The week of Thanksgiving is awkward for working parents. School is out for several days, the holiday plans take up some of the time, and the kids are restless. A short soccer camp can fill the gap, and Formula Soccer Center runs a two-day Thanksgiving camp in Van Nuys. Here is what to know about the Thanksgiving camp details on the camps and events page at Formula Soccer Center in Van Nuys.
The dates and prices, as the site lists them
The site lists a Thanksgiving camp on November 25 and November 27. The price is $150 per day, or $250 for both days. Booking both days saves $50 compared with paying for each day alone.
These details come from the site at the time of writing. The site does not list daily hours, age groups or a daily plan on the page we reviewed. Confirm all of that with Formula before you commit. You can call 747-688-9668 or write to [email protected].
Packing for the day
Keep the bag simple. Players need turf-friendly shoes or indoor soccer shoes, shin guards, a water bottle and weather-ready layers. Label everything with your child's name, since a pile of identical black shorts can get confusing fast. Ask Formula whether a ball is required or provided. A light snack helps with energy, and a full breakfast before drop-off helps even more.
Arrive a few minutes early on the first day. A relaxed start gives your child time to meet the coaches and find a place to put their things.
Why a two-day camp works
Not every family wants a full week of camp, and not every family can manage one. Two days is a small commitment. It fits around travel, relatives and the long holiday weekend. A child who wants to play but is not ready for a long program can try it with little risk.
The dates fall on either side of the holiday itself. That is helpful for families who cook on the big day and still need care for the days around it. Check your own calendar, since school schedules differ across districts in the Valley.
What a short camp can and cannot do
Two days will not remake a player. It can give a child a lively break, a few new skills to practice indoor soccer fields for rent and time with friends. Soccer development is built on repetition across many weeks, so a short camp works best as a boost or a taste of something bigger. For a broader reference, Cal South, the state soccer association covers the basics.
Please do not expect a promise of results. Formula talks about tracking progress rather than guaranteeing it. Treat the camp as active, coached play, and let your child enjoy it.
What to ask before you sign up
Because the public details are thin, ask a few direct questions. These cover most of what parents need to know:
- What are the start and end times each day? Which ages and skill levels are welcome? Will players be grouped by age? Should my child bring a snack or a lunch? Can I sign up for just one of the two days?
The site's price list shows single days, so a one-day option appears to exist. Ask to be sure.
Where the camp takes place
The camp runs at the center on Calvert Street in Van Nuys. The site lists an indoor Formula turf field, outdoor field time, a FootBot training area and a gym called Formula Strength. Late November can bring cool mornings and the occasional rain, so an indoor turf field is a clear advantage. Ask which space the camp will use.
If you have never visited, book a tour and see the turf first. Seeing the place helps a nervous child feel at ease before the first day.
Other camps and clinics for school breaks
Thanksgiving is not the only break in the school year. The center lists several camp and clinic pages. Browse the full camp lineup for school breaks to see what else is offered. The site also lists summer camp for ages 6 to 13, with themed training weeks.
If your child enjoys the Thanksgiving camp, you may want more coaching during the school year. The center lists special clinics that run beyond Thanksgiving week, though the site gives little detail, so contact Formula for the current schedule.
Players who want individual attention can book FootBot private training during the break. The site lists that at $299 per hour, for an individual or a group you bring. The FootBot training system is a ball-delivery machine, and the sessions run on set weekday and Saturday windows.
Turning a camp into a routine
Some children come home from camp asking when they can go back. That is a good moment to look at regular sessions. You can compare membership plans after the Thanksgiving camp and choose what fits. The site lists Walk In at $60 per session, Once a Week at $169 per month plus a $99 setup fee, and Twice a Week at $249 per month plus the same setup fee. The monthly plans include an assessment, a data profile and priority booking.
The center runs on an online booking system. Players choose a session, pick a time, sign a waiver and pay online. You can book sessions through the online booking system once you have decided which plan to try.
Families often ask what age groups the memberships cover. The site lists groups for ages 6 to 8, 9 to 11 and 12 to 17, plus an adult group. That structure is easy to follow when siblings train at different levels, because each child can join the group that matches their age.
Families from nearby neighborhoods
The center serves Van Nuys, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Burbank and the wider Valley. Holiday traffic can be heavy, but the 101 and 405 are usually lighter on the days around Thanksgiving than on an ordinary weekday. Read about Sherman Oaks families who book Thanksgiving training if you live nearby.
If you share rides with other parents, mention it when you sign up. Friends who attend together often have a better time.
Plan ahead for the holiday
Holiday dates fill quickly, because many parents face the same problem at the same time. Do not wait until the week before. Confirm the details, pick your days and sign up while there is space. A well-planned break leaves children tired in a good way and parents calmer for the holiday dinner.