Bullying Prevention Depends on Parents, Coaches
JUNE 2024
How to Pick the Best Camp for Your Child
WHICH TYPE OF CAMP WOULD BEST SUIT YOUR CHILD?
SENDING TEENS TO SUMMER CAMP IS YOUR CHILD READY FOR OVERNIGHT CAMP?
GRADES 2–12
In-Person Classes for Math, Science, and Language Arts
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The School of the Madeleine is a vibrant, inclusive, K-8 Catholic school in Berkeley. We are dedicated to the education of the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. Our leadership is committed to academic excellence, spiritual development, and social justice.
is a vibrant, inclusive, K-8 Catholic school in Berkeley. For 85 years, we have delivered a high-quality, values-based education. Our school follows the four Dominican Pillars of Faith, Study, Community, and Service.
We believe that every student is exceptional, and in the tradition of Catholic education, our mission is to help them become lifelong learners and compassionate citizens who care for one another. We welcome every family with open arms and invite you to learn more about our community.
In addition to our strong academic program, we offer music, band, Spanish, art, 1:1 iPads, tech lab, partner teachers, learning support, and after-care program.
Come see what we are all about! www.themadeleine.com
The
For a long time, traveling with my autistic son was a traumatic experience for the whole family. My anxiety was through the roof! Many times, we almost cancelled the trip because it just wasn’t worth it! The tantrums, the screaming, the sabotage of all of my packing and planning, made me ask myself, why go? Before we had children my husband and I loved to travel the world. Giving it up would be a big loss for us. After one particular 12-hour flight, when my then 18-month-old
son screamed and cried for 11 hours of it, I was ready to quit travel until my son got older. As a family and adding another child we figured out what worked for us. Over time, I’ve learned some tricks that really help, and I’d love to share them hoping you can find a way to make it work for you.
As a mom, travel is already hard between the planning and organization, keeping everyone happy, fed, and clean. Modern Family’s Claire Dunphy said of a family
trip to Hawaii, ”I’m a mom travelling with her kids. For me, this is not a vacation. It’s a business trip.” Then, add on travelling with a child with autism, yes, it can be rough! I so badly wanted to find a way to have travel be a part of our family bonding. It took some hard trips to learn what works and what doesn’t. Twice, I came home from a family trip and booked the next cruise out of our town, solo! The good news is that family travel can be done and be enjoyed! Let me share what works for us.
Some children with autism do better with a countdown calendar. Starting a week ahead, you mark each day off and let your child add something to his suitcase. It builds excitement and helps him prepare mentally for the trip. But this tactic is not for all. For my son, this process backfired and made him even more anxious. This made for horrific transition days, the day we left home to get to our destination. However, once we got to our destination, he would be fine. The rest of the family was a total wreck but he was fine. Eventually we learned to downplay the trip. As our children got older, we would discuss a destination to gage interest. My son would never show interest to anything new but would give us clear clues if the trip was a no go. Once the trip was booked, we would tell him the dates. Then, we would drop it. Two weeks out I would give him a reminder. One week out, another reminder to discuss basics, school work to bring, need to renew prescriptions, etc. At this point, he may ask where his dog was staying and what activities we had planned. We let him bring up the trip if he wanted to. Sometimes he did, sometimes not. Naturally, conversation at dinner would revolve around the coming trip. He is okay with this. Now that he is older, two days before I give him a packing list. It helps ease his anxiety when we travel to accommodations he is familiar with and avoid bouncing around hotels.
Always, inquire with the airline ahead of time to check policies and special accommodations for kids with disabilities. Most airlines will have ways to help flyers with
disabilities and have plans to accommodate for people with special requirements. Many airports have special quiet areas to help people decompress if needed. Or, if you have access to an airport lounge, they can be quiet respites. Then, I plan to get to the gate early and speak with the gate agent. Often but not always, they’ll let you board first. Some airlines now require that you make this request at the front counter. Trust me, it’s a game changer if your child needs it.
If your child has a favorite seat (like mine with his window fixation), it is worth paying a bit more for it. Even better a bulkhead window seat. This made a world of difference in our flights, keeping him calm and fascinated.
There is a ton of info on what to pack. I’m covering what not to pack in your child’s carryon. My son’s love for metal Thomas Trains then metal Star Wars battleships stumped many a TSA agent as they went through the scanner. Until he was 14, his Ziplock bag of what felt like 200 battleships went everywhere with us. Still, for some cosmic reason at age 17, almost every single time, it’s his back pack that gets pulled for additional screening. Now that we are beyond travelling with strollers, car seats and all the gear, we are big fans of not checking luggage, opting for carryon luggage only. But, while you are still in the young kid phase, pack all but one or two metal toys in checked luggage, provided your child will allow for this. Mine did not. If your child has to have toys with him, pack them in a clear bag then pull the bag out for security scanning. This will save time and much angst. My son did not like strangers going through his bag and would let them know it.
Aside from what I pack for him, I have my own bag. It’s my magic Mary Poppins bag. Think favorite toy, go-to snacks, water bottle, an extra outfit for both him and me (you never know), and even some lollipops for those tough ear-popping moments. Don’t forget sanitizing wipes for all airplane surfaces, duct tape to keep tray table closed when not in use, plenty of extra diapers. I learned the diaper lesson the hard way when our plane was delayed for six
hours on a flight home. You would think you could buy emergency diapers at an airport! Plus, the all-important iPad, headphones and charger!
I make it a point to give the person sitting in front of my child a heads-up of what we are dealing with. I explain that my son has Autism. That he usually enjoys flying but can get restless. We will do our best to keep him content and prevent him from kicking your seat during the flight. Please understand that this is hard for him. People are usually very kind and understanding if you are trying to work with your child.
I was initially against bribing, but flights aren’t the usual setting, are they? If he’s good for a certain period, I reward him with a small treat from my bag. It’s amazing what a little motivation can do.
If you find yourself having to travel solo with your special needs child, find someone to come along. Having a buddy to help so you can regroup for five minutes or go to the bathroom on the flight makes a difference. We all need a breather now and then.
I have more success staying in a place that has a kitchen (See Breakfast and Dinners In) plus a comfortable place to eat meals and separate bedrooms. Separate bedrooms or even a comfortable place for my son to be by himself and decompress makes for a much happier situation for the whole family. Also, with separate bedrooms it is easier to fall asleep and stay asleep without the noises of others in the room. Sometimes our family of four can’t avoid a hotel night, nor want to pay for two rooms. These nights are very stressful. It’s hard for all to sleep well. What helps are a small travel fan and a travel headband with wireless earphones to cut down on noise distractions. The more restful sleep my son gets the better for all of us.
Part of the fun of travel is to explore new things. For my son, new and unfamiliar places are pure torture. As a parent, I want both of my children to see the world. My son resists this want. Overtime, we have discovered that if we go to a familiar base setting for longer durations, my son is better able to handle doing day trips or short three-day trips from the vacation. Plus, leading up to the trip is not so traumatic because he knows what to expect and actually looks forward to it.
On days that we are out and about, I try to start the morning with a “normal” breakfast with familiar foods. This normalcy is one less new thing for him to face. Then, after a tiring day of exploring, knowing that a dinner out will end badly, I plan a normal dinner at our place we are staying.
Since the pandemic I find that both of my children, autistic or not, need a lot more downtime. I use a one-toone ratio, one day exploring then the next day of down time. As the trip goes on, I transition to half day segments recognizing that the longer away from home the more the trip wears on my child.
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Maybe it’s a delay or an overstimulating environment. Having a backup plan or even a little quiet corner for meltdowns can be a lifesaver. Sometimes, you need to cut the trip short because it becomes too much for your kid, and that’s okay.
Once you’re back home and settled, think about what worked and what didn’t. Write it down! Consider creating a “How to Travel” journal. Take note of items you wished you had packed and items that should have stayed home. List situations when everything worked out and why, as well as what didn’t and possible ways to do things differently next time. Plus, check in with yourself. As moms, we tend to focus on everyone else. How did you enjoy the trip? Are you rested or exhausted? Did this trip live up to what you imagined? What could you do differently to make future travel better for you and all of your family? The focus of the journal is to document how a trip went as opposed to the trip itself, so next time your travel experience will be even better. Get beyond family travel being a relocation. Enjoy an actual vacation.
Traveling with our special kiddos does take extra work, but the memories are so worth it. We’ve got this, mama!
In speaking with the hundreds of parents I’ve met at education presentations, a consistent message I hear is “my son really needs something more challenging, but my daughter is doing just fine.”
Yet, ongoing research and data tell us that if one child in a family needs gifted education services, there is significant chance they all do. So, why are girls so often overlooked? Why are our gifted girls hiding in plain sight?
There is surprisingly little research on this, but we do know that girls begin puberty ahead of their same age male peers, and that social and emotional skills of most girls are considered to be about two years ahead of their counterparts. With these advanced social skills; girls are often awash in empathy and perspective taking; they see the signs that others may not be ready for what they are ready for intellectually, and so they throttle back and wait.
Instead of embracing their curiosity — asking the question, tackling an experiment, building a prototype of something they’ve imagined — they will step back to blend in. They will downplay their grades or achievements so as to not hurt their friends.
For decades there has been awareness about the tension girls in particular feel, the pull between conformity and achievement. The wisdom in an older piece from the Davidson Institute about gifted girls still rings true on most fronts. Does the following resonate with what you see now, or experienced yourself while growing up?
Gifted girls often face a range of social pressures in schools, causing them to shift priorities.
In school, the desire for friends, a disinclination to stand out, fear of ridi-
cule, and the need for acceptance often compel gifted girls to make their abilities appear ordinary or even nonexistent.
Signs of giftedness include deep intellectual curiosity, rapid application of ideas across subject areas, and drive to think in complex ways. For gifted
In school, the desire for friends, a disinclination to stand out, fear of ridicule, and the need for acceptance often compel gifted girls to make their abilities appear ordinary or even nonexistent.
girls, however, these attributes can be hidden because girls often:
• Purposely hold back because of a need to please others
• Have acute sensitivity
• Have a heightened fear of failure
• Strive for perfectionism, leading to anxiety
• Drive for friendships and fitting in, which can trod over curiosity to learn, express and grow
All of these features tend to heighten for girls around grades 5 and 6, a time of unique risk that a girl, when entering adolescence, can have plummeting confidence and lose a sense of themselves. Myriad reasons help explain this, most notably the fact that this age can often become a crossroads for a gifted girl. Conform and follow the path laid before you in a conventional way, or become yourself and live into your unique gifts, potential, and capacities for creativity and leadership?
This moment of vulnerability is a crucial opportunity for parents and educators to steward girls’ growth
through middle school, helping her enter high school with enduring intrinsic motivation, a strong sense of self, and confidence to learn and flourish.
Help your daughter find ways to connect with other girls who share her interests and who may be a good intellectual and creative match.
Watch for decreasing interest in a topic that once fascinated and challenged her, and (gently) initiate a conversation to understand why.
Consider starting (or encouraging your daughter to join) a Destination Imagination team, which provides fun STEAM challenges.
Self advocacy is key! Encourage her to speak up for herself for new class placements or to initiate an after school club. If her teachers and school are unresponsive, advocate on her behalf. She’ll be empowered knowing you understand and believe in her.
Engage in the process of choosing electives. Encourage her to share the
courses available to her and brainstorm on which ones sound the most interesting, challenging, and fun.
Find a school that is a great fit for your daughter. Find one that provides individualized programming that embraces her interests, challenges her curiosity, and gives her that deeper and wider runway for learning.
There are a wealth of after school classes and clubs in Greater Boston, offering instruction in coding, game design, science, the arts, and more, many offering full or partial scholarships. These settings can be safe spaces for girls to be unlock their curiosity, as their classmates will share their passion for the subject matter.
March 8th is International Women’s Day; acknowledge it in a way that celebrates and empowers the girls in your life!
Courtney Dickinson is Founder and Head of School at Acera: The Massachusetts School of Science, Creativity and Leadership.
Grades 6-12 day • 9-12 boarding
Life is an adventure of intellectual exploration and meaningful contribution.
An Athenian education prepares students for a life of purpose and personal fulfillment
75-acre campus of rolling, oakcovered hills lies at the base of Mt. Diablo in Danville, CA just 32 miles East of San Francisco. Athenian buses transport students to and from many East Bay communities.
WE’VE ALL SEEN IT.
Name-calling, ridiculing, spreading rumors, or even hitting.
But how do you tell the difference between bullying and behavior that’s just … mean?
It can be a challenge, especially considering the fact that most youth don’t tell an adult when they’ve been bullied. It’s up to parents to recognize and identify the behavior and respond accordingly.
At the U.S. Center for SafeSport, our goal is to make every athlete feel safe, supported, and strengthened. We believe that youth sports should be fun and confidence-boosting, but bullying can seriously impact an athlete’s physical and mental health. The sooner we recognize and respond to bullying behavior, the sooner caring and engaged parents and coaches can foster supportive environments to help athletes thrive on and off the field.
So, what is bullying? And how do we spot it – and stop it?
Bullying might not be easy to pinpoint, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. In fact, according to one study by the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Justice, about 20% of students ages 12-18 experienced bullying nationwide. The key to stopping it is knowing what bullying looks like in action.
Maybe you’ve seen two athletes get into a heated argument after a game or start throwing punches in the locker room. While bullying and conflict can look similar, bullying behavior is defined as repeated or severe aggressive behaviors directed at a minor. And it comes in many forms, from verbal bullying to physical bullying to social or even sexual bullying and more.
1803 North Loop Rd | Alameda | Facility # 013422027 510-995-5383 ext. 1336 | kim.smith@bacbc.org
Taunting, spitting at one another, or actively excluding someone from a team event can be hurtful in the moment, but when bullying behaviors are repeated or severe they can have serious long-lasting impacts on those being targeted.
We’ve heard of examples of athletes spreading emotionally damaging rumors about another athlete online, or instances in which an athlete was threatened with violence or physically intimidated until they quit the team. And it’s well known that athletes who bully often zero in on those who have less social power than they do, focusing on factors like weight, disability, physical appearance, race, and/ or gender identity.
Intervening early makes a difference.
Whether you’re on the court coaching your child’s team or you’re on the sidelines handing out orange slices, parents and coaches serve as the eyes and ears of the team. You are positioned to recognize and respond to inappropriate behavior early before it escalates into something more.
1
Set behavioral expectations upfront. If you’re a parent or coach, let your child or the athletes on your team know what behaviors are acceptable and unacceptable. Allow the athletes to be a part of this process, letting them co-create the norms for team behavior.
2Model appropriate and respectful behavior. Treat every athlete on the team with equity, respect, and kindness and use language that is intentionally supportive.
3
Promote team cohesion and bonding. Use encouragement and positive feedback to improve camaraderie, boosting unity and morale.
4
Hold athletes accountable to expectations and policies. Make sure athletes know that they’ll be held accountable for their actions. Be sure to always promote accountability, not punishment, and outwardly reward inclusive behavior.
5
Respond to misconduct immediately and consistently. When misconduct occurs, address it immediately. Remember that if you address one incident but ignore another, you’re sending mixed messages about what behaviors are acceptable. You can break a pattern before it takes hold.
Sports should be safe, welcoming spaces where every athlete feels like they belong. As a parent or youth coach, you have the power to foster a culture of respect and inclusion.
The U.S. Center for SafeSport provides educational resources for parents and coaches to help make sure young athletes feel safe. Our Bullying Prevention Handbook for coaches of Minor Athletes provides useful tools and tactics to create the most enriching sport experience possible for athletes. For more tools to help you recognize, prevent, and respond to abuse in sport, visit uscenterforsafesport.org/ abuse-prevention-resources.
Ju’Riese Colón is the Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Center for SafeSport, the nation’s only nonprofit organization committed to ending all forms of abuse in sport. As CEO, Ju’Riese leads the strategic vision and direction of the organization to ensure every athlete is safe, supported, and strengthened through support. An experienced child advocate who serves as an expert on issues related to child safety, Ju’Riese has led prevention and outreach initiatives with youth-serving organizations serving families, educators, law enforcement, and diverse communities. She earned bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice and Spanish from Virginia Commonwealth University.
If you or someone you know has experienced abuse or misconduct by a participant of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement, you can make a report to the U.S. Center for SafeSport: https://uscenterforsafesport.org/report-a-concern/
Dates: June 17 to August 9 2024
Early Bird Rates Available Until April 15th!
Schedule for Summer Art Camp 2024
Special: June 5, 6, and 7 Paint and Draw (3 day week)
Week 1: June 10-14 Drawing
Week 2: June 17-21 Paint: Color
Week 3: June 24-June 28 Animals & Imaginary Creatures
Week 4: July 1-3 People & Faces (3 day week)
Week 5: July 8-12 Landscape, Still Life & Oceans
Week 6: July 15-19 Drawing
Week 7: July 22-July 26 Animals & Imaginary Creatures
Week 8: July 29-August 2 Paint: Color
Week 9: August 5-9 Landscape, Still Life & Oceans
Week 10: August 12-16 Drawing
Week 11: August 19-23 Animals & Imaginary Creatures
All art materials are safe and non-toxic. Ages 5-13, regular campers, and 14-17, counselors in training. Camp options are from 8:30am to 4:30pm each day, or 9am to 3pm each day, depending on different families needs. On Friday, camp ends at 3pm. Daylong Immersion Days are also available. Questions?
Our camp is located at 1744 Solano Avenue, Berkeley
Please call 510-604-0036 or email Bethpaints@gmail.com Register at www.DancingPaintBrushStudio.com
e a c h w e e k w l l f e a t u r e g u e s t c r e a t i v e s t e a c h n g t h e i r c r a f t s a n d
E n t e r t a i n e r s | 6 1 7 - 6 2 3 F u n ! J o y ! E x c i t e m e n t ! J o n u s f o r a w e e k f u l l o f e n t e r a t n i n g a c t s a n d a c t i v t i e s !
W e l n e s s M n d f u l n e s s R e l a x a t o n ! O u r W e e k i s c e n t e r e d a r o u n d r e u v e n a t i n g y o u r m n d a n d b o d y
S t o r y t e l l i n g & p o e t r y | 7 8 - 7 1 4
C a p t u r i n g N a t u r e | 7 1 5 - 7 2 1
S t o r i e s a r o u n d t h e c a m p f r e a c a m p t r a d i t i o n f e a t g u e s t s t o r y t e l e r s a n d p o e t s J o n u s t h s w e e k f o r a n m m e r s v e o n c a p t u r i n g t h e w o n d e r s o f n a t u r e t h r o u g h v a r i o u s m e d i a ! M u s i c & C o m e d y | 7 2 2 - 7 2 8
A r t a l l o v e r | 7 2 9 - 8 4
B e a v e r h e a d R o c k n ’ r o l l | 8 1 5 - 8 1 8
5 0 & B e t t e r | 8 2 3 - 8 2 6
T h i s o n e i s f o r t h e 5 0 + a n d f a b u l o u s ! E n j o y a s e r e n e w e e k e n d a t c a m p l e a d a c t v i t i e s a n d b a s k n t h e a m b i a n c e
IN THE BAY AREA, WE’RE INCREDIBLY FORTUNATE BECAUSE WE HAVE AN ABUNDANCE of summer camps to choose from for our children. Whether you’re looking for a day or sleepaway camp, one that focuses on the performing arts, science, or whatever else your child is passionate about, it more than likely exists in our region.
The opportunities that summer camp provides are endless: the ability to try new things, the chance to make new friends, and the prospect of gaining independence are just a few.
Consider the possibilities:
DAY CAMPS typically serve children ages 3-15. Session lengths typically vary from one to eight weeks. Some camps offer up to ten weeks of programming. Before camp and after camp programs are offered for an additional fee at some day camps.
OVERNIGHT (also called Resident or Sleepaway)
Camps usually serve children ages 6-18. Campers stay at camp for one to eight weeks, depending on the camp’s session length.
GENERAL CAMPS offer a broad range of activities. Many provide campers with the opportunity to focus on one or a few areas while encouraging them to try a variety of others. It is sometimes possible to explore an activity or interest in depth within the context of the whole program.
TRIP & TRAVEL CAMPS involve outdoor exploration through active sports like biking, hiking, climbing, and canoeing. Campers spend most of their time traveling and preparing to travel.
The only downside to having so many options is that it can truly feel like an exhausting search to find exactly the right fit for your kids. We want them to be happy. We want them to feel comfortable. And, most of all, we want them to be safe. But how does a parent know they are making the right choice? Read on to find a wide range of information that will answer your checklist of questions regarding how to best decipher the information in all of those brochures and how to make the most of an informational visit. You’ll have better peace of mind and, chances are, your kids will have one incredible summer.
Before you start scheduling camp interviews, research all of the options that appeal most to your family, then weigh the pros and cons of each (you can even grade them on a points system if you like). After you’ve compiled a list in order of interest, start eliminating some. You don’t want to drive yourself crazy going on interviews for camps that aren’t really all that appealing to you. It’s a waste of your time and theirs.
SPECIALTY CAMPS are based in day or resident settings. Popular options for specialization may include horseback riding, the arts, sports, computers, or travel. Programming revolves around intensive exposure to the specialty area.
CAMPS FOR SPECIAL POPULATIONS serve specific clientele like children or adults with particular medical conditions, disabilities, or special needs. Some camps focus on campers who share very specific diagnoses, while others are geared to meet a broader array of needs at any one time.
RELIGIOUSLY-AFFILIATED CAMPS offer religious education formally and informally. Review materials carefully for explanations of how religion influences a camp’s culture to find one with the balance that best matches your family’s values and beliefs.
FAMILY CAMP SESSIONS include family members of all ages, from grandparents to infants. Accommodations vary, as do program options and session length. The focus is on being together as a family—to learn, to relax, and to enjoy new experiences and adventures.
Once you’ve ruled out camps that don’t meet your essential search criteria or expectations, begin exploring the details of each option you like. Sometimes, the filtering process yields too many camps to interview personally; sometimes, it doesn’t yield enough. Adjust key variables, such as location and session length, to narrow or expand the number of options on the results page. Use the results page to go directly to camp websites.
Camp interviews may feel a bit tedious at times, especially depending on how many you plan on talking to, but they are so necessary in determining how your child might fit into the environment. Go into each interview armed with knowledge of your pros and cons so that you have your questions firmly planted in your mind. How does the camp convey who they really are and reflect the world they’ve created exclusively for a child’s benefit? Camp seekers can learn so much from a close look at camp websites, brochures, photos, videos, FAQs, newsletters, social media, and camper or parent testimonials. Many
camp websites are a gateway to most camp information on this list, from video content to downloadable brochures and forms, all reflecting the camp’s culture.
Camps are much more than lists of activities they offer; they are vibrant educational communities – and no two are exactly alike. There is probably not just one perfect camp for your child. More than one camp may turn out to be a great fit, given your search criteria, so the interviewing stage will most likely factor into your final decision and help you to pinpoint the camp. So, how do you decide between two (or a few camps) with comparable activities, locations, schedules, amenities and prices?
Enough research will provide answers to your questions without you having to utter a single word. Camps try to anticipate what families need to know and provide this information online. You’ll want to use interview time to ask questions that haven’t already been answered – questions that explore the fit for your child.
Running low on time? Interviews with some camp head honchos may already be available online. You can also consult with friends who’ve previously met with the camp for information you never even realized you might want. Look for an interview with the example, you might see photos on the website or on Facebook showing the salad bar or a cabin group sitting around the table with food served family-style. This might spark a question about camp food and how your child’s dietary needs can be met. Or, combing through the part of a website developed exclusively for parents of overnight campers might enable you to understand the camp’s plan and suggestions for communicating with your camper. Perhaps reading the director’s blog from last summer or looking at newsletters might give you some insight into the camp’s philosophy and culture.
You’re the expert on your child! What aspects of his personality might affect the camp fit? (Your child is shy and cautious in new situations, for instance. Or your child needs to have a certain amount of time to practice music, sports or academics.)
Submitted by American Camp Association.
June 17–23, 2024
Your camper will love all the fun-filled traditions of overnight CAMP! Campers will enjoy Canoeing, Crawdad Fishing, Hiking, Archery, Volleyball, Swimming, Beach Fun at Lake Tahoe, Skits, Arts & Crafts, Tye Dying Shirts, and Campfires with S’mores. Roundtrip bus transportation from Concord to South Lake Tahoe included.
Ages: 9–14 (at the time of camp)
Returning Camper Registration
Opens February 25, 2024
New Camper Registration Opens March 4, 2024
FriendsOfCampConcord.org/ Youth-Camp
Space is limited to 148 campers. To register: FriendsOfCampConcord.org/Youth-Camp or contact us at: YouthCamp@FriendsOfCampConcord.org
Community service camps offer a great chance for teens to make a difference and help out in the community while also learning lifelong skills.
Summer camp seems the perfect summertime solution for elementary-age kids so they don’t sit around the house bored and so they can make friends and learn new things while having fun. As our children grow out of their “little kid years,” we sometimes forget they still need those kinds of experiences they had when they were younger, just in a different form. Maybe the thought hasn’t crossed your mind that your teen might need to find a fun summer camp. Your teen should be babysitting, mowing lawns, working at the pool, making TikTok videos, hanging around with friends, right? Well, sure! But why not send teens off for a week or more of summer fun and learning this year for a break? Here are some great benefits for teens attending summer camp:
Learning how to give back. Community service camps offer an excellent chance for teens to make a difference and help out in the community, while also learning lifelong skills. Kids get to spend their days helping others, which just feels good to everyone
involved. Maybe your teen will learn how to pack food for the homeless, teach kids how to read or work on a project that will benefit the community, like cleaning up a playground or fixing equipment. Teens even could learn how to paint a house, care for the yard of an older person who is unable to do so anymore … or they may even learn how to plan and build a house for someone in need.
Deepening faith. If your teen enjoys church youth groups and activities, a church or other organized religious camp might be just the ticket. The day might begin with a church service, followed by breakfast, then a hike and some time spent in the cabin with friends memorizing Bible verses for a competition at the end of the week. Later, there could be singing songs around a bonfire while roasting s’mores.
Working as a team. Your child will be meeting kids of different ages and from diverse backgrounds. Learning how to get along and work as a team is a huge
life skill that will be reinforced at camp. Some camps even have kids do teambuilding and trust activities to help them get to know each other.
Standing on their own. Let’s face it. As our kids get older, they start to grow away from us. They are simply preparing to head out on their own and they are also preparing you for that transition by perhaps being a little distant. They are stuck in between childhood and adulthood, and it’s a confusing time. Going away to camp for even a short period of time helps teach independence. A daily structure at camp is already in place, which teens need to follow. Because parents aren’t the ones doing the nagging, teens don’t tune out but rather respect other adults and learn from them.
Appreciating everything. Away from screens, a person finds it easier to focus on nature, learning, forming relationships and more. Being away from parents, kids will come home with a new appreciation for what it takes to be in a family and help out in the running of the household. Your teen will probably
Working as a team, your child will be meeting kids of different ages and who are from different backgrounds.
also appreciate funny things like a full pantry that’s open all day, a comfy bed and privacy!
Teen summer camp has so many benefits that cover all the bases, including physical, social, mental and spiritual. As for the rest of the summer? Well, your
teen can spend plenty of time doing those odd jobs to help pay for camp next year!
Kerrie McLoughlin is the seasoned homeschooling mom of five. Find them at TheKerrieShow.com.
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Math, Science, & Language Arts for Grades 2–12
AoPS Academy helps advanced students learn how to solve problems they’ve never seen before. Join us to practice critical academic skills, explore new ideas, and connect with top students in their neighborhood. SANTA
AoPS
AoPS
Deciding between day camp or residential (overnight) camp is one piece of the decision for families. Camp is an experience and not limited to a singular location. Campers can develop the same skills, both hard and soft, whether they’re sleeping away from home or returning to their own beds each night. While there are differences between day and residential camps, above all else, the most important outcome of this decision is finding the right fit for your camper and family.
This begins with knowing your camper. Many overnight camps begin taking campers between ages 7-9 years old. However, some children may be ready at 6 and some others may not be ready at 10. While there is no clear, linear checklist to determine whether day or overnight camp is right for your child, the questions listed here can help guide that conversation.
These questions can help begin a dialogue with your family about which camp experience is the best fit for you. The choice of day versus residential camp is one important aspect of the overall decision. But even then, make sure you follow up with those potential camps. Talk to directors. Ask for tours. Ask for references. Do your due diligence. In the end both you and the camp want this summer to be the first of many and the beginning of a great relationship.
• What is the primary reason for wanting to go to camp?
• Has your child ever spent multiple nights sleeping away from home?
• What’s your budget for camp?
• Can your child bath and dress independently?
• How far away from home do you want your child’s camp experience to be?
• What activities are important to your camper’s experience?
Your Child’s Best summer ever starts here
Day Camp • 408-216-9109
Ages 11-18
On-site in Cupertino, CA. Delve into the world of entrepreneurship & startup, learn innovation & business fundamentals, industry research, problem-solving, public speaking, learn in depth about business majors in college applications, and much more.
Led by professional, experienced mentors who specialize in startups and investments. Practical, real-world case studies. Project-based, hands-on learning. Students will learn: business fundamentals, entrepreneurial mindset, research and problem-solving skills, current industry trends, etc. Group project and presentation, networking, collaboration, and team-building. https://www.7edu.org
Day Camp • 510-642-8308
Ages 5-17
UC Berkeley’s ATDP offers challenging summer courses for highly motivated young scholars in grades K-11. For over 40 years we have offered stimulating and invigorating classes designed for academic advancement and enrichment. Students can explore academic passions through a wide offering of in-person (ED and SD) or remote (SD only) courses. Secondary Division (grades 7-11) is held for six weeks at the UC Berkeley campus and Elementary Division (grades K-6) is held for three weeks at Michelle Obama School in Richmond.
View our course catalog on our website. Apply early! Late applications considered based on availability. Financial aid offered to qualifying families.
https://atdp.berkeley.edu
Day Camp • 925-276-2325
Ages 7-14
Adventure Kids Summer Day Camps offers the best in summer adventure for kids ages 7-14.
Our senior staff is always off duty education professionals or others with a high degree of experience working and directing groups of school age children.
Support staff is generally drawn from college students or off duty or retired education professionals. We do not hire under age 20 as supervisory staff personnel and we always look to proven professionals or those with a demonstrated high level of awareness, friendliness, professionalism and sensibility where supervision of campers is involved.
Adventure Kids Summer Day Camps offers the best in summer adventure for kids with adventures including Six Flags, water parks, bowling , archery, movies, swimming, roller skating and much more.
Our adventures are designed to provide age appropriate but boundary stretching summer fun for all ages. Transportation is provided from Pleasanton, Danville, Walnut Creek, Lafayette and North Oakland.
Serving Orinda, Walnut Creek, Alamo, Lafayette, Orinda, Concord, Danville, San Ramon, Dublin , Pleasant Hill and surrounding cities.
https://adventurekid.org/
Day Camp • 510-337-1929
Ages 4-11
No experience necessary! In addition to a daily dance class, children learn about and watch a different famous classical ballet each week. They explore their own creativity through exercise in movement concepts. Students also learn valuable lessons about anatomy, nutrition, dance history and vocabulary. https://alamedaballet.com
Day Camp • 408-746-1808
Grades 2-12
Find advanced summer and afterschool programs near you! Since 1993, Art of Problem Solving has taught advanced students how to successfully solve problems they’ve never seen before. AoPS Academy brings this problem solving approach to small, inperson classes in local neighborhoods. Young problem solvers connect with expert instructors to form a collaborative community that encourages them to reach new academic heights. Plan your student’s summer learning journey with hands-on, exploratory camps in math, science, and language arts for grades 2–12. AoPS Academy currently has 4 locations in the Bay Area: Fremont, Santa Clara, Pleasanton, and Mountain View. Find the one nearest to you.
Join in-person summer and academic year courses in math, science, and language arts for grades 2–12. Advanced students find lifelong friends, mentors, and role models as they collaborate to reach new academic heights.
Academic enrichment including writing, advanced math exploration, speech & debate, science - fun and challenging! https://aopsacademy.org/school/ campuses
Day Camp • 510-643-1188
Ages 14-17
The programs will fire your imagination, stretch your mind, and set you on the path to achieving your goals. You’ll learn about multiple aspects of architecture and environmental design, while meeting and collaborating with students with similar passions. Engage in a transformational learning experience with highly skilled instructors and professionals. Apply early as seats fill up quickly.
• High school students entering 9th and 10th grade (14 and 15 years old)
• June 17-28, 2024
Imagine, design, and build a mini golf course using state-of-the-art tools in the College of Environmental Design’s wood and metal shop and digital fabrication lab. You collaborate on a small team to create one mini golf hole. Get creative with themed environments, tunnels, bridges, buildings, windmills, tubes, ramps, characters and other engaging elements and obstacles.
• High school students entering 11th and 12th grade (16 and 17 years old)
• July 1-26, 2024
• Commuter and overnight option This engaging college-level program offers rising high school juniors and seniors the chance to study at the topranked public university for architecture and the built environment alongside students from all over the world.
Challenging design assignments, oneon-one reviews with instructors, field trips around the Bay Area, and a design/ build project for a community nonprofit introduce you to the skills, ideas, and culture of an environmental design education. You’ll leave the program with a strong portfolio for your college applications in any area of environmental design and credit on an official UC Berkeley transcript.
Two fun and challenging architecture and design summer camps for high school students. Students imagine, create, and build their designs in both 2D and 3D. Taught by UC Berkeley instructors on campus. Explore how design might fit into your future!
https://ced.berkeley.edu/academics/ summer-programs
Day Camp • 888-505-2253
Grades TK-12
Offering 3 Camps at one location, Bald Eagle has Multisports (TK-5th), Sports Leadership (6th-8th), Basketball Camp
(3rd-8th) and Coach In Training (9th10th) to serve the entire family!
With multiple locations around the Bay Area, Bald Eagle Sports Camps is on a mission to provide youth with Development Zones that not only encourage every level of athlete, but also teaches leadership skills through sports activities. Bald Eagle is the premier Pre K-12th grade system of activities and experiences built with the end goal of producing active, confident, positive, contributing leaders of the future.
We teach the Positive Coaching Alliance message to our campers, certify our entire staff as PCA Double-Goal Coaches, and plug parents into the PCA support system.
We design our programs, games, and activities to make every camper feel included, encouraged and inspired to be their best. We take extreme measures to design & deliver every program in a manner that enhances age-appropriate personal growth of each campers leadership skills and passion for movement activities.
We offer all of this in a “5-STAR” service package which allows parents to relax and know your kiddo is having fun, making friends, being highly active & evolving towards being their best self. Check out these awesome parent perks! Morning & Afternoon Snack is included in every registration. Extended Care offered 7:30AM-6:00PM every day with an easy pay-as-you-go system. Have a meeting one day? No worries, we will keep them! Easy registration process that allows for free date changes and full refunds before May 1st. 10% Sibling Discount. Friend Referral Discounts. Multi-Week Discounts. Multiple Locations throughout the Bay Area.
Kids receive Bald Eagle Sports water bottle, backpack, and t-shirt with their registration.
We hope you will join us for a great time at Bald Eagle Sports Camps! Unique Non-Traditional Sports Camp Model. Also, amazing camp culture as the first camp EVER to be Approved by the Positive Coaching Alliance as a true Development Zone Leader. https://www.baldeaglecamps.com
Day Camp • 415-558-0888
Ages 7-18
For over 30 years San Francisco Shakespeare Festival has been offering Shakespeare camps for children of all experience levels, ages 7 to 18. Camp sessions range from 2 to 4 weeks and are held in venues across the Bay Area, typically on weekdays during summer break, with a few weekend and spring and fall options as well. Our teaching artists are working actors, stage managers, directors, and designers. In each session campers engage with each other in activities ranging from games and basic acting skills to more specialized training and deeper exploration of the themes and language of Shakespeare, culminating in a live performance attended by family and friends. We offer general Shakespeare Camps (ages 7-13), and an extended Advanced Shakespeare Workshop (ages 12-18).
https://sfshakes.org/education/camps/
Day Camp • 925-212-5087
Ages 7-15
From Athletics to the Arts, for ages 7 to 15, Berean has the summer camp for your kids to experience! This summer, join us for days of growth, learning, community building, and discovering the Berean Christian Spirit! All of our camps are ran by our qualified and successful Berean coaches and teachers who are hands-on and invested in the success of your students. Sign Up online today!
This summer we are offering the following camps: Softball, Co-Ed Football, Boys’ Basketball, Girls’ Basketball, Co-Ed Volleyball, Art Camp (new this year!), Boys’ Soccer, Girls’ Soccer
Some of our camps offer beginner and advanced levels, check them out online https://www.bereanchristian. com/2024-summer-camps
Day Camp • 510-843-0150
Ages 6-13
BCS chess camps are fun, flexible, and a fantastic way for players to meet new friends who share a love of chess and improve their games. Enjoy chess (multiple levels offered), arts and crafts, and sports in our spacious playground! Camp is held at the Berkeley Chess Center, beautiful spacious building with large playground.
Multiple levels of chess taught, beginning through advanced. Outdoor sports and games, arts and crafts, full or half - day (am or pm), Enroll by the day, or by the week. https://www.berkeleychessschool.org/ programs/camps/
Day Camp • 510-647-2978
Ages 6-18
Spend your summer on stage! With camps for grades 1-12, there’s something for every young artist.
SUMMER THEATRE CAMP: PLAY CREATION (Gr. 1-3):
In this program, we welcome all young artists to explore storytelling through acting, voice, movement, improv, and more. Working together with their peers and our professional
theatre artists, students will harness their creative power and develop valuable tools such as communication, confidence, and problem-solving skills, all while creating a short performance to share with families on our final day of camp.
SUMMER THEATRE INTENSIVE: PLAY CREATION (Gr. 6-8 & 9-12): Jump in and explore the magic of theatre-making by performing in an original play with Berkeley Rep! With daily acting, improv, voice, and movement classes, as well as special electives, students will collaborate with peers and professional artists to create an original play and let their voices shine and explore a wide variety of creative mediums!
MUSICAL THEATRE INTENSIVE (Gr. 9-12):
Designed for aspiring triple threats, this program offers specialized training for students to hone their skills. This camp welcomes all levels of performer, and is the perfectly tailored to help any young artist take the next step on their artistic journey.
FILM INTENSIVE (Gr. 9-12): Lights, camera, action! Delve into the fundamentals of filmmaking and explore all major disciplines of the craft including screenwriting, directing, acting, and editing/post-production. Students will get to develop and
produce their own original pieces, which will be shown at a final short film screening for friends and family the last day of class.
https://www.berkeleyrep.org/ school-of-theatre/students/ summer-programs/
Day Camp • 510-577-9100
Ages 5-14
Themed weeks range from theater, writing, art, Minecraft, and sports. Campers experience a mix of physical activity and creative expression daily while being immersed in their chosen interest - learning new skills and forming lasting connections.
https://www.berkwood.org/apps/pages/ SummerCamp
Day Camp • 510-577-9100
Grades 6-12
At O’Dowd’s Summer Academy, students develop social-emotional, creative, and intellectual skills, all while getting to know the O’Dowd campus. We offer a flexible morning and afternoon schedule, and free lunch for students who enroll in 3 or more classes.For grades 6-9, Summer Academy offers robust academic and enrichment courses,
from Math and Spanish, to Drama and Gardening. Held on O’Dowd’s friendly campus, with small classes, hands-on learning, and fun activities. Come be a Dragon this summer!
https://www.bishopodowd.org/ summer-academy
Overnight Camp • 925-2321530
Ages 9-13, CIT
At Youth Camp at Camp Concord, campers will experience a break from the digital world with time-worn traditions of camping in the Sierra Nevada as kids canoe, kayak, go crawdad fishing, hike, swim, play volleyball, archery, and do arts & crafts, including creating their own tie-dyed t-shirt. Campers have fun at the beach around majestic Lake Tahoe, not to mention enjoying the magic of storytime around the campfire under the starry night sky. Boundless days of activity and exploration await your youth 9-13 years at Camp Concord, where memories are made to last a lifetime.
https://friendsofcampconcord.org/ youth-camp/
Day Camp • 408-459-0657
Ages 5-18
Camp Integem is fully accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ASC WASC), making our credits and transcripts officially recognized in the USA and abroad.
Approved as an NVIDIA AI Training Partner, students can earn NVIDIA AI Certificates at Integem.
Students will be grouped into four grade groups: Grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12.
Camp Integem is available in over 16 locations in San Francisco Bay areas and southern California.
Our Course Categories: AR Coding, STEM & Game Design Courses, AR Coding for Space Exploration, AR Coding for Nature Exploration, 3D AR Coding & Game Design, Advanced AI+3D Coding & Game Design, AI & Robotics Engineering, Intro to AI Engineering with AR, Intro to Robotics Design & AR Coding, AI Robotics Engineering with AR, Advanced AI Robotics with AR & NVIDIA Jetson Nano AR Digital Art, Animation & 3D Design, Intro to AR Art with AI, Interactive AR Animation with Adobe, 3D Holographic AR Design, Advanced 2D & 3D Holographic AR Animation + Adobe
Register Today! Use code PP24 to save upto $50/week. The earlier you book, the more you save at: https://camp.integem.com
Day Camp • 415-239-5065
Grades Preschool-8th
At Camp SFS children explore, create, and connect. We are committed to fostering child-directed play, offering enriching experiences, and nurturing a sense of community.
Rich and varied activities are hallmarks of San Francisco School camps. Come join us on our adventure filled campus! Programs are led by caring counselors and staff who are passionate about summer fun and learning. Weekly highlights and lunch are included.
Adventure playground, arcade room, crafts and maker space, Lego cave, sports facilities, weekly themed camps (Splashfest, Mythical Creatures, Stay Away from my Fort, Winter in July, Olympics 2024, Slime Masters) plus specialty camps ( Calling All Swifties, Pickleball, Red Cross Babysitting , Culinary Connections and Concoctions) https://www.sfschool.org/ school-life/summer/
Camp • 415-759-8123
Ages 7-13
Circus Summer Camp provides kids with an in depth introduction to circus arts and community. Students will have the opportunity to try a variety of new
circus skills, build discipline through physical arts, and explore new aspects of both their personality and expression.
Sign them up for a week of flying, bouncing, flipping, balancing, static-trapezing, stilt-walking, clowning, juggling, hooping, collaborating, creating, and performing. http://circuscenter.org/camp
Day Camp • 510-522-5678
Ages 5-17
Dance/10 Performing Arts Center established performing arts camps and workshops in Alameda in 1989 to provide local youth and teens with an outlet to sing, dance, act, perform, and have fun! Our instructors maintain a professional atmosphere, while our programs offer a variety of performing and enrichment experiences.
Offering 10 different camps for 2024 ranging from musical theatre, dance and activity, to technique camps. Camps for all age groups from 3 through adult. https://www.dance10.org/programs/ summer-camps/
Day Camp • 510-604-0036
Ages 5-17
Making art develops problemsolving skills, encourages creativity, and develops self-confidence. Our goal is to provide the materials, structure, and guidance to spark creativity in each child, allow them to explore and investigate their own ideas, and have lots of fun in the process! Our philosophy is to encourage students to explore and express themselves with an emphasis on practice over product, without judgment, comparison, or criticism. https://dancingpaintbrushstudio.com/
Day Camp • 408-553-5736
Grades K-12
Join us for a seriously smart (and fun)
summer at Harker! Strong academics and rich and varied activities are hallmarks of Harker camps. Tailor your days with morning classes and afternoon activities such as swimming, sports, robotics and more!
The Harker School summer programs for children grades K -12 offers the perfect balance of learning and fun!
K-Gr. 5 Camp+ is school and camp rolled into one! Morning academics – focusing on math, language arts and science.
Summer Institute for grades 6 – 12 has academic options including rigorous for-credit high school courses and non-credit opportunities for enrichment and growth. All classes are taught by exceptional, experienced faculty and staff. We offer a wide range of afternoon activities designed to foster positive interaction among our students. Some activities involve students working towards a common goal, encouraging positive interpersonal communication, while others focus on building strength and self-resolve.
Sports Camps and Swim School allow students to try something new, improve their skills in a positive, skill-focused environment.
Harker has been offering outstanding summer programs for over 50 years on our San Jose campuses. Customize a schedule around needs and interests for the best summer ever –Register today at summer.harker.org! https://www.harker.org/summer
Day Camp • 510-632-6000
Ages 8-13 Girls Only
Julia Morgan School for Girls’ mission is to prepare the confident, capable, creative, and compassionate women of tomorrow. We are committed to creating a challenging and inspiring academic program that encourages students to recognize and meet their potential through individualized attention, cooperative learning, and the guidance of expert teachers. The faculty has developed a thoughtful curriculum, and subject areas are taught using an
interdisciplinary approach designed when possible to integrate disciplines. The relational model is core to what we do at JMSG, and therefore cooperative learning, creative expression, and valuing every student are emphasized.
The 4th-6th grade Girls Summer Camp focuses on building community and empowering girls to express themselves authentically through art and STEAM activities. There is a new Girls Sports Camp (6th-8th grade) offering soccer, basketball, and volleyball. Each session of camp is one week and will have a variety of activities related to the theme. Every day the girls will engage in activities that are planned by JMSG faculty and designed to serve all learning styles.
https://www.juliamorganschool.org/programs/ girls-summer-program-4th-8th
FRANCISCO) Day Camps, Summer Programs 415-237-3637
Ages 5-14
Kid Stock Summer programs are three-week day camps that give kids ages 5-13 the chance to grow and express themselves through workshops in dance, drama and song, culminating in a performance
Our summer programs allow space for campers to express themselves, build self esteem, make new friends, and have fun while putting together a musical production designed to make each camper feel like a valuable part of a team! Our caring instructors focus on dynamics and learning strategies customized to both individuals and the group as a whole to help campers big and small bring a Kid Stock original play to life through workshops in song, dance, drama, and art. Campers share their joy and self growth with an audience of supportive family and friends through their final, fully staged performance. Kid Stock is lights, sound, costumes, camera and action! The final show is presented live and captured on video for life long memories.
A high-energy performing arts camp
that culminates in a performance at the end of each session! https://kidstockinc.org/
Day Camp • 510-734-3835
Ages 5-11
Let’s get outside! Join KIDS for the BAY for a fun-filled summer of handson science and nature exploration in the outdoors. We offer Summer Camp sessions for youth ages 5-11. Your Camper will investigate unique ecosystems, make discoveries at creek, bay and ocean habitats, and become an inspired Environmentalist! KIDS for the BAY Summer Camps take full advantage of the amazing natural spaces in the Berkeley Area!
Campers will explore meadows, redwood groves and bay shorelines. They will hike along creeks, discover insects in ponds, watch river otters swimming, birds feeding and turtles sunbathing in lakes. Campers will discover bay and ocean beaches, enjoy tide pooling, animal tracking and many more exciting nature adventures! Your Camper will explore a new theme each week. Hands-on science investigations, environmental stewardship, nature games and art projects are integrated into each special camp theme. Team building activities and games help to build a funloving, connected and caring Summer Camp community of friends, scientists and environmentalists for every week of camp! We also provide opportunities for middle and high school youth leaders to join our Summer Camp as volunteer
helpers, Leaders-in-Training and paid Junior Camp Leaders. All KIDS for the BAY Camps are led by Year-Round KIDS for the BAY Educators who create an engaging, safe, fun, creative learning environment for every camper.
To register or learn more about our sessions, themes and locations, please visit
https://kidsforthebay.org/ summer-camp/
Day Camp • 510-549-3867
Grades 1-6
We are pleased to announce the return of Le Camp D’Été for summer 2024! Our camps are open to the public for rising G1 to G6 students while our mini-camp (preschool and entering K)
will still be for incoming and current EB students only. In addition to our super fun-filled French Immersion Camp we will also be offering Riveropolis Maker Camp, a two week maker camp (English Only), for rising G3 to G6 students. https://www.lecampdete.com
Day Camp • 415-334-3333
Ages 5-13
Legarza Sports & S.T.E.A.M. Camps. Where fun meets fundamentals.
Discover the Bay Area’s favorite camp since ‘89! Elevate your child’s summer with our dynamic offering of programs from sports to S.T.E.A.M. Engage in theme days, refine fundamentals with expert coaches, and forge lifelong friendships. Enjoy flexible scheduling with half-day and full-day options as well as extended care until 5pm. Join our legacy of fun and learning—secure your spot for an unforgettable summer adventure at legarzasports.org!
https://www.legarzasports.org
Sleepaway Camp
Ages 7-18
Join choir sleepaway camp! Children are encouraged to sing at the lake, on hikes, and around the campfire. Built with young singers in mind, this weeklong camp is the perfect opportunity for your child to build confidence, deepen musical skills, and make new friends. Multiple Sessions available between: July 22 and August 3. We can’t wait to sing with you! Save your spot: https:// www.piedmontchoirs.org/camp.
Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir Camps fosters lifelong friendships that begin with the love of singing. Give your child a chance to strengthen old friendships and begin new ones while hiking, swimming, crafting and living through music.
https://www.piedmontchoirs.org/camp
Day Camp • 925-957-0773
Ages 5-16
Our summer camps immerse participants in the magic of theatermaking with a fun summer camp twist! Whether your child is a first-time actor or a seasoned pro – summer camp is a memorable and fulfilling experience for all ability levels. Filled with skill-building games that encourage teamwork, creative problem solving, expression, physical storytelling, listening, following direction, and FUN, participants quickly bond close friendships that contribute to the success of our summer camp performances. https://poisonapple.org
Day Camp and Hybrid Options
415-279-1411
Ages 11-17
Ripe Fruit Writing one-week summer camps bring together 8-10 students to gain confidence in their writing voice, aerobicize their imaginations, and develop strong writing skills using exciting and imaginative writing exercises in a safe space. Voted Best Teen Focused camp in SF by Parents Press in 2015. Middle School camps run from 9am-12:30pm M-F. High School camps run from 2:30-6pm. Camps take
place on the bottom floor of a 120-yearold Edwardian in Dolores Heights and are taught by award-winning author, Leslie Kirk Campbell, who has over 30 years of experience teaching creative writing to students of all ages. All camps are offered in person. A few are offered as hybrid camps for out-of-towners. Healthy snacks included. Students love these camps. Many return summer after summer.
http://www.ripefruitwriting.com/ classes/teen-writing-camps/
Day Camp • 408-867-3785
Ages: 5-14
We foster personal growth for children by providing them a fun, safe, and educational environment on our 10-acre campus where they have the opportunity to make lasting memories and new friends.
Whether your child is a budding scientist, a future artist, or a sports enthusiast, the Saint Andrew’s Summer Camp is the perfect place for them to spend their summer. Our programs are designed to be engaging, educational,
and most of all, fun. So sign up now and give your child an unforgettable summer camp experience!
https://www.st-andrews.org/ summer-camp
Day Camp • 415-551-7990
Ages: 6-14
Now in its 29th year, SFArtsED Summer offers visual and performing arts day camps for young people ages 6-14.
Younger campers (6-9) enjoy explore a variety of art forms – singing, painting, sculpting, dancing, drumming and more – in Exploration, while older campers (9-14) can specialize in their preferred art form: musical theater through Broadway Bound, visual arts in Art & Design camps or Fashion Design.
New this year are one-week theater, fashion and puppetry workshops at SFArtsED’s Minnesota Street Project gallery in Dogpatch. In Session 3 of Broadway Bound, campers will create
a full production, and high school students are invited to register.
Exploration Camp: Ages 6-9; younger campers explore a wide variety of art forms, including singing, painting, dancing, sculpting, drawing, drumming and more.
Broadway Bound Camp: Ages 9-14; Musical theater fans train to be a triple threat singer-dancer-actor by learning scenes, songs and dances from great Broadway shows; Session 3 includes the production of full show (high school students are invited to join).
Art & Design Camp: Ages 10-14; Visual artists delve into sessions devoted to painting, drawing & illustration; 3-D art & sculpture; mixed-media arts.
Fashion Design: Ages 10-14; two sessions devoted to runway-level garment design and construction and accessory design
New this year: three one-week sessions at SFArtsED’s gallery at Minnesota Street Project devoted to theater-making with the Neo-Futurists; exploring the intersection of art and fashion; and
creating merry mayhem in the Puppet Movie Studio.
https://sfartsedsummer.org
Camp • 650-736-0324 Ages: 10-14
Giant Steps Day Camp is a super fun way for middle school students to have a great time exploring jazz, playing fun music, and developing their creativity! Open to all instruments and to all vocalists, Giant Steps Day Camp provides a five-day long introduction to jazz styles and improvisation, and it also offers daily master classes in technique for instrumentalists and vocalists. The program begins a 9 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m., with optional after-camp jam sessions and other fun activities.
The camp ends with a fantastic showcase concert on the final afternoon, where everyone gets to show off the fun music they’ve learned to play.
https://stanfordjazz.org
Day Camp • 510-742-3165
Ages: 9-14
Is your child bright but struggling with oral or written language, spelling, or reading? Attend the Stellar Summer Program for grades 3rd-8th. Suitable for all students struggling with reading & writing.
Stellar Academy for Dyslexics implements the research-based, IMSLEC& IDA-accredited, Slingerland® methodology; a multi-modal (multi-sensory) Structured Literacy approach to teaching language arts – reading, writing, speaking, and spelling.
Stellar Academy’s Summer Program is a four-week, half-day session (8:45am-12pm) focused on literacy remediation and language arts enrichment. Enrollment is available for 3rd - 7th graders on a first-come-first-served basis. It’s a wonderful opportunity for new students to experience the Stellar difference and see if this is the right fit for you all year long. https://www.stellaracademy.org
Day Camp • 415-389-5437
Ages: 4-12
When you trust kids, they trust themselves. Since 1980, Steve & Kate’s has put kids in charge of their own learning
experience. As they try, fail, and learn on their own, they learn to trust their own judgment, and tackle the challenges of an ever changing world with creativity and confidence.
Campers choose from a variety of activities in real-time including, sewing, stop-motion animation, music, coding, sports & rec, makers crafts, baking, & more. They’ll decide what they want to do, and for how long.
This summer families can buy as many days as they’d like, and use them at any time. No weekly reservations required–just show up! Or, if you need more care, purchase a Summer Pass, which covers the whole season. If for any reason your plans change, they’ll automatically refund any unused Passes in full at
summer’s end.
Ages: 4–12 | Lunch, snacks, and all hours (8am–6pm) included.
Steve & Kate Camp Locations: San Francisco – Potrero Hill, San Francisco – Sunset, Emeryville, Fremont, Oakland, Pleasanton, Walnut Creek, Corte Madera, Petaluma, Santa Rosa, Belmont, Palo Alto, San Mateo, North San Jose / Milpitas, San Jose, Sunnyvale https://steveandkatescamp.com/ bay-area-camps/
Day Camp • 408-248-2464
Grades TK-8
Our summer camps provide each child with the opportunity to fill his or her summer days with diverse experiences and activities. Creative play, arts
& crafts, academic review, sports, and picnics, will provide all students with a memorable summer.
https://www.actiondayprimaryplus.com/ summer-camp
Summer at Athena Academy is offering two, week-long skills programs, June 26 – June 30 and July 24 - July 28 for dyslexic and twice-exceptional students with language based challenges, grades 1-8. Our program is specifically designed, utilizing Athena Academy’s unique teaching approach, to help our students build an understanding of the way they learn and grow their confidence.
https://athenaacademy.org/ summer-camp/
Day Camp • 408-244-4073
Grades: Preschool - Middle School
Summer@Stratford is back with our academic camp favorites and all NEW day camp programs! This summer, children will have a wide range of options to explore new interests, discover a world of wonder, and enjoy a summer to remember at Stratford!
https://www.stratfordschools.com/ summer
Day Camp • 650-854-0288
Ages 5-11
Summertopia is a full-day camp bursting with fun, exploration, and friendship for campers entering Kindergarten through Sixth grade. Every week, there will be new, engaging activities plus an included 2 hour enrichment class of your choosing!
Trinity School cultivates academic excellence in an environment where each child is known, valued, and unique in their own voice. The legacy of a Trinity education is a curious mind and a discerning heart. Summertopia operates as a full-day camp from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. This full-day camp promises an enriching experience of fun, exploration, and the chance to build new friendships. It is designed for students entering Kindergarten through 6th grade and welcomes the community to join in the excitement. Campers can look forward to engaging in fresh and exciting activities each week.
https://www.trinity-mp.org/ summer-at-trinity
Day Camp • 510-550-5094
Ages: 3-11
At Wildcat Canyon Community School, we embrace a progressive Waldorfinspired education. This year, our programs are as diverse as they are enchanting! Dive into the captivating blend of magic and science with “The Magic and Science of Sorcery.” Embark on a culinary journey around the globe with “Global Flavors and Cultural Crafts,” where young explorers uncover the wonders of diverse cuisines. For those craving outdoor exploration, “Wildlings Adventure Camp” offers an immersive experience in nature, fostering a deep connection with the environment. Join us for an unforgettable journey of discovery and growth!
Daily outdoor adventures and exploration on our 91 acre campus. https://wildcatcanyon.org/ summer-camp-3/
Day Camp • 707-972-7112
Ages 6-12
Wild Earth Kids is an adventure camp that teaches outdoor survival skills, nature connection, and local plant and animal knowledge. In our third year, families love our fun & interactive camps, learning empowering skills that will last a lifetime.
Each day of camp in the redwood forest, we will be exploring outdoor survival/ancestral skills including: Archery, Primitive Fire Making (and roasting marshmallows), Shelter Building, Animal Tracking & Identification (including catching small reptiles), Plant identification (what you can eat & what you should avoid), Bird Watching, and identifying bird calls, Arts & Crafts (basketry, bird feeders and more!), Lots of Nature based games, Storytelling & Songs https://www.wildearthkids.com
The East Bay German International School (EBGIS) is a dual-language immersion IB World School offering preschool through high school programs. Our integrated curriculum combines bilingual German and English instruction with project-based learning and a cross-cultural experience. We offer exceptional academics, a diverse international perspective, and a vibrant community of students, parents, and teachers.
EBGIS is an accredited IB World School. All EBGIS eleventh and twelfth graders will enter the IB Diploma Programme (DP). Often referred to as the “gold standard” in high school education. The EBGIS IB Diploma Programme is open to students who do not speak German. Students may transfer to EBGIS to reap the benefits of the IB Diploma Programme offered in the eleventh and twelfth grades, choosing a second language other than German.
No prior knowledge of German is needed to join our Preschool and Kindergarten programs. Students need not be fluent in German to join our Elementary and Middle Schools. Talk to us about individualized language support.
Online Info Sessions are offered for all. Register at: http://www.ebgis.org/ admissions/visit-us 1070 41st Street Emeryville, CA 94608 (510)380-0302 admissions@ebgis.org
