Camp CLUE (California Lutheran University Explorers) is a K–8 summer day camp at California Lutheran University that blends hands-on learning with classic camp fun in a supportive, university-based setting. Designed around “Discovery Through Exploration,” each one-week session invites campers to dive into new ideas, build friendships, and develop confidence while experiencing life on a real college campus.
Located in Thousand Oaks on Cal Lutheran’s scenic campus, Camp CLUE gives children access to university classrooms, labs, and athletic facilities, creating an inspiring backdrop for summer learning and play.
Campers are grouped by grade level—Little Lu’s (Kindergarten), Explorers (1–2), Adventurers (3–4), Innovators (5–6), and Leaders (7–8)—ensuring that activities are age-appropriate, engaging, and tailored to their developmental needs.
Programming is purpose-driven and rooted in the mission and values of California Lutheran University, with a focus on curiosity, creativity, leadership, and a genuine love of learning. Each week features a unifying theme and five “Days of Discovery,” where campers explore topics like careers, innovation, digital media, entrepreneurship, and more through interactive projects, collaborative challenges, and playful learning experiences.
Younger campers experience a “Careers Week” model, stepping into roles such as scientists, storytellers, innovators, and community helpers across five themed days. Through activities in creative arts, STEM, digital media, active living, and leadership, they build foundational skills, broaden their understanding of the world of work, and strengthen their sense of purpose in a fun, developmentally appropriate way.
Older campers (Innovators and Leaders) choose from specialized focus areas aligned with their interests. In the NextGen Lab STEM track, students collaborate, experiment, and engineer solutions to real-world problems, culminating in an end-of-week science fair where they showcase their projects and discoveries. In the Digital Story Studio track, campers use cameras, consoles, and creative tools to produce media projects and share their work at a Creative Showcase. A business and entrepreneurship option, “Create! Lead! Launch!,” invites kids to identify real problems, design solutions, and pitch their ideas in a kid-friendly “Shark Tank”–style showcase for peers and families.
Camp CLUE is led by enthusiastic counselors who are aspiring teachers and Cal Lutheran student-athletes, bringing energy, mentorship, and positive role modeling to every group. This staffing model gives campers daily contact with future educators who are practicing leadership, building relationships, and prioritizing camper wellbeing and inclusion.
Families can register for one week or multiple themed sessions across the summer, giving campers the chance to return, try different focus areas, and continue building skills over time. With its blend of exploration, academic enrichment, and camp traditions, Camp CLUE delivers a summer experience that is fun, future-focused, and firmly rooted in the values of California Lutheran University.
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