, were in the corner laughing. :) This incident became a huge running joke for the camp, and resulted in many cabins and lunch tables bursting out into song, as well as the staff performing a VERY annoying song at campfire.

Pix of our Winter Campers!

Giggles & Spaz's Cabin

Iver & Yetti's Cabin

Absolutely & JPEG's Cabin

Eggo's Cabin

Mooscles & Rooster's Cabin

Awkward's Cabin

Hollywood & Mufasa's Cabin

That's it for now! Stay tuned for more blogs from campers and staff!! If you would like one of YOUR uCamps memories to be posted on our blog, email it to info@uCamps.org

And don't forget to register for SUMMER CAMP! 2011 DATES ARE NOW AVAILABLE on http://ucamps.org/dates_rates.html !!! Spots are going fast, so make sure to register ASAP to reserve YOUR spot!

Sincerely,

Awkward