Dressed for Success | Gold Rush Road Trip | Understanding Your Childs Temperment
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Contents
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July / August 2017
Publishers Robert and Tracy McKean Art Director Debbi Murzyn Account Managers Carol Flores, Sophie Archer Contributors Aaron Crowe, Erika Mailman, Haley Reen, Rona Renner, Mary Ann Scheuer, Susan Solomen Yen Advertising Sales & General Info sales@parentspress.com Mailing Address 875-A Island Dr, Ste 421 Alameda, CA 94502
Features
11 20 Summer Camps 2017 Still looking for some great summer adventures? We have ‘em!
43,000 copies of Parents’ Press are distributed to more than 1,400 Bay Area locations. Send letters to the editor to editor@parentspress.com Family Fun Calendar submissions are due six weeks prior to publication date. Send calendar information to calendar@ parentspress.com Parents’ Press is published monthly. ©2017 Parents’ Press
Departments 4 Bookshelf Audio Books Bring Pleasure
8 Growth & Development Understanding Behavior
4 11 Book Titles Summer Reading List
8 Naughty or Nice Not Just at Christmas
5 Singleminded Summer Vacation
9 Family Cents Parent’s Money Habits
Camps...................................20-23
5 Hoverboard Safety Tips for the Family
10 On the Go Gold Rush Road Trip
Family Fun................................. 2-4
6 Kids’ Culture Dressed for Success
27 Family Fun Calendar
Preschools.............................26-30
Best Of 2017........................11-16
Classifieds.................................. 35
Health and Wellness.................. 7-9
Schools.................................30-36
7 Screen Free Summer Reduce Your Child’s Device Time
FAMILY FUN
4 Parents’ Press | July / August 2017
Advertiser Category Index
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July / August 2017 | Parents’ Press 5
By Allyson Bogie MaryAnn Ann Scheuer Byand Mary Scheuer
Bookshelf Audiobooks Bring Pleasure and Support for Reading Time
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arents and teachers sometimes wonder if listening to audiobooks helps children develop reading skills. If you don’t have a book in front of you, are you really reading? In order to look at this question, we have to understand the complex processes that are involved in reading. What happens when we read a book? How does the story come alive in our minds? What helps us understand the information the author is trying to convey? Reading definitely involves decoding skills — making sense of the string of letters and shapes on the page. These skills are very important for children, but they are not the whole picture. Understanding the story, thinking about the author’s message, using imagination to make a movie in your mind — these comprehension skills lie at the heart of what it means to be a reader. They’re what bring kids back to books again and again. These broader comprehension skills come from recognizing the words used, understanding the story structure, and connecting the story to your experiences and knowledge. It’s important to recognize that reading is a thinking process, and that much
goes on beyond decoding the individual words. The question then becomes: If these are the elements that impact comprehension, how do we support children developing and maintaining these thinking skills? Audiobooks allow children to focus on the key skills of understanding words and the overall story, and this helps develop their deeper comprehension skills. This happens when children listen to audiobooks on their own, not just when they listen and read. As a third-grader told me last week, “When you read you have so much in your head. When you listen, it’s easier.” One of her classmates added on, saying, “The audiobook reads the book really fluidly, so it’s easy to understand what they’re saying. They’re really expressing the story. They don’t just talk.” In 2015-16, WestEd conducted a research study in Berkeley that examined the impact of audiobooks on literacy skills for second- and thirdgraders. Students listened to a selection of stories each week, without reading the books at the same time. They were just listening and enjoying the stories. Students were asked to listen three times a week at school (each time for
Audiobooks allow children to focus on the key skills of understanding words and the overall story, and this helps develop their deeper comprehension skills. 20 minutes) and twice a week at home (again for 20 minutes). The results were clear and remarkable. Students who listened to audiobooks on a regular basis developed stronger reading skills — attaining 58 percent of their annual reading gain in just 10 weeks. In the study, the students who listened were three months ahead of the control group. How did they do this? Let’s look more closely at the component parts of reading development that the study measured. Students who listened to audiobooks increased their reading comprehension skills three times more than their counterparts. Their vocabulary gains outpaced their control group counterparts by seven times. All of this made students want to read more. We see this in their increase in reading motivation by four times, relative to their control group.
11 Book Titles to Freshen Up Your Summer Reading List
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nce summer rolls around and school lets out, kids find themselves indulging in several funfilled activities, and school is quickly forgotten. Summer reading is an effective routine to help prevent kids from sliding down that slippery slope of learning loss. Reading for fun could develop into a lifelong habit that will not only help with gaining knowledge but will also aid in acquiring important life skills such as empathy, acceptance and gratitude. It is not very difficult to find the right book for even the most reluctant reader. The expert curators at SmartFeed have put together an extensive list of books encompassing different genres for kids of all ages. Find below a few of the highly recommended book titles. The complete list of summer reading books can be found here (https://www.thesmartfeed.com/ staff_picks/summer-reading). Guess How Much I Love You (Ages 1+) https://www.thesmartfeed.com/creations/23989 Little Nutbrown Hare sets about to show how much he loves Big Nutbrown Hare but he always seems to be oneupped by his parent’s unequivocal love for him in this true classic for the littlest readers.
6 Parents’ Press | July / August 2017
Steam Train, Dream Train 1-2-3 (Ages 2-4) https://www.thesmartfeed.com/creations/22139 Perfect read-aloud book for little kids with trains, counting numbers from 1 to 10 and cute animal antics. My Heart Fills with Happiness (Ages 2-4) https://www.thesmartfeed.com/creations/21050 A comforting book for little ones (and grown-ups) that tells about the little things in life, when shared together with loved ones, that bring us the most joy. The Thank You Book (Ages 4-8) https://www.thesmartfeed.com/creations/the-thank-you-book Piggie is feeling grateful and is on a mission to thank everyone, but Gerald is worried that Piggie will forget to thank someone very important...find out who that is in this last book of the wildly popular Elephant and Piggie series by Mo Willems. We Found a Hat (Ages 4-8) https://www.thesmartfeed.com/creations/we-found-a-hat Two turtles are in a pickle when they stumble upon one hat that looks good on both of them. Young readers will enjoy the hilarious turn of events in the story, which ends with a wonderful resolution to the conflict.
Hiawatha and the Peacemaker (Ages 6+) https://www.thesmartfeed.com/creations/hiawatha-and-the-peacemaker The inspiring story of Hiawatha, a brave Mohawk warrior, and his spiritual guide, the Peacemaker, who are crucial in bringing about peace and unity among the five warring Iroquois nations during the 14th century. Pax (Ages 8-12) https://www.thesmartfeed.com/creations/pax Set against the backdrop of a war and its terrible consequences of loss, suffering and separation, this story of an unconditional and loyal friendship between a boy and his fox is heartwarming and emotional. Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer (Ages 8-12) https://www.thesmartfeed.com/creations/23552 City girl Sophie Brown is learning the ropes of life on a farm, which her father inherits from a great-uncle, where she ends up learning to care for and protect a flock of chickens with superpowers! Written in an epistolary format, this book will be a delight for middle-grade readers. Roller Girl (Ages 9-12) https://www.thesmartfeed.com/creations/roller-girl Themes of girl power, teamwork, perseverance and friendship feature heav-
As a teacher and librarian, this study confirms exactly what I’ve seen with my own eyes. When students listen to audiobooks, they are more engaged, they understand stories better and they WANT to read more. This is because audiobooks help them develop their vocabulary, give them access to more complex text and help them create a fuller mental picture of stories. As a parent, I’ve used audiobooks on long car trips but I’ve also used them at home. When my daughters were younger, we would listen to an audiobook while I prepared dinner and they colored at the kitchen table. Other children I know enjoy building with Legos while they listen to an audiobook. Listening can also be relaxing at bedtime. Listening to audiobooks provides essential support to the development of reading comprehension. But even better, it helps readers young and old discover the rich world of stories.
By www.TheSmartFeed.com
ily in this graphic novel that revolves around 12-year-old Astrid, who is gearing up to perform in her first-ever roller derby bout even as her best friend for life seems to be slowly drifting away from her. Will she able to save her friendship from imminent doom? Will she forego her dreams for roller derby? The Girl Who Drank the Moon (Ages 10+) https://www.thesmartfeed.com/creations/the-girl-who-drank-the-moon Winner of the 2017 Newbery Medal, this book tells the story of Luna, a young girl who is raised by the Forest Witch after she is offered up as part of an annual sacrificial ritual to protect the people of her homeland. An enchanting story interwoven with fantasy, magic, friendship and love, tween and teen readers will be thrilled by this book. The Sun Is Also a Star (Ages 14+) https://www.thesmartfeed.com/creations/the-sun-is-also-a-star Two strangers who are brought together by fate end up falling in love with each other. As cliché as this sounds, it’s the beautifully written coming-of-age story of how they come to realize they are meant for each other that will captivate the hearts of young adult readers.
By Susan Solomon Yen
Singleminded Summer Vacation
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ur most memorable summer vacation as a family was a cross-country trip from Boston to California. We landed at LAX and visited all the Southern California landmarks — Hollywood, Universal Studios and Disneyland — before heading north to San Francisco where our oldest son had just moved. It was two weeks of family togetherness. Well, we certainly appeared to be together, but the truth is my husband and I were already living apart. Even though his home was 30 miles from the children and me, he often visited on weekends. This was not the only time we traveled as a family during this tumultuous period. I think he was still conflicted and maybe a little guilty about leaving us. Perhaps these shared vacations were his way of saying he wasn’t ready to abandon us completely. If the children had any expectation that Mom and Dad were getting back together because we were on a vacation, they did not reveal it. Shortly after returning home, we legalized our separation and within the year began divorce proceedings. Since then the vacations we have taken have been separate.
Traveling on Our Own One of my proudest moments as a mother took place when I was still married. My husband, who was on a trip to Asia, had a stopover in Paris and asked me to bring the children and meet him there. Our three oldest boys were two, four and seven at the time. I was nervous about making this trip, but I had been to France before and spoke passable French. The boys and I spent four days on
our own. In one of those “what was I thinking” moments I even let the sevenand four-year-old walk to the patisserie for bread and chocolate by themselves. It was pre-9/11. Several years later the children and I took another solo trip from Boston to California. The two youngest and I clocked 1,600 miles on a rental car traversing south to north again. But I am a nervous traveler and I’m not very adventurous. I also had to work during that season when my kids were on school break, so for my children to truly enjoy summer vacations, I had to ask friends to include them in their own plans. For two summers, my daughter went to New Hampshire with a large family who somehow managed to squeeze her into the car amidst luggage, toys and water gear. My youngest son, Jake, went to Michigan for six weeks with one of his best friends. In later years, he flew on his own from Boston to San Francisco to join his oldest brother in a celebration of their shared birthdays.
From Visitation to Vacation While I missed my children, I did not worry about them while they were away. We communicated often and I trusted the families they were with. I wish I could say the same about the trips Jake took with his dad. By the time we divorced, most of my children were independent college students. Only Jake was still at home and still connected to his father. Unfortunately, our communication had just about completely broken down. When he took Jake on vacations, he did not tell me where they were going or when they would return. Needless to say, I was not
Hoverboard Safety
comfortable with this and eventually the visitation agreement was changed. San Mateo-based family and marriage therapist Sarah Proemsey encourages parents to respect each other and to keep those lines of communication open. “I think it is important for parents to continue to function as a team when it comes to parenting. That means making some decisions together because you are keeping in mind the needs of the child.” Proemsey continues, “Having the stage set for healthy communication allows the child to be a part of this process, which will increase their feelings of safety.” And I would add, confidence in the parent who is traveling with the child. “When divorce is in the picture, it is
even more important for the parents to exemplify respect and cooperation for the good of the family. Having this healthy system in place is fundamental and makes it easier to do things like vacationing with trust,” says Proemsey.
Time and Travel It took a while to choose which week to travel this summer. Jake has a summer job so probably won’t be going anywhere. He will once again celebrate his birthday with his brother, but they live in the same state now. I’m going to San Diego with my daughter. Their father? He’s in Paris again—with his new family. 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 susansyem@gmail.com
By Tracey Sutherland, cPNP Trauma Nurse Practitioner, Children’s Hospital
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elf-balancing scooters, commonly referred to as hoverboards, became wildly popular in 2015, when several manufacturers developed similar versions and marketed them in the United States and around the world. Right from the start of their popularity, safety issues were identified, leading to significant consumer concern and soon after, thousands of recalls. There have been several deaths directly linked to the use of hoverboards, whether related to injury while using the board or fire while recharging. Emergency Departments, pediatric as well as adult facilities, around the world began to see an acute elevation in hoverboard injury. Falls from the boards lead to concussions and more serious head injuries, fractures, internal abdominal injuries, hand injuries, and even death. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Committee (CPSC) launched a safety investigation and linked the hoverboard’s lithium-ion battery pack to the source of the fires. They developed a voluntary safety standard and urged suppliers to only import and sell those boards that were certified by the CPSC. This helped make the newer versions of the hoverboards much safer, however, safety issues remain and not all the boards have been certified to CPSC standard. Fatalities related to uncertified hoverboard fires have occurred as recently as 2 months ago in the U.S.
Due to the increase in hoverboard related traumatic injuries, the Department of Health in several countries has recommended a minimum age of use as well as restricted where the hoverboards can be used.
Due to the increase in hoverboard related traumatic injuries, the Department of Health in several countries has recommended a minimum age of use as well as restricted where the hoverboards can be used. Some cities in the U.S. have banned their use on public streets, restricted use to bike lanes or have implemented speed restrictions. What does this all mean to the consumer? Can a hoverboard be used safely? If you’d still like to enjoy the use of a hoverboard, here are some tips to follow to keep you and your family safe:
• Check online for all recalled hoverboards to be sure the device you currently have is not on the list. www.cpsc.gov/recalls • Purchase the board from a reputable source and know who to contact should you have any issues. Only purchase a hoverboard from a manufacturer that has been certified as safe by the CPSC. A certified device will have indication that the product is UL 2272 compliant. • Let the device cool for an hour or more prior to re-charging and store it in a cool vented area free of combustibles. Have a fire extinguisher close by. • Re-charge the battery during the day in an open well-ventilated area. Do not charge the hoverboard unattended or at night while you are asleep. • Do NOT ride near vehicular traffic. • Safety equipment must be donned for every ride for every user. This should include: helmet, elbow and knee protection, and wrist guards for protection from falls. • If you choose to dispose of your hoverboard, take it to the local recycling center for safe handling of the lithium-ion battery.
July / August 2017 | Parents’ Press 7
By Haley Reen
Kids Culture Dressed For Success
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efore being a parent, I would never have imagined how challenging it would be to dress my children. I don’t mean putting little legs into leg holes, I’m talking about that ominous collection of special circumstances that eliminate so many kinds of clothing items from the possible pile. Between the school dress code, my personal dress code for my children, my youngest’s sensory needs, my budget, and what’s on the market, there are a lot of limits on what I can buy for my kids to wear to school. Sometimes I look in envy at kids in their uniforms, but then again I know my own kids would fight me on the uniform every single school day if it were part of our curriculum. Shopping is complicated with two kids, a tight budget, special needs, and a lot of rules, but I do it! I am sharing my wisdom with other parents who are at their wits end trying to find quality clothes their kids can and will wear for school. My top tip is to shop off season in the next size up. Kids are going to keep growing. They will fit in even the biggest clothes you buy, eventually. If a favorite online retailer is having a clearance on parkas and winter boots this month, that’s the time to buy! Get those things you know will be perfect next winter or even the winter after that. My next tip for parents of girls, especially rowdy girls like mine, shop for jeans and shorts in the boys section. I can’t be the only parent who squirms at the length of most shorts in the girls department. But boys shorts come to the knee, and boys jeans are tougher and more durable. The boys department also has more to chose from in the shirt department for parents who, like me, have strict rules about characters, logos, extra distracting bits of flair on the clothing, and impractical sleeves and necklines. With a solid polo shirt and a denim scooter, and no one will be the wiser that the shirt came from the boys section. My most utilized tool is definitely thrift stores, consignment stores, consignment apps, and other parents with older kids! Kids grow so fast sometimes they don’t have time to ruin an outfit before it is too small, and most parents I know have a pile in the garage of outgrown stuff. Get a bunch of families together, bring the piles, and it’s a free for all with everyone going home with new stuff and getting rid of the old.
What doesn’t get taken can be donated to children in need within the community. There are a few new online options for the thrifter crowd. Poshmark, Thread Up, and Tradesy are all consignment apps. If your kid loves a specific type of shirt and it’s discontinued or hard to find, these apps allow users to search by name brand and size for items. The discounts are huge and some items are even brand new with tags still on, most are very gently worn. I recently bought a whole summer’s worth of shorts and tees for sixty bucks! Some parents need to touch and feel things before buying, and some kids need to have a choice in the clothes they wear or they may refuse them. In those instances, brick and mortar thrift stores are the best option. The Bay Area has quite a few, and they are clean, organized, and have quality gently used items. Here are some favorites:
Thrift Town — Richmond El Sobrante boasts the best thrift stores in the Bay, because Thrift Town stores are kept meticulously organized.
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The prices are unbeatable, a dollar or less for many things. One drawback with these stores is that the merchandise is as-is. It can be pulled, stained, or missing buttons, or smell bad. Always check first, there are no returns! Sign up for their VIP program for even more discounts. 3645 San Pablo Dam Rd., El Sobrante. 510-222-8696.
Kelly’s Corner — Laurel Heights This store has lots of great reviews online. In addition to the used kid’s clothing, they also carry some baby gear and toys, and do awesome gift wrapping! They carry local artist’s products too. 3901 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland. 510531-6810
Bird and Bean — Berkeley Bird and Bean is a little more upscale than other stores on this list, but they have a variety of price points, and lots of sample sale items from brand names that are usually too expensive for many families.This store has items that are
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more unique and stylized than the average kid’s clothing store. Elmwood is a cool neighborhood to stroll and this store also hosts a toddler music group. 3212 College Ave., Berkeley. 510-328-6485
Kids Are People Too — Castro Valley This store is a gem, especially because the owner, Sharon, is great at her job. Meticulous about what consignment she accepts, shoppers can be sure they will not find items with rips, stains, or missing bits. Customer service at this spot is A++, and prices are right. 3326 Castro Valley Rd., Castro Valley. 510-247-1258
Monkei Miles — San Francisco Monkei Miles is a refreshing burst of bargains in one of the most expensive cities in America. Here, guests will find brand names ranging in price from Old Navy to Mini Boden. This store is on trend yet affordable, and everything is EUC ( that means Excellent Used Condition!) 1523 Irving St., San Francisco. 415-6503031
Bloom — San Rafael This shop is not only a great place for shopping, they donate professional wardrobes to unemployed women so that they may interview and work with confidence. There isn’t much in the way of baby clothes or kids clothes, but there are on-trend and upscale brand items for teens, which is almost unheard of in the thrift world. Seriously, these are used items teens would actually be willing to wear! Everything is pressed and clean, the store is beautiful, and the customer service is great, plus parents might find treasures too. 1557 4th St., San Rafael., 415-453-1694, www.bloommarin.org Haley Reen is an East Bay-based freelance writer.
Screen Free Summer
I
s a screen-free summer possible? Andy Crouch, author of The TechWise Family, offers some tips for reducing the amount of time kids spend with their devices this summer: • Create a low-technology living space, whether at home or in a vacation dwelling: Fill it with things that reward creativity, skill, and active engagement: board games, books, journals, Legos and other building toys, art supplies, musical instruments, sports equipment and pool or beach toys. Push technology and cheap thrills to the edge. •
Protect the rhythms of life: If an entirely screen-free summer seems daunting, commit to regular techfree times: one hour each day, one day each week.
• Put devices to bed before you go, and don’t reach for them first thing in the morning. Your children—and you—will have a much more restorative night’s sleep. • Sing. Crouch is a big advocate of learning to to sing well—not in the sense of singing in perfect tune or like a professional, but in the sense of bringing heart, mind, soul, and strength to our singing. Get some songbooks or print out lyrics for family sing-a-longs. •
Spend time outside, in nature, without phones or cameras to hand. If you need a picture, sketch it rather than shoot it.
•
Allow time for boredom. Don’t attempt to keep your kids entertained every second. The fact is, the more you entertain children, the more bored they will get! Allow them time to use their imagination and creativity to explore the world around them, instead of filling all their times with screen-mediated entertainment.
Crouch, a senior strategist at the John Templeton Foundation, wrote about his philosophy on technology and kids in his new book, The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place.
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 July / August 2017 | Parents’ Press 9
By Rona Renner, RN
Growth and Development Understanding Behavior Through the Lens of Temperament Question:
The Lens of Temperament
“My four-year-old daughter Molly is a bundle of energy, and I just can’t keep up with her. My older son is content playing by himself or reading a book, but Molly wants my attention all of the time. Will she always be this way, or can I train her to be more like her brother? It’s only when the TV is on that I get a break to hear myself think.”
For all parents, understanding a child’s temperament is an important way to make sense of behavioral issues, social interactions and power struggles. Temperament traits can stretch or change over time, but acceptance of your child’s current temperament is a first step in figuring out strategies for more harmony at home. “Temperament” is a person’s first and most natural way of responding. It’s the way we move in the world. It’s the “how” of behavior — for example, how adaptable, persistent or intense a person is. Some children are high energy right from birth (and sometimes in utero) and want to climb and run non-stop, while others are happy to just watch you while you cook. Children come into the world with a style all their own. In the 1950s, parents (especially mothers) were blamed for all behavior problems. The pioneers in temperament research, Drs. Stella Chess and Alexander Thomas, were convinced that children had innate differences that played a key role in determining a child’s behavior. They knew competent and loving parents who had challenging children. Chess and Thomas defined these differences as nine temperament traits: sensitivity threshold, activity level, intensity of reaction, rhythmicity, adaptability, mood, approach/withdrawal, persistence and distractibility. There are many factors that influence your child’s behavior — including
Answer: Chances are Molly will always be a high-energy and interactive child, but as she gets older you should be able to direct her energy into creative or athletic outlets. Your son’s mellow temperament probably lulled you into thinking you could have a peaceful and quiet home life. At all stages of development, active and intense children need help directing their energy and often want someone around for company. Parents like you find they can get a break when the TV is on or if another child is around to play. Stay mindful of not using the TV more than the healthy limits you have set. Kids like Molly love attention and can be draining for parents who are lower in energy or stressed. Have a plan ahead of time to prevent frustration and yelling when your child’s energy gets too much for you. Setting up an art table can help, or having a child record a story or song. Try having a dance session with fun music while getting the table set for dinner. Creativity is required with spirited kids.
Naughty or Nice? Not Just at Christmas By Susan Solomon Yem
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y oldest son was an adolescent when my mother died. Although he was quiet at the funeral, he was impossible in the car ride to the cemetery. No amount of correction either his father or I attempted, worked. We finally decided keeping our distance for the remainder of the day was the only option. It did not occur to me until much later, that my son’s behavior was not naughty; it was his reaction to the loss of his grandmother. From that experience I realized that a child’s bad behavior might not be naughtiness; it may just be a response to a circumstance. Mountain View based family coach, Susan Stone Belton (www. susanstonebelton.com), says, “Naughty behavior is a request for parents to pay
attention. Kids usually misbehave when they are hungry, tired, frustrated or need attention.” Susan explains that sometimes children just do not have the energy or the words to communicate. “Misbehaving earns our attention and the child gets what he needs.” Chantal Dubuisson-Myllymaki, a Parent Education Instructor at Family Paths (www.familypaths.org) in Oakland, encourages parents to identify a child’s positive actions more than the negative. “If parents are spending the majority of their time focusing on the negative behaviors, they might be overlooking the efforts children are making to behave.” She adds that it is a child’s job to fit into the family — to feel significant and loved. “If a child is made to feel
10 Parents’ Press | July / August 2017
“Temperament” is a person’s first and most natural way of responding. It’s the way we move in the world. It’s the “how” of behavior parenting style, environment, genetic makeup, past events and siblings. Temperament is one part of the equation. There are no good or bad temperaments, but some children have temperaments that may be more challenging than others. So much depends on your own temperament, and how well you and your child fit with each other. For example: Your high-energy daughter wants you to play ball with her when she wakes up, but you have lower energy and like to read the paper. Her high energy gets on your nerves, even though it’s normal for her. Set a routine for how long you will read and help her decide what she’ll do till it’s time to play with you. Set a timer. Your son is slow to warm, and when you go to a friend’s house he wants to sit on your lap. You’re outgoing, and it’s hard for you to tolerate his caution. Give him time to get comfortable, and then he’ll be more likely to play with other children once he’s checked out the situation. You are fast adapting, high intensity and yell easily. Your daughter is low intensity, sensitive and slow to adapt. Lower your voice and calm down before you react to difficulties getting dressed in the morning. Take three deep
breaths before responding, and then redirect her. Strategies for addressing temperament can be as simple as providing fun activities and chores to keep highenergy kids busy, plenty of transition warnings to kids who adapt slowly, and making sure spirited kids get healthy food and the sleep they need. Parenting strategies also include making time for yourself, paying attention to your needs and getting help from the “village” around you. Keep thinking about your child’s strengths and passions. Sometimes you won’t know if a behavior is because of inborn traits, environmental factors, developmental stages or past experiences. See it as a puzzle with many pieces, and when you put them together you get a picture of a child who is complex and beautiful. Rona Renner, RN (“Nurse Rona”), is a nurse, a parent educator and a temperament specialist. The mother of four grown children and grandmother of two, she is the author of “Is That Me Yelling? A Parent’s Guide to Getting Your Kids to Cooperate Without Losing Your Cool.” Rona has been a radio show host for over 15 years and is currently a producer and host of “About Health” on KPFA radio 94.1FM. You can learn more about her at www.nurserona.com.
unimportant, insignificant, and unloved they might fall into negative behavior to establish a role in the family.” To help parents determine if their child is entering a negative cycle of behavior, Family Paths uses a tool called the Mistaken Goals of Misbehavior. “This helps parents and caregivers to notice how they feel when children mistakenly display negative ways of gaining attention and seeking power.” Identifying their own emotions helps parents not only understand what their children are feeling, but find ways to deal with the behavior.
had a monumental temper tantrum in the car because I would not buy him a toy at the mall. It took a lot of willpower on my part, but I kept quiet. Because I was not reacting to him, he ran through a litany of reasons why his was the saddest life, including, “You don’t love me. No one likes me. I hate myself.” I was fascinated by this toddler’s attempt at manipulation. My lack of response finally dissipated his fervor and he settled down. He never attempted that type of tantrum again. “Actions are usually indicators of something else in the child’s life that could be tilting his or her sense of balance and feelings of being grounded,” says Chantal. “Often the child who is behaving the worst is the one who needs support, comfort, and understanding the most.”
Limits and Rules Susan’s book, Real Parents, Real Kids, Real Talk (CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2011) teaches parents how to build healthy, loving relationships with their children. One of her recommendations is that parents set limits and create rules; “kids like knowing what is okay and what is expected. I encourage parents to set a rule, determine the consequence and follow through.” An immediate response to bad behavior teaches the child that Mom and Dad mean what they say. “The hope is that this kind of follow through will result in the child making better choices the next time,” says Susan. “Behavior management is all about teaching our kids to stop, think, and make the right choice.” Chantal offers, “giving a child an acceptable alternative is productive. Let them know what to do, rather than what not to do,”
What Is He Really Saying? When my youngest son was two, he
It’s the Behavior, not the Child It is important to not label a child naughty as Susan counsels; “Children might act in a naughty way, but the child is not naughty. When we label a child, that label can become a selffulfilling prophecy. Children are good. Their behavior might be bad.”Chantal advises, “pay compliments to your children often when they are well behaved. “ She also suggests that parents be positive role models. “Be courteous and gracious to your children and they will turn out to be like you.” As the mother of five, Susan Solomon Yem has experienced all kinds of parenting. Tell her your stories at susansyem@gmail.com
By Aaron Crowe
Family Cents Poor Money Habits Parents May Be Teaching Their Kids
A
ctions can speak louder than words, as any parent who has seen their children mimic their bad behavior knows. A swear word may slip out of a child’s mouth, for example, or they follow your lead and play on their phone for hours. Poor money habits by parents can also teach kids the wrong lessons. If left unchecked, they can lead to poor money decisions later in life. Here are some bad money habits parents can turn around to teach their children about money:
Impulse Buys Some impulse purchases can be fun. An ice cream treat after a tough week at school or a movie out as a way to break up the monotony of staying home too many nights can be worthwhile motivators for kids to do better in school or at least be a fun break. But if you can’t afford them, or spend too much on an expensive impulse buy — such as the latest technological gadget that you’ve coveted for months — then it can show a lack of restraint in how you shop. Even small impulse buys, if made often, can show your child that it’s OK to buy something without giving it much thought and that you always get what you want. But small purchases add up, and a better lesson would be to give up such purchases and put that money aside in a vacation fund for the whole family to enjoy the benefits of giving up short-term joys for long-term planning of a family vacation. Every parent has probably had their child ask for a candy bar or something while waiting at the grocery checkout line. Telling them no can be difficult,
but it beats raising a child who thinks they’re entitled to everything they see.
Not Letting Them Work for Their Money Giving kids an allowance is a great idea — if they work for it. Like indulging impulse buys, handing your kids some cash each week without them doing anything in return for it can lead them to equate you with being a bank. Money doesn’t just appear in your pocket magically. You work for it. And so should they, up to a degree. Parents provide clothing, shelter, food and other necessities through age 18, and even then, some kids are funded less than others as children age. What teen wants their parents picking out their clothes for them at the store? By earning money with chores or at a part-time job, kids can learn the value of a dollar and can find out firsthand how many hours of work it takes to afford that pricey pair of pants they want.
Not Setting Up a Bank Account for Them If your kids don’t have a savings account or college savings account by age five, you’re doing them a disservice. Heck, if you don’t have a savings account or retirement account, you’re doing yourself a disservice and teaching them the poor habit of not saving for the future. Birthday money and part of an allowance can be put into a child’s savings account. Regular trips to the bank to make those deposits can show them how banks work and why they should save.
If your kids don’t have a savings account or college savings account by age five, you’re doing them a disservice.
As children become teenagers, parents can help teach them about managing money by helping them get an ATM debit card, checking account and possibly a credit card with a low limit.
You Don’t Follow a Budget or Have Good Money Habits Just like the first tip on curbing impulse spending, parents’ money habits can filter down to their children. If you and your spouse don’t have regular talks in front of your children, or at least within earshot of them, then you’re doing them a disservice by not talking about how you make money decisions together. You don’t have to detail every expense in your budget, but your kids should have a general sense of what you’re budgeting for and why.
If you pay your bills late and constantly complain about how you can’t afford the gas bill each month, you’re setting a poor example for how to deal with basic bills. Show them how you budget for that bill each month and where cuts may have to be made to accommodate for it. Even if you make some parenting errors regarding money habits, try not to get yourself too down about them. These errors are learning opportunities at any age, and even learning them when you have children gives you a chance to correct them and lets the next generation learn from your mistakes. Aaron Crowe is a freelance journalist in the Bay Area who specializes in personal finance writing. He writes for various websites and has worked as a reporter and editor at newspapers throughout California. He also writes about his family’s personal finance journey at CashSmarter.com.
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By Erika Mailman
NEXT STOP: FAMILY FUN
On the Go Gold Rush Road Trip
G
etting your kids a visceral taste of the Gold Rush isn’t as difficult as you may think. Less than a three-hour drive from Oakland lies Sutter’s Mill in Coloma, the very spot where James Marshall knelt and picked up a hunk of gold, starting the whole stampede West to find more of it. The state parks website calls it “one of the most significant historic sites in the nation” — and it’s worth a day trip or even staying overnight. German-born Swiss pioneer Johann Suter, later called John Sutter, started this sawmill on the South Fork of the American River. He arrived when California was a Mexican province and established a fort in present-day Sacramento (more on that later). He created the Coloma sawmill to process lumber to build a city near the fort. One day, Sutter’s employee James Marshall
to dip candles or saw a log? Besides this monthly fun, October 12-15 is “Coloma Gold Rush Live.” Stretch your legs by finding the statue of James Marshall, erected over his grave in 1889. From the mill site, follow the trail marked “Marshall Monument,” which provides a nice, steep hike of 1.5 miles to see the statue. For more information, visit the official Marshall Gold Discovery website at http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_ id=484. To sign up for the free fourthgrader state park pass (which covers everyone who can fit in the car with the student), visit https://www. everykidinapark.gov/ On your drive back to the Bay Area, spend an hour or two at Sutter’s Fort in Sacramento. Built in 1839 by Sutter, this waystation provided respite for wagon train emigrants exhausted from
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was looking at the tailrace where water emerged from the waterwheel and saw a glint of gold. He and Sutter pored over books to determine whether the chunk he picked up was truly gold, and they tried to keep the discovery quiet. Sam Brannan, however, the man who founded San Francisco’s first newspaper, enjoyed dispensing news — he was gleeful when shoppers at his store paid with real flakes of gold. He inquired the source and promptly spread the word. He is said to have literally run up and down the streets of San Francisco (perhaps even the street today named for him) shouting, “Gold! Gold on the American River!” Ironically, he was unable to publish the news in his California Star because all his employees bolted for the gold fields. Today’s sawmill is an operational replica; you can see preserved timbers from the original at the Coloma site. At the Marshall Gold Discovery State Park, check out the wonderful, small museum that shows how the gold discovery impacted Native American tribes in the area, and visit many restored buildings that help interpret the past. Often, the blacksmith foundry is running and you can watch the sparks fly and maybe get a ring made from a square nail. The old county jail ruins are interesting, as are the two Chinese stores that survived racist looting and destruction of Coloma’s Chinatown, and even an 1880 fire. Pan for gold or jump into the river on a raft or kayak. Best of all may be wading into the cold river, imagining the men standing there for hours trying to find that tell-tale glint. On the second Saturday of every month, there is a Living History program with costumed interpreters displaying old-time crafts and inviting your participation: want to learn how
the push over the Sierra (including the survivors of the Donner Party disaster). The rebuilt adobe structure, abandoned when the Gold Rush began, sports walls 2.5 feet thick and 15 feet high. It’s now a state historic park. Sutter’s treatment of the Native Americans he pressed into service at the fort makes for an important teachable moment for older kids. Check the website for living history events that might make a longer stay profitable. For kids deeply interested in history and eager to have an immersive experience, the Sutter’s Fort Trappers Camp gives them a week of “living” at an 1840s fur-trapping camp, in either Red Bluff or Colusa. If a week is too long, the 24-hour Environmental Living Program may be more attractive; it’s for elementary-age students and includes an overnight stay at the fort. Circling back to Coloma, students can participate in the “California Gold Rush Adventure” offered through Coloma Outdoor Discovery School — in fact, many Bay Area schools bus fourth-graders up for this program. You can choose a one-, two-, three- or four-day experience of learning Gold Rush history, culture, music and ecology, including meals and overnight accommodation. To learn about the fort, visit https:// www.suttersfort.org/ For more on the week-long camp, visit https://www.suttersfort.org/exploreand-learn/trapper-s-camp. For the overnight at the fort, visit https://www.suttersfort.org/exploreand-learn/environmental-livingprogram-elp. For the Gold Rush adventure at Coloma, visit https://cods.org/program/goldrush.html.
Every year it seems to get bigger and better: Our annual Readers’ Choice Best Of list. Read on to find out what voters from Alameda and Contra Costa counties picked as their favorite schools, enrichment programs and family attractions in the East Bay. * denotes a tie
CAMPS Best Academic Summer Camp A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
Sarah’s Science - This Land Is Your Land (Berkeley, Oakland) SILVER: Ecole Bilingue De Berkeley (Berkeley) BRONZE*: Ohlone For Kids And Teens (Fremont, Newark) BRONZE*: Quarry Lane School (Dublin) GOLD:
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: The Saklan School (Moraga) SILVER: Viva El Espanol (Lafayette,
Pleasanton) BRONZE: Salesian College Preparatory (Richmond)
Best Animal Encounter Summer Camp A s Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Oakland Zoo (Oakland) SILVER: Lawrence Hall Of Science (Berkeley) BRONZE: East Bay Spca Animal Camp
SILVER:
Hills)
East Bay Regional Parks (Oakland
BRONZE:
Best Aquatic and Water Sports Camp As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Cal Swim Camp (Berkeley) SILVER: Richmond Yacht Club Youth Summer
Camp (Richmond) BRONZE: Alameda Community Sailing Center (Alameda) As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
City Of El Cerrito Swim Center - Swim Camp (El Cerrito) SILVER: Walnut Creek Aquanuts (Walnut Creek) BRONZE: Canyon Swim School (El Sobrante) GOLD:
Science Summer Camp Academic Summer Camp
Nature & Outdoor Summer Camp Holiday & Vacation Camp Science Class Counselor-InTraining Program
After School Enrichment Program
Join us for — rockets, robots, critters, catapults, knights, ninjas, and more in our award-winning camps, classes, and workshops.
Space is available in all programs.
As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Monkey Business Camp (Berkeley) SILVER: Steve & Kate’s Camp (Multiple
Locations) BRONZE: Camp 510 (Oakland)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD:
Creek)
Traditional Summer Camp
Best Arts and Crafts Summer Camp
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Lindsey Wildlife Museum (Walnut
Thanks for voting us BEST . . .
Sienna Ranch (Lafayette)
(Dublin, Oakland) GOLD:
BEST OF 2017
City Of El Cerrito, Recreation Department (El Cerrito)
For more information (510) 581-3739 or www.sarahscience.com July / August 2017 | Parents’ Press 13
BEST OF 2017 SILVER: Adventure Day Camp (Lafayette) BRONZE: Richmond Art Center (Richmond)
Best Faith-Based Summer Camp
Best Ballet Summer Camp
As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Camp Kee Tov (Berkeley) SILVER: Camp Gan Israel (Berkeley/
As Voted By Alameda County Voters
Kids ‘N Dance ‘N Theater Arts (Lafayette, Oakland) GOLD*: Oakland Ballet Company Boot Camp (Oakland) SILVER*: Alameda Ballet Academy (Alameda) SILVER*: Berkeley Ballet Theater (Berkeley) BRONZE*: Shawl-Anderson Dance (Oakland) GOLD*:
Oakland)
BRONZE:
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Salesian College Preparatory (Richmond) SILVER: First Presbyterian Church (Richmond) BRONZE: Camp Gan Israel (Danville) GOLD:
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Kids ‘N Dance ‘N Theater Arts (Lafayette, Oakland) SILVER: Orinda Ballet (Orinda) BRONZE: Lareen Fender’s The Ballet School (Walnut Creek) GOLD:
Best Circus Arts Summer Camp As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Kinetic Arts Center (Oakland) SILVER: Camp Winnarainbow (Berkeley) BRONZE: Trapeze Arts (Oakland)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department, Clownsnotbombs Circus Camp (El Cerrito) SILVER: Clowns Not Bombs (Bay Area) BRONZE: Kids ‘N Dance ‘N Theater Arts (Lafayette, Oakland) GOLD:
Best Counselor In Training (CIT) Summer Program As Voted By Alameda County Voters
Sarah’s Science - This Land Is Your Land (Berkeley, Oakland) GOLD:
Crosswinds Kids (Livermore)
SILVER: Camp Winnarainbow (Berkeley) BRONZE: Tracker’s Earth (Berkeley)
Best Dance Summer Camp
Best Family Summer Camp
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
As Voted By Alameda County Voters
As Voted By Alameda County Voters
GOLD: Dance 10 (Alameda) SILVER*: East Bay Dance Center (Oakland) SILVER*: Berkeley Ballet Theater (Berkeley) BRONZE: Alameda Ballet Academy
GOLD: Echo Lake SILVER: Cazadero Family Camp BRONZE: Lair Of The Bear
City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department LIT Summer Program (Leaders In Training) (El Cerrito) SILVER: Adventure Day Camp (Walnut Creek) BRONZE: Kids ‘N Dance ‘N Theater Arts (Lafayette, Oakland) GOLD:
Best Culinary Summer Camp As Voted By Alameda County Voters
Cooking Round The World (Multiple Locations) SILVER: Camp 510 (Oakland) BRONZE: Cook! Programs (Emeryville) GOLD:
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department (El Cerrito) SILVER: Cooking Round The World (Multiple Locations) BRONZE: Steve & Kate’s Camp (Multiple Locations) GOLD:
BEST OF 2017
(Alameda)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department Dance And Drama Summer Camp (El Cerrito) SILVER: Orinda Ballet (Orinda) BRONZE: Katie’s Dance Studio - Dance Camp (El Cerrito) GOLD:
Best Digital Arts Summer Camp As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Lawrence Hall Of Science (Berkeley) SILVER: Digital Media Academy (Multiple
Locations) BRONZE: Mr. D’s Music Club Summer Camp (Oakland)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: El Cerrito Camp Ravencliff SILVER: Camp Concord BRONZE: Cazadero Family Camp
Best Foreign Language and Cultural Immersion Summer Camp As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Shu Ren International (Berkeley) SILVER: The Renaissance International
School (Oakland) BRONZE*: Ecole Bilingue De Berkeley (Berkeley) BRONZE*: Escuela Bilingue Internacional (Oakland) As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: The Saklan School (Moraga) SILVER: City Of El Cerrito Recreation
Department (El Cerrito) BRONZE: Viva El Espanol (Lafayette, Pleasanton)
Best General and Traditional Summer Day Camp As Voted By Alameda County Voters
Sarah’s Science - This Land Is Your Land (Berkeley, Oakland) SILVER: Monkey Business Camp (Berkeley) BRONZE: Berkeley Day Camp (Berkeley) GOLD:
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: The Saklan School (Moraga) SILVER: City Of El Cerrito Recreation
Department Traditional Summer Camps (El Cerrito) BRONZE: East Bay Center For The Performing Arts (Richmond)
Best Gymnastics Summer Camp As Voted By Alameda County Voters
Head Over Heels Gymnastics (Emeryville) SILVER: Bay Aerial Gymnastics (Fremont) BRONZE: Bay Island Gymnastics (Oakland) GOLD:
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Encore Gymnastics (Concord) SILVER: City Of El Cerrito Recreation
Department Gymnastics Camp With Bindi Baker (El Cerrito) BRONZE: San Ramon Valley Dance Academy (San Ramon)
Best Health and Special Needs Summer Camp As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Raskob Summer Program (Oakland) SILVER: Quest Therapeutic Camps (Danville) BRONZE: Fiddleheads (Berkeley)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Walnut Creek Specialized Recreation Daycamp (Walnut Creek) SILVER: Quest Therapeutic Camp (Danville) BRONZE: Orion Academy (Moraga) GOLD:
14 Parents’ Press | July / August 2017
* denotes a tie
BEST OF 2017 Best Holiday and Vacation Camp A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
Sarah’s Science - This Land Is Your Land (Berkeley, Oakland) SILVER: Oakland Zoo (Oakland) BRONZE: Monkey Business Camp (Berkeley)
BRONZE:
Sienna Ranch (Lafayette)
Best Overnight Summer Camp
Best Technology Summer Camp
GOLD: Bananas (Oakland) SILVER: 4Cs of Alameda County
(Multiple Locations) BRONZE: Ala Costa Centers (Berkeley)
As Voted By Alameda County Voters
GOLD: Camp Winnarainbow (Berkeley) SILVER: Trackers Earth (Berkeley) BRONZE: Cazadero Music Camp (Cazadero)
Galileo Summer Quest (Multiple Locations) SILVER: Techknowhow (Multiple Locations) BRONZE: Lawrence Hall Of Science (Berkeley)
City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department Holiday Weeks, President Week And Spring Break Camps (El Cerrito) SILVER: YMCA (Multiple Locations) BRONZE: Kids ‘N Dance ‘N Theater Arts (Lafayette, Oakland)
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department Camp Ravencliff (El Cerrito) SILVER: CYO Camp (Occidental) BRONZE: Skylark Ranch Girl Scout Camp (Santa Cruz)
GOLD:
Best Horse Riding Summer Camp
Best Performing Arts Summer Camp
GOLD:
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD:
GOLD: Kenilworth Stables (Oakland) SILVER: Skyline Ranch (Oakland) BRONZE:Roughing It (Lafayette)
Best Leadership Development Summer Camp A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
Girls On The Go Field Trip Camp (Berkeley/Oakland) SILVER*: Trackers Earth (Berkeley) SILVER*: Cook! Programs (Emeryville) BRONZE: Camp Winnarainbow (Berkeley) GOLD:
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department L.I.T (Leaders In Training) Camp (El Cerrito) SILVER: Crestmont Summer Camp (Richmond) BRONZE: Diablo Theatre Company’s Singout (Pleasant Hill) GOLD:
Best Lego Summer Camp A s Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Lawrence Hall Of Science (Berkeley) SILVER: Techknowhow (Multiple Locations) BRONZE: Play-Well Teknologies (Multiple
A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
GOLD:
A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
Bay Area Children’s Theatre (Multiple Locations) SILVER: Berkeley Playhouse (Berkeley) BRONZE: Kids ‘N Dance ‘N Theater Arts (Lafayette, Oakland) GOLD:
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Bay Area Children’s Theatre (Multiple Locations) SILVER: City Of El Cerrito-Dance & Drama Camp (El Cerrito) BRONZE: Kids ‘N Dance ‘N Theater Arts (Lafayette, Oakland) GOLD:
Best Preschool Age Summer Camp A s Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Oakland Zoo Camp (Oakland) SILVER: Grand Lake Montessori (Oakland) BRONZE: The Child Unique Montessori School
(Alameda)
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: The Saklan School (Moraga) SILVER: Adventure Day Camp (Walnut Creek) BRONZE:Summer At Seedlings (Lafayette)
Locations)
Best Science Summer Camp
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
GOLD: Techknowhow (Multiple Locations) SILVER: City Of El Cerrito Recreation
Departments Lego Camps (El Cerrito) BRONZE: Play-Well Teknologies (Multiple Locations)
Best Martial Arts Summer Camp
Sarah’s Science - This Land Is Your Land (Berkeley, Oakland) SILVER: Camp Galileo (Multiple Locations) BRONZE: Lawrence Hall Of Science (Berkeley) GOLD:
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Camp (Emeryville)
City Of El Cerrito Recreation Departments Mysteries Of Science And Crazy, Funky Science Camps (El Cerrito) SILVER: Play-Well Teknologies (Pleasanton) BRONZE: Tech Know How (Multiple Locations)
Best Music and Singing Summer Camp
Best Sports Summer Camp
A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir (Oakland) SILVER: Jingle Jeff (Albany) BRONZE: Bandworks (Berkeley)
(Oakland)
GOLD: Kuk Sool Wan (Berkeley) SILVER: Aikido Shusekai (Berkeley) BRONZE: Emeryville Martial Arts And Sports
GOLD:
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Salesian College Preparatory (Richmond) SILVER: Diablo Theatre Company’s Singout (Pleasant Hill) BRONZE: East Bay Center For The Performing Arts (Richmond) GOLD:
Best Nature and Outdoor Summer Camp A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
Sarah’s Science - This Land Is Your Land (Berkeley, Oakland) SILVER: Adventure Time (Multiple Locations) BRONZE*: Avid4 Adventure (Multiple Locations) BRONZE*: Green Stuff Camp @ UC Botanical Garden (Berkeley) GOLD:
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department Summer Camp (El Cerrito) SILVER: Roughing It Day Camp (Lafayette) GOLD:
* denotes a tie
GOLD:
Best Cooperative Child Care Facility Montclair Community Play Center (Oakland) SILVER: Dandelion Nursery School (Berkeley) BRONZE: Sequoia Nursery School (Oakland) GOLD:
City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department Technology Summer Camps (El Cerrito) SILVER: Techknowhow (Multiple Locations) BRONZE: ID Tech (Multiple Locations)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: El Cerrito Preschool Co-Op (El Cerrito) SILVER: Pied Piper Preschool (Walnut Creek) BRONZE: Clayton Valley Parent Preschool
Best Teen Focused Summer Camp
(Concord)
As Voted By Alameda County Voters
Girls On The Go Camp (Berkeley/ Oakland) SILVER: Ohlone For Kids And Teens (Fremont, Newark) BRONZE: Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir (Oakland) GOLD:
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
City Of El Cerrito Recreation Departments Explorers Camp (El Cerrito) SILVER: East Bay Center For The Performing Arts (Richmond) BRONZE: Richmond Art Center (Richmond) GOLD:
Best Special Needs Child Care As Voted By Alameda County Voters
School Of Imagination In Dublin (Dublin) SILVER: Ala Costa Centers (Berkeley) BRONZE: Easter Seals Kaleidoscope (Dublin) GOLD:
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: We Care (Multiple Locations) SILVER: Bay Respite (Vallejo) BRONZE: Raskob Summer Camp (Oakland)
CLASSES AND ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS
CHILD CARE Best Child Care As Voted By Alameda County Voters
Hearts And Hands Christian Childcare & Preschool (Fremont) SILVER: Rockridge Little School (Oakland) BRONZE: Step One School (Berkeley) GOLD:
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: St. David School (Richmond) SILVER: The Saklan School (Moraga) BRONZE*: Nomura Preschool (Richmond) BRONZE*: The Child Day School (Multiple
Best Art Classes As Voted By Alameda County Voters
Oakland School For The Arts (Oakland) SILVER: Mocha (Oakland) BRONZE: Ohlone For Kids And Teens (Fremont, Newark) GOLD:
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Locations)
GOLD: Richmond Art Center (Richmond) SILVER: El Cerrito Recreation Department Art
Best Child Care Referral and Support Agency
Best Ballet Classes
As Voted By Alameda County Voters
Classes (El Cerrito) BRONZE: East Bay Center For The Performing Arts (Richmond)
As Voted By Alameda County Voters
BEST OF 2017
GOLD:
GOLD: UC Cal Camps (Berkleey) SILVER: Claremont Hotel Summer Camps BRONZE*: BRONZE*:
Avid4 Adventure (Oakland) Oakland Ice Center (Oakland)
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department Sports Camp (El Cerrito) SILVER: El Cerrito Sports Camp (El Cerrito) BRONZE: Salesian College Preparatory (Richmond) GOLD:
Best Summer Camp Hosted by a Museum, Zoo or Aquarium A s Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Oakland Zoo (Oakland) SILVER: Lawrence Hall Of Science (Berkeley) BRONZE: Habitot Children’s Museum
(Berkeley)
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Oakland Zoo (Oakland) SILVER: Lindsay Wildlife (Walnut Creek) BRONZE: Richmond Art Center (Richmond)
Straty Righellis, DDS Village Square at Montclair www.RighellisOrtho.com (510) 482-0600
Always Practicing The Four C’s
Care • Concern • Comfort • Convenience For the whole family
510.482.0600 www.RighellisOrtho.com
2220 Mountain Blvd • Ste 204 • Oakland July / August 2017 | Parents’ Press 15
BEST OF 2017 BRONZE:
GOLD*: Alameda Ballet Academy (Alameda) GOLD*: Berkeley Ballet Theater (Berkeley) SILVER*: Kids ‘N Dance ‘N Theater Arts
Best Gymnastics Classes
(Lafayette, Oakland) SILVER*: Paula Van Der Zwaan Dance Studio (Berkeley) BRONZE*: East Bay Dance Center (Oakland) BRONZE*: Berkeley City Ballet (Berkeley)
As Voted By Alameda County Voters
Head Over Heels Gymnastics (Emeryville) SILVER: Cal Gymnastics (Berkeley) BRONZE: Bay Aerial Gymnastics (Fremont) GOLD:
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
GOLD: El Cerrito Ballet Center (El Cerrito) SILVER: Kids ‘N Dance ‘N Theater Arts
City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department - Gymnastics Program With Bindi Baker (El Cerrito) SILVER: Encore Gymnastics (Concord) BRONZE: Liberty Gymnastics (Concord) GOLD:
(Lafayette, Oakland) BRONZE: Orinda Ballet Academy (Orinda)
Best Circus Arts Classes
Best Language Class
As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD*: Kinetic Arts Center (Oakland) SILVER: Trapeze Arts (Oakland) BRONZE: Circus Of Smiles (Oakland)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department Clownsnotbombs Circus Classes (El Cerrito) SILVER: Kids ‘N Dance ‘N Theater Arts (Lafayette, Oakland) BRONZE: East Bay Center For The Performing Arts (Richmond) GOLD:
Best Classes for Musical Instrument Instruction
As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Crowden Music Center (Berkeley) SILVER: Musically Minded Academy
(Oakland) BRONZE:
Cities)
East Bay Music Together (East Bay
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
East Bay Center For The Performing Arts (Richmond) SILVER: Lamorinda Music (Lafayette) BRONZE: Salesian College Preparatory (Richmond) GOLD:
Best Dance Classes As Voted By Alameda County Voters
Kids ‘N Dance ‘N Theater Arts (Lafayette, Oakland) GOLD*:Paula Van der Zwaan Dance Studio GOLD*:
Tehiyah Day School (El Cerrito)
As Voted By Alameda County Voters
(Berkeley) SILVER*: Berkeley Ballet Theater (Berkeley) SILVER*: Shawl Anderson (Berkeley) BRONZE*: East Bay Dance Center (Oakland) BRONZE*: Dance 10 (Alameda)
Sarah’s Science - This Land Is Your Land (Berkeley, Oakland) SILVER: Classroom Matters (Berkeley) BRONZE*: Girl Scouts (Multiple Locations) BRONZE*: Kids N Dance (Oakland)
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
GOLD: Katie’s Dance Studio (El Cerrito) SILVER: Salesian College Preparatory
GOLD:
(Richmond) BRONZE: San Ramon Valley Dance Academy (San Ramon)
Best Early Childhood Music Programs A s Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir
GOLD:
City Of El Cerrito Recreation Department (El Cerrito) SILVER: East Bay Center For The Performing Arts (Richmond) BRONZE: Richmond Art Center (Richmond)
Best Faith-Based Cultural Awareness Program As Voted By Alameda County Voters
(Oakland) SILVER: East Bay Music Together (Multiple Locations) BRONZE: Jingle Jeff (Berkeley)
GOLD: JCC East Bay (Berkeley, Oakland) SILVER: Pj Library (Contra Costa County) BRONZE: Mocha (Oakland)
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
GOLD: St David School (Richmond) SILVER: Salesian College Preparatory
East Bay Center For The Performing Arts (Richmond) SILVER: East Bay Music Together (Multiple Locations) BRONZE: Kindermusik (Walnut Creek) GOLD:
(Oakland)
SILVER:*: GISSV (Emeryville) BRONZE: Viva El Espanol (Lafayette,
Pleasanton)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
El Cerrito Recreation Department Enrichment Classes (El Cerrito) SILVER: Viva El Espanol (Lafayette, Pleasanton) BRONZE: Salesian College Preparatory (Richmond) (Richmond) GOLD:
Best Martial Arts Classes As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Aikido Shusekai (Berkeley) SILVER: Kuk Sool Won (Berkeley) BRONZE: Emeryville Martial Arts (Emeryville)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
City Of El Cerrrito Recreation Department Karate Classes (El Cerrito) SILVER: East Bay Judo Institute (El Cerrito) BRONZE: El Cerrito Martial Arts (El Cerrito) GOLD:
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
(Richmond)
GOLD: Ecole Bilingue De Berkeley (Berkeley) SILVER*: Escuela Bilingue Internacional
Best Enrichment and After-School Programs A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
BEST OF 2017
Spanish Immersion Classes & Camps Engaging curriculum uses music, art & games Experienced, dynamic teachers Ages toddlers to teens Small class sizes
r us fo Join elling, t story , art, i s u m c and s game of fun S N l! TO spaño -in e
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www.vivaelespanol.org • 925-962-9177 Lafayette • Pleasanton • and many schools all over the Bay Area
ST. DAVID SCHOOL “Where Faith and Knowledge Meet”
Strong Academics | Diversity | Faith Filled Community St. David School is a Preschool through 8th Grade Catholic school that offers a caring, faith-filled environment, where we focus on students individual needs. We foster the spiritual, intellectual, emotional, social, and physical needs of all students. Financial Aid is Available. Call today to schedule your tour.
Now Enrolling
for 2017-2018 School Year
870 Sonoma Street • Richmond Hills • 510-232-2283 stdavidschool.org • twitter.com/@StDavidSchool
16 Parents’ Press | July / August 2017
* denotes a tie
BEST OF 2017 Best Math Programs A s Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Kumon (Multiple Locations) SILVER: Brain O Magic (Multiple Locations) BRONZE: Firecracker Math (Multiple
Locations)
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Kumon El Cerrito (El Cerrito) SILVER: Huntington Learning Center (Walnut
Creek)
Berkeley Math Club (Berkeley) Mathnasium Walnut Creek (Walnut Creek) BRONZE*: BRONZE*:
Best Science Class A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
Sarah’s Science - This Land Is Your Land (Berkeley, Oakland) SILVER: Robotics For Fun (Oakland) BRONZE: Scientific Adventures For Girls (Oakland) GOLD:
Best Swim Classes A s Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Patti’s Swim School (Castro Valley) SILVER: Berkeley YMCA (Berkeley) BRONZE: Aquatech (Alameda)
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
City Of El Cerrito Swim Center (El Cerrito) SILVER*: Aquatech Swim School In Concord (Concord) SILVER*: Little Dipper Aquatic Center BRONZE: Canyon Swim (El Sobrante) GOLD:
GOLD: Classroom Matters (Berkeley) SILVER: Kaplan (Multiple Locations) BRONZE: Kumon (Multiple Locations)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Cal Prep Academy (Richmond) SILVER: Tutor Corps (Multiple Locations) BRONZE: Huntington Learning Center
(Walnut Creek)
Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir (Oakland) SILVER: Oakland Youth Chorus (Oakland) BRONZE: Mr. D’s Music Club (Oakland)
Ecole Bilingue De Berkeley (Berkeley) BRONZE*: Escuela Bilingue Internacional (Oakland) BRONZE*: The Renaissance International School (Oakland)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
East Bay Center For The Performing Arts (Richmond) SILVER: Salesian College Preparatory (Richmond) BRONZE: Scarlett Hepworth Vocal Music Studio (El Cerrito)
GOLD:
SILVER:
As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD:
Shu Ren International School (Berkeley) SILVER: St David School (Richmond) BRONZE: Tehiyah Day School (El Cerrito)
GOLD:
Best Theater and Performing Arts Classes As Voted By Alameda County Voters
Bay Area Children’s Theatre (Multiple Locations) SILVER: Berkeley Playhouse (Berkeley) BRONZE: Kids ‘N Dance ‘N Theater Arts (Lafayette, Oakland) GOLD:
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Bay Area Children’s Theatre (Multiple Locations) SILVER: City of El Cerrito-Dance & Drama BRONZE: Contra Costa Civic Theater In El Cerrito (El Cerrito) GOLD:
Best Tutorial Programs As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Classroom Matters (Berkeley) SILVER: Tilden Preparatory School (Albany,
Walnut Creek) BRONZE: Lindamood-Bell (Multiple Locations)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Brain O Magic (Mulitple Locations) SILVER: Kumon El Cerrito (El Cerrito) BRONZE: Huntington Learning Center (Walnut
Creek)
Best Testing Preparation Program
Best Voice Classes
Best Charter Elementary School
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Yu Ming Charter School (Oakland) SILVER: Francophone Charter School of
Oakland (Oakland) BRONZE: East Bay Innovation Acadamy (EBIA) (Oakland)
Best Alternative Learning Styles Elementary School A s Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Black Pine Circle (Berkeley) SILVER: Berkwood Hedge School (Berkeley) BRONZE: Park Day School (Oakland)
A s Voted By Contra Costa C ounty Voters GOLD: The Saklan School (Moraga) SILVER: Montessori Family School (El
Cerrito)
BRONZE:
St Paul School (San Pablo)
Best Bilingual Elementary School A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
Best Faith-Based Elementary School As Voted By Alameda County Voters
Saint Philip Neri Catholic School (Alameda) SILVER: School Of The Madeleine (Berkeley) BRONZE: Corpus Christi School (Piedmont) GOLD:
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD*: GOLD*:
Creek)
St. David School (Richmond) St Mary Of The Immaculate (Walnut
SILVER*:
Tehiyah Day School (El Cerrito)
Shu Ren International School (Berkeley) GOLD:
A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
BEST OF 2017 REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
REGISTERATION NOW OPEN at BERKELEYBALLET.ORG
Summer Ballet Classes berkeley ballet & Workshops (510) 848-SING eastbaymusictogether.com
Ages 2.5 - 18
ALL LEVELS
INSPIRING. CHALLENGING. FUN.
theater
where all can dance
BERKWOOD HEDGE SCHOOL Culitvating Creativity and Intellectual Curiosity Now Accepting Applications Limited Space Space Available Availablefor for2016-2017 2017-2018 For more information or to schedule a tour, visit us at www.berkwood.org
* denotes a tie
July / August 2017 | Parents’ Press 17
BEST OF 2017 Best Progressive Elementary School
Best Family Friendly Coffee Shop
A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
GOLD: Black Pine Circle (Berkeley) SILVER: Berkwood Hedge School (Berkeley) BRONZE*: Park Day School (Oakland) BRONZE*: Aurora School (Oakland)
GOLD: Small Talk Family Cafe (Walnut Creek) SILVER: Catahoula (Richmond) BRONZE*: Barrelista (Martinez) BRONZE*: Tal’s Patisserie (Danville)
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Prospect Sierra School (El Cerrito) SILVER: Montessori Family School (Berkeley,
El Cerrito) BRONZE:
Tehiyah Day School (El Cerrito)
Best Public Elementary School A s Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Crocker Highlands (Oakland) SILVER: Montclair Elementary (Oakland) BRONZE: Chabot Elementary (Oakland) SILVER*:
Cerrito)
St. Jerome Catholic School (El
BRONZE*: BRONZE*:
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD:
Creek)
St. Joseph (Pinole) St. Perpetua (Lafayette)
Murwood Elementary School (Walnut
Harding Elementary School - Wccusd (El Cerrito) BRONZE: Kensington Hilltop Elementary (Kensington) SILVER:
Best Independent Elementary School As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Black Pine Circle (Berkeley) SILVER*: Ecole Bilingue De Berkeley
(Berkeley)
SILVER*: Berkwood Hedge School (Berkeley) BRONZE*: Head Royce School (Oakland) BRONZE*: Bentley School (Oakland)
The Saklan School (Moraga) SILVER: Prospect Sierra School (El Cerrito) BRONZE*: Montessori Family School (Berkeley, El Cerrito) BRONZE*: Seven Hills School (Walnut Creek)
Best Burger Joint
As Voted By Alameda County Voters
A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
The Renaissance International School (Oakland) SILVER: Montessori Elementary School Of Alameda (Alameda) BRONZE: Little Elephant Montessori (Oakland)
GOLD: Barney’s (Multiple Locations) SILVER: Farm Burger (Berkeley) BRONZE: Park Burger (Oakland)
GOLD:
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Barney’s (Multiple Locations) SILVER: The Habit (Multiple Locations) BRONZE: The Counter (Walnut Creek)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Montessori Family School (Berkeley, El Cerrito) SILVER: Concordia School (Concord) BRONZE: Eagle Peak Montessori (Walnut Creek) GOLD:
Best Dim Sum Restaurant A s Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: East Ocean Restaurant (Alameda) SILVER: Peony Restaurant (Oakland) BRONZE: Golden Sand Harbor (Dublin)
n Shoes o i h Fas Gift Toys
cute!
s
s ig Kid Size
Baby to B YAY!
Lafayette) BRONZE:
Pinkberry (Walnut Creek)
Best Ice Cream Parlor As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Fentons (Oakland) SILVER: Ici (Berkeley) BRONZE: Tuckers Super Creamed Ice Cream
(Alameda)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
San Francisco Ice Creamery (Walnut
Creek)
SILVER: Loard’s (Walnut Creek) BRONZE: Cream (Multiple Locations)
As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Trabacco (Alameda) SILVER: Dopo (Oakland) BRONZE: Trattoria Siciliana
(Berkeley)
Jelly Belly Visitor’s Center As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: La Strada (San Pablo) SILVER: Mangia Mangia (Albany) BRONZE: Salute (Richmond)
Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant (Any Ethnicity) As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Picante (Berkeley) SILVER: Cactus (Berkeley, Oakland) BRONZE: Tomatina On Park St (Alameda)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Kensington Circus Pub (Kensington) SILVER*: Farm Burger (Berkeley) SILVER*: Small Talk Family Cafe (Walnut
Creek)
BRONZE:
El Mono (El Cerrito)
Best Mexican Restaurant GOLD: Picante (Berkeley) SILVER: Cactus (Berkeley, Oakland) BRONZE: La Penca Azul (Alameda)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Portumex (Richmond) SILVER: Los Ponchos (Danville) BRONZE: La Tapatia (Martinez)
Best Pizza Parlor
18 Parents’ Press | July / August 2017
Best Athletic Clubs As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: YMCA (Oakland) SILVER: Bladium (Alameda) BRONZE: Mariner Square Athletic Club
(Alameda)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Club Sport (Walnut Creek) SILVER: YMCA Irvin Deucher (Pleasant Hill) BRONZE: 24 Hour Fitness (Multiple
Locations)
Best Bowling Alley As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Albany (Albany) SILVER: Plank (Oakland) BRONZE: AMF Southshore Lanes
(Alameda)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Albany Bowl (Albany) SILVER: Danville Bowl (Danville) BRONZE: Clayton Valley Bowl (Clayton)
Best Family Fair or Festival As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Solano Stroll (Albany) SILVER: Alameda County Fair (Pleasanton) BRONZE*: Art And Soul (Oakland) BRONZE*: Park Street Art & Wine Festival
(Alameda)
Best Indoor Play Place As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: The Lawrence Hall Of Science (Berkeley) SILVER: Bay Area Discovery Museum
(Sausalito) BRONZE: Habitot (Berkeley)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Playland Not At The Beach (El Cerrito) SILVER: Sky High Sports (Concord) BRONZE: Studio Grow (Blackhawk)
Best Local Farm As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Little Farm (Berkeley) SILVER: Ardenwood (Fremont) BRONZE: Clayton Farms (Castro Valley)
Best Museum As Voted By Alameda County Voters
Oakland Museum (Oakland)
GOLD:
SILVER: Lawrence Hall Of Science (Berkeley) BRONZE*: UC Botanical Garden (Berkeley) BRONZE*: Habitot Children’s Museum
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
As Voted By Alameda County Voters
510.649.7446
GOLD: Playland Not At The Beach (El Cerrito) SILVER: Studio Grow (Blackhawk) BRONZE: Pixieland Amusement Park
GOLD: Zachary’s (Berkeley, Oakland) SILVER: Cheeseboard (Berkeley) BRONZE: Goia (Berkeley)
Best Sushi Restaurant
2108 Vine St., Berkeley, CA
GOLD: Oakland Zoo (Oakland) SILVER: Children’s Fairyland (Oakland)
As Voted By Alameda County Voters
GOLD: Little Star (Berkeley) SILVER: Skippolinis (Concord, Walnut Creek) BRONZE: Pizza Antica (Lafayette)
Kid Dynamo
As Voted By Alameda County Voters
(Concord)
GOLD: Yogurt Land (Multiple Locations) SILVER: The Yogurt Shack (Concord, Danville,
As Voted By Alameda County Voters
BEST OF 2017
Best Amusement Park
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Best Italian Restaurant
Best Montessori Elementary School
FUN & ATTRACTIONS
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
FOOD
Kiralla (Berkeley)
GOLD: Yogurtland (Multiple Locations) SILVER: Yogurt Park (Berkeley) BRONZE: Menchies (Multiple Locations)
GOLD:
Raskob Day School/Learning Institute (Oakland) SILVER: Stellar Academy For Dyslexics (Newark) BRONZE: Eldridge Elementary Special Ed (Hayward)
GOLD:
As Voted By Alameda County Voters
Best Special Needs Programs in Elementary School GOLD:
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Best Frozen Yogurt Outlet
BRONZE:
GOLD: Kirala (Berkeley) SILVER: Ozumo (Oakland) BRONZE: Kamakura (Alameda)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Katana-Ya Ramen (El Cerrito) SILVER: Taki Sushi (El Cerrito)
(Berkeley)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD:
Creek)
Lindsay Wildlife Museum (Walnut
Rosie The Riveter Museum (Richmond) BRONZE: Bay Area Discovery Museum (Sausalito) SILVER:
Best Place for Ice Skating As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Oakland Ice (Oakland) SILVER: Dublin Iceland (Dublin)
* denotes a tie
BEST OF 2017 (Walnut Creek)
(Oakland) SILVER: Oakland Charter High (Oakland) BRONZE: ACLC (Alameda)
Best Pediatrician
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
As Voted By Alameda County Voters
Dr. Elizabeth Salzburg (Kiwi Pediatrics) (Berkeley) SILVER: Dr. B. Anne Parker, Alameda Pediatric (Alameda) BRONZE: Dr. Ann Marie Franks (Berkeley)
GOLD:
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Best Faith-Based High School
GOLD: Amy Sobel - Kaiser Pinole (Pinole) SILVER*: Dr. Brad Lewis (Walnut Creek) SILVER*: Herculean Babies (Hercules)
Best Speech Therapist As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Communication Works (Oakland) SILVER: Word Works (Oakland) BRONZE: Amy Faltz (Albany, Oakland)
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
City Of Walnut Creek’s Ice Skating Pop-Up Rink (Walnut Creek) SILVER: Dublin Ca Iceland (Dublin) BRONZE: City Of Martinez’s Ice Skating Pop-Up Rink (Martinez) GOLD:
Best Place to Entertain Your Teen A s Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Rockin’ Jump (Dublin, Fremon) SILVER: Museum Of Art And Digital
Entertainment (Oakland)
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Playland Not At The Beach (El Cerrito) SILVER: Richmond Art Center (Richmond) BRONZE: East Bay Center For The Performing
Arts (Richmond)
Best Zoo or Aquarium A s Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Oakland Zoo (Oakland) SILVER: Monterey Aquarium BRONZE*: California Academy Of Science
(San Francisco) BRONZE*: San Francisco Zoo (San Francisco)
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Oakland Zoo (Oakland) SILVER: San Francisco Zoo (San Francisco) BRONZE:
Creek)
Lindsay Wildlife Museum (Walnut
GOLD: Dr. Jason Fung (Oakland) SILVER: Dr. Dunn (Berkeley) BRONZE: Warren Dotz (Berkeley)
Best Hospital/Medical Center As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Kaiser Oakland (Oakland) SILVER: UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital
Oakland (Oakland) BRONZE: Sutter Alta Bates Berkeley (Berkeley, Oakland)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Kaiser Permanente (San Rafael) SILVER: John Muir Hospital (Walnut Creek) BRONZE: San Ramon Medical Center (San
Ramon)
Best Learning Disabilities Specialist As Voted By Alameda County Voters
Coolest Place to Take a Tour A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD*: Eye Love Optometry (Pinole) GOLD*: Orinda Optometry (Orinda) SILVER: Point Richmond Optometry
GOLD: Jelly Belly Factory (Fairfield) SILVER: Muir Woods (Marin County) BRONZE: Pixar (Emeryville)
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Jelly Belly Factory (Fairfield) SILVER: Vasco Caves Regional Park
(Byron)
HEALTH Best Allergist As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Dr. Jill Cohn (Berkeley) SILVER: Dr. Lenoir (Oakland) BRONZE: Dr Lee (Dublin, Fremont)
Best Birthing Center
GOLD: Kaiser Oakland (Oakland) SILVER: Alta Bates Hospital (Berkeley)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Kaiser Permanente (San Rafael) SILVER: John Muir Hospital (Walnut Creek) BRONZE: San Ramon Medical Center (San
Ramon)
Best Dermatologist As Voted By Alameda County Voters
(Richmond) BRONZE: West Coast Optometry (El Cerrito)
Best Independent High School
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Walnut Creek (Walnut Creek) SILVER: Innersport (Berkeley) BRONZE: Richard Burg, DC (Oakland) GOLD:
HIGH SCHOOLS Best Alternative Learning Style High School A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
Tilden Preparatory School (Albany, Walnut Creek) SILVER: Maybeck High School (Berkeley) BRONZE: Bayhill High School (Berkeley) Tilden Preparatory School (Albany, Walnut Creek) SILVER: Salesian College Preparatory (Richmond) BRONZE*: Orinda Academy (Orinda) BRONZE*: Orion Academy (Moraga) GOLD:
Best Boarding School in the Bay Area As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Athenian (Danville) SILVER: Woodside Priory (Portola Valley) BRONZE: San Domenico (San Anselmo)
Best Charter High School
As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Head Royce School (Oakland) SILVER*: The College Preparatory School
(Oakland)
SILVER*: Maybeck High School (Berkeley) BRONZE: Tilden Preparatory School (Albany,
Walnut Creek)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Tilden Preparatory School (Albany, Walnut Creek) SILVER*: Salesian College Prep (Richmond) SILVER*: Bentley School (Lafayette) BRONZE: Orinda Academy (Orinda) GOLD:
Best Progressive High School As Voted By Alameda County Voters
Head Royce School (Oakland) The College Preparatory School (Oakland) SILVER: Maybeck High School (Berkeley) BRONZE: Mentoring Academy (Oakland) GOLD*: GOLD*:
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Tilden Preparatory School (Albany, Walnut Creek) SILVER: Carondelet High School (Concord) BRONZE: Bentley School (Oakland) GOLD:
Best Public High School As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Berkeley High School (Berkeley) SILVER: Piedmont High School (Piedmont) BRONZE: Alameda High School (Alameda )
As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD:
Best Orthodontist
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland (Oakland) SILVER: Innersport (Berkeley) BRONZE: Richard Burg, DC (Oakland) GOLD:
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
GOLD: UC Berkeley Optometry (Berkeley) SILVER: Albany Berkeley Optometry (Albany) BRONZE: Island Eye Care (Alameda)
(Hayward) BRONZE: Holy Names High School (Oakland)
As Voted By Alameda County Voters
Best Sports Medicine Practice
Best Mental Health Practice
As Voted By Alameda County Voters
GOLD: Bishop O’dowd High School (Oakland) SILVER*: St. Joseph Notre Dame (Alameda) SILVER*: Moreau Catholic High School
Salesian College Preparatory Richmond SILVER: De La Salle (Concord) BRONZE*: Berean (Walnut Creek) BRONZE*: Carondelet High School (Concord)
GOLD:
Best Optometrist
As Voted By Alameda County Voters
GOLD:
GOLD: Dr. Brad Berman (Walnut Creek) SILVER: Eva Marlatt @ Pegged (Berkeley) BRONZE: Rita Meagher Chappelle (Oakland)
GOLD: Family Paths (Oakland) SILVER: Maria Mishkind Villela (Oakland) BRONZE: Dr. Bradley Engwall (Berkeley)
Tilden Preparatory School (Albany, Walnut Creek) SILVER: Salesian College Prep (Richmond) BRONZE: Leadership High School (Richmond)
GOLD:
Oakland School For The Arts
As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Dr. Righellis (Oakland) SILVER: Dr Parker (Alameda) BRONZE: I Song Orthodontics
(Albany)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Axelrod Orthodontists Moraga (Moraga) SILVER: Dr. Aubrey Barrett, El Cerrito (El Cerrito) BRONZE: Kennteth Brannan (Albany) GOLD:
Best Pediatric Dentist As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Aloha Pediatric Dentistry (Orinda) SILVER*: Alameda Pediatric Dentistry
(Alameda,Oakland, Pleasanton) SILVER*: Dr. Denise Bass Allen (Oakland) BRONZE: Dr Jacklynn Thai (Hayward) As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Aloha Pediatric Dentistry (Orinda) SILVER: Dr. Nicholas Ching, D.D.S, El Cerrito
Ca (El Cerrito) BRONZE: Snoopy Dentist Walnut Creek * denotes a tie
July / August 2017 | Parents’ Press 19
BEST OF 2017 As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Las Lomas (Walnut Creek) SILVER: El Cerrito High School - Wccusd
Cerrito)
BRONZE*: BRONZE*:
Creek)
GOLD: Step One School (Berkeley) SILVER*: Grand Lake Montessori (Oakland) SILVER*: JCC East Bay Preschool (Berkeley) BRONZE*: Rockridge Little School (Oakland) BRONZE*: Quarry Lane Preschool (Dublin)
(El
Acalanes High School (Lafayette) Northgate High School (Walnut
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Nomura Preschool (Richmond) SILVER: The Child Day School (Multiple
Best Special Needs Programs in a High School
Locations) BRONZE: Old Firehouse School (Lafayette, Walnut Creek)
As Voted By Alameda County Voters
Tilden Preparatory School (Albany, Walnut Creek) SILVER: Bayhill High School (Berkeley) BRONZE*: Oakland Tech Inclusion Program (Oakland) BRONZE*: The Phillips Academy (Alameda) GOLD:
Best Montessori Preschool A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Orion Academy (Moraga) SILVER: Holden High School (Orinda) BRONZE*: Fusion Academy (Walnut Creek) BRONZE*: Halstrom Academy (Walnut Creek)
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
Best Montessori Middle School As Voted By Alameda County Voters
The Renaissance International School (Oakland) SILVER: Montessori Family School (Berkeley, El Cerrito) BRONZE: Valley Montessori School (Livermore) GOLD:
Best Bilingual Middle School As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Ecole Bilingue De Berkeley (Berkeley) SILVER*: Shu Ren International School
(Berkeley)
The Renaissance International School (Oakland) BRONZE: Escuela Bilingue Internacional (Oakland) SILVER*:
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: St Paul School (San Pablo) SILVER: Tehiyah Day School (El Cerrito) BRONZE: Koremsatsu Middle School -
Wccusd (El Cerrito)
Best Charter Middle School As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Academy Of Alameda (Alameda) SILVER: North Oakland Community Charter
School (Oakland) BRONZE: East Bay Innovation Acadamy (Oakland)
Best Faith-Based Middle School As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: School Of The Madeleine (Berkeley) SILVER*: Saint Philip Neri Catholic School
(Alameda) SILVER*: Corpus Christi School (Piedmont) BRONZE: Oakland Hebrew Day School (Oakland) A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD*: GOLD*:
Creek)
Tehiyah Day School (El Cerrito) St Mary Of The Immaculate (Walnut
SILVER: St Paul School (San Pablo) BRONZE*: St Joseph Pinole (Pinole) BRONZE*: St. David School (Richmond)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Montessori Family School (Berkeley, El Cerrito) SILVER: Eagle Peak Montessori (Walnut Creek) BRONZE: Fountainhead (Multiple Locations) GOLD:
Best Progressive Middle School As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Park Day School (Oakland) SILVER: East Bay School for Boys (Berkeley) BRONZE: Julia Morgan School for Girls
(Oakland)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Tilden Preparatory School (Albany, Walnut Creek) SILVER*: Tehiyah Day School (El Cerrito) SILVER*: Prospect Sierra (El Cerrito) BRONZE*: Montessori Family School (El Cerrito) BRONZE*: Seven Hills School (Walnut Creek) GOLD:
Best Public Middle School A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
Oakland School For The Arts (Oakland) SILVER: King Middle School (Berkeley) BRONZE: Lincoln Middle School (Alameda ) GOLD:
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD:
Creek)
Walnut Creek Intermediate (Walnut
Koremsatsu Middle School - Wccusd (El Cerrito) BRONZE*: Pleasant Hill Middle (Pleasant Hill) BRONZE*: Joaquin Moraga (Moraga) SILVER:
BRONZE*:
(Oakland) BRONZE*:
Escuela Bilingue Internacional GISSV (Berkeley)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Clayton Valley Parent Preschool (Concord) SILVER*: La Casita Bilingue (Pinole) SILVER*: Viva El Espanol (Lafayette, Pleasanton) BRONZE: Kids Into Speaking Spanish, Lafayette (Lafayette) GOLD:
Best Cooperative Preschool As Voted By Alameda County Voters
GOLD: El Cerrito Preschool Co-Op (El Cerrito) SILVER*: Clayton Valley Parent Preschool
(Concord)
SILVER*: MVPC Nurtury Preschool (Moraga) BRONZE*: Pied Piper Preschool (Walnut
Creek)
BRONZE*:
Skytown Preschool (Kensington)
GOLD: Prospect Sierra School (El Cerrito) SILVER*: St. David School (Richmond) SILVER*: Montessori Family School
GOLD: JCC East Bay Preschool (Berkeley) SILVER: Gan Mah Tov Preschool (Oakland) BRONZE*: Hearts & Hands Christian
Preschool (Fremont) BRONZE*: Temple Sinai Preschool (Oakland) As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD:
Creek)
St Mary Of The Immaculate (Walnut
SILVER*: MVPC Nurtury Preschool (Moraga) SILVER*: St. David Preschool (Richmond) BRONZE: Tehiyah Day School (El Cerrito)
Best Independent Preschool As Voted By Alameda County Voters
(Berkeley, El Cerrito) BRONZE*: The Seven Hills School (Walnut Creek) BRONZE*: The Saklan School (Moraga)
School (Oakland) BRONZE*: Rockridge Little School (Oakland) BRONZE*: The Berkeley School Ecc (Berkeley)
(Berkeley)
Montessori Family School (Berkeley, El Cerrito) SILVER*: St. David’s Preschool (Richmond) SILVER*: Nomura Preschool (Richmond) BRONZE*: Clayton Valley Parent Preschool (Concord) BRONZE*: The Child Day School (Multiple Locations) BRONZE*: The Saklan School (Moraga)
The Renaissance International School (Oakland)
Best Large Preschool
As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Ecole Bilingue De Berkeley (Berkeley) SILVER*: Shu Ren International School SILVER*:
RETAIL GOLD: Kid Dynamo (Berkeley) SILVER: McCallou’s (Oakland) BRONZE: Nordstrom (Pleasanton)
GOLD:
Best Bilingual Preschool
Clayton Valley Parent Preschool (Concord) SILVER: El Cerrito Preschool Co-Op (El Cerrito) BRONZE: St Paul School (San Pablo)
As Voted By Alameda County Voters
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
PRESCHOOLS
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Best Kids Shoe Store
Tilden Preparatory School (Albany, Walnut Creek) SILVER: Raskob Day School/Learning Institute (Oakland) BRONZE: The Phillips Academy (Alameda)
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
(Oakland)
Best Faith-Based Preschool
As Voted By Alameda County Voters
The Crowden School (Berkeley)
A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
GOLD:
As Voted By Alameda County Voters
BRONZE*:
Best Small Preschool
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
GOLD: Step One School (Berkeley) SILVER*: Grand Lake Montessori (Oakland) SILVER*: The Renaissance International
(Berkeley)
Montessori Family School (Berkeley, El Cerrito) SILVER: Keystone Montessori (El Cerrito) BRONZE*: Danville Montessori School (Danville) BRONZE*: Diablo Valley Montessori (Lafayette) GOLD:
GOLD: Rockridge Little School (Oakland) SILVER: Duck’s Nest (Berkeley, Oakland) BRONZE: Bright Future Early Learning Center
Best Special Needs Programs in a Middle School GOLD:
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Montclair Community Play Center (Oakland) SILVER: Peter Pan Cooperative Nursery School (Oakland) BRONZE: Quarry Lane Preschool (Dublin) GOLD:
Best Independent Middle School GOLD: Black Pine Circle (Berkeley) SILVER*: Head Royce School (Oakland) SILVER*: Bentley School (Oakland) SILVER*: Quarry Lane School (Dublin) BRONZE*: Ecole Bilingue De Berkeley
Montessori Family School (Berkeley, El Cerrito) SILVER*: Montessori School At Five Canyons (Castro Valley) SILVER*: The Renaissance International School (Oakland) BRONZE*: Grand Lake Montessori (Oakland) BRONZE*: Rockridge Montessori (Oakland) BRONZE*: The Child Unique Montessori School (Alameda) GOLD:
A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
Best Neighborhood Shopping Area A s Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Rockridge (Oakland) SILVER: Park Street (Alameda) BRONZE: Fourth Street (Berkeley)
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Walnut Creek (Walnut Creek) SILVER: Lafayette (Lafayette) BRONZE: Theater Square- Orinda (Orinda)
Best New Childrens Clothing A s Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Ruby’s Garden (Oakland) SILVER: Kid Dynamo (Berkeley) BRONZE: Silver Moon Kids (Oakland)
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: A Wee Change (Walnut Creek) SILVER: Nordstrom (Walnut Creek) BRONZE: Kohls (Multiple Locations)
Best Organic Food Delivery Service A s Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Full Belly Farm (Bay Area) SILVER: Farm Fresh To You (Bay Area)
As Voted By Alameda County Voters
20 Parents’ Press | July / August 2017
* denotes a tie
BEST OF 2017 A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Farm Fresh To You (Bay Area) SILVER: Full Belly Farms (Bay Area) BRONZE: My Sustainable Table (Bay Area)
Best Organic Food Market A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
Berkeley Bowl (Berkeley) SILVER: Monterey Market (Oakland) BRONZE*: Farmer Joe’s (Oakland) BRONZE*: Marketplace (Alameda) GOLD:
Best Shopping Mall As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Bay Street (Emeryville) SILVER: South Shore Alameda (Alameda) BRONZE: Stoneridge (Pleasanton)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD:
Creek)
GOLD: El Cerrito Natural Foods (El Cerrito) SILVER: Trader Joe’s (Multiple Locations) BRONZE: Sprouts (Multiple Locations)
Best Party Supply Store GOLD: Boswells (Danville, Lafayette) SILVER: Party City (Multiple Locations)
Best Place to Buy Kids Furniture A s Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Berkeley Kids Room (Oakland) SILVER: Nest Bedding (Albany)
Best Place to Buy New Toys A s Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Mr. Mopps (Berkeley) SILVER: 5 Little Monkeys (Albany) BRONZE*: Toy House Montclair (Oakland) BRONZE*: Toy Safari (Alameda)
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD:
Creek)
Five Little Monkeys (Albany, Walnut
SILVER: Sweet Dreams (Berkeley, Orinda) BRONZE: Jenny K (El Cerrito)
Best Place to Buy or Sell Gently Used Childrens Clothing A s Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Kelly’s Corner (Oakland) SILVER: Lauren’s Closet (Alameda) BRONZE: Hanna’s (Berkeley)
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek (Walnut
SILVER: Sun Valley, Concord (Concord) BRONZE: Stoneridge Shopping Mall
(Pleasanton)
SERVICES
As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Debra Schoenberg (San Francisco) SILVER: Fran Kaminer (Berkeley) BRONZE: David Alan Fink (San Francisco)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD:
Michael Hulshof (Walnut Creek)
Best Attorney for Educational Special Needs (IEPs, 504s) As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Brett Allen (Alameda) SILVER: Betsy Brazy (Alameda) BRONZE: Disability Rights DREDF
(Berkeley)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD:
Disability Rights DREDF (Berkeley)
Best Attorney for Estate Planning As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Cassandra Massey (Alameda) SILVER: Kathleen Hunt (El Cerrito) BRONZE: Heather Reynolds (Alameda)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Best Family Photographer
As Voted By Alameda County Voters
GOLD: Amy Perl (Bay Area) SILVER: Megan Small Photography
(Bay
Best Place for a Kids Haircut GOLD: Snippety Crickets (Berkeley) SILVER: Snips For Kids (Oakland) BRONZE: Clips N Snips (Oakland)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Cool Tops (Oakland, Orinda, Pleasant
BRONZE:
GOLD:
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
SILVER*: SILVER*:
GOLD:
Area)
Gretchen Adams Photography (Bay
SILVER: Barry Evans Studio (Bay Area) BRONZE: Protege Photography (Pleasant
Hill)
Hill)
Shear Adventures (Danville) Snippety Crickets (Berkeley)
Best Place to Buy a Birthday Cake As Voted By Alameda County Voters
Best Jumpy House Provider
GOLD: Bay Area Jump (Bay Area) SILVER: Maks Party Rentals (El Sobrante) BRONZE: The Jumpy Company (Bay Area)
Best Kids Party Entertainment As Voted By Alameda County Voters GOLD: Oakland Zoo Zoomobile (Oakland) SILVER: Fur, Scales And Tails (Bay Area) BRONZE: Magician Mike Della Penna (Bay
Area)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Magician Mike Della Penna - The Magician (El Cerrito) GOLD:
GOLD: La Farine (Oakland) SILVER: Tuckers Ice Cream (Alameda) BRONZE*: Nothing Bundt Cake (Emeryville) BRONZE*: Virginia Bakery (Berkeley)
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD: Susie Cakes, Lafayette (Lafayette) SILVER: Nothing Bundt Cakes (Walnut Creek) BRONZE: Masse’s Pastries (Berkeley)
Best Place to Buy Cupcakes As Voted By Alameda County Voters
James And The Giant Cupcake (Oakland) SILVER: Love At First Bite (Berkeley) BRONZE: Feel Good Bakery (Alameda) GOLD:
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters GOLD:
Kara’s Cupcakes (Multiple Locations)
BEST OF 2017
GOLD: Kathleen Hunt (El Cerrito) SILVER: Steve Wood (Walnut Creek)
Best Birthday Indoor Party Venue As Voted By Alameda County Voters
Best Place to Buy or Sell Gently Used Toys
(Emeryville) BRONZE: Kids ‘N Dance ‘N Theater Arts (Lafayette, Oakland)
A s Voted By Alameda County Voters
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
GOLD: Toy Go Round (Albany) SILVER: Kelly’s Corner (Oakland) BRONZE: Toy Safari (Alameda )
GOLD: Playland Not At The Beach (El Cerrito) SILVER: Pump It Up (Oakland) BRONZE: Arf Walnut Creek (Walnut Creek)
GOLD: A Wee Change (Walnut Creek) SILVER: Growning Pains (Concord) BRONZE: Toy Go Round (Albany)
GOLD: A Nanny Connection (East Bay) SILVER: Care.com (Multiple Locations)
Corinne Mccombs Photography (Bay Area)
GOLD: Chloe’s Closet (Berkeley) SILVER: A Wee Change (Walnut Creek) BRONZE: Thrift Town (El Sobrante)
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
East Bay Regional Parks - Tilden Little Farm (Berkeley) SILVER: City Of El Cerrito Swim Center Recreation Pool Party (El Cerrito) BRONZE: Lake Anza (Berkeley) GOLD:
Area)
Best Attorney for Divorce and Child Custody Issues
Best Nanny Services
As Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
As Voted By Alameda County Voters
A s Voted By Contra Costa County Voters
Playland Not At The Beach, El Cerrito (El Cerrito) BRONZE: Fur, Scales And Tails (Bay Area) SILVER:
GOLD: Tilden Park (Berkeley, Oakland) SILVER: Children’s Fairyland (Oakland) BRONZE: Crab Cove (Alameda)
Love learning.
GOLD: We Rock The Spectrum (Berkeley) SILVER*: Bladium (Alameda) SILVER*: Head Over Heels Gymnastics
Best Birthday Outdoor Party Venue As Voted By Alameda County Voters
An independent school in Oakland, California serving Kindergarten-8th grade. pArKdAysChOOl.Org | 360 42nd street OAKlAnd CA 94609 | 510-653-0317
* denotes a tie
July / August 2017 | Parents’ Press 21
SUMMER CAMPS 2017 NOTE: The specific information and write-ups about camps listed here and the photographs were provided by the organizations themselves. Please be sure to contact camps for prices, and to verify dates and locations.
Academic Camps
Session: July 24-August 11. The 3-week camp session runs Monday through Friday from 9am12pm daily. http://tlcservices9.wixsite.com/eastbay-kidz
ALAMEDA COUNTY EAST BAY KIDZ SUMMER MATH CAMP (OAKLAND)
EAST BAY SPCA SUMMER ANIMAL CAMP (DUBLIN)
Age or Grade Range: Grades 4th - 8th
The Annual East Bay Kidz Math Camp is a fun, 3-week investigation into mathematics, ESPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR STUDENT WHO ARE STRUGGLING! This summer camp for 4th-8th graders focuses on key math building blocks, developing math confidence, along with engaging game-based and hands-on activities. The 2017 Annual East Bay Kidz Summer Math Camp for 4th-8th graders is taught by the Bay Area’s most sought-after math learning specialists, who come from the public school classroom and utilize Making Math Realbased 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
components: an Architecture & Urban Design Studio, a Sustainable Planning Workshop and a Design-Build project. http://ced.berkeley.edu/ academics/summer-programs/embarc-designacademy/
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. Before- and After-care available. www.sarahscience.com/ summer
Age or Grade Range: Grades 1 -12
MENTORING ACADEMY BRIDGE CAMP (OAKLAND)
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/ animal-camp/summer-camp
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
EMBARC SUMMER DESIGN ACADEMY (BERKELEY)
MENTORING ACADEMY SUMMER SCHOOL AND CREDIT RECOVERY (OAKLAND)
Age or Grade Range: rising juniors and seniors
Age or Grade Range: Grades 8-12
SUMMER ACADEMY AT QUARRY LANE (DUBLIN)
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
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
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
Age or Grade Range: Grades 3-12
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-pictorial-preview/
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
22 Parents’ Press | July / August 2017
utilize the distinct, engaging, hands-on approach that Quarry Lane is known for. www.QuarryLane. org/Summer
MARIN HORIZON SUMMER CAMP (MILL VALLEY)
SUMMER AT THE ACADEMY (BERKELEY)
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
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/summerprogram/
WRITE NOW! SUMMER WRITING CAMP (PLEASANTON) Age or Grade Range: Grades 2-8
Every summer, Hacienda School of Pleasanton open their doors and offer their innovative programs in a camp-like setting to outside students who want to share in the summer learning adventures. We offer three 3 of different writing skill: Expository Writing, Creative Writing and Presentation Techniques. Come join us! If you would like more information email Christina Trujillo; ctrujillo@ headsup.org. www.headsup.org
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY SPANISH CAMP (WALNUT CREEK) Age or Grade Range: 3-10
Spanish 4 Children Academy offers a great experience for your child. There are 4 Summer Camps themes. PIRATES, A WALK THROUGH THE JUNGLE, LET’S GO CAMPING, and LET’S GO TO THE FAIR. Camps are filled of fun activities, scavenger hunts, music, outdoor games, art, and more. Spanish 4 Children Academy will open it’s door at the new location on May 1, 2017 with preschool program and school classes. Contact Miriam for more information 925 262 3608 mlattanzi68@ yahoo.com New location 2317 Buena Vista Ave, Walnut Creek CA
MARIN COUNTY 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 neuro-diversity in our groups. Sliding scale pricing, financial assistance, and scholarships are available for those in need. www. seeds-of-awareness.org/summer--camp
Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-6
SUMMERCREST (SAN RAFAEL)
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
SummerCrest is a unique camp that seeks to challenge and build joy in learning through handson 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
Animals, Nature & Outdoors Camps 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 time-tested 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/
Age or Grade Range: ages 8-14
The SHC Summer Institute is a series of one-week enrichment courses for 5th 9th graders, and sports academies for motivated students and athletes ages 8 14. Instructed by SHC’s talented faculty, staff and coaches, 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/
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 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/
TECHYKIDS CAMP (PORTOLA VALLEY) Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-14
SHAKE RATTLE AND ROLL (OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: Ages 11-15
Week long nature based camp sessions teach native outdoor living skills. Make and use tools: matchless fire making with a bow drill, arrow making, cordage, shelter building, identify plants for food and medicine, awareness games: fox walk, drum walk. Archery, bow making, outdoor medicine, relaxation meditation and more. http://www.oaklandnet.com/ RotaryNatureCenter Age or Grade Range: Ages 6-12
Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-13
SHC SUMMER INSTITUTE
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. www.sarahscience. com/summer
TOUCH THE EARTH (OAKLAND)
CAMP ANV (OAKLAND)
SAN FRANCISCO
SARAH’S SCIENCE CAMP (BERKELEY & OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: 5-15
ALAMEDA COUNTY
Age or Grade Range: Grades TK-6
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
Camp ANV serves low-income Oakland children ages 5-13. Since 2012, our eight-week 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
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/ animal-camp/summer-camp
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
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 time-tested curriculum and insanely experienced instructors, we give campers solid skills and character-shaping confidence, launching them into a lifetime of empowering adventure. Day camp
OAKLAND ZOO ZOOCAMP (OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: PreK-12
Expect an exciting week of outdoor nature discovery, animal adventures, and fun! Summer Camp activities include zoo tours, interactive stories, games, craft projects, science activities
CAMPS
Worlds of Wonder Summer 2017 Cr
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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 CAMPS
•
• SPACE! The Final Frontier • Fun, hands-on learning in Science, Language & Math • Insect Exploration • Dinosaur Destinations
Fall Preschool Enrollment Open Now
Toddler/Preschool/ Elementary Program w/small ratios and 2 Education that Dares to Change the Worldlocations in Alameda Toddler – Kindergarten.
Camp enrollment begins this month. • Summer The Child Unique Montessori School
The Montessori Elementary School of Alameda (MESA) 510.521.9227 | www.thechildunique.org |Lic#office@thechildunique.org 013414800
2226 Encinal Ave., Alameda, CA 94501 www.thechildunique.org
510.521.9227
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
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 July / August 2017 | Parents’ Press 23
Dance and Ballet Camps
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/
ALAMEDA COUNTY BERKELEY BALLET THEATER (BERKELEY)
CASTLE ROCK CAMP (WALNUT CREEK)
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
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
Arts & Crafts Camps ALAMEDA COUNTY ART YOWZA! (ALAMEDA) Age or Grade Range: 5-11
Art Yowza offers an exciting visual arts program that supports the development of new creative skills. We empower kids to think and use their imaginations. The nurturing environment encourages unique selfexpression and self-esteem. The small class size, individualized attention, stimulating environment, and beautiful setting make it possible for every learner to blossom. http://www.artyowza.org
CAMPS
Berkeley City Ballet
The Dance Center berkeleycityballet.org
KATHRYN ROSZAK’S SUMMER DANCE CAMP (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: 5-17
BIG SPIRIT STUDIO SUMMER CAMP! (OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: Ages 7 & up
Big Spirit Studio Summer Camp week 1 July 10th14th 9:00am - 3:00pm ages 7 & up I have been asked to do a summer camp for years and I’m finally doing it! The week will start off with clay and glazing. Together we will pick what projects we will work on for the second half of the week. We will have projects to choose from like tie-dye, faerie gardens, wood working, paper making and book binding and more! There will also be a guest artist to share a project with us in textiles. The group is small, only 6 to 8 makers with up to 3 instructors, giving us lots of time to really get into our creativity! For lunch we will be outside and take walks down the street to the park. Kids will bring their own lunches but snacks will be provided! www. bigspiritstudio.com
CAMP KALA (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: 5-17
Engage in hands-on art activities while working in a professional studio environment at Kala Art Institute. Class sizes are small so everyone receives individual attention from Kala’s fabulous teaching artists and assistants. Each week offers new projects and materials culminating in a gallery exhibition and celebration of student work. Discover new creativity this summer at Camp Kala! http:// www.kala.org/education/camp-kala/
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) 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 hands-on 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/
Culinary Camps ALAMEDA COUNTY COOKING ROUND THE WORLD (OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: Ages 6 - 13
Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-17
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
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) 6040036 for more information. Silver Award for Best Summer Arts Camp from Parent’s Press . www. DancingPaintbrushStudio.com
KIDS’ CARPENTRY (BERKELEY) Since 1982 we have been teaching children, ages 5-12, the safe-use of woodworking hand tools. Building from scratch and learning life-time skills. www.kidscarpentry.com
SEW MUCH FUN (ALBANY) Age or Grade Range: Ages 10-17 grades 5-12
Spring & summer sewing camps. M-F. 9-5 pm. (extended yes) ages 10-17. grade 5-12. All levels. Small group. Choose a project & learn at your pace. Materials supplied. Sew Much Fun, 35 years experience in textiles, fashion, teaching Marianne Henri mjhenri@att.net professional Albany studio
SON RISE SUMMER FUN (ALAMEDA) Age or Grade Range: 2.0 through Kindergarten completion
Six weeks of summer fun. Monday through Thursday come explore weekly arts and crafts with us
STICKY ART LAB CAMP (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: Ages 6-12
photo : andy mogg
Age or Grade Range: Ages 7 - 13
DANCING PAINTBRUSH STUDIO (ALBANY)
Age or Grade Range: kindergarten-6th grade; ages 5-12
Ages 2 and up Dance Camps Birthday Parties 4 state-of the art studios, sprung floors Easy parking Easy online registration & payment
SUMMER CAMP ART WORKSHOPS (ALAMEDA)
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 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
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY COOKING ROUND THE WORLD AT ACALANES MASONIC LODGE KITCHEN (LAFAYETTE) Age or Grade Range: Ages 6 - 13
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
COOKING ROUND THE WORLD AT ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH KITCHEN (PLEASANT HILL)
February 2017 Age or Grade Range: Ages 6 - 13 Dive in to art and innovation with self-directed, hands-on building and creative time. Mornings: Design Firm: Amy Neiman Design We are the juncture where cooking and cultural Learn from a structured theme and skill-sharing. education embrace. The program is completely Amy Neiman Afternoons: Enjoy playing at the park and a free 1820 Tenth Street, Berkeleyhands-on; 94710 everyone peels or chops or dices or build session. Hours 9am-3:30pm. After Care minces. Campers come away with respect for (510) 649-7787 available to 5:30. stickyartlab.com difference, a broadened pallet, and a desire Client: Berkeley City Ballet to become a citizen of the world! Educational! SUMMER ART CAMPElizabeth WITH DIANNE Godfrey Delicious! Fun! www.cookingroundtheworld.com STOCKLER (BERKELEY) (510) 841-8913 Age Publication: or Grade Range:Parent's 7-15 yrs.Press Intensive work with clay and Contact: — glazes in a small group setting, located in the Elmwood neighborhood. Ad Size: 2.333" x 7.75" Hours are 9:30am-1:30pm. Limited extended care Insertion: and some partial scholarships available. Check Email: parentsprs@aol.com (pdf OK) website for dates. DianneStocklerClay@gmail.com
24 Parents’ Press | July / August 2017
Camp for ages 5 to Teen, Creative Dance, Ballet, Tap, Choreography, Crafts, Performances, Teachers are Professional Choreographers. We do the camp every year-Creative, Fantastic! 510 233 5550 or kdance@sonic.net www.dlkdance.com www. dlkdance.com
SHAWL-ANDERSON DANCE CAMP (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: 6-18
Come Dance Explore and Create! at half-day dance camp, ages 6-9. Each day includes a modern/ jazz class, Followed with art time connecting themes of color and line. Dancers also explore new dance forms each day. Possibilities include ballet, hula, and hip-hop. The morning is complete with improvisation and making dance! www.shawl-anderson.org
SUMMER DAY DANCE CAMP (OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: Ages 4-16
Classes in jazz, ballet, tap, hip hop, tumbling, African dance, drama, art, and music. Games, performances and fun! Boys and girls. All levels welcome. Campers placed in classes by age and experience Spring Camp: April 3rd - April 7th, 2017. Summer Camp: June 12th 2017 - August 18th 2017. Early enrollment, sibling, and multiple week discounts. www.eastbaydancecenter.org
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
Foreign Language and Cultural Immersion Camps ALAMEDA COUNTY ESCUELA BILING _E INTERNACIONAL SUMMER CAMP (OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: 3-9
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 two-weeks long.
THE RENAISSANCE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SUMMER CAMP (PIEDMONT) Age or Grade Range: Ages 6-14
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.
DARUMA NO GAKKO (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: K-6
Daruma no Gakko is a co-operative, four week summer program designed for children in grades K-6 to learn about Japanese American heritage. The day is enriched with activities such as language study, history, cooking, origami, woodworking, tea ceremony, taiko and music. Please visit our website for more details. www.daruma-no-gakko.org. www. daruma-no-gakko.org
EB FRENCH IMMERSION SUMMER CAMP (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: Ages 3.5 to 5
Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley’s full immersion French summer camp offers French instruction to children in Preschool and entering Kindergarten (minimum age: 3.5). Children will learn and/or expand French skills in an exciting, fun, engaging atmosphere on our campus in West Berkeley. No previous knowledge of French is necessary! Camp consists of 4 one-week sessions from July 17th to Aug. 11th, each with a different theme. You can choose how many weeks you d like your child to attend. Campers participate in French themed activities from 9am-3pm. Before and After Care available. www.eb.org/summercamp
GERMAN SUMMER CAMP (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-13
BAKS+ Camp- Stein, Schere, Papier July 17th August 11th, 2017 This summer we will explore what we can do with basic materials, including wood, rock, paper, clay, and much more. But we will also play games from all of the German speaking countries that are simple, yet fun! Each age group is led by a German teacher with experience instructing various levels in an immersion classroom. Our program is very handson: - 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/program-and-schedule/
MANDARIN IMMERSION SUMMER CAMP (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-12
Full-day 2-4 week Chinese Mandarin Immersion summer programs near Ohlone Park. Activities include language enrichment, swimming @ West Campus Swimming Pool, sports at Ohlone Park, Legos, arts/crafts, calligraphy, board games. hanwenschool.org
SHU REN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SUMMER CAMP (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: Ages 2-4 and Ages 5-12
Students will use inquiry-based learning to explore each session’s theme, develop their Mandarin skills and engage in exciting, hands-on activities. For School-Aged Camp, each session will incorporate at least one field trip. Details of the planned curriculum for each session of the SchoolAged camp and the Pre-K camp are available soon. (Curriculum is subject to change.) http:// shurenschool.org/programs/summer-camp-2/
SPANISH IMMERSION CAMPS WITH VIVA EL ESPANOL (OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-10
The camps are designed to give children a unique opportunity to learn or improve their Spanish language skills. Camps are half-day or full-day sessions. During each camp, students participate in interactive games, music and movement activities, and arts & crafts projects that center around a specific theme. Beginner students learn basic language skills to supplement the vocabulary linked to each theme. More advanced students learn useful phrases, grammatical concepts and practice their conversation skills. This year’s camp themes are: - Going Hawaiian - Secret Formula Laboratorio - Los Cocineritos (Junior Chefs) www.vivaelespanol. org
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY SPANISH CAMPS (WALNUT CREEK) Age or Grade Range: 3-10
Hola amigos! Vamos a divertirnos, let’s have fun at Spanish 4 children Academy Summer Camps. Spanish 4 Children offers a hands on creative curriculum for ages 3-10. Campers will have fun learning Spanish through games, activity pages, scavanger hunts, exploring nature. Themes for Summer Camps are: De Paseo por la selva, Vamos
a acampar, Una aventura con los piratas, Vamos a la feria. Contact Miriam Lattanzi for registration mlattanzi68@yahoo.com 925 262 3608 www. spanish4children.net
SPANISH IMMERSION CAMPS WITH VIVA EL ESPANOL (LAFAYETTE) 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) - 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
General & Traditional Day Camps 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 nurturing, memorable, and safe summer camp experience. www.adventure-timesummer.com
BOYS ON THE GO CAMP (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: Ages 9-13
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, MiniGolf, 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. http://boysonthegocamp.com/
MONKEY BUSINESS CAMP (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: 4.5-15
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. http://www.monkeybusinesscamp.com/
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. Before- and After-care available. www.sarahscience.com/ summer
camp activities- interactive 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
URBAN ADVENTURE CAMPS (OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: 8-15
Urban Adventure Camps is a unique week-long 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 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
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
LIL VENTURE’S SUMMER CAMP (CONCORD/ WALNUT CREEK ) Age or Grade Range: Ages:5-7 and 8-10 yrs
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 925-305-1776, 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?
CAMP ELMWOOD (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: Ages 6-13
One week only Jul 31 - Aug 4. Under the redwoods on the grounds of St. John’s Presbyterian Church, Berkeley. Art, basketball, volleyball, ping pong, lawn games, music, drama, dance, science, cooking, swim-hike, family barbeque, talent show, values, community service, opportunities for leadership. Camperships available as needed. stjohnsberkeley. org/communityce
CAMPS
GIRLS ON THE GO CAMP (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: Ages 9-13
Since 2002, Girls on the Go Camp supports girls to be bold, confident and fully expressed. Girls travel to destinations around the Bay Area by public transit and participate in interactive workshops. Our diverse staff is dynamic, engaging, skilled, empathetic and deeply passionate about their work with youth. Winner of Best of Camp Teen Award 2015-2016. Basic Day 8:30-4:00; Ext Care 8-6:00. Berkeley location: Runs June 12-Aug 25; Oakland location: July 10-July 21. http://www. girlsonthegocamp.com/summer-program/
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
Summer Day
Dance Camp at the East Bay Dance Center
• DANCE • MUSIC • ART • DRAMA & FUN! Space still available until Aug 18 Affordable Rates. Ages 4-16 years
Proud recipient of Parents’ Press Best of the Bay Camp 2017
1318 Glenfield Ave. (off Park Blvd.) Oakland • (510) 336-3262
www.eastbaydancecenter.org
Creating More Confident Kids Since 1990! July / August 2017 | Parents’ Press 25
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, and more. Full/HalfDays. www.RenataLC.com
SUMMER@SAKLAN (MORAGA ) Age or Grade Range: 3-11
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
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/
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
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
and nut-free 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
QUEST THERAPEUTIC CAMP (DANVILLE)
MUSIC DISCOVERY WORKSHOP & YOUTH COLLEGIUM (BERKELEY)
ROOKIES MUSIC CAMP (SAN RAMON)
Age or Grade Range: 7-18
Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-7
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 AllCollegium band. http://sfems.org/?page_id=624
Young rockers will have the opportunity to jam on guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, and sing too! While having a great time playing music with others, they will learn fundamentals like music theory, pitch, and rhythm. If you have any questions, please call us at 925-415-3340. sanramon.schoolofrock.com
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
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)
Health and Special Needs Camps ALAMEDA COUNTY 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 neuro-diversity. http://www.seeds-ofawareness.org/
RASKOB SUMMER PROGRAM (OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: Grades 1-8
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
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, 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
June 19-July 28 Support for students with learning challenges, must be able to self-regulate 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 whole-body 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 self-awareness, 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) 420-9459 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
ALAMEDA COUNTY BERKELEY BAND CAMP (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: Ages 8-17
Come play in a few bands with other young musicians! We take vocalist, as well as guitar, bass, drums, keys, horns and strings. We spend 3 days rehearsing at Ashkenaz and 2 days recording at Fantasy Studios! Come one week or both. 22nd year, women run camp by professional teachers/ musicians.
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 (1-5), 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. Mon-Fri
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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 925-415-3340. 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,
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. Twoweek 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
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
Preschool Age Camps ALAMEDA COUNTY MONKEY BUSINESS CAMP (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-4
Monkey Business Pre-K kids receive a distinctive classic camp experience at an indoor/outdoor location near Tilden Park. Bubbles, Sand Play, Art, Storytelling, Story Time, Games, Movement, End of Week Nature Treasure Hunt, Organic Food, Nap/Rester Time! Our diverse staff is dynamic, engaging, skilled, empathetic and compassionate. Winner of Best Pre-K Camp Award. August 7-25;
at www.sailoakland.com 510-238-2196. 9am 3:30pm. B/A 8am-6pm at Lake Merritt. $200$395/week. www.sailoakland.com
environment. www.mttambikescamp.com
NINJA CAMP (CORTE MADERA) Age or Grade Range: 4-16
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 17-21 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 Hours 8:30-3:30, with ext. care 8-6. http:// www.monkeybusinesscamp.com/summer-pre-kprogram/
PRESCHOOL SUMMER CAMP (OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: 3.5 -5.5
MCPC operates as a parent cooperative during the school year, but opens its doors to the children of the community for its annual Preschool Summer Camp. We foster creative, cognitive, social, emotional and fine motor development with our imaginative (messy!) projects. Both summer sessions are three-week programs that meet Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 9am - 12:30pm with optional extended days are offered 12:30 3pm. A maximum of 25 children, ages 3.5 to 5.5, may enroll. Registration opens April 2017. www. MCPCkids.org
SONSHINE PRESCHOOL (PLEASANTON) Age or Grade Range: 2-years up to the entry of 1st grade
Children will have fun as we balance the daily schedule with indoor and outdoor activities designed to promote social skills, language development, math and science inquiry, selfhelp 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 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
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
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. 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
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/
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/flyers-and-forms/
LAKE MERRITT BOATING & SAILING CAMPS (OAKLAND) Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-17
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
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
Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-14
SAFE, FUN & EXCITING NERF BLASTER GAMES & BATTLES. Because your kids love NERF games and battles and because you love it when your kids play outside, get exercise and make new friends. We guarantee that a week of camp will improve your child’s speed, quickness, endurance and agility. Weekly sessions and daily drop-ins welcome. www. nerfcamp.com
CANON KIDS SPORTS CAMP (FAIRFAX) Age or Grade Range: 5-13
20th Annual Canon Kids Sports Camp with Mark Anderson runs June 19- August 18 this summer in Fairfax. Campers will swim, bike, hike, build tree forts and play all the sports. www.maaquatics.com
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
Age or Grade Range: Ages 8-18
The Only Guided Outdoor Rock Climbing Experience Designed Especially for Marin and San Francisco Kids. Marin GreenPlay offers the only weeklong outdoor climbing experiences for kids from Marin and San Francisco. Our professionally-guided rock climbing trips have been incredibly popular since we started offering them in 2012. AMGA certified climbing instructors will show campers proper safety techniques and proper wear and care of climbing gear, knot tying, buddy check, climbing up, lowering, commands, rappelling, bouldering, belaying, and more. We provide all of the necessary equipment. Limited to 10 climbers so campers get as many climbs in as they want. www.maringreenplay.com
SAN FRANCISCO BLASTER CAMP Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-14
SAFE, FUN & EXCITING NERF BLASTER GAMES & BATTLES. Because your kids love NERF games and battles and because you love it when your kids play outside, get exercise and make new friends. We guarantee that a week of camp will improve your child’s speed, quickness, endurance and agility. Weekly sessions or daily drop-ins welcome. www. nerfcamp.com
GIRLS LEADING GIRLS SUMMER CAMP Age or Grade Range: 8-14
GIRLS’ ART & SOCCER CAMP: June 5-9th, 8:303:30pm 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 31st- August 4th and the other on August 7th-11th. Cost is $400 per player, early bird 10% off OR sibling 10% discounts. Please contact us for more information regarding locations for each camp. Both are in San Francisco near the southwest side of town. http://www. girlsleadinggirls.org/
SAN MATEO COUNTY JCC MACCABI SPORTS CAMP (ATHERTON) Age or Grade Range: Grades 3-11
JCC Maccabi Sports Camp is an overnight Jewish sports camp located just outside of San Francisco in Atherton, California. Our camp welcomes athletes entering grades 4-11. During our two week camp sessions, campers develop skills in the sport of their choice - baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis, volleyball, softball or girls lacrosse. www. maccabisportscamp.org
Age or Grade Range: 11-14
BLASTER CAMP (SAUSALITO)
Age or Grade Range: Ages 8-14
OUTDOOR ROCK CLIMBING WITH MARIN GREENPLAY CAMP (MILL VALLEY)
JUNIOR LIFEGUARD CHALLENGE COURSE (BURLINGAME)
MARIN COUNTY
MT TAM BIKES CAMP (MILL VALLEY)
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
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 self-confidence, 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
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
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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
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
STEVE & KATE’S CAMP (KENTFIELD) Age or Grade Range: Ages 4-12
When you trust kids, they learn to trust themselves. At Steve & Kate’s Camp, we give kids the freedom to choose what they want to do, whether that’s music, breadmaking, fashion, filmmaking, coding, sports, or pie-throwing. 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
INTRODUCTION TO JAVA USING MINECRAFT MODS! (PALO ALTO) Age or Grade Range: 9-14
Explore the world’s most common programming language using one of the world’s most popular video games! Learn to program in Java and build Minecraft mods! Understand Java syntax, programming structures, object oriented concepts, and work with the Forge API and the Eclipse development environment. Customize Minecraft items, blocks and behaviors! Laptops provided. No prior programming experience necessary. http://www.techsmartacademy.com
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 project-based 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 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
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
Teen Focused Camps
SANTA CLARA COUNTY DIGITAL MEDIA ACADEMY (STANFORD) Age or Grade Range: Ages 6 - 17
DMA tech camps encourage and inspire kids and teens to become the next generation of developers, animators, filmmakers, photographers, designers and engineers! Hands-on, project-based learning introduces students to the latest in VR, wearable technology, robotics, 3D printing and more! http:// www.digitalmediaacademy.org
ALAMEDA COUNTY CAMP ELMWOOD’S TEEN LEADERSHIP CAMP (BERKELEY) Age or Grade Range: Ages 14-18
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
SAN FRANCISCO
AII THAT & THEN SOME (CONCORD)
HANDSON TOMORROW
Age or Grade Range: Ages 11-14
Age or Grade Range: Grades 9-12
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 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
HANDSON TOMORROW (WALNUT CREEK) Age or Grade Range: Grades 9-12
SANTA CLARA COUNTY HANDSON TOMORROW (PALO ALTO) 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
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
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 31- Aug 4, Family barbeque and talent show. A free program. stjohnsberkeley.org/community
PRESCHOOLS If you could give your child one gift to last a lifetime, what would it be?
www.nomurapreschool.com
Oakland Montessori School
Lic. #070209834
Serving children 24 months to 6 years
• Preparation for Kindergarten • Nurturing Academic Environment • Ballet, Hip Hop Dance, Gymnastics, Violin, Piano, and Soccer
• Music, Art, and Language Programs • Expansive Outdoor Play Area • Hours: 7a.m. – 6p.m. (Year-Round) • Ages 2-5 Years and Bridge K Class
1711 Carlson Blvd Richmond Annex 94804 28 Parents’ Press | July / August 2017
Tours on Wednesdays at 9:30am Please RSVP at info@oaklandmontessori.com Call us today:
510-482-3111
www.oaklandmontessori.com
•
3636 Dimond Ave
Lic #010214163
Call to Schedule a Tour: 510-526-7847
Join our diverse community of confident children, supportive parents and experienced teachers. ART • MUSIC • GYMNASTICS • YOGA
BayAreaFamilyCalendar.com
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Your Source for Family Fun Events and Things to Do.
Family Fun Calendar JULY 1 | Saturday Nature Detectives: I Scream, You Scream, We all Scream for Ice Cream — Hayward
Walk out to the dried salt flats and collect sheets of salt to make…ice cream? That’s right, the salt helps melt the ice at a colder temperature to freeze the cream inside the ice cream maker. Give the handcranked ice cream maker a try, and we’ll all get to taste a sweet summertime refreshment. 11 a.m. -12:30 p.m. $7 person. Ages 3 - 5. Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center, 4901 Breakwater Ave., Hayward. 510-670-7270, www.haywardrec.org
Independence Day Fun — El Cerrito
Saturday, Sunday, and Monday celebrate the Fourth of July . ! Let freedom ring and play FREE PLAY pinball and arcade games all weekend long! 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat & Sun, Mon 12noon - 5 p.m. $10 / children and seniors, $15 / general admission. Playland Not-at-the-Beach, 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 510592-3002, www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org
4 | Tuesday Independence Day July 4th Festival of Family Fun — Oakland
Throughout Jack London Square--Celebrate Independence Day with a festive afternoon at Jack London Square. Free to attend, everyone is invited
to enjoy this day of red, white and blue fun that will fill the Oakland waterfront with live music, beer/ cider garden, tasty backyard BBQ, local shopping and a kids zone. 12 - 6p.m. Free. Broadway and Embarcadero 510.645.9292 , www.jacklondonsquare.com
4th of July Park Party & 4K Fun Run — Emeryville
There will also be a 4K Fun Fun held at the Emeryville Marina. Check in 7 am, Marina Site A. Race will start at 8 am. Join your fellow Emeryvillians for a special Fourth of July celebration at Marina Park. In addition to the spectacular views with some of the greatest vantage points for many of the surrounding firework shows, you’ll be treated to live music, and local food carts, selling their traditional 4th of July treats. All Day. Emeryville Marina Park 3308 Powell St. Emeryville
First Wednesdays Street Festivals — Walnut Creek
travel a three mile route. Race starts at 9 a.m. Parade at 10 a.m. Free. For parade route go to www.alamedaparade.com/route
WCD hosts Walnut Creek First Wednesdays Street Festivals each month for all ages! Festivities include live entertainment, arts & crafts, shopping, treats & more!
5 | 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
5 p.m.-7 p.m. Free. All ages. 1275 Broadway Plaza Walnut Creek. www.broadwayplaza.com
4th of July Parade, Festival & Fireworks — Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill hosts a full day of Fourth of July fun with events ranging from a traditional patriotic parade through the downtown Crescent Drive area, family fun and games in Pleasant Hill Park, and live music and fireworks in the evening at College Park High School. All Day. Free. Pleasant Hill Park Cleaveland & Gregory Lane. www.phjuly4.com
Alameda Mayor’s July 4th Race and Parade — Alameda The Alameda 4th of July Parade is the one of the longest Independence Day parades in the nation with over 170 floats and 2,500 participants that
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY
PRESCHOOLS
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:
Tuesday, September 2017 Saturday, March 11, 2017 |19, 10:00a – 12:00p 6:00p – 8:00p Tuesday, April 25, 2017 | 6:00p – 8:00p
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
WWW.BERKELEYHILLS.ORG * 510-849-1216
RSVP or inquire today for additional dates and more: stmarys-ca.edu/ksoe | (925) 631-4700
Space available in our 4 year old program for 2016-2017 school year. Call today to schedule your visit! July / August 2017 | Parents’ Press 29
6 | Thursday Waterfront Flicks — Raiders of the Lost Ark— Oakland
Watch “Raiders “ on the grass, cozy in picnic blankets, with the family. Pre-show trivia and games for prizes, as well as Jack London Square eateries will make this a fantastic family night.8 p.m. games, 9 p.m. movie begins. Free. All ages. J ack London Square, 70 Washington St., Oakland. 510645-9292, www.jacklondonsquare.com
Fleetwood Mask — Pleasant Hill
Part of the Plaza Concert series, Fleetwood Mask plays music to dance to. Stroll the plaza and enjoy a meal at one of the plaza eateries, while enjoying uplifting tunes. 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Free. All ages. Downtown Pleasant Hill on Crescent Dr. www.shopdowntownpleasanthill.com
7 | Friday 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. 5:30-8:30p.m. Free admission, food prices vary. All ages. 365 45th St., Oakland. 510-654-6346, www.bitesoffbroadway.com
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. 5-9 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
$5 First Fridays @Chabot Space & Science — Oakland
An Exciting and Immersive Experience Every First Friday. At $5 First Fridays you can embark on a Mini Mission to Mars, join a Night Hike through the redwoods, and enjoy various laser and planetarium shows. Admission also includes hands-on activities
and live demonstrations throughout the center, as well as any special events that are going on that evening. 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. Admission $5. Chabot Space and Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. 510-3367300, www.chabotspace.org
a nighttime and morning guided tour of the Zoo, a special behind the scenes, live animal presentations, interactive and educational activities, a Wildlife Theater show, a hot morning breakfast, and s’mores! 5 p.m. -10 a.m. Ages 4 and older. $90.00 per person for non-members / $80.00 per person for members. Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland, 510-632-9525, www. oaklandzoo.org
8 | Saturday Halal Fest — Fremont
9 | Sunday
The 5th Annual Halal Food & Eid Festival. Food vendors serving Indian, Pakistani, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and American cuisine, plus global arts vendors, children’s activities. 12 - 11 p.m. $5, under 10 free. All ages. 40451 Albrae St., Fremont. www.halalfest.com
Niles Canyon Railway — Sunol
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. 11a.m.-5p.m. Free. All ages. Jack London Square, 70 Washington St., Oakland. 510-645-9292, www.jacklondonsquare.com
Music In The Park — Danville
Danville’s 32nd Annual Music in the park celebration. Guests are invited to make themselves comfortable on the lawn with a picnic or enjoy offering from Food Truck Mafia. 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Free. All ages. Oak Hill Park, 3005 Stone Valley Rd., Danville. www.danville.ca.gov
Known as the railway museum where the exhibits come to life, the Pacific Locomotive Association, Inc. operates the Niles Canyon Railway as a living history museum interpreting the importance of our heritage railroads in the development of California and the nation. Their mission is to develop and operate a working railroad museum for the benefit of the general public .The Pacific Locomotive Association also has railroad artifacts on display and interpretive educational exhibits at the Sunol Depot. Families can enjoy rides through the scenic east bay on a historical train. Repeats on the first and third Sunday of each month. Diesel train departs Sunol Depot 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30pm. Free under 3. $7 ages 3-12, $10 Seniors, $13 ages 13-adult. All ages. Niles Canyon Railway, 6 Kilkare Rd. Sunol. 510-996-8420, www.ncry.org
Ice Cream Tours — Rockridge
Black Visions and Blue Indeed in Family-Friendly Concert — Martinez
Part of Bouncefarm’s Summer Concert Series, groove and boogie to music, while kids bounce themselves silly and everyone enjoys pizza. Event repeats on Jul. 22 with Zen Kali Doors at 4 p.m., music at 5 p.m. 4 p.m.-7.30 p.m. $7.50 per person, under 1 free. All ages. Bouncefarm, 280 Arthur Rd. Ste. A, Martinez. 925-2282028, www.bouncefarmfun.com
Family Sundown Safari — Oakland
Rockridge Food Tours is celebrating one year of food tours with a new Ice Cream tour, featuring tastings at Cream, Powell’s Sweet Shoppe, and Dryers Ice Cream Parlor. This tour is a walking tour lasting approximately one hour, and occurs every other Sunday through October. Please book a reservation online. This event repeats on July 17. 3 p.m.- 4 p.m. $15/adults, $10/kids 12 and under. All ages. Rockridge District, Oakland. 510-604-6546, www. rockridgefoodtour.com
10 | Monday Wee Play Drop-in — Alameda
Indoor drop-in playtime is offered through the city for children ages 6 months to 3 years. Activities include play, music time, and coloring. Activities are minimally structured which allows children to enjoy and explore on their own terms.
Grab your tent, sleeping bag, your family, and a few friends and get ready for an overnight adventure at Oakland Zoo. This unique program includes dinner,
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.$6 Drop-in per day per child OR $60 Drop-in Card for 12 visits. Ages 6 mths - 3 years. Alameda Veteran’s Memorial Building, 2203 Central Avenue,
Alameda, alamedaca.gov/recreation/wee-play
11 | Tuesday Playland After Dark — El Cerrito
Kids and grandkids are great! You know what is also great? A bit of Grown up only time! Enjoy the usual fun of Playland with the addition of about 20 board games. Pinball, arcade and carnival games throughout our Museum of Fun. 6 p.m.- 10 p.m. $10 general admission, over 18, no children or babies. Playland Not-at-the-Beach, 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 510-592-3002, www.playland-notat-the-beach.org
Toddler Time — Fremont
Bring the tiny tots out for an exciting morning at the farm. Each day we’ll meet and learn all about a new animal friend through stories, chores and fun. We’ll meet rain or shine! (1-4 yrs.) 10:30 a.m-3 p.m. Free. Ages 1-4. Ardenwood Historic Farm 34600 Ardenwood Blvd. Fremont 888-EBPARKS, www.ebparks.org
Nature Play Lindsay Wildlife — Walnut Creek
Every Member Tuesday come to Lindsay’s outdoor classroom and experience Nature Play! A great way to explore the wonders of nature outside with your little one, this nature-themed playgroup provides an opportunity for our member families to play outside and discover the sights, sounds, and sensations all around them. 11 a.m12 p.m. Free to Members. Ages 4 to 6. Lindsey Wildlife Experience, 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. 925935-1978, www.lindseywildlife.org
Kids Bowl Free — Pacheco/Albany/ Concord/Castro Valley/Dublin/ Fremont/Montclair
Kids Bowl Free is an amazing organization that allows all children who register to play two games a day, every day, for free. With many locations around the Bay Area there is a place close by to get exercise, beat the heat and boredom and have fun.
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 466 Chetwood, Oakland (510) 836-4313
Helping your child excel in a warm and nurturing environment
We provide a Year Round Program Infant and toddler care for ages 12-24 months Preschool for ages 2-5 years Part-day program: 8:45 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Extended Part-day program: 8:45 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Full-day program: 7:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
510-652-7021 admin@rockridgemon tessori.org
www.RockridgeMontessori.org
Email to Schedule a Tour
C
M
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CM
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CMY
Close to Rockridge Bart 5633 Manila ave – Oakland 94618 Lic. 01213520,013417669 & 013417787
30 Parents’ Press | July / August 2017
K
Montessori Children’s Center
Sign Up
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
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Summer Adventure Camp
Art & Science Projects | Cooking | Nature Activities 8 week session June 19 through August 11
delivered semi-monthly to your inbox!
80 Juan Bautista Circle | San Francisco | 415.333.4410 | montessorichildrenscenter.org
Lic #384001313
The Child Unique Montessori School
2012 2013
www.parentspress.com
• Toddler • PreSchool Transitional Kindergarten New second language and PE program
Enrolling Now!
A ministry of Bay Area Chinese Bible Church
Limited Openings
A ministry ofMonday Bay Area Chinese Bible Church - Friday 7am - 6pm
for Fall 2017 2226 Encinal Avenue Alameda 510.521.9227 www.thechildunique.org
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
Lic.#013414800
Celebrating 31 years! (510) 724-1724 www.la-casita.org Lic. #073400781
A Unique Bilingual Montessori Education Preschool, Transitional-K and Kindergarten (2.5-6 years)
Spanish and English
Music Classes
Flamenco
Gymnastics
Mindful Life Yoga
Drama
592 Tennent Ave. Pinole, CA 94564
Now Enrolling Fall 2017-2018
American Montessori Society Member
Fax # 510-373-2241
Dynamic Education The kim.smith@bacbc.org Optimizing Each Child’s Potential Enrolling Now for Summer & Fall Child Day Schools, LLC Family operated since 1976
• Language & Literacy • Math & Science • Problem Solving • Art & Creativity • Social Skills 2017 Low Ratios Highly Trained Teachers
www.t cdschools.com Preschool • Pre-K • Jr.-K • Toddlers • Kindergarten • School Age ANTIOCH 925-754-0144 Lic# 073406638 073406639
SAN RAMON 925-820-2515 Lic# 073406846 073406845, 0734066634
PLEASANTON 925-462-1866
LAFAYETTE 925-284-7092
MORAGA 925-376-5110
Lic# 013420524 013420525
Lic# 073406632 073406633
Lic# 073406850 073406849
Color Me Children Preschool & Kindergarten #013411559
“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
Preschool
#013412517
1141 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, CA 94702 • (510) 548-6423
Hands-on learning in a small, group environment 12–14 children ages 3 – 5 years The Creative Play Center’s program provides a rich, nurturing environment in which creative play and learning takes place. Preschool is 9 am until 1 pm - (extended hours available)
Applications are currently being accepted
(510) 524-9399
www.CreativePlayCenterAlbany.com 1151 Portland Ave., Albany, CA 94706
Lic. #010204748
July / August 2017 | Parents’ Press 31
The Model School
Comprehensive Humanistic Learning Center
Infants • Toddlers • Preschool !
Multicultural, Multiethnic Environments • Se Habla Español!
Flexible Scheduling Loving, Developmental, Child-Oriented Classrooms Year’round Enrollment, Reasonable Rates
2330 Prince Street, Berkeley, CA 94705 NAEYC Accredited
(510) 549-2711
Lic. 010211122 & 010211112
CHATHAM SCHOOL
C
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Chool FUN Chatham HILD-CENTERED PRESCHOOL Fun Child-Centered PreSChool 4500 Road 4500 Redwood Redwood Road Oakland, CA 94619 Oakland, CA 94619 Lic#013418176 Lic#013418176 Lic#013418177 Lic# 013418177
66 mo. mo. --Kindergarten Kindergarten
((510) 5 1 0 ) 531-1302 531-1302 fax: (510) 531-1301
4359 39th Avenue 4359 39th Avenue Oakland, CA 94619 Oakland, CA 94619 Lic#01341436 Lic#01341436
2 yrs. - Kindergarten 2 yrs. - Kindergarten extended care
(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
All ages. This program requires kids pay only for shoe rental. Check participating bowling alleys for hours of operation. Register children at www.kidsbowlfree.com
6 p.m.-8 p.m. Free. All ages. Oak Hill Park, 3005 Stone Valley Rd., Danville. www.danville.ca.gov
15 | Saturday
13 | Thursday
East Bay SPCA Pet Adopt-A-Thon — Oakland
Kids Club at Theater Square — Orinda
On this special day, the waterfront will welcome friendly dogs, adorable kittens, bunnies, guinea pigs, birds and reptiles from several East Bay pet adoption agencies. Potential pet owners are invited to meet these shelter animals seeking new homes from more than 50 pet adoption agencies. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Free. All ages. Jack London Square, 70 Washington St., Oakland. 510-645-9292, www.jacklondonsquare.com
Sing-A-Long with Melita of Octopretzel followed by Story Time with Lin Look from the Orinda Library. This is a weekly event on Thursdays. 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Free. Ages 0-5. Orinda Theater Square, Brookwood Road and Moraga Way, Orinda. orindatheatresquare.com
Free Art Studio Time — Berkeley
Donate three or more canned food items and enjoy three hours of open art studio time at Brushstrokes. Donations go to Alameda County Food Barrel. This event is ongoing every Monday and Tuesday evening. Please call to confirm. 5-8 p.m. Donation of three canned goods per person is admission. Ages 5-12. Brushstrokes Studio, 745 Page St., Berkeley. 510-528-1360, www.brushstrokestudio.com
14 | Friday Summer Outdoor Concert — Point Richmond
Enjoy live music, dancing in the streets, local eateries, and face-painting for the kids in historic Point Richmond. 5:30 p.m.-7:45 p.m. Free. All ages. Downtown Pt. Richmond, Park Pl. at Washington Ave., Richmond. www.pointrichmondmusic.org
Movies in the Park: “Secret Life of Pets” — Oakland
Watch “Secret Life of Pets” (PG) All movies begin at dusk. Be sure to dress warm, bring a lawn chair and/or blanket. Movie begins at dusk. Free. All ages. Redwood Heights Recreation Center, 3883 Aliso Ave, Oakland. 510-4827827 www.oaklandnet.com/parks
Music In The Park — Danville
National Ice Cream Day — El Cerrito
With memories of the original Playland and It’s Its going hand in hand how could we NOT celebrate this happy coincidence. Come see the artifacts of San Francisco’s Playland and have an It’s It with us (available onsite for a small charge). 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-thebeach.org
Summer Sleepover — Oakland
Sleep under the stars at Children’s Fairyland, and enjoy breakfast in the park upon waking. Ride the rides and see the shows at night! This event requires pre-registration, so book ahead of time. Dinner and breakfast will be served, included in the cost of admission. 5:45 p.m. check-in, 8:30 a.m. Sunday check-out. $55 per adult, $30 per child. All ages. Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. 510-452-2259, www.fairyland.org
Bug Eaters— Berkeley
Danville’s Annual Music in the park celebration. Guests are invited to make themselves comfortable on the lawn with a picnic or enjoy offering from Food Truck Mafia.
Family members of all age are invited to discover some of the fascinating and beautiful plants that can eat insects. Get up close with the amazing leaf adaptations as you learn more about them. 11a.m -12 p.m. $16 for adults, $5 ages 13-17, $2 ages 5-12, under 5 are free. All ages. UC Berkeley Botanical Gardens, 200 Centennial Dr., Berkeley. 510-642-5045, www.botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu
SCHOOLS Enrolling now: a NEW Montessori school in Berkeley
Enrolling Now!
Ages to 6 • Year-round Ages 2.5-6 • 3 Immediate start • Year-round
Our core ideals • • • • •
compassion and kindness supporting creativity building community passion for learning peace
– Inspired, Gifted and Talented –
MESA
Part/full/extended day available • Limited financial aid available 2008 McGee Ave • Berkeley • 510.679.5056 • www.littleelephant.net
Montessori Elementary School of Alameda Discover our international form of education, where you can find math, engineering and the sciences interwoven into a curriculum that focuses on the arts. Make an appointment for you personal tour today!
The International School For All
2014
• Physical Education • Small Class Size • Mixed Age Groups • Ukelele • Community Involvement
Play. Grow. Discover. Toddler Group | Baby Group Preschool | TK After School
1414 Walnut Street | Berkeley
510.848.0237
www.jcceastbay.org
32 Parents’ Press | July / August 2017
At MESA - Montessori is mind-changing education! Lic#013420948
A warm, nurturing community where everyone is welcome!
www.MontessoriElementaryAlameda.org 1400 6th St., Alameda
510.521.0595
montessorielementaryalameda@gmail.com
16 | Sunday Eats, Beats, and Brews Block Party — Berkeley
Downtown Berkeley comes alive on summer Sundays with this fun, family friendly block party with a beer garden, food from around the world, live music and art. BART into downtown and have a fun time. Every third Sunday of each month this summer! 12-6 p.m. Free. All ages. Downtown Berkeley BART Plaza, Shattuck at Center St. www.downtownberkeley.com
Ice Cream Tours — Rockridge
Rockridge Food Tours is celebrating one year of food tours with a new Ice Cream tour, featuring tastings at Cream, Powell’s Sweet Shoppe, and Dryers Ice Cream Parlor. This tour is a walking tour lasting approximately one hour, and occurs every other Sunday through October. Please book a reservation online. This event repeats on July 17. 3 p.m.- 4 p.m. $15/adults, $10/kids 12 and under. All ages. Rockridge District, Oakland. 510-604-6546, www. rockridgefoodtour.com
22 | Saturday
Movies in the Park — Oakland
Watch “Secret Life of Pets” (PG13) All movies begin at dusk. Be sure to dress warm, bring a lawn chair and/or blanket. Repeats August 25th with a screening of “Sing” Movie begins at dusk. Free. All ages. Redwood Heights Recreation Center, 3883 Aliso Ave, Oakland. 510-482-7827 www.oaklandnet.com/ parks
Movies in the Park :“Finding Dory”— Alameda Watch “Finding Dory” At the Alameda Point Multipurpose field under the stars. Pre-show activities include games and crafts for the children. All movies begin at dusk. Be sure to dress warm, bring a lawn chair and/or blanket. Fun begins at 6:30 p.m. Movie begins at 8:15 p.m.. Free. All age1101 West Redline Ave, Alameda. 510-747-7529 alamedaca.gov
PedalFest — Oakland
Pedalfest rolls into Jack London Square to celebrate all-things cycling at the Bay Area’s premier bicycle festival. In partnership with Bike East Bay, this annual event will pack the waterfront with more than 20,000 biking enthusiasts enjoying bicycle-themed entertainment, food and exhibits. 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. Free. All ages. Jack London Square, 70 Washington St., Oakland. 510-645-9292, www.jacklondonsquare.com
Music In The Park — Danville
friends and get ready for an overnight adventure at Oakland Zoo. This unique program includes dinner, a nighttime and morning guided tour of the Zoo, a special behind the scenes, live animal presentations, interactive and educational activities, a Wildlife Theater show, a hot morning breakfast, and s’mores! 5 p.m. -10 a.m. Ages 4 and older. $90.00 per person for non-members / $80.00 per person for members. Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland, 510-632-9525, www. oaklandzoo.org
Family-Friendly Concert — Martinez
Part of Bouncefarm’s Summer Concert Series, groove and boogie to Zen Kali while kids bounce themselves silly and everyone enjoys pizza. Doors at 4 p.m., music at 5 p.m. 4 p.m.-7.30 p.m. $7.50 per person, under 1 free. All ages. Bouncefarm, 280 Arthur Rd. Ste. A, Martinez. 925-2282028, www.bouncefarmfun.com
Danville’s 32nd Annual Music in the park celebration. Guests are invited to make themselves comfortable on the lawn with a picnic or enjoy offering from Food Truck Mafia. 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Free. All ages. Oak Hill Park, 3005 Stone Valley Rd., Danville. www.danville.ca.gov
Family Sundown Safari — Oakland
Grab your tent, sleeping bag, your family, and a few
17 | Monday
SCHOOLS
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. For kids walking up to 6 years. 11a.m.-1p.m. $6 per child, per hour. Not valid on holidays. Sky High Sports, 1631 Challenge Dr., Concord. 925-6825867, www.con.jumpskyhigh.com
18 | Tuesday Nature Play Lindsay Wildlife — Walnut Creek
Every Member Tuesday come to Lindsay’s outdoor classroom and experience Nature Play! A great way to explore the wonders of nature outside with your little one, this nature-themed playgroup provides an opportunity for our member families to play outside and discover the sights, sounds, and sensations all around them. 11 a.m-12 p.m. Free to Members. Ages 4 to 6. Lindsey Wildlife Experience, 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. 925935-1978, www.lindseywildlife.org
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 p.m.-5 p.m. $9 per student. Ages 3-5. Prana Yoga Center, 1723 Alcatraz Ave., Berkeley. 510-655-3664, www. yogalayam.org
19 | Wednesday Railroads once connected many of the farms with towns in the East Bay. Today they still run around the farm. Journey past rows of crops and through eucalyptus groves as you travel back in time. Check the daily schedule and meet the train at Arden Station or Deer Park. 10:15 a.m- 3:45 p.m. Free. All Ages. Ardenwood HIstoric Farm 34600 Ardenwood Blvd. Fremont 888-EBPARKS, www.ebparks.org
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. 9a.m.-9:45 a.m. $16 per child. Ages walking to 4 years. Shawl-Anderson Dance Center, 2704 Alcatraz Ave., Berkeley. 510-654-5921, www.shawl-anderson.org
20 | Thursday Waterfront Flicks: “Dirty Dancing”— Oakland
Watch “Dirty Dancing” on the grass, cozy in picnic blankets, with the family. Pre-show trivia and games for prizes, as well as Jack London Square eateries will make this a fantastic family night. 8 p.m. games, 9 p.m. movie begins. Free. All ages. Jack London Square, 70 Washington St., Oakland. 510-6459292, www.jacklondonsquare.com
Third Thursday Piedmont Stroll — Piedmont
Bring the family and enjoy supporting local artists, independent businesses, all within the Piedmont Avenue community. Evening entertainment can be found in restaurants, salons, retail stores, and many other shops. Featuring art, music, and more! 6-9 p.m. Free admission. All ages. Piedmont Ave., Piedmont. www.piedmontavenue.org
21 | Friday Free Friday Lindsay Wildlife — Walnut Creek
Every third Friday of each month at Lindsey Wildlife Museum is free to all. All ages will get a chance to get up close to the exhibits and activities at no cost. 10 a.m-5 p.m. Free. All ages. Lindsey Wildlife Experience, 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. 925-935-1978, www.lindseywildlife.org
TRIS
Ride the Rails — Fremont
25
th
anniversary
The
Journey Begins Here French - Spanish Immersion ~ Visual Art ~ Music ~ Challenging Academics ~ Engaging Environment Ages 2 ~ Middle School
Tours available upon request www.TheRenaissanceSchool.org
lic# 010214382
Oakland Campus: 3650 Dimond Ave. / Piedmont Campus: 5201 Park Blvd.
July / August 2017 | Parents’ Press 33
23 | Sunday The Amazing Bubble Man — Alameda
Thrilling audiences around the world for nearly 30 years with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles, the Amazing Bubble Man (a.k.a. Louis Pearl) explores the breath-taking dynamics of bubbles. 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. $20 adults, $10 for children. All Ages. Rhythmix Cultural Works 2513 Blanding Ave Alameda, www. rhythmix.org
Niles Canyon Railway — Sunol
Known as the railway museum where the exhibits come to life, the Pacific Locomotive Association, Inc. operates the Niles Canyon Railway as a living history museum interpreting the importance of our heritage railroads in the development of California and the nation. Their mission is to develop and operate a working railroad museum for the benefit of the general public .The Pacific Locomotive Association also has railroad artifacts on display and interpretive educational exhibits at the Sunol Depot. Families can enjoy rides through the scenic east bay on a historical train. Repeats on the first and third Sunday of each month. Diesel train departs Sunol Depot 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30pm. Free under 3. $7 ages 3-12, $10 Seniors, $12 ages 13-adult. All ages. Niles Canyon Railway, 6 Kilkare Rd. Sunol. 510-996-8420, www.ncry.org
24 | Monday Nature Play Lindsay Wildlife — Walnut Creek
Every Member Tuesday come to Lindsay’s outdoor classroom and experience Nature Play! A great way to explore the wonders of nature outside with your little one, this nature-themed playgroup provides an opportunity for our member families to play outside and discover the sights, sounds, and sensations all around them. 11 a.m12 p.m. Free to Members. Ages 4 to 6. Lindsey Wildlife Experience, 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. 925-9351978, www.lindseywildlife.org
25 | Tuesday Butterfly Walk — Berkeley
Join Sally Levinson, docent and resident “caterpillar lady” as she takes guests on a walk around the grounds of the UC Botanical garden to see all the butterfly hot-spots.
3-4 p.m. $10 for adults, $5 ages 13-17, $2 ages 5-12, under 5 are free. All ages. UC Berkeley Botanical Gardens, 200 Centennial Dr., Berkeley. 510-642-5045, www.botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu
26 | Wednesday Toddler Time — Fremont
Bring the tiny tots out for an exciting morning at the farm. Each day we’ll meet and learn all about a new animal friend through stories, chores and fun. We’ll meet rain or shine! (1-4 yrs.) 10:30 a.m-3 p.m. Free. Ages1-4. Ardenwood Historic Farm 34600 Ardenwood Blvd. Fremont 888-EBPARKS, www.ebparks.org
27 | Thursday Family Night — Dublin
This farmers market has fresh produce and food vendors, but also has activities for the kids to enjoy. Get kids excited about fresh food. 4 p.m.-8p.m. Free. All ages. Emerald Glen Park, 4201 Central Pkwy., Dublin. www.ci.dublin.ca.us
Ride the Rails — Fremont
Railroads once connected many of the farms with towns in the East Bay. Today they still run around the farm. Journey past rows of crops and through eucalyptus groves as you travel back in time. Check the daily schedule and meet the train at Arden Station or Deer Park. 10:15 a.m- 3:45 p.m. Free. All Ages. Ardenwood Historic Farm 34600 Ardenwood Blvd. Fremont 888-EBPARKS, www.ebparks.org
28 | Friday Model Railroad Society Show — Walnut Creek
Come see the Walnut Creek Model Railroad Society’s large HO scale model with standard gauge, narrow gauge and overhead electric freight and trolley lines. This is a permanent 54 by 34-foot layout with 4,300 feet of track surrounded by mountainous scenery, towns and more. 8 p.m.-10 p.m. $3/ages 13 and up. $2/ ages 6-12 and seniors, free/ under 6. All ages. Walnut Creek Model Railroad Society, 2751 Buena Vista Ave., Walnut Creek. 925-937-1888, www.wcmrs.org
29 | Saturday Downtown Alameda Art & Wine Faire — Alameda
Annual weekend event featuring craft vendors, live music, food and drink, a kids’ area, and more. Also Sun., July 30. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., free. Park Street, Alameda, downtownalameda.com
Kite Festival — Berkeley
Come to the Berkeley Marina’s Caesar Chavez Park for the annual kite festival. Bring a kite or just watch the skies and the many fantastic kites of all varieties soar in the bay breeze. There will be a candy drop and free kite making for kids. Continues Sunday, July 30. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. All ages. Caesar Chavez Park at the Berkeley Marina, 11 Spinnaker Way, Berkeley. www.anotherbullwinkelshow.com
Live.Wild.Animal Exhibition: Bug Out! — Walnut Creek
Come inspect the Insect Discovery Lab. See bugs you might find while camping, such as scorpions, and have fun TOUCHING darkling beetles, lubber grasshoppers, and walking sticks! 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Free with Admission. Lindsay Wildlife Museum, 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. 925-935-1978, lindsaywildlife.org
30 | Sunday Ice Cream Tours — Rockridge
Rockridge Food Tours is celebrating one year of food tours with a new Ice Cream tour, featuring tastings at Cream, Powell’s Sweet Shoppe, and Dryers Ice Cream Parlor. This tour is a walking tour lasting approximately one hour, and occurs every other Sunday through October. Please book a reservation online. 3 p.m.- 4 p.m. $15/adults, $10/kids 12 and under. All ages. Rockridge District, Oakland. 510-604-6546, www. rockridgefoodtour.com
31 | Monday Baby Brigade — 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 show times. 6:30 p.m. most Mondays, and midday showings on Saturdays. $8 | Parent. The New Parkway, 474 24th St., Oakland. 510-658-7900, www.the new parkway.com
AUGUST 1 | Tuesday Hikes For Tykes — Oakland
Meet at Redwood Regional Park for a hike at a little one’s pace, to see all there is to see of the native plants and animals that live so close to our homes. Strollers are not recommended. Parents must come along. 10:30 a.m-11:30 a.m. Free. Ages 3-6. Redwood Regional Park,7867 Redwood Rd., Oakland. 888-EBPARKS, www. ebparks.org
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 limited and offer is good while supplies last only. One free 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, 925737-0704.
Nature Play Lindsay Wildlife — Walnut Creek
Every Member Tuesday come to Lindsay’s outdoor classroom and experience Nature Play! A great way to explore the wonders of nature outside with your little one, this nature-themed playgroup provides an opportunity for our member families to play outside and discover the sights, sounds, and sensations all around them. 11 a.m-12 p.m. Free to Members. Ages 4 to 6. Lindsey Wildlife Experience, 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. 925935-1978, www.lindseywildlife.org
2 | Wednesday Solano County Fair — Vallejo
SCHOOLS
granD lakE moNtessOri eLemenTary
The Solano County Fair has fantastic concerts. The fair opens today and goes until the 6th. Wednesday is free for seniors, and Thursday is Kids Day with all kids getting in for free. Unlimited ride wristbands will be for sale and there will be plenty of fried foods on sticks. It’s what summer is all about. 3 p.m.-11 p.m. Wed./ Thu./ Fri; 12-11p.m. Sat. /Sun. $10 for adults, $6 for children and seniors. All ages. Solano County Fairgrounds, 900 Fairgrounds Dr., Vallejo. 707-5512000, www.scfair.com
First Wednesdays Street Festivals — Walnut Creek Sign up online for a tour today!
Free First Wednesday at Bay Area Discovery Museum — Sausalito
MAYBECK HIGH SCHOOL
Berkeley’s Independent College Preparatory High School Limited Openings For Fall 2017 Fall Open Houses:
October 28 10:30am November 11 10:30am
2727 College Avenue www.maybeckhs.org
(510) 841-8489 34 Parents’ Press | July / August 2017
WCD hosts Walnut Creek First Wednesdays Street Festivals each month for all ages! Festivities include live entertainment, arts & crafts, shopping, treats & more! 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Free. All ages. 1275 Broadway Plaza Walnut Creek. www.broadwayplaza.com
Multi-age ClassRooms • 7Am to 6pM 466 chEtwood, oaKland, ca (510) 836-4313
wWw.GrandLakemOntessoRi.coM
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
Ninth Annual Mascot Day — Fairfield Visit with local and national favorite mascots, in-
graph and Clarke, Oakland. www.temescalalleys.com
5 | Saturday Summer Sleepover — Oakland
Sleep under the stars at Children’s Fairyland, and enjoy breakfast in the park upon waking. Ride the rides and see the shows at night! This event requires pre-registration, so book ahead of time. Dinner and breakfast will be served, included in the cost of admission. This event repeats on August 19. 5:45 p.m. check-in, 8:30 a.m. Sunday check-out. $55 per adult, $30 per child. All ages. Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. 510-452-2259, www.fairyland.org
Music In The Park — Danville
Danville’s 32nd Annual Music in the park celebration. Guests are invited to make themselves comfortable on the lawn with a picnic or enjoy offering from Food Truck Mafia. 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Free. All ages. Oak Hill Park, 3005 Stone Valley Rd., Danville. www.danville.ca.gov
Niles Canyon Railway — Sunol cluding the Jelly Belly, and celebrate with fun times and high fives and a free tour. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. All ages. Jelly Belly Factory, 1 Jelly Belly Ln., Fairfield. 707-428-2800, www.jellybelly.com
3 | Thursday Top Shelf Classics! Motown and More — Pleasant Hill
Part of the Plaza Concert series, Fleetwood Mask plays music to dance to. Stroll the plaza and enjoy a meal at one of the plaza eateries, while enjoying uplifting tunes. 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Free. All ages. Downtown Pleasant Hill on Crescent Dr. www.shopdowntownpleasanthill.com
4 | Friday $5 First Fridays @Chabot Space & Science — Oakland
At $5 First Fridays you can embark on a Mini Mission to Mars, join a Night Hike through the redwoods, and enjoy various laser and planetarium
shows. Admission also includes hands-on activities and live demonstrations throughout the center, as well as any special events that are going on that evening. 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. Admission $5. Chabot Space and Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. 510-3367300, www.chabotspace.org
Friday Nights @ Oakland Museum of California — Oakland
Join OMCA and Off the Grid in August for DJs, live bands, dancing, gourmet food trucks, and more. There will be a family Drop-in activity related to one of the exhibits. This event repeats each Friday night. 5-9 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
Temescal Alley First Friday Block Party — Oakland
Every first Friday of the month join the block party with live music, shops open late, monthly art exhibits and more. 6-9 p.m. Free. All ages. Temescal Alley, 49th St. @Tele-
9 | Wednesday Toddler Kindergym — Oakland
Kids who are walking to age 3 can come and enjoy tumbling, climbing, parachute play, bubbles and the ball pit. Baby siblings are welcome. This event repeats several times a week, check the website for details. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. $12 first visit, $132 for program sign up. Ages 1-3. Temple Beth Abraham Social Hall, 327 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland. 510-832-0936, www.tbaoakland. org
Kids Bowl Free — Pacheco/Albany/ Concord/Castro Valley
6 | Sunday
July 12, Lion Appreciation Day—Oakland
minimally structured which allows children to enjoy and explore on their own terms. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.$6 Drop-in per day per child OR $60 Dropin Card for 12 visits. Ages 6 mths - 3 years. Alameda Veteran’s Memorial Building 2203 Central Avenue, Alameda, alamedaca.gov/recreation/wee-play
Known as the railway museum where the exhibits come to life, the Pacific Locomotive Association, Inc. operates the Niles Canyon Railway as a living history museum interpreting the importance of our heritage railroads in the development of California and the nation. Their mission is to develop and operate a working railroad museum for the benefit of the general public .The Pacific Locomotive Association also has railroad artifacts on display and interpretive educational exhibits at the Sunol Depot. Families can enjoy rides through the scenic east bay on a historical train. Repeats on the first and third Sunday of each month. Diesel train departs Sunol Depot 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30pm. Free under 3. $7 ages 3-12, $10 Seniors, $12 ages 13-adult. All ages. Niles Canyon Railway, 6 Kilkare Rd. Sunol. 510-996-8420, www.ncry.org
7 | Monday Wee Play Drop-in — Alameda
Indoor drop-in playtime is offered through the city for children ages 6 months to 3 years. Activities include play, music time, and coloring. Activities are
Kids Bowl Free is an amazing organization that allows all children who register to play two games a day, every day, for free. With many locations around the Bay Area there is a place close by to get exercise, beat the heat and boredom and have fun. All ages. This program requires kids pay only for shoe rental. Check participating bowling alleys for hours of operation. Register children at www.kidsbowlfree.com
10 | Thursday Family Night — Dublin
This farmers market has fresh produce and food vendors, but also has activities for the kids to enjoy. Get kids excited about fresh food. 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Free. All ages. Emerald Glen Park, 4201 Central Pkwy., Dublin. www.ci.dublin.ca.us
Ride the Rails — Fremont
Railroads once connected many of the farms with towns in the East Bay. Today they still run around the farm. Journey past rows of crops and through eucalyptus groves as you travel back in time. Check the daily schedule and meet the train at Arden Station or Deer Park. 10:15 a.m.- 3:45 p.m. Free. All Ages. Ardenwood Historic Farm 34600 Ardenwood Blvd. Fremont 888-EBPARKS, www.ebparks.org
SCHOOLS
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
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July / August 2017 | Parents’ Press 35
11 | Friday Zoovie Night” Disneynature: African Cats — Oakland
Pillows, blankets and jammies encouraged as families get cozy in the Zimmer Auditorium to see “Kung Fu Panda 3” Roosevelt the Alligator mascot will introduce moviegoers to some nocturnal animals that call the zoo their home. Hot cocoa and popcorn are provided but bringing a picnic basket is encouraged as well. 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. $7/person. All ages. Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland. 510-632-9525, www.oaklandzoo.org
Summer Outdoor Concert — Point Richmond
Enjoy live music, dancing in the streets, local eateries, and face-painting for the kids in historic Point Richmond. 5:30p.m.-7:45 p.m. Free. All ages. Downtown Pt. Richmond, Park Pl. at Washington Ave., Richmond. www.pointrichmondmusic.org
12 | Saturday 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. 11a.m.-5p.m. Free. All ages. Jack London Square, 70 Washington St., Oakland. 510-645-9292, www.jacklondonsquare.com
Festival of Globe’s India Day — Fremont
Two-day cultural and health fair and carnival (mela) with more than 300 booths, culminating in grand parade. 10 a.m. -7 p.m. Free . All ages. 39439 Paseo Padre Parkway and nearby streets,www.fogsv.com
Japanese Summer Festival — Concord
Taiko, judo and dance performances, bonsai and ikebana displays, traditional food, games for children. 1 - 9 p.m. Free. Diablo Japanese American Club, 3165 Treat Blvd., Concord, www.diablojaclub.com
Lion Appreciation Day — Oakland
There will be lots of fun activities, including lion enrichment at 10am and a keeper talk at 1:15pm during which you can learn all about our lions. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. All Ages. Free with Admission. Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland, 510-632-9525, www. oaklandzoo.org
Family Sundown Safari — Oakland
Grab your tent, sleeping bag, your family, and a few friends and get ready for an overnight adventure at Oakland Zoo. This unique program includes dinner, a nighttime and morning guided tour of the Zoo, a special behind the scenes, live animal presentations, interactive and educational activities, a Wildlife Theater show, a hot morning breakfast, and s’mores! 5 p.m. -10 a.m. Ages 4 and older. $90.00 per person for non-members / $80.00 per person for members. Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland, 510-632-9525, www. oaklandzoo.org
13 | Sunday
August 27, Oakland Triathlon, Oakland
American Iron Car Show — Pleasant Hill
Kids and grown-ups alike will enjoy ogling the shiny classic cars, each one lovingly polished and customized to be admired. Enjoy live music and food while walking around at this fun event. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $30. All ages. Downtown Pleasant Hill on Crescent Drive. 925-682-0896, www.pleasanthillrec.com
polines for hours of indoor bouncing fun. 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. 925682-5867, www.con.jumpskyhigh.com
Ice Cream Tours — Rockridge
Hikes For Tykes — Oakland
Rockridge Food Tours is celebrating one year of food tours with a new Ice Cream tour, featuring tastings at Cream, Powell’s Sweet Shoppe, and Dryers Ice Cream Parlor. This tour is a walking tour lasting approximately one hour, and occurs every other Sunday through October. Please book a reservation online. This event repeats on August 21. 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
14 | Monday Munchkin Mondays — Concord
Energetic toddlers can jump for one hour or longer. Sky High Sports features dozens of large tram-
SCHOOLS
St. Paul School
NOW ENROLLING!
510-233-3080
Ride the Rails — Fremont
Railroads once connected many of the farms with towns in the East Bay. Today they still run around the farm. Journey past rows of crops and through eucalyptus groves as you travel back in time. Check the daily schedule and meet the train at Arden Station or Deer Park. 10:15 a.m.- 3:45 p.m. Free. All Ages. Ardenwood Historic Farm 34600 Ardenwood Blvd. Fremont 888-EBPARKS, www.ebparks.org
Toddler Time — Fremont
• Small classes • Safe, loving & faith-filled • Academic rigor • Art, PE, music, Spanish & STEAM • Character Formation • FREE Before/Afterschool care www.st-paulschool.org
Meet at Redwood Regional Park for a hike at a little one’s pace, to see all there is to see of the native plants and animals that live so close to our homes. Strollers are not recommended. Parents must come along. 10:30 a.m-1130 a.m. Free. Ages 3-6. Redwood Regional Park,7867 Redwood Rd., Oakland. 888-EBPARKS, www. ebparks.org
16 | Wednesday
Educating the Mind • Body • Spirit with Faith
Preschool - 8th
15 | Tuesday
San Pablo
Bring the tiny tots out for an exciting morning at the farm. Each day we’ll meet and learn all about a new animal friend through stories, chores and fun. We’ll meet rain or shine! (1-4 yrs.) 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Ages1-4. Ardenwood Historic Farm 34600 Ardenwood Blvd. Fremont 888-EBPARKS, www.ebparks.org
Dance With Me — Berkeley
Shawl-Anderson Dance Center 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. 9a.m.-9:45 a.m. $16 per child. Ages walking to 4 years. Shawl-Anderson Dance Center, 2704 Alcatraz Ave., Berkeley. 510-654-5921, www.shawl-anderson.org
Discover whyDiscover families why families 17 | Thursday have been returning have been returning Third Thursday Piedmont Stroll — for generations. for generations. Piedmont
Bring the family and enjoy supporting local artists, independent businesses, all within the Piedmont Avenue community. Evening entertainment can be
TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN 8TH GRADE TRANSITIONAL THROUGH KINDERGARTEN THROUGH 8TH GRADE
INFORMATION NIGHTS Decand 1, 2016 and 15 Jan•11, 2017 • 7PM Experience a day in• TK K • Nov 8:30AM INFORMATION NIGHTS • Dec 1, 2016 and Jan 11, 2017 • 7PM INFORMATION • DecAM 6 and Jan OPEN HOUSE • Jan 29,NIGHTS 2017 • 10:15 – 12: 15 10 PM• 7PM OPEN HOUSE •orJan 29, 2017a •tour 10:15 AM – 12: 15 PM Please call to RSVP schedule TUESDAY TOURS • Please call to schedule a tour TUESDAY TOURS • Please call to schedule a tour school.spnalameda.org • facebook.com/saintphilipnerischool school.spnalameda.org • facebook.com/saintphilipnerischool 1335 High Street, Alameda, CA 94501 • 510-521-0787 1335 High Street, Alameda, CA 94501 • 510-521-0787
36 Parents’ Press | July / August 2017
found in restaurants, salons, retail stores, and many other shops. Featuring art, music, and more! 6-9 p.m. Free admission. All ages. Piedmont Ave., Piedmont. www.piedmontavenue.org
Waterfront Flicks - “Moana”— Oakland
Watch “Moana” on the grass, cozy in picnic blankets, with the family. Pre-show trivia and games for prizes, as well as Jack London Square eateries will make this a fantastic family night. 8 p.m. games, 9 p.m. movie begins. Free. All ages. Jack London Square, 70 Washington St., Oakland. 510-6459292, www.jacklondonsquare.com
Ride the Rails — Fremont
Railroads once connected many of the farms with towns in the East Bay. Today they still run around the farm. Journey past rows of crops and through eucalyptus groves as you travel back in time. Check the daily schedule and meet the train at Arden Station or Deer Park. 10:15 a.m.- 3:45 p.m. Free. All Ages. Ardenwood Historic Farm 34600 Ardenwood Blvd. Fremont 888-EBPARKS, www.ebparks.org
18 | Friday Free Fridays Lindsay Wildlife — Walnut Creek
Every third Friday of each month at Lindsey Wildlife Museum is free to all. All ages will get a chance to get up close to the exhibits and activities at no cost. 10 a.m-5 p.m. Free. All ages. Lindsey Wildlife Experience, 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. 925-935-1978, www.lindseywildlife.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. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Free admission, food prices vary. All ages. 365 45th St., Oakland. 510-654-6346, www.bitesoffbroadway.com
19 | Saturday Art and Soul — Oakland
City of Oakland’s flagship festival that launched a downtown renaissance, with two big days of music, art, dance and food, including the Oaktown Throwdown BBQ Competition back by popular demand after last year’s wildly successful inaugural event.
Ride rides, listen to live music, see dance battles! Public transportation encouraged. Festivities Saturday and Sunday. 12 p.m.-6 p.m. $15/Adults, $7/Seniors (65+) & Youth (13-17), Free/12 and under. All ages. Frank Ogawa Plaza, 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Oakland. 510-444-CITY, artandsouloakland.com
Zucchini Festival — Hayward
Zucchini dishes, zucchini-growing contest, live music, arts and crafts, kids town with rides. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. $5-$1.. All ages. Kennedy Park, 19501 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward. www.zucchinifest.org
Music In The Park — Danville
Danville’s 32nd Annual Music in the park celebration. Guests are invited to make themselves comfortable on the lawn with a picnic or enjoy offering from Food Truck Mafia. 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Free. All ages. Oak Hill Park, 3005 Stone Valley Rd., Danville. www.danville.ca.gov
Busta Groove — Clayton
Bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets to enjoy the music. A fun family event. 6-8:30 p.m. Free. All ages. The Grove, 6100 Main St., Clayton. 925-673-7300, www.ci.clayton.ca.us
Grilled Cheese Block Party — 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. 11a.m.-5p.m. Free. All ages. Jack London Square, 70 Washington St., Oakland. 510-645-9292, www.jacklondonsquare.com
Family Sundown Safari — Oakland
Grab your tent, sleeping bag, your family, and a few friends and get ready for an overnight adventure at Oakland Zoo. This unique program includes dinner, a nighttime and morning guided tour of the Zoo, a special behind the scenes, live animal presentations, interactive and educational activities, a Wildlife Theater show, a hot morning breakfast, and s’mores! 5 p.m. -10 a.m. Ages 4 and older. $90.00 per person for
non-members / $80.00 per person for members. Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland, 510-632-9525, www. oaklandzoo.org
BIRD WALK: Peeps: Not Just for Easter Anymore — Hayward
Meet at Eden Landing Ecological Reserve to see if we can spot some returning migrants. Our smallest sandpipers, collectively called ‘peeps’, should be congregating in large numbers. These small birds, like the Western and Least Sandpiper are a delight to watch, and although we won’t eat them, they are still pretty cute and sweet! The reserve is at the intersection of Clawiter Road and Arden Road in Hayward. 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. $5 person. Ages 12 and up. Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center, 4901 Breakwater Ave., Hayward. 510-670-7270, www.haywardrec.org
Breakfast with the Animals — Walnut Creek Enjoy breakfast with our animal ambassadors, with exclusive access to the exhibit hall before Lindsay opens to the public. Members get exclusive seating and a special surprise at their table! 9 a.m.-11 a.m. $8 for Members; $15 for non-members. Lindsay Wildlife Museum, 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. 925-935-1978, www.wildlife-museum.org
20 | Sunday Eats, Beats, and Brews Block Party — Berkeley
Downtown Berkeley comes alive on summer Sundays with this fun, family friendly block party with a beer garden, food from around the world, live music and art. BART into downtown and have a fun time. Every third Sunday of each month this summer! 12-6 p.m. Free. All ages. Downtown Berkeley BART Plaza, Shattuck at Center St. www.downtownberkeley.com
Niles Canyon Railway — Sunol
Known as the railway museum where the exhibits come to life, the Pacific Locomotive Association, Inc. operates the Niles Canyon Railway as a living history museum interpreting the importance of our heritage railroads in the development of California and the nation. Their mission is to develop and
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➤ ➤ 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: 510-8233923. 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 All-Star Showgrams
Rated four stars in “Babies by the Bay.” Princesses, superheroes, pirates, train conductors, cowboys, Elsa, Mary Poppins, Mother Goose, Dorothy, clowns, wizards, magicians, face painters, balloonists, storytellers, dance parties, mascots, jugglers, Santa, Easter Bunny and lots more! Your child’s favorite character. 650-574-3568. www.allstarshowgrams.com The 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.
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operate a working railroad museum for the benefit of the general public .The Pacific Locomotive Association also has railroad artifacts on display and interpretive educational exhibits at the Sunol Depot. Families can enjoy rides through the scenic east bay on a historical train. Repeats on the first and third Sunday of each month. Diesel train departs Sunol Depot 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30pm. Free under 3. $7 ages 3-12, $10 Seniors, $12 ages 13-adult. All ages. Niles Canyon Railway, 6 Kilkare Rd. Sunol. 510-996-8420, www.ncry.org
23 | Wednesday Kids Bowl Free — Pacheco/Albany/ Concord/Castro Valley
Kids Bowl Free is an amazing organization that allows all children who register to play two games a day, every day, for free. With many locations around the Bay Area there is a place close by to get exercise, beat the heat and boredom and have fun. All ages. This program requires kids pay only for shoe rental. Check participating bowling alleys for hours of operation. Register children at www.kidsbowlfree.com
24 | Thursday Family Night — Dublin
This farmers market has fresh produce and food vendors, but also has activities for the kids to enjoy. Get kids excited about fresh food. 4 p.m.-8p.m. Free. All ages. Emerald Glen Park, 4201 Central Pkwy., Dublin. www.ci.dublin.ca.us
25 | Friday Movies in the Park: ”Sing” — Oakland
Watch “Sing” (PG) All movies begin at dusk. Be sure to dress warm, bring a lawn chair and/or blanket. Movie begins at dusk. Free. All ages. Redwood Heights Recreation Center, 3883 Aliso Ave, Oakland. 510-4827827 www.oaklandnet.com/parks
Model Railroad Society Show — Walnut Creek
Come see the Walnut Creek Model Railroad Society’s large HO scale model with standard gauge, narrow gauge and overhead electric freight and trolley lines. This is a permanent 54 by 34-foot layout with 4,300 feet of track surrounded by mountain-
ous scenery, towns and more. 8 p.m.-10 p.m. $3/ages 13 and up. $2/ ages 6-12 and seniors, free/ under 6. All ages. Walnut Creek Model Railroad Society, 2751 Buena Vista Ave., Walnut Creek. 925937-1888, www.wcmrs.org
Ride the Rails — Fremont
Railroads once connected many of the farms with towns in the East Bay. Today they still run around the farm. Journey past rows of crops and through eucalyptus groves as you travel back in time. Check the daily schedule and meet the train at Arden Station or Deer Park. 10:15 a.m.- 3:45 p.m. Free. All Ages. Ardenwood Historic Farm 34600 Ardenwood Blvd. Fremont 888-EBPARKS, www.ebparks.org
27 | Sunday Chocolate & Chalk Art Festival — Berkeley
Create chalk art and eat chocolate. Prizes awarded for best drawings. Live entertainment, vendors. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Free. All ages. Gourmet Ghetto, North Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley. www.anotherbullwinkelshow. com
Oakland Triathlon — Oakland
The Oakland Triathlon Festival is the largest west coast urban triathlon and is all about the incredible triathlon community in Northern California. The race showcases the beautiful City of Oakland and generates fundraising for Oakland sports programs as well as the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. The Oakland Triathlon Festival features Sprint and Olympic distances for new and experienced athletes. The event will begin in the Oakland Estuary and finish in Jack London Square. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Free. All ages. Jack London Square, 70 Washington St., Oakland. 510-645-9292, www.jacklondonsquare.com
Ice Cream Tours — Rockridge
Rockridge Food Tours is celebrating one year of food tours with a new Ice Cream tour, featuring tastings at Cream, Powell’s Sweet Shoppe, and Dryers Ice Cream Parlor. This tour is a walking tour lasting approximately one hour, and occurs every other Sunday through October. Please book a reservation online. 3 p.m.- 4 p.m. $15/adults, $10/kids 12 and under. All ages. Rockridge District, Oakland. 510-604-6546, www. rockridgefoodtour.com
28 | Monday Mini Monday Dig Into Dinosaurs — Walnut Creek
Let your child guide their own explorations of the natural world, designed for children ages 2–5 to play and learn, along with an adult caregiver. Young children explore a variety of age-appropriate craft and activity stations at their own pace. Observe special demonstrations and hands-on presentations with our animal ambassadors. Visit Lindsay Wildlife exhibit hall outside of regular hours! 10 a.m.-12 p.m.$20 per child, $10 members, $6 additional children. Ages 2 and up with caregivers. Lindsay Wildlife Museum, 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. 925-935-1978, lindsaywildlife.org
Kids Bowl Free — Pacheco/Albany/ Concord/Castro Valley
Kids Bowl Free is an amazing organization that allows all children who register to play two games a day, every day, for free. With many locations around the Bay Area there is a place close by to get exercise, beat the heat and boredom and have fun. All ages. This program requires kids pay only for shoe rental. Check participating bowling alleys for hours of operation. Register children at www. kidsbowlfree.com
29 | Tuesday Hikes For Tykes — Oakland
Meet at Redwood Regional Park for a hike at a little one’s pace, to see all there is to see of the native plants and animals that live so close to our homes. Strollers are not recommended. Parents must come along. 10:30 a.m-1130 a.m. Free. Ages 3-6. Redwood Regional Park,7867 Redwood Rd., Oakland. 888-EBPARKS, www. ebparks.org
30 | Wednesday Toddler Time — Fremont
Bring the tiny tots out for an exciting morning at the farm. Each day we’ll meet and learn all about a new animal friend through stories, chores and fun. We’ll meet rain or shine! (1-4 yrs.) 10:30 a.m-3 p.m. Free. Ages1-4. Ardenwood Historic Farm 34600 Ardenwood Blvd. Fremont 888-EBPARKS, www. ebparks.org
Wee Play Drop-in — Alameda
Indoor drop-in playtime is offered through the city for children ages 6 months to 3 years. Activities include play, music time, and coloring. Activities are minimally structured which allows children to enjoy and explore on their own terms. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.$6 Drop-in per day per child OR $60 Drop-in Card for 12 visits. Ages 6 mths - 3 years. Alameda Veteran’s Memorial Building 2203 Central Avenue Alameda, alamedaca.gov/recreation/wee-play
38 Parents’ Press | July / August 2017