Parents Press March 2017 by Parenting Media

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Contents

www.parentspress.com

March 2017

Publishers Robert and Tracy McKean Art Director Debbi Murzyn Account Managers Carol Flores, Sophie Archer Contributors Benjamin Campopiano, Aaron Crowe, Erika Mailman, Haley Reen, Mary Ann Scheuer, Peggy Spear

Features

Advertising Sales & General Info sales@parentspress.com Mailing Address 875-A Island Dr, Ste 421 Alameda, CA 94502 43,000 copies of Parents’ Press are distributed to more than 1,400 Bay Area locations. Send letters to the editor to editor@parentspress.com Family Fun Calendar submissions are due six weeks prior to publication date. Send calendar information to calendar@ parentspress.com Parents’ Press is published monthly. ©2017 Parents’ Press

9 Departments

Advertiser Category Index

3 Featured Activities

6 Teach In 2 Things That Help Your Child With Math

3 Off the Press

4 Bookshelf 8 Family Cents Celebrating Women’s Family Budget History Month Meetings 5 Kids’ Culture 30 Family Fun Calendar Getting Closer to Nature 6 Teen Talk Surviving College Rejection

Camps...................................9-28 Classifieds............................... 39 Family Fun.................................. 3 Health and Wellness...............5-8 Preschools..........................29-34 Professional Services..............2-5 Schools...............................35-39

Parents’ Press • BEST OF 2017 VOTE TODAY AT www.parentspress.com

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MARCH

14 | Tuesday

OFF THE PRESS

Pi Day at the Exploratorium — San Francisco

The Exploratorium celebrates the 29th annual Pi Day with free admission and special events alld ay. To honor the never-ending number 3.14159... (and Einstein’s birthday), the Exploratorium will feature-themed activities, rituals, antics, and plenty of pie. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., free. Exploratorium, Pier 15, San Francisco, www.exploratorium.edu.

18 | Saturday

7 2 | Thursday Irish-American Crossroads Festival — San Francisco

The Irish-American Crossroads Festival is a celebrated cultural event in the San Francisco Bay Area promoting the discovery and understanding of the diverse Irish experience in the Americas. This annual Festival takes place in many venues throughout the Bay Area and during March and April, and includes musical performances, book readings, and workshops. Through April 2. Check website for details: www. irishamericancrossroads.org

4 | Saturday

37th Annual Black Cuisine Festival — San Francisco

This fun-for-all-ages event, sponsored by Bayview Senior Services, will feature live music, vendor booths, a kids’ zone, and a variety of food venues. Some of the delicious offerings include fried chicken, catfish, oxtails, ribs, links, black-eyed peas, red beans and rice, greens, yams, mac and cheese, cornbread, sweet potato pie, peach cobbler, and pound cake. There will also be a soul food cooking contest with cash prizes for the winners. 11 a.m.–6 p.m., free. 1753 Carroll Ave., San Francisco, bhpmss.org

The Legendary White Elephant Sale — Oakland

Celebrating 58 years of exceptional success, the White Elephant Sale, Northern California’s biggest and best rummage sale, returns to Oakland today and tomorrow. Sale proceeds benefit the Oakland Museum of California. A complimentary shuttle service from the Fruitvale BART to the WES warehouse will be provided. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free admission, prices as marked. All ages. 333 Lancaster St., Oakland. 510-536-6800, www. whiteelephantsale.org

9 | Thursday

Jack and the Beanstalk — Walnut Creek

Presented by Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble. This giant of an adventure tale will grow before your eyes as Jack and his friends climb to new heights. A truly heart-warming story for the entire family to share. Running Time: approx. 50 minutes, with no intermission. 9:30, 11 am & 6:30 p.m. Through All Seats $14. This performance is recommended for younger audiences. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr. Walnut Creek. Call for tickets 925943-SHOW (7469), www.lescherartscenter.org

11 | Saturday 166th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival — San Francisco

St. Patrick’s Day Festival and Parade — Dublin

Enjoy Celtic music and Irish dancing. Eat authentic Irish food such as mushy peas, pasties and bangers and mash. View and purchase unique Celtic artwork, tartan wool, and handmade goods for sale. Have fun on carnival rides and enjoy tea at an Irish tea house. The festival runs all weekend long! 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission. All Ages. Dublin Civic Center 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin. www. dublinca.gov

San Francisco International Chocolate Salon— San Francisco

Chocolate aficionados, fanatics, lovers and addicts can taste & experience the finest in artisan, gourmet & premium chocolate in one of the world’s great culinary metropolitan areas. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., $25 advance tickets, $30 at the door, kids ages 6 to 12, $10, children younger than 6 free. The Hotel Kabuki, Garden Level, 1625 Post St., San Francisco, www. sfchocolatesalon.com

23 | Thursday

Water’s Extreme Journey — Berkeley

Become a raindrop and go on an interactive adventure through a water-cycle-themed maze.Have fun riding the Watershed Zip Line, walk through a giant wetland, and snap a pic of your family “swimming” with the dolphins— all while developing a deeper understanding of your place in the water ecosystem. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.$12 adults. $10 Children. Children under 3 are free. All ages. Lawrence Hall of Science, 1 Centennial Dr., Berkeley. 510642-5132 www.lawrencehallofscience.org

25 | Saturday

Free Family Bird Walk — Berkeley

Join Golden Gate Audubon’s experienced education staff on a guided bird walk along San Francisco’s wetland bayshore. High quality binoculars and scopes will be provided Kids of all ages welcome! Please RSVP to ggaseducation@gmail.com 10:00-11:30 a.m. FREE. All ages. Berkeley Marina (meet at Adventure Playground parking lot) 160 University Ave., Berkeley. goldengateaudubon.org

By Erika Mailman

he Newbery Awards honor children’s books each year; we’ve all seen the beautiful golden seal embossed on the covers of the selected books. In some cities, school librarians and teachers have started “Mock Newbery” clubs for students to guess which books will win and create buzz and excitement around the awards. According to a Publisher’s Weekly article about the phenomenon, many of the adults spearheading the program belong to a mock Newbery group on Voxer, where they share ideas to run it successfully. In Berkeley, Mary Ann Scheuer runs a mock Newbery group at Emerson Elementary School, where she is a teacher-librarian. She’s also a book reviewer for Parents’ Press and writes a blog called Great Kid Books. The Newbery program has run at her school since Fall 2013. At Emerson, kids give up their lunch period to read and discuss books. She told Publisher’s Weekly that 40-60 students participate within each of the 11 elementary schools of the Berkeley Unified School District, and that she encourages a concentrated debate, “not just, ‘Which book did you like best?’ but we go deeper and explore bigger ideas in our discussion.” Scheuer credited Armin Arethna, a Berkeley Public Library children’s librarian, and the Heavy Medal club at the Oakland Public Library, for spurring interest in bringing the concept to a wider audience. More recently, she has been excited that the program gives students experience in expressing opinions contrary to others’ — good practice in this divided political climate post-election.

THE WOODS ARE YOURS Many parents don’t know that every fourth-grader gets a free annual national park pass. Signing up takes seconds at www.everykidinapark. gov — you print out a paper pass that you take on your first trip to exchange for an official one. If you visit a site that charges entrance fees per person, the pass admits up to three adults and all children under 16 accompanying the fourth-grader. If

the site charges vehicle entrance fees, basically anyone that can cram into the car with the fourth-grader gets in! So really, this is a pass for the entire family. The pass became effective last fall and lasts until Aug. 31 of this year. Because it covers seven governmental agencies besides the national parks system, from anywhere in the U.S. you are within a two-hour drive of a participating site. Make this the year you show your family Yosemite or Muir Woods or the Pinnacles! As if this invitation to nature isn’t wonderful enough, Amtrak also offers fourthgraders discounted tickets: 75% off when an adult buys a full-price ticket. Visit Amtrak to learn more.

FILMS AND CRITICAL THINKING The Bay Area International Children’s Film Festival, held at Oakland’s Chabot Space & Science Center, always provides a wonderful offering of over 60 diverse films and hands-on workshops for kids. This year, says festival co-founder Shelley Trott, “We will also be presenting new programming and workshops around media education to help children think critically about the media they are consuming. Both parents and kids can feel overwhelmed and overstimulated by media, especially in the Bay Area, a technology-focused epicenter. How can we help the next generation manage and scrutinize the volume of conflicting information and the types of content they are screening?” The answer is, a media education workshop titled “How to Be a Kid Critic,” in partnership with Common Sense Media. “We can’t cover our kids’ eyes, but we can teach them to see,” says Common Sense Media’s founding editor in chief, Liz Perle. The workshop helps children develop media literacy skills, evaluating media critically with discussion and hands-on activities. Says Trott, participants will watch and review a short film, then discuss questionable news stories to learn why it’s so important not to take everything they see in the media at face value. The festival takes place March 10-12. http://baicff.com

FAMILY FUN Open Every Saturday & Sunday Best of the East Bay Parents’ Press

The annual St. Patrick’s Day parade is a wellestablished event with historic ties to San Francisco. The festival, which takes place at City Hall, is a fun opportunity to learn more about Irish history and culture. The festival and parade will include live performances and entertainment, arts and crafts exhibitors, food and beverage concessions, children’s rides and inflatables, and non-profits booths representing the Irish community. Festival 10 a.m.–5 p.m., parade begins at 11:30 a.m.at the corner of Second and Market Streets. Festival takes place in front of City Hall at Civic Center Plaza, San Francisco, www.uissf.org

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March 2017 | Parents’ Press 3

By Mary Ann Scheuer

Bookshelf Celebrating Women’s History Month

very March, I make a special effort to talk with my students about women I admire, both locally and nationally. Enjoy these picture books that captivate children, inspiring them in many different ways. “Ada Byron Lovelace and the Thinking Machine,” by Laurie Wallmark, illustrated by April Chu (Creston; ages 5-9; $17.99; 40 pp.). More than 100 years before the first computer was ever built, Ada Byron Lovelace wrote “a set of mathematical instructions” that becomes the very first computer program. This inspiring biography shows how numbers and inventions captivated Ada’s imagination as a young girl, paving the way for her remarkable breakthroughs. “Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909,” by Michelle Markel, illustrated by Melissa Sweet (Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins; ages 5-9; $17.99; 32 pp.). Markel and Sweet draw readers into Clara’s story, showing her courage and leadership in the face of physical threats, hardship and discrimination as a garment worker in turn-of-the-century New York City, “proving that in America, wrongs can be righted.” “Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl’s Courage Changed Music,” by Margarita Engle, illustrated by Rafael López (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; ages 5-9; $16.99; 48 pp.). Inspired by the life of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, who broke the social taboo in 1930s Cuba that prevented girls from drumming, California poet Margarita Engle gives today’s children a role model for following their own passions. “Firebird: Ballerina Misty Copeland Shows a Young Girl How to Dance Like the Firebird,” by Misty Copeland, illustrated by Christopher Myers (G.P. Putnam / Penguin; ages 6-10; $17.99; 40 pp.). When a discouraged AfricanAmerican girl looks up to her idol — ballet star Misty Copeland — the older dancer reassures her, saying, “darling child, don’t you know / you’re just where I started.” This blend of soaring illustrations and inspiring words will encourage many young dancers.

“Helen’s Big World: The Life of Helen Keller,” by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Matt Tavares (Disney/Hyperion, ages 6-10, $17.99, 48 pp.). This picture book biography celebrates the way Helen Keller learned to communicate in spite of the darkness and silence that surrounded her. Rappaport sprinkles quotes from Keller’s own autobiography and other writing throughout, providing young readers an intimate sense of Keller’s struggles and determination. “Hillary Rodham Clinton: Some Girls Are Born to Lead,” by Michelle Markel, illustrated by LeUyen Pham (Balzer + Bray / HarperCollins; ages 6-10; $17.99; 40 pp.). Southern Californians Markel and Pham bring upbeat energy and thorough research to this engaging picture book biography of Clinton. They especially help young readers see Clinton’s life in context of the women’s movement for equality and empowerment. “I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark,” by Debbie Levy, illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley (Simon & Schuster; ages 6-10; $17.99; 40 pp.). As a lawyer, activist and Supreme Court judge, Ruth Bader Ginsburg has fought for the things she cares about,

pushing back against bias, racism, sexism. This is a timely book to share with children, which will lead to many conversations about how important it is to fight for fairness and equality for all. “The Kid from Diamond Street: The Extraordinary Story of Baseball Legend Edith Houghton,” by Audrey Vernick, illustrated by Steven Salerno (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; ages 5-10; $17.99; 40 pp.). Edith Houghton began her professional baseball career at the age of ten (!) joining the Philadelphia Bobbies after impressing the coach with her remarkable skills and dedication. Young readers will be interested in Edith’s life on the baseball circuit — especially how women played alongside and against men in the 1920s. “Life in the Ocean: The Story of Oceanographer Sylvia Earle,” by Claire A. Nivola (Farrar, Straus & Giroux; ages 5-9; $17.99; 32 pp.). Sylvia Earle loved nature and the ocean, pursuing a career fully submersed in scientific discoveries and inventions. She helped design devices that allowed deep-water dives, lived for two weeks in a deep-sea station, and studied whales, swimming alongside them.

“Rad American Women A-Z: Rebels, Trailblazers, Visionaries Who Shaped Our History...and Our Future!,” by Kate Schatz, illustrated by Miriam Klein Stahl (City Lights/Sister Spit; ages 8-16; $17.99; 64 pp.). Bay Area teachers Schatz and Stahl inspire young readers to make a difference in their own communities, profiling 25 American women who have influenced American public life. An energetic, dynamic tribute to a diverse group of artists, teachers, writers, lawyers and athletes. “Sonia Sotomayor: A Judge Grows in the Bronx / La juez que creció en el Bronx,” by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Edel Rodriguez (Atheneum / Simon & Schuster; ages 4-8; $17.99; 40 pp.). This biography of Sotomayor, the first Latina Supreme Court justice, features both English and Spanish text on every page. With an upbeat and encouraging tone, Winter clearly attributes Sotomayor’s success to her hard work, determination and supportive family. Mary Ann Scheuer is a teacher librarian for Berkeley Unified School District. Find more books she recommends sharing with your children at her blog, Great Kid Books, http://greatkidbooks. blogspot.com.

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510.665.5513 4 Parents’ Press | March 2017

water is more appealing than plain but won’t interfere with your baby’s hunger for her next meal. Bath time can also be fun, if your baby likes the water. Most babies like a little massage with an unscented oil or lotion. Choose a time when your baby is in her “quiet alert” stage for the best experience for both baby and dad. Gentle massage will often help a baby to prolong a quiet state that continues even after the massage is over. Even diapering can be “quality time” for a dad and baby, if he talks and coos to her while he is cleaning and changing her. As new parents you need to be very awarewing of each other’s rightstructures, now. sets, slides,needs climbing Mothers often so overwhelmed with andare monkey bars are fantastic, but caringsometimes, for a new baby they don’t whenthat I take my kidshave to a much energy left for couple relationpark, I’m looking forthe a space that is a little ship. Dads, on the other hand, may not get more natural. I like many tall trees, grass to enjoy the baby as much and may feel deyou can down on, hillsand to roll down prived oflie both their mate their expecfrom top to bottom. I like a break from the tations of what fatherhood would be like. tot one lot style of playground; I crave a real No can imagine what daily life will be park. I’malooking for Of spots where like with new baby. course, nomy onekids has the or energy to talk about this,and so it’s cantime gather pine cones, acorn “hats” see no wonder both parents can wind time up actual localthat wildlife. March is a great

activities or a hike through local resources such as the Fathers Forum (Fathersforum. com) or East Bay Dads (Eastbaydads.com). If a dad is feeling really overwhelmed or stressed out, the extra support of a resource like Postpartummen.com can be a lifesaver. Most people don’t know that dads feel the baby blues just like moms, and dads can also experience postpartum depression. Moms can help by encouraging dads to check these local online resources. Even better, Moms can encourage (even push) dads to use these resources to get together with other dads in real life. Fortunately, nature designed babies to rapidly through thisand period of comcollect move leaves, see birds squirrels, plete dependency mom. Soon, your baby and maybe even on catch some LARP-ers will become a delightfully social being. By sword fighting. Parking is two hours the time you read this, she will be smiling max, and they do ticket! But do enjoy the and flirting as she discovers that there is peaceful and serene beauty of this park more to life than a good meal and a nap. In in the north Berkeley hills. fact, by the end of her third month, she’ll just down the be Thousand so delightedOaks to seePark, her dad that you’ll hillher from near the north end see getCodornices, excited and animated just seeof Shattuck Avenue, is another lovely ing his face. So be patient, support each placethrough with stone trolls other this bridges difficult(maybe time, and you’ll all emerge intact. underneath?) and ivy covered edifices.

to get out in nature, when everything is green and the animals are having babies. Get some good walking shoes and a sun hat; this is an adventure!

There is a play structure too, of the bright plastic variety, which kids will love. Tilden Park cannot be forgotten on this list. It’s a park that features two lakes, a swimming area, a nature center, a small farm, and ample hiking and picnic areas, plus a play structure just can’t be beat. Local flora and fauna are ready for young explorers and their families.

WIN Prizes! By Haley Reen

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Kids Culture

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2014

Parks to Get Closer to Nature

Berkeley Area

the best family dentists and ortohodontists in The Bay area DENTISTS ALAMEDA

PINOLE

DENTAL LISTINGS Thea S. Dosanjh, DDS

Richard Tabor, DDS 1821 Santa Clara Ave. 510-865-2900 www.alamedadentist.com Codornices Park, Berkeley

2000 Appian Way, Suite 303 510-964-0168 www.eastshorepediatricdental.com Teri L. Kim, DDS 2000 Appian Way, Suite 303 510-964-0168 www.eastshorepediatricdental.com

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Alvarado Park, off east McBryde, is a sweet secret. It’s almost always empty! There is a play structure and sand area here too. Many wide open spaces, lots of trees, rocks, buckeyes, acorns, a creek, a gazebo, and bonus nice bathrooms! Kennedy Grove, on San Pablo Dam Road just east of El Sobrante, is another fantastic park! Again, there is a play structure and sand, a walking path, lots of parking and picnic tables for large scale playdates, clean and plentiful bathrooms, barbecue pits, and sometimes horses and their riders!

Lafayette locals know about the secret treasure that is the Lafayette reservoir. It’s part of the East Bay Municipal Utilities District, and is great for fishing, hiking, dog walking, and yes, there is a play structure. Bathrooms and parking are ample and clean, but parking is not free. Briones Park is another East Bay secret. While it isn’t equipped with a playground, it is amazing for hikes, horseback riding, and long walks with nature lovers and their children.

www.parentspress.com San Francisco

Pinole Area

Golden Gate Park is a jewel of the bay. There are a variety of options for scenery and activities here, from shady glens to sunny lawns, forest areas, and landscaping to amaze and captivate. Locals who go here frequently don’t even see all there is to see, it’s that big.

Point Pinole off Giant Highway is a great spot for runners, mountain bikers, and dog walkers. But it is also great for families. There is a play structure here geared toward older kids, but there are also so many places to walk, look at the boats on the water of the bay, collect shells, see some cranes eating fish, and spot chunks of brick washed up on shore from a defunct old factory from long ago. Port-o-potties are here and there but not much! Better stop for a break before you head out on a long walk around the point.

Haley Reen is an East Bay-based freelance writer.

Pediatric Ear Nose and Throat Experts

Oakland/Castro Valley

Specializing in the care of:

On the far eastern side of Oakland there is an expanse of explorable areas known as Joaquin Miller and Redwood Regional parks. Both are beautiful and child friendly, with lots of nature to witness. Both have play structures and bathrooms on the trails. Redwood features an annual ladybug hibernation hike, lots of tall trees, and a fairy tale vibe. Joaquin Miller is less remote and showcases a wonderful water feature. It’s also near Chabot Space and Science Center and Robert’s Park, which is a great playground for children with different physical abilities and needs.

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2961 Summit Street, Oakland, CA 94609 Golden Gate Park, San Francisco Call Today 510-465-0941 HEALTH AND WELLNESS

For more information and to see if you qualify, contact: City of Berkeley WIC Program 830 University Ave Berkeley, CA 94710 510.981.5360 Migrant families are welcome! wicprogram@cityofberkeley.info Visit us at www.cityofberkeley.info/publichealth Do you with health care? Do you while are pregnant? Please Do youneed needhelp help with health care? Doneed you care need careyou while you call Berkeley Public Health at Berkeley 510-981-5300. are pregnant? Please call Public Health at 510-981-5300. We canhelp helpwith with community forincome low and middle incomeHealthy families. We can programs for lowprograms and middle families. (Medi-Cal, (Medi-Cal andand CHDP) Families, CHDP other community programs)

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Have you tried therapy or other avenues of support that haven’t worked? Is your son or daughter already in an out-of-home placement and are you looking to connect with other parents in the same situation? This six-week parenting group starting in early March offers help and support during stressful times. Cindy Rasicot, MFT is in private practice in Lafayette, California with a specialization in adoption issues. She is a Director of Willows in the Wind, www.willowsinthewind.com

For additional information about the group and to schedule a free introductory meeting This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

These doctors are among the best family dentists in the Bay Area

PP EB MAR 2014_1-16.26rm.indd 11

ALAMEDA

PINOLE

Richard Tabor, DDS 1821 Santa Clara Ave. 510-865-2900 www.alamedadentist.com

Thea S. Dosanjh, DDS 2000 Appian Way, Suite 303 510-964-0168 www.eastshorepediatricdental.com

HAYWARD

Lamorinda Area

HEALTH & WELLNESS

These docTors are among

Codornices Park, across the street from the Berkeley Rose Garden, boasts the best of both worlds. Shady, grassy areas, basketball courts, play structures, picnic spots, and places to explore,

Richmond Area

Teri L. Kim, DDS 2000 Appian Way, Suite 303 Ha To Jacklynn Thai, DDS 510-964-0168 24700 Calaroga Ave., Ste. 104 www.eastshorepediatricdental.com 510-785-9295 www.kiddodentist.com

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Pediatric Ear Nose March 2014Throat | East Bay | Parents ’ Press 11 and Experts Specializing in the care of:

2/25/14 11:27 AM

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By Peggy Spear

Teen Talk 6 Tips for Surviving the College Rejection

he ill winds of March are blowing in, and with them bad news for many high school seniors. March is traditionally the month colleges send out their acceptances and rejections — except for those students who applied for early admission or for schools with “rolling” admissions. It can be a joyous time, as a student gets into his or her first-choice college, seemingly validating his or her hard work and self-worth. But for many more students, March brings news of rejection from that ONE school your student wanted to attend. What then? What can we, as parents, do to help our children overcome what may be to them the most devastating blow in their lives? Audrey Slaughter, a Walnut Creekbased college and career advisor, has six suggestions for parents and students that will take the sting out of those words, “We’re sorry to inform you…” Evaluate WHY that college was your #1 choice: Define why that college is right for YOU. Is it distance from home, research opportunities in your areas of interest, clubs/organizations that are important for your comfort (such as a hobby or sport you want to join in college)? Do other colleges on your list share these traits? If so, consider one of them with an open mind. Do your homework and be objective: Make a chart with your top reasons by category (academic, social, extracurricular, comfort factors) and rank each remaining college side by side. Take out the name of the college and emotion out of the decision. Look at their

attributes and think about this choice. College will be the biggest financial decision students have made in their lives, so far. Give your college choice the time and respect it deserves. Take a gap year: Find significant involvement or growth opportunities

happy with their remaining choices or “put all their eggs in one basket,” find colleges with rolling admissions or later deadlines after you find out your answer from the “dream college.” There are colleges with application deadlines all the way through August. Do more

Your path may take more than one college, may take more than four years, and the odds are you will have at least one change in major. Stay flexible and learn what is best for your needs. to help you be a better candidate for your school of choice later on. Focus on activities that will show your efforts to improve on skills or help others. If you stay at home and perfect learning to make cream puffs, that is not improving yourself to be a different person to the colleges when you apply again next year. Keep applying: If students are not

research on college search sites like Big Future (https://bigfuture.collegeboard. org). The National Association of College Admissions Counseling (www.nacacnet. org) posts a space availability college list in May. Think community college: When the orientation for the fall classes is offered. Community colleges such as Diablo

By Benjamin Campopiano

Teach In Try These Two Things to Help Your Child Excel at Math

hether your son or daughter is learning their times tables or prodding through proofs, there’s two key things to try when helping them at math. First, ask. Then, praise. Math is hard. It doesn’t come naturally for many of us, and the data is showing that our children are struggling with it. In the latest round of testing comparing high school students all across the globe, U.S. students declined in math scores, finishing behind 36 of the 70 participating countries or educational systems. Furthermore, the Common Core State Standards have seemingly made math classes and homework more challenging than ever before. And not only that, but students are being asked to do more in school than previous generations — from longer English essays to harder science projects, to more extracurricular activities. So, when you put it all together, it’s no wonder that math scores are declining, and many of our children have come to dread their math homework. But the fact is that most kids who struggle with math have the intelligence to succeed at the subject.

6 Parents’ Press | March 2017

Valley College in Concord offer priority registration for those incoming new students who have taken the orientation course before fall semester registration begins. Find out deadlines and have this Plan B ready in case you want to take this route. Then, as you plan your first community college courses, keep a transfer in mind and find the correct courses to take that will transfer. Different types of college systems (UC, CSU, and private schools) all have course lists that will be accepted by them for credit. Follow the list carefully so you don’t waste time and money Stay optimistic: Finally, know yourself and have self-confidence. Your path may take more than one college, may take more than four years, and the odds are you will have at least one change in major. Stay flexible and learn what is best for your needs. Then, stay focused and positive — with hard work you will succeed. And it will be because of you and your efforts, not just the college’s reputation. Staying optimistic was hard for Michael Smith of San Jose when he was rejected by Berkeley last spring. But he looked at other colleges that did want him — UC Santa Barbara and Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo — and ultimately chose the business program at Cal Poly. One quarter into his first year he couldn’t be happier. “I don’t think I would have done well at Cal,” he says. “I like the size of Cal Poly, and the practical knowledge I’m getting about business. It’s the perfect fit for me, and I didn’t even realize it when I was so focused on getting into what I thought was my ‘dream’ school.”

Often we find that students with low math scores and grades are doing fine — or excelling — in other subjects. This shows that the math concepts aren’t always above the student’s pay grade, but rather just aren’t being taught — or learned — correctly. This is where parents come into play. We need to ask the right questions, and praise every step of the way. First, ask. Then praise. When your child is working on their math homework, it’s critical that you don’t ask for the answer to the problem. Instead, ask for an explanation of their work. Ask them how they got to the answer, what the process looked like, or why they took the route they took when solving the problem. You can do this with your fifth-grader or 15-year-old, it just takes some getting used to. After you ask questions, give your child time to verbalize the steps they took. If they aren’t sure what to say, prod them to go deeper in detail, or show you step by step what actions they took to solve the problem. Sometimes this can be done quickly because the problem is simple, or sometimes it can take minutes. Either

way, the goal is to get your child to express their thinking, to share their process, and to explain their rationale. When kids do this — regardless of their age or aptitude — they will increase their learning, improve their confidence, and gain vital skills that will help them solve other math problems that will arise in class or on exams. Once your child begins answering your questions, praise them. Shower praise on them for how they approached the problem, how they worked through the steps, how they organized their thoughts, and how they made such a great effort. If they got the answer right, praise them for that too. But if the answer was wrong,

you simply praise the effort and process, and then help them rework the problem. Recent studies by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development show that girls do worse in math than boys despite having more positive attitudes to school in general, doing more homework, reading more often for pleasure than boys, and outperforming boys overall. The OECD concluded that girls lack self-confidence when solving math problems, and suffer from parents and teachers having low expectations of them when it comes to math. The takeaway from these studies is simple. Ask more. Praise more. Whether your child is a girl or boy, teen or tot,

it doesn’t matter. By asking the right questions and praising the process and effort, our kids will more likely excel at math. Their confidence will increase, their understanding of the subject matter will grow, and they will develop trust in their ability to critically think and problem solve, even when they are stuck. When you and I were growing up, we aced math tests by memorizing formulas, and putting in the hard work doing lots of problems over and over again. This served us well in school, college and when we took to our careers. But times have changed, schools and markets have evolved, and we can’t be stuck in past ways of thinking — even if it worked for us.

Math is no longer about memorization, so we need to change our approach when supporting our kids. Our kids struggle at math because they are confused. Or lack confidence. Or both. Not because they don’t have the will or skill to do the work. As parents, we can help increase confidence and decrease confusion simply by asking and praising. Try it out this semester, and I can all but guarantee that you’ll see their math scores and grades increase. Benjamin Campopiano is a secondary Instructional Coach and Vice Principal at Northgate High School in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District, as well as the father of a newborn daughter. Reach him at campopianob@mdusd. org.

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March 2017 | Parents’ Press 7

By Aaron Crowe

Family Cents How to Have Family Budget Meetings

amily meetings can be a pain in the neck. They can lead to people taking on more responsibilities for a common goal. One family meeting that shouldn’t be avoided is a monthly family budget meeting. If you’re not already doing this, it’s time to start. If you can increase that to one per week, then you’re much more on top of your finances than a lot of people. A family budget meeting should have a few goals. The main one should be to go over all the bills and assets together and discuss strategy. A second goal is to discuss long-term goals and how to pay for them. You can add others if you’d like, such as going over chores with the kids and paying them if everything is completed, but children don’t have to be a part of all of a family meeting. After all, how many 8-year-olds want to review bills? But they can help on setting long-term goals. Family budget meetings can be great ways to get older children involved in money decisions. The meetings should give them the feeling that they’re part of a team and not get them worried about how to deal with money. All of this should take 20 minutes, max. Go beyond that and you’ll risk losing someone’s attention, or you likely have a bigger issue — such as discussing summer wardrobe purchases for the family — that can be a separate, minibudget meeting.

How to prepare for a family budget meeting Before you have a family budget meeting, you should plan for it. There’s probably a “saver” among couples, and that person likely deals with the family

budget: balancing the checkbook, paying bills, setting up automatic deposits to savings accounts, etc. Both people in a relationship should be responsible for the budget, but it may make things easier to have one person in charge of it overall. There are many ways to keep track of a budget: On paper, spreadsheet on your computer, phone app or website that specializes in budgeting. Everyone should have a calculator.

Nuts and bolts of a meeting Start the meeting by reviewing the budget. It’s a lot simpler than you may think it is — amounts spent in various categories versus what you planned to spend. If you’re spending more than the amount you have budgeted in an area — such as dining out — then you’re over budget and are spending beyond your means or you’re covering it by spending less elsewhere. Review spending, decide how to deal with spending that wasn’t budgeted, and go over savings goals and how you’ve met them or not this month. After a review, you and your spouse can discuss changes and agree on a final budget for the upcoming month. I won’t go into all the spending and saving categories that should be covered, but it’s worth mentioning that adults should have an account that they can each use however they want. See a dress you really want now? Use your “fun money” account to pay for it. It’s an expense you don’t have to explain to anyone. Being over budget, at least for the first month or so, is likely. Don’t panic. These are skills you or your spouse may be learning for the first time, and discussing them together may not be

Family budget meetings can be great ways to get older children involved in money decisions. The meetings should give them the feeling that they’re part of a team and not get them worried about how to deal with money. easy. Don’t point fingers and don’t let one person take over the meeting. It’s a “family” meeting where everyone should be involved. Lastly, get your computer out and end the meeting by transferring any money to the appropriate accounts. If your budget is so tight that you can’t set up automatic transfers, then now is a good time to move money to savings, retirement, college fund and “fun money” accounts, among others you may have.

That’s it. Expect some kinks along the way, but remember that creating and sticking to a family budget is a process. A family budget meeting can be one of the best ways to make your family’s financial life a lot easier. Aaron Crowe is a freelance journalist in the Bay Area who specializes in personal finance writing. He owns a few personal finance websites, including CashSmarter.com, where he writes about his family’s finances. Follow him on Twitter @AaronCrowe.

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NOTE: The specific information and write-ups about camps listed here and some of the photographs were provided by the organizations themselves. Please be sure to contact camps for prices, and to verify dates and locations.

Our camp guide is one-stop shopping for the best programs the Bay Area offers.

his March issue is always one of our favorite issues of the year. In highlighting the hundreds of camps and activities available to our Bay Area children, we get our first taste of summer. For those of you unfamiliar with our March issue, we provide a comprehensive listings of summer programs for your child. But it’s so much more; we look at WHY summer camps are important, and offer insights to what everyone gets out of the experience. There are many factors in picking a camp — the most important being, of course, is it the right fit for your child? Luckily, there are many different types of camps to explore, from traditional nature and sportsoriented programs to science, technology, performing arts, academic, cooking and more. In our annual Camps and Summer Programs Guide, Parents Press offers up a comprehensive listing of camps and other activities that are sure to intrigue, enrich and inspire your child. — Parents’ Press

ACADEMIC CAMPS ALAMEDA COUNTY EAST BAY KIDZ SUMMER MATH CAMP (OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: Grades 4th - 8th

The Annual East Bay Kidz Math Camp is a fun, 3-week investigation into mathematics, ESPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR STUDENT WHO ARE STRUGGLING! This summer camp for 4th-8th graders focuses on key math building blocks, developing math confidence, along with engaging game-based and hands-on activities. The 2017 Annual East Bay Kidz Summer Math Camp for 4th-8th graders is taught by the Bay Area’s most sought-after math learning specialists, who come from the public school classroom and utilize Making Math Real-based methods and strategies in their teaching. This special 3-week, small group summer program will provide an investigative, prescriptive & fun environment for your child to get the extra support they may need to get a head start on the school year. DATES & TIMES: 2017 Summer Camp Session: July 24-August 11. The 3-week camp session runs Monday through Friday from 9am-12pm daily. http://tlcservices9.wixsite. com/east-bay-kidz

EAST BAY SPCA SUMMER ANIMAL CAMP (DUBLIN)

CAMPS

THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND A Summer Day Camp of Outdoor Science

™

For children ages 5 to 15

Connecting kids to nature . . . and making science fun

Age or Grade Range: Grades 1 -12

Whether your child is a giant animal lover and just wants to spend a week doing everything animal, or they need a little experience and education before you add a furry friend to the family, our summer camp program will be purr-fect for them! http://eastbayspca. org/what-we-do/humane-education/animalcamp/summer-camp

Weekly Sessions: June 12 - August 25 Oakland Berkeley

EMBARC SUMMER DESIGN ACADEMY (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: rising juniors and seniors

For more information (510) 581-3739 or www.sarahscience.com

embARC is a four week summer design

March 2017 | Parents’ Press 9

FEATURED SUMMER CAMPS SARAH’S SCIENCE AND THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND SUMMER DAY CAMPS (BERKELEY & OAKLAND) Ages 5 to 15 years

Sarah’s Science is the Bay Area’s premier summer day camp with over 30 years of experience providing high quality science and nature programming. Each week of camp is centered around an exciting theme and campers make and take home new science projects every day. Camp also includes nature hikes, swimming, games, and arts and crafts. Ages 5-15. Weekly sessions from June 13 - August 26. Locations in Oakland and Berkeley. Camp hours 9AM - 3PM. Before- and After-care available. For more information or to enroll in an upcoming camp, class, or workshop please visit www.sarahscience.com or call (510) 581-3739.

BOYS ON THE GO (BERKELEY) Campers: 9-13 and Youth Leaders: 14-16

Boys on the Go! provides an opportunity for boys, ages 9-13, to explore the Bay Area on public transportation and meet new friends while having some really fun adventures. We are dedicated to empowering these soon to be young men to be curious, competent and compassionate people. Some destinations include: Lake Merritt for boating, Bowling trips, Baseball games, Ice Skating, Mini-Golf, Arcades, Movies and more! Monday’s are Creating Community Day where we engage and connect with each other, do team building activities and learn how to travel safely together. We play board and field games and make planes and rockets. www.monkeybusinesscamp.com/summer-boys-on-the-go-pictorialpreview/

GIRLS ON THE GO CAMP (BERKELEY) Campers: 9-13 and Youth Leaders: 14-16

Since 2002, Girls on the Go Camp supports girls to be bold, confident and fully expressed. Girls travel to destinations around the Bay Area by public transit and participate in interactive workshops. Our diverse staff is dynamic, engaging, skilled, empathetic and deeply passionate about their work with youth. Winner of Best of Camp Teen Award 20152016. Basic Day 8:30-4:00; Ext Care 8-6:00. Berkeley location: Runs June 12-Aug 25; Oakland location: July 10-July 21. www.girlsonthegocamp.com/

MONKEY BUSINESS CAMPS (BERKELEY) Campers: 4.5-10 and Youth Leaders: 11-15

In our 18th year, Monkey Business kids receive a distinctive classic camp experience in Tilden Park. Art, Cooking, Tinkering, Storytelling, Singing, Games, Nature Exploration, Swimming at Lake Anza, Treasure Hunts, Carnival Games, Organic Food! Our diverse staff is dynamic, engaging, skilled, empathetic and deeply passionate about their work with youth. Winner of many Best of Camp Parent’s Press Awards. Youth Leadership available for ages 10-16. www.monkeybusinesscamp.com

intensive that brings together high school students from diverse backgrounds to explore architecture, urban design and sustainable city planning through three components: an Architecture & Urban Design Studio, a Sustainable Planning Workshop and a Design-Build project. http://ced.berkeley. edu/academics/summer-programs/embarcdesign-academy/

10 Parents’ Press | March 2017

ESCUELA BILINGUE INTERNACIONAL SUMMER CAMP (OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: PK-3rd Grade

Join us at Escuela Bilingüe Internacional (EBI), the Bay Area’s first Spanish-English dual-immersion independent school, for a summer of Spanish language and culture. EBI Summer Camps are open to EBI, and non-

EBI students. Campers will explore art, music, science, cooking, movement and dozens of other enriching and dynamic themes in Spanish! EBI’s camp staff will make learning Spanish an engaging and gratifying adventure. http://ebinternacional.org/summer-camp

MENTORING ACADEMY BRIDGE CAMP (OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: Grades 8-12

Bridge Camp is designed for entering 9th graders who would like to master needed skills for high school from experienced teachers. Students will learn classroom etiquette, how to study, organizational and interpersonal skills, and more! www. mentoringacademy.org

SAN FRANCISCO CAMP EDMO Age or Grade Range: PRE-K-8th

Ingeniously Fun At CAMP EDMO kids Pre-K8th grade discover awesome stuff about the world and themselves as they mix and match weekly science, art, maker, tech & nature themes to build Social Emotional Learning and 21st Century skills. Voted Bay Area’s-Best Summer Day Camp-2009-2016! First Time Families Save $50. campedmo.org Age or Grade Range: ages 8-14

The SHC Summer Institute is a series of one-week enrichment courses for 5th 9th graders, and sports academies for motivated students and athletes ages 8 14. Instructed by SHC’s talented faculty, staff and coaches,

Age or Grade Range: Grades 8-12

Summer School is offered to any high schooler who wants to pursue courses not offered at their high school, complete AP courses, recover credit for a course that was unsuccessful or expand their academic and personal skills www.mentoringacademy.org

SARAH’S SCIENCE CAMP (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: 5-15

Sarah’s Science is the Bay Area’s premier summer day camp with over 30 years of experience providing high quality science and nature programming. Each week of camp is centered around an exciting theme and campers make and take home new science projects every day. Camp also includes nature hikes, swimming, games, and arts and crafts. Ages 5-15. Weekly sessions from June 13 - August 26. Locations in Oakland and Berkeley. Camp hours 9AM - 3PM. Beforeand After-care available. www.sarahscience. com/summer

SUMMER ACADEMY AT QUARRY LANE (DUBLIN) Age or Grade Range: Grades 3-12

Get ahead this summer! Our popular Jr. Summer Academy and Summer Academy offers a number of academic summer courses for students looking to advance in subjects such as math, science and language arts. Our summer academic programs utilize the distinct, engaging, hands-on approach that Quarry Lane is known for. www.QuarryLane. org/Summer

SUMMER AT THE ACADEMY (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: pre-K - 8th grade

Summer at The Academy is an excellent way to shore up fundamental academic skills in preparation for the year ahead, and a great way for students to have fun!We offer we offer three multi-age sections of Morning Academics. We enroll no more than fifteen students in each section, allowing our outstanding faculty to provide highly individuated instruction. Registration is now open! Act fast to reserve your place. If you are looking for a summer program that offers deep learning and meaningful fun, send them to The Academy! http://theacademyschool. org/about-us/summer-program/

SUMMER FUN 2017 (ALAMEDA) Age or Grade Range: 2 years 4 months - 10

Rising Star has offered an educational program in Alameda for over 30 years. During the summer we offer cultural themes. Summer Fun 2017 will have Creatures of the Night, Astronomy, Oceans and Summer Pastimes. www.risingstarschool.org

TRIP - TEEN RECREATIONAL INTERACTIVE PROGRAM (SAN LEANDRO) Age or Grade Range: Grades 6-10

TRIP offers students entering grades 6-10 an opportunity to explore and learn about their local community and beyond. TRIP focuses on providing teens an environment to build

friendships while building essential social skills and self-esteem and participate in fun and adventurous experiences. Teens engage in life skills that aid in their learning and development. www.sanleandrorec.org

WRITE NOW! SUMMER WRITING CAMP (PLEASANTON) Age or Grade Range: Grades 2-8

Every summer, Hacienda School of Pleasanton open their doors and offer their innovative programs in a camp-like setting to outside students who want to share in the summer learning adventures. We offer three 3 of different writing skill: Expository Writing, Creative Writing and Presentation Techniques. Come join us! If you would like more information email Christina Trujillo; ctrujillo@ headsup.org. www.headsup.org

SAN MATEO COUNTY KIDIZENS - YOUNG MAYORS (BELMONT) Age or Grade Range: Grades K-3 and Grades 3-6

SHC SUMMER INSTITUTE

MENTORING ACADEMY SUMMER SCHOOL AND CREDIT RECOVERY (OAKLAND)

students and athletes explore exciting topics through hands-on learning and field trips and pursue athletic achievement with others that share their interests and abilities. All academies run from 9 am to 3 pm daily with a lunch break from noon to 1 pm. http://www. shcp.edu/summer/

Join us for one to two weeks of fun and responsibility at our very popular Kidizens Summer Camps! Kidizens inspires students to become good citizens and future leaders, one LEGO brick at a time. In a fast-paced

CAMPS

Summer at

Quarry Lane

A Private Jr. K-12 College Preparatory School 6363 Tassajara Rd., Dublin, CA 925.829.8000

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY SPANISH CAMP (WALNUT CREEK) Age or Grade Range: 3-10

Spanish 4 Children Academy offers a great experience for your child. There are 4 Summer Camps themes. PIRATES, A WALK THROUGH THE JUNGLE, LET’S GO CAMPING, and LET’S GO TO THE FAIR. Camps are filled of fun activities, scavenger hunts, music, outdoor games, art, and more. Spanish 4 Children Academy will open it’s door at the new location on May 1, 2017 with preschool program and school classes. Contact Miriam for more information 925 262 3608 mlattanzi68@yahoo.com New location 2317 Buena Vista Ave, Walnut Creek CA

MARIN COUNTY SUMMER ODYSSEY (SAN RAFAEL) Age or Grade Range: Entering grades 2-9 in Fall, 2017

The Summer Odyssey Program at Dominican University will be entering its twentieth summer (2017) of providing academically gifted and creatively talented elementary, middle school, and beginning high school students from Marin County and beyond with the opportunity to engage in challenging, project-based educational experiences not ordinarily available during the school year. http://www.dominican.edu/academics/ specialprograms/odysseyprograms/ summerodyssey

Summer Engineering Camp

Summer Academy

ESL Summer Camp

Explore. Create. Innovate.

For students entering grades 3-8 Our Summer Engineering Camp offers a dynamic, engaging program designed to spark the imagination and creativity of our campers while building solid engineering and technology skills.

Summer Academy

For students entering grades 6-12 Get ahead this summer! Our popular Summer Academy offers a number of academic summer courses for middle and high school students looking to advance in subjects includingmath, science and language arts.

SUMMERCREST (SAN RAFAEL) Age or Grade Range: Grades TK-6

SummerCrest is a unique camp that seeks to challenge and build joy in learning through hands-on academic classes. Lively afternoon enrichment and outdoor programs complete each day at SummerCrest. Two 3-week sessions are offered for students entering TK - 6th grade: June 12-June 30 and July 3-July 30. SummerCrest classes for 2017 will be taught by credentialed teachers and will include Archeology, Endangered Species, Video Production, Time Machine Challenges, Computer Coding, Animation, Drawing, Arts & Crafts, Outdoor Games, and Leadership. SummerCrest offers the total camp experience! Learning, laughter, fun, and new friendships are all part of SummerCrest. Extended day care is available. www. summercrest.org

Summer Sessions: June 12- July 21 Register at

www.QuarryLane.org/Summer

Education is a lifelong committment

March 2017 | Parents’ Press 11

By Lucy Jackson Norvell

I’M GOING TO LET YOU IN ON A LITTLE SECRET: camp directors and staff just may be the biggest allies that parents and guardians will ever meet! There’s so much about educating and caring for children of all ages in the unique setting of a summer camp that naturally fosters a special partnership between families and the camps they choose for their children.

The Basics This close bond is readily apparent when parents visit camp, especially parents of established campers who have several summers under their belts. What you see is a lot of hugging, thanking and celebrating: • hugging because adults grow close after years of working together to help raise a child; • thanking because camp people are truly grateful to have the trust of families and because families are equally grateful for what camps provide; and • celebrating because camp is finally happening –and camp is a special, unique and fun part of each child’s life. Camps frequently succeed in inspiring campers to accomplish what families and schools can’t or don’t. It happens because camps offer problem-solving, collaboration and support through campers’ growing pains that are inevitable in the journey through childhood and adolescence. For families, having this kind of an ally is invaluable, especially in today’s world where it sometimes seems like there’s more judgment and criticism of parents than ever before. It’s well worth it to establish and cultivate relationships with your child’s camp. But, what’s the best way to go about that – with a day or overnight camp – when the entire point is for a child to be independent at camp for a certain period of time? What’s the appropriate role for families to play? The whole point of camp is to provide children with a safe and fun learning opportunity that they can navigate by themselves and with the guidance of camp personnel. However, this cannot happen without mutual trust and respect or a fundamental understanding between the adults at home and the adults at camp. Campers often don’t realize that parents and guardians have

Make New Art and New Friends This Summer 2017 at the Richmond Art Center!

Register for Kids Camp before March 31, use coupon code SU17YC and save 10%! Visit our website for more information and sign up today! RichmondArtCenter.org 2540 Barrett Avenue Richmond, CA 510 620 6772

Don’t worry! It’s easier than it may seem. My point is that it’s worth it to coordinate efforts on the team of adults helping your child to grow up. How much time and energy you invest will vary depending on how much time your child will attend camp this summer and in future summers. If you are choosing a one-time, one-week gig, you may not invest the continued on page 14 >>>

dynamic environment, the kids develop leadership and interpersonal skills while dealing with natural disasters, resident problems and financial crises. http:// thekidizens.com/

summer camp, We do airbrush painting, water color, acrylic, mosaic, fused glass, drawings and much more! We have been awarded Best Camp 3 years in a row, www.cdskidsartstudio. com

PREP FOOTBALL ACADEMY CAMPS (ATHERTON)

HAPPY HOLLOW PARK AND ZOO CAMP (SAN JOSE)

Age or Grade Range: Ages 7 -14

Age or Grade Range: Ages 4-13

Prep Football Academy was born out of decades of football coaching experience. Football is FUN - we get that - Our goal is to keep the fun and teach the fundamentals. Through our coaching experience we have been able to improve our great game by making it safer, better understood, and played at a higher speed and confidence. Our staff has seen amazing success in high school football winning 5 section championships in the past 7 seasons. However, our greatest success is perhaps in the valuable life skills we teach daily. Our motto, Men (or Kids) Built for Others is ingrained in PREP FOOTBALL ACADEMY, with daily life lessons ranging from gratitude, to respect of others, to helping your fellow man. No practice, game or workout will end without a discussion which is bigger than the game. Football is like life - it requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication and respect for authority. Vince Lombardi http://www.prepfootballacademy. com/

Go wild this summer at Happy Hollow Zoo Camp! Each camp includes interactive learning experiences, hands-on activities, live animal encounters, and zoo tours! Camp topics focus on different themes, with age-appropriate conservation messages and activities. www.hhpz.org

TECHYKIDS CAMP (PORTOLA VALLEY) Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-14

The ultimate technology camp for kids, designed and taught by an engineer and teacher! Learn while you program a real robot and make awesome inventions! Learn 3-D Modeling, coding, robotics and design. All while making awesome project that are fueled by your originality and creativity. www. techykids.com

SANTA CLARA COUNTY FEBRUARY ART CAMP (SAN JOSE) Age or Grade Range: 5-14

CD’s Kids Art Studio offers winter, spring and

12 Parents’ Press | March 2017

an enormous responsibility in setting children up for success before they go to camp, while they’re there and after they return home. Trust me, camp professionals realize this! Camps have an equally vast responsibility to communicate clearly with families as they function in loco parentis, which is Latin for “in the place of a parent.” The reality is that while camps are functioning in the place of parents, they are reinforcing many family values and lessons while also mentoring, teaching and helping children grow in amazing new ways that complement what home and school environments provide. Parents and guardians definitely need to forge their own separate relationship with the camp while they let the child’s experience unfold independently. This can get a little tricky; and it’s not uncommon for well-meaning moms and dads to interfere. By “interfere,” I mean by stepping on the toes of either the child or the camp people – or worse, both! Forging a successful adult relationship with a camp is not unlike initiating and nurturing other important, healthy relationships in your personal and professional life. It involves: • communicating clearly and honestly; • listening carefully, striving to understand and accept; • spending time together when needed; • taking appropriate risks; and • appreciating what’s possible with collaboration and mutual trust and respect.

J&R SUMMER CAMP WITH CHINESE LEARNING & SPORTS (SAN JOSE) Age or Grade Range: age 5-12

We are a licensed, safe, enrichment Center that focuses on delivering a bilingual (Chinese & English) environment for Preschool, After School, and annual Summer Camps. Our Children have fun and learn Chinese language skills in age-appropriate classes. Children at our Center increase their cognitive language skills while learning constructive social behaviors; respecting others, being helpful, being adaptive. They will also develop their fine & gross motor skills while improving their cognition skills. At J&R, your children will make lasting friendships and happy memories. As they grow older with us, they will benefit greatly from their knowledge of Chinese language and they will enjoy many opportunities to that allow them to make a better future for themselves. www.jrlearning. com

KIDIZENS - YOUNG MAYORS (LOS ALTOS) Age or Grade Range: Grades K-3 and Grades 3-6

leadership and interpersonal skills while dealing with natural disasters, resident problems and financial crises. http:// thekidizens.com/

LEARNING PLUS ACADEMIC SUMMER CAMP (SAN JOSE) Age or Grade Range: Grades 1-8

This is an amazing camp to keep student’s skills sharp during the summer. They go back to school engaged and ready to learn. The curriculum has been created by a group of educators who noticed students lost many of the gains they had made during the school year. We cover the basics of vocabulary, reading comprehension, writing and math. The schedule is June 19-July 7 (3 weeks) July 10-July 28 (3 weeks) or June 19-July 28 (6 weeks) . Grades 1-8. 9:00am-12:00 pm Small groups 6-8 with qualified teachers and aids. Learningplustutoring.com

PRIDE IN LEARNING SOCIAL SKILLS (PLSS) (SANTA CLARA) Age or Grade Range: 3-5, 6-10, 11-15

PLSS day camp is about successfully navigating the social world. We encourage and expand on our campers language and problem solving skills using evidence based approaches in the natural settings. PLSS campers learn from each other as well as from their instructors.We only accept 4 campers with social skills difficulty and 3-4 typical able peers. The one -to -one therapist/peer sessions and community intervention program is the cornerstone of our unique approach. All our campers must be screened to be sure that our camp will be appropriate for the camper. Each group runs twice a week for 4 weeks. We offer each group in two sessions, lessons will change if the same campers enroll in both sessions. However, if we enroll new campers, we will repeat similar lessons from the previous sessions. http://www. pediatricspeech.com/home/social-skillslanguage-camp/

WHIZKIDZ SUMMER PROGRAM (SAN JOSE) Age or Grade Range: Ages 6-18

We are the premier facility for your child to learn computer programming. Our center offers a variety of courses ranging from Java, Python, PHP, C#, HTML5/CSS3/JavaScript, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, Scratch, Minecraft modding and many more. Our summer program consists of weekly classes where students will gain computer programming experience and continue to improve their learning skills while having fun at the same time! https://whizkidzcc.com

WRITE NOW! SUMMER WRITING PROGRAM (PALO ALTO) Age or Grade Range: Grades 2-8

Every summer, Emerson School of Palo Alto open their doors and offer their innovative programs in a camp-like setting to outside students who want to share in the summer learning adventures. We offer three 3 of different writing skill: Expository Writing, Creative Writing and Presentation Techniques. Come join us! If you would like more information email Christina Trujillo; ctrujillo@ headsup.org. www.headsup.org

YOUNG INKLINGS CREATIVE WRITING (PALO ALTO) Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-15

Play your way to the page! Through Society of Young Inklings unique blend of fun and active theatre games, writing activities and investigation of the techniques used in wellloved books, young writers will create their own unique short story, script for a play, or novel! http://younginklings.org/

ANIMALS, NATURE & OUTDOORS CAMPS ALAMEDA COUNTY AVID4 ADVENTURE (OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: Pre-K - 7th Grades

This summer, experience the power of authentic outdoor adventure! Avid4 Adventure camps teach pre-K - 7th graders of all levels

to climb, paddle, bike, hike and thrive in the outdoors. With help from our timetested curriculum and insanely experienced instructors, we give campers solid skills and character-shaping confidence, launching them into a lifetime of empowering adventure. Day camp locations in Mill Valley, Palo Alto, Saratoga, Oakland, Santa Cruz, Campbell, Moraga and Walnut Creek. Overnight camp locations in the Rocky Mountains, Colorado. Learn more and sign up at www.avid4.com or call 800-977-9873 http://www.avid4.com/

BERKELEY ROSE SCHOOL SUMMER CAMP (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: nursery-4th grade

Come and explore with Berkeley Rose School and join us in outdoor-based activities, naturecrafts, and much more with a Waldorf-inspired program led by experienced educators. www. berkeleyrose.org

CAMP ANV (OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-13

Camp ANV serves low-income Oakland children ages 5-13. Since 2012, our eightweek Summer Camp, and our Fall, Winter, and Spring school holiday camps consistently offer these opportunities for your child: -Provides a safe space for local youth to learn the business of sustainable agriculture, -Conducts activities that promote fitness, -Teaches students healthy cooking and nutrition, -Offers students the opportunity to complete arts, science, and reading projects, -And develops financial literacy by depositing earnings from the harvest into bank accounts that can only be used by students for educational purposes. http://anvfarm.org/programs/camp-anv/

EAST BAY SPCA SUMMER ANIMAL CAMP (OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: Grades 1 - 12

OAKLAND ZOO ZOOCAMP (OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: PreK-12

Expect an exciting week of outdoor nature discovery, animal adventures, and fun! Summer Camp activities include zoo tours, interactive stories, games, craft projects, science activities and of course, animals up close. Oakland Zoo takes great pride in creating age-appropriate programs for campers in PreK - High School. http://www. oaklandzoo.org//ZooCamp_Summer.php

SARAH’S SCIENCE CAMP (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: 5-15

awareness games: fox walk, drum walk. Archery, bow making, outdoor medicine, relaxation meditation and more. http://www. oaklandnet.com/RotaryNatureCenter

TIMBERNOOK BAY AREA (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: 4-10

TimberNook is an internationally-renowned outdoor camp experience designed to foster children’s creativity, imagination, and independent play skills in nature. Children design, build, create, explore, and PLAY during TimberNook camps...and often report is is their favorite camp EVER! www.timbernook. com

Sarah’s Science is the Bay Area’s premier summer day camp with over 30 years of experience providing high quality science and nature programming. Each week of camp is centered around an exciting theme and campers make and take home new science projects every day. Camp also includes nature hikes, swimming, games, and arts and crafts. Ages 5-15. Weekly sessions from June 13 - August 26. Locations in Oakland and Berkeley. Camp hours 9AM - 3PM. Beforeand After-care available. www.sarahscience. com/summer

TOUCH THE EARTH (OAKLAND)

SEES THE DAY SUMMER PROGRAM (BERKELEY)

Age or Grade Range: Completed 2nd through 5th grades

Age or Grade Range: Ages 6-11

Sees the Day is committed to instilling in children a respect and appreciation for each other and the natural world. Guest educators, ecoliteracy, nature awareness, self esteem games, beading, storytelling, fairy houses, thankful circles, love, laughter and innocent summertime fun will round out a unique and dynamic experience for all! www.seestheday. org

SHAKE RATTLE AND ROLL (OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: Ages 11-15

Week long nature based camp sessions teach native outdoor living skills. Make and use tools: matchless fire making with a bow drill, arrow making, cordage, shelter building, identify plants for food and medicine,

Age or Grade Range: Ages 6-12

Each week long session under the magnificent redwoods in Oaklands Joaquin Miller Park focuses on one of four exciting themes, Native Americans, Plants and Insects, Birds and Mammals, Reptiles. Counselors lead children in nature hikes, arts and crafts, environmental, awareness, swimming, games and camp songs and more.$250wk http:// www.oakland.com/RotaryNatureCenter

TRAILS END DAY CAMP (OAKLAND) July 10 through August 4, 2017 (4 individual weeks) Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/ Friday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Thursday: 9:30 am to 7:00 pm Redwood Regional Park in the Oakland Hills provides the natural setting for the outdoor fun of orienteering games (using compasses), hiking, camp skills, nature crafts and cooking. Each week includes a Thursday Night Family Program, and an outof-town field trip on Friday. Campers are bussed to and from camp daily, via Alameda locations, except on Thursday evenings. www. alamedaca.gov/recreation

YOUNG NATURALIST AT LAKE MERRITT (OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-10

At this camp Youth learn a variety of

First Time at Camp?

Give yourself time. One thing about camp is that almost everything is new — the kids, the activities, the routines, the bed you sleep in, the bathroom. It takes a few days to get adjusted, so be patient with yourself. Most of the time you will be having so much fun you won’t mind all the changes, but if you do, remember that you will get so used to things that by the time you come home you will miss all those things!

By Bob Ditter, L.C.S.W.

Helping out

Talking with Your Child

ending your child away to camp for the first time is a major milestone for most families, one that is often marked by excitement, anticipation, and perhaps even some anxiety. Though camp is certainly about making friends and having fun, it is also about being on your own and being a part of a community. One of the most important things you as a parent can do to help prepare your child for both these aspects of camp is to talk with your child about it before he/ she goes. In fact, it may be better to have several occasional, shorter talks rather than one long conversation as children often absorb more when there is less to think about at one time. I also find that children do better with this sort of conversation if it is part of a more general conversation and if it is part of a pattern of talking, either at the dinner table or while riding in the car doing errands. The following are some sample topics for discussion that will help prepare your child emotionally for their big adventure:

Friends

Camp is not anything if it is not about making new friends. If you are shy about meeting new kids, then learn to get to know others by being a good listener. Remember also that not everyone in your cabin, bunk, or group has to be your friend, and you don’t have to be everyone else’s friend. As long as you treat others with respect and they do the same with you, then having one or two friends at camp is fine. If you have more, then that’s great!

Activities

There are many exciting things to do at camp, many of which you may never have tried before. If your child tends to be a bit homesick or worried about being homesick, remind him/her about the excitement of going to camp: Remember, when you first decided to go to camp, what made you so excited? You may not like all the activities, or you may be better at some than others. That’s normal. I, however, hope you are willing to try. The more you put into camp, the more you will get out of it!

Cooperating

You, like every other camper there, will be part of a cabin, bunk, or group. As your parent, I hope you will cooperate with others and help out. That’s part of what makes camp so special — kids helping each other out. Most kids will help you if you are friendly and help them.

Camp is about fun, but it also requires that you help out. Clean-up is part of camp. You do it every day! As your parent, I hope you will cooperate!

Getting help

Everyone has good days and bad days. If you are having a problem, your counselor is there to help you! You don’t have to wait to tell us if you are upset about something. After all, if your counselor doesn’t know what might be troubling you, he/she can’t help you. Be honest and ask for what you need. If your counselor doesn’t seem to be concerned or doesn’t help you, then you can go to the unit director, head counselor, etc. Parents should know who these “back-up persons” are and how their child will recognize them if they need to.

Being positive

It’s a great thing to remind your first-time camper about his or her strong points. I would focus not just on what they do well, but their positive qualities as well, such as what makes them a good friend or the type of person other kids would want to know. Helping children identify their strengths can help them when they are having a setback — one of those inevitable growing pains all children have from time to time. Talking with your child about these kinds of issues is a great way to show support as your child gets ready to take this important step on the road to being more resilient and self-reliant. For you as a parent, it can give you more peace of mind as you allow your child to participate safely in a broader world. To learn more about camp and child development, please visit the American Camp Association’s family-dedicated website: www.CampParents.org, or call the toll-free number, 1-800-428-CAMP (2267). Bob Ditter is a child and family therapist living in Boston who consults extensively with people who work with children. He was special consultant to the Disney Channel for their series “Bug Juice.” Ditter has visited over 500 children’s camps in the United States, has been quoted in Sports Illustrated, The New York Times, Parent Magazine, and the Ladies Home Journal. He has appeared on “The Today Show” and the “Evening News with Peter Jennings” and is considered one of the nation’s leading experts on camp. Originally printed in CAMP Magazine, reprinted by permission of the American Camp Association; ©2006 American Camping Association, Inc.

March 2017 | Parents’ Press 13

continued on page 14 >>> <<< continued from page 12 same kind of time in the relationship as the parent of an 8-year-old who is likely to attend overnight camp all summer long for the next eight summers or the preschool-aged day camper who will return summer after summer for a decade or so.

Pointers for Partnering with a New Camp You know quite a bit about this camp – enough to entrust the care and education of your child for a certain number of weeks. Focus on why you chose it. Think about the things you really like. As an insider now and a member of the camp community, expect to take an active role in the partnership.

The camp will likely send you many messages about what’s next. They are probably ramping up for camp in some fun ways, and they’ll invite you to join the excitement via social media, their website or an open house. Read and respond to what they send! Th is will help you better understand the camp and their way of doing things. Whether they are counting down the number of days until camp or explaining the nuances of traffic patterns or bus logistics for day camp drop-off , pay attention to their suggestions. Camps are great at breaking down large projects to a manageable size for their campers, and they do it well for camp families, too. Camps excel at being prepared and ready for what’s next. Don’t wait until the last minute to get ready for camp. Follow the camp’s lead.

The camp will request a lot of information from you. They are not trying to torture you! In fact, they spend tremendous time and energy in the off -season culling through survey results and streamlining their systems to minimize what they have to request from families. Two pieces of paperwork to return promptly are health forms and camper questionnaires, which you should complete thoroughly and honestly. If you don’t share important details about your child, the camp cannot serve their new camper properly.

Remember that camps have their own ways of doing things. Sometimes parents try to treat a camp like a sitt er and dictate schedules and procedures. Camps are in the position to meet children’s needs – but they often cannot do things exactly as families do at home. This, by the way, can be an excellent learning opportunity for continued on page 16 >>>

CAMPS

environmental skills: creek restoration, marine studies, bird life, native plants, and help staff at LakeMerritt Wildlife Refuge. We meet at the Rotary Nature Center at Lake Merritt. $200wk (extended care available). http://www.oaklandnet.com/ RotaryNatureCenter

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY AVID4 ADVENTURE (MORAGA ) Age or Grade Range: Pre-K - 7th Grades

This summer, experience the power of authentic outdoor adventure! Avid4 Adventure camps teach pre-K - 7th graders of all levels to climb, paddle, bike, hike and thrive in the outdoors. With help from our timetested curriculum and insanely experienced instructors, we give campers solid skills and character-shaping confidence, launching them into a lifetime of empowering adventure. Day camp locations in Mill Valley, Palo Alto, Saratoga, Oakland, Santa Cruz, Campbell, Moraga and Walnut Creek. Overnight camp locations in the Rocky Mountains, Colorado. Learn more and sign up at www.avid4.com or call 800-977-9873 http://www.avid4.com/

CASTLE ROCK CAMP (WALNUT CREEK) Age or Grade Range: 5-15

Castle Rock is a magical farm where children learn to ride and manage horses. This is the beginning of a lifetime love of horses. Our beautiful Arabian and half Arabian horses are veteran campaigners of lessons and camp. Riding is the favorite activity for young children to enjoy on the back of a horse and we understand that. We give them maximum time in the saddle but we also include the care of the horse from grooming, learning to lead properly and making sure the tack is comfortable. We look forward to a long relationship with our campers as they increase their skills in horseback riding and consideration of their mount. We have all sizes from ponies to big horses. Your camper will fall in love before the first day is over! www. castleroclarabians.com

HIKING WITH LLAMAS (MORAGA ) Age or Grade Range: Grades 9& 10

Summer Day

Dance Camp at the East Bay Dance Center

• DANCE • MUSIC • ART • DRAMA & FUN!

During this four day camp students will hike in the Redwoods, learn to paddle board, rock climb and participate in a ropes course. Great camp for 9th & 10th grade students. www. orionacademy.org

FARTHER AFIELD AVID4 ADVENTURE (SANTA CRUZ) Age or Grade Range: Pre-K - 7th Grades

Flexible scheduling: June 12 - Aug 18 Affordable Rates. Ages 4-16 years

Also Available Spring Break Camp: April 3 - April 7

1318 Glenfield Ave. (off Park Blvd.) Oakland • (510) 336-3262

www.eastbaydancecenter.org

Creating More Confident Kids Since 1990!

JR GIRLS LEADERSHIP CAMP (BURSON) Age or Grade Range: Ages 9-11

Spanish Immersion Classes & Camps Engaging curriculum uses music, art & games Experienced, dynamic teachers Ages toddlers to teens Small class sizes

r us fo Join elling, t story , art, i s mu c and s game of fun S TON spañol! -in e

Call today for your FREE trial class!

20% discount when you enroll the day of your FREE trial class

www.vivaelespanol.org • 925-962-9177 Lafayette • Pleasanton • and many schools all over the Bay Area

14 Parents’ Press | March 2017

This 3 day 2 night summer camp is perfect for the younger girls. Ages 9-12 are welcome and no horse experience is necessary. Horseback riding is a big part of it, as well as caring for their very own horse. Team building activities build confidence and self esteem. Hiking, scavenger hunts and nature education all provide opportunities to learn and explore their world. Starts Friday with a parent luncheon orientation and goes through Sunday afternoon when the girls will put on a horse show for their parents! www. horsespeak.com

TEEN GIRLS LEADERSHIP CAMP (BURSON) Age or Grade Range: Ages 11-15

This 5 day 4 night sleep-away camp focuses

on self esteem, the importance of kindness and empathy, good decision making, and how to be a leader among ones peers. This is an absolutely UNIQUE program you will not find anywhere else. The combination of equine facilitated coaching and team building activities is designed to develop essential life skills as well as be fun and full of laughter. They will also learn to care for and ride their very own special horse for the week. A maximum of 8 girls insures no one is ever left out. There is a 1:3 counselor/camper ratio with 24/7 supervision. www.horsespeak.com

MARIN COUNTY AVID4 ADVENTURE (MILL VALLEY) Age or Grade Range: Pre-K - 7th Grades

COASTAL CAMP AT NATUREBRIDGE (SAUSALITO) Age or Grade Range: Grades K-9

A day at Coastal Camp is a day spent connecting with nature. Coastal Camp’s weekly themes vary and topics include: marine biology, coastal ecology, conservation, and cultural history. With the Marin Headlands as our backdrop, campers learn more about the topics they love. Our highly qualified staff engage campers interests and curiosity with a program that is flexible and adaptive to each group’s needs. coastalcamp.org

MARIN GREENPLAY CAMP (LARKSPUR) Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-18

Marin GreenPlay Camp is a nature awareness day camp now in its 8th summer for kids entering kindergarten through 12th grade. Favorite activities include outdoor rock climbing, tidepooling, boogie boarding, kayaking, orienteering, geocaching, hiking, farming at Green Gulch Farm, biomimicry, citizen science, nature art, service learning and more, depending on age level! A GreenPlay day includes hiking, natural history instruction, games and fun learning-building activities, art, storytelling, and just time to use their imaginations and play in nature. www. maringreenplay.com

OUTDOOR ROCK CLIMBING WITH MARIN GREENPLAY CAMP (MILL VALLEY) Age or Grade Range: Ages 8-18

The Only Guided Outdoor Rock Climbing Experience Designed Especially for Marin and San Francisco Kids. Marin GreenPlay offers the only weeklong outdoor climbing experiences for kids from Marin and San Francisco. Our professionally-guided rock climbing trips have been incredibly popular since we started offering them in 2012. AMGA certified climbing instructors will show campers proper safety techniques and proper wear and care of climbing gear, knot tying, buddy check, climbing up, lowering, commands, rappelling, bouldering, belaying, and more. We provide all of the necessary equipment. Limited to 10 climbers so campers get as many climbs in as they want. www.maringreenplay.com

WILDCARE WILDLIFE CAMP (SAN RAFAEL) Age or Grade Range: Age 3.5 to entering 6th grade

WildCare’s Wildlife Camp provides campers with an unforgettable wildlife experience, including live animal visits from our rescued wildlife ambassadors, animal-themed games, nature crafts, hikes and much more! Watch a pelican training session, search for wild animal tracks out on the trail, prepare a meal for our desert tortoise it’s a camp

experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression! Weekly camp sessions from June 5th through August 11th. Price ranges from $170-340. Scholarships are available! Spaces fill up quickly, so sign up today! For detailed descriptions of each week of camp, please visit our website. Questions? Contact Eileen (415) 453-1000 x12 or eileen@ wildcarebayarea.org. www.wildcarebayarea. org/camps

SAN FRANCISCO BEGINNER YOUTH (TREASURE ISLAND) Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-12

Beginner Youth Sailing is designed as a fun and exciting introduction to small sailboats. Students will learn basic water safety, knots, basic points of sail, along with steering and sail trim. Students will begin sailing in our Bugs with a partner and when ready they will progress to sailing single-handed sailing. www.tisailing.org

HARBOR SEALS (TREASURE ISLAND) Age or Grade Range: Age 6

Designed as a fun and easy introduction to the water, this youth sailing class focuses on building students on-the-water confidence through a variety of water sports and activities. Students will spend about half the class in a 24 ft, stable keelboat, learning the basics of water safety in this floating classroom. With an instructor on-board, our Harbor Seals get a first class introduction to sailing and the Bay. In the afternoon when the wind picks up students will head to our beach to explore a range of other watersports including paddle boards and kayaks. www. tisailing.org

CAMP leader. Presidio-based nature walks, environmental explorations, word and running games, stories and good character challenges. Children enhance, learn and practice being kind to nature, others and themselves under Nature Nurture founder, Linda Constant’s kind-hearted, skilled mentorship and Nature Nurture trained assistant. www.naturenurture. com

SANTA CLARA COUNTY AVID4 ADVENTURE (CAMPBELL) Age or Grade Range: Pre-K - 7th Grades

CAMP UNALAYEE (PALO ALTO) Age or Grade Range: 10-17

Since 1949 we have been taking kids ages 10-17 on outdoor adventures in Northern California’s Trinity Alps Wilderness. While at camp possible activities include archery, crafts, swimming, boating, arts, rock-climbing, music, and much more. Each base-camp session also includes multi-day backpacking trips. http:// unalayee-summer-camp.com/

NATURE NURTURE

HIDDEN VILLA SUMMER CAMP (LOS ALTOS HILLS)

Age or Grade Range: ages 3-14

Age or Grade Range: Grades TK-12

Since 2004. 6 campers, 2 teachers, 1 Jr.

We develop young leaders who are committed

to social and environmental justice and are equipped with a sense of awe for natural and human beauty, tools for non-violent multicultural community building, as well as the confidence to make positive change in our families, communities and world. http:// hiddenvilla.org/programs/summer-camps

SOLANO COUNTY SUMMER HORSE CAMP (WINTERS) Age or Grade Range: 7-14

Come join us for an adventure with horses! Activites include riding lessons, vaulting, games on horseback, horsemanship skills, playing with babies, and all things horse related! Beginner through Advanced levels offered. Amazing, safe and fun Horses and Ponies used for the program. http:// fourstarfarm.com/horse_camp.shtml

ARTS & CRAFTS CAMPS ALAMEDA COUNTY ART YOWZA! (ALAMEDA) Age or Grade Range: 5-11

Art Yowza offers an exciting visual arts program that supports the development of new creative skills. We empower kids to think and use their imaginations. The nurturing environment encourages unique selfexpression and self-esteem. The small class size, individualized attention, stimulating environment, and beautiful setting make it possible for every learner to blossom. http:// www.artyowza.org

BIG SPIRIT STUDIO SUMMER CAMP! (OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: Ages 7 & up

SONOMA COUNTY PETALUMA WILDLIFE MUSEUM SUMMER CAMP (PETALUMA) Age or Grade Range: 6-12

Look forward to a fun week of animals, insects, educational games, and special guests! Curriculum includes animal behavior and biology, ecology, conservation, and natural science. Fun and educational games and activities designed to increase comprehension and retention are paired with each curriculum section. Campers can look forward to handling and caring for the museum animals under the supervision of our trained counselors. http:// www.petalumawildlifemuseum.org/

Big Spirit Studio Summer Camp week 1 July 10th-14th 9:00am - 3:00pm ages 7 & up I have been asked to do a summer camp for years and I’m finally doing it! The week will start off with clay and glazing. Together we will pick what projects we will work on for the second half of the week. We will have projects to choose from like tie-dye, faerie gardens, wood working, paper making and book binding and more! There will also be a guest artist to share a project with us in textiles. The group is small, only 6 to 8 makers with up to 3 instructors, giving us lots of time to really get into our creativity! For lunch we will be outside and take walks down the street to the park. Kids will bring their own lunches but snacks will be provided! www.bigspiritstudio. com

CAMP KALA (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: 5-17

Engage in hands-on art activities while working in a professional studio environment at Kala Art Institute. Class sizes are small

CAMPS

EARN VOLUNTEER HOURS FOR COLLEGE Apply to HandsOn Tomorrow! HandsOn Tomorrow is an awesome leadership and volunteering summer program for Bay Area high school students.

3 SESSIONS

THIS SUMMER 1. PALO ALTO 7/10 TO 7/22/2017 2. SAN FRANCISCO 7/17 TO 7/29/2017 3. WALNUT CREEK NEW! 7/24 TO 8/5/2017

APPLY NOW!

HANDSONBAYAREA.ORG/TOMORROW March 2017 | Parents’ Press 15

continued on page 14 >>> <<< continued from page 14 children to realize that other adults can respond to their needs but may do so diff erently from their parents and teachers.

You may be invited to attend an event for parents/guardians of first-time campers. If so, participate! Or you may receive a welcoming phone call. You’ll likely receive a parent handbook of some sort (or a link to it). Read and refer to it; learn everything you can ahead of time.

Learn what systems are set up for communicating with the camp. Every camp has preferences for the critical communicating that needs to happen before, during and after camp. There’s a lot of parent communication – incoming and outgoing. Familiarize yourself with the camp’s practices and procedures so none come as a surprise during the course of solving a problem. For instance, it’s not good to hear for the first time that the camp discourages or doesn’t allow camper phone calls at the very moment you try to call your camper! Due to schedules and staff availability, some camps might request that parents phone camp administrators or staff at certain times of the day. Following their requests saves everyone a lot of time.

Communication is the cornerstone of a successful relationship with your child’s camp. Camps have to be extremely intentionalabout communication with families and strive to streamline and simplify what they request and what they share. Keeping an honest and open exchange of communication is key for developing a relationship that works for you, your child and the camp. Camp staff appreciate it when parents share strategies that work for the child at school and at home, and camp professionals, in turn, may provide insights and suggestions that can revolutionize a child’s school year. Lucy Jackson Norwell is director of public information for the American Camp Association

so everyone receives individual attention from Kala’s fabulous teaching artists and assistants. Each week offers new projects and materials culminating in a gallery exhibition and celebration of student work. Discover new creativity this summer at Camp Kala! http:// www.kala.org/education/camp-kala/

DANCING PAINTBRUSH STUDIO (ALBANY)

SUMMER CAMP ART WORKSHOPS (ALAMEDA) Age or Grade Range: Ages 7 - 13

Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-17

KIDS’ CARPENTRY (BERKELEY)

Studio 1.6 Art Camp reinforces learning all summer long with engaging arts projects encouraging creativity. Quality art instruction, small class sizes and lots of individual attention for each student. Drawing, Painting and/or Sculpture. Each session features a different artistic theme, providing an intensive learning experience. Suitable for all levels. Differentiated instruction. Ages 7 - 13 June, July & August 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Tuition: $42 per day or $200 per week (all materials are included) Registration: https://docs. google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfu9YzJkFME V4bNH0HtBYGCkDEmmskzOZWc86qzhb2YPJA igA/viewform www.studio1point6.com

Age or Grade Range: kindergarten-6th grade; ages 5-12

THE CRUCIBLE (OAKLAND)

Please join our award winning camps filled with fun and creativity! President’s Week, Spring and Summer Art Camps; for children and youth ages 7-17. We limit each summer camp session to 10-12 full-week students, so that each student receives individual attention. Our camp runs from 9am to 3pm; before and aftercare available for $15/ hr. Please call (510) 604-0036 for more information. Silver Award for Best Summer Arts Camp from Parent’s Press . www. DancingPaintbrushStudio.com

Since 1982 we have been teaching children, ages 5-12, the safe-use of woodworking hand tools. Building from scratch and learning lifetime skills. www.kidscarpentry.com

SEW MUCH FUN (ALBANY) Age or Grade Range: Ages 10-17 grades 5-12

Spring & summer sewing camps. M-F. 9-5 pm. (extended yes) ages 10-17. grade 5-12. All levels. Small group. Choose a project & learn at your pace. Materials supplied. Sew Much Fun, 35 years experience in textiles, fashion, teaching Marianne Henri mjhenri@att. net professional Albany studio

SON RISE SUMMER FUN (ALAMEDA) Age or Grade Range: 2.0 through Kindergarten completion

Six weeks of summer fun. Monday through Thursday come explore weekly arts and crafts with us

CAMPS

Intensive work with clay and glazes in a small group setting, located in the Elmwood neighborhood. Hours are 9:30am-1:30pm. Limited extended care and some partial scholarships available. Check website for dates. DianneStocklerClay@gmail.com

STICKY ART LAB CAMP (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: Ages 6-12

Dive in to art and innovation with selfdirected, hands-on building and creative time. Mornings: Learn from a structured theme and skill-sharing. Afternoons: Enjoy playing at the park and a free build session. Hours 9am-3:30pm. After Care available to 5:30. stickyartlab.com

SUMMER ART CAMP WITH DIANNE STOCKLER (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: 7-15 yrs.

Age or Grade Range: Ages 8-17

Explore industrial arts blacksmithing, glass blowing, ceramics, woodworking, jewelry, neon, welding, robotics, and more at The Crucible! Weeklong youth camps, for ages 8+, let imaginations soar while teaching handson skills overlapping science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Each week ends with a gallery walk where students proudly share their projects. http://thecrucible.org/ youth-camps/

MARIN COUNTY ART CAMP @ STUDIO 4 ART (NOVATO) Age or Grade Range: 5-15

17 years of hosting art camps in the bay area! Ceramics (including wheel throwing), painting, animation, TEEN only, fashion design are just a few options. Our instructors are highly qualified teachers that have all been trained in Studio 4 Arts teaching practices and philosophy AND are professional artists themselves! www.studio4art.net

SAN FRANCISCO CREATIVITY CAMP: ART LAB Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-5

Nurture your child’s creativity through songs, stories, games and sensory-based art. Art Lab will build creative confidence, encourage exploration of new sensory experiences as a group and help children learn through artistic play creativity.org

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BERKELEY

ECHO LAKE CAMP

Echo Lake Camp has been offering residential camp experiences since 1922! This beautiful summer destination offers incredible views of the Lake Tahoe basin, fun recreational programming, and unique camp programs for all ages. Camp Scholarships are available! For more information about Echo Lake Camp, including a full list of programs, visit our website. Location: Echo Lake, CA

Youth Camp | AGES 7-14

Fees Per Session:

Offering five days of mountain adventures! Swimming, hiking, archery, arts & crafts, campfires, and new friendships are all part of the fun. Registration is available online. p Round-tri ion at transport provided

$525 (res)/$578 (non) Session #1: Jul 31-Aug 4 Session #2: Aug 7-11 Session #3: Aug 14-18

Counselor-In-Training (CIT) | AGES 15-16 Sessions available during Family and Youth Camps! Eight Sessions offered, June 17-August 18. Choose between our Family Camp or Youth Camp CIT Programs. Register Online! Fees per session (res/non): $250/$275

s view the ke! n o la le REGISTER ONLINE! padd City of Berkeley Recreation Division l www.cityofberkeley.info/recreation PHONE: (510) 981. 5140 EMAIL: camps@cityofberkeley.info

Berkeley Echo Lake Camp, 2701 Telegraph Ave, Berkeley, CA 94705

16 Parents’ Press | March 2017

Family Camp at Echo Lake

ALL AGES!

Our full-service Fa mily Camp experience includ es great meals, beautiful views, an d lots of fun programs for the whole Family Camp progra family! m runs June 17–July 30. Check availability online!

Berkeley Day Camp!

Supervised transportation provided for campers and CITs!

AGES 5-13

AGES 14-15

fun packed into every week! Each day, campers visit Tilden Park or the Berkeley Marina and they’ll love our weekly themes, playing sports and field games, outdoor cooking, and participating in a different special event each week. 9 Core Sessions: June 19–August 18! Fee (res/non): $169/$202

Learn all about what it is like to work with kids! CITs will have fun interacting with young campers as they assist Day Camp Staff to plan and facilitate activities, games, sports, and art projects—a great opportunity to build self-esteem, learn new leadership skills, and gain valuable experience working with kids. 5 Sessions: June 19–August 18! Fee (res/non): $194/$232 (two weeks!)

One of the BEST DEALS A summer’s worth of adventure outdoor in town!

Berkeley Day Camp

Core Program: 9am–3:30pm AM & PM Extended Care Available!

Counselors-in-Training (CIT)

FAITH-BASED CAMPS

SANTA CLARA COUNTY CAMP MARCO POLO (PALO ALTO)

ALAMEDA COUNTY

Age or Grade Range: Ages 6-13

Camp Marco Polo’s unique, hands-on, roleplaying experience celebrates diversity of art and culture along the Silk Road by exploring crossroads of past and present; arts and sciences, from East to West. Children take an Unforgettable Journey of the Imagination into the past, coming home before dinner, with new world-shifting perspectives! www.campmarcopolo.com

FCC KIDS CAMP (OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: Grades 1-5

Space-themed Bible camp with skits, games, snacks, crafts, songs from 9am-3pm with beforecare & aftercare available. Register online beginning in March. Just $100 for first time campers. Counselor program for middle school & high school students. www. oaklandfirstcovenant.org/kids-camp-2017. html

CULINARY CAMPS

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

MARIN COUNTY

PEACE VILLAGE CAMP (ORINDA)

THE CULINARY DUDE’S SUMMER COOKING CAMP (TIBURON)

Age or Grade Range: Ages 6-13

Age or Grade Range: 5-16

Because your children are not numbers to us, our focus is to cater to each child individually, help them where they need improvement and cap our camps numbers, 25 maximum, to keep the class intimate, so your child does not get lost in the masses. We offer a variety of themes for the summer of 2017, come join us. www.TheCulinaryDude.com

DANCE AND BALLET CAMPS ALAMEDA COUNTY BERKELEY BALLET THEATER (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: Age 7-21

Berkeley Ballet Theater’s summer workshops, open to new and returning students, offer unparalleled training under world-class faculty for beginning, intermediate, and advanced dancers in a diverse, supportive environment. Half and full day schedules combine rigorous classical ballet training with a diverse range of styles, including modern, jazz, capoeira, and pilates. berkeleyballet.org

KATHRYN ROSZAK’S SUMMER DANCE CAMP (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: 5-17

Camp for ages 5 to Teen, Creative Dance, Ballet, Tap, Choreography, Crafts, Performances, Teachers are Professional Choreographers. We do the camp every year-Creative, Fantastic! 510 233 5550 or kdance@sonic.net www.dlkdance.com www. dlkdance.com

SHAWL-ANDERSON DANCE CAMP (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: 6-18

Come Dance Explore and Create! at half-day dance camp, ages 6-9. Each day includes a modern/ jazz class, Followed with art time connecting themes of color and line. Dancers also explore new dance forms each day. Possibilities include ballet, hula, and hip-hop. The morning is complete with improvisation and making dance! www.shawl-anderson.org

SUMMER DAY DANCE CAMP (OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: Ages 4-16

Classes in jazz, ballet, tap, hip hop, tumbling, African dance, drama, art, and music. Games, performances and fun! Boys and girls. All levels welcome. Campers placed in classes by age and experience Spring Camp: April 3rd - April 7th, 2017. Summer Camp: June 12th 2017 - August 18th 2017. Early enrollment, sibling, and multiple week discounts. www. eastbaydancecenter.org

MARIN COUNTY DANCE ARTS CAMPS (SAN RAFAEL) Age or Grade Range: ages 5-10 year olds

Marin Dance Theatre’s summer programs are filled with precious adventures for 3-10 year-olds. For some, it’s their first step into the world of ballet. At MDT, dancers will find tutus, tiaras, capes, crowns, balloons, crafts and beautiful music, while exploring new ideas

in creative movement. For more information: www.mdt.org/415-499-8891/info@mdt.org www.mdt.org

SAN FRANCISCO KIDS @LINES Age or Grade Range: 3-5, 6-9

Discover. Dance. Grow. Kids @LINES Summer Dance Camps June 19-23, 2017 Ages 3 - 9 at Fort Mason Arts Center Introducing LINES newest opportunity for young dancers that are creative and curious! New location, new ages, new generation. Register today! Discover, dance and grow with Alonzo King LINES Ballet’s new Kids @LINES Summer Dance Camps. Young movers and dancers experience the joy of dance in this unique approach to exploring creativity and dance-making. Spark imagination and curiosity with LINES this summer. LINES Little Artists (3-5 years old) - 9am-12:30pm LINES littlest dancers wiggle and giggle together as they explore foundational dance concepts. Dancers start to build confidence through their creativity as they discover their world through movement. $325, Early-bird $275 LINES Junior Dance Makers (6-9 years old) 1-5pm Through improvisation and investigation, LINES Jr. Dance Makers dive into universal concepts of dance and the choreographic process. Building together, dancers experiment with movement as they begin to design and create through a fun and fresh approach. $375, Early-bird $325 REGISTRATION OPENS FEBRUARY 15! Explore More at www. linesballet.com/kids Kids @LINES: Summer Dance Camps June 19-23, 2017 At Fort Mason Arts Center 2 Marina Blvd, Building C, 205 San Francisco, CA 94123 A Week of Curiosity and Creativity! www.linesballet. org/kids

PRESCHOOL MORNING DANCE CAMP Age or Grade Range: Ages 2.5 - 5

Every week, we bring all students together for a BBQ/picnic at a nearby park to enjoy wholesome summer fun and make new friends through games and activities. www.XianYunCA. org

YOUNG ARTISTS DAY CAMP Age or Grade Range: 5-12

5-12 (Groups are split by age) Hours: Monday through Friday, 10:00am-4:30pm Cost: $535 per week Young Artists Sample Schedule: 10:00-10:30am Conditioning & Ballet Barre 10:30-11:45am Ballet Technique & Choreography 12:00-1:00pm Supervised Lunch 1:00-2:30pm Arts Enrichment Classes 2:30-2:45pm Break 2:45-4:00pm Performing Arts http://www.presidiodance.org

MARIN COUNTY PEACE CAMP (MILL VALLEY) Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-12

June 26th-June 30th, 2017 9am-3pm with extended care available Peace Camp is a loving, nurturing and welcoming environment for all children ages 5-12. Campers will be immersed in peacemaking activities as experienced through stories, spiritual

CAMPS

2017

ZOOCAMP ZooCamp is an exciting week of animal adventure, nature discovery, and fun for children (pre-K through high school).

Young students receive an orientation to dance focused on improving a variety of basic motor skills and expression. Children explore rhythm and movement while learning the fundamental elements of choreography. Students are exposed to a diverse range of cultural dance styles, international music and elementary principles of pantomime, which combined are sure to spark an interest in the arts. They will also enjoy arts and crafts projects, story telling, and Musical Theatre - all at the Presidio of San Francisco Preschool Sample Schedule: 9:15-9:30am Meet & Greet; Show & Tell 9:30-10:15am Dance Class 10:15-10:45am Break/Snack 10:45-11:30am Rotation of Performing Arts 11:30am-12:15pm Arts & Crafts 12:151:00pm Extended supervised lunch care (optional) http://www.presidiodance.org

Camps run mid-June through mid-August.

Registration opens mid-March!

XIAN YUN ACADEMY OF THE ARTS CALIFORNIA Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-18

Summer camp at Xian Yun is the perfect place for young people to nurture a passion for the arts and culture. Students will be challenged to learn new skills while developing aesthetic sophistication in a healthy and supportive environment. Full-day and half-day camps in dance, visual arts, and Chinese language are available for students age 5 or older.

The Orinda Community Church will be hosting a half day Peace Village camp this summer from August 14-17, 2017. The camp will teach the Peace Village core curriculum of Mindfulness, Media Literacy, Connecting with Nature, and Conflict Resolution. Build A Peace Village offers many ways of confronting bullying, making wise choices with social media, and connects children with the natural world. For more information about the camp, see http://www.peacevillageinc.org/peacevillage/. http://www.orindacommunitychurch. org/summer-programs/

connect with Oakland Zoo online oaklandzoo.org

March 2017 | Parents’ Press 17

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

practices, the arts, cooperative outdoor games, yoga, music, and more. Our mission is to equip and empower children, through God’s love and grace, to be peacemakers in the world. All faiths and spiritual traditions are invited to learn, grow and play with us! www. mtumc.org

SPANISH CAMPS (WALNUT CREEK) Age or Grade Range: 3-10

Hola amigos! Vamos a divertirnos, let’s have fun at Spanish 4 children Academy Summer Camps. Spanish 4 Children offers a hands on creative curriculum for ages 3-10. Campers will have fun learning Spanish through games, activity pages, scavanger hunts, exploring nature. Themes for Summer Camps are: De Paseo por la selva, Vamos a acampar, Una aventura con los piratas, Vamos a la feria. Contact Miriam Lattanzi for registration mlattanzi68@yahoo.com 925 262 3608 www. spanish4children.net

SAN FRANCISCO CAMP BE’CHOL LASHON (PETALUMA) Age or Grade Range: 8-18

Camp Be’chol Lashon is a new multicultural Jewish overnight camp in the San Francisco Bay Area for campers from all over the United States, ages 8-18, with special leadership opportunities for ages 15-18. It teaches about global Jewish diversity, builds community leaders, and inspires a love of Judaism. http://bechollashon.org//camp/ camp_about.php

FOREIGN LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL IMMERSION CAMPS ALAMEDA COUNTY BAY LANGUAGE ACADEMY (ALAMEDA) Age or Grade Range: 4-11

We offer activities around languages and the cultures they convey with artistic workshops and cooking demo for Pre-K to 5th graders. Each weekly session will introduce/reinforce several languages for all attendees. Students attending middle school and high school are welcome to be part of an intensive language program. Students will be engaged in special projects around language learning, mind games, skill building as well as artistic workshops. Students will choose one of the following languages: French, Spanish, Mandarin, Korean or English. We will also offer multicultural camps. A variety of curricula aimed at (a) promoting empowerment and character growth; (b) introducing/reinforcing the target language in a small group setting; (c) sharing cultural differences (within the context of power point presentations, games, books, documentaries, music, art crafts workshops, storytelling and cooking demos); (d) instilling bonds of friendship, respect and trust; (e) challenge themselves and each other; (f) unleashing their creativity and sense of movement and music appreciation; (g) enjoying a picnic lunch along the bay and mini field trips. http://www.BayLanguages.com/ summercamps

DARUMA NO GAKKO (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: K-6

Daruma no Gakko is a co-operative, four week summer program designed for children in grades K-6 to learn about Japanese American heritage. The day is enriched with activities

SPANISH IMMERSION CAMPS WITH VIVA EL ESPANOL (LAFAYETTE) Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-10

such as language study, history, cooking, origami, woodworking, tea ceremony, taiko and music. Please visit our website for more details. www.daruma-no-gakko.org. www. daruma-no-gakko.org

EB FRENCH IMMERSION SUMMER CAMP (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: Ages 3.5 to 5

Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley’s full immersion French summer camp offers French instruction to children in Preschool and entering Kindergarten (minimum age: 3.5). Children will learn and/or expand French skills in an exciting, fun, engaging atmosphere on our campus in West Berkeley. No previous knowledge of French is necessary! Camp consists of 4 one-week sessions from July 17th to Aug. 11th, each with a different theme. You can choose how many weeks you d like your child to attend. Campers participate in French themed activities from 9am-3pm. Before and After Care available. www.eb.org/summercamp

GERMAN SUMMER CAMP (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-13

BAKS+ Camp- Stein, Schere, Papier July 17th - August 11th, 2017 This summer we will explore what we can do with basic materials, including wood, rock, paper, clay, and much more. But we will also play games from all of the German speaking countries that are simple, yet fun! Each age group is led by a German teacher with experience instructing various levels in an immersion classroom. Our program is very hands-on: our famous projects and crafts - immersion in German culture - field trips to support the curriculum - weekly music classes singing, playing, acting, pretending, discussing, cooking, stories, games, outdoor fun- and all in GERMAN! http://kinderstube.org/programand-schedule/

Does it really matter if my child doesn’t go to daycamp, especially since she will go to overnight camp in a few years? She is only four years old — why does she need day camp?

Camp provides one of the very few links with a world larger than the consumer culture we inhabit — and daycamp is one important choice in a quiver of options. The camp experience helps children and youth develop an appreciation of their place and their responsibility in a much larger universe. A preschooler — or even an older child who might be reluctant to go to overnight camp — can join a community that is created especially for her to practice growing up. Why wait until age 10 when the benefits of feeling connected and being able to contribute and navigate at an earlier age can be reaped? Under the supervision of inspiring guides and passionate coaches, children can feel successful and make new friends while having the time of their lives; they can experi-

18 Parents’ Press | March 2017

MANDARIN IMMERSION SUMMER CAMP (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-12

Full-day 2-4 week Chinese Mandarin Immersion summer programs near Ohlone Park. Activities include language enrichment, swimming @ West Campus Swimming Pool, sports at Ohlone Park, Legos, arts/crafts, calligraphy, board games. hanwenschool.org

SHU REN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SUMMER CAMP (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: Ages 2-4 and Ages 5-12

Students will use inquiry-based learning to explore each session’s theme, develop their Mandarin skills and engage in exciting, handson activities. For School-Aged Camp, each session will incorporate at least one field trip. Details of the planned curriculum for each session of the School-Aged camp and the Pre-K camp are available soon. (Curriculum is subject to change.) http://shurenschool.org/ programs/summer-camp-2/

SPANISH IMMERSION CAMPS WITH VIVA EL ESPANOL (OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-10

The camps are designed to give children a unique opportunity to learn or improve their Spanish language skills. Camps are half-day or full-day sessions. During each camp, students participate in interactive games, music and movement activities, and arts & crafts projects that center around a specific theme. Beginner students learn basic language skills to supplement the vocabulary linked to each theme. More advanced students learn useful phrases, grammatical concepts and practice their conversation skills. This year’s camp themes are: - Going Hawaiian - Secret Formula Laboratorio - Los Cocineritos (Junior Chefs) www.vivaelespanol.org

The camps are designed to give children a unique opportunity to learn or improve their Spanish language skills. Camps are half-day or full-day sessions. During each camp, students participate in interactive games, music and movement activities, and arts & crafts projects that center around a specific theme. Beginner students learn basic language skills to supplement the vocabulary linked to each theme. More advanced students learn useful phrases, grammatical concepts and practice their conversation skills. This year’s camp themes are: - Los Deportes (Sports) - Chop, Chop...Chopped Cooking Competition - Wondrous Outdoors at the Reservoir - Secret Formula Laboratorio - Los Cocineritos (Junior Chefs) - Exploring Central & South America - Mission Impossible www.vivaelespanol.org

MARIN COUNTY LFSF SUMMER CAMPS 2017 (SAUSALITO) Age or Grade Range: PreK-12

Language and Outdoor activities based French Immersion Camps. Camp 1: Asterix & Obelix June 26th-July 7th Camp 2: Multisports Camp: Soccer; Basketball; Tennis July 10thAugust 25th Camp 3: Island Adventures 24th July-August 18th History of Quality Camps Safe Environment Certified adult staff from the LFSF Low Instructor-Student Ratio Where possible 80% French-20% English www. lelycee.org/summercamps

SPANISH IMMERSION CAMPS WITH VIVA EL ESPANOL (MILL VALLEY) Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-10

ence belonging and contribution; they can have a sense of consistency and predictability in times of turbulence and change. Daycamp can begin as early as age three, and is geared to children who get to experience camp and still return home each evening. They have the best of both worlds — the camp community which is built exclusively for kids and their own home which provides the security they need at a tender age. Daycamp is a terrific first experience. Reminiscent of less complicated days, when people connected with nature, thrived on inter-generational relationships, and made new discoveries, everything is designed and scaled to ensure that children feel included, cared about and capable. Beginning camp at an early age provides important advantages. —Marla Coleman To learn more about camp and child development, please visit the American Camp Association’s family-dedicated Web site: www.CampParents.org, or call the toll-free number 1-800-428-CAMP (2267).

grammatical concepts and practice their conversation skills. This year’s camp themes are: - Los Deportes (Sports) - Secret Formula Laboratorio - Exploring Central & South America - EcoArt from Recycled Materials www.vivaelespanol.org

SANTA CLARA COUNTY J&R SUMMER CAMP (CAMPBELL) Age or Grade Range: 5-18

2017 J&R Summer Camp 6/19/20178/25/2017 (10 WEEKS) J&R Chinese Camp K-G5 J&R Test Preps Camp G6 and up Skyhawks Sports Camp (all ages for flag football, baseball & soccer) Early Registration rate available if sign up before March 1st, 2017 Full day, half day and drop in services are available Recreation Swimming, Library/ Computer, Park tours are provided during summer camp without extra charge. There may be extra charges for any other field trips and enrichment classes Lunch & Snack: please check our online menu Daily healthy hot lunch/AM & PM snacks with fresh fruit and Vegetables. MSG Free, Trans Fat Free Nonfat milk is available at lunch time Drinking water is available for refill at J&R www.jrlearning.com

ROBOTICS IN SPANISH (SAN JOSE) Age or Grade Range: Graduates of Grades K-5th

Four weeks of Robotics in Spanish this summer! Attend one week, or as many as you’d like! Each week different skills and robots will be presented, regardless of your child’s current robotics skill level. See website for more information & schedules. pasitosschool.com/camps

GENERAL & TRADITIONAL DAY CAMPS ALAMEDA COUNTY AAUW OAKLAND-PIEDMONT SUMMER CAMPS VIRTUAL FAIR (OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: all ages listed

See AAUW Oakland-Piedmont’s Summer Camps & Programs Virtual Fair for all types of camps & programs for children, including family, sleep-away camps and special needs programs. This is the 35th year offering

this service for the community. Camps are grouped by types of programs offered. Listings will remain visable all year. Thank you to Parents’ Press for supporting us for many years. http://oaklandpiedmont-ca.aauw.net/ summer-camps-programs-fair/2017-fairprogram-listings/

ADVENTURE TIME SUMMER DAY CAMP (OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: Ages 4 years 9 months - 12

Our fun-filled, varied programs offer: science, arts, crafts, cooking, languages, sports, games, nature, ‘Reading Heroes Club’, and multicultural activities. Our state licensed facilities maintain a 1:10 teacher/ child ratio and are staffed with well-trained adults, whose goal is to offer each child a nurturing, memorable, and safe summer camp experience. www.adventure-timesummer.com

BOYS ON THE GO CAMP (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: Ages 9-13

CAMP ELMWOOD (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: Ages 6-13

One week only Jul 31 - Aug 4. Under the redwoods on the grounds of St. John’s Presbyterian Church, Berkeley. Art, basketball, volleyball, ping pong, lawn games, music, drama, dance, science, cooking, swimhike, family barbeque, talent show, values, community service, opportunities for leadership. Camperships available as needed. stjohnsberkeley.org/communityce

GIRLS ON THE GO CAMP (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: Ages 9-13

Since 2002, Girls on the Go Camp supports girls to be bold, confident and fully expressed. Girls travel to destinations around the Bay Area by public transit and participate in

interactive workshops. Our diverse staff is dynamic, engaging, skilled, empathetic and deeply passionate about their work with youth. Winner of Best of Camp Teen Award 2015-2016. Basic Day 8:30-4:00; Ext Care 8-6:00. Berkeley location: Runs June 12Aug 25; Oakland location: July 10-July 21. http://www.girlsonthegocamp.com/summerprogram/

GIRLS SUMMER CAMP (OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: Grades 4-6

JMSG offers three summer sessions to girls entering fourth, fifth, and sixth grade. Sessions are one week long, and each session will have a variety of activities to participate in as well as a project theme. Girls may choose to enroll in any or all of the three sessions. Each week the girls will participate in activities that are planned by JMSG faculty to connect with the weekly theme but also designed to serve all learning styles. Most activities include a creative component, group work, and opportunity for self-reflection. Activities may include: learning dance moves, playing music, writing and performing poetry, exploring science, making nature-inspired art, practicing yoga, and playing sports/games. www.juliamorganschool.org

MONKEY BUSINESS CAMP (BERKELEY)

Berkeley. Camp hours 9AM - 3PM. Beforeand After-care available. www.sarahscience. com/summer

STEVE & KATE’S CAMP (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: Ages 4-12

When you trust kids, they learn to trust themselves. At Steve & Kate’s Camp, we give kids the freedom to choose what they want to do, whether that’s music, breadmaking, fashion, filmmaking, coding, sports, or piethrowing. Two ways to play: Day Passes (buy any number of days and use them anytime) or Membership (one fee for unlimited summer visits). Lunch, snacks and all materials included in both plans. https:// steveandkatescamp.com/locations/berkeley/

URBAN ADVENTURE CAMPS (OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: 8-15

Urban Adventure Camps is a unique weeklong day. Camps begin each morning at local BART stations. Groups take daily field trips to the Bay Area’s best museums, activities, and adventures. Public transportation is used to travel between locations. Each session focuses on specific subject areas. Come Explore With Us! www.urbanadventurecamps

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

Age or Grade Range: 4.5-15

SARAH’S SCIENCE CAMP (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: 5-15

ADVENTURE DAY CAMP (SAN RAMON) Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-15

Adventure Day Camp is a traditional day camp for children ages 3-15 years old. In a low pressure, relaxed atmosphere, children gain confidence and skills in a wide range of camp activities, including arts, sports, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, tennis, horseback riding, archery, climbing, drama, music, hiking, overnight camping, and much more! Children are assigned to small groups with one adult Counselor and one assistant. For children ages 3 & 4 that are not quite ready for the complete experience of Adventure Day Camp, we offer a preschool program. This is an introductory camp program directed two Seven Hills School preschool teachers who have over 25 years experience working in the Early Childhood Education field. We have two sites, The Seven Hills School in Walnut Creek and The Dorris-Eaton School in San Ramon. For both locations, we offer transportation serving: Moraga, Orinda, Lafayette, Oakland, Piedmont, Berkeley, Livermore & the 680 Corridor

CAMPS

2 017

o t i r r E EL C pS m A C r SummE Large Selection of Camps for Ages 4.75-17 • • • • • • • •

Special Events, Themes & Activities Visual & Performing Arts Engineering & Science Leadership Sports & Swimming Field Trips Full & 1/2 Day Options Flexible Schedule

EL CERRITO SPORTS CAMP Non-competitive and Co-ed since 1992

Summer Sports Camp Ages 4-12 @ Cerrito Vista Park Morning, Afternoon, and All Day Camps

Sports & Games Camp: Activities include Soccer, Basketball,

Fun in the Sun

Join us!

Baseball, Capture the Flag, Dodge Ball, Frisbee, Kick Ball, Hula Hoops, Jump Rope, Swimming, Play Structure, Foosball, Air Hockey & other board and table games

Soccer Camp

Baseball Camp

On-site registrations okay

Sunday Soccer

@ Canyon Trail Park April 2 - May 28

Head Coach: Joel Gildersleeve Soccer 12:00 noon-1:30 pm Ages: 4-5, 6-7, 8-10

For information & to register www.el-cerrito.org/recreation or (510) 559-7000

El Cer r it o

19 20

On site registration any Sunday. Fees prorated.

Apples & Oranges snack break. 15% Sibling discount. Bring a water bottle!

www.elcerritosportscamp.com (510) 559-8208 March 2017 | Parents’ Press 19

from Martinez to Pleasanton. Please visit adventuredaycamp.com for more information, including open house dates. A Director is available by calling (925) 937-6500 or emailing campinfo@adventuredaycamp.com. www.adventuredaycamp.com

ADVENTURES CAMP, JR. EXPLORERS CAMP, EXPLORERS CAMP (EL CERRITO) Age or Grade Range: AGES: 4.75-14

Adventures Camp Spend the day with old friends or make new ones as you create arts and crafts, participate in fun games, hands on science, sports and fitness, music and morning visits to EC Splash Park. All activities and special events are focused around the weekly camp theme. Optional swim lessons offered for an additional fee. Jr. Explorers Camp We offer a traditional camp with spirited and responsible care. Campers will attend off site weekly local excursion. Each week will include swim, creative crafts, sports, and cooking. Summer will be filled with excitement, fun and new friends. Special Events and Assemblies will also be offered throughout the summer. Optional swim lessons offered for an additional fee. Explorers Camp Explorers Camps is the ideal place to send your tween. Each week of Explorers Camp includes two field trips, three days of swimming and classic camp activitiesinteractive sports and games, arts and crafts, cooking, air hockey and much more. http:// el-cerrito.org/DocumentCenter/View/6936

SUMMER BRIDGE CAMP (SAN RAMON) Age or Grade Range: Grades K - 8

We offer academic and enrichment summer camp programs, including: Math, English, Chinese, Music, Art, Team Building Games, and more. Full/Half-Days. www.RenataLC.com

SUMMER@SAKLAN (MORAGA ) Age or Grade Range: 3-11

CAMPS

Summer @ Saklan lets your child explore the world! Mornings on the Saklan campus are filled with culture and language enrichment. In the afternoons there’s summer fun, including field trips & swimming. Three week full and half day sessions with extended hours. Ages 3 - 11. saklan.org

activities each day including yoga, games, arts and crafts, storytelling, relaxation and meditation appropriate for their age level. A healthy snack will be provided each day. Please bring a yoga mat, water bottle, and wear comfortable clothes to yoga camp each day. www.nandiyoga.com

wide array of facilities including gymnasiums, art rooms, a swimming pool, classrooms, stage, field and more! https://www.castilleja. org/casticamp

SUNSHINE SUMMER CAMP (SAN JOSE) Age or Grade Range: K to 8th

MARIN COUNTY

SANTA CLARA COUNTY

ROSS ACADEMY MONTESSORI SCHOOL SUMMER MINI-CAMP (MILL VALLEY)

AVAC FUN FITNESS CAMP (SAN JOSE)

Age or Grade Range: Ages 2-5

Make the most of your child’s school break. They will learn new skills, develop self-esteem & make new friends while you gain peace of mind knowing your child is engaged in safe, healthy, stimulating activities. Maximum 50 campers. Ages 5 -12 (must be 5 by start of camp) Activities - swimming lessons holiday arts and crafts - fun fitness activities! - healthy snacks Register call 408.267.4032 www.avac.us/kidscamp

Ross Academy Montessori School Summer Mini-Camp. Continuing Montessori environment with regular staff the entire summer and lots of outdoor fun. Guest appearances and special events. Ages Toddler Program 2-3 years. Primary program 3-6 years. Held at Ross Academy Montessori School, 7 Thomas Drive, Mill Valley Ca. 94941. June 19-Agust 11, Full Day 9:002:30, half day 9:00-noon. 3 day programs (Toddlers only), individual weeks OK. Emailrams@rossacademymontessori.com or visit rossacademymontessorischool.com. rossacademymontessori.com

SUPER SUMMER ADVENTURE CAMP (SAN ANSELMO) Age or Grade Range: entering kindergarten to entering third grade

Super Summer Adventure Camp in San Anselmo is gearing up for another fun filled summer of field trips, swim lessons, art, science gymnastic activities and lots more. Our camp is small and known for its warm, friendly yet exciting environment. Our experienced and adventurous staff will once again put on a summer that your child will not soon forget! Located on the spacious campus of Wade Thomas School our headquarters are fully equipped and air-conditioned. Swim lessons take place at Drake High School Pool. Our staff is experienced in Early Childhood Education and most work year-round. They are CPR and FirstAid certified. Join us for the fun! 453-3181 www.supersummeradventurecamp.org www. supersummeradventurecamp.org

SAN FRANCISCO SALESIAN DAY CAMP

Age or Grade Range: ages 5-12

CASTI CAMP FOR GIRLS (PALO ALTO) Age or Grade Range: Grades 2-9

For more than 45 years, Casti Camp at Castilleja School has provided girls an all-day camp where fun, learning and friendships have been the focus. Casti Camp offers a range of age-appropriate activities including athletics, art, science, computers, writing, crafts, cooking, drama, dance and music classes each day. In addition, there are weekly field trips and memorable traditions, including talent shows, counselor skits, prison ball, BBQ Wednesdays, and more. Activities are designed to encourage creativity, selfconfidence, cooperation, risk-taking, and responsibility. Casti Camp is located at Castilleja School in Palo Alto, where we have a

Field Trips Cooking Clay Art BBQ Party Soccer Basketball Swimming Creative Art Fashion Design Magic Show Laser Tag Chinese Math Reading Kung Fu Hot Lunches Pre-K to 12th Grade Next Level English, Math, Reading http://www. mysunshineschool.com/

GYMNASTICS AND CIRCUS ARTS CAMPS ALAMEDA COUNTY MONKEY NINJA SUMMER CAMP (EMERYVILLE) Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-17

PARKOUR, ACROBATICS, AERIAL & MORE! Come and hang with us! We’ll turn your world upside down. Get ready to climb, invert, swing, vault, flip and gain a new perspective! http:// www.athleticplayground.com/

HEALTH AND SPECIAL NEEDS CAMPS

FIDDLEHEADS (OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-12

Children thrive when they feel supported. Fiddleheads is an outdoors day camp that offers social and emotional guidance in nature

amp has been an American tradition for more than 150 years. Some things at camp — forming friendships, having fun, practicing new skills, and summer learning gains — will never change. But what are the camp trends today?

Age or Grade Range: Ages 3.5-7

2017 SUMMER CAMPS KIDS’ CLUB CAMPS June 12 – August 18 9:00am –3:00pm SUNSHINE KIDS’ CAMP (AGES 2-4) $375/week, $95/day, $80/half day A robust early childhood curriculum designed by our expert staff. ADVENTURE DAY CAMP (AGES 5-9) $375/week, $95/day, $80/half day Experiential education; activities include hiking and exploration, sports and games and other special activities. JUNIOR COUNSELOR IN TRAINING (AGES 10-15) $440/week, $2,600/10 weeks Focused on early job skills, including babysitting, early childhood development and leadership in a fun and interactive experience working with our younger camps. Pre and Aftercare available for additional charge. To register in Kids’ Club camps: 510-898-0037 or ClaremontKidsClub@Fairmont.com

TENNIS CAMPS JUNE 5 - AUGUST 25 Led by Tennis Director, Rosie Bareis USPTA Master Professional RISING STARS (AGES 5-9) HOT SHOTS (AGES 10-16) Full 9:00am-3:00pm; $525/week, $180/day Half 9:00am-1:00pm; $475/week, $150/half day Learn to play, team tennis, sportsmanship, strategies. TOP TEN TENNIS ACADEMY (AGES 8 AND ABOVE) Awarded 2015 USTA JTT Yellow Ball Program of the Year Open to juniors of tournament level of play, players with a USTA sectional, national or ITF rankings. Daily 2:00-5:00pm $525/week, $180/day To register for Tennis Camps contact: 510-549-8517 ext.852 or CLA.Tennis@Fairmont.com

20 Parents’ Press | March 2017

Description: This camp has supervised, formative and recreational activities for children with various interests. nurturing campers in the Salesian Family environment, attendees develop into outstanding future leaders. We offer early/after care which is included in the weekly fee. Activities; arts n crafts, cooking and baking, sports, field trips, guest speakers and Thursday specials (birthday party, luaus). www.salesianclub.org

SAN MATEO COUNTY STEVE & KATE’S CAMP (SAN MATEO) Age or Grade Range: Ages 4-12

Our camp conforms to kids, not the other way around. Instead of a rigid structure, we give our campers choice. Everyday campers can choose from coding, robotics, music, breadmaking, film, sports and sewing. Purchase as many day passes as you want and use them whenever. Full refund for unused days. http://steveandkatescamp.com

STEVE AND KATE’S CAMP (ATHERTON) Age or Grade Range: 4-12

Our summer camp is designed to put kids in charge of their own learning experience. Kids develop the confidence to try, fail, and learn on their own. Whatever your child’s passion, they can push their limits at our camp. Stop-motion animation, fashion, coding, breadmaking, sports, music, dance, and much more. http://steveandkatescamp.com

ZEN SUMMER CAMP (SAN MATEO) Age or Grade Range: 5-8, 9-12, 13-16

Zen Summer camp offers your child a fun and relaxing way to spend summer vacation. Campers will engage in a variety of fun

The American Camp Association (ACA) estimates that there are 12,000 traditional, organized camps in the U.S. Each year more than 11.5 million children, youth, and adults attend camp. Today we see a wide range of ages participating in the camp experience: from children as young as three participating in day camp programs to senior adults, participating in family camps and senior camps. The) ACA has a vision that by the year 2020, more than 20 million children and youth will have a camp experience each year.

Traditional camps are still very popular — maybe more popular today than even a decade ago, as young people are very concerned about the environment, global awareness, mentorship, and getting along with one another. The camp community embraces those values. There has also been a rise in the popularity of specialty camps, day camps, and family camps, as camps constantly adapt to meet changing needs of families. Many young people like to use the camp experience to sharpen a special skill or develop new ones. Even traditional camps are offering year-round camp experiences, as well as any number of specialty programs. This exciting diversification is an example of how the camp community is meeting the needs of today’s families.

The most popular activities at camps today are swimming, arts/crafts, challenge/ropes course, archery, and aquatic activities. In addition, ACA research shows 52 percent of day camps and 50 percent of resident camps offered one or more academic / science and technology programs. More than four in five ACA-accredited residential camps offer at least one environmental education program for campers. Whatever the activity, camp gets kids moving! While at camp, campers are typically active three to five hours per day. This exceeds the recommended daily amount of physical activity from the CDC (one hour per day).

There is a camp for every child, every interest, and every budget. The American Camp Association’s Find a Camp database helps families find the perfect camp experience — whether it’s a traditional, day, specialty, family, or even trip or travel camp. Visit CampParents.org to start your search, and be sure to check out the expert advice, packing tips, and more. Reprinted from www.ACAcamps.org by permission of the American Camp Association.

through mindfulness, movement and play. We foster growth through activities that promote sensory integration, emotional regulation and empathic connections. We welcome children from all communities, and we honor neurodiversity. http://www.seeds-of-awareness.org/

RASKOB SUMMER PROGRAM (OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: Grades 1-8

June 19-July 28 Support for students with learning challenges, must be able to selfregulate and work with others. Mornings: individual educational therapy, small academic & enrichment classes, afternoons: daily swimming, crafts & cooperative games. www.raskobinstitute.org

SOCIAL SUPER HEROS SUMMER CAMP (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: 5-11

Our weekly outdoors Social and emotional skills groups in Tilden Park provide your child with a safe and fun setting to learn and practice new skills and be with friends. Activities are designed to inspire wholebody learning through doing and reflection. We use dramatic role playing, structured games, and facilitated free play to practice communicating feelings, playing cooperatively with peers, dealing with conflict, and learning the skills to make lasting friendships. Games and coaching are provided to teach your child skills in successfully navigating the social arena including topics such as joining in play with peers, handling frustration and disappointment, creating mutually joyful friendships, successfully resolving conflicts, reading nonverbal social cues, expressing yourself authentically and kindly, and maintaining attention & organization. All activities are play and relationship-based and many incorporate sensory regulation strategies, emotional management techniques, and all incorporate selfawareness, creativity, and fun! Appropriate

for children who could use extra support to engage socially with peers, manage attention and body regulation, and successfully manage their emotions. Limit of 4 children per group to maximize social learning. Contact for more information or to enroll today! Karen Wolfe, MFT #53878 (415) 4209459 Karen@SFBayPlayTherapy.com or Nancy Wallin MFT #53175 (530) 902-1154 nancywallinmft@gmail.com http://www. berkeleychildtherapy.com/

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY BAY AREA RAINBOW DAY CAMP (EL CERRITO) Age or Grade Range: 4-18

Rainbow Day Camp (3-11) and Camp Kickin’ It (12-18) are camps for gender diverse youth (any youth exploring gender) and their allies. We have an engaging camp curriculum and amazing staff! Yoga, art, spoken word and outdoor fun and teens are on the go in the Bay. Come join us for year 3! www. rainbowdaycamp.org

QUEST THERAPEUTIC CAMP (DANVILLE)

summer day camp is designed to foster collaboration between typical able peers and peers struggling with ASD, ADHD and other social language disorders PLSS day camp is about successfully navigating the social world. We encourage and expand on our campers language and problem solving skills using evidence based approaches in the natural settings. PLSS campers learn from each other as well as from their instructors.We only accept 4 campers with social skills difficulty and 3-4 typical able peers. The one -to -one therapist/peer sessions and community intervention program is the cornerstone of our unique approach. All our campers must be screened to be sure that our camp will be appropriate for the camper. Each group runs twice a week for 4 weeks. We offer each group in two sessions, lessons will change if the same campers enroll in both sessions. However, if we enroll new campers, we will repeat similar lessons from the previous sessions. http://www.pediatricspeech.com/ home/social-skills-language-camp/

HORSE RIDING CAMPS ALAMEDA COUNTY

Age or Grade Range: 5-19 years old

Quest provides an innovative therapeutic day camp with individualized treatment goals, professional staff and daily group therapy with a full, fun camp program. Campers with mild to moderate emotional/social problems, ages 5-19, participate for a minimum of 3 consecutive weeks, receive supportive feedback and proven methods for positive change. www.questcamps.com

SANTA CLARA COUNTY PRIDE IN LEARNING SOCIAL SKILLS (PLSS) (SANTA CLARA)

BEGINNER HORSE CAMP AT KENILWORTH STABLES (OAKLAND)

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY CASTLE ROCK ARABIAN HORSE CAMP (WALNUT CREEK) Age or Grade Range: Ages 5 -12

Castle rock camp is an amazing place for children to learn how to ride. We have 24 gentle horses and ponies that await your camper to provide the magic of learning to ride. www.castlerockarabians.com

FARTHER AFIELD COWGIRL SUMMER CAMP (BURSON) Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-9

All inclusive 3 day 2 nights sleep-away camp! Focus is on confidence building, conflict resolution, and teamwork. Kids are provided their very own horse for the weekend. – With this gentle equine teacher, they will learn about trust, kindness, responsibility, and leadership. – This is not just about learning to ride. – Our focus is on learning valuable life skills through working with horses and each other. www.horsespeak.com

MARIN COUNTY

Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-10

MORNING STAR FARM (NOVATO)

Come have fun, make new friends, and get immersed in the wonderful world of horses at our beautiful private barn in the Oakland hills. Two English riding lessons per day and two horsemanship lessons per day provide campers with a fun, well rounded introduction to the equestrian sport. Our amazing team of horses and ponies are well-mannered schoolmasters who love children and love their jobs. Catered to beginners ages 7-10. http:// www.kenilworthstables.com/camp

Age or Grade Range: 5-14yr

Offering English/Western horse camps for ages 5-14 years, June 5-August 25. Camps divided by age groups & riding styles: Full Day (9AM-4PM) or Half Day (9AM-12:30PM). Camps focus on riding instruction, horse care, vaulting and trail riding. Mini Camp for ages 5-7 yrs., geared for younger set to learn about horse care and basic riding skills in a safe & fun environment. Also offered : Western/Rodeo Camp & Jumping Camp www. morningstarfarm.info

Age or Grade Range: 3-5, 6-10, 11-16

CAMPS

Empowering the next generation of tech makers + thinkers.

New Sessions Beginning in March and April!

SAVE $75 Discount code: PPSF17 Kids and teens follow their passion for technology at Digital Media Academy STEM summer camps. Save $75 on an unforgettable summer experience learning Programming, Filmmaking, Music Production, Robotics, 3D Printing, Game Design, and more!

(510) 848-SING eastbaymusictogether.com

Visit www.DigitalMediaAcademy.org to register. Offer expires 5/31/17.

March 2017 | Parents’ Press 21

MUSIC CAMPS VOICE AND INSTRUMENT

Belgium to reach Paris and London. While visiting the great courts and capitals, don t forget to perform concerts, astonishing princes and princesses, an empress, heads of state, even the future queen of France! Meet and learn from some leading composers of the day, and when you are not busy performing, dash off your own compositions! http://sfems.org/?page_id=624

ALAMEDA COUNTY BERKELEY BAND CAMP (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: Ages 8-17

Come play in a few bands with other young musicians! We take vocalist, as well as guitar, bass, drums, keys, horns and strings. We spend 3 days rehearsing at Ashkenaz and 2 days recording at Fantasy Studios! Come one week or both. 22nd year, women run camp by professional teachers/musicians.

SFEMS YOUTH COLLEGIUM (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: Grades 7-12

The Youth Collegium is a parallel program open to rising 7th graders through 12 graders with prior instrumental and vocal experience who are ready for deeper musical exploration. This year, Youth Collegium participants will delve into the music of young Mozart, his father Leopold, and various composers who influenced him as a performer and a composer. http://sfems.org/?page_id=624

GLENVIEW STRING CAMP (OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: Jul-99

Glenview Strings Camp 2017: July 31 August 4, 9 - 12pm, 1 - 5pm - Summer string fun - All level string camp for ages 7 and up, kids bring your parents! Located in Glenview district of Oakland at Park Blvd. Presbyterian Church, Aug. 1 - 5 from 9 - 5pm. Come all day, or Mornings (9 - 12) and Afternoons (15), only! Early Bird discounts available. For more information - www.glenviewstring.com or email glenviewstrings@comcast.net Looking forward to hearing from you! Sara Usher www.glenviewstrings.com

JAZZSCHOOL GIRLS’ JAZZ & BLUES CAMP (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: Grades 5 or 6 -12

Our 8th year! Girls entering grades 5or6-12 who play an instrument or like to sing. MonFri July 31-Aug 4, 9:30-3, free concert Friday Aug 4, 6pm at Freight & Salvage Concert Hall, Berkeley. Supportive atmosphere with all women faculty from the Montclair Women’s Big Band . Choose ensemble electives! www. cjc.edu/girlscamp

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY MUSIC DISCOVERY WORKSHOP & YOUTH COLLEGIUM (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: 7-18

Wunderkind’s Grand Tour Children in Grades 1 and up with an interest in the music and arts of the past are invited to join us as we bring the German Classical to life in song, instrumental music, art, dance, and drama. Group lessons, chamber music ensembles, and a final concert on Friday. 1763 Salzburg: Seven year old Wolfie and eleven year old Nannerl are getting ready to embark on the Grand Tour of Europe! Pack your bags, hop on a carriage and travel across Germany and Belgium to reach the great cities of Paris and London. While visiting the great courts and cultural capitals, don t forget to perform the most amazing concerts, astonishing princes and princesses, an empress, heads of state,

PERFORMANCE CAMP (SAN RAMON)

even the future queen of France! Meet and learn from some leading composers of the day, and when you are not busy performing, dash off your own compositions! Youth Collegium, a concurrent program, is for rising 7th through 12th graders with prior instrumental and vocal experience who are ready for deeper musical exploration with its All-Collegium band. http://sfems. org/?page_id=624

Age or Grade Range: Ages 11-16

SFEMS MUSIC DISCOVERY WORKSHOP: WUNDERKIND S GRAND TOUR (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: Grades 1 and up

1763 Salzburg: Join 7 year old Wolfie and 11 year old Nannerl as they embark on the Grand Tour of Europe! Pack your bags, hop on a carriage and travel across Germany and

CAMPS

Summer Institute

An Innovative Summer Program for Motivated Students & Athletes Ages 8-14

JUNE 12 THROUGH JULY 21

DETAILS & REGISTRATION AT

shcp.edu / summer 1 0 5 5 E L L I S S T R E E T, S A N F R A N C I S CO, C A 9 4 1 0 9

22 Parents’ Press | March 2017

•

415.775.6626

•

S H C P. E D U

7th. Camp will take place every day from Monday to Friday, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, with a 45-60 minute lunch break around noon. Guitarists will need to bring a guitar/pick/ strap, bassists a bass/strap, and drummers sticks. Everything else including amps and cables will be provided here at the school. If you have any questions, please call us at 925415-3340. sanramon.schoolofrock.com

on guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, and sing too! While having a great time playing music with others, they will learn fundamentals like music theory, pitch, and rhythm. If you have any questions, please call us at 925-4153340. sanramon.schoolofrock.com

ROCK 101 PERFORMANCE CAMP (SAN RAMON)

SUMMER SING WITH SINGERS MARIN 2017 (MILL VALLEY)

Age or Grade Range: Ages 8-10

Age or Grade Range: 5-13 years

Camps are the perfect amped up version of our Performance Program, and it is our goal that each kid walks away with not just new found musical abilities, but fantastic memories and friends as well! Details: depending on the total number of kids, we will be splitting into bands of similar abilities, and each group will learn 2 or 3 songs in just a week, depending on how much they can handle as a band. At the school on Friday at 1pm, the kids will perform a live rock concert for friends and family! The set list will be decided first thing Monday morning after introductions and assessment. We will do our best to gauge what the kids like most and what will help each of them progress the most as musicians. Camps run the weeks of June 12th and 26th, and July 17th an 31st. Camp will take place every day from Monday to Friday, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, with a 45-60 minute lunch break around noon. Please send your kids with a water bottle, and nutfree lunch and snacks. (We will not leave the premises at ANY time). If any of your kids have allergies or special dietary needs, please let us know. If you have any questions, please call us at 925-415-3340. sanramon. schoolofrock.com

Does your child love to sing, dance and perform? Then look no further this is the perfect camp for you. Boys and girls aged 5-13years are invited to attend for one week or two. Each week we will teach a range of musical theatre, pop and classical songs; some with full dance choreography and the children will perform a show for their friends and family every Friday afternoon. Professional, qualified vocal and dance specialists will work with the children giving them training in vocal technique, ear training and chorus experience. Option to join youth chorus following camp allows them to develop their talent further and stay with the friends they have made. Camp runs every day 10am3.30pm with before and after are available. July 10-21st 2017 www.singersmarin.org

ROOKIES MUSIC CAMP (SAN RAMON) Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-7

MARIN COUNTY

SAN FRANCISCO CAMP CMC

CMC CHAMBER MUSIC CAMP Age or Grade Range: 12-18

Spend a week this summer playing in supportive small ensembles, coached daily by CMC faculty. Students may also participate in master classes, large ensembles by instrument, and daily independent chamber music rehearsals. Pre-formed groups as well as individuals are encouraged to apply. http://sfcmc.org/classes/campcmc/#chamber

CMC’S CONCERT BAND CAMP Age or Grade Range: 10-14

Learn how to play great music for concert band this summer! Together we will work on rhythm, articulation, dynamics, blending, key signatures, and phrasing. Then we ll use what we ve learned to play together as an ensemble. We ll finish the week with an informal performance for friends and family. http://sfcmc.org/classes/camp-cmc/#band

CMC’S MUSICAL DISCOVERY CAMP Age or Grade Range: 8-12

CMC’s Musical Discovery Camp introduces kids to the world of musical sounds from Caribbean, Mexican and African-American traditions. Previous experience singing or playing an instrument is not required. The week’s activities will include singing, rhythm work, introduction to guitar and percussion, and ensemble work. http://sfcmc.org/ classes/camp-cmc/#discovery

COMPOSITION WORKSHOP

Age or Grade Range: 9-14

Make great music and new friends this summer! Camp CMC offers young musicians ages 9-14 the chance to play in both small and large groups and explore many different styles with our diverse faculty. There are lots of chances play percussion instruments, sing, and do rhythmic movement. http://sfcmc. org/classes/camp-cmc/#campcmc

Young rockers will have the opportunity to jam

Age or Grade Range: 13-19

Young artists study and write composition for small forces through the lens of the 21st century through daily classes in harmony, orchestration and compositional techniques. Guest artists perform students’ works in recital. Admission by interview and submission of at least one previously composed work. www.sfcm.edu/summer

SAN FRANCISCO GIRLS CHORUS SUMMER CAMPS Age or Grade Range: 4-11

Sing for your Summer! San Francisco Girls Chorus offers two day camps for young singers--no audition required. Prep Chorus Camp: Ages 4-7, 9am-1pm. Beginners and Beyond: Ages 7-11, 9am-4pm (aftercare available ‘til 5pm) Activities include: Singing games Folk dancing and singing Music theory Dalcroze eurythmics ...and more! For the Beginners and Beyond Camps, activities will also include: Arts and crafts Beginning ballet and stage movement Kanbar Performing Arts Center, San Francisco, July 17-21 Please contact info at sfgirlschorus.org to register and learn more. www.sfgirlschorus.org

PERFORMING ARTS CAMPS ALAMEDA COUNTY BAY AREA SHAKESPEARE CAMP (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: ages 7-18

Kids get into the act! Have fun with your friends and learn all about the world of performance and Shakespeare from trained teaching artists. Two-week camps meet weekdays, 9 am 3 pm (optional aftercare until 5:30 pm). Experience not required. Campers stage a play on the final day. www. sfshakes.org

BERKELEY PLAYHOUSE CONSERVATORY (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: Grades K-6

Dive into the world of theater arts with our 1-4 week musical theater camps for Grades K-6! Choose from themes inspired by popular titles: Zootopia, Sing, Matilda and Harry

CAMPS PRESCHOOL FRENCH IMMERSION SUMMER CAMP

COOKING ROUND THE WORLD SUMMER CAMP Where cooking + learning about the world + making friends = a recipe for fun! 510.593.5285 www.cookingroundtheworld.com

This summer, experience the power of

For children entering Preschool and Kindergarten (minimum age: 3.5)

authentic outdoor adventure.

July 17 to August 11 on our campus located by the Berkeley Bowl West

More information at www.eb.org/SummerCamp adventure camps : pre-K – 7 th grades O a k l a n d • M i l l Va l l e y • M o ra g a • C a m p b e l l Pa l o A l t o • S a ra t o g a • S a n t a Cr u z

Save $15 per session! Enter code: parentpress17

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March 2017 | Parents’ Press 23

Potter. Plus classic themes like Broadway Triple Threat. Camps enrolling every week June-August. Optional before & after care. Financial aid available. berkeleyplayhouse.org

factory through music. Both 1 week camps will end in final showings for family & friends. https://tickets.berkeleyplayhouse.org/ Online/article/spring-2017

CAMP WINNARAINBOW (BERKELEY)

YOUNG ACTORS’ THEATRE CAMP (SANTA CRUZ)

Age or Grade Range: 7-17

Explore nature, enhance your creativity, begin lifelong friendships, and have BIG FUN. For over 40 years, kids come to join our circus, our well trained staff teaches timing, balance and as our founder Wavy Gravy says, Survival in the 21st century or how to duck with a sense of humor. www.campwinnarainbow.org

DOUG’S DRAMA (OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: 5-13

-Four two week sessions -Full length productions - Extended care from 8:00-6:00 -Theater games, comedy, improv, storytelling -One of the East Bay’s most popular theater camps for over 20 years Www.dougsdrama. com

GLM PERFORMING ARTS CAMP (OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: 6-14

An amazing 2 week theatrical experience in the production of The Pearl, set in an underwater kingdom. Children perform songs and dances and make props working with theater professionals. An extraordinary and very fun opportunity for children from beginners to seasoned performers. 7/31/17-8/11/17(performance night). grandlakemontessori.com

SPRING BREAK CAMPS: BERKELEY PLAYHOUSE CONSERVATORY (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: K-6

Join us April 3-7, 9am-3pm M-F! Grades K-2 will follow the yellow brick road on a musical journey full of theaterical exploration! Grades 3-6 will explore Willy Wonka’s chocolate

Age or Grade Range: Ages 8-18

Our classes are all taught by working actors, singers, directors, dancers casting directors, agents, managers, and producers who bring their current experiences and inspirations directly to the classroom. There is nothing quite like learning how to sell a song from Sutton Foster or learning the Safety Dance from Glee’s Heather Morris or learning how to write great lyrics from Darren Criss while he serenades you. All of our programs are designed with each camper in mind regardless of age or experience level. From our intensive 1-day workshops to our Overnight Camps, we are sure that you will find YATC the perfect match for your goals! www.campyatc.com

MARIN COUNTY MARIN SHAKESPEARE COMPANY (SAN RAFAEL) Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-18)

At Marin Shakespeare Company Summer Camps, we make Shakespeare fun! Campers learn the stories and characters of Shakespeare’s plays through story-telling, creative dramatics and theatre games. Why Shakespeare? He presents the human condition in all its infinite variety the beauty, terror, comedy, and passion of the human spirit. His rich language, complex characters and compelling stories help us develop our critical sensitivity and emotional intelligence. It’s a lifelong journey, as our students can attest, and our professional teaching artists make Shakespeare passionately, exuberantly fun! WHERE: Locations in Novato, Ross and San Rafael. See website for details WHEN:

CAMPS

One week sessions, M-F. 9:00-12:00 pm; Two week sessions, M-F, 9:00 am 3:00 pm; June 12-August 11. Classes for teenagers: noon-4:00 pm. AGES: Boys and girls, ages 5-18 ACTIVITIES: Four programs based on child’s age. See website for specific dates: Shakespeare’s Stories: ages 5-7 (San Rafael) Young Company: ages 8-12 (San Rafael, Ross and Novato) Teen Programs: ages 13-18, Improvisation, and Performance (San Rafael) Tennis/Drama Camp: ages 8-14 (San Rafael) www.marinshakespeare.org

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA SHAKESPEARE CAMP Age or Grade Range: 7-18

GILBERT & SULLIVAN SCENES Age or Grade Range: 10-18

The Gilbert & Sullivan Scenes program explores the Topsy-Turvy world of rollicking pirates, damsels in distress, and modern major generals! Lamplighters Music Theatre artistic staff directs daily classes in singing, acting, and stage movement. The program culminates in a fully staged and costumed performance. Admission by audition. www. sfcm.edu/summer

MAS MULTICULTURAL ARTS SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM Age or Grade Range: Ages 6-13

Multicultural Arts Summer Youth Program offers kids an immersive experience in cultural arts. Classes offered include Yoga, Hip Hop, Art & Crafts, Theatre, Drumming, Printmaking, Photography, Fashion Design, Latin Grooves, and more _ missionculturalcenter.org

MODELING CAMP SFO Age or Grade Range: 11-17 YEARS

MODELING CAMP invites all girls to explore the world of modeling and fashion this summer! Photo shoots, fashion shows, fitness and style! Come ‘discover the model in you!’ Visit us at www.modelingcamp,com! www. modelingcamp.com

PLAYWRITING CAMP Age or Grade Range: Ages 8-12

Explore the world of playwriting! Theater games will inspire campers to come up with their own characters. Writing exercises will provide campers with the basics of story structure. We will introduce the concepts of character objectives, obstacles, metaphor and conflict resolution. Campers will develop their ideas into a two-character ten-minute play which will culminate in readings by guest actors on the Creativity Theatre stage. www. creativity.org

SAN MATEO COUNTY ACTOR’S STUDIO (PACIFICA) Age or Grade Range: Ages 10-18

This camp is for the dramatic ACTOR in your family! The camp will focus exclusively on acting technique through improvisation, character study and script analysis. Actors will use those skills in preparation for a full play at the end of the production camp. Explore the dramatic process from beginning to end! This camp casts the show at orientation a few weeks prior to the beginning of camp and students are required to come to the first day fully memorized. 3 weeks 9-3, M-F. www. spindriftschool.org

BAY AREA SHAKESPEARE CAMP (BRISBANE) Age or Grade Range: 7-13

BROADWAY BOUND SESSIONS I & II (PACIFICA) Age or Grade Range: Ages 4-7

This camp is for the young performer in your family! Over the course of four weeks M-Th from 9-12noon session I or three weeks M-F session II, children will be introduced to the performing arts by professional artists, spending the beginning of the day exploring basics in Movement, Theatre and Music. The last part of the morning is spent rehearsing their show. At the end they experience the magic of theatre with lights, sets, costumes and live music in a final production! Tuition: $495 ($465 early bird rate, if paid in full by 3/31/17) $100 non-refundable deposit is required. Balance due by first day of camp. *Childcare available. www.spindriftschool. org

24 Parents’ Press | March 2017

SPOTLIGHT STARS SESSIONS I & II (PACIFICA) Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-12

Over the course of 4 weeks, (3 weeks for session 2), campers will learn the value of teamwork as each and every cast member works together to put on a full musical production taught by professionals in their respective fields. Our intensive schedule of classes is designed to educate and stimulate that aspiring young actor in your family. Most of the day is spent on training and teamwork, whether cast as ensemble or with a speaking role, your performer will have a lot to learn and do! Mornings are spent with professionals in their fields exploring the following: ACTING: Your child will learn about emoting and communicating effectively on stage. Scene study and basic script analysis will be explored. DANCE: Explore a wide range of styles, with an emphasis on Musical Theatre & Presentational Dance. VOICE & MUSIC: Whatever your child’s range, he or she is bound to find a new level of skill. Show tunes (both ensemble and solo) & other styles of song will be studied, along with rhythm & harmony basics. Afternoons are spent in rehearsal, putting the mornings teachings to practice with: A MUSICAL THEATRE SHOW EXPERIENCE! www.spindriftschool.org

TEEN MUSICAL THEATRE CAMP (PACIFICA) Age or Grade Range: Ages 12-18

An exclusive four-week intensive training experience for teens to explore and learn about acting, music, dance, and musical theatre. Guided by professional artists in their fields, students will be immersed in every aspect of what makes a musical, finally presenting a FULL PRODUCTION to the public. This full-day, month long camp is available to all teens; no previous experience is necessary. Mon-Thur 1pm to 7pm. www.spindriftschool. org

SANTA CLARA COUNTY BAY AREA SHAKESPEARE CAMP (CUPERTINO) Age or Grade Range: ages 7-18

TABARD THEATRE 2017 PERFORMING ARTS YOUTH CAMPS (SAN JOSE) Age or Grade Range: Ages 6 to 14

The Tabard Theatre’s Summer Performing Arts Youth Camps are fun musical theatre adventures for youth of all skill levels and we warmly welcome children trying theatre for the first time! Children are given the opportunity to experience the many facets of musical theatre in a hands-on setting. www. tabardtheatre.org

PRESCHOOL AGE CAMPS ALAMEDA COUNTY MONKEY BUSINESS CAMP (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-4

Monkey Business Pre-K kids receive a distinctive classic camp experience at an indoor/outdoor location near Tilden Park. Bubbles, Sand Play, Art, Storytelling, Story Time, Games, Movement, End of Week Nature Treasure Hunt, Organic Food, Nap/Rester Time! Our diverse staff is dynamic, engaging, skilled, empathetic and compassionate. Winner of Best Pre-K Camp Award. August 7-25; Hours 8:30-3:30, with ext. care 8-6. http://www.monkeybusinesscamp.com/ summer-pre-k-program/

PRESCHOOL SUMMER CAMP (OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: 3.5 -5.5

MCPC operates as a parent cooperative

during the school year, but opens its doors to the children of the community for its annual Preschool Summer Camp. We foster creative, cognitive, social, emotional and fine motor development with our imaginative (messy!) projects. Both summer sessions are three-week programs that meet Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 9am - 12:30pm with optional extended days are offered 12:30 3pm. A maximum of 25 children, ages 3.5 to 5.5, may enroll. Registration opens April 2017. www.MCPCkids.org

SONSHINE PRESCHOOL (PLEASANTON) Age or Grade Range: 2-years up to the entry of 1st grade

Children will have fun as we balance the daily schedule with indoor and outdoor activities designed to promote social skills, language development, math and science inquiry, self-help skills, and large/fine motor development! Children will have a blast on our cool playground in the shade of our beautiful trees! www.sonshinepreschool.com

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY WALNUT AVENUE SUMMER CAMP (WALNUT CREEK) Age or Grade Range: 6-Feb

We offer 9 consecutuive weeks of Summer Camp from June to August. Camps are offered Monday thru Thursday, from 9:00 - 11:45, with options for Early Bird drop off and Lunch Bunch. You can pick the days and weeks your child will attend (based on availability). Each week offers a different theme: Summer Celebration, The Great Outdoors, America the Beautiful, Dinosaurs Galore, Music in Motion, Three Ring Circus, Treasure Island, All Star Sports, and Fantasy Fun. The children stay engaged with lots of art, science, gross motor activities, water play and free exploration outside and inside. Our Facility has a beautiful, very spacious, naturally shaded and safe play yard; Your child is guarenteed to have a wonderful time at our camp! www. waccp.org

MARIN COUNTY MAGICAL FOREST SUMMER CAMP AT MARIN WALDORF (SAN RAFAEL) Age or Grade Range: 3.5-6 yrs old

The Magic Forest Summer Camp at Marin Waldorf School offers a magical summer camp program for children ages 3.5 to 6 years old. Children will enjoy a variety of outdoor activities along with storytelling, music, fort building, pizza making, crafts, water play and Friday picnics. There are 3 x 2-week sessions that go from June19- July 28. Camp hours are 8:30am to 3pm. Please visit our website for additional information or call to register today. 415-479-8190 www.marinwaldorf.org

SAN FRANCISCO DINOSAUR CAMP Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-5

Stoke your child’s curiosity and imagination this summer with Dinosaurs! Through fun stories, songs and activities kids will learn more about the prehistoric reptiles that once ruled the earth. www.creativity.org

Campers will enjoy hands-on outdoor science and nature activities while exploring local creek, bay, and ocean habitats, hiking, kayaking, studying aquatic invertebrates, swimming at Lake Anza, and much more! Camp leaders are year-round KIDS for the BAY staff members. Multiple one-week sessions with a variety of themes. www.kidsforthebay. org/summer-camp/

LAWRENCE HALL OF SCIENCE SUMMER CAMPS (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: Age 4 Through Grade 12

Lawrence Hall of Science half- and full-day summer camps offer high-quality learning opportunities for kids age 4 through grade 12. Choose from a variety of exciting topics including computer science, animals & nature, animation, engineering, chemistry, and robotics. All camps, except overnight camp, are held in Berkeley, CA. http://www. lawrencehallofscience.org/visit/camps_and_ classes/summer_camps

SARAH’S SCIENCE CAMP (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: 5-15

Sarah’s Science is the Bay Area’s premier summer day camp with over 30 years of experience providing high quality science and nature programming. Each week of camp is centered around an exciting theme and campers make and take home new science projects every day. Camp also includes nature hikes, swimming, games, and arts and crafts. Ages 5-15. Weekly sessions from June 13 - August 26. Locations in Oakland and Berkeley. Camp hours 9AM - 3PM. Beforeand After-care available. www.sarahscience. com/summer

Kindergarten; 1st-3rd; 4th-9th.

Give your kids a rewarding summer in a fun and stimulating environment at the Bay Area Discovery Museum’s Discovery Camps in Sausalito. Our camps provide child-directed, inquiry driven learning through project-based, hands-on activities designed to intentionally boost creativity, STEM skills, and critical thinking. http://bayareadiscoverymuseum. org/activities/summer-camps/

SAN FRANCISCO GIRLS IN S.T.E.A.M. Age or Grade Range: Ages 8-12

This camp is designed to offer exciting handson learning projects that empower girls to creatively express themselves and develop skills in Science, Technology, Engineering,

CAMPS

Berkeley City Ballet

The Dance Center berkeleycityballet.org

SUMMER ENGINEERING CAMP AT QUARRY LANE (DUBLIN) Age or Grade Range: Grades 3-8

Calling all budding engineers! Quarry Lane’s Summer Engineering Camp offers a dynamic, engaging program designed to spark the imagination and creativity of our campers while building solid engineering and technology skills. Campers will learn to design, build and control robots as well as the fundamentals of computer programming. www.QuarryLane.org/Summer

FARTHER AFIELD CAMP SEA LAB (MONTEREY) Age or Grade Range: 8-16

Catch the summer camp wave on Monterey Bay: week-long day and residential summer camps, and tall-ship teen programs. Each week has a specialized focus that emphasizes activities such as tidepooling, kayaking, snorkeling, surfing. Register online for programs that will enhance your child’s ocean passion: campsealab.org campsealab.org

MARIN COUNTY SUMMER DISCOVERY CAMP 2017 (SAUSALITO) Age or Grade Range: Preschool;

photo : andy mogg

Ages 2 and up Dance Camps Birthday Parties 4 state-of the art studios, sprung floors Easy parking Easy online registration & payment

REGISTERATION NOW OPEN at BERKELEYBALLET.ORG

SANTA CLARA COUNTY DOWNTOWN SCHOLARS PRESCHOOL SUMMER CAMP (SAN JOSE) Age or Grade Range: 5-Feb

Play based preschool program with fun, interactive bi-weekly themes. Choose as many sessions as you need! Full time 7:00am-6:00pm Half day 8:30-12:00 Full week and part week options available! www. downtownscholarscdc.com

SCIENCE CAMPS ALAMEDA COUNTY KIDS FOR THE BAY SUMMER CAMP (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: 5-14

Summer Ballet Classes berkeley ballet & Workshops Ages 2.5 - 18

ALL LEVELS

INSPIRING. CHALLENGING. FUN.

theater

where all can dance

March 2017 | Parents’ Press 25

Art and Math. (S.T.E.A.M.) Each day girls will engage in challenges that solve problems by building moving inventions, learning to code and program robots, conducting experiments in a science lab, and creating interactive art work. At the end of camp girls will present their projects and process providing a rich experience in leadership. www.creativity.org

developing the inner and outer nature of gifted youth, Camp Summit offers stimulating and challenging activities combined with a staff uniquely qualified to nuture such a community located in beautiful, pictureseque settings. campsummitforthegifted.com

SPORTS CAMPS

MAKER CAMP Age or Grade Range: Ages 8-12

ALAMEDA COUNTY

Kids will embrace their inner maker with an assortment of tools to construct things and tinker with clay, sound, paper, code and cardboard to engineer and create amazing pieces of work. Learn basic electronics such as lighting up LEDs, making musical switches on the MaKey MaKey with conductive materials, and code Dash and Dot through a series of challenges! Build sculptures that move with clay, paper and cardboard and even add electronics to enhance them. www. creativity.org

SAN MATEO COUNTY MARINE SCIENCE CAMP (REDWOOD CITY) Age or Grade Range: Grades K-12th

Marine Science Camps available Monday through Friday June 12-August 11, 2017. Registration opens February 1. Campers will take part in science-in-action with hands-on projects and animal touching. Discover local habitats and animals at our Redwood City site and through field trips across the Bay Area, including a day-long trip aboard our research vessel, the Robert G. Brownlee. http://www. sfbaymsi.org/marinecamp

LAKE MERRITT BOATING & SAILING CAMPS (OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-17

SANTA CLARA COUNTY STANFORD’S SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND MEDICINE SUMMER PROGRAM (STANFORD) Age or Grade Range: Grades 11 & 12 and college pre-med

Our two-week summer program (June 19 - 30, 2017) is designed for high school and pre-medical undergraduate students interested in pursuing careers in medicine, STEM, medical research and development, or health care design, with a specific focus on medicine, Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine. https://med.stanford.edu/ anesthesia/education/SASI.html

YOUTH SCIENCE INSTITUTE SUMMER SCIENCE CAMPS (LOS GATOS) Age or Grade Range: PreK-6

YSI Summer Science Camp in Los Gatos

CAMPS THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BOTANICAL GARDEN

was voted the best summer camp in Silicon Valley. Our Summer Science Camp promotes science and playful experiences that foster the development of important social skills for children. http://www.ysi-ca.org/summerscience-camp

SLEEPAWAY CAMPS ALAMEDA COUNTY BERKELEY ECHO LAKE CAMP (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-16

Campers ages 7-14 and CIT’s ages 15-16 will enjoy a five-day overnight summer camp available in three sessions during the month of August. Hike the PCT, enjoy our heated swimming pool, canoe in Echo Lake, and make new friends, all in a beautiful high sierra environment overlooking South Lake Tahoe, CA. Charter Bus Transportation Provided to and from Berkeley! Visit our website for more information. http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ EchoLakeCamp/

CAMP KESEM BERKELEY (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: 6-16

Camp Kesem is an organization dedicated to helping kids through and beyond a parent’s cancer. Our counselors provide year round support and an amazing week of summer UC Botanical Garden camp for 240 campers. Campers zip line, do archery, but most importantly get to be in an Science Day Camp empowering and comfortable environment nature journals with friends. Because of the financial burden Parent's Press animal Ad 2017.qxp_Parent's Press Ad 2005 1/24/17 12:00 PM Page 1 studies cancer already imposes on families, we work edible gardening all year to make camp completely free for our plant science campers! campkesem.org/berkeley crafts & more!

JUNE 12 - AUGUST 18

Weekly sessions 9am - 2pm Aftercare available 2 - 4pm

$325/$295 members

Only 12 campers per week.

CALL (510) 643-2755

BOTANICALGARDEN.BERKELEY.EDU

MARIN COUNTY CAMP SUMMIT (SAUSALITO) Age or Grade Range: Ages 9 - 14

Camp Summit for the gifted, talented, creative is a week long overnight summer camp designed specifically for gifted students ages 9 through 14. Created especially for

Boating Camps ages 7 to 17, basic boating to advanced sailing. Younger kids start with pedalboats, canoes, and kayaks then Optis for sailing. Each camp builds skills and introduces new boats to progress from Lake Merritt to Estuary. More at www.sailoakland. com 510-238-2196. 9am 3:30pm. B/A 8am-6pm at Lake Merritt. $200-$395/week. www.sailoakland.com

OAKLAND ICE CENTER (OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: All Ages

Oakland Ice Center Operated by Sharks Ice is operated by Sharks Sports & Entertainment, the parent company of the NHL San Jose Sharks. The facility contains one NHL-sized ice surface and one Olympic sized ice surface and accommodates ice hockey, figure skating, broomball, curling, speed skating, ice dancing and public skating. http://www.oaklandice. com/

SUPER FUN KIDS SUMMER TENNIS CAMPS (EL CERRITO) Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-13

Winslow Tennis Academy’s Super Fun Kids Summer Tennis Camps -- Dates: July 1721 and August 14-18. For Kids Ages 7-13 ranging from Brand New Beginner to Lower Intermediate player. Kids have a ton of fun and actively participate in a lively and supportive environment. Outstanding technical instruction. Terrific, attentive staff. www. winslowtennisacademy.com

WINSLOW TENNIS ACADEMY’S KIDS HIGH PERFORMANCE TENNIS CAMP (EL CERRITO) Age or Grade Range: Ages 9-13

Announcing our second Kids High Performance Tennis Camp. For stronger Intermediate players already competing or interested in competing. Ages 9-13. Monday August 21-Thursday August 24, 9am-1pm. Camp is focused, fun and rigorous, with drills, competition, point tactics, and speed and conditioning work. alexanderbwinslow@gmail. com www.winslowtennisacademy.com

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY EL CERRITO SPORTS CAMP (EL CERRITO) Age or Grade Range: 4.75-12

Non-competitive, co-ed. Options galore! 3 Camps at one location: Sports & Games Variety, Baseball Camp, Soccer Camp. 9:00 am - 1:00 pm, 1:00 -6:00 pm, or All Day (discounted rates) 9:00-6:00. Drop

ADVENTURE TIME Summer Day Camp 2017

June 12 Through the End of Summer Enroll in Any or All of the Weeks At elementary school sites in: Oakland, San Leandro, Castro Valley, Fremont, and Napa Enroll Now For An Exciting Summer of Workshops, Arts, Crafts, Sports, Games, Swimming, And Fun! For Children Entering Kindergarten Through Sixth Grade www.adventure-timesummer.com Full-day or Half-day, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days per week

26 Parents’ Press | March 2017

......and our popular Oakland

Roberts Park Explorers!

For information or to enroll, call:

510-658-7412

ins welcome. Sports and Games Variety includes basketball, soccer, capture-the-flag, baseball & T-ball, tag games, Frisbee, hula hoops, jump rope, play structure.... Board games at our shaded home base include Foosball, Air hockey. Connect 4, Chess, etc. Swimming option Tuesday & Thursday. www. elcerritosportscamp.com

LEARN TO DIVE ~ SPRINGBOARD DIVING CLASSES (SAN RAMON) Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-95

CAL Diving Club offers Year-Round Springboard diving Camps, Classes, and Teams. Participants safely advance at their own pace. Beginners are exposed to all of diving’s basic skills, dives, and somersaults. Instruction is focused on the FUNdamentals. Intermediate/Advanced divers are offered the latest techniques including our 2 dryland facilities and Tower. www.CALdiving. org

MARIN COUNTY BLASTER CAMP (SAUSALITO) Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-14

SAFE, FUN & EXCITING NERF BLASTER GAMES & BATTLES. Because your kids love NERF games and battles and because you love it when your kids play outside, get exercise and make new friends. We guarantee that a week of camp will improve your child’s speed, quickness, endurance and agility. Weekly sessions and daily drop-ins welcome. www. nerfcamp.com

CANON KIDS SPORTS CAMP (FAIRFAX) Age or Grade Range: 5-13

20th Annual Canon Kids Sports Camp with Mark Anderson runs June 19- August 18 this summer in Fairfax. Campers will swim, bike, hike, build tree forts and play all the sports. www.maaquatics.com

MT TAM BIKES CAMP (MILL VALLEY) Age or Grade Range: Ages 8-14

Founded in 2006, we are a five day camp for novice to advanced riders, ages 8 - 14. Located in Mill Valley, California, our sessions explore the world-renowned trails of Marin County. Experience the outdoors this summer on a mountain bike. Ride new trails each day in a fun, non-competitive environment. www. mttambikescamp.com

NINJA CAMP (CORTE MADERA) Age or Grade Range: 4-16

Fun, Function, Fitness, Friendship. Ninja Camps offers all of these! We have 25+ years creating an experience for kids & teens that gives them practical martial arts skills, building strength & coordination while having fun and making friends. We keep your kid smiling & sweating! www.ninjacamps.com

OUTDOOR ROCK CLIMBING WITH MARIN GREENPLAY CAMP (MILL VALLEY) Age or Grade Range: Ages 8-18

SAN FRANCISCO BLASTER CAMP Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-14

GIRLS LEADING GIRLS SUMMER CAMP Age or Grade Range: 8-14

GIRLS’ ART & SOCCER CAMP: June 5-9th, 8:30-3:30pm in SF; this is for 3rd graders and up. Local female artists will be leading the camp with SF Sol coaches. Cost is $375, early bird 10% off OR sibling 10% discounts. Register by March 15th for early bird discount, space is limited. LEADERSHIP & SOCCER CAMP: This year we are offering

TWO leadership and soccer camps, July 31stAugust 4th and the other on August 7th-11th. Cost is $400 per player, early bird 10% off OR sibling 10% discounts. Please contact us for more information regarding locations for each camp. Both are in San Francisco near the southwest side of town. http://www. girlsleadinggirls.org/

SAN MATEO COUNTY JCC MACCABI SPORTS CAMP (ATHERTON) Age or Grade Range: Grades 3-11

JCC Maccabi Sports Camp is an overnight Jewish sports camp located just outside of San Francisco in Atherton, California. Our camp welcomes athletes entering grades 4-11. During our two week camp sessions, campers develop skills in the sport of their choice - baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis, volleyball, softball or girls lacrosse. www. maccabisportscamp.org

JUNIOR LIFEGUARD CHALLENGE COURSE (BURLINGAME) Age or Grade Range: 11-14

AC’s Junior Lifeguard Challenge Course is a weekly course for Youth ages 11-14 to learn and apply Water Rescue Techniques as well as learn about First Aid and CPR. Our program encourages the importance of being fit and how to safely enjoy aquatic facilities! Through this program, participants will build self-confidence and skills for life! Participants learn from our Instructor team, who provide an opportunity to learn in a safe and fun aquatic environment, skills to develop selfconfidence, mental and physical fitness, and respect for each other. They have been chosen to work with the Burlingame Junior Lifeguard Challenge Course based on their lifeguard experience and desire to work as a Junior Lifeguard Instructor. This program is managed by our Manager and On-Deck Junior Lifeguard Program Coordinator, with support from our Lifeguard team! www.burlingameaquatics. com

SANTA CLARA COUNTY CALIFORNIA FIELD HOCKEY CAMP (SAN JOSE) Age or Grade Range: 8-18

caliber field hockey and an experienced staff. Directed by Shellie Onstead, Head Field Hockey Coach at UC Berkeley, the camp program offers an exceptional opportunity for beginners and experienced players to learn new skills and take their game to the next level. californiafieldhockeycamp.com

DECATHLON SUMMER SPORTS CAMP (LOS ALTOS) Age or Grade Range: 5-12

The Decathlon Sports Club was founded in 1981 by Scott Berridge and Rich Wohlstadter. They grew up in neighborhoods where the kids came outside after dinner and played stickball, pickle, football, basketball, hideand-seek, 3-flies- up, traded cards, had water fights, etc. That childhood experience provided the foundation and inspiration for this camp . www.dsclosaltos.com

NIKE CROSS COUNTRY CAMP OF CHAMPIONS STANFORD UNIVERSITY (STANFORD) The Camp of Champions offers campers the rare opportunity to experience first hand the life of a Stanford student-athlete. The beautiful Stanford campus and hills surrounding the University offer cross country runners miles of challenging and pristine trails. During each run, the campers are placed in small compatible groups based fitness and ability. Each running group is assigned an experienced counselor, for specialized training and individual attention. Instruction is given by Stanford coaches & staff. http://www.ussportscamps.com/ running/nike/nike-cross-country-camp-ofchampions-stanford-university/

STANFORD BASEBALL CAMP (PALO ALTO) Age or Grade Range: 7-17 BOYS AND GIRLS

STANFORD BASEBALL SCHOOL During the morning instructional session throughout each week, participants will be coached in several baseball skills, fundamentals, and team concepts. STANFORD GAMES CAMP In the Games Camp (the afternoon segment of each day) players are grouped by age and ability and teams are formed. Teams play against one another in a coach pitched game where the goal is to see that ball put into play. stanfordbaseballcamp.com

California Field Hockey Camps, Inc., established in 1965, has distinguished itself with a long standing tradition of high

CAMPS Worlds of Wonder Summer 2017

tiv re a

CAMPS

•

Acade

it y

• SPACE! The Final Frontier • Fun, hands-on learning in Science, Language & Math • Insect Exploration • Dinosaur Destinations

mic s

Fall Preschool Enrollment Open Now

Toddler/Preschool/ Elementary Program w/small ratios and 2 locations in Alameda Education that Dares to Change the World Toddler – Kindergarten.

Camp enrollment begins this month. • Summer The Child Unique Montessori School

The Montessori Elementary School of Alameda (MESA) 510.521.9227 | www.thechildunique.org |Lic#office@thechildunique.org 013414800

2226 Encinal Ave., Alameda, CA 94501 www.thechildunique.org

510.521.9227

March 2017 | Parents’ Press 27

TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITAL ARTS CAMPS ALAMEDA COUNTY

fashion, filmmaking, coding, sports, or piethrowing. Two ways to play: Day Passes (buy any number of days and use them anytime) or Membership (one fee for unlimited summer visits). Lunch, snacks and all materials included in both plans. http:// steveandkatescamp.com/locations/kentfield/

GAMES ARE AWESOME! (BERKELEY)

SAN FRANCISCO

Age or Grade Range: Ages 8-10

We’ll be using cool drag n’ drop languages like Scratch or Snap to create some awesome new and classic games! Aimed at our newbie and novice coders. Content will be different from Games Are Awesome B. http://www. thecoderschool.com/berkeley#camps

MARIN COUNTY MVCODE - CODING, ROBOTICS, MINECRAFT, GAMING CAMPS (GREENBRAE ) Age or Grade Range: 1st - 8th grade

The best tech camps in the bay area for students ages 7 to 14! MVCode’s week long summer camps teach coding, robotics, and web and game development for students in 1st-8th grade. Campers also participate in daily outdoor play - team building activities and games. We offer camp tracks in Minecraft, Robotics, Fundamentals and Unity. All camps teach campers skills that will help prepare them for the future (programming, logical thinking, math, art and music), all while having fun! Camps are offered in Greenbrae, Mill Valley, San Francisco and Redwood City. Visit www.mvcodeclub.com for more information. www.mvcodeclub.com

STEVE & KATE’S CAMP (KENTFIELD) Age or Grade Range: Ages 4-12

When you trust kids, they learn to trust themselves. At Steve & Kate’s Camp, we give kids the freedom to choose what they want to do, whether that’s music, breadmaking,

MAKER CAMP Age or Grade Range: Ages 8-12

Kids will embrace their inner maker with an assortment of tools to construct and tinker with clay, sound, paper, code and cardboard. Learn basic electronics. www.creativity.org

SANTA CLARA COUNTY DIGITAL MEDIA ACADEMY (STANFORD) Age or Grade Range: Ages 6 - 17

DMA tech camps encourage and inspire kids and teens to become the next generation of developers, animators, filmmakers, photographers, designers and engineers! Hands-on, project-based learning introduces students to the latest in VR, wearable technology, robotics, 3D printing and more! http://www.digitalmediaacademy.org

INTRODUCTION TO JAVA USING MINECRAFT MODS! (PALO ALTO) Age or Grade Range: 9-14

Explore the world’s most common programming language using one of the world’s most popular video games! Learn to program in Java and build Minecraft mods! Understand Java syntax, programming structures, object oriented concepts, and work with the Forge API and the Eclipse development environment. Customize Minecraft items, blocks and behaviors!

Laptops provided. No prior programming experience necessary. http://www. techsmartacademy.com

TECHLAB SUMMER CAMP (SARATOGA) Age or Grade Range: Ages 8 - 18

Techlab provides computer science and technology courses to students in the Bay Area. We cover topics in depth that range from Java and Python programming, Arduino and Raspberry Pi development, all the way to machine learning and design thinking. We are a single location in Saratoga that strives to achieve excellence and personal attention in our teaching methodology. https://techlab. education/summer

TECHYKIDS CAMP (PALO ALTO) Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-14

The ultimate technology camp for kids, designed by an engineer and teacher! Learn while you program a real robot and make awesome inventions! Learn 3-D Modeling, coding, robotics and design. All while making awesome project that are fueled by your originality and creativity. www.techykids.com

TEEN FOCUSED CAMPS ALAMEDA COUNTY CAMP ELMWOOD’S TEEN LEADERSHIP CAMP (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: Ages 14-18

Training for leadership in all camp activities, values, community service, beach clean up trip with a chance to try surfing. Leadership Camp for Teens only July 24-28 followed by service as teen counselor at Camp Elmwood Jul 31Aug 4, Family barbeque and talent show. A free program. stjohnsberkeley.org/community

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY HANDSON TOMORROW (WALNUT CREEK) Age or Grade Range: Grades 9-12

HandsOn Tomorrow is a summer leadership and volunteering program for high school students in the Bay Area. - Earn 55 volunteer hours for college - Become a better leader - Make a difference in your community handsonbayarea.org/tomorrow www. handsonbayarea.org/tomorrow

SAN FRANCISCO HANDSON TOMORROW Age or Grade Range: Grades 9-12

SANTA CLARA COUNTY HANDSON TOMORROW (PALO ALTO) Age or Grade Range: Grades 9-12

CAMPS

TechKnowHow Summer Tech Camps Pokémon® Game Design Minecrafter’s Lab Motorized LEGO® Builds Robotics Programming Girls STEAM Tech Camp Coding with Python®, Java® and Arduino® Over 20 Bay Area locations Half & Full day options Perfect for ages 5-15

650.638.0500 TechKnowHowKids.com LEGO® and MINDSTORMS® are trademarks of The LEGO Group of Companies which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this camp

28 Parents’ Press | March 2017

Our day camps offer exciting daily field trips to the Bay Area’s best museums, science centers, activities, and attractions. urban attractions

Ready, Set, Camp!

Finding the Right Camp for Your Child

ou are considering a summer camp, but how to choose? There’s a camp that is ideally suited for every child, providing a summer of growth and fun whether your child attends a day or overnight camp, a specialized or traditional camp. With a little help from the camp professionals at the American Camp Association, here’s some sound advice that helps parents sort through the choices and benefits that camp delivers. As spring approaches, parents and children can look forward to planning for the future—a future that includes the opportunities for exploration and discovery that arrives with summer camp.

How to Decide When Your Child is Ready for Camp Children are ready for new experiences at different stages. Parents know their children best and these questions can help gauge whether this is the summer your child will start camp. What is your child’s age, and what is your perception of his or her readiness level? Children under 7 who have not had overnight experiences may do better with a day camp as their first camp experience. If you think your child might not be ready for an overnight camp experience, consider the day camp experience to prepare him or her for future overnight camp. How did your child become interested in camp? Does your child talk about camp on a sustained basis? How much persuasion is necessary from you? Has your child had positive overnight experiences away from home? Visiting relatives or friends? Were these separations easy or difficult? What does your child expect to do at camp? Learning about the camp experience ahead of time allows you to create positive expectations.

Are you able to share consistent and positive messages about camp? Your confidence in a positive experience will be contagious.

• Bonds develop with other campers and staff • Great exposure to camp experience with less expense • Minimizes homesickness

Benefits of Longer Sessions (four-twelve weeks)

Camp can last for just a few days or stretch to all summer long. It’s well worth the trouble to investigate the variety of choices offered by camps before your child packs a backpack. These questions help you consider the options.

• Strong sense of belonging to camp community • Chance to learn new skills • Development of specialized skills • Multiple opportunities for learning and enrichment • Lifelong friendships • Opportunities to contribute to camp culture

Near or Far?

Boys Only, Girls Only, or Co-ed?

A Camp for Every Child—The Perfect Fit

Where do you want your child to go to camp? Locally or far away? While each camp experience has something unique to offer your child, this is an opportunity for families to assess what they value for their campers.

Benefits of Camp Nearby • Easier to evaluate and visit • Friends and family are likely familiar with camp • Minimal travel costs • Likely contact with classmates or children from same region

Benefits of Camp Far Away • More choices • Different experiences, different geography, e.g., mountains or oceans—even different languages • Promotes independence, particularly for early and late adolescent campers • Diversity of campers • Chance for family to visit and vacation at close of camp

Session Length Offers Another Choice Camps offer widely varying options to help parents and children reach their goals for summer fun and exploration. Talking with your child about the goals you both share helps determine which choice is right for you.

Benefits of Short Sessions (one-three weeks) • First-time or younger campers have a chance to learn new skills

Now may be the opportunity to explore the choices and benefits of all boys, all girls, or co-ed camps.

Benefits of Single Sex Camps • Breaking gender stereotypes—girls interact with women in position of authority and boys interact with men who act as nurturers • More opportunities to “be yourself” without impressing or competing with the opposite sex • Camp philosophy may be tuned into gender strengths and weaknesses • Brother or sister camps may share activities

Benefits of Co-ed Camps • Breaking gender stereotypes—girls interact with women in positions of authority and boys interact with men who act as nurturers • Mirrors and prepares campers for everyday living in a co-ed world • Allows families with a boy and a girl to attend the same camp • Offers diverse points of view • Breaks through rigid divisions set up in school when campers participate in equal footing

A Camp for Every Child—Traditional, Specialty, and Special Needs Choices abound when it comes to camp programs. One may highlight a wide variety of activities geared to campers of all ages and skill levels,

others, because of their setting and expertise, may concentrate on one or two activities while providing traditional activities as well. Parents of children with special needs are pleased to learn about the range of camp activities that help kids be kids first.

Benefits of Traditional Camps • Wide variety of activities • Chance for campers to try new activities • Exposure to more campers and staff at varying activities

Benefits of Specialty Camps • One or two specialized activities (often combined with traditional offerings) • Expectation for increased proficiency during camping session • Deepens knowledge and skill in particular area of interest or ability

Benefits of Special Needs Camps • Activities geared to campers’ abilities • Knowledgeable staff with expertise to understand campers’ strengths and challenges • Supportive and fun atmosphere to share with others

The Value of Camp for Every Child What happens when you make the decision to choose camp? You open up a world of discovery and learning for your child, a world that values children for who they are and who they will become. Camp gives each child a world of good. For more information about child development and the camp experience, visit the American Camp Association family-dedicated website, www. CampParents.org or call our toll-free number, 1-800-428-CAMP (2267). Originally printed in CAMP Magazine, reprinted by permission of the American Camp Association © 2015 American Camping Association, Inc.

PRESCHOOLS If you could give your child one gift to last a lifetime, what would it be?

www.nomurapreschool.com

A ministry of Bay Area Chinese Bible Church

A ministry ofMonday Bay Area Chinese Bible Church - Friday 7am - 6pm lunch service provided

1803 TTPreschoolalameda.org North Loop Rd. Alameda, CA 94502

Facility # 013422027 1803 North Loop Rd | Alameda | Facility # 013422027 510-995-5383 ext. 1336 | kim.smith@bacbc.org Telephone # 510-995-5383 ext. 1336 Fax # 510-373-2241 kim.smith@bacbc.org

• Preparation for Kindergarten • Nurturing Academic Environment • Ballet, Hip Hop Dance, Gymnastics, Violin, Piano, and Soccer

Lic. #070209834

• Music, Art, and Language Programs • Expansive Outdoor Play Area • Hours: 7a.m. – 6p.m. (Year-Round) • Ages 2-5 Years and Bridge K Class

Open House - April 8th (10am-12pm) 1711 Carlson Blvd., Richmond Annex 94804

Call to Schedule a Tour: 510-526-7847 March 2017 | Parents’ Press 29

Family Fun Calendar Free First Wednesday at Bay Area Discovery Museum — Sausalito

MARCH 1 | Wednesday First Wednesday Street Fest Lucky “Local” Charms — Walnut Creek Find Irish-style festivities at March’s Walnut Creek First Wednesdays’ “Lucky Local Charms” event. Visit with Lucky the Leprechaun, dance to hometown rock band Other People’s Money, follow the jigs of a local dance troupe, spin the lucky Wheel of Walnut Creek Fortune for a chance to win great prizes and enjoy tasty treats from two different Food Truck Mafia food trucks. 5-8p.m., free.Cypress St, between Main and Locust, Walnut Creek. www.walnutcreekdowntown.com

Enjoy free admission and all the fun activities and displays at the Bay Area Discovery Museum today. 9 a.m.–4 p.m., free. Bay Area Discovery Museum, 577 McReynolds Road, Sausalito. 415-339-3900, www. baykids museum org

JCC East Bay Parent Education Seminar: Talking to Youth about Sex — Berkeley Talking to children in an open and honest way about values, safety and responsibility helps set them up for future healthy and happy relationships. Learn tips for talking to your children about sex and sexuality with Jamie

Simon, Associate Executive Director at Camp Tawonga and nationally recognized sexual health educator. JCC East Bay is an inclusive community, all are welcome. Childcare available for children 2 years and older, $10 per child. 6 - 8 p.m. $18 per family. JCC East Bay. 1414 Walnut St Berkeley. http:// jcceastbay.org

2 | Thursday Irish-American Crossroads Festival — San Francisco The Irish-American Crossroads Festival is a celebrated cultural event in the San Francisco Bay Area promoting the discovery and understanding of the diverse Irish experience in the Americas. This annual Festival takes

place in many venues throughout the Bay Area and during March and April, and includes musical performances, book readings, and workshops. Through April 2. Check website for details: www. irishamericancrossroads.org

Hobby Hounds Kids Club — Richmond Paint pottery and have fun with the Hobby Hounds Kid’s Club. Make a different art project every session. Meets the first and third Thursday of every month. 6 - 7:15p.m. $15/per child. Ages 4-12. The Painter’s Pot 5327 Jacuzzi St. Richmond. 510-524-1939, www. thepainterspot.com

The Child Unique Montessori School • Toddler • PreSchool Transitional Kindergarten

New second language and PE program

Enrolling Now!

Limited Openings

CMY

for Fall 2017 2226 Encinal Avenue Alameda 510.521.9227 www.thechildunique.org

2012 2013

PRESCHOOLS

Lic.#013414800

Preschool and Transitional Kindergarten One of Berkeley’s Best Loved Preschools 2’s program, Nursery School and Transitional Kindergarten

Ages 2 through 6 Lic # 010209297

Gold - Best Childcare Gold - Best Independent Preschool

30 Parents’ Press | March 2017

499 Spruce Street, Berkeley 510-527-9021 www.steponeschool.org

3 | Friday

11 a.m.–6 p.m., free. 1753 Carroll Ave., San Francisco, bhpmss.org

Friday Nights @ Oakland Museum of California — Oakland

The Legendary White Elephant Sale — Oakland

OMCA and Off the Grid on 10th Street present food trucks, live music and DJs, free dance lessons and extended hours for museum galleries, the OMCA Store and Blue Oak café. 5-9 pm. Members and ages 18 and under free, $7.50/adults. 10th Street entrance, 50 10th Street, Oakland. (510) 318-8400‎ www.museumca.org

BYU International Folk Dance Ensemble: JOURNEY — San Leandro A 90-minute voyage of dance and music through the heartbeat of the world’s cultures. In this show you will see Irish hard shoe, American clogging, Ukrainian Hopak, exotic Indian dances, and much more. It is a kaleidoscope of furious footwork, pulsing rhythms, live music, and authentic costumes from across the globe. 7:30 pm. Free San Leandro Library 300 Estudillo Avenue San Leandro‎

4 | Saturday 37th Annual Black Cuisine Festival — San Francisco This fun-for-all-ages event, sponsored by Bayview Senior Services, will feature live music, vendor booths, a kids’ zone, and a variety of food venues. Some of the delicious offerings include fried chicken, catfish, oxtails, ribs, links, black-eyed peas, red beans and rice, greens, yams, mac and cheese, cornbread, sweet potato pie, peach cobbler, and pound cake. There will also be a soul food cooking contest with cash prizes for the winners.

Celebrating 58 years of exceptional success, the White Elephant Sale, Northern California’s biggest and best rummage sale, returns to Oakland today and tomorrow. Sale proceeds benefit the Oakland Museum of California, with last year’s sale raising an unprecedented $1.88 million. Shoppers are advised to arrive early and wear comfortable shoes. A complimentary shuttle service from the Fruitvale BART to the WES warehouse will be provided. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free admission, prices as marked. All ages. 333 Lancaster St., Oakland. 510-536-6800, www. whiteelephantsale.org

BEST of

PARENTS’ PRESS

VOTE For Your Favorites! VOTE Today!

WIN Prizes! First Round Voting in March

Playland Dr. Suess Weekend — El Cerrito

Final Round Voting in April

A big hip, hip hooray for dear Dr. Seuss, whose birthday is this weekend so let’s all cut loose! Help find his characters hidden here, hidden there, and prizes will go to kids everywhere! Enjoy Seuss-y fun at Playland-Not-atthe-Beach all weekend long, as well as pinball and carnival games. $15 per adult and $10 per child and senior. Open 10:00am-5:00pm. Playland Not at The Beach, 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 510-5923002, www.playland-not-at-thebeach.org

Friends of the Albany Library 50¢ Book Sale Albany

Results Revealed in July Issue

—

The sale lasts from 10-4. Bag Sale 3-4 (each bag $3.00). Fiction, Non-fiction, Children’s, Magazines and Audio-Visua

www.parentspress.com

PRESCHOOLS Enrolling now: a NEW Montessori school in Berkeley Ages to 6 • Year-round Ages 2.5-6 • 3 Immediate start • Year-round

Our core ideals • • • • •

compassion and kindness supporting creativity building community passion for learning peace

Part/full/extended day available • Limited financial aid available 2008 McGee Ave • Berkeley • 510.679.5056 • www.littleelephant.net

H e l p i n g t O m a k e c h i l d h o o d a j O u r n e y, n O t a r a c e .

Helping your child excel in a warm and nurturing environment

We provide a Year Round Program Infant and toddler care for ages 12-24 months Preschool for ages 2-5 years

ps-k through elementary multi-age classroOms open year-round, 7am to 6pm educational exCellence since 1978 dance, gymnasticS, capoeira S i g n u p o n l i n e f o r a t o u r t o d ay !

www.grandlakemontessori.com 466 Chetwood, Oakland (510) 836-4313

Part-day program: 8:45 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Extended Part-day program: 8:45 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Full-day program: 7:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

510-652-7021 admin@rockridgemon tessori.org

www.RockridgeMontessori.org

Email to Schedule a Tour

Close to Rockridge Bart 5633 Manila ave – Oakland 94618 Lic. 01213520,013417669 & 013417787

March 2017 | Parents’ Press 31

10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Free. All Ages. Albany Public Library, 1247 Marin Ave. Albany. 510-526-3720, www.aclibrary. org

5 | Sunday “The Three Wishes” Puppet Show — Oakland In this classic German folk tale, Hummock the woodcutter is rewarded with three wishes after freeing an elf’s beard from a tree. Although he is warned to use them wisely, things get out of control. Come see what happens. Adaptation and designs by Don Ingraham. Marionettes by Lewis Mahlmann. 11 a.m., 2 & 4 p.m.. $10/general admission. All ages. Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave. Oakland. 510-238-6876, www. fairyland.org

6 | Monday Bear Gymnastics —Berkeley Campers receive the equivalent of one full gymnastics class, dance, art and other fun activities. Cub Camp is a great place for your children to have a fun time and for you to have some free time! 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. $70 per child, free for children enrolled in classes. Ages 4-12. Golden Bear Rec Center, 25 Sport Ln., Berkeley 510-642-5813, www.recsports.berkeley.edu

7 | Tuesday Free First Tuesday at the Palace of the Legion of Honor — San Francisco The Palace of the Legion of Honor

offers free admission to all visitors today. 9:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m., free. Palace of the Legion of Honor, 100 34th Ave., San Francisco, 415-750-3600, legionofhonor.famsf.org.

Free First Tuesday at the De Young Museum — San Francisco The De Young Museum offers free admission to all visitors today. 9:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m., free. De Young Museum, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco, 415-750-3600, deyoung.famsf.org

8 | Wednesday Dance With Me — Berkeley Shawl-Anderson Dance Center’s Dance with Me class is for walkers through age 4 and their caretakers. Join us with teacher April Taylor on Wednesday mornings. Children and adults will dance, sing, play movement games and enjoy props for this fun filled 45 minute class. This class repeats every Wednesday. 9-9:45 a.m. and 10-10:45 a.m. $16 per child. Shawl-Anderson Dance Center, 2704 Alcatraz Ave., Berkeley. www.shawl-anderson.org

Water’s Extreme Journey — Berkeley Become a raindrop and go on an interactive adventure through a water-cycle-themed maze.Have fun riding the Watershed Zip Line, walk through a giant wetland, and snap a pic of your family “swimming” with the dolphins—all while developing a deeper understanding of your place in the water ecosystem. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.$12 adults. $10

March 11 — 166th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival — San Francisco Children. Children under 3 are free. All ages. Lawrence Hall of Science, 1 Centennial Dr., Berkeley. 510-6425132 www.lawrencehallofscience. org

Family Sing-along — Albany Sing some favorites and learn some new songs. Singing is led by Dale Allen Boland, who has been sharing the joy of community music-making with East Bay singers from newborn to 96 for over 15 years. Free! No Sign-up required. All ages are welcome to our Weekly Sing-along! 4:30 p.m.- 5:00 p.m. Free. All Ages. Albany Public Library, 1247 Marin Ave. Albany. 510-526-3720, www. aclibrary.org

9 | Thursday Jack and the Beanstalk — Walnut Creek Presented by Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble. This giant of an adventure tale will grow before your eyes as Jack and his friends climb to new heights. A truly heart-warming story for the entire family to share. Running Time: approx. 50 minutes, with no intermission 9:30, 11 am & 6:30 p.m. Through All Seats $14. This performance is recommended for younger audiences, and those young at heart. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr. Walnut Creek. Call for tickets 925- 943-SHOW (7469), www. lescherartscenter.org

PRESCHOOLS

Color Me Children Preschool & Kindergarten #013412517

Infants • Toddlers • Preschool !

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The Model School

Comprehensive Humanistic Learning Center

Multicultural, Multiethnic Environments • Se Habla Español!

“A Place Where Learning is FUN-DA-MENTAL” Ages 2 Yrs.– Kindergarten

• 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday • Challenging Academics • Large Outside Play Area

• Full-time & Part-time Rates • Small Classes • Computers

NOW ENROLLING FOR KINDERGARTEN 2

s… ion 8115 Fontaine St., Oakland, CA 94605 • (510) 430-1322

at loc

1141 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, CA 94702 • (510) 548-6423

2330 Prince Street, Berkeley, CA 94705 NAEYC Accredited

Celebrating 31 years! (510) 724-1724 www.la-casita.org Lic. #073400781

A Unique Bilingual Montessori Education Spanish and English

Flamenco

Gymnastics

Visit us - Open House

Mindful Live Yoga

592 Tennent Ave. Pinole, CA 94564

• Mar 11, 10am-12pm

American Montessori Society Member

32 Parents’ Press | March 2017

Chool FUN Chatham HILD-CENTERED PRESCHOOL Fun Child-Centered PreSChool 4500 Road 4500 Redwood Redwood Road Oakland, CA 94619 Oakland, CA 94619

4359 39th Avenue 4359 39th Avenue Oakland, CA 94619 Oakland, CA 94619 Lic#01341436

66 mo. mo. --Kindergarten Kindergarten

2 yrs. - Kindergarten 2 yrs. - Kindergarten extended care

Lic#013418176 Lic#013418176 Lic#013418177 Lic# 013418177

fax: (510) 531-1301

Drama

(510) 549-2711

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CHATHAM SCHOOL

((510) 5 1 0 ) 531-1302 531-1302

Preschool, Transitional-K and Kindergarten (2.5-6 years)

Music Classes

Flexible Scheduling Loving, Developmental, Child-Oriented Classrooms Year’round Enrollment, Reasonable Rates

Lic#01341436

(510) ( 5 1 0531-1534 ) 531-1534

• We do Potty Training • Snacks/Hot Lunch We do Potty Training • Snacks / Hot Lunch Part Time/Full Time 7:30 am-6 pm Part Time / Full Time 7:30am - 6pm

www.chathampreschool.com www.chathampreschool.com

San Francisco International Ocean Film Festival Showcasing dozens of films from around the world, the 14th Annual San Francisco International Ocean Film Festival at the Cowell Theater in Fort Mason brings the power and mystery of the ocean to the beautiful San Francisco waterfront. Continues through March 12. 4 p.m.; other times and ticket prices vary, check website for details. Cowell Theater, 2 Marina Blvd., San Francisco, oceanfilmfest.org

10 | Friday Friday Nights @ Oakland Museum of California — Oakland OMCA and Off the Grid on 10th Street present food trucks, live music and DJs, free dance lessons and extended hours for museum galleries, the OMCA Store and Blue Oak café. 5-9pm. Members and ages 18 and under free, $7.50/adults. 10th Street entrance, 50 10th Street, Oakland. (510) 318-8400. www.museumca.org

Friday Nights at the De Young — San Francisco This fun, after-hours art event includes a variety of activities organized to coordinate with current exhibitions. The evening may feature live music, dance, and theater performances, film screenings, panel discussions, lectures, artist demonstrations, hands-on art activities, and exhibition tours. The DeYoung café offers a special menu and the observation tower is open until 8 p.m. 5 p.m.–8:45 p.m., free (museum admission of $10 adults, $6 youth 13–17 applies if you want to go into the museum). De Young Museum, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco, 415-750-3600, deyoung. famsf.org

11 | Saturday 166th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival — San Francisco The annual St. Patrick’s Day parade is a well-established event with historic ties to San Francisco. The festival, which takes place at City Hall, is a fun opportunity to learn more about Irish history and culture. The festival and parade will include

live performances and entertainment, arts and crafts exhibitors, food and beverage concessions, children’s rides and inflatables, and non-profits booths representing the Irish community. Festival 10 a.m.–5 p.m., parade begins at 11:30 a.m.at the corner of Second and Market Streets. Festival takes place in front of City Hall at Civic Center Plaza, San Francisco, www.uissf.org

Music for Families with the San Francisco Symphony — San Francisco How to Build an Orchestra. Did you know it takes over 100 people working together to make a symphony. We’ll take you on a tour of the key sections of an orchestra, then show how they collaborate to make music come to life 2 p.m., $13.50–$64 (kids’ tickets half price). Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, sfsymphony.org

Second Saturday Music and Art Walk — Oakland The Golden Gate Neighborhood of North Oakland is hosting a monthly Second Saturdays event with art, music, food, classes and family-friendly activities. They’re focusing on the DIY character of the neighborhood, so come out and see what you can add to the mix. All day. Free. All ages. San Pablo Ave@ Alcatraz in north Oakland.

Fiber and Dye Family Day — Berkeley Come explore the wonderful world of plant based fibers & dyes. There will be weaving demonstrations by the Golden Gate Weaving Guild, papermaking activities and natural dye sampling! View a one of a kind display of plant fibers by Tamara Wilder of the Paleotechnics Institute. Join us for this free hands-on family day for children and adults of all ages. Free with Garden Admission, $10/adult, $2-$5/ child 10 a.m.-Noon. $25 per child, $20 member children, $10 chaperoning adult. Ages preschool and up. UC Berkeley Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Way, Berkeley. 510642-7082, www.botanicalgarden. berkeley.edu

12 | SundaySpring Forward! Daylight Savings Time Starts

Marine Science Sunday — Sausalito Join us on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month for Marine Science Sunday - a FREE engaging ocean-inspired classroom series from our education experts. These interactive classroom programs are great for all ages! 10am - 5 pm Free. The Marine Mammal Center 2000 Bunker Road Fort Cronkhite Sausalito 415 2897325

“The Three Wishes” Puppet Show — Oakland In this classic German folk tale, Hummock the woodcutter is rewarded with three wishes after freeing an elf’s beard from a tree. Although he is warned to use them wisely, things get out of control. Come see what happens. Adaptation and designs by Don Ingraham. Marionettes by Lewis Mahlmann. 11 a.m., 2 & 4 p.m.. $10/general admission. All ages. Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave. Oakland. 510-238-6876, www. fairyland.org

13 | Monday

Oakland Finally a theater where baby’s crying is allowed. Baby Brigade shows are recommended for babies one and under. Movies are usually rated PG 13 or R and over 4 will be charged admission. Both bathrooms and theaters are equipped with changing tables. Lights are only dimmed so parents can move around with baby as needed. Check website for showings and showtimes. 6:30pm $8/Parent Parkway Theater 474 24th St Oakland 510-658-7900 www.thenewparkway.com

14 | Tuesday Playland After Dark presents Grown-up Game Night — El Cerrito Playland After Dark presents a different kind of game night—where bored gamers get to be board gamers, card sharks can swim ashore and pinball fans will delight all night. There will be games aplenty on hand, or feel free to bring any of your favorites. Anyone for Pictionary in the Midway Party Room? How about Clue in the Carousel Carnival? We’ll have the

Baby Brigade at the New Parkway Theater —

PRESCHOOLS Montessori at Five Canyons 510.581.3729 22781 Canyon Ct. Castro Valley www.montessoricastrovalley.com Toddlers (18 mo.) - Preschool - TK - Kindergarten - Extended Daycare

Free the child’s potential, and you will transform him into the world. - Maria Montessori

Montessori Children’s Center An Authentic Montessori preschool and Kindergarten, serving children ages 2 - 6

Full and half-day programs available • Before and after school care Open 7am - 6pm

Summer Adventure Camp

Art & Science Projects | Cooking | Nature Activities 8 week session June 19 through August 11 Lic #384001313

80 Juan Bautista Circle | San Francisco | 415.333.4410 | montessorichildrenscenter.org

Cultivating lifelong learners in Mandarin and English California’s only Mandarin immersion International Baccalaureate (IB) World School serving students from Pre-K (age 2-5) to 8th grade Shu Ren’s Preschool Program Offers: • Whole child focus with students supported in their personal, social, emotional and physical development • Teaching and learning delivered through a globally recognized international program with a structured-inquiry approach • 100% Mandarin immersion model • Low student-to-teacher ratio with highly experienced teachers • A nurturing, play-based environment fostering students’ natural curiosity

510-981-0320 • 1333 University Avenue • Berkeley • www.shurenschool.org

IT’S NOW YOUR TIME! Saint Mary’s Kalmanovitz School of Education offers a diverse pathway to a new career. Join us for an upcoming Info Session to learn more about our programs in Counseling, Leadership, and Teaching:

Saturday, March 11, 2017 | 10:00a – 12:00p

Tuesday, April 25, 2017 | 6:00p – 8:00p RSVP or inquire today for additional dates and more: stmarys-ca.edu/ksoe | (925) 631-4700 March 2017 | Parents’ Press 33

Museum of Fun set up for all kinds of game-playing options, the only piece missing is you. Adults only (18-years and older), no children or babies please. 6 p.m.-10 p.m. $10/per person Adults only. Playland Not at The Beach, 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 510-

592-3002, www.playland-not-at-thebeach.org

Pi Day at the Exploratorium — San Francisco The Exploratorium celebrates the 29th annual Pi Day with free admission and

special events alld ay. To honor the never-ending number 3.14159... (and Einstein’s birthday), the Exploratorium will feature π-themed activities, rituals, antics, and plenty of pie. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., free. Exploratorium, Pier 15, San Francisco, www. exploratorium.edu.

Lucky Clover —Fremont Lads and lasses can get into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit by coming Ardenwood Historic Farm to search for four-leaf clovers. If you’re lucky, you’ll grow one in the pot you take home. This is a drop-in program; no registration is required. This program repeats on March 21. 2-3 p.m. $3/adults, $2/children 4-17 and seniors, under 4 free. . All ages. Ardenwood Historic Farm, 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont, (510) 544-2797 www.ebparks.org

Persian New Year Festival — Berkeley In Iran (and parts of Afghanistan and India), it is customary for people to create bonfires in front of their homes throughout the neighborhood and jump over them as the sun is setting. Since the Persian Center owns its own “home” at 2029 Durant Ave., it will host this event for Iranian-Americans and all who have an interest in the culture.

As people jump over the flames they shout, “Shorkhi-e to az man o zardi-e man az to!” which means, “Give me your beautiful red color and take back my sickly pallor!” Parents jump with their young ones who look wary of going near the flames. By engaging the nonPersian community in the fire-jumping festival, the organization hopes to allow a glimpse into beautiful Persian traditions and the culture of the Iranian-American community in the US. 6 p.m.-10 p.m. rain or shine. Free. All ages, family friendly. Persian Center, 2029 Durant Ave, Berkeley.510-848-0264.

15 | Wednesday Family Sing-along — Albany Sing some favorites and learn some new songs. Singing is led by Dale Allen Boland, who has been sharing the joy of community music-making with East Bay singers from newborn to 96 for over 15 years. Free! No Sign-up required. All ages are welcome to our Weekly Sing-along! 4:30 p.m.- 5:00 p.m. Free. All Ages. Albany Public Library, 1247 Marin Ave. Albany. 510-526-3720, www. aclibrary.org

Toddler Kindergym — Oakland

PRESCHOOLS Dynamic Education The Optimizing Each Child’s Potential Child Enrolling Now for Spring & Summer Day Schools, LLC Family operated since 1976

• Language & Literacy • Math & Science • Problem Solving • Art & Creativity • Social Skills

Preschool is 9 am until 1 pm - (extended hours available)

Applications are currently being being accepted

www.t cdschools.com Preschool • Pre-K • Jr.-K • Toddlers • Kindergarten • School Age

Lic# 073406638 073406639

SAN RAMON 925-820-2515

Hands-on learning in a small, group environment 12–14 children ages 3 – 5 years The Creative Play Center’s program provides a rich, nurturing environment in which creative play and learning takes place.

Low Ratios Highly Trained Teachers

ANTIOCH 925-754-0144

Preschool

PLEASANTON 925-462-1866

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Lic# 073406846 073406845, 0734066634

(510) 524-9399

www.CreativePlayCenterAlbany.com 1151 Portland Ave., Albany, CA 94706

Lic. #010204748

Oakland Montessori School

Nestled in the hills next to a local park where parents and kids often gather to play after school, we offer PLAY-BASED LEARNING for children 2.9 – 5 years old in a warm and engaging environment. We follow a joyful 40 year tradition of gently nurturing children for the road ahead. We’ve created a warm, WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT that helps build social skills and foster curiosity. LIC. #010209453

Serving children 24 months to 6 years

Join our diverse community of confident children, supportive parents and experienced teachers. ART • MUSIC • GYMNASTICS • YOGA

Call today to schedule a visit Limited space available

510-482-3111

34 Parents’ Press | March 2017

Call us today:

www.oaklandmontessori.com

•

3636 Dimond Ave

Lic #010214163

WWW.BERKELEYHILLS.ORG * 510-849-1216

Tours on Wednesdays at 9:30am Please RSVP at info@oaklandmontessori.com

Kids who are walking to age 3 can come and enjoy tumbling, climbing, parachute play, bubbles and the ball pit. Baby siblings are welcome. This event repeats several times a week, check the website for details. 10-11 a.m. $12/first visit, $132 for program sign up. Temple Beth Abraham Social Hall, 327 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland. 510832-0936 www.tbaoakland.org

long! 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission. All Ages. Dublin Civic Center 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin. www.dublinca.gov

Flying Leprechaun: St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at the Hiller Aviation Museum — San Carlos

San Francisco International Chocolate Salon— San Francisco

This special aerial celebration in honor of St. Patrick features free face painting, a jump house, a leprechaun hunt, and treats. At 11 a.m. the Museum’s own Leprechaun leaps from a helicopter high overhead and descends to San Carlos Airport via parachute.

guided bird walk along San Francisco’s wetland bayshore. High quality binoculars and scopes will be provided as we observe the many migratory ducks and shorebirds, local waterbirds and perhaps birds of prey. Kids of all ages welcome! Please RSVP to ggaseducation@gmail.com 10:00-11:30 a.m. FREE. All ages. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional Shoreline, Doolittle Dr & Swan Way Oakland. goldengateaudubon.org

10 a.m.–noon, $15 adults, $10 children. The Hiller Aviation Museum, 601 Skyway Road, San Carlos, www.hiller.org

FAMILY PROGRAM: Secrets of Moss and Lichen — Berkeley

Chocolate aficionados, fanatics, lovers and addicts can taste & experience the finest in artisan, gourmet & premium chocolate in one of the world’s great culinary metropolitan areas. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., $25 advance tickets, $30 at the door, kids ages 6 to 12, $10, children younger than 6 free. Prices include all tasting and events. The Hotel Kabuki, Garden Level, 1625 Post St., San Francisco, www. sfchocolatesalon.com

Free Family Bird Walk — Oakland Come join Golden Gate Audubon’s experienced education staff on a

In honor of St. Paddy’s day, join our moss and lichen hunt, learn a little botany, and make a “secret garden” to take home Free with Garden Admission, $15/adult, or child 10 - 11 a.m. All Ages. UC Berkeley Botanical

SCHOOLS

16 | Thursday Hobby Hounds Kids Club — Richmond Paint pottery and have fun with the Hobby Hounds Kid’s Club. Make a different art project every session. Meets the first and third Thursday of every month. 6 p.m.- 7:15p.m. $15/per child. Ages 4-12. The Painter’s Pot 5327 Jacuzzi St. Richmond. 510-524-1939, www. thepainterspot.com

Third Thursday Piedmont Stroll —Piedmont Bring the family and enjoy supporting local artists, independent businesses, all within the Piedmont Avenue community. Evening entertainment can be found in restaurants, salons, retail stores, and many other shops. Featuring art, music, and more! 6-9 p.m. Free admission. All ages. Piedmont Avenue, Piedmont. www. piedmontavestroll.org

17 | Friday— St. Patrick’s Day

OMCA and Off the Grid on 10th Street present food trucks, live music and DJs, free dance lessons and extended hours for museum galleries, the OMCA Store and Blue Oak café. 5-9pm. Members and ages 18 and under free, $7.50/adults. 10th Street entrance, 50 10th Street, Oakland. (510) 318-8400. www.museumca.org

18 | Saturday

TRIS

Friday Nights @ Oakland Museum of California — Oakland

anniversary

Little Green Men Weekend— El Cerrito Round up all the Martians and leprechauns! Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, the flying saucers are landing, and the Little Green Men are popping up everywhere. Track them down, keep them together and you’ll win Playland prizes. This event runs Saturday and Sunday. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $10/children and seniors,$15/general admission. All ages, recommended 3 and up. Playland Not at The Beach, 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 510-5923002, www.playland-not-at-thebeach.org

St. Patrick’s Day Festival and Parade — Dublin Enjoy Celtic music and Irish dancing. Eat authentic Irish food such as mushy peas, pasties and bangers and mash. View and purchase unique Celtic artwork, tartan wool, and handmade goods for sale. Have fun on carnival rides and enjoy tea at an Irish tea house. The festival runs all weekend

The

Journey Begins Here

French - Spanish Immersion ~ Visual Art ~ Music ~ Challenging Academics Engaging Environment ~ Ages 2 ~ Middle School UPCOMING TRIS TOUR DATES

Pre-Primary/Primary

Mar. 29 & Apr. 11

Oakland Campus 9:30am-11:30am

K/Elementary

Mar. 28 & Apr. 13 starts at Oakland Campus 9:30am-11:30am

Upper El/ 4th~6th grades

Call our office for a private tour

lic# 010214382 www.TheRenaissanceSchool.org Oakland Campus: 3650 Dimond Ave. / Piedmont Campus: 5201 Park Blvd.

March 2017 | Parents’ Press 35

Garden, 200 Centennial Way, Berkeley. 510642-7082, www.botanicalgarden.berkeley. edu

Mars Madness — Oakland

School of the Madeleine 1225 Milvia Street | Berkeley, California 94709 | (510) 526-4744 | www.themadeleine.com

For tours or more information, please call 510-526-4744 or go to www.themadeleine.com

Human exploration of Mars isn’t only about learning to live on the Red Planet…. it is about surviving the trip there! What does it take to travel to Mars? Join us to learn more about the journey to the Red Planet. Watch science demonstrations that highlight the challenges, participate in handson activities related to space travel and listen to engaging scientists speak about the next steps in our journey to Mars. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. All ages. Chabot Space & Science Center - 10000 Skyline Blvd. Oakland. www.chabotspace. org/mars-madness.htm

19 | Sunday San Francisco Folk Music Club — Berkeley

23 | Thursday

St. Joseph Family Day — Alameda Honoring the Pillars of St. Joseph members of our parish for 50+ years. For a celebration in Kelly Gymnasium with international foof fair, drinks, silent auction and 50/50 raffle. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission, food prices as marked. All ages. Stoneridge Mall and Springdale Avenue, Pleasanton. www. offthegridsf.com

Off The Grid Food Trucks — Pleasanton Come enjoy a variety of snacks from such tasty food trucks as The Chairman, Street Dog Truck, Grilled Cheese Bandits, and IzzyA’s Frozen Custard. Bring a picnic blanket and an appetite. There is something for everyone. This event is weekly. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission, food prices as marked. All ages. Stoneridge Mall and Springdale Avenue, Pleasanton. www. offthegridsf.com

– Inspired, Gifted and Talented –

MESA

Montessori Elementary School of Alameda Discover our international form of education, where you can find math, engineering and the sciences interwoven into a curriculum that focuses on the arts. Make an appointment for you personal tour and Open House visit today!

After School Art with MOCHA — Oakland

Join MOCHA artists in this workshop for children. Each week the artist will present art related to a different theme, building creativity, socioemotional, and academic skills through painting, drawing, sculpting, and numerous other art forms. 2 p.m. Free. All ages, but geared towards small children. Oakland Library Main Branch Children’s Room, 125 14th Street, Oakland. 510238-3134 www.oaklandlibrary.org

Leftover Dreams performs standards (and not-so-standards) of the Great American Songbook combined with witty and imaginative vocal arrangements featuring Patrice Haan’s sultry and seductive voice. Marcus plays guitar and sings as well, and the combination creates an intriguing mix of moody ballads, jumping swingers and unabashedly romantic love songs. Added to the brew are the occasional quirky originals, which spring from the same tradition but take a left turn somewhere. 2 p.m. Admission $18. Freight & Salvage. 2020 Addison St Berkeley. www.freightandsalvage.org

Enrolling Now!

morning at the farm. Hear a story, do some chores, and meet some farm friends. Little ones will enjoy a variety of activities at their own pace. We’ll meet rain or shine! (1-4 yrs) 10:30-11:45 a.m. Ardenwood Historic Farm, 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont, (510) 544-2797 www. ebparks.org

22 | Wednesday Toddler Time, Ardenwood —Fremont Bring the tots out for an exciting

The Saklan School Annual Spring Concert — Walnut Creek The Saklan School presents their Annual Spring Concert. 4:30 - 6 p.m. Free Admission. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr. Walnut Creek. Call for tickets 925- 943-SHOW (7469), www. lescherartscenter.org

24 | Friday Parents’ Night Out — Berkeley Drop off your kids, 2-7 yrs, for play and fun while parents enjoy a movie or dinner out. $39 per child, $29 for siblings. Pizza for dinner included. Space limited. 5:30–9:30 p.m. To reserve email habitotreservations@lmi.net or call our Reservations Desk at 510647-1111 x14. Habitot Children’s Museum, 20615 Kitteridge St., Berkeley. 510-647-1111, www. habitot.org

Friday Nights @ Oakland Museum of California — Oakland OMCA and Off the Grid on 10th Street

granD lakE moNtessOri eLemenTary

The International School For All

• Physical Education • Small Class Size • Mixed Age Groups • Ukelele • Community Involvement

Lic#013420948

At MESA - Montessori is mind-changing education! www.MontessoriElementaryAlameda.org 1400 6th St., Alameda

510.521.0595

36 Parents’ Press | March 2017

montessorielementaryalameda@gmail.com

Multi-age ClassRooms • 7Am to 6pM 466 chEtwood, oaKland, ca (510) 836-4313

wWw.GrandLakemOntessoRi.coM

present food trucks, live music and DJs, free dance lessons and extended hours for museum galleries, the OMCA Store and Blue Oak café. 5-9pm. Members and ages 18 and under free, $7.50/adults. 10th Street entrance, 50 10th Street, Oakland. (510) 318-8400‎ www.museumca.org

25 | Saturday Free Family Bird Walk — Berkeley Come join Golden Gate Audubon’s experienced education staff on a guided bird walk along San Francisco’s wetland bayshore. High quality binoculars and scopes will be provided as we observe the many migratory ducks and shorebirds, local waterbirds and perhaps birds of prey. Kids of all ages welcome! Please RSVP to ggaseducation@ gmail.com 10:00-11:30 a.m. FREE. All ages. Berkeley Marina (meet at Adventure Playground parking lot) 160 University Ave., Berkeley. goldengateaudubon.org

26 | Sunday Marine Science Sunday — Sausalito Join us on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month for Marine Science Sunday - a FREE engaging ocean-inspired classroom series from our education experts. These interactive classroom programs are great for all ages! 10am - 5 pm Free. The Marine Mammal Center 2000 Bunker Road Fort Cronkhite Sausalito 415 2897325

27 | Monday Campers receive the equivalent of one full gymnastics class, dance, art and other fun activities. Cub Camp is a great place for your children to have a fun time and for you to have some free time! 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $70 per child, free for children enrolled in classes. Ages 4-12. Golden Bear Rec Center, 25 Sport Ln., Berkeley 510-642-5813, www.recsports.berkeley.edu

28 | Tuesday Treble Tales — Berkeley Join us for some musical story telling... The children retell stories through music, movement and dialogue. Age 8-10 years

3:30-4:30 p.m. Admission $10, first class free La Pena Cultural Center 3105 Shattuck AveBerkeley www. TrebleTales.org

29 | Wednesday Water’s Extreme Journey — Berkeley Become a raindrop and go on an interactive adventure through a water-cycle-themed maze.Have fun riding the Watershed Zip Line, walk through a giant wetland, and snap a pic of your family “swimming” with the dolphins—all while developing a deeper understanding of your place in the water ecosystem. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.$12 adults. $10

DISCOVER The Renaissance International School TRIS Middle School

· 21st Century Skills · Core Academics · Music · · Fine Arts · Language Immersion · · Project-Based Learning · Travel · Tour Dates Pre-Primary / Primary: March 29 & April 1 1 • 9:30am - 11:30am Oakland Campus Kindergarten / Elementary: March 28 & April 1 3 • 9:30am - 11:30am Starts at Oakland Campus Upper Elementary / 4th to 6th grades: Call our office for a private tour

TRIS

Bear Gymnastics —Berkeley

anniversary

lic# 010214382 TheRenaissanceSchool.org • 510.531..8566 Piedmont Campus: 5201 Park Boulevard • Oakland Campus: 3650 Dimond Avenue

March 2017 | Parents’ Press 37

Children. Children under 3 are free. All ages. Lawrence Hall of Science, 1 Centennial Dr., Berkeley. 510-6425132 www.lawrencehallofscience. org

30 | Thursday Playland After Dark presents Grown-up Game Night — El Cerrito

MAYBECK HIGH SCHOOL

Berkeley’s Independent College Preparatory High School

Limited Openings For Fall 2017

2727 College Avenue www.maybeckhs.org

Playland After Dark presents a different kind of game night—where bored gamers get to be board gamers, card sharks can swim ashore and pinball fans will delight all night. There will be games aplenty on hand, or feel free to bring any of your favorites. Anyone for Pictionary in the Midway Party Room? How about Clue in the Carousel Carnival? We’ll have the Museum of Fun set up for all kinds of game-playing options, the only piece missing is you. Adults only (18-years and older), no children or babies please. 6 p.m.-10 p.m. $10/per person Adults only. Playland Not at The Beach, 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 510592-3002, www.playland-not-at-thebeach.org

31 | Friday Friday Nights @ Oakland Museum of California — Oakland OMCA and Off the Grid on 10th Street present food trucks, live music and DJs, free dance lessons and extended hours for museum galleries, the OMCA Store and Blue Oak café. 5-9pm. Members and ages 18 and under free, $7.50/adults. 10th Street entrance, 50 10th Street, Oakland. (510) 318-8400, www.museumca.org

(510) 841-8489

March 25— Free Family Bird Walk — Berkeley

SCHOOLS

Saint Joseph School A safe, nurturing environment

BERKWOOD HEDGE SCHOOL

• Grades K-8 • Extracurricular activities • Challenging academic • 18:1 student ratio in program grades K-5 • Specialty classes • Extended Care: M-F, a.m. & p.m.

Culitvating Creativity and Intellectual Curiosity Now Accepting Applications Limited Space Available for 2016-2017

For more information or to schedule a tour, visit us at www.berkwood.org

www.stjosephpinole.com Phone 510.724.0242 • FAX: 510.724.9886 1961 Plum St., Pinole, CA 94564 Accredited by WCEA and WASC

ST. DAVID SCHOOL “Where Faith and Knowledge Meet”

Strong Academics | Diversity | Faith Filled Community St. David School is a Preschool through 8th Grade Catholic school that offers a caring, faith-filled environment, where we focus on students individual needs. We foster the spiritual, intellectual, emotional, social, and physical needs of all students. Financial Aid is Available. Call today to schedule your tour.

Now Enrolling

for 2017-2018 School Year

870 Sonoma Street • Richmond Hills • 510-232-2283 stdavidschool.org • twitter.com/@StDavidSchool

38 Parents’ Press | March 2017

Ready. Set. Enroll. Stratford School nurtures the joy of learning in children.

OPEN HOUSE March 25

Enroll your child in a school that inspires children to become tomorrow’s creative problem-solvers, innovators, and leaders.

StratfordSchools.com/NorCalOH

10:00 a.m. –1:00 p.m.

The curiosity to reach. The courage to grasp.

WE S

ASSOCIAT I

Accrediting Commission for Schools

@Stratford

SCH

Summer

AND CO

Preschool State License Numbers: 073402482, 013417816, 013420588, 434404890, 434408056, 434407977, 434404336, 434406722, 434408877, 384001837, 434410807, 434410816, 073406680, 013420939, 414004014, 434413440. © 2016 Stratford Schools, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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CLASSIFIEDS ➤ CHILD CARE Night Nanny 18+ years experience and 35+ Bay Area references. Available 10pm - 6am. Sun - Thurs. $25 per hour or $30 per for twins! 415-678-9372

➤ CLASSES/LESSONS MUSIC Best Violin lessons Professional concert violinist. Experienced and enthusiastic. All levels. North Berkeley studio. Call Donna at (510) 524-5203. $10 introductory lesson.

The Bubble Lady - Rebecca Nile How about something really different? An interactive- award winning BUBBLE EXTRAVAGANZA SHOW – SUPER FUN! SUPER BUBBLES! PEOPLE IN BUBBLES! Bubble questions? 415-384-0619. rebecca@ thebubblelady.com or www.thebubblelady.com.

Piano and Flute lessons Highly professional, experienced teacher. All ages welcome. Libushe Moskowitz, (510) 235-5860 in El Cerrito.

➤ ➤ SERVICES

Piano Lessons in Berkeley Patient, experienced teacher. I have successfully prepared students of all ages, beginners to intermediateadvanced. Alexandra Yurkovsky, MA (510) 849-2613 $10 introductory lesson.

➤ ➤ HEALTH & WELLNESS Lactation and Parenting Consultant Joanne Rucker, Pediatric RN, CLS

Experienced, knowledgeable, insightful, caring. Office or home visits. Long and respected local career. Breastfeeding and child development specialist. www.joannerucker-rn.com joanne@ joannerucker-rn.com 510-558-3120

➤ ➤ PARTIES FUR, SCALES AND TAILS ANIMAL SHOWS For your party, school, camp or daycare. Over 15 different animals in every show. Fun for children of all ages. Call Tracy the Animal Show Guy at: 510-823-3923. www.furscalesandtails.com Please check out our great Yelp reviews.

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All-Star Showgrams Rated four stars in “Babies by the Bay.” Princesses, superheroes, pirates, train conductors, cowboys, Elsa, Mary Poppins, Mother Goose, Dorothy, clowns, wizards, magicians, face painters, balloonists, storytellers, dance parties, mascots, jugglers, Santa, Easter Bunny and lots more! Your child’s favorite character. 650-574-3568. www.allstarshowgrams.com

The Puppet Company Creates “Fantasies in Miniature” at your child’s party. Classics, Fables, fun for audiences of all ages! Professional puppeteer, 40 years of entertainment experience. 510-569-3144. www.puppetcompany.com

Impeccable Interiors House Cleaning Cleaning homes & offices in Contra Costa & Alameda Counties for over 20 years. One-time, weekly/bi-weekly, monthly. Licensed & insured. Visa/MC. (510)5219600, 925-736-9600. www.impeccableinteriors.com

➤ TUTORING / EDUCATION It’s All About Literacy Skilled, compassionate, effective, individualized reading and writing instruction, grades 1-10. Early intervention, remediation, skill building, or creative enrichment. Build self-esteem and success! Ivy (510) 528-8773. www.ivysandz.com Tutoring Is Caring Individualized help with mathematics, reading, writing, study skills, confidence, and motivation. All ages welcome. Rediscover the joy of learning. Call Esther, 510-733-0467.

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40 Parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Press | March 2017