Parents Press May 2017 by Parenting Media

May/June 2017

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Reflections of a Foster Mom 5 GREAT

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Contents

www.parentspress.com

May / June 2017

Features

The Reflections of a Foster Mother

Departments

3 Bookshelf Picture Books for Kids with Special Needs 4 5 Easy Ways to Safeguard Kids’ Tech Devices from Predators 4 Why Kids Can’t Put Their Phones Down 5 Singleminded Attorney-Client Priviledge

6 Teen Talk Summer Jobs for Kids 7 10 Media Titles Summer Road Trips 24 Family Cents Money Books for Kids 25 On the Go Swim in Nature’s Pools 26 Family Fun Calendar Advertiser Category Index Camps................................................10-24 Classifieds.............................................. 35 Family Fun..................................................3 Health and Wellness.............................. 5-9 Preschools.........................................25-29 Professional Services............................. 2-5 Schools..............................................30-34

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Alameda, CA 94502 Publishers Robert and Tracy McKean Art Director Debbi Murzyn Account Managers Carol Flores, Sophie Archer Contributors Allyson Bogle, Benjamin Campopiano, Aaron Crowe, Tony Hicks, Haley Reen, Mary Ann Scheuer, Peggy Spear, Susan Solomen Yen Advertising Sales & General Info sales@parentspress.com Mailing Address 875-A Island Dr, Ste 421

42,000 copies of Parents’ Press East Bay are distributed to more than 1,300 East Bay locations in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. 20,000 copies of Parents’ Press SF/ North Bay are distributed to more than 400 locations in San Francisco and Marin counties. 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

By Allyson Bogie and Mary Ann Scheuer

Bookshelf Picture Books Representing Kids with Special Needs

ctions speak louder than words. When we choose to share stories that include a wide range of abilities and characters, we are showing all children that their experiences matter. Our schools in the Bay Area are “full-inclusion,” and yet I wonder if our stories fully reflect all students. This collection of stories for young readers portrays children with disabilities, engaged in day-to-day experiences and dreams.

“Back to Front and Upside Down,” by Claire Alexander (Eerdmans; 26 pp.; $16.00; ages 4-7). Frustrated kids will relate to the troubles that Stan the puppy has learning to write. He tries his hardest, but letters come out “back to front and upside down, and some didn’t look like letters at all!” Students with dyslexia will especially relate to Stan’s struggles, but its gentle encouragement makes this an important story to share with all.

“A Boy and a Jaguar,” by Alan Rabinowitz, illustrated by Catia Chien (Houghton Mifflin; 32 pp.; $17.99; ages 5-9). Based on his own life, Rabinowitz recounts how he felt isolated because of his uncontrollable stuttering, and yet he was able to speak fluently when he was alone with animals. As an adult, he became a respected scientist speaking for the protection of endangered jaguars. Beautiful and inspiring.

talent. As Trisha’s tribe works together to repair a model plane, they bond together, believing in themselves and standing up for their group. A moving, inspiring story.

“West Meadows Detectives: Case of the Snack Snatcher,” by Liam O’Donnell, illustrated by Aurélie Grand (Owlkids; 128 pp.; $15.95; ages 7-9). Third grader Myron loves solving mysteries, and he notices details that others miss. Myron is autistic, as he tells a girl in his new class, and it means that his brain works differently from others. This mystery for young readers shows a diverse elementary school with many types of learners, in a fun schoolbased mystery reminiscent of the “A to Z Mysteries.”

“Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah,” by Laurie Ann Thompson, illustrated

by Sean Qualls (Schwartz & Wade; 40 pp.; $17.99; ages 5-9). From an early age, Emmanuel’s mother encouraged him to go after what he wanted, even though he was born with one deformed leg. In 2001, Emmanuel rode his bicycle four hundred miles across Ghana to spread his powerful message: disability is not inability. He faced life with courage and fortitude, and his story will help readers think about how we face life’s challenges. “Cy Makes a Friend,” by Ann Marie Stephens, illustrated by Tracy Subisak (Boyds Mills; 32 pp.; $16.95; ages 4-8). Cy loves making robots and toys, but he finds it difficult to make friends. Because he is awkward and nervous, this cuddly cyclops has to practice making the right facial expressions and what to say. Although it’s never specifically stated, Cy’s special needs will resonate with kids on the autism spectrum.

“My Brother Charlie: A Sister’s Story of Autism,” by Holly Robinson Peete and Ryan Elizabeth Peete, illustrated by Shane Evans (Scholastic; 40 pp.; $17.99; ages 5-9). Young Callie shares how much she loves her autistic twin brother. Their love is strong, but still there are difficult days when he won’t speak or ruins playdates. The authors’ endnote and family photograph adds a special, personal note to this

“The Prince Who Was Just Himself,” by Silke Schnee, illustrated by Heike Sistig, translated by Erna Albertz (Plough; 32 pp.; $16.00; ages 4-8). In calling him “the Prince Who Was Just Himself,” Noah’s family accepts and loves him for who he is, even though he “looks a little different.” His Down syndrome is not specifically mentioned, except in the author’s endnote. When he disarms the evil knight Scarface with a kind touch, Noah becomes the hero and saves his kingdom — a sweet, gentle fairy tale with a message of acceptance.

tender story.

“MyaGrace Wants to Get Ready,” by Jo Meserve Mach and Vera Lynne Stroup-Rentier, illustrated by Mary Birdsell (Finding My Way; 54 pp., $20.99; ages 4-9). MyaGrace, a teen with cerebral palsy, autism and intellectual disabilities, is excited to go to her school’s big dance. She tries on different dresses, practices dancing with her brother and gets her nails painted. As her family writes in the introduction, they help support her in the activities she chooses — and this positive commitment radiates throughout this picture book. Mary Ann Scheuer is a teacher librarian at Berkeley Unified School District. Find more books Mary Ann recommends sharing with children at her blog, Great Kid Books, http:// greatkidbooks.blogspot.com.

FAMILY FUN

“Junkyard Wonders,” by Patricia Polacco (Philomel; 40 pp.; $17.99; ages 7-10). Drawing on her own experiences in school, Polacco writes about being in a special-ed class known as “the junkyard,” where Miss Peterson insists that each child has her own unique

May / June 2017 | Parents’ Press 5

By Ben Campopiano

Teach In Why Kids Can’t Put Their Phones Down (and what to do about it)

5 Tips To Keep Kids Safe Online

ew apps pop up seemingly out of nowhere, but instantly every single one of your kid¹s friends and classmates is using it and you find out so is your kid. The app looks age appropriate and harmless, but predators find ways to infiltrate and exploit. It is important to check your child’s phone, computer or tablet on a regular basis to make sure no inappropriate content is being sent to them. But, there are other steps parents need to take to safeguard their children. One common mistake parents make is allowing their children to create a username that incorporates their name, information about their age and location or interests. These small pieces of data are enough for a predator to start piecing together a profile of a child and give predators tools that can be used to find more information to manipulate kids. By following these simple guidelines, parents can help make sure online predators are not targeting their children.

Stop Kids from Duplicating Usernames – Just like recycling a password is a bad idea kids should not use the same username to log into different online accounts. Having one common username across accounts just makes it easier for criminals to search for and find details about a child’s life. Keep Personal Details Private – If an app or website requires kids to fill out a profile do not let them enter personally identifying details like their full name, birthdate, age or address. If they cannot use a site without supplying these details either supply a false answer to the questions or do not allow your child to use that site/app. Email Addresses and Usernames Do Not Mix – Linking a username with an email address can simplify a predator’s search for personal information. Using trial and error a criminal can add common email providers to a username, run a search and pull up social media accounts and any other sites where an email address was used to create a profile. Create Unique Email Addresses for Each App/Site – Some email providers including Gmail, Outlook and Yahoo allow users to alter their email address into infinite number of disposable addresses. For example if your child’s email address is shauntips@gmail.com and he/she wants to sign up for a new gaming site you can alter his/her email address just for that site by adding an identifier to it such as shauntips+ABCGamingFun@gmail.com. This keeps your child’s actual email address private and can help stop criminals from being able to track online history simply by searching for an email address. Stay Vigilant – Regularly checking what apps your child is using and what websites are being visited is the first line of defense. If anything looks suspicious or if you are unsure what something is, ask your child. If he/she cannot explain to your satisfaction what the app is then delete it and block it.

About SNDR SNDR™ is a new app that combines all the ways you already communicate into a single platform. You can text, email, share files and use social media all from one app. And, every message is encrypted and completely secure. For more information about protecting your security and privacy online, visit: www.sndr.com.

alk around a school in 2017 and you’ll notice the exact same thing that you notice at your home or in your car - kids on phones. Now, there’s nothing wrong with cell phones - they help in emergencies, support our studies, shorten our time in traffic, help us choose the best new restaurant in town, and keep us connected to our friends and family - but the way they are currently being used by kids can quickly become problematic. Research shows that we all get natural boosts when we anticipate a reward or response. This has been true since the beginning of time, but the difference now is that we can continually manipulate our lives so that we are constantly anticipating a response or reward. Send a text, await a response, feel anxious. Search Google, await a result, get curious. Post a picture, await a response, get excited. All we need to do in order to feel better is to trigger something that will allow us to anticipate a response. And that’s pretty easy to do when the device at your fingerprints gives you thousands of ways to get your fix. In today’s smartphone and social media world, kids can literally get this natural chemical boost every minute of the day by utilizing the tools on their phone. The problem with this? Well, brain activity research shows that our natural reaction to reward is actually less stimulating than the anticipation prior to the reward. So, it’s the posting of the pic or the sending of the text that actually gets kids going. Since they literally feel better when they are anticipating something, they constantly seek and search and post and text so that they are always anticipating. And if they are in a state of anticipation, they are getting that natural boost that will keep them coming back for more. Yet when the comments flood in on Facebook, the likes come in on Instagram, or the emails arrive in their inbox, they aren’t fully satisfied. They’re appeased, but they’re not satisfied. So to get their fix, the process starts anew, and our kids get back to doing something that provides anticipation.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Expert Parent-Child Advice and Forensic Testimony Peter Ernest Haiman PhD Dr. Haiman writes research-based reports used by attorneys and judges in Family Court. These Court Reports support the “best interests of the child” and provide evidence to protect the young child’s relationship with the primary caregiver. Dr. Haiman has testified in Family Courts throughout the United States on behalf of a child’s shortand long-term best psychosocial, developmental interests in divorce and visitation disputes. See his website for his references and published articles at www.peterhaiman.com

510.665.5513 6 Parents’ Press | May / June 2017

We’re all seeing the same thing - kids just seemingly can’t put the phone down. It feels like they literally cannot let them go. Battles ensue because this addiction causes the kids to lose focus or ignore the conversations, questions, or activities that they should be engaged with. Teachers get frustrated. Parents get frustrated. Kids get frustrated. All because kids can’t let go. The ironic thing is that the same problems occur in our staff meetings at school, our conference rooms at corporations, and at dinner with our spouses. Adults are often just as bad with their phones as kids are. Just like kids, we get a natural boost anticipating the results of a search, a response from a text thread, or a reaction to a post on Facebook. That said, there is a difference.

Research shows that we all get natural boosts when we anticipate a reward or response. This has been true since the beginning of time, but the difference now is that we can continually manipulate our lives so that we are constantly anticipating a response or reward. Adults use their phones and social media more appropriately than kids. For example, kids text more often while driving a car than adults do, per capita, according to research. Adults also tend to do a better job than kids at keeping their phones away in important situations. So, although adults are as attached to their phones as kids are, they are much more likely to know when not to use them. The point is that kids aren’t just attached to their phones because of the natural boost the anticipation causes, but also because they aren’t mature enough to understand the bigger picture. So, that’s where adults need to step in. We need to help our children to cut the loop that leads them to constantly chase reactions online. We need to teach them to turn off their notifications, silence their messages, put their phones in the other room, or even shut the things down. In classrooms we don’t need to ban technology, but we do need to have expectations about appropriate usage. And when those expectations aren’t met, we need to explain the issue and have a conversation about appropriate usage and why it matters. All of us are addicted to some degree to social media, texts, and Google because of the natural chemical boost that we receive when we anticipate a response. This addiction isn’t going to kill us, and it’s not the most important challenge we face with our children. But it is important. And every day that I walk into my school and see every single kid staring at a phone, I’m reminded that this issue isn’t going away without our help. Set up some guidelines, model appropriate usage, and stick to it - our kids need help putting their phones down. 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.

By Susan Solomen Yen

Singleminded Attorney-Client Privilege

consider Michelle Raymond a friend. We’ve had lots of phone chats, numerous email conversations and have even enjoyed meals together. She knows intimate details of my life that I only share with a select few. Michelle and I did not meet at a Mommy and Me group or in the pickup line at school. We met in an office building in Wellesley where I’d gone to seek legal advice on divorce. It took a long time to decide to get a divorce. When my husband first left, I thought we would just live separately. But when he informed me that his girlfriend was pregnant, there no longer seemed to be any reason to prolong the inevitable. Five years after our split, I started the proceedings.

Who’s the Best Advocate? Like choosing a pediatrician for my children, I preferred to get a personal referral for an attorney rather than randomly pick a name out of the phonebook. So, I asked a friend who had recently completed his divorce, and he recommended Michelle, even though she had not represented him. My prior experience with lawyers involved settling my parents’ estates and signing the deed for our home. All I knew about divorce I’d learned from watching fictional contentious courtroom battles on TV, and I knew I did not want that. Although I had not thought much about whether a female attorney would be a better advocate than a male, I felt instantly at ease with Michelle and knew that I would be much more open with a woman than a man. “A client must feel comfortable with her attorney,” says Michelle, now an attorney and mediator at Doherty, Ciechanowski, Dugan & Cannon, P.C. in Franklin, Massachusetts. “Comfortable enough to talk about very personal topics. This is a relationship built on trust.”

What’s the Goal? I introduced myself to Michelle by giving her a photo of my five children and telling her they were the reason I was meeting with her. I wanted her to understand that there was much more at stake than hurt feelings and a shattered heart. “It is the attorney’s role to move the client along, sometimes in a manner and direction she may resist. I work with

my clients to ensure that they focus on the long-term goal,” Michelle explains. My long-term goal was ensuring that my children would be safe and protected – both physically and financially. While it is rarely granted, I requested that I be given sole physical and legal custody. Michelle tried to discourage me from asking for this. “For the relationship to work, the client must be open to hearing hard truths from the attorney in a constructive way. There has to be a feeling of common purpose between the attorney and client.” On this issue I could not be dissuaded. When we went to court, I was indeed awarded full physical and legal custody, but there were other issues we discussed that required me to back down. “The attorney provides information to assist the client with her case. Many times, she must point out issues that if worked out would increase the client’s chances for a better, more successful and happier outcome.”

Happily Ever After? Like the five stages of grief, there are probably five stages of divorce, and anger is certainly one of them. As Michelle reminds, “Emotions can obscure and impede your ability to understand your goals. It’s not about short-term gratification and winning points. It’s about an ultimate goal.” Michelle helped me refocus and reminded me that even when I might have been unwilling to face the harsh realities of what life would soon be, the process was moving forward with or without me. It took more than 18 months and two visits to court for my divorce to be finalized. The case was bifurcated – split in two. During the first court appearance, the divorce was granted and the custody agreement confirmed. A second date was schedule six months later to determine support. Michelle was pregnant during that first visit to court and on maternity leave six months later when we returned. Another attorney stepped in to complete the case and, at my urging, abbreviated much of the financial discovery. I knew I would never get back in child support the return on investment I was paying in legal fees.

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The attorney provides information to assist the client with her case. Many times, she must point out issues that if worked out would increase the client’s chances for a better, more successful and happier outcome. There is no sense of satisfaction at the conclusion of divorce proceedings, but Michelle believes you can move ahead and find contentment. “I tell my clients, the best revenge is to be happy and live a happy life.” I’m working on that.

Susan Solomon Yem is singleminded about raising her five children to adulthood. She’d like to hear your stories about single parenting. Contact her at susanyem@gmail.com.

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By Peggy Spear

Teen Talk The Best Summer Jobs for Teens

very other day last summer, I watched as my college-bound teen put on slacks and a shirt — definitely not his usual uniform — and follow his father out the door to work. My son was a temporary file clerk in my husband’s office, a job that was not exciting but paid well. The other two days of the week he donned swim trunks, sunscreen and a whistle and headed out to our neighborhood pool to be a lifeguard. He ended up at the end of the summer with a nice chunk of change to take to college, as well as invaluable experience that has helped him secure a job as an Orientation Leader at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo this summer. He was one of the lucky ones. But the share of high-schoolers working summer jobs has dwindled since the early 1990s, according to a report by the Pew Research Center. Since 1948, which is as far back as the data go, teen summer employment followed a fairly regular pattern: rising during economic good times and falling during and after recessions, but generally fluctuating between 46 percent (the low, in 1963) and 58 percent (the peak, in 1978). That pattern began to change after the 1990-91 recession, when the teen summer employment rate barely rebounded. Teen summer employment again fell sharply after the 2001 recession and again failed to rebound, and fell even more sharply

during and after the Great Recession of 2007-09. After bottoming out in 2010 and 2011 at 29.6 percent, the teen summer employment rate has barely budged. It’s not easy to pinpoint why: Maybe jobs are being taken over by fulltime employees, or the recession hadn’t rebounded enough by the time this Pew report was written. Or maybe more teens are working year-round, which will skew summer employment statistics. At any rate, my son was fortunate to secure not one but two summer jobs. Not only was he a known quantity at the swim club where he worked — he had spent every summer there on swim team since he was 3 — but his father helped him get his office intern job. Not everyone has those advantages, but there are plenty of opportunities for teen employment during the long summer months. According to parents, teens and employers I polled, here are the Top 5 summer jobs for teens:

Lifeguard: Every private and public pool around is in need of good, certified lifeguards. The cost of training averages about $200-$300 but is worth it, since your teen will be learning CPR and valuable lifesaving skills. The one complaint I heard from my teen is that it sometimes gets boring — which is what you want when your job is saving lives. The pay is decent, anywhere from minimum wage to $13$14 per hour.

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Freelance “helper”: Thanks to the proliferation of Nextdoor.com sites, teens have an easy way to offer their services to neighbors, usually in the form of house and pet sitting, dog walking and yardwork. Or students can put their inherent computer skills to work by helping older neighbors navigate their electronics. I know I could use one of those around the house. The advantage of these jobs is that they generally pay well — $15-$20 an hour or around $100 a day or more for house sitting. And kids can usually work around their busy social schedules.

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Temporary shop employee: We live in an area with many colleges, and many of those college kids leave for the summer. That opens up lots of possibilities for seasonal employment at apparel stores, boutiques, restaurants and movie theaters, to name a few. Sometimes, just an afternoon of browsing the mall will reveal many “Help Wanted” signs, and often no experience is necessary. These are usually minimum wage jobs, but the experience looks great on future resumes.

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Temporary office worker: My son made a bundle of money scanning and filing last summer, but he also learned a valuable lesson: how the “real world looks.” Sometimes it was a bit like Dunder Mifflin in “The Office,” but more times than not, it gave him a glimpse of an industry he knew nothing about. And as an aspiring business major, the lessons he learned were not lost on him.

The best thing a teen can do is contact friends and associates of his parents to see what types of youth internships are being offered at their companies. While many are reserved for college-age kids, some offices need a clerk like my son to do menial work and will pay anywhere from minimum wage to $15-$18 per hour. The worst thing about these jobs is dressing like a grown-up.

Camp counselor: The best teen employment opportunity, in my opinion, is that of a camp counselor. This job allows teens to interact with youth and other like-minded teens, get valuable experience in responsibility, and be in a fun and engaging environment. Most camps require counselors to be CPR-certified — which is what parents of campers want. If your child has gone to a camp and enjoyed it, check with the staff as to when they will be hiring. If your child has an interest in something, such as computer coding, sports or a faith-based environment, check out many of the camp directories in magazines (like Parents Press) or do a simple Google search for camp counselor positions. Local city-run daycamps are also great opportunities. Again, the pay varies, from minimum wage to $18-$20 an hour for the most experienced counselors, but your child will have a summer he or she will never forget. Peggy Spear is a former editor of Parents Press and the mother of a teenager and two post-college kids.

10 Media Titles

NEXT STOP: FAMILY FUN

Happy Family Summer Road Trips By www.TheSmartFeed.com

ith the onset of warm weather, most everybody starts planning for a family vacation, a weekend-getaway or even a day trip. And if it ends up being a road trip adventure with kids in tow, it could either be the craziest thing you’ll ever undertake or it could result in blissful family time, with some careful planning on your part. It can get very frustrating for kids to stay confined in a moving vehicle for endless hours unless they have something interesting to keep them occupied. In today’s digital age, with the advent of smartphones and handheld devices, parents can make use of the innumerable digital media options available for kids. But this does not have to be a mindless distraction, rather make it an educational experience for children by giving them access to positive, quality-curated media resources. Find below some noteworthy e-Books and apps put together by the experts at SmartFeed (https://www.thesmartfeed. com) and be rest assured that you will be much less likely to hear that most dreaded question, “are we there yet?” For a more extensive list of media choices, check out theSmartFeed’s Travel playlist (https://www.thesmartfeed. com/staff_picks/travel) and e-Books for the Road playlist (https://www. thesmartfeed.com/staff_picks/ebooksfor-the-road).

Notable e-Books

Tag along with Calpurnia Tate on her adventures exploring the natural world around her as she tries to make her mark in a male-dominated society; best example of a positive female role model for kids. The Mysterious Benedict Society (ages 8-13) https://www.thesmartfeed.com/ creations/the-mysterious-benedictsociety-the-mysterious-benedictsociety-1 Four gifted children (two boys and two girls) are chosen after passing through several mind-bending tests to go on a challenging, secret mission. Join them on this wild adventure and solve the mystery together.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever (ages 10+) https://www.thesmartfeed.com/ creations/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid-cabinfever Greg Heffley is a master of bad choices and boy, is he in big trouble! Find out why in this sixth book of the immensely popular series.

Notable Apps

Charlotte’s Web (ages 6+) https://www.thesmartfeed.com/ creations/charlotte-s-web A true children’s literature classic, this book showcases friendship, love, empathy and loss. A must-read story of a tender bond between Wilbur the pig and Charlotte the spider. The Tale of Despereaux (ages 7+) https://www.thesmartfeed.com/ creations/the-tale-of-despereauxc084a854-6ce4-4f1c-b556-f402e641c372 Four storylines, that of a mouse, a princess, a serving girl and a rat are intertwined and presented in this charming book which will captivate the reader. Clementine (ages 8+) https://www.thesmartfeed.com/ creations/clementine A hilarious story of a fun-loving girl who has quite the knack for getting into trouble, unintentionally of course. The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate (ages 9-12) https://www.thesmartfeed.com/ creations/the-evolution-of-calpurniatate-calpurnia-tate-1

Dora and Diego’s Vacation Adventure (ages 3+) https://www.thesmartfeed.com/ creations/dora-and-diego-s-vacationadventure Read along with Dora and Diego in this story app and explore all the features and thrills of their vacation adventure. Reading can be so much fun!

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May / June 2017 | Parents’ Press 9

By Susan Solomon Yem

few weeks ago my youngest son, Jake, and I went out to grab dinner. On the way, he asked me about our family life before he was born. Jake is quite a bit younger than his siblings and did not know that when there were only three children in our household, we provided foster care. Over the course of seven years we welcomed 18 children into our home. At one point, we had eight children ranging in age from a few months to 16 years under our roof. It was not a big house, but we occupied every square inch of it! Jake’s questions about this phase of our family life reminded me of an article I wrote years ago, reprinted here.

Why is it when a Department of Children and Families homefinder calls requesting placement for a foster child, or two or three, I eagerly answer, “Yes, bring them right over”? And why is it that after the first day, sometimes mere hours or minutes later, I start questioning, “What have we gotten ourselves into?” I begin my mental tally of the damage the house is suffering – the wallpaper torn off the newly redecorated living room wall, the broken goblet, an irreplaceable wedding gift my own children have never touched, the tiles pulled out of the bathroom, and the broken window in the bedroom.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

10 Parents’ Press | May / June 2017

I don’t like it when people say, “You’re such a saint for doing this.” I’m not a saint. They never hear me muttering under my breath, “Lord, I hate this!” Never mind the disruption of daily schedules, the unacceptable dinner invitations or the missed vacations. What about the teenager who sleeps until 3:00 in the afternoon, and when he is awake runs the electric bill up an extra $45.00 a month? Then there are the hundreds of dollars worth of groceries expected to last a week, but gone in two days. The first few weeks of a foster care placement can be difficult for both parent and child. You rarely have time to prepare to receive a child into your home. I was still assembling bedroom furniture, which had just arrived that morning, when our first set of four foster children entered our lives. It was baptism by fire! Two days before Christmas, four siblings, aged 18 months to nine years, came to stay with us for two weeks while their mother recovered from the birth of her most recent child. They were four of the most undisciplined, unruly, dirty kids I had ever see. Their mismatched clothes were ragged and filthy. The six-year-old girl had on a pair of boys’ underwear that was at least three sizes too big. They hit the floor running and never slower down: “Where’s my room, what do you have to eat, will you be giving us any presents?” It was at that point that I made the decision to never do this again. Week One seemed to last forever. I thought, “Maybe if I just try to survive 10 minutes at a time we’ll make it through.” What truly made the difference was the willingness of my own three boys, then aged four, six and nine, to accept these children encroaching on their space. They organized nightly games of Indian Chief and Simon Says to pass the time between dinner and bed. They teased each other, laughed together, danced and played like they had been best friends all their lives. By the end of their stay, which stretched to six weeks, we all felt very close, and we knew that yes, we would do it all over again. It is hard to bring a child out of home with little or no discipline – where it may be OK to go outside in the winter with no shoes on, or drip ice cream on the living room couch or sleep on the floor in front of the TV all night – into a structured environment.

Our second foster son, a single placement, cried the first day he was with us because I told him he had to put the bike back in the garage when he was finished riding it. An 8:30 p.m. bedtime sounded ridiculous to this streetwise kid of nine, who was rarely home before 11:00 most nights. But once again, the love and acceptance of my own children brought him around. A week after he arrived, he asked if we could adopt him so he could change his name to ours. Once he realized someone cared about such things as what time he went to bed, he felt valued. He went back home six months later, much to our protests that it was not time yet. He is back on the streets again, shuttling from mother to grandfather just like before. His mother has a new boyfriend and a new baby. She calls us often to ask us to take him back, even offering to pay for his care. Sometimes foster care can be so exasperating. Just when you feel that you are making headway with a child in providing a little encouragement and helping to mold a better self image, he is plucked from your arms and returned to the same old situation. Maybe we are being presumptuous in assuming a stay in our home will result in long-lasting changes in the lives of all the members of our foster family. Maybe foster care is just meant to be a time of respite for that child, a retreat from the harsh realities of his life. That is what we are now providing for the teenage boy and baby girl who have lived with us for almost two years. We had never had a teenager in the house before. When he first arrived, I was not quite sure I could handle this sullen, withdrawn 16-year-old boy. He was tough. He had been a member of a street gang. He smoked and carried a knife. He had trouble in school. You had to say something to him at least three times before he would answer. But deep down, he was just a little boy in need of love, attention and acceptance. He is learning disabled, but in many ways he is life disabled, too. He has a problem with lying, and as I confronted him for the umpteenth time about it, I realized that no one ever told him it was wrong to lie. We had to start with the basics – teaching him to use a toilet rather than urinate out the window, to shower daily

and to wash his clothes. He is learning how to make and keep friends and the importance of commitment in relationships. After lengthy academic and psychological evaluations that have helped to label some of his disabilities, he eagerly prepares for school each day. He willingly helps my oldest son straighten up the kitchen after dinner and takes care of his younger sibling. He is opening up and sharing some of the difficulties he has with his mother. He has found someone to listen and offer consolation, most often my own children. They provide so much of what he needs – the friends to play marathon Monopoly games with or listen to the latest rap song. Sometimes he talks to my 10 year old about his latest girlfriend or the abuses he suffered at home – things he would never tell me. He and the baby will probably be with us for quite a while, but the goal is almost always family reunification. I often wonder how we will all feel when they do go home after such a long time together.

Not every child is this responsive, though. There is no magic formula for reaching those who consider themselves unreachable, like the teenage girl who came to us and wrote in her journal, “I know I will die in my teens. Please understand that I can’t redo what I’ve done in the past and present.” She ran away twice. I felt so helpless when this happened and I wondered if a master’s degree in social work would have helped us to reach her. Our 10-week foster care training program did not prepare us to deal with her situation. Some of our social workers have not been too helpful either. Visits may be irregular or infrequent. My questions about what will happen to the children often go unanswered and I wonder, is it because they don’t know or they don’t care or are they so overwhelmed they can’t even figure out which child I’m talking about? Recently we went to visit our first four kids. They are just as wild as ever. I sat there watching them bounce off the

walls and kick box each other and asked myself if we had done them any good. I felt defeated. I had hoped that what we had taught them had sunk in, but I was not sure we had made any significant impression on them. The eldest sister, now 13, escorted us to our car when it was time to go. On the way out, she accidentally (on purpose) dropped a piece of paper on the ground in front of me. It was a postcard from the library informing the recipient that a book was overdue. It was addressed to me, but at her street address. She must have taken my name as her own, at least to get a library card. And this was her way of showing me that I did get to her. Why is it that when the next call comes to take in another child, I will most likely say, “Bring them right over”? It isn’t because I think the foster care system is particularly good. And it isn’t because I’ll be able to retire on the pittance foster families are paid monthly. It is because despite the damage our home may suffer and despite the sleepless

nights we may endure comforting a troubled child, we know we are providing a sanctuary and a training ground for children who will too soon be challenged into rebuilding shattered lives. We may not be changing them forever. We may only be giving them a taste of what family life should be. If I can help to provide a sense of security and belonging to strengthen and prepare them for what lies ahead, then I’ll continue to invite them in. Postscript: The teenaged boy described in this story is now a grown man. He left our home when he turned 18. He’s a father now. One of my most treasured mementos is a clay jar he made for me when he still lived with us. In it is a note that asks my forgiveness for some misbehavior I no longer remember. It concludes, “Thank you for all the things you do for me, especially all the great food!!!! Your Son, . . . ”We adopted his baby sibling. She’s a college graduate now with a degree in psychology and the goal of providing animal-assisted therapy to children in trauma.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals Ranked National Leader in 9 Pediatric Specialties U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals Rankings 2015-16

From broken bones to a serious illness, a children’s hospital makes all the difference. ucsfredefiningpossible.org May / June 2017 | Parents’ Press 11

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.

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 Weekly Sessions: June 12 - August 25 Oakland Berkeley

For more information (510) 581-3739 or www.sarahscience.com 12 Parents’ Press | May / June 2017

t’s May, and many parents are afraid they’ve missed the “window” of signing their children up for summer camp. That’s just not true, and many camps keep enrolling campers up through June. Sending your child off to summer camp may not be a tough decision, but finding the right camp — or camps — can be daunting. Here within our pages, our Camps Guide will help you decide what experience offers the most exciting summer for your child. So take a look, contact the camp, ask questions, and remember: Camps are a rewarding, character-building experience, for you and your child!

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

—Parents Press

embARC is a four week summer design 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/

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

EAST BAY SPCA SUMMER ANIMAL CAMP (DUBLIN) 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

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

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

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 12 - August 25. 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 2015-2016. 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

MENTORING ACADEMY SUMMER SCHOOL AND CREDIT RECOVERY (OAKLAND) 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

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

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

SARAH’S SCIENCE CAMP (BERKELEY & OAKLAND)

SPANISH CAMP (WALNUT CREEK)

Age or Grade Range: 5-15

Age or Grade Range: 3-10

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 12 - August 25. Locations in Oakland and Berkeley. Camp hours 9AM - 3PM. Beforeand After-care available. www.sarahscience. com/summer

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

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/

SHC SUMMER INSTITUTE

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

Join us for one to two weeks of fun and responsibility at our very popular Kidizens

Age or Grade Range: ages 8-14

CAMPS

FIDDLEHEADS: GROWING FRIENDS IN NATURE (MARIN ) Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-13

Fiddleheads is a warm and playful non-profit program offering children therapeutic support and social and emotional instruction in the enlivening atmosphere of our Bay Area parks. We welcome children from all communities, and we are inclusive and honoring of neurodiversity in our groups. Sliding scale pricing, financial assistance, and scholarships are available for those in need. www.seeds-ofawareness.org/summer--camp

MARIN HORIZON SUMMER CAMP (MILL VALLEY) Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-6

THERE’ S A LOT TO LOVE ABOUT MARIN HORIZON SUMMER CAMPS! FUN AND ACADEMIC. We offer outdoor adventures, swimming, as well as engaging STEAM themed programs every week. WARM AND WELCOMING STAFF. We offer small group supervision and a policy of inclusion to ensure all campers receive the attention they deserve. www.marinhorizon.org/ mhssummercamp

SUMMERCREST (SAN RAFAEL)

Age or Grade Range: Grades 2-8

SummerCrest is a unique camp that seeks to challenge and build joy in learning through

Add Your Camp at www.CampsBayArea.com

SAN FRANCISCO

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, 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/

MARIN COUNTY

WRITE NOW! SUMMER WRITING CAMP (PLEASANTON) Every summer, Hacienda School of Pleasanton

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

Age or Grade Range: Grades TK-6

Worlds of Wonder

Culinary Arts

HANDS ON LEARNING TO FOSTER CREATIVITY & CURIOSITY

SUMMER 2017 Camps and Curriculum include

Outdoor Sports Photography

Dinosaurs Mathematics

Culinary Arts Language Arts

3 Week Camps beginning June 19th Montessori Elementary School of Alameda

& The Child Unique Montessori School

Summer Locations: 2226 Encinal Ave/2212 Pacific Ave Alameda, CA 94501 510-521-9227 (phone) 510-521-9246 (fax) www.thechildunique.org - office@thechildunique.org

May / June 2017 | Parents’ Press 13

Summer Camps! Kidizens inspires students to become good citizens and future leaders, one LEGO brick at a time. In a fast-paced dynamic environment, the kids develop leadership and interpersonal skills while dealing with natural disasters, resident problems and financial crises. http:// thekidizens.com/

favorite characters from books and movies. At both camps students will study basics of human anatomy, facial expressions and dynamic poses. We support each creative individual, gently guiding through all steps of creative process. http://www.artschoolsfbay. com/

TECHYKIDS CAMP (PORTOLA VALLEY)

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

Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-14

Age or Grade Range: 3-5, 6-10, 11-15

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

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/

SANTA CLARA COUNTY CAMP LEGEND (CUPERTINO) Age or Grade Range: Grades 1-6

Camp Legend features a specialized Academic-Enrichment Combo Camp for children entering G1 to G6. Students build academic skills as well as grow their talents through our specialized S.T.E.A.M. curriculum. Morning Academic Program focuses in Reading, Writing, and Math, Afternoon Specialized Enrichment in Science, Technology, Engineering, Communication, and Art offers purposeful summer fun and memorable friendship experience. School year programs are available to support long-term academic goals. Find out more details at http://camplegend.com. Enroll by 4/10/17 to Save 15%. http://camplegend.com

MANGA & FAN ART (SAN JOSE) Age or Grade Range: 10-16

Manga camp will focus on two basic styles, shoujo and shounen, Fan Art - on drawing

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

CAMPS

Empowering the next generation of tech makers + thinkers.

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/

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

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!

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 & OAKLAND) 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 12 - August 25. Locations in Oakland and Berkeley. Camp hours 9AM - 3PM. Beforeand After-care available. www.sarahscience. com/summer

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

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

14 Parents’ Press | May / June 2017

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

TOUCH THE EARTH (OAKLAND) 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

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

At this camp Youth learn a variety of 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

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

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

Learn more and sign up at www.avid4.com or call 800-977-9873 http://www.avid4.com/

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

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

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/

HIDDEN VILLA SUMMER CAMP (LOS ALTOS HILLS) Age or Grade Range: Grades TK-12

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 Age or Grade Range: 7-14

MARIN COUNTY

Age or Grade Range: 6-12

Age or Grade Range: Pre-K - 7th Grades

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

SONOMA COUNTY PETALUMA WILDLIFE MUSEUM SUMMER CAMP (PETALUMA)

NATURE NURTURE Age or Grade Range: ages 3-14

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

Add Your Camp at www.CampsBayArea.com

Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-17

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

KIDS’ CARPENTRY (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: kindergarten-6th grade; ages 5-12

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

CAMPS

Summer at

Quarry Lane

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

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/

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

SAN FRANCISCO

DANCING PAINTBRUSH STUDIO (ALBANY)

SUMMER HORSE CAMP (WINTERS)

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

AVID4 ADVENTURE (MILL VALLEY)

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/

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 self-expression 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

Summer Engineering Camp

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

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.

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

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.

Summer Sessions: June 12- July 21 Register at

www.QuarryLane.org/Summer

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 so everyone receives individual attention from Kala’s fabulous teaching artists and assistants. Each week offers new projects and

Education is a lifelong committment

May / June 2017 | Parents’ Press 15

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

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.

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

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

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)

THE CRUCIBLE (OAKLAND)

CAMPS

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 6-16

Not just unique works of art. Not only strong portfolio pieces. Our students bring home a whole new set of skills that helps them to improve their performance dramatically. We support each creative individual, gently guiding through all steps of creative process. Themes’ 2017: Manga, FanArt, Animation, Pokemania, PleinAir, ComicArt... http://www. artschoolsfbay.com/

Age or Grade Range: 10-16

CULINARY CAMPS COOKING ROUND THE WORLD (OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: Ages 6 - 13

16 Parents’ Press | May / June 2017

We are the juncture where cooking and cultural education embrace! We educate boys and girls about countries around the world and American states using cooking to celebrate diversity and embrace difference. Campers come away with respect for difference, a broadened pallet, and a desire to become a citizen of the world! Educational! Delicious! Fun! cookingroundtheworld.com

COOKING ROUND THE WORLD AT ST. ALBAN’S CHURCH KITCHEN (ALBANY) Age or Grade Range: Ages 6 - 13

We are the juncture where cooking and cultural education embrace. The program is completely hand-on; everyone peels or

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

COOKING ROUND THE WORLD AT ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH KITCHEN (PLEASANT HILL)

TARA-CAPRICE BROADWATER (NOVATO)

MARIN COUNTY

ART CAMPS AT ART SCHOOL OF SF BAY (MOUNTAIN VIEW)

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

We are the juncture where cooking and cultural education embrace. We educate boys and girls about countries around the world and American states using cooking to celebrate diversity and embrace difference. Campers come away with respect for difference, a broadened pallet, and a desire to become a citizen of the world! Educational! Delicious! Fun! www.cookingroundtheworld. com

SANTA CLARA COUNTY

MANGA AND FAN ART CAMPS AT ART SCHOOL OF SF BAY (SAN JOSE)

RichmondArtCenter.org 2540 Barrett Avenue Richmond, CA 510 620 6772

Age or Grade Range: Ages 6 - 13

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

Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-5

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

Visit our website for more information and sign up today!

COOKING ROUND THE WORLD AT ACALANES MASONIC LODGE KITCHEN (LAFAYETTE)

We are the juncture where cooking and cultural education embrace. The program is completely hands-on; everyone peels or chops or dices or minces. Campers come away with respect for difference, a broadened pallet, and a desire to become a citizen of the world! Educational! Delicious! Fun! www. cookingroundtheworld.com

Age or Grade Range: Ages 6-13

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

Age or Grade Range: Ages 6 - 13

CAMP MARCO POLO (PALO ALTO)

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

chops or dices or minces. Campers come away with respect for difference, a broadened pallet, and a desire to become a citizen of the world! Educational! Delicious! Fun! www. cookingroundtheworld.com

THE CULINARY DUDE’S SUMMER COOKING CAMP (TIBURON) 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,

Marin Dance Theatre’s summer programs are filled with precious adventures for 3-10 yearolds. 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

Age or Grade Range: Ages 2-Adult

Love2Dance offers an 8 week summer session in hip-hop, ballet, jazz, acrobatics, lyrical, contemporary and tap for adults and children ages 2 & up. New this summer we are excited to offer an 8 week summer workshop for ages 7 & up that will conclude with a performance at Disneyland. Rehearsals held Wednesdays and Thursdays 4:30-6:30 and the performance is on August 5-6. We also offer weekly themed camps for ages 2-8, held Monday-Thursday from 10:00-2:00. Summer session and camps will be held June 12-August 5. Check us out for a summer of fun and opportunity for your family to love dance. www.love2dance.biz

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

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

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. 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

FAITH-BASED CAMPS ALAMEDA COUNTY 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

LAKESHORE VACATION BIBLE CAMP (OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: 5-15

At our faith-based camp, kids are involved in fun activities, hands-on experiences; learn more about God and Jesus, and participate in non denominational faith curriculum. For the past five years. Lakeshore Church provides a multi-cultural half day and full day camp experience for five year olds to eight graders. ally@labcoakland.org

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY CAMP GAN ISRAEL (DANVILLE) Age or Grade Range: Preschoool -8th grade

Camp Gan Israel is a summer day camp dedicated to enriching the lives of children from diverse Jewish backgrounds and affiliations through a stimulating camping experience. Camp includes sports, special themes and exciting activities, fun field trips and lots of spirit. www.jewishcontracosta.com

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

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

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

We offer six weeks of summer day camp from July 10 through August 18 for ages six through 14 on our Piedmont campus. Many of our camp programs are Spanish or French language immersion camps, open to students who have basic French or Spanish comprehension skills. Contact: summer@therenaissanceschool.org or 510-531-8566.

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 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

FOREIGN LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL IMMERSION CAMPS

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

ALAMEDA COUNTY

Age or Grade Range: 3-9

PEACE CAMP (MILL VALLEY)

Age or Grade Range: Ages 6-14

DARUMA NO GAKKO (BERKELEY)

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

ESCUELA BILING _E INTERNACIONAL SUMMER CAMP (OAKLAND)

MARIN COUNTY

THE RENAISSANCE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SUMMER CAMP (PIEDMONT)

EBI campers will explore art, music, science, cooking, movement, and dozens of other enriching activities in Spanish. For children ages 3 to 9 (potty trained). No prior Spanish speaking experience required for some sessions. Choose themes during registration. Sessions are half-day or full-day and twoweeks long.

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

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

Add Your Camp at www.CampsBayArea.com

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415.775.6626

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S H C P. E D U

May / June 2017 | Parents’ Press 17

GERMAN SUMMER CAMP (BERKELEY)

SPANISH IMMERSION CAMPS WITH VIVA EL ESPANOL (OAKLAND)

Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-13

Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-10

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/

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

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

MANDARIN IMMERSION SUMMER CAMP (BERKELEY)

SPANISH CAMPS (WALNUT CREEK)

Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-12

Age or Grade Range: 3-10

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

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

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 (LAFAYETTE) Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-10

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 10th-August 25th Camp 3: Island Adventures 24th JulyAugust 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

& 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

GENERAL & TRADITIONAL DAY CAMPS

SPANISH IMMERSION CAMPS WITH VIVA EL ESPANOL (MILL VALLEY) 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: - Los Deportes (Sports) - Secret Formula Laboratorio - Exploring Central

ALAMEDA COUNTY 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

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

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

For information & to register www.el-cerrito.org/recreation or (510) 559-7000 18 Parents’ Press | May / June 2017

El Cerrit o

19 20

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

nurturing, memorable, and safe summer camp experience. www.adventure-timesummer.com

Aug 25; Oakland location: July 10-July 21. http://www.girlsonthegocamp.com/summerprogram/

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

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

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

Age or Grade Range: 4.5-15

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

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

MONKEY BUSINESS CAMP (BERKELEY)

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

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 12 - August 25. Locations in Oakland and Berkeley. Camp hours 9AM - 3PM. Beforeand After-care available. www.sarahscience. com/summer

SARAH’S SCIENCE CAMP (BERKELEY & OAKLAND) 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

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

BACKYARD EXPLORERS SUMMER DAY CAMP (CONCORD) Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-10

Markham Nature Park is a remarkable out door location for your child to experience the Summer Camp of a lifetime! Backyard Explorers is one of the few Traditional Day Camps left in the Bay Area that brings kids a unique experience that will be cherished forever. Your child will explore and play in an extraordinary setting inside a grove of breathtaking greenery and trees hovering over a creek enjoying dynamic nature hikes, and winning together in team sports and exciting games, such as: the Amazing Race, Water Olympics, and Survivor! With weekly trips of swimming, bowling or picnic BBQ’s; campers also take trips to sizzling bay area, kid friendly hot-spots! Whether singing camp songs, creating mind-blowing arts & crafts, or whipping up delicious cooking projects your child will have an amazing summer! Weekly trip schedule is posted on the website. www.ConcordReg.org

CRESTMONT SUMMER CAMP (RICHMOND) Age or Grade Range: Grades 1 - 6

Every day at Crestmont Summer Camp combines organized activities along a theme with plenty of time for free play. Our goal is for every child to learn, grow, and have lots of fun, while building strong connections with the other campers and staff. www.crestmontcamp. org

CAMPS PRESCHOOL FRENCH IMMERSION SUMMER CAMP

City Of

EL CERRITO SPORTS CAMP

Non-competitive and Co-ed since 1992

El Cerrito Community Center 7007 Moeser Lane 510.559.7000

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

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

Games and instruction in appropriate age groups On-site registrations okay

Sunday Soccer & Baseball Fall Session @ Canyon Trail Park September 24 - November 26 Head Coach: Joel Gildersleeve

For children entering Preschool and Kindergarten (minimum age: 3.5) July 17 to August 11 on our campus located by the Berkeley Bowl West

More information at www.eb.org/SummerCamp

Soccer Ages: 4-10 12:00-1:15 pm | Baseball Ages: 4-8 1:30-3:00 pm

15% Sibling discount. See web site

www.elcerritosportscamp.com (510) 559-8208 Add Your Camp at www.CampsBayArea.com

May / June 2017 | Parents’ Press 19

LIL VENTURE’S SUMMER CAMP (CONCORD/ WALNUT CREEK )

and more. Full/Half-Days. www.RenataLC. com

ZEN SUMMER CAMP (SAN MATEO)

Age or Grade Range: Ages:5-7 and 8-10 yrs

SUMMER@SAKLAN (MORAGA ) 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

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

MARIN COUNTY

SANTA CLARA COUNTY

Exploring the East Bay for 6 weeks of Venturing To Lindsey’s wildlife, oakland Zoo, hikes, Robin nd One,Bowling, Movies, swimming, ( not lesson), Library ( get your own card) , Lawrence Hall .. starting June 19th thru Aug 4 Closed the week of July 4 th . Registration: $25 to secure the space. Weekly fee $185 for the week or $950 for the 6 woks. Includes 2 snack, water, tickets to all the activities, movies, bowling, Zoo, etc... swimming pass .. Due to allergies you can bring your own lunch . For emergencies or forgetful lunches , we will have Pb& J sandwiches andturkey and cheese . Transportation is insuranced. CPR and finger printed. Any question please call 925-3051776, 925-207-3677

WHEEL KIDS BICYCLE CLUB (WALNUT CREEK) Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-14

Learn-to-Ride in our Two-Wheelers program, (ages 5-8) Cruise around town on bike in our Camp Cruisin’ Program, (ages 5-8) or seek longer more challenging bicycle adventures in our Adventure Camp Program, (ages 8-12)! Older kids looking to have some fun but take on a little responsibility? Check out our CIT program. All programs explore the surrounding area, kids choose their daily activities, and Adventure Riding Camp will take BART into San Francisco to ride the waterfront! This camp is great for all ages and abilities and is surely a daily adventure! Come roll with us! www.wheelkids.com

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,

CAMPS

Age or Grade Range: 3-11

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 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 | May / June 2017

Age or Grade Range: 5-8, 9-12, 13-16

SALESIAN DAY CAMP Age or Grade Range: Ages 3.5-7

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

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 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

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

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 BEGINNER HORSE CAMP AT KENILWORTH STABLES (OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-10

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

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

RANCHO DEL LAGO SUMMER CAMP (BRIONES ) Age or Grade Range: 6-13

demonstrating all they have learned and perform it for their parents and friends on Friday afternoon. Repeat campers get to continue to learn new skills. Limited space available so register today and reserve your slot!! Contact us at rdlponycamp@gmail.com https://www. rancho-del-lago.com/summer-holiday-camp/

MUSIC CAMPS VOICE AND INSTRUMENT ALAMEDA COUNTY BERKELEY BAND CAMP (BERKELEY)

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 MORNING STAR FARM (NOVATO) 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

Our weekly camps start with the basics of correct position, steering, riding around obstacles, posting trot , jumping position, trail walk, games on horseback, and riding together. Campers put on our end of the week show,

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.

FIDDLEKIDS (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: 6-14

Now in its twentieth year, fiddlekids is a unique, fun-filled summer day camp devoted to traditional fiddle music from across the world! We welcome young violin students and fiddlers, ages 6 to 14, with at least one year of playing experience. No previous fiddling is required. Camp is divided into skill-based groups of roughly 15 fiddlers, and each child attends classes with three of the camp’s fiddle instructors. Check us out at http://www. freightandsalvage.org/fiddlekids. http:// www.freightandsalvage.org/fiddlekids

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

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, 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

CAMPS REGISTERATION NOW OPEN at BERKELEYBALLET.ORG

Summer Ballet Classes berkeley ballet & Workshops Ages 2.5 - 18

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

May / June 2017 | Parents’ Press 21

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 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

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

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY PERFORMANCE CAMP (SAN RAMON) Age or Grade Range: Ages 11-16

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 to 5 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 week of June 19th, July 10th and 24th, and August 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

ROCK 101 PERFORMANCE CAMP (SAN RAMON) Age or Grade Range: Ages 8-10

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

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

Young rockers will have the opportunity to jam on guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, and sing

22 Parents’ Press | May / June 2017

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

MARIN COUNTY SUMMER SING WITH SINGERS MARIN 2017 (MILL VALLEY) Age or Grade Range: 5-13 years

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

SAN FRANCISCO CAMP CMC 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

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: 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

SAN MATEO COUNTY JAZZ/ROCK BAND CAMP (SAN MATEO) Age or Grade Range: Ages 9+

Half Day Camp Week of June 26-30 MondayFriday 9:00 - 11:30 am, $230 / 1 week Come and rock out with our Jazz / Rock Band Coaches! Open to Guitarists, Pianists, Ukulele Players who have been enrolled in private lessons for 2 or more years and have some jamming skills! Our seasoned Jazz / Rock Band Coaches will highlight the strength of each player while working on tunes that inspire the campers. 2 years or more of private music lessons is required to participate in this class. Each day the instructor will cover different aspects of playing in a band (arranging, improvisation, chord progressions, soloing, etc). Both jazz and rock styles will be covered. Band members go home with a recorded demo at the end of the week. http://www. myriadmusic.net/our-programs/summerclasses/#rock-band

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

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

YOUNG ACTORS’ THEATRE CAMP (SANTA CRUZ) 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: 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

BROADWAY BOUND SESSIONS I & II (PACIFICA)

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

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

WORLDS OF WONDER (ALAMEDA) Age or Grade Range: 2-11 years

A variety of 2 & 3 week options to engage any child, from Sports Camp, Dinosaur Adventure, Culinary Delights, Fascinating Photography and Read-a-Long and Math-a-thon tutoring, enjoy your summer. Hands on learning that fosters creativity and curiosity with 2 locations in Alameda, from award-winning preschool, The Child Unique Montessori School. http:// www.thechildunique.org

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

CAMPS

SANTA CLARA COUNTY 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

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

PERFORMING ARTS CAMP (SAN MATEO) Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-8

Returning this Summer: Music, Dance, Art & Theatre! 6 different unique weekly themes. Students rotate daily through Music, Dance, Art & Theatre classes with an end-of-week presentation for loved ones. Beautiful classrooms & dance studio. Small class sizes, with highly skilled, experienced music, dance, and theatre Teachers. BENEFITS for you! All of your child’ s performing arts summer activities in one place! We allow the flexibility of weekly enrollment and incentives for camp families who sign up for more than 2 weeks. Register now on our website myriadmusic.net or by calling 650-574-2844 http://www.myriadmusic.net/our-programs/summer-performingarts-camps-ages-3-8/

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

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

Add Your Camp at www.CampsBayArea.com

May / June 2017 | Parents’ Press 23

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

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

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 AND OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: 5-15

24 Parents’ Press | May / June 2017

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 12 - August 25. Locations in Oakland and Berkeley. Camp hours 9AM - 3PM. Beforeand After-care available. www.sarahscience. com/summer

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; 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, 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

MAKER CAMP Age or Grade Range: Ages 8-12

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

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 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/

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 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 ALAMEDA COUNTY COLLEGE OF ALAMEDA YOUTH VOLLEYBALL CAMP (ALAMEDA) Age or Grade Range: Ages 8-17

Summer Youth Volleyball Camp Information. The College of Alameda youth volleyball camps are designed to provide campers, of all ability levels, a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Campers will receive training in the fundamentals of passing, setting, hitting, serving, offensive and defensive tactics, and match play. Campers are divided by skill level, age, and years of experience to provide the optimal learning environment. The volleyball camp is for both girls and boys. http://alameda.peralta.edu/womens-volleyball/flyersand-forms/

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

WORLD OF WONDER - GET MOVING SPORTS CAMP (ALAMEDA) Age or Grade Range: 18 months - 7 years old

Children will enjoy the outdoor weather and mix it up with various games and activities to get their hearts and limbs moving! Teachers will act as basketball, baseball and bowling coaches. Children will practice improving their coordination and skills while having fun! http://thechildunique.org/forms

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 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

LAKE MERRITT BOATING & SAILING CAMPS (OAKLAND)

BLASTER CAMP (SAUSALITO)

Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-17

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

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

Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-14

CANON KIDS SPORTS CAMP (FAIRFAX)

JUNIOR LIFEGUARD CHALLENGE COURSE (BURLINGAME)

Age or Grade Range: 5-13

Age or Grade Range: 11-14

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

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

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

MR. PETER’S GOLF CAMP (SAN BRUNO) Age or Grade Range: 5-15

Mr. Peter’s Golf Camp uses the many life Lessons that golf affords us all in a safe nurturing environment. Your child will learn about honesty, integrity, courtesy, etiquette perseverance, the rules of golf, course care and ask the shots from putting to driving. M-F9a-12n every week all summer & sa/su all school year. Www.MrPetersGolfCamp.com

The Only Guided Outdoor Rock Climbing Experience Designed Especially for Marin and Parent's San Francisco Marin GreenPlayPress Ad 2005 1/24/17 12:00 PM Page 1 Press Kids. Ad 2017.qxp_Parent's offers the only weeklong outdoor climbing SANTA CLARA COUNTY experiences for kids from Marin and San Francisco. Our professionally-guided rock CALIFORNIA FIELD HOCKEY CAMP climbing trips have been incredibly popular (SAN JOSE) since we started offering them in 2012. Age or Grade Range: 8-18 AMGA certified climbing instructors will California Field Hockey Camps, Inc., show campers proper safety techniques and established in 1965, has distinguished proper wear and care of climbing gear, knot itself with a long standing tradition of high 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

BLASTER 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/

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/

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

TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITAL ARTS CAMPS ALAMEDA COUNTY GAMES ARE AWESOME! (BERKELEY) 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 CAMP CYBER GARAGE (SAN ANSELMO) Age or Grade Range: K-8

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

STEVE & KATE’S CAMP (KENTFIELD)

STANFORD BASEBALL SCHOOL During the morning instructional session throughout

Age or Grade Range: Ages 4-12

When you trust kids, they learn to trust

CAMPS

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

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

Cyber Garage is a Makerspace, Robotics, Coding & STEAM wonderland with 3D printers, woodworking machines, laser cutting, Mac/ PC’ s, Virtual Reality, digital arts, filmmaking, game design, robotics and more! Cyber Garage integrates building, coding, science, art and design into each week - so kids can create, learn and most importantly, have FUN! https://www.thecybergarage.com

Summer Day Camp 2017

Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-14

GIRLS LEADING GIRLS SUMMER CAMP

DECATHLON SUMMER SPORTS CAMP (LOS ALTOS)

ADVENTURE TIME

SAN FRANCISCO

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

Berkeley City Ballet

The Dance Center berkeleycityballet.org

......and our popular Oakland

Roberts Park Explorers!

For information or to enroll, call:

510-658-7412

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

Add Your Camp at www.CampsBayArea.com

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

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

May / June 2017 | Parents’ Press 25

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. http:// steveandkatescamp.com/locations/kentfield/

SAN FRANCISCO 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)

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

AII THAT & THEN SOME (CONCORD)

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

Age or Grade Range: Ages 11-14

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

STAR KIDS ACADEMY ROBOTICS (CUPERTINO) Age or Grade Range: grades 1-2, grades 3-6

Star Kids Academy Robotics is the Silicon Valley’s leading camps and after school company for robotics. Our summer camps offer an extensive variety in robotic concepts, programming, systems, and platforms for children to become exposed to robotics as well as further study into the field of robotics. www.starkidsafterschool.org https://www. starkidsafterschool.org/

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

Techlab is an innovative education organization that hosts classes and events year-round at our facility in Saratoga and through our library and school partners. We take a projectbased approach to teaching about computer science and technology, and focus on teaching Java, Python, web design with JavaScript, and iOS development in Swift. https:// techlab.education

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

The ultimate technology camp for kids, designed by an engineer and teacher! Learn

Young teens experience the hottest summer at the All That and Then Some all day summer day camp! Make new friends and hang out with old ones while visiting red-hot Bay Area sites and attractions, cooking, crafting, swimming, and competing in games and sports! ‘All That’ offers something for everyone: participate in a soccer tournament, play a game of Cornhole, go on a photo scavenger hunt, build a marshmallow tower, tie-dye a t-shirt, make pancakes, or paint a portrait, all in a safe and supervised environment. All campers are provided with a camp t-shirt for the summer. NEW 3 Day a week option! Sign up for all nine weeks to receive a 20% discount! Go to website for weekly theme and trip schedule. www.ConcordReg.org

HANDSON TOMORROW (WALNUT CREEK) 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

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

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

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26 Parents’ Press | May / June 2017

Books to Teach Little Readers About Money

eading Dr. Seuss books to your children is fun, but it can get old reading for the umpteenth time how many things a cat in the hat can hold up. Eventually, you’ll want them to read the book, and many others, on their own. For parents who want to try to slip in a few life lessons in their children’s reading, this can be a good time to offer them a few good books about money. You probably don’t want them reading Warren Buffett’s annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders — the 2016 letter was 31 pages of insights — but there are plenty of other ways to teach them financial literacy. Here are some to start with, listed by title, grade level and approximate price:

Age or Grade Range: Grades 9-12

www.parentspress.com

Family Cents

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

Age or Grade Range: Ages 6 - 17

INTRODUCTION TO JAVA USING MINECRAFT MODS! (PALO ALTO)

By Aaron Crowe

One Cent, Two Cents, Old Cent New Cent: All About Money: K-2, $6. This book is by Bonnie Worth and illustrated by Aristides Ruiz, and not the original Dr. Seuss himself. It gives a big-picture context to money lessons at this age, all in the fun style of Dr. Seuss. Money Madness: K-3, $8. By author David Adler and illustrated by Edward Miller, this books asks what life would be like without money. It traces the history of the monetary system, starting with hunting and gathering up to paper currency. Sections of the book on inflation and fluctuations in exchange rates can be skipped by some children and perhaps tackled at a later age. Follow the Money: K-3, $8. By Loreen Leedy, this is one of many “follow the coin/ dollar” children’s books that show what happens to money. This book is from the point of view of a quarter. It goes from the Federal Reserve to a bank, grocery store, child’s piggy bank and elsewhere in a busy day of transactions. Along with teaching how money is used and reused, it has a few money-related problems, such as adding coins. The Coin Counting Book: Grades 1-4, $7. By Rozanne Lanczak Williams, this basic book helps with one of the main math lessons young children learn in school. Large photos of coins, illustrations and rhymes teach children how to add up coins in a fun way. Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday: K-4, $6. Written by Judith Viorst and illustrated by Ray Cruz, this book shows how having some money burning a hole in your pocket, even if it’s only $1, can leave you broke if you don’t learn discipline to save. If You Made a Million: Grades 1-5, $7. Written by David Schwartz and illustrated by Steven Kellogg, this book is a sequel to “How Much Is a Million.” It takes difficult financial concepts such as writing checks, interest, and the connection between doing a task and getting paid for it, and makes them easy for children to understand. The pages on interest, for example, are done so well that your child may not see much of a point in giving a bank $1 for a year so they can get a nickel back in interest. Or that their $1 will grow to $2.70 in 20 years. Learning about compounding is good, but with interest rates as low as they are, you may also want to get them a book on investing. Growing Money: A Complete Investing Guide for Kids: Grades 4-8, $5. Written by Gail Karlitz and Debbie Honig, this book explains the basics of investing at the age when children should be ready to understand it and may be curious about it. From savings accounts to bonds, stocks and mutual funds, the guide uses kid-friendly terms in a fun way. A Smart Girl’s Guide to Money: Grade 5-7, $4. Written by Nancy Holyoke, this is an “American Girl” book, meaning it’s from the same company that sells dolls and some excellent books on how a girl’s body changes. The book is obviously aimed at girls, but is sometimes a bit too stereotypical with money examples in shopping, clothing and makeup. Still, it covers personal finance in a variety of interactive ways with short quizzes that can help girls determine their relationship with money. Many of these books should be available for free to check out at your local library. That may be the best money lesson a parent can give — leading by example in how they use their money by going to the library instead of buying books. The saved cash could be used to start an investment fund with your child. Aaron Crowe is a freelance journalist in the Bay Area who specializes in personal finance writing. He owns a website, CashSmarter.com, that focuses on simplifying family finances.

Add Your Camp at www.CampsBayArea.com

By Haley Reen

On the Go Swim in Nature’s Pool

inter and spring blessed us with plenty of rain, so Bay Area kids can once again jump in their backyard sprinklers and drink from the hose. We should still be conservative, but we can relax a little. As the weather warms up, I am transported back in time to my own youth where I came home every day smelling like a swimming hole or a creek. I spent weeks in a creek when I was my children’s age, catching newts and turtles. Some of my happiest memories were of playing on a lakeshore with cousins and friends. Kids who live in any of the pockets of the Greater Bay Area are spoiled for choice when it comes to great natural spots to splash. Some pools can be crowded, the chemicals harsh, the noise level intense. Shorelines offer sand instead of concrete, wide open space instead of bustling pools and, the big draw for me, nature. For a change of pace from the bright blue water and concrete landscape of city pools, here are a few natural spots to swim in. One place that I enjoy visiting with my family is Tilden Park’s Lake Anza. For just a few dollars, families will enjoy clean restrooms and the luxury of trained lifeguards while wading, swimming and splashing in the ropedoff area of the lake. The shore is sandy enough for sandcastles and it’s just a few feet to grassy picnic spots. Water areas range from just a few inches deep for tots and the timid, to deep enough to do laps in. Little clam shells and rocks

Tilden Park’s Lake Anza can be found in the sandy-bottomed wading area, and visitors might be lucky enough to see the native birds skimming the water for small fish to eat. In Richmond, the Miller Knox Regional Shoreline allows parkgoers to swim in the San Francisco bay at their own risk. There are restrooms and picnic tables but no lifeguards. Keller beach is the most popular area for wading. There will be seashells, beach glass, tiny crabs, sea birds and more to see. There are play structures, and places to ride bikes and scooters around the park as well. It is free to get in all year. Crown Memorial State Beach in Alameda also offers SF Bay waters. They

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

are warm and shallow most of the year, even as late as October. There are no lifeguards but there is a bath house with changing rooms and bathrooms, located on the west end of the shore. There is ample space and picnicking areas for other outdoor activities such as soccer, kites, Frisbee, etc. Sandcastles can be built and small seashells can be found. It is free to get in and open year-round. Cull Canyon in Castro Valley is similar to Lake Anza. There are lifeguards, vending machines, changing rooms, and a nice, sandy wading area for little children and deeper waters for proficient swimmers. De Valle Regional Park in Livermore offers two swimming areas, and there is even a place for boats. Year-round swimming is permitted but there are not always lifeguards on duty. Don Castro Regional Recreation in Hayward offers swimming in the lagoon only when lifeguards are on duty. Families can enjoy a sandy beach, grassy

area for picnics and changing-room facilities. Lake Temescal in Oakland is open April through October. A beach house on site offers changing rooms adjacent to the beach area. No lifeguards are on duty here. This is a popular location on hot days in Oakland! Marin boasts Point Reyes, Bolinas and Lagunitas, but lesser known is Three Wells in Mill Valley. It is a marvelous formation of three circular cascading pools formed in rocks along the creek in Cascade Canyon, Mill Valley. When it warms up, daredevils may want to zip down the natural water slide that’s formed above the first well. Three Wells is located in Cascade Creek, about 100 yards below the parking lot at Cascade Falls. San Francisco has a great spot too! Oyster Point Park, South San Francisco: Built on an artificial peninsula, this park on San Francisco Bay north of SFO has a marina, 33-acre park and 2.5-acre sandy swimming beach. The San Francisco Bay Trail runs around the periphery of the park along the Bay. The swimming beach is in a small cove, protected from waves, near the foot of San Bruno Mountain. It is easy to see that there is no shortage of options for swimming and splashing in nature for East Bay families. There are many more options in Fremont, San Ramon, Oakland and Pleasanton. A simple browse of www. ebparks.org swim facilities page will give readers information on disability accessibility, hours, locations and admission fees, which are usually just a few dollars, but cash only at most locations. Haley Reen is an East Bay-based freelance writer.

PRESCHOOLS

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

CMY

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 May / June 2017 | Parents’ Press 27 kim.smith@bacbc.org

Family Fun Calendar MAY 1| Monday Oakland Coliseum Ballpark Tours— Oakland Home of Moneyball! Take a tour of areas of the ballpark that are usually not available to the public, such as the Press Box, Owners Suite, Press Conference Room, Dugouts and Visitors’ Clubhouse. Cameras welcome! Tours are available on predetermined dates and times from April through the end of July. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. $20/adults, 10 and

under $15, 2 and under free Oakland Coliseum 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland m.mlb.com/athletics/tickets/ tours/coliseum-tours

Baby Brigade at the New Parkway Theater — 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.

6:30 p.m. most Mondays, and midday showings on Saturdays. $8 per parent. The New Parkway, 474 24th St., Oakland. 510-658-7900, www. thenewparkway.com

2 | Tuesday Yom Ha’atzmaut Community Celebration for Israel’s Independence Day — Palo Alto Come celebrate Israel’s 69th Independence Day with music, dancing, food and fun for the entire family. 3:30-7 p.m. Free. All Ages. OFJCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 650-2238700. paloaltojcc.org

“Your Willful Preschooler” Parent Workshop— San Francisco Preschoolers are full of imagination, with budding social skills, and no-holds-barred disobedience! Join Rebecca Walsh, director of Early Childhood Matters, to find out why the preschool years can be more difficult than toddlerhood from a developmental perspective, and learn helpful positive discipline strategies to meet these challenging years heart open and head-on. 7:30 p.m. $38. Urban Recess 470 Carolina Street, San Francisco,www. earlychildhoodmatters.org

PRESCHOOLS 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 .

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 ur t o d ay !

www.grandlakemontessori.com Helping your child excel in a warm and nurturing environment

466 Chetwood, Oakland (510) 836-4313

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

We provide a Year Round Program

Our core ideals

Infant and toddler care for ages 12-24 months Preschool for ages 2-5 years 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

compassion and kindness supporting creativity building community passion for learning peace

Email to Schedule a Tour

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

28 Parents’ Press | May / June 2017

• • • • •

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

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

so an extra set of clothes and boots might be needed. Otherwise, our messy play will just get hands dirty. This is a chance to have sensory fun without all the clean up! Advance registration required.

The Palace of the Legion of Honor offers free admission to all visitors today.

10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m. or 2:30 p.m.-3:15 p.m. $5 per child. Ages 1 to 3. Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center, 4901 Breakwater Ave., Hayward. 510670-7270, www.haywardrec.org

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

Bites Off Broadway — Oakland

Free First Tuesday at the De Young Museum — San Francisco

Join us at Oakland’s most family friendly food truck event! Featuring all new food trucks and monthly beer sales, music, balloon twister, and movies starting at 6:30 pm. 5:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Free admission, food prices vary. All ages. 365 45th St., Oakland. 510-654-6346, www. bitesoffbroadway.com

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, www.deyoung.famsf.org

May 1, Oakland Coliseum Ballpark Tours— Oakland

3 | Wednesday JCC East Bay Parent Education Seminar: Nurturing the Nurturer: Self Care for Parents and Caregivers — Berkeley Let’s explore ways in which guilt and other negative projections for taking time for oneself can get in the way. Together we will discuss strategies to support healthy boundaries, increased self-awareness, and realistic ways in which we can build in time to care for ourselves, which in fact builds greater capacity to care for others. 6-8 p.m. $18 per family. JCC East Bay 1414 Walnut St Berkeley www.jcceastbay.org

Free First Wednesday at Bay Area Discovery Museum — Sausalito

different art project every session. Meets the first and third Thursday of every month.

Enjoy free admission and all the fun activities and displays at the Bay Area Discovery Museum today. 9 a.m.-5p.m. Free. Bay Area Discovery Museum, 577 McReynolds Road,

5 | Friday

Sausalito. 415-339-3900, www. baykids museum org

4 | Thursday Hobby Hounds Kids club — Richmond Paint pottery and have fun with the Hobby Hounds Kid’s Club. Make a

6- 7:15 p.m. $15/per child. Ages 4-12. The Painter’s Pot, 5327 Jacuzzi St., Richmond. 510- 524-1939, www.thepainterspot.com

Toddler Ramble — Hayward May Messiness-For some of us, this is our favorite month of the year, because each week we have the chance to get dirty! We will play with the mud outside the first and last weeks,

First Friday Youth Open Mic and Family Bookmaking— Oakland A night full of poetry, music, bookmaking, and the only magical bureaucracy in the contiguous United States that sells t-shirts. Featuring a youth open mic open to all young writers, hosted by Tova Ricardo – 2015 Oakland Youth Poet Laureate. The night will also feature bookmaking activities for kids, sign making, and food by Two Mamacitas Pop-Up Kitchen 6-9 p.m.Free. Chapter 510 & The Dept. of Make Believe 2301 Telegraph Ave. Oakland. 510-634-5170.www. chapter510.org

PRESCHOOLS

Color Me Children Preschool & Kindergarten #013412517

Infants • Toddlers • Preschool !

#013411559

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

Now Enrolling Summer 2017 and Fall 2017-2018

Mindful Live Yoga

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

592 Tennent Ave. Pinole, CA 94564

(510) 549-2711

Lic. 010211122 & 010211112

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

American Montessori Society Member

May / June 2017 | Parents’ Press 29

6 | Saturday Urinetown The Musical— Berkeley This hysterically clean, socially aware musical comedy takes on corporate greed and environmental responsibility while spoofing some of Broadway’s biggest hits! Set in a not-so-distant future in which water is in short supply, and residents must pay to use restrooms, the citizens rebel to challenge authority and free the toilets! Repeats, 5/7, 5/13 & 5/14. 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. Berkeley Playhouse, Berkeley Playhouse, 2640 College , Ave., Berkeley, 510-845-8542 x351, www. Berkeleyplayhouse.org

Japantown Children’s Day Festival— San Francisco Bring out the whole family for a fun day in Japantown! Participate in cultural arts and crafts activities, bounce houses, games and prizes for the kids! You won’t want to miss the cultural performances and storytelling of Japanese folktales as well

11 a.m.-4 p.m. FREE. All ages. Japantown Peace Plaza 1610 Geary Blvd. San Francisco, (415) 567-5505, www. jcccnc.org

Free Comic Book Day— Nationwide National free comic book day means that many local retailers of comic books will be giving away free comic books or discounts on comic books. Several Bay Area stores are participating. All Day. Free. All ages. Nationwide. Check www.freecomicbookday.com to find which stores near you are participating.

A World of Cultures in Art, Food & Dance— Fremont Fun-filled, family event celebrating our multicultural community! “A World of Cultures in Art, Food & Dance” will feature international food tasting, art activities for kids and dance performances. From 5:00 – 6:00 pm, enjoy food tasting, our “Around the World” candy shoppe and international-inspired kid’s art

PRESCHOOLS Oakland Montessori School

activities. 5-7:30 p.m. $5. All Ages. Ohlone College Smith Center, 43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont. 510-659-6200, www. ohlone.edu

7 | Sunday Free First Sunday at OMCA — Oakland Enjoy a free day this spring at OMCA! Explore science in the newly opened family-friendly exhibition Bees: Tiny Insect, Big Impact. Enjoy panning for gold with the drop-in activity. Round out your exploration of the galleries by painting a portrait of yourself to hang in the Gallery of California Art, and visiting Sunshine and Superheroes: San Diego Comic-Con, and dress up like a superhero. 11a.m.-5p.m. Free. All ages. Oakland Museum of California,1000 Oak St., Oakland. 510-318-8400, www.museumca.org

downtown, a juried arts and crafts show with 200 of the west coast’s top artists showing their latest handcrafted wares, fabulous food and drink with premium fine wine, refreshing craft beer, a farmers’ market with fresh seasonal produce, artisan specialty food purveyors, health and wellness displays, an organic and green products showcase, home and garden exhibits. From 10:00 am – 6:00 pm.FREE. All Ages. Downtown Mountain View, 400 Castro St., Mountain View, alacarte. miramarevents.com

Silicon Valley Italian Festival— Palo Alto Dive into Italian fashion and food with cooking classes, speakers, storytelling for kids and more. 10 am – 7:30 pm., $Free. OFJCC, Campus-wide 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, paloaltojcc.org

9 | Tuesday

How Weird Street Faire — San Francisco

Straight Outta Oz— Berkeley

Billed as a “street fair for the 21st century,” this fun event includes nine stages of music over seven city blocks; food and vendors from around the world, and educational booths.

Todrick Hall is putting a new “twister” on L. Frank Baum’s most classic creation, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” With over 20 original songs, Hall brings to life this American Classic like you’ve never seen it before.

Noon–8 p.m., $20. Howard and Second Streets, www.howweird.org.

A La Carte & Art— Mountain View This annual celebration of the arts in Silicon Valley’s epicenter with two sun-splashed days of stellar live music on stage and street throughout

8 pm. $$38. UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall - 2036 University Avenue, Berkeley. www.theuctheatre.org

10 | Wednesday Northern California Summit on Children and Youth—Richmond

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

Serving children 24 months to 6 years

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

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

510-482-3111 •

3636 Dimond Ave

The Child Unique Montessori School • Toddler • PreSchool Transitional Kindergarten New second language and PE program

Enrolling Now!

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:

Wednesday, 7, |2017 Saturday, MarchJune 11, 2017 10:00a – 12:00p Tuesday, September 2017 Tuesday, April 25, 2017 | 19, 6:00p – 8:00p 6:00p – 8:00p

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

2012 2013

www.oaklandmontessori.com

Lic #010214163

Call us today:

Lic.#013414800

30 Parents’ Press | May / June 2017

RSVP or inquire today for additional dates and more: stmarys-ca.edu/ksoe | (925) 631-4700

Focuses on ensuring that our communities are prepared to fill the employment opportunities that we know will be available in our region in the coming years, including health care, information and communications technology (ICT), biotech and many other vocational professions that are critical to a highly functioning society. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. $0-$75. Memorial Auditorium 403 Civic Center Plaza Richmond, fundraise.richmondcf. org

13 | Saturday Enchanted Elements: A Magical Circus—Oakland Circus Kids 4 Performance, now in its fifth year, is one of Kinetic Arts Center’s signature Youth Circus Training programs. The troupe features 16 performers between the ages of 8-13yrs old. Enchanted Elements will feature acts developed over several months of rehearsal and will showcase skills in partner acrobatics, rope, tissue, lyra and physical theatre. Saturdays 7 pm, Sundays 2 pm. $11 and up. All ages. Kinetic Arts Center 785 7th St Oakland (510)444-4800, http://www.kineticartscenter.com

12 | Friday Rosie the Riveter Museum — Richmond Rosie Meet and Greet . Most Fridays, a group of civilian WWII docents share their stories in an informal setting at the Visitor Center. Here is your chance to ask the experts about life and work in the Richmond Shipyards. 10 a.m. or 1p.m.-2:00 p.m. Free. All ages. Visitor Center open daily, 10:00am to 5:00pm at 1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond, CA. 510-2325050, www.nps.gov/rori

Jack of All Trades — Oakland An eclectic event put on by the Treasure Island Flea Market promises lots of interesting workshops and activities for families. Tinkers, builders, and indie designers, plus live DJ and waterfront eateries. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. All ages. Jack London Square, 70 Washington St., Oakland. 510-645-9292, www.jacklondonsquare.com

Flower Crowns for Mothers and Children— Berkeley

6.p m. $15. All ages NatureBridge Golden Gate, 1033 Fort Cronkhite Sausalito.

Come make a beautiful botanical floral crown to wear with mom to celebrate Mother’s Day. We’ll use a variety of greenery and flowers to put together our crowns. A fun and festive way to spend the day! Sip some tea made from flowers while you craft away. 10 -11 a.m. $20. All ages UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley, 200 Centennial Dr., Berkeley, 510 644 9841, events. berkeley.edu

Headlands Nightlife: Family Night Hike and Campfire— Sausalito This program features an Environmental Science Educator-led hike in the Marin Headlands. Our evening hikes are usually no more than 2 miles and allow for fun and learning along the way. After the hike we provide all the necessary supplies for some fun around the campfire including S’more roasting, campfire skits & fun sing alongs.

14 | Sunday — Mothers’ Day Mother’s Day Weekend — El Cerrito Moms get $2 off admission this weekend! Challenge mom to see who can win the most tickets and prizes this weekend, enjoy the miniature scenes and games.

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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

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Open House - June 3rd (10am-12pm) 1711 Carlson Blvd., Richmond Annex 94804

Call to Schedule a Tour: 510-526-7847 May / June 2017 | Parents’ Press 31

10 a.m.-5p.m. $10/children and seniors. $15/general admission. Playland Not-at-the-Beach, 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 510-592-3002, www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org

Park Street Spring Faire — Alameda

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

Celebrate Mother’s Day at this annual weekend event featuring craft vendors, live music, food and drink, a kids’ area, and more. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., free. Park Street, Alameda, www.shopparkstreet.com

15 | Monday Oakland Coliseum Ballpark Tours— Oakland For tours or more information, please call 510-526-4744 or go to www.themadeleine.com

O r i n da a c a d e m y ParenTS, STUdenTS & TeacHerS WOrKinG TOGeTHer

College Prep • Grades 8-12 • Small Classes

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INFORMATIONAL MEETING, TOURS

April 19th from 7-9pm 925.254.7553 • www.OrindaAcademy.org “Inspiring success – Fulfilling potential” 19 Altarinda Rd., Orinda, CA 94563

Home of Moneyball! Take a tour of areas of the ballpark that are usually not available to the public, such as the Press Box, Owners Suite, Press Conference Room, Dugouts and Visitors’ Clubhouse. Cameras welcome! Tours are available on predetermined dates and times from April through the end of July. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. $20/adults, 10 and under $15, 2 and under free Oakland Coliseum 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland. m.mlb.com/athletics/tickets/ tours/coliseum-tours

17 | Wednesday Dance With Me — Berkeley Shawl-Anderson Dance Center’s Dance with Me class is for walkers through age 4 and their caretakers. 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. Ages walking-4 years. Shawl-Anderson Dance Center, 2704 Alcatraz Ave., Berkeley. 510-654-592, www.shawl-anderson.org

Enrolling Now!

– Inspired, Gifted and Talented –

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32 Parents’ Press | May / June 2017

May 19, Maker Faire — San Mateo

18 | Thursday 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 -9p.m. Free admission. All ages. Piedmont Ave., Piedmont. www. piedmontavestroll.org

CMC 30th Street Chorus— San Francisco Singing in Tagalog, English, and Spanish, the chorus celebrates its diverse members with songs from the Philippines, the United States, and Latin America (particularly Mexico), accompanied by Jennifer Peringer on accordion. 12:30 p.m. All ages. Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco CA - 761 Mission St, San Francisco, ybgfestival.org

19 | Friday Fan Friday A’s Game & Fireworks—Oakland Watch the Athletics take on the Red Sox then enjoy a post game fireworks show. 6:35 p.m. Free with game admission. All Ages. Oakland Coliseum 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland. www.oakland. athletics.mlb.com

Maker Faire — San Mateo Maker Faire is an annual event hosted by Make magazine, for those who combine science, technology, and art. It is regarded to be one of the best festivals of its kind and is not to be missed. This weekend-long faire features more than 10 hands-on workshops for kids, as well as hundreds of booths, exhibits and performances. This event runs Friday, Saturday

and Sunday. Buy tickets in advance online for the best deal. Fri 1p.m.-6p.m., Sat & Sun 10 a.m.6 p.m. $50/adults, $45/Students 13 and up with I.D., $35/Children 4-12. Children under 3 free. All ages. San Mateo County Events Center, 1346 Saratoga Dr., San Mateo. www.makerfaire.com

Nature Detectives: May Marsh Marches— Hayward Nature Detectives is a program for 3 to 5 year old children and their caregivers, designed to inspire curiosity and imagination by exploring the natural world through hikes, experiments and crafts. 1:00 –1:45 p.m. $8. 3-5 years. Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center, 4901 Breakwater Ave., Hayward, www.haywardrec. org

For kids walking up to 6 years. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $6/per child, per hour. Not valid on holidays. Sky High Sports, 1631 Challenge Dr., Concord. 925-682-5867, www.con.jumpskyhigh.com

24 | Wednesday

This is a chance to have sensory fun without all the clean up! Advance registration required. 10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m. or 2:30 p.m.-3:15 p.m. $5 per child. Ages 1 to 3. Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center, 4901 Breakwater Ave., Hayward. 510670-7270, www.haywardrec.org

Toddler Ramble — Hayward

Toddler Kindergym — Oakland

May Messiness-For some of us, this is our favorite month of the year, because each week we have the chance to get dirty! We will play with the mud outside the first and last weeks, so an extra set of clothes and boots might be needed. Otherwise, our messy play will just get hands dirty.

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.

Abraham Social Hall, 327 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland. 510-832-0936, www. tbaoakland.org

Vinyasa Flow Yoga with Childcare — Alameda Cleanse, stretch and strengthen the body, as well as focus and calm the mind. Link breath and movement and create internal heat with 60 minutes of Vinyasa Flow that will inspire. 9-10a.m. $6/per child for childcare, $10/adult yoga. Yoga Alameda, 1502 Park St., Alameda. 415-305-9575, www.yogaalameda.com

10-11a.m. $12/first visit, $132 for program sign up. Ages 1-3. Temple Beth

SCHOOLS

20 | Saturday Kids ‘n Kites Festival— Fremont The City of Fremont Parks and Recreation Department is holding its annual Kids ‘n Kites Festival. The festival is free to the public and includes free kites to the first 3,000 children in attendance. There will be live entertainment on the main stage, interactive booths highlighting summer activities, play area for the kids, food, and more. The festival has something fun for everyone! 10 a.m- 3 p.m. Free. All ages. Central Park, next to Aqua Adventure Waterpark, Fremont. www.fremont.gov

Enchanted Elements: A Magical Circus— Oakland

Saturdays 7 pm., Sundays 2 pm. $11 and up. All ages. Kinetic Arts Center 785 7th St Oakland (510)444-4800, http://www.kineticartscenter.com

Kids Love Trucks!— Redwood City Kids Love Trucks! Kids will be able to climb on and explore police cars, fire trucks and more! All booth vendor fees will benefit Magical Bridge Playground. 12 p.m. $Free. All Ages. Downtown Redwood City, Hamilton St., Redwood City, magicalbridge.org/redwoodcity/

21 | Sunday The Frog Prince— San Francisco Come see this original version of The Frog Prince filled with humor, music and good lessons. 1 p.m & 3:30 p.m.. $12/ person. Young Performers Theatre, Two Marina Boulevard Fort Mason Center Building C San Francisco, fortmason.org/ event/the-frog-prince/

22 | Monday Munchkin Mondays — Concord Energetic toddlers can jump for one hour or longer. Sky High Sports features dozens of large trampolines for hours of indoor bouncing fun.

TRIS

Circus Kids 4 Performance, now in its fifth year, is one of Kinetic Arts Center’s signature Youth Circus Training programs. The troupe features 16 performers between the ages of 8-13yrs old. Enchanted Elements will feature acts developed over several months of rehearsal and will showcase skills in partner acrobatics, rope, tissue, lyra and physical theatre.

anniversary

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

K/Elementary

Oakland Campus 9:30am-11:30am

starts at Oakland Campus 9:30am-11:30am

May 9

May 10

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.

May / June 2017 | Parents’ Press 33

26 | Friday

27 | Saturday

Friday Nights @ Oakland Museum of California — Oakland

Bay Area KidFest — Concord

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 p.m. Members and ages 18 and under free; half-off gallery admission for adults ($7.50) 50 10th Street, Oakland 510- 318-8400, www.museumca.org

Bay Area KidFest is a 3-day weekend of live entertainment, activities and sports for children to stimulate learning and exploration while presenting parents with new ideas and opportunities. KidFest also showcases community groups dedicated to families and children while celebrating the value and importance of families as a key part of a healthy community. Additionally, there are 20 rides (Ferris wheel, pony rides, EuroBungy trampoline, Bobble Lagoon, petting zoo, giant slide and much more). Rides and the food

SCHOOLS 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.

court charge separately from admission price. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday. Downtown Concord at Mt. Diablo High School, 2450 Grant Street, Concord. www.kidfestconcord.com

Family Matinee: Michel Camilo— San Francisco Explosive pianist Michel Camilo has mastered the trifecta of musical expression, blending classical music with jazz and pan-Caribbean styles, delivering spellbinding solo piano performances of standard and original works. With blurring speed and mind blowing independence, Camilo injects new life into the exquisite repertoire of one of the world’s great composers, and will surely inspire young musicians to look at the piano in a whole new way. 11 a.m. $5-$15. All Ages SFJAZZ Center, Miner Auditorium 201 Franklin St., San Francisco, ticketing.sfjazz. org

28 | Sunday San Ramon Art & Wind Festival - San Ramon

Now Enrolling

This festival is held in the city’s Central Park featuring 175 arts, crafts and specialty pre-packaged food booths, entertainment on three stages, kite-flying demos, kite making workshops, kids’ activities, nonprofit food and beverage booths.

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

Sun. & Mon. 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. Free. All ages. San Ramon Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Blvd, www.sanramon.ca.gov

Call today to schedule your tour.

for 2017-2018 School Year

granD lakE moNtessOri eLemenTary

Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir—Alameda Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir brings together singers and instrumentalists who embody a community of diverse races, cultures and faiths. They share an uncontainable passion for music with a mission to inspire joy and unity among all people through black gospel and spiritual music. Sun. & Mon. 1 p.m. $12 and up. All ages. Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Ave., Alameda, www.rhythmix.org

Leopard Shark Feeding Frenzy—Hayward Help a naturalist feed our resident leopard shark, surfperch, snakes and lizards. Learn more about them and our other aquatic and land inhabitants. who will get to the food first? 2 p.m. Free. All ages. Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center 4901 Breakwater Ave., Hayward, www. haywardrec.org

29 | Monday— Memorial Day Playland’s Extra Day To Play — El Cerrito The East Bay’s Best Birthday Party Venue celebrates its own 8th birthday with pinball and carnival-game contests, special magic shows and plenty of surprises! Our present to you is that we are OPEN Monday. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $10/children and seniors, $15/general admission. Playland Not-at-the-Beach, 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 510-592-3002, www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org

JUNE 1 | Thursday BAMPFA: Free First Thursday —Berkeley

MAYBECK HIGH SCHOOL

Berkeley’s Independent College Preparatory High School

Limited Openings For Fall 2017

2727 College Avenue www.maybeckhs.org

(510) 841-8489 34 Parents’ Press | May / June 2017

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

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First Thursdays are a great time to visit BAMPFA. The galleries are free all day and we offer guided exhibition tours. 11 a.m.- 7 p.m. Free. All Ages 2155 Center Street Berkeley, www.bampfa.berkeley.edu

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.- 7:15 p.m. $15 | per child. Ages 4-12.The Painter’s Pot, 5327 Jacuzzi St., Richmond. 510- 524-1939, www. thepainterspot.com

2 | Friday First Friday Youth Open Mic and Family Bookmaking- Oakland A night full of poetry, music, bookmaking, and the only magical bureaucracy in the contiguous United States that sells t-shirts. Featuring a youth open mic open to all young writers, hosted by Tova Ricardo – 2015 Oakland Youth Poet Laureate. The night will also feature bookmaking activities for kids, sign making, and food by Two Mamacitas Pop-Up Kitchen 6-9 p.m. Free. Chapter 510 & The Dept. of Make Believe 2301 Telegraph Ave. Oakland. 510-634-5170.www. chapter510.org

Oakland Museum. Explore science in the newly opened family-friendly exhibition Bees: Tiny Insect, Big Impact. Enjoy panning for gold with the drop-in activity. Round out your exploration of the galleries by painting a portrait of yourself to hang in the Gallery of California Art. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. All ages. Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., Oakland. 510-318-8400, www.museumca.org

Sunnyvale Art & Wine Festival— Sunnyvale Check out over 350 of the nation’s best artists, live music,kids’ rides, and fine wines. Enjoy delicious food and a professional stage with some

of the best bands in the region. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. All ages. Downtown Sunnyvale at Historic Murphy Avenue, S Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale

5 | Monday Baby Brigade at the New Parkway Theater — 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. 6:30 p.m. most Mondays, and midday showings on Saturdays. $8 | Parent. The New Parkway, 474 24th St., Oakland. 510-658-7900, www.thenewparkway.com

6 | Tuesday Monthly Mini Model Build — Pleasanton Visit a local LEGO Store on the first Tuesday of every month and learn how to build a cool mini-model, and take it home for free. Quantities are

SCHOOLS

Friday Nights @ Oakland Museum of California — Oakland Join OMCA and Off the Grid in April for DJs, live bands, dancing, gourmet food trucks, and more. There will be a family Drop-in activity related to one of the exhibits. 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Members and ages 18 and under free, $7.50 adults. Oakland Museum of California, 50 10th St., Oakland. 510-318-8400, www. museumca.org

Yerba Buena Gardens Festival: Alphabet Rockers — San Francisco Over the past decade, the Alphabet Rockers have honed a supremely engaging hip-hop act designed for children and families. With singer/ songwriter Kaitlin McGaw and beatboxer/b-boy/rapper Tommy Shepherd, this powerhouse group makes the world come alive through beats, rhymes, songs and dances. 11 am & 12:15 pm. Free. Children’s Garden, Yerba Buena Gardens 799 Howard St. San Francisco, 415-5431718, www. ybgfestival.org

3 | Saturday Bay Area Book Festival — Berkeley This free event has something for everyone and is not to be missed. Running all weekend long there will be free books, book-themed interactive art, book crafts, authors, illustrators, speakers, and more. The website is full of information about who | what | when | where! 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Free. All ages. Downtown Berkeley, from MLK Jr. Way to Oxford, and Addison to Berkeley High School. www.baybookfest.org

Cherry Festival — San Lendro Upwards of 30,000 people attend the Cherry Festival to partake in food, a beer garden, live entertainment, handmade arts and crafts, a special Kids Zone with rides and games, Farmer’s Market with lots of cherries, community and City resources, and a cherry store selling everything cherry! 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. All ages.Downtown San Leandro 384 W Estudillo Ave., San Leandro. www.sanleandro. org

4 | Sunday Free First Sunday at OMCA— Oakland Enjoy a free day this spring at the

May / June 2017 | Parents’ Press 35

limited and offer is good while supplies last only. One free model per child. See store for more details. 5 p.m. Free. Ages 6-14 Only. Lego Store, Stoneridge Shopping Center, 1 Stoneridge Mall Rd., Pleasanton, 925-737-0704

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

7 | Wednesday Free First Wednesday at Bay Area Discovery Museum — Sausalito Enjoy free admission and all the fun activities and displays at the Bay Area Discovery Museum today. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Bay Area Discovery Museum, 577 McReynolds Road, Sausalito. 415-339-3900, www. baykids museum.org

June 16 — Alameda County Fair — Pleasanton

9 | Friday Oakland Coliseum Ballpark Tours— Oakland Home of Moneyball! Take a tour of areas of the ballpark that are usually not available to the public, such as the Press Box, Owners Suite, Press Conference Room, Dugouts and Visitors’ Clubhouse. Cameras welcome! Tours are available on predetermined dates and times from April through the end of July. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. $20/adults, 10 and under $15, 2 and under free Oakland Coliseum 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland. m.mlb.com/athletics/tickets/ tours/coliseum-tours

SCHOOLS

BERKWOOD HEDGE SCHOOL Culitvating Creativity and Intellectual Curiosity Now Accepting Applications Limited Space Limited Space Available Availablefor for2016-2017 2017-2018 For more information or to schedule a tour, visit us at www.berkwood.org

Bites Off Broadway — Oakland The food truck revolution is here to stay, so bring the family down and enjoy an evening of delicious meals and treats in a low key, family setting. Bring picnic blankets, enjoy live music and lawn games with gourmet food. This event runs every Friday. 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Free admission, food prices vary. All ages. 365 45th St., Oakland. 510-654-6346, www. bitesoffbroadway.com

Splash Pad — El Cerrito Children of all ages can enjoy splashing in the padded sprinkler park at the El Cerrito Swim Center. Facilities include picnic area and changing rooms. This event repeats each Friday. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $2 per person, cash only. All ages. El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Ln., El Cerrito. 510-559-7011, www.el-cerrito.org

13 | Tuesday Children’s Yoga — Berkeley Join Prana for tiny yoga with tiny yogis. This is an ongoing class that meets each Tuesday. Drop in or sign up for a block of classes. 4-5p.m. $9/ student. Ages 3-5. Prana Yoga Center 1723 Alcatraz Ave., Berkeley. 510-655-3664, www.yogalayam.org

15 | Thursday 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 p.m.-9 p.m. Free admission. All ages. Piedmont Ave., Piedmont. www.piedmontavestroll.org

10 | Saturday

16 | Friday

Sand Castle & Sand Sculpture Contest — Alameda

Fan Friday A’s Game & Fireworks—Oakland

Start your creative juices flowing; bring your shovel and buckets to the beach to create a unique piece of art at the Annual Sand Castle and Sculpture Contest! This FREE event is a fabulous family fun activity to either participate in or just come down to watch all of the action.

6:35 p.m. Free with game admission. All Ages. Oakland Coliseum 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland. www.oakland. athletics.mlb.com

9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Free. All ages. Robert Crown Memorial State Beach. 8th Street and Otis Drive 510-747-7529, alamedaca.gov

Jack of All Trades — Oakland An eclectic event put on by the Treasure Island Flea promises lots of interesting workshops and activities for families. Tinkers, builders, and indie designers, plus live DJ and waterfront eateries.

Watch the Athletics take on the Yankees then enjoy a post game fireworks show.

Alameda County Fair — Pleasanton Fair Favorites will be back including horseracing, exhibits, animals, food, rides, games, pig races, Kids’ Park & STEAM Weekends, special event days and more. A complete schedule is available on the Fair’s website. Thru 7/9. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. $8.00-$50.00, under 5 free. All Ages. Alameda County Fairgrounds 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton, www.alamedacountyfair.com

11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. All ages. Jack London Square, 70 Washington St., Oakland. 510-645-9292, www.jacklondonsquare.com

17 | Saturday

11 | Sunday

The playground of maritime music fans, living history re-enactors and foodies enjoying micro brews and fresh fish and chips, but in Vallejo each Fathers Day Weekend, children are also invited to join over 30,000 visitors for cannon battles, costume contests, and treasure hunts. This festival offers a treasure trove of entertainment and activities for younger pirates.

Railroad Square Music Festival— Santa Rosa The Railroad Square Music Festival is a FREE day of music in Santa Rosa’s Railroad Square. Noon.- 7 p.m. Free. All ages. Railroad Square 135 4th St., Santa Rosa, secondoctave.com

No. California Pirate Festival—Vallejo

Sat. & Sun.10a.m.-6 p.m. $5 for adults, child 11 and under free with paid ad-

36 Parents’ Press | May / June 2017

welcomes parents and their children for an afternoon of fun, fun, fun. 2-3 p.m. Ages 3-5. Bay Street Emeryville. 510-655-4002, www.baystreetemeryville.com

Dance With Me — Berkeley Shawl-Anderson Dance Center’s Dance with Me class is for walkers through age 4 and their caretakers. Children and adults will dance, sing, play movement games and enjoy props for this fun filled 45 minute class. This class repeats every Wednesday.

mission. Waterfront Park, 289 Mare Island Way, Vallejo. www.norcalpiratefestival.com

18 | Sunday— Father’s Day Father’s Day Catch on the Field, A’s Game —Oakland Fans will have the opportunity to play catch on the outfield grass following the 1:05 p.m. A’s game against the Yankees. The postgame session will last for 15 minutes. Game tickets and Father’s Day Catch tickets are sold separately, and both are required to play catch on the field. Family and friends attending the game but not playing catch can watch the postgame catch from Section 130. 1:05 p.m. $30 plus game admission. All Ages. Oakland Coliseum 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland. oakland.athletics.mlb. com

Father’s Day at Oakland Zoo—Oakland Fathers get to ride the train for free on Father’s Day. Take a stroll to the Lion Deck, check out the Alligator exhibit, or see the Chimpanzees. Father’s Day at Oakland Zoo is a great way to surprise Dad with a gift he will never forget. All day. Free with admission. All Ages. Oakland Zoo 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland, www.oaklandzoo.org

19 | Monday Alameda County Fair — Pleasanton Fair Favorites will be back including horseracing, exhibits, animals, food, rides, games, pig races, Kids’ Park & STEAM Weekends, special event days and more. A complete schedule is available on the Fair’s website. Thru 7/9. 11 a.m. -11 p.m. $8.00-$50.00, under 5 free. All Ages. Alameda County Fairgrounds 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton, www.alamedacountyfair.com

20 | Tuesday

9 a.m.-9:45 a.m. and 10 a.m.-10:45 a.m. $16 per child. Ages walking-4 years. Shawl-Anderson Dance Center, 2704 Alcatraz Ave., Berkeley. 510654-592, www.shawl-anderson.org

23 | Friday Kids Night Out Pizza and Pottery — Berkeley Parents can drop the kids off at Brushstrokes for pizza and painting pottery. The kids will enjoy art and fun while the folks enjoy a date night. Admission gets each kid a pizza dinner and drink plus a $16 pottery piece to paint.

21 | Wednesday Pre-School Playtime — Emeryville Friends from Dance-A-Vision creates a new afternoon of activity focused towards kids between the ages of 3 years old to five years old. Bay Street

3 p.m.- 4 p.m. $15 adults, $7.50 kids 12 and under. All ages. Rockridge District, Oakland. 510-604-6546, www.rockridgefoodtour.com

26 | Monday Baby Brigade at the New Parkway Theater — 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. 6:30 p.m. most Mondays, and midday showings on Saturdays. $8 per parent. The New Parkway, 474 24th St., Oakland. 510-658-7900, www.thenewparkway.com

6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. $30 per child. Ages 5 and up. Brushstrokes Studio, 745 Page St., Berkeley. 510-528-1360, www.brushstrokesstudio.com

28 | Wednesday

24 | Saturday

Friends from Dance-A-Vision creates a new afternoon of activity focused towards kids between the ages of 3 years old to five years old. Bay Street welcomes parents and their children

Walk in the Wild — Oakland

Pre-School Playtime — Emeryville

The East Bay Zoological Society presents Oakland Zoo’s 25th Annual Walk in the Wild: An Epicurean Escapade! Don’t miss the fundraising event of the year - filled with live music, delicious food and drinks, and so much more. 5:00 p.m. $175. Adults only. Oakland Zoo 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland, www.oaklandzoo.org

Montclair Fine Arts Sidewalk Festival — Oakland This festival is located in the hills of Oakland in the Montclair Village Shopping District (on Mountain Blvd. at La Salle), continues to be among the most popular community events showcasing 90 artists from all over the Western United States. Repeats Sunday. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. All Ages. Montclair Village Shopping District (on Mountain Blvd. at La Salle) 510.339.1000 www.Montclairvillage.com

Italian Street Painting Marin’s Summer of Love: An Art and Music Experience— San Rafael

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the summer that changed the Children’s Yoga — Berkeley world, 1967! Italian Street Painting Marin is excited to celebrate this Join Prana for tiny yoga with tiny yogis. This is an ongoing class that meets far-out occasion through the captivating art of street painting and mueach Tuesday. Drop in or sign up for a sic with Summer of Love: An Art & block of classes. 4 p.m.-5 p.m. $9 per student. Ages 3-5. Music Experience! Repeats Sunday. Prana Yoga Center 1723 Alcatraz Ave., Berkeley. 510-655-3664, www.yogalayam.org

of all ages through Oakland’s Rockridge area to explore a variety of ice cream desserts—along with a little history as to how we came to enjoy them. Please book a reservation online.

10 a.m. to 8 p.m. All Ages. Downtown San Rafael 5th Ave & A St., San Rafael, www.italianstreetpaintingmarin.org

25 | Sunday Ice Cream & Gelato Tours — Rockridge Satisfy your sweet tooth with the Rockridge Ice Cream Tour! This onehour guided walking tour takes kids

for an afternoon of fun, fun, fun. 2-3 p.m. Ages 3-5. Bay Street Emeryville. 510-655-4002, www.baystreetemeryville.com

30 | Friday Alameda County Fair — Pleasanton Fair Favorites will be back including horseracing, exhibits, animals, food, rides, games, pig races, Kids’ Park & STEAM Weekends, special event days and more. A complete schedule is available on the Fair’s website. Thru 7/9. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. $8.00-$50.00, under 5 free. All Ages. Alameda County Fairgrounds 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton, www.alamedacountyfair.com

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

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

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. 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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38 Parents’ Press | May / June 2017