Since 2004 my daughter and I have spent a week at FVC every summer except one. We love it there. Each year she asks "when are we going back to Santa Barbara?"

Some of the things I like best about the vacation are child care, meals, and location! This is one of the few family camps that offers child care for all ages at no extra cost! When she was little and still napped and wore diapers, it was great to have a place she could be while I enjoyed some time with adults. Now that she's school aged she enjoys the kids' group activities and being with peers. The week long vacation provides just the right balance of family time and family activites versus individual time when kids are with kids group and adults can do whatever activity they desire.

Having all meals provided is a huge plus. Most meals are in the cafeteria and I must say it's a very good cafeteria with plenty of options for the picky eater. I like it because I don't have to worry about what we're doing for breakfast or lunch or dinner. No need to seek out a restaurant, unless you want, and no cooking!

Lastly, you cannot beat the location. Please keep in mind you will be staying in a college dorm room. This is not a luxury resort. It's kind of like staying in an RV or cabin. We go with several other families and have rooms near each other, so it does have that college feel, but we love it. It's friendly and familiar! And the proximity to the beach is wonderful. A short 5 minute walk and we are splashing in the waves and looking for shells.

Vacationing at FVC is a very laid back, relaxing kind of trip for us. We spend time with good friends and have quiet time on the beach. We also usually venture into town to see some of the local tourist attractions. We look forward to our next trip this summer!

Finally! A vacation that doesn't leave you feeling like you need another vacation at the end of it! I started going here when my son was 2 years old. My fussy boy was assigned his own counselor to hold and calm him until he was upset, which didn't last long with all the activities they planned- the staff was phenomenal with him and it allowed me to go off and do activities by myself. And what a list of activities they are! Kayaking, surfing, wine tasting, biking, and more! The food was great - yes, it's a college dining facility, but it's delicious food with many vegetarian options and my biggest challenge for the week was not gaining weight. This is a good vacation for both parents and kids - if you were a childless couple I don't know why you would come here unless you were in a larger family group that included kids - this place really is kid-focussed. The only downside is that the week ends, and you have to go home. I keep toying with the idea of going for 2 weeks vice 1 as a way to remedy that....

My husband and I love traveling and vacationing with our 2 kids but FVC blew everything else out of the water. We love The Grande Wailea in Hawaii and so do the kids but this was even better than that. It is a perfect blend of family time and couple time and time to relax. We went wine tasting, shopping in Santa Barbara, biking, picnicing on the beach...We swam, we roasted marshmallows and took photos on the beach. There were sing a-longs, skits, derby car races and so much more. My husband and I enjoyed cocktail parties and silly college type fun while are kids had fun with their camp friends. Our whole family votes this the best vacation every year. This year our kids are 8 & 9 and it will be our 3rd year at FVC. It is such an easy vacation because everything is planned and prepared. All you have to do is show up ready to have lots of drinks, food and fun.

The staff is great!! We've been there for 3 years now and will be there for year 4. Our son hasn't been happy to leave mom, dad and sister to go to his group but the staff was able take him and he ended up having a great time!!

The reptile show added this past summer was a great addition. The kids of all ages enjoyed it.

Our favorite planning event is what Derby Car the kids are going to make. We aren't in it for speed but creativity. We started it early in the week and was able to finish it without be rushed. The staff in the craft hut doing the derby car cutting are amazing!!

Looking forward to this summer!!