Sometimes it's better to hear it from someone else. Read what actual students and parents have to say about our summer camps and programs.
"My daughter did the acting camp at SOCAPA in 2024 and she loves it so much she is going back again! She loved being around like minded peers in a safe and creative environment. She forged beautiful fr... read on google"
"My daughter did the acting camp at SOCAPA in 2024 and she loves it so much she is going back again! She loved being around like minded peers in a safe and creative environment. She forged beautiful friendships that will last a lifetime and had a blast overall. Best summer camp experience ever!!!!"
"Last year my son attended SOCAPA for the first time. He was a senior in high school and had not ever done anything like this before. He has a love for photography and film and so he was brave and sign... read on google"
"Last year my son attended SOCAPA for the first time. He was a senior in high school and had not ever done anything like this before. He has a love for photography and film and so he was brave and signed up for the two-week photography program. When I picked him up at the airport, I could see right away in his eyes that he was changed. Changed in an amazing way. He had one of the most profound experiences of his life! For days and weeks he would talk about it. The friends he made, the places he got to see, and the life lessons he learned. It was one of the best decisions he had ever made for himself. I am proud of him and thankful for SOCAPA. He will be returning again this year!"
"I literally found SOCAPA by Googling “summer camp for kids who don’t like camp.” It turned out to be a great fit for our art-oriented son who was very interested in film and wanted to explore fi... read on google"
"I literally found SOCAPA by Googling “summer camp for kids who don’t like camp.” It turned out to be a great fit for our art-oriented son who was very interested in film and wanted to explore filmmaking. He started with the virtual screenwriting program and enjoyed that enough to try the 3-week basic filmmaking summer program in LA. He had a great experience! He learned a lot about filmmaking and confirmed his desire to pursue it in college, met some new friends with interests similar to his, and loved the campus and LA scene. We were glad to find a summer experience for him that he could truly enjoy. We also love that it gave him an opportunity to “try out” his intended college program and experience a slice of college life prior to applying to colleges."
"There are not enough good things I can say about my daughter’s experience at the 2 week Socapa LA acting camp. She arrived timid and nervous and left camp larger than life with a newfound excitement... read on google"
"There are not enough good things I can say about my daughter’s experience at the 2 week Socapa LA acting camp. She arrived timid and nervous and left camp larger than life with a newfound excitement for her craft and deep friendships. The shorts created while there are something we both treasure. I love witnessing her growth and stretching beyond her comfort zones. This experience was so positive that she has begged me to return this coming summer."
"My daughter had the most wonderful time at the California SOCAPA location! She learned so many valuable skills, and just as importantly she gained lifelong friends. The experience she had out West was... read on google"
"My daughter had the most wonderful time at the California SOCAPA location! She learned so many valuable skills, and just as importantly she gained lifelong friends. The experience she had out West was so fantastic that she plans to expand her horizons even more by attending the SOCAPA New York campus this summer. I would highly recommend SOCAPA to any parent whose child is interested in film!"
"SOCAPA has been one of the best experiences I have ever had. I learned so much and had such a great time. I have grown so much as a dancer and I owe so much to SOCAPA. I recommend SOCAPA for all types... read on google"
"SOCAPA has been one of the best experiences I have ever had. I learned so much and had such a great time. I have grown so much as a dancer and I owe so much to SOCAPA. I recommend SOCAPA for all types of performers. A+!!!"
"Both of my sons have attended filmmaking camps there for more than one summer. They returned on their own initiative. The program is organized, well-run, professional, and responsive. The staff and in... read on facebook"
"Both of my sons have attended filmmaking camps there for more than one summer. They returned on their own initiative. The program is organized, well-run, professional, and responsive. The staff and instructors were nurturing, encouraging, talented and inspiring. We have attended more than one showcase and been highly impressed by the caliber of the students' work and their obvious enthusiasm and delight at being together as part of the camp experience. Bonds were definitely formed among them. My sons continue to be in touch with their SOCAPA friends. My oldest son was inspired to apply to film school as a result of his SOCAPA experience. A SOCAPA instructor wrote him a recommendation, and he will be attending a university film school in the fall! I would definitely recommend sending your children to this camp."
"I had just graduated from my middle school and my mom signed me up for a one week film camp in California because I am super into that stuff. I showed up and was immediately met with open arms and lov... read on google"
"I had just graduated from my middle school and my mom signed me up for a one week film camp in California because I am super into that stuff. I showed up and was immediately met with open arms and love from the entire staff and student body. The lessons were engaging and absolutely fascinating. I was able to transform a passion for movies and making videos into understanding the process of filmmaking in a very real way. But beyond what I learned, and I learned a hell of a lot, I made friends that I still talk to after two years. After the camp ended, we would group Skype all the time. The bonds and relationships you will make at this camp are astonishing and everlasting. The next year I did the two week camp and met who I would consider some of the best friends I have ever had. I am going to SOCAPA this summer for three weeks this time and I am beyond excited for what’s to come. This place is amazing, please trust me."
"Our 16 yr old daughter Katherine attended the 2-week Core Acting program in LA. She had heard about SOCAPA from a friend who had attended the dance camp in NY the year prior. Not only did she have a g... read on facebook"
"Our 16 yr old daughter Katherine attended the 2-week Core Acting program in LA. She had heard about SOCAPA from a friend who had attended the dance camp in NY the year prior. Not only did she have a great experience at camp she met people from all around the world. The camp broadened her acting skills and gave her a better understanding of how to work in front of a camera as well as with a production team. Not to mention the great excursions into LA. She enjoyed the experience so much she is hoping to return in 2019 for the 3 week course."
"The SOCAPA program provided a wonderful experience for my stepson. Although he enrolled at the last minute, SOCAPA extended itself in making accommodations for him. He was able to join two classes, sc... read on google"
"The SOCAPA program provided a wonderful experience for my stepson. Although he enrolled at the last minute, SOCAPA extended itself in making accommodations for him. He was able to join two classes, screenwriting and filmmaking, and also participate as an actor in three of the projects. I was impressed by the seriousness and quality of the instruction, the support to the students that the instructors gave, and the diversity of the program itself, which included acting, filmmaking, and photography. Different students participated in different parts of the program, but the mix made the whole greater than the parts. The fact that there were young people from all over the US as well as from abroad added another very positive dimension to the program. There was great camaraderie, and my stepson made many friends from all over the world. He is still in touch with many of them. Although he was a day student, I saw enough through his eyes to know that the students in the residential program were well taken care of in terms of safety — while giving them enough freedom to have fun. All in all SOCAPA provided a high quality learning experience and a great summer."
"SOCAPA is the greatest arts experience that a teenager can have! They provide a welcoming and fun environment for all students. For anyone who has an interest in the arts, SOCAPA has the perfect progr... read on google"
"SOCAPA is the greatest arts experience that a teenager can have! They provide a welcoming and fun environment for all students. For anyone who has an interest in the arts, SOCAPA has the perfect program for you! Taking classes and learning more about photography really taught me who I am as a photographer and how to be even better. The teachers are all amazingly supportive and provide all the tools for you to be the best you can and think creatively. Making friends here is an extraordinary experience because everyone thats here are creative arts students from all over the world who help to build each other up and create a place to thrive. I will never regret my experience at SOCAPA, and there is nothing that can compare to it. If you are on the edge about whether or not to go, know that the greatest summer of your life is waiting for you here."
"Honestly such an incredible experience. I've gone to SOCAPA for about 5 years and it is one of the most welcoming places. It's a place were you can get away from any problems you have and just be your... read on google"
"Honestly such an incredible experience. I've gone to SOCAPA for about 5 years and it is one of the most welcoming places. It's a place were you can get away from any problems you have and just be yourself. I've made some of my best friends at this camp and still keep in touch with most of them today. I've learned an extreme amount at this camp. I found my style at this camp. I've been given opportunity at this camp. I found my dream at this camp. Anytime someone asks me about any good film programs I send them in the direction of SOCAPA because I honestly can't think of a bad experience, from the 5 years that I have, had at the camp. This past summer I interned at the camp and even as an intern I managed to make a film and help other students on theirs. This camp taught me about film festivals and how to get my name out there. All my success in the film industry I owe to SOCAPA and all the wonderful people that come out from it. If you are considering if SOCAPA is worth it? Take my word for it, IT IS."
"I was at the NYU campus in Brooklyn this summer and I absolutely loved everything about being at this camp. I was in the photography program- the teachers are awesome. The atmosphere that you're in is... read on facebook"
"I was at the NYU campus in Brooklyn this summer and I absolutely loved everything about being at this camp. I was in the photography program- the teachers are awesome. The atmosphere that you're in is great and you get to meet the best people. I do recommend this camp to anyone who's interested and is serious about being in the arts."
"My son participated in this program the last two summers. It was OUTSTANDING. Excellent instruction, hands-on learning, in a very professional setting. This is the best program of its kind we have eve... read on facebook"
"My son participated in this program the last two summers. It was OUTSTANDING. Excellent instruction, hands-on learning, in a very professional setting. This is the best program of its kind we have ever encountered. My family highly recommends SOCAPA!"
"Our son is interested in filmmaking and screenwriting and aspires to someday direct. He thoroughly enjoyed his experience last summer at Socapa LA and found it beneficial on many levels. It was ... read on google"
"Our son is interested in filmmaking and screenwriting and aspires to someday direct. He thoroughly enjoyed his experience last summer at Socapa LA and found it beneficial on many levels. It was an engaging setting for him and validated his interest in the entertainment industry. I believe this to be a great environment to further develop skillsets and help a young person determine if they do wish to pursue this path."
"Socapa was the best experience ever! I got to meet so many new friends and I got to learn more about music theary! I love how they do a mix of music, dance, acting, filmaking, and photography! I love ... read on google"
"Socapa was the best experience ever! I got to meet so many new friends and I got to learn more about music theary! I love how they do a mix of music, dance, acting, filmaking, and photography! I love Socapa and thats why im going back next year!"
"The best time of my life!!! It was so fun!... read on google"
"The best time of my life!!! It was so fun!"
"I did the 2-week core filmmaking program last year in the LA campus, and I had the time of my life! I learned so much from incredible teachers who are actually in the film industry, which is even bett... read on google"
"I did the 2-week core filmmaking program last year in the LA campus, and I had the time of my life! I learned so much from incredible teachers who are actually in the film industry, which is even better that just having amazing teachers because they can give even better advice because of their experiences. I met amazing people who were just as passionate and interested in film as me, which created such an amazing atmosphere, and I still talk to them all the time. I've done other film camps before, but I definitely enjoyed this one the most, because I could tell that both the other kids and the instructors really wanted to be there and get the most out of it that they could. I loved it so much that I'm coming back this summer to do the screenwriting program in Manhattan!"
"My son attended the SOCAPA Core Filmmaking camp in Los Angeles last summer and learned SO much. He came home even more excited about producing films and honed his skills in writing, editing, shooting,... read on facebook"
"My son attended the SOCAPA Core Filmmaking camp in Los Angeles last summer and learned SO much. He came home even more excited about producing films and honed his skills in writing, editing, shooting, sound and overall production. The staff were very supportive and trustworthy. This summer, he had several choices of film camps to attend and decided that SOCAPA is THE best and only place for him. We are sending him to the NYC program this year and feel confident that SOCAPA is preparing him for a future creating what he loves. Not to mention, preparing him to apply to the competitive University film programs! Three weeks at SOCAPA will provide him with 3 new completed film projects of high caliber for his resume, plus valuable experience working with like-minded and inspiring new friends."
"Excellent program! Our daughter learned so much during her time there and made many wonderful connections which continue today. She participated for three summers during high school and was recently a... read on google"
"Excellent program! Our daughter learned so much during her time there and made many wonderful connections which continue today. She participated for three summers during high school and was recently accepted to her dream college for film production. This program is well worth the money, and I can not recommend it enough!! Thank you SOCAPA!!!"
"My son has been attending SOCAPA since the summer before his 9th grade year and he will be attending again this year going into his senior year. He has gained incredible skills, met life-long friends,... read on google"
"My son has been attending SOCAPA since the summer before his 9th grade year and he will be attending again this year going into his senior year. He has gained incredible skills, met life-long friends, and loved every minute of the independence and education he has received."
"Had a blast at SOCAPA LA last summer! I had been doing video productions for four years but had never done scripted shorts. SOCAPA's Core Filmmaking taught me a lot about how to write, direct, shoot, ... read on facebook"
"Had a blast at SOCAPA LA last summer! I had been doing video productions for four years but had never done scripted shorts. SOCAPA's Core Filmmaking taught me a lot about how to write, direct, shoot, and edit short films. I had a lot of fun and made many great friends in the process. All of the staff members in LA were very friendly. The campus ended up feeling like a giant family by the end of the three weeks and I still keep in touch with many of my classmates. Can't wait to do the Advanced Filmmaking course this summer in New York"
"My 15yr daughter attended the 1 week dance intensive last year. The dancing was incredible and all of the kids became great friends. They mix the different talents up in the rooming assignments, which... read on facebook"
"My 15yr daughter attended the 1 week dance intensive last year. The dancing was incredible and all of the kids became great friends. They mix the different talents up in the rooming assignments, which allows all of the groups to interact. Finally the evening activities really allowed the kids to experience NYC. We have already reserved a spot for the 2019 camp!"
"I highly recommend going to SOCAPA ! I have been to many programs in order to improve my dancing skills, but I have to say that this camp compares to none when it comes to its professionalism and abil... read on facebook"
"I highly recommend going to SOCAPA ! I have been to many programs in order to improve my dancing skills, but I have to say that this camp compares to none when it comes to its professionalism and ability to inspire youths in what they are passionate in. I have gained a lot from going to SOCAPA and I recommend to anyone who is interested in the performing arts to attend this camp."
"My daughter attended SOCAPA for their music program last summer. She was so inspired by the experience that she has now taken up playing another instrument! She already played piano, bass guitar, uk... read on google"
"My daughter attended SOCAPA for their music program last summer. She was so inspired by the experience that she has now taken up playing another instrument! She already played piano, bass guitar, ukulele and sang. Now she has started learning to play guitar as well! She came back from the camp saying, "this was the best experience of my life"! Can't beat that!"
"My daughter went to core acting in 2018 and loved it. I was amazed when I saw her in the final showcase. Her acting was believable and emotionally charged. She had so much fun while learning a lot,... read on google"
"My daughter went to core acting in 2018 and loved it. I was amazed when I saw her in the final showcase. Her acting was believable and emotionally charged. She had so much fun while learning a lot, and making very close friends. She'll be back for the advanced course!"
"My son took one of the filmmaking classes and not only learned a tremendous amount about the end-to-end filmmaking process, but also had a great time with the other students. Additionally, I can not s... read on google"
"My son took one of the filmmaking classes and not only learned a tremendous amount about the end-to-end filmmaking process, but also had a great time with the other students. Additionally, I can not say enough positive things about the staff! They were exceptionally attentive to needs of both the students and the parents. My son will be returning to the camp again next year. I can not recommend SOCPA's programs highly enough."
"Had lots of fun at the acting program in LA going back in New York this summer!... read on google"
"Had lots of fun at the acting program in LA going back in New York this summer!"
"The Dance Program was so awesome! This year we are taking the Photography session! Can't wait it is a great place to attend camp in the summer. Excellent campus and fun people!... read on google"
"The Dance Program was so awesome! This year we are taking the Photography session! Can't wait it is a great place to attend camp in the summer. Excellent campus and fun people!"
"My daughter (14 at the time) went to LA from NJ for this camp for three weeks last summer and loved it. She did the film camp and the things that she was exposed to were amazing. The films she made,... read on google"
"My daughter (14 at the time) went to LA from NJ for this camp for three weeks last summer and loved it. She did the film camp and the things that she was exposed to were amazing. The films she made, remarkable. She’s going back to the advanced camp this summer - and attending their winter program in NYC starting next week. Great program!"
"My daughter had a great experience at this camp. The Los Angeles location was in a beautiful neighborhood and the campus was gorgeous. The structure for the class time and activities was put together ... read on google"
"My daughter had a great experience at this camp. The Los Angeles location was in a beautiful neighborhood and the campus was gorgeous. The structure for the class time and activities was put together perfectly. She is now going to be graduating high school and looking forward to attending advanced classes at the New York location."
"I've been to SOCAPA 3 summers in a row and I'm greatly looking forward to returning this year as an intern. The atmosphere is friendly and encouraging, and the students and staff are passionate and in... read on google"
"I've been to SOCAPA 3 summers in a row and I'm greatly looking forward to returning this year as an intern. The atmosphere is friendly and encouraging, and the students and staff are passionate and inspiring!"
"I went to SOCAPA last summer, and I will be returning again this year. The experience I had last year was unbelievable, it revealed in me a real passion for film. In the Filmmaking course I took, I wa... read on google"
"I went to SOCAPA last summer, and I will be returning again this year. The experience I had last year was unbelievable, it revealed in me a real passion for film. In the Filmmaking course I took, I was surrounded with smart students, friends, and teachers. This allowed me to make three films in three weeks, and each got more powerful than the previous one, while at the same time being all very different. I recommend SOCAPA to anyone who wants an enlightening experience."
"I went to Socapa as young as I could and had a great time. The food is great and occidental college has a great cafeteria. The evening activities were great and came with a lot of freedom to walk arou... read on google"
"I went to Socapa as young as I could and had a great time. The food is great and occidental college has a great cafeteria. The evening activities were great and came with a lot of freedom to walk around with friends. The classes were very fun and have a bunch of good tips and tricks as well as choreography in them. I definitely recommend Socapa to everyone, it is very inclusive and an overall great experience"
"My 13 year old son grew tremendously as an actor in a short amount of time. His teachers were incredibly inspiring and before the session was over, he was begging to return next summer.... read on google"
"My 13 year old son grew tremendously as an actor in a short amount of time. His teachers were incredibly inspiring and before the session was over, he was begging to return next summer."
"Ceylan had a fantastic experience at SOCAPA -- LA 2018. She's eager to return next summer for three weeks rather than two!... read on google"
"Ceylan had a fantastic experience at SOCAPA -- LA 2018. She's eager to return next summer for three weeks rather than two!"
"I attended SOCAPA 2018 in Los Angeles in August. I went in not having confidence and had no idea what I wanted to do musically. I met so many new and amazing friends at SOCAPA, and it was so life-chan... read on facebook"
"I attended SOCAPA 2018 in Los Angeles in August. I went in not having confidence and had no idea what I wanted to do musically. I met so many new and amazing friends at SOCAPA, and it was so life-changing. I want to thank the SOCAPA counselors and I know I'm definitely going next year!!!?"
"My daughter was so inspired by this music camp that she began playing another instrument -- in addition to piano, bass guitar, ukulele, and singing -- she started playing guitar! She came home from ca... read on facebook"
"My daughter was so inspired by this music camp that she began playing another instrument -- in addition to piano, bass guitar, ukulele, and singing -- she started playing guitar! She came home from camp saying, "this was the best experience of my life!" Can't beat that!"
"This has been transformative for my son, Dylan, who is 13 years old, and wants to be a movie director. He did one week in 2018 and was so sad to see it end, so he is doing 2-3 weeks in 2019 !... read on facebook"
"This has been transformative for my son, Dylan, who is 13 years old, and wants to be a movie director. He did one week in 2018 and was so sad to see it end, so he is doing 2-3 weeks in 2019 !"
"My 14-year-old daughter attended SOCAPA and she absolutely loved it! I only heard positive things about her experience. She came home with a new sense of self, new friends and a new energy for her pas... read on facebook"
"My 14-year-old daughter attended SOCAPA and she absolutely loved it! I only heard positive things about her experience. She came home with a new sense of self, new friends and a new energy for her passions."
"My 13 year old attended the two week acting program at SOCAPA Los Angeles. I was incredibly impressed with what the kids produced in that amount of time. He was extremely busy "working" and learning d... read on facebook"
"My 13 year old attended the two week acting program at SOCAPA Los Angeles. I was incredibly impressed with what the kids produced in that amount of time. He was extremely busy "working" and learning during the days and having fun with new friends and program counselors in the evenings. From the written feedback given to me at the end of the program, it was clear that the teachers got to know my son very well and identified his strengths. It was a serious acting program in which a tremendous amount of teaching and work occurred in a short amount of time. Before we even left campus, my son was begging for my promise that he could return next year."
"My son loved the core film making camp and is so excited to attend the advanced program this summer! I highly recommend this camp.... read on google"
"My son loved the core film making camp and is so excited to attend the advanced program this summer! I highly recommend this camp."
"I had such an awesome at time at SOCAPA. It was great to be surrounded by so many amazing people who shared my passion for acting. At first I was a bit unsure as I'm not a particularly social person b... read on google"
"I had such an awesome at time at SOCAPA. It was great to be surrounded by so many amazing people who shared my passion for acting. At first I was a bit unsure as I'm not a particularly social person but the moment I arrived all my doubts vanished. I highly recommend it to everyone. I learned so much from the experience and it was easily one of the highlights of my summer."
"I went to SOCAPA for film and I thought it was a great program for those who really have a passion for film. I was able to learn many important things including how to edit using Premiere what the lin... read on google"
"I went to SOCAPA for film and I thought it was a great program for those who really have a passion for film. I was able to learn many important things including how to edit using Premiere what the lingo is for directing and how to use a camera. During the camp I made three films from start to finish which was a great learning experience. I started by writing a script, then I directed group of people in making the film, and finally I edited the final part. SOCAPA was a great experience."