Since 2010, we have hosted over two thousand international students in our unique short-term educational programs (camps). They create lasting cross-cultural friendships and positive impact in the students’ lives. These programs go beyond providing rich cultural experiences, academic enrichment, and English lessons—they often transform lives! Many students return home with renewed dedication to their studies, greater kindness toward family and friends, and a more positive outlook on life.
What makes these programs so impactful? Our success is driven by a team of dedicated and experienced faculty, counselors, and youth mentors. In all our camps, international students stay with carefully selected, loving American host families, immersing themselves in American culture in a personal and meaningful way. Additionally, we engage American youth as buddies and mentors, fostering close collaboration with international students on various projects. This dynamic exchange allows American youth to develop leadership and cultural awareness while international students gain confidence in English through practical, everyday interactions.
Our collaborative projects range from community performances and sports competitions to comedy skits, wilderness survival experiences, and problem-based leadership training. These hands-on activities create unforgettable learning experiences that build character, communication skills, and lifelong friendships.
We offer a diverse range of camps in multiple locations across Utah and California. Here are just a few examples:
ESL Camps
These camps provide intensive ESL (English as a Second Language) training, ensuring that students gain practical language skills in an engaging and immersive environment. Each morning, students participate in ESL classes focused on real-world topics, and in the afternoon, they apply their newly acquired knowledge in hands-on, real-life settings.
For example, a lesson on shopping may cover essential vocabulary, common questions, the best places to find bargains, and proper etiquette for shopping in America. Afterward, students will visit an outlet mall, where they can put their learning into practice. Similarly, a lesson on U.S. government might be followed by a visit to the state capitol, including a discussion with a local government leader.
Additional lessons may cover topics such as U.S. sports, American cooking, local geology, and pioneer history. Beyond the classroom, students will enjoy a variety of excursions and activities, including trips to water parks, amusement parks, and other exciting destinations. These experiences not only enhance language skills but also create lasting memories and meaningful cultural exchanges.
Theatre-based Camps
The stage can be an incredibly powerful platform for international students to learn both language and culture. Through performance, students are gently pushed beyond their comfort zones, engaging in meaningful collaboration with native English speakers to create and present a production. This process immerses them in real-world language use while fostering confidence and creativity.
By participating in stage performances, students develop essential skills such as public speaking, posture, pronunciation (as clarity is key to being understood), and even familiarity with popular American songs. The close teamwork required to prepare for a performance often leads to deep, lasting friendships between international students and their American buddies.
This approach is grounded in strong educational theories, including drama and music for language acquisition, the emotional foundation of language learning, multiple intelligences, and AVK (Audio, Visual, and Kinesthetic) learning. In fact, Dr. Peter Chan and Ms. Mindy Young introduced this innovative methodology, known as the Theatrical Approach to Language Learning, at the TESOL International Convention and Language Expo in 2013, where their session drew nearly a hundred scholars from around the world. Ms. Young further championed this transformative pedagogy in her TEDx talk in 2014, emphasizing its effectiveness in immersive language learning.
Leadership Camps
Camps focused on leadership development employ a variety of dynamic methods to help students explore and practice the core principles of leadership. Past participants have described these experiences as inspiring, uplifting, and truly unique compared to any other educational programs they’ve attended.
We engage experienced trainers who excel at motivating students and equipping them with practical tools to apply leadership principles in real-life situations. These camps foster self-confidence, critical thinking, and collaboration, empowering students to become impactful leaders in their communities and beyond.
Wilderness Camps
International students absolutely love the wilderness camps in America, as they offer a refreshing contrast to their living environments back home. These camps provide an incredible opportunity to explore the pristine beauty of America’s national parks while learning engaging games, discovering cultural artifacts, and acquiring essential survival skills that foster a deeper appreciation for nature and the simplicity of life.
Without cell phones or electronic distractions, students often experience the joy of genuine human connection for the first time, learning to communicate and bond in meaningful ways. They also take part in daily chores, gaining hands-on experience in tasks necessary for providing life’s essentials. These camps not only cultivate self-reliance and teamwork but also create unforgettable memories of the great outdoors.
Customized Camps
We have the ability to customize camps to meet the specific needs of various groups. Whether designed for elementary, secondary, or college-level learners, our programs can be tailored to provide the most effective and engaging experience.
For corporate learning experiences, we collaborate closely with our clients to design a fully customized program. This includes inviting world-renowned experts to provide high-impact training, ensuring that adult learners gain valuable insights and practical skills tailored to their professional development goals.