Once upon a time, in the wonderfully wild state of California, a troop of imaginative kids congregated under the sheltering arms of giant sequoia trees. These weren’t just your average, everyday kids. Oh no, these were the 'Cali Quill Kids', the most creative children in the whole wide world! They congregated every Saturday, and sometimes on the odd Wednesday, to participate in an enchanting writing activity that was more magical than a Disneyland roller coaster ride. Now you see, California is a state that’s as diverse as a jigsaw puzzle. It has golden beaches where the surfers ride waves like rodeo cowboys, towering forests where trees touch the clouds, buzzing cities where dreams are born, and arid deserts where cacti wear sombreros. Yes, you heard it right, in California, cacti wear sombreros! As for the Cali Quill Kids, they used this diversity as ink for their pens. Their stories were as varied as the landscape, from heroic lifeguards saving whales to talking Redwoods solving crime, each tale was as unique as a unicorn's hiccup. Leading these incredible children was Scribble, a blue octopus with a pen in each of his eight hands, who had swum all the way from the Pacific Ocean to inspire these children. Scribble was very funny. He would often forget which pen he was writing with and end up with eight different stories at once. But the Cali Quill Kids didn't mind. They loved their eight-legged, ink-squirting, story-juggling companion and knew that with Scribble around, their Saturdays (and the odd Wednesday) would never be dull.
Read morebest writing programs in Berkeley, CA

DEBUT Creative Center & Theater-Studio is a dual-language (English–Russian) program where kids explore creativity, confidence, and self-expression. From theater and dance to fencing and stage performance, children can try new activities and discover their unique talents. Small class sizes let instructors give each child personalized attention, helping them feel comfortable, supported, and confident as they learn. Kids build artistic skills while also developing social confidence, teamwork, and poise on stage and in everyday life. Our programs celebrate each child’s individuality, combining fun, hands-on experiences with a focus on personal growth—all while keeping Russian language and culture an important part of the curriculum.

At YEA Camp, we bring together an incredible group of individuals who are passionate about making a difference. Our campers learn to become effective activists and gain valuable skills to help them take action on issues they are passionate about, such as climate change, racism, LGBTQ+ rights, and animal rights. It's been an incredible journey over the past decade, and we can't wait to see what the next 10 years brings!