WE’RE MOVING TO SANTA CRUZ!
Last summer’s camp was our last time at University of the Pacific. Next summer we move into our new home at University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC).
To commemorate this historic transition, we have made a new pin for everyone. But there’s a catch — the pin has two pieces. If you came to camp last summer you got the first half. Attend in 2026 and you get the second half. Tricky, eh?
Absolutely not! Many of the dances taught at Camp are not partner dances. In the couple dance classes we encourage the teachers to change partners frequently.
There will be an extensive variety of cafeteria food. They accommodate all allergies. They even have a special section for gluten-free. All foods are marked very well with ingredients. There are people to help. Anyone with major food issues should contact the registrar at moc.liamg@pmacecnadklofnotkcots ahead of time.
SJC – San Jose International Airport is the closest large airport and the easiest to get to UC Santa Cruz from. There will be an online ride share available in case you need or can take a ride. In good traffic, it is a 30 minute drive to camp from here.
How to get to camp via public transit from SJC airport:
Getting from San Jose Airport (SJC) to University of California at Santa Cruz via public transit:
Public transit from SJC to UCSC takes roughly 2–3 hours ($10–$20) by
- taking VTA Bus 60 or 10 to Santa Clara Caltrain Station,
- riding Caltrain to San Jose Diridon Station,
- taking the Highway 17 Express Bus to Santa Cruz Metro Center,
- followed by a local Metro bus (10, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20) to campus.
VTA website: Accepts Clipper Card
Caltrain website: Accepts Clipper Card
Santa Cruz METRO website: METRO Splash Pass App for mobile phone is recommended for purchase of fares. Download Splash Pass from the Apple App Store or Google Play. DOES NOT ACCEPT CLIPPER CARD
Clipper Card information
Santa Cruz METRO splash pass information
- Take the VTA #60 bus from Terminal A or B to the Santa Clara Transit Center.
- From the Santa Clara Transit Center, take a southbound Caltrain to the San Jose Diridon Station.
- Board the Highway 17 Express Bus at the Diridon Station (usually Bay 10). This bus runs to Pacific Station in downtown Santa Cruz. The Highway 17 Express runs roughly every 30–60 minutes, with last buses around 10 p.m
- From Pacific Station, take any METRO bus (10, 15, 16, 18, 19, or 20) headed to the UCSC campus.
Alternative: Uber or Lyft typically costs $60 – $150, and takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic. Note that highway 17 is busy in the morning on weekdays heading NORTHBOUND (into Silicon Valley) and in evening heading SOUTHBOUND (toward Santa Cruz). Also note that weekend traffic over Hwy 17 heading toward Santa Cruz (southbound) in the summer can be VERY BUSY in the morning (people heading to the beach), and VERY BUSY in the evening (beachgoers heading home)
Alternative: Airport Shuttles: Santa Cruz Airport Flyer or Early Bird Airport Shuttle may cost $40-$50 per person one way.
No, you do not need one on arrival. However, if you are travelling it’s highly recommended.
The dorms will be in Geneva House or Ghandi House in College Nine. There is no air conditioning, but it is not needed because it is usually cool in the evenings and mornings in Santa Cruz. We are still checking on the availability of an elevator. Between 2 and 4pm on Sunday, there will be people to help unload and take your belongings to your room.
Plan to check in between 2 pm and 4 pm on Sunday. Help will not be available outside of those times.
Sunday dinner is included in the meal plan.
You will need cash for the purchase of CDs and other items from the teachers. If your meal package does not include breakfast, or you are a commuter, you are welcome to purchase meals at the cafeteria. Also there are items you can buy at the cafeteria and the campus stores.
You will NOT need to carry cash for CAMP purchases (Scholarship Bazaar, Hole-In-The-Wall, auctions). Instead, you will run a tab and receive one bill at the end of the week.
If you bring a vehicle, you need a parking pass, which you will get at registration. Make sure to check in between 2 and 4pm on Sunday to register your vehicle with the university.
Commuters will have to get a daily or weekly pass through an app on your phone. All details are here.
ParkMobile is the app:
- Download the ParkMobile App on the Google Play or Apple App Store and set-up your profile with license plate and payment information.
- Enter the ParkMobile zone number.
- Select parking duration (daily or hourly rate as applicable).
If you prefer to pay by phone, call 877-727-5718.
We will have a limited number of Commuter Camper spots available. First come, first serve.
For $40 per week, housing will provide linen: pillow, bed spread, blanket, pillowcase, sheets, towels. Campers should order the linen package on their registration form, or risk not having any available. Campers staying for two weeks can opt to purchase only one package.
Bedding is provided in the apartments.
For those bringing bedding, please note that mattresses are twin “extra-long” (80 inches). Regular sized sheets will stretch to fit, but extra-long is better. Housing provides only a mattress if you don’t pay for bedding.
Prices are not available yet. Registration for shared accommodation and two meals will be around $1225. All other options cost more. All options will be listed on the registration form.
To use the laundry machines, there is an app on your smartphone to operate and pay for it. Laundry soap is available in the Camp Office.
New this year are sweatshirts! T-shirts are $25 again. Stay tuned for more details.
The deadline for ordering your choice of size/style/color is May 31st. Email Greg Lund at moc.liamg@44gergrecnad, if you have any questions.
There will be a limited number of shirts available at Camp as well. All shirts must be picked up at Camp.
The Hole-In-The-Wall is a small cashless snack bar that opens after dance reviews every evening, 10 pm or later. You pay with a prepaid punch card which you can purchase on your registration form or at the office.
You may enjoy your snacks during the after-parties each evening.
NO animals are allowed in the dorms or University buildings, except for service animals. If you will be bringing a service animal, please let us know.
No, video recording is not allowed. See the camper letter for details.
Please do not take photos in any classroom, Once-Over-Lightly, or any time the guest artists are instructing. Photos are permitted at parties, Wednesday’s Picture Night, banquet activities, around campus and at unofficial Camp activities. Official Camp photographers will be identified to document official Camp activities and the photos they take will be available online.
See previous years photos online here.
Experienced Campers like to have:
- Jacket or sweater
- Bed linens, pillow, blanket, and towels (unless you’ve purchased the linen package)
- Shampoo and hand soap
- Charger for phone and/or computer
- Desk lamp, reading light
- Extension cords
- Mirror, alarm clock
- Bathroom tote
- Water bottle
- Multiple dance shoes
- Clothes hangers
Optional Extras:
- Hat for the Thursday Hat Dance
- Bedside rug
- Note paper, pen/pencil, scissors
- Flip-flops for shower
- Costume(s) for Party Nights
- Hand fan
- Binder for Paper Syllabus
Check with the office first. They may have what you need.
The Camp Bazaar has gently used hats, belts, shoes, clothing items, costumes, and other ethnic items. You can shop here before you go elsewhere.
We don’t know the type of towels that will be provided. Consider bringing towels and washcloths. You might want to take more than one shower a day.
Bring lots of t-shirts. You get lots of exercise!
Cooking in your dorm room is not allowed.