CAMP-ON-CAMPUS
Southern California
Join ACA for the Summer-of-a-Lifetime!
Welcome to ACA @ UCLA - Middle School Program!
The Best of Summer Camp & Summer Fun!
The University of California, Los Angeles is nestled beautifully along the Southern California coastline – the best of all possible settings for the ultimate summer experience! You’ve got the cities of Malibu, Santa Monica and Beverly Hills and all the best that SoCal has to offer. It’s an endless summer of enrichment and adventure decked out in real California style!!
Southern California is famous for its warm sandy beaches and bustling city, the perfect setting for your ultimate summer experience! Dynamic, culturally diverse and breathtakingly beautiful, Los Angeles combines the finest the California coast has to offer.
- 2 Enrichment Electives Daily
- Exciting Morning & Evening Activities
- Beautiful Beaches of SoCal
- A Magical Summer in Hollywood
- Optional Trips to Universal Studios & Disneyland
- Upscale Residence Halls @ UCLA with Private Bathrooms
- 8:1 Student-to-Staff Ratio
- Weekend Adventures to Santa Barbara, Malibu, Santa Monica, Venice, Manhattan Beach & More Are Always Included!
2023 Dates & Tuition
Transportation is not included in tuition.
Weekday Schedule
-
8:30 am - 9:15 am
Breakfast -
9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Morning Activities
(Choice of Several Options) -
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Lunch -
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Elective 1 -
2:45 pm - 4:15 pm
Elective 2 -
4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Shower, Change, Relax -
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Dinner -
7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Evening Activities
(Choice of Several Options) -
10:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Residence Hall (Social Time) -
11:00 pm
Goodnight (Individual Suites)
Classes run Monday through Friday.
Safety & Supervision
ACA has always been committed to absolute safety for every student. We maintain a ten-to-one student-to-staff ratio – one of the lowest in the industry – to ensure everyone gets the unmatched attention and unique personalized programs they deserve.
As part of our commitment to student safety, ACA staff members live on student-occupied floors, accompany students on all activities and excursions, and are always equipped with cellphones for emergencies. ACA takes care to use private transportation for our weekday activities and weekend adventure trips – never public transportation.
The Residence Hall adds an additional element of security, as well. The front desk is staffed 24 hours a day with trained personnel for your comfort and convenience.
Travel to Los Angeles*
We recommend that students fly nonstop to Los Angeles (LAX) International Airport. We will provide a designated window of time to land. There students will be met by ACA staff members, who will escort them to comfortable, air-conditioned shuttles for the short drive to campus along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Of course, parents are also welcome to drive students to UCLA directly. Contact our office for further information on any of these travel options.
*Transportation is not included in tuition.
ACA Electives
ACA’s signature SoCal program offers the kind of personal enrichment electives that build confidence for high school while also giving you the chance to grow academically and intellectually.
The ACA experience gives you plenty of opportunities to enhance your knowledge and pursue your interests. Pursue a new passion, explore your inner creativity, practice a sport. Do it all in an amazing summer setting, surrounded by new friends and without the pressure of grades!
ACA classes are graded on a “satisfactory” or “unsatisfactory” basis, and all students receive an ACA “Certificate of Achievement” upon successful completion of each course.
Electives are held Monday through Friday, and are taught by distinguished members of the university faculty, graduate students, secondary school instructors or SoCal-area professionals. Instructors teach in an interactive, seminar style, creating a supportive environment that encourages you to actively participate in each class.
ACA fills courses on a first-come, first-served basis, so we strongly recommend enrolling in the program early to better ensure the availability of your desired courses.
Elective Options:
You will be able to two of the following options for your stay in SoCal:
Elective Selection 1 (1:00pm - 2:30pm):
It’s time to throw around a little iron! You’ll combine bodyweight exercises to jumpstart your fitness, core strength, and flexibility. From circuit-style exercises to muscle toning, you’ll push your body to the max as you master each workout’s unique challenges. This course will get you in the weight room and give you the tools to really work for peak physical performance. Instruction will build upon safe and proper techniques of strength training and conditioning utilizing a variety of exercises, equipment, facilities, and training skills. Students will depart from this course with a better understanding of strength and conditioning techniques. Don’t be intimidated. It’s for everyone!
Learn the basic foundations of playing the guitar, including chords and proper hand technique. Before you know it, you’ll have the skills to play your favorite songs on your own!
Please Note: Students must bring their own guitar.
Launching your own company isn’t for everyone. Only the most daring, determined types need apply, but if you have what it takes, you’ll be in the same league as Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, or Google guys Larry Page and Sergey Brin. If you’re ready to develop your own startup, this course could be your first step on the road to success! You’ll create a business plan, hoping to cash in on your innovation and creativity. Research your market, work up a template to put your plan into action, and let your inner entrepreneur take command.
Everyday we ponder life, the universe, the global world, and the future. This deep and engaging class will focus on life, your future, and how to live every day to its fullest. Have you ever discussed your own philosophy of life with friends or family? Are you curious about techniques and critical ways of thinking that may win more arguments against your friends? Do you ponder what it means to be truly at peace and happy? Be prepared to open thoughts and begin to look at the world with a different lens as we discuss both complex and simple everyday ideas. Throughout existence people like Aristotle and Plato used philosophy to find a greater appreciation for life.
Elective Selection 2 (2:45pm - 4:15pm):
If making it to the silver screen is your dream, then start in the land where stars go to hit it big. You’ll explore the fundamentals of acting, finding your motivation, and creating dynamic scenes through conflict and resolution, while mastering any sense of stage fright. You’ll also gain the benefit of practicing these elements through both individual and duo-scene performances. Refine your talent further by engaging in the most popular acting theories, including Constantin Stanislavski’s “magic if,” Lee Strasberg’s “the method,” and the Meisner technique. To complete your acting class, you’ll also participate in a live audition with Emmy-nominated casting director Fern Champion.
If you are eager to indulge your artistic side, this course is ideal. Master foundational skills including value scales, sighting, construction, and still life. View works of art on-campus and use them to inspire your own skills. Pursue painting and watercolor techniques, or try your hand at drawing and sketching. See if you can tap the Picasso within!
These days everything — and everyone — is online. This course explains how social media has not only revolutionized the social fabric, but also how to create a one-of-a-kind social media experience. Explore how individuals and companies use social media to increase their fame, following and value. Examine the business plans of the major social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, Snap Chat, and Tik Tok. This class will also explore how individuals and companies build successful brands across various platforms and the big question – what makes a post go viral?
Achieve your basketball goals! You’ll participate in fundamental instruction, drills and scrimmages. Perfect your jump shot, improve your dribbling, speed, and direction-changing abilities, enhance your passing and more. You’ll play with coaches who understand the intricacies of the game and know how to improve the performance of any player.
Successful CSI requires hands-on training and a step-by-step process in the discovery, preservation, and collection of physical evidence. In this course, you will examine the techniques CSI’s collect and preserve evidence from delicate crime scenes. Learn about crime scene management; diagramming and sketching; photography; fingerprint, bloodstain pattern analysis. The instructor will create a mock crime scene and you will collect and interpret the evidence. Prepare to experience what you see on CSI!
Elective Selection 1 & 2 (1:00pm - 4:15pm):
“Only a life lived in the service to others is worth living.” ACA’s Service Learning course embodies this Albert Einstein quote providing, rewarding opportunities to spend time helping to make SoCal an even better place for its citizens and visitors. Our goal is to encourage our students to realize the power they have to grow as individuals while contributing to an environment of cultural understanding and mutual respect.
Earn up to 45 hours of community service! Upon completion, every participant receives a certificate highlighting the total number of hours volunteered and projects completed.
Past ACA Service Partners & Projects Include:
- Food Pantry
- Beach Clean Up
- Habitat for Humanity
- Make-A-Wish Foundation
- Support Our Troops
- Visit Elderly
Take to the waves or head over the wall! Whether you’re up for some sailing, paddle boarding and kayaking or you want to try your rock climbing skills, this course is the perfect fit for any outdoor sports enthusiast.
*Supplemental fee may apply.
Southern California Life
Los Angeles is home to countless celebrities, and now you can call it home, too! Located in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, UCLA gives you all the excitement! It’s the perfect place for anyone looking for an active summer! We are surrounded the beauty of Santa Monica, unparalleled pristine beaches of Malibu, great hiking trails and bike paths, and you can even surf, swim or kayak in the Pacific Ocean! Be sure to pack your sense of adventure!
You can count on outstanding accommodations – this is ACA!
Staying at Los Angles has its privileges, which is why so many celebrities call it home. You’ll kick back in comfort at UCLA, enjoying safe, clean and comfortable dorms with in-suite bathrooms, internet access and are for ACA only. These rooms definitely serve up cool California style! ACA creates a unique environment where you’ll be able to concentrate on getting the most out of your summer, staying refreshed and ready to excel.
Excellent Eats
Choices, choices, choices! With ACA, you never have to worry about going hungry. From home-style meals served at breakfast, lunch and dinner to ACA’s exciting Dining-on-the-Town-Plan on the weekends, no pre-college summer program gives you as many dining options as ACA!
Weekday mornings, our breakfast buffet features freshly-made specials like eggs, pancakes and waffles alongside plenty of fresh fruit, cereal, bagels, yogurt and pastries. You’ll have no problem fueling up for the day!
Lunch and dinner at the on-campus dining facility during the week feature a wonderful choice of kitchen-fresh entrees, a selection of side dishes, a soup-and-salad bar, beverage bar, desserts, and fresh-baked breads and pastries.
On weekends and occasional weeknights, you’ll be able to take advantage of ACA’s exclusive Dining-on-the-Town-Plan. It lets you choose great dining-out options at a variety of ACA-selected restaurants – and it’s included in your tuition! Whether you want to tackle some local delicacies or stick to hometown favorites, you’re sure to find a restaurant that suits your taste. And don’t worry, we make sure everyone eats just as well during our exciting weekend adventures!
Around Town & Beyond
With the Pacific Coast in the background, Southern California offers something for everyone, and the Westwood area is packed with plenty to do. You’ll have plenty of time to check out the attractions and activities that interest you most! Participate in an on-campus seminar or workshop, explore the shops, sights and scenes in Los Angeles, enjoy a favorite sport, or just relax on the beach.
Afternoon and evening activities are yours to enjoy. Play some tennis, head to the beach or get in a round of golf. Catch the perfect wave during a surfing lesson or browse the celebrated shops of Rodeo Drive. From semi-private sports instruction to creative arts workshops to cool shows, outings and summer concerts, there are new options to pursue every day!
If your sport is shopping, you’ll find the best shopping worldwide at the upscale shops of Westwood, Malibu Country Mart, Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade and Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive, where you just might rub elbows with Hollywood celebs. From Prada to Polo, Valentino to Versace, it’s truly a street of dreams!
Afternoon & Evening Activities
- Soak up the sun at Santa Monica Beach and jump the truly gnarly waves
- Hoop it up at the ACA 3-on-3 basketball tournament and find out who rules the court
- Shake the sand out of your hair after a classic game of touch football and beach volleyball on Zuma Beach
- Get to know California at its best during ACA’s welcome scavenger hunt – our mad dash around Malibu!
- You have some big shoes to fill as you walk among the stars on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame
- See how your hands and feet compare to Hollywood elites like Meryl Streep, Brad Pitt, and Robert Downey Jr. in front of Mann Chinese Theater
- See the gods at the Greek and Roman collections of the Getty Museum
- Gaze up at the Hollywood sign as you browse the fashionable boutiques on Melrose Street
- Devour a hot dog while rooting for one of the most storied teams in MLB history
- Pump some iron and get big on Muscle Beach
- Have your caricature drawn on the Venice Boardwalk and pick up a pair of hip new shades
- People-watch at Palisades Park; it doesn’t get much more iconic LA than this
- Savor a latte while exploring the scene on the famed Abbot Kinney Boulevard
- Cool off and chill out at ACA’s awesome beach party
- Ride the dazzling Ferris wheel at the Santa Monica Pier
- Hit all the fashionable boutiques and watch out for the paparazzi on the energetic Rodeo Drive
- Rub elbows with celebrities at the Malibu Country Mart
- Sunset hikes, karaoke nights, bowling, laser tag, mini golf, ultimate Frisbee, bonfires and more exciting activities and events are all part of your summer with ACA!
The Finest Fitness Facilities
The SoCal program offers outstanding athletic facilities that meet the needs of any exercise enthusiast. You’ll have access to state-of-the-art workout facilities such as the renowned John Wooden Center and plenty of other athletic and recreational options during your stay. You can lace up your running shoes for a jog on campus, or hit the gym to pump some iron or get moving on an elliptical trainer. Outdoor tennis courts, basketball courts and plenty of other options are sure to keep you busy. Of course, a game of touch football or a little Frisbee is always a campus classic. One of the most exciting things about LA is you never know who you may run into whether it’s Kobe Bryant shooting hoops in the Wooden Center or Real Madrid practicing out on the soccer fields. Just make sure to pack your workout gear — it’s going to be a very active summer!
You will have time to take advantage of all the outstanding options available at the John Wooden Center, which include:
Squash Courts
Indoor Jogging Track
Weight Room
Basketball Courts
Cardio Room
Weekend Adventures
Complete your ACA Southern California experience with exciting weekend adventures.
MALIBU (3 WEEK PROGRAM)
Zuma Beach– Stunning views along the Pacific Coast Highway lead to three miles of pristine beach that has been a favorite for movie producers. Feeling active? Grab a volleyball and try your skill on the same beach the pros have competed on for decades.
Malibu Country Mart- A local celebrity hotspot, the Malibu Country Mart is a large outdoor lifestyle center or “boutique mall” located in the heart of Malibu.
DISNEYLAND* (3 WEEK PROGRAM)
Watch Dreams Come True at the Happiest Place on Earth… Be sure to check out Star Wars: Galaxy Edge, Fantasyland, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Frontierland, Critter Country.
*Please Note: Disneyland replaces the day trip to Malibu for students who select this excursion (Supplemental fee)
Santa Barbara (3 Week Program)
Serious Shopping in Santa Barbara– Get a Mediterranean experience on the fabled “American Riviera.” This is one of Cali’s favorite shopping areas. Wander the cobblestone walkways of State Street and sunny expanses of open-air plazas and promenades in search of “must-have” fashions. Take a break for a gourmet treat, then get right back in the hunt!
University of California, Santa Barbara– Tour the breathtaking campus located on cliffs directly above the Pacific Ocean (optional).
SANTA MONICA & VENICE (2 & 3 WEEK PROGRAMS)
Santa Monica Pier– A favorite for Hollywood movie scenes, this California icon comes alive at night. Take a ride on the world’s first solar-powered Ferris wheel or stop by the famed aquarium to get nose-to-nose with the ocean’s most fearsome predators!
Third Street Promenade– The world-famous strip features designer boutiques and award-winning restaurants, all in the heart of Santa Monica. The outdoor mall is full of colorful street entertainers and dancers enjoying perfect California weather.
Venice Beach– LA’s most iconic beach known for its bohemian spirit, Venice is a buzzing beach town. Free-spirited Venice Boardwalk is the site of funky shops, street performers and colorful murals. There’s also a skate park and Muscle Beach outdoor gym
Abbot Kinney– Abbot Kinney Boulevard features foodie hot spots, stylish boutiques and coffee bars.
Manhattan Beach (2 & 3 Week Programs)
Known as “The Pearl of L.A.’s South Bay” Manhattan Beach is home to over 100 locally owned, boutique, and specialty retailers and lots of trendy coffee shops and restaurants. Stroll down the boardwalk and soak up the sun on this pristine beach!
Universal Studios* (2 & 3 week programs)
Go Behind-The-Scenes Of The Largest and Busiest Motion Picture and TV Studio In The World. Get Ready For The Ultimate Hollywood Experience!
*Please Note: Universal Studios replaces the day trip to Manhattan Beach for students who select this excursion (Supplemental fee)
Hawaii Extension
Add 5 days to your Californian Adventure
Add to your SoCal experience and explore the wonders of Hawaii! (supplemental tuition required)
You’ll remain in the secure company of trusted ACA staff members, as well as many of the friends you’ve made on your ACA program. Of course, you’ll also enjoy the comfortable accommodations and superior guidance you’ve come to expect from ACA.
On the shores of the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii is a lush tropical retreat. It has the excitement of many villages, towns, spectacular seaside islands and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Visit Honolulu, Oahu, and Maui.
ACA will have staffed flights for the trip from LAX to Honolulu (HNL) and the return to LAX. Upon the conclusion of the program, students will fly home from LAX.
Hawaiian Island Adventures
- Waikiki Beach – Located on the south shore of Honolulu, the world-famous neighborhood of Waikiki was once a playground for Hawaiian royalty. Today, Waikiki is Oahu’s main hotel and resort area and a vibrant gathering place for visitors from around the world. Along the main strip of Kalakaua Avenue you'll find world-class shopping, dining, entertainment, activities and resorts.
- Maui – Known as “The Valley Isle,” is the second largest Hawaiian island. The island beloved for its world-famous beaches, the sacred Iao Valley, stunning views, farm-to-table cuisine and the magnificent sunrise and sunset from Haleakala.
- Dole Plantation Tour – Originally operated as a fruit stand beginning in 1950, Dole Plantation opened to the public as Hawaii’s "Pineapple Experience" in 1989. Today, Dole Plantation is one of Oahu’s most popular visitor attractions and welcomes more than one million visitors a year.
- Diamond Head – The iconic silhouette of Diamond Head State Monument sits along the Honolulu skyline just beyond Waikiki. Known as Leahi (brow of the tuna) in Hawaiian. Formed more than 100,000 years ago, the crater was used as a strategic military lookout beginning in the early 1900's. Today, Diamond Head is a popular hiking destination with panoramic views of Waikiki and Oahu's south shore.
- Pearl Harbor & The USS Arizona – Pearl Harbor, named for the pearl oysters once harvested there, is the largest natural harbor in Hawaii, a World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument and the only naval base in the United States to be designated a National Historical Landmark. The devastating aerial attack on Pearl Harbor resulted in 2,390 dead and hundreds wounded, and drove the United States into World War II. Pearl Harbor honors this history-changing event with the many Pearl Harbor Historic Sites.
- A Traditional Hawaiian Luau – Sunset is the perfect time for a traditional Hawaiian luau. Settle down under the stars while you listen to live music and watch skilled performances of the hula.
- Iolani Palace – The only official state residence of royalty in the United States, Downtown Honolulu’s Iolani Palace was the official residence of the Hawaiian Kingdom’s last two monarchs from 1882 to 1893: King Kalakaua and his sister and successor, Queen Liliuokalani.
Highlights
Photos
TestimonialS
What Alumni are Saying
"My summer at ACA was one of the greatest experiences of my life! I have amazing memories and made the best friends on this trip that I will cherish forever. ACA provided countless opportunities!"
"My son Brett had not only the greatest summer, but the greatest experience of his life. The friendships he made were so amazing! He will be friends forever with the kids he met at ACA."
"ACA was by far the best summer camp I've ever had the privilege to attend. The experiences were unforgettable, and words cannot describe how many lifelong friendships I made."
The most Personalized program
your Summer!
