Finding the right summer camp for your child can feel overwhelming with so many great options available across Santa Barbara. That’s why Noozhawk’s ParentNooz Summer Camp Guide brings local families a curated look at the programs that make summer both fun and enriching.
To help parents get to know these camps beyond the basics, we connected directly with the people behind the programs. Through these Q&A-style spotlights, camp leaders share insights into their activities, values, and what makes their camps such a memorable experience for kids.
In this feature, we spoke with Elizabeth Heron, Camp Coordinator of Santa Barbara Bridge Center, to learn more about what families can expect from their camp this summer and how their program creates opportunities for kids to learn, explore, and make lasting memories.
Santa Barbara Bridge Center
Question: What is the name of your camp or program, and what is its primary focus?
Answer: The Bridge Camp for Youth is a week long camp designed to teach kids the game of Bridge while teaching them strategy, teamwork, and having fun! We will provide pizza and beverages.
Q: How long have you been running the program? Do you have any professional accreditations or certifications?
A: This is the first year for our youth camp. The Santa Barbara Bridge Center has been in existence for 50 years. We taught a similar camp up in Seattle and it was very successful. The teacher who will be teaching the camp also taught at the Seattle Youth Bridge Camp.
Studies, including those cited by the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL), have suggested that students who play bridge show significant improvements in standardized test scores, particularly in math and science, due to the constant application of logic and data analysis.
Q: What specific goals or objectives will participants be working towards during their time at the camp?
A: The primary objective is to teach the game of bridge while fostering a fun social environment for teenagers.
We hope to get kids off their phones and learning a game that will help them with their math, memory and problem solving skills. As well, they will be working with a partner to practice communication and strategy.
Q: Can you describe the educational components integrated into your program?
A: Learning bridge is often described as “chess on steroids” because of its immense strategic depth. Beyond being a social pastime, it serves as a rigorous mental workout that develops several specific cognitive and academic skills.
Skills learned include:
1. Mathematical and statistical reasoning
2. Communication and logic
3. Strategic planning and memory
4. Soft social skills like how to work with a partner and use bridge etiquette
Q: What is the daily schedule like, including activities, meals, and rest periods?
A: The three hour program will begin with a social exercise to get kids talking and getting to know each other. The next hour and a half will be spent alternating bridge game instruction with bridge play. Each table of four will have an experienced adult mentor to help guide the play as well as the teacher who will oversee all instruction.
At the midway point we will take a break and provide pizza and beverages. The remaining time will continue with instruction and game play. The final day we will have a mock tournament to give the kids a sense of what a real bridge tournament would be like. Prizes will be awarded.
Q: What is the typical age range of campers who attend your programs?
A: The camp is targeting 6-12th grade students but will allow 4th and 5th grade students who are interested and math inclined.
Q: Do you offer full day and 1/2 day options?
A: It’s a three hour program from 5-8 pm each day.
Q: What are your policies regarding staff background checks, training, and the child-to-staff ratio? How do you ensure the safety and well-being of campers?
A: All activities will take place at the Santa Barbara Bridge Center under the careful instruction of the head teacher. An adult mentor will accompany each group of four children to help guide the instruction and play.
Every staff member that works at the camp will undergo a background check. Campers will be supervised by at least two adults at all time.
Q: What is the cost of attending your camp, and do you offer any financial assistance or scholarships?
A: $100 for the camp but scholarships are available.
Click here to learn more about Santa Barbara Bridge Center!