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January 2024 by D G.
So now it's been quite a few days since we have been on the trip and all my expectation have been exceeded! First off the most important aspect of this trip is the quality of the counselors. They are incredible! They genuinely enjoy playing and hanging out with the kids and know how to engage and relate to them. I can't say enough. The activities are so much fun. I will list some of them. Kids go off campus for a trip to the zoo and trampoline park depending on their age. They have onsite activities like derby car making I will attach photos. Both my kids and my husband participated. They have a family carnival and reptile show and they have kids activities at night often from 5pm-9pm so you don't need babysitting and can participate in the late night adult activities like dinner on the golf course or night on the town to name just a few. They have tennis lessons for both kids and adults and they have surfing lessons as well. But really I can't emphasize enough how amazing the staff and administration are. We came with a big challenge. We keep a fairly strict kosher diet and since this is an all inclusive program we couldn't really participate in the lunch and dinner ( breakfast was easy with cereal). Sheri, the program director, is amazing. She went out of her way to accommodate us by hiring at the camps expense a kosher caterer to prepare every meal for us. We brought the meals in which lasted till mid week and then they sent a counselor to go round trip and bring us back fresh food for the remainder of our trip. I can't begin to tell you how incredible it was for us to have delicious fresh food that we could eat. Pavia did the six hour drive mid week. You are awesome for doing that pavia!! I am attaching some photos of the derby car maker, Caleb, and pavia. And other photos as the trip continues. Some tips you should keep in mind when booking. Sign up for activities right away as they fill up quick. Also make sure you bring a sweater or jacket as mornings and evenings are cold and you and your kids will need it. If you want to buy a ucsb family vacation center branded t shirt or sweatshirt just ask for last year's designs for a discount. The rooms are dorm rooms so bring your own pillows and covers if you want the comfort of home. And also mattress toppers as the mattresses are hard and uncomfortable. Though you'll be tired at the end of the day to really notice. Bring flip flops or water shoes for the shower as its a dorm shower. You will get a suite all to yourselves so each child will have his own room and that will be very comfortable. You will also be given a mini fridge in each room which is nice. If you book by January you will get a $100 activity credit towards anything like ceramic making--they have a kiln for firing your pieces, or lessons or specials tours that cost extra. Definitely the best trip and most relaxing one we have ever had as the kids are watched over and entertained all the time. More tips not you live local and have room in your car bring your kids scooters or skateboards and bikes. Lots of kids bring theirs and you won't want yours to feel left out. You can rent bikes in isla vista for inexpensive its a town walking distance to the school.
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September 2023 by Al Yuen
The very best vacation you'll have since becoming parents. The college student staff takes wonderful care of your kids, while you enjoy tennis, surfing, biking, wine tasting... The kids make life long friends. Our family has been attending for 16 years!
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August 2023 by P E.
I had a great time at the Summer Camp sponsored by the Family Vacation Center. I reconnected with classmates from UCSB who had not been back to the campus since graduation. We reminisced about dorm life.... The meals in the commons were delicious ... The adult activities were on point ! ( yoga, wine tasting, beer tasting, hiking, biking, and we were even able to find time for a campus tour) Returning to Santa Barbara reminded me of how much I really love the atmosphere of the area. Also, the staff was energetic, friendly and created a perfect environment for the children to relax and have fun !!
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August 2023 by Marlene Ceballo
We’re a family of four and this is our sixth time going to FVC. The kids love the activities and the counselors. Activities range from beer/wine tours, golf course dinners, escape rooms, surfing, stand up paddle boarding, nightly parent social hrs with open bar. The kids go off with the counselors for several hrs. You can participate in everything, some things or nothing. There’s biking, yoga, hiking, organized runs, beach days, crafts, massages. The food from the dining hall is absolutely delicious with so many options. The kids love breakfast - making their own waffles and of course the unlimited soft serve ice cream machine. You can walk down to the beach, read a book, sun tan at the pool - so many options while your kids are off having a blast. The price point is higher than other camps but it’s honestly worth every penny.
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August 2023 by Colin McCarthy
A wonderful family camp set in an amazing City and on the campus of a world class academic institution. Really the best way to visit Santa Barbara. They have so much fun stuff to do.
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July 2023 by Lee S.
We couldn't rave enough about FVC in Santa Barbara! Seriously the best vacation you can ever plan and worth every penny! We have been coming to FVC for over 5 years. Our kids started when they were babies and were so well taken care of during the daytime while we were out having fun and doing all the awesome activities FVC has to offer! Food is included and is really good. The pool is pristine and olympic sized. There is so much fun to be had every day (for adults: wine tasting, hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, etc; for kids: surfing lessons tennis and many excursions with their age appropriate groups).... our kids look forward to it every year! The camp counselors are so excited and helpful and keep the kids busy having fun. I highly recommend FVC to all families, even if you don't have kids!!!
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July 2023 by Elizabeth Patterson
Our family of 23 had a great experience!
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July 2023 by Dane McDermott
Had a great week here with my family!
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July 2023 by Rich Patterson
Our kids had a great time!
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July 2023 by Rebekahwyoga Patterson
What a fun vacation with the family! So many exciting things to do with the family and tons of activities for all the kids. The beach is located just minutes from the dorms. There’s a pool to relax at. And I loved the eucalyptus trees. The cafeteria had lots of vegan options. The surf boards were great. And they even had yoga classes.They really went up and beyond to make our vacation special for every single person.
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July 2023 by Elisa Hunter
The staff are AWESOME! The only reason I am not giving it 5 stars is because of housing. Housing accommodations are mediocre, but the amazing staff and programming make up for it. Go in with low expectations for housing and your family will love it!
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July 2023 by Rob Patterson
Wonderful experience for my family. Great Counselors, lots of fun activities. Very helpful staff.
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October 2022 by Christopher Yung
Chingon view from our bedroom. Chingon vacation. Chingon camp counselors. Heck, chingon chingon.
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October 2021 by Emily Vencat
UCSB Family Camp is 100 percent and completely 'my happy place' - I've been going for over 30 years... first as a child with my parents, and now as a parent with my kids. I could not recommend it more highly. Best. Place. Ever.
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October 2020 by Zehava The Zamboni
I’ve been going there since I was a baby, and I always have fun! The food is amazing, and the activitiesAre sooooooooo fun! Plus they have car races and a talent show! I hope others find this as good as I do! -Ava Brooks, 13
