Premium Adventure Camp for Teens in Santa Cruz, Portugal

Course Description: Premium Adventure Camp for Teens in Santa Cruz, Portugal

The Adventure Programme is a dynamic and action-packed experience designed for campers who love the outdoors. This challenging programme introduces participants to a thrilling range of land-based adventures and water sports, set against the dramatic coastal landscapes of Santa Cruz.

Surrounded by pine forests, cliffside trails, sandy beaches, and lagoons, campers develop essential outdoor skills while building confidence, resilience, and teamwork — all while sharing memorable experiences with new friends 🌍.

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Programme Overview �*

Campers participate in approximately 3 hours of adventure activities each weekday, usually in the mornings.

Activities alternate between:

• 🌊 Beach & water-based experiences

• 🌲 Inland sports & outdoor challenges

This structure ensures variety, progression, and a well-balanced outdoor experience.

The nearest beach is just a 15-minute walk from camp, and the stunning Óbidos Lagoon, ideal for water sports, is only a short drive away.

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Inland Sports & Outdoor Activities 🌲🧗‍♂️

The region offers exceptional natural terrain and dedicated outdoor activity centres. Campers may take part in:

• Rock climbing 🧗

• Hiking 🥾

• Mountain biking (trails start directly from camp) 🚵

• High ropes course 🌉

• Nature trails 🌿

• Orienteering 🧭

• Outdoor survival skills 🔥

• Cave exploration & speleology 🕳️

• Paintball 🎯

These activities strengthen:

• Physical endurance

• Problem-solving skills

• Environmental awareness

• Teamwork and leadership

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Water Sports & Seaside Activities 🌊🏄‍♂️

Santa Cruz’s coastline and lagoon provide ideal conditions for a wide variety of water-based experiences:

• Intro to surfing 🏄

• Paddle boarding

• Body boarding

• Sailing ⛵

• Windsurfing 🌬️

• Kayaking 🚣

• Beach volleyball 🏐

Adventure campers may also join surf participants for selected beach-based sessions, encouraging collaboration across programmes.

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Skill Development �*

The programme focuses on teaching campers how to safely and responsibly enjoy outdoor environments while building:

• Outdoor safety awareness

• Confidence in natural settings

• Risk assessment skills

• Cooperation and leadership

• Respect for the environment

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The Experience �*

This all-action programme is ideal for campers who enjoy variety, movement, and exploration. With access to forests, cliffs, beaches, lagoons, and purpose-built adventure facilities, each day offers something new.

It’s a summer built on energy, teamwork, and unforgettable outdoor adventure.

Santa Cruz Summer Camp

Santa Cruz, Portugal 🌊☀️

Location & Setting

Located on the breathtaking west coast of Portugal, Santa Cruz is a vibrant seaside resort known for its golden beaches, dramatic coastal cliffs, and lively promenade lined with cafés, restaurants, and charming local shops.

Just one hour from Lisbon, the camp residence is situated only 15 minutes’ walk from the town centre and beach, offering the perfect balance of adventure, independence, and relaxation.

The Santa Cruz coastline is internationally recognised as one of the world’s premier surfing destinations, hosting global surf competitions each year. With consistent Atlantic waves and stunning scenery, it provides an exceptional natural playground for an unforgettable summer 🌍.

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Accommodation �*

The residence is newly constructed and exclusively contracted for the summer programme.

Features:

• Apartments accommodating 4–6 campers

• Full en-suite facilities

• Spacious and modern interiors

• 15-minute walk to beaches and town centre

On-Site Facilities:

• Large private swimming pool 🏊

• Games court

• Fenced grass gardens

• Two dedicated activity rooms

• Common rooms for relaxation

During supervised free time, campers visit local cafés and shops in small groups. Younger campers are always accompanied by counsellors.

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Meals 🍽️

Campers enjoy three nutritious meals daily, designed to support active, growing teenagers.

Highlights:

• Fresh salad bar at every meal

• Breakfast options: cereals, pastries, fruit and more

• Second helpings always available

• Packed lunches on excursion days

Most dietary requirements can be accommodated (advance notice required).

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Facilities Overview �*

Residence Facilities:

• Swimming pool

• Games court

• Dining rooms

• Grassed gardens

• Common rooms

• Games equipment

Santa Cruz Town:

• Beaches 🏖️

• Shops & cafés

• Restaurants

• Beach volleyball

• Museums

Outdoor Areas Nearby:

• Hiking trails

• Mountain biking routes

• Adventure trails

• Unspoiled forest areas

• Watersports centre

• Activity centres

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Camp Organisation �*

Daily Structure (Monday–Friday)

*� Mornings

• 07:30 – Wake Up

• 08:00 – Breakfast

• 09:00 – 10:30 – Specialty Programme (Period A)

• 10:45 – 12:15 – Specialty Programme (Period B)

☀️ Afternoons

• 12:15 – Lunch

• 13:30 – All Camp Meeting

• 14:00 – 15:30 – Sign-up Activities (Period C)

• 15:45 – 17:15 – Sign-up Activities (Period D)

• 17:15 – 18:15 – Free Time

*� Evenings

• 18:15 – Dinner

• 19:30 – 21:30 – Evening Programme

• 22:00 – Lights Out (Ages 10–12)

• 22:30 – Lights Out (Ages 13–14)

• 23:00 – Lights Out (Ages 15+)

Saturday

Excursion Day 🚌

Sunday

Late wake-up and relaxed morning

(Schedule subject to change.)

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Supervision & Safety 🛡️

• Average staff-to-camper ratio: 1:6

• Counsellors aged approximately 21–35

• International staff team

• Pre-camp training for all counsellors

• 24/7 supervision

• Strong focus on wellbeing and safety

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Evening Activities �*

Evenings are imaginative, energetic, and community-building.

Highlights include:

• 🎭 Carnival Night

• 🌍 International Night

• 🎬 Movie Night

• 🌲 Forest Games (“Capture the Flag”)

• 🔥 Beach Campfire

• 🏖️ Beach Olympics

• 🍽️ Special Farewell Dinner

• 🏆 Sand Creation Competition

• 💃 Final Disco & Presentations

Some evenings are organised by age group, others bring the entire camp together.

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Excursions �*

Excursions combine culture, adventure, and fun. Admission fees are included.

Highlights over the two-week session include:

• 🏰 Óbidos (UNESCO medieval village)

• 🌊 Óbidos Lagoon (water sports & picnic)

• 🐬 Dolphin Watching (Sado Dolphins by catamaran)

• 🏛️ Lisbon (Oceanarium, Interactive Science Museum, monuments)

Free time for shopping and exploring in supervised small groups is included.

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Travel Information ✈️

Arrival & Departure Form

Parents must complete the travel form in the parent portal by May 1st.

Airport Transfers

• Lisbon Airport

• Operating hours: 09:00–19:00

• One way: EUR 75

• Return: EUR 150

Children arriving early or departing late require prior approval.

Supplement: CHF 215 / EUR 150 per night.

Not available before the first session or after the final session.

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Mobile Phone Policy �*

Camp is designed to foster independence, friendship, and real-world interaction.

Policy Overview:

• Mobile phones are discouraged

• Camp is not responsible for loss or damage

• Devices must be handed in upon arrival

• Phones are allowed during official daily free time only

• Further guidelines explained on arrival

• Abuse of policy results in confiscation

The aim is to:

• Reduce homesickness

• Encourage independence

• Prevent cyberbullying

• Protect privacy

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Why Santa Cruz? 🌊✨

• International community

• Safe and structured environment

• Balance of independence and supervision

• Outdoor adventure & cultural exposure

• Stunning Atlantic coastal setting

Santa Cruz offers a rare combination of surf, sunshine, adventure, and cultural discovery — creating a summer experience that is active, international, and unforgettable.