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BAY AREA CAMP GUIDE
Day Camps • Overnight Camps • Enrichment Programs • Camps for Special Needs
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5 Life Lessons Learned at Camp Parents Press Bay Area Summer Camp Guide | ParentsPress.com
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INSPIRING THE WORLD TO ROCK, ON STAGE AND IN LIFE
ALL AGES AT SCHOOL OF ROCK, STUDENT HEALTH AND SAFETY IS OUR TOP PRIORITY. WE OFFER ONLINE AND SOCIALLY-DISTANCED IN-SCHOOL LESSONS. STUDENTS ENROLLING IN OUR ONLINE, ONE-ON-ONE MUSIC PROGRAM ARE TAUGHT USING SCHOOL OF ROCK’S REVOLUTIONARY EDUCATION METHOD. FOR OUR IN-SCHOOL LESSONS, WE HAVE CREATED STRICT GUIDELINES FOR CLEANLINESS AND DISTANCING THAT MAXIMIZE SAFETY DURING MUSICAL INSTRUCTION. SELECT THE EDUCATIONAL APPROACH THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOUR CHILD AND START THEIR MUSICAL JOURNEY TODAY. SCHOOL OF ROCK | SAN RAMON 460 MONTGOMERY STREET SAN RAMON, CA 94583 (925) 415-3340 sanramon.schoolofrock.com 2
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Parents Press Summer Camp Guide
Contents 5
Which Type of Camp to Choose
6
Camp Success in 15 Steps
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Camping Unplugged
Escaping from the Techno-centric World of Today
18 Key Camp Search Questions You Didn’t Know You Needed to Ask
23 Camp Develops Kids Decision Making Skills
32 Summer Campers
Environmentalists of Tomorrow
34 New to Overnight
6 Tips to Prepare First Time Overnight Campers
44 Medications at Camp What a Parent Should Know
50 Too Young for a Job? Too Old for Camp? CIT Programs to the Rescue
28 5 Life Lessons
52 Summer Camp Listings
Learned at Camp
29 Should They Stay Or Should They Go? Day Camp or Overnight Camp
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Parents Press Bay Area Summer Camp Guide
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Which Type of Camp
Would Best Suit the Needs and Interests of Your Child?
T
he opportunities that summer camp provides are endless: the ability to try new things, the chance to make new friends, and the prospect of gaining independence are just a few.
Consider the possibilities:
DAY CAMPS typically serve children ages 3-15. Session lengths typically vary from one to eight weeks. Some camps offer up to ten weeks of programming. Before camp and after camp programs are offered for an additional fee at some day camps.
OVERNIGHT (also referred to as Resident or Sleepaway) Camps usually serve children ages 6-18. Campers stay at camp for one to eight weeks, depending on the camp’s session length.
GENERAL CAMPS offer a broad range of activities. Many provide campers with the opportunity to focus on one or a few areas while encouraging them to try a variety of others. It is sometimes possible to explore an activity or interest in depth within the context of the whole program.
TRIP & TRAVEL CAMPS involve outdoor exploration through active sports like biking, hiking, climbing and canoeing. Campers spend most of their time traveling and preparing to travel.
SPECIALTY CAMPS are based in day or resident settings. Popular options for specialization may include horseback riding, the arts, sports, computers, or travel. Programming revolves around intensive exposure to the specialty area.
CAMPS FOR SPECIAL POPULATIONS serve specific clientele like children or adults with particular medical conditions, disabilities, or special needs. Some camps focus on campers who share very specific diagnoses, while others are geared to meet a broader array of needs at any one time.
RELIGIOUSLY-AFFILIATED CAMPS offer religious education formally and informally. Review materials carefully for explanations of how religion influences a camp’s culture to find one with the balance that best matches your family’s own values and beliefs.
FAMILY CAMP SESSIONS include family members of all ages from grandparents to infants. Accommodations vary, as do program options and session length. The focus is on being together as a family—to learn, to relax, and to enjoy new experiences and adventures. Parents Press Bay Area Summer Camp Guide | ParentsPress.com
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CAMP SUCCESS IN 15 STEPS
SUMMER DAY CAMP IS A PLACE WHERE CHILDREN CAN STRETCH THEIR MINDS, exercise their bodies and develop new friendships and interests. So how do you help your child make the most of this day camp experience? Follow these 15 steps to success.
1
Find the right program.
“Day camps offer a variety of options that include everything from concentration in one activity to a variety of traditional camp experiences,” says Jacki Walsh, a camp director. “Talk with your child and consider what he wants. Would he enjoy an assortment of activities or does he want to focus on just one skill, such as science, theater or art?” 6
Parents Press Bay Area Summer Camp Guide
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Consider program length.
“How long and often your child should participate will depend largely upon your schedule and his developmental level,” says Cheryl Spath, director of youth services at an athletic club. “Day camps range from several hours to a full day and can run from one week to an entire summer. A lot of programs, however, are offered on a one-week basis so parents can choose the weeks they want their child to attend.”
3
Consider camp location.
“If you need a camp because both parents work, it would be convenient to find one in the path to your job,” says Judy Connelly, a private school day camp director. “But if your child has a specific interest and there isn’t a program along the way, it may be worth driving a few extra miles to get what you’re looking for.”
4
Request information.
Once you have found a potential camp, request more information. Ask about the counselors’ training, experience, how they are selected and if background checks are performed. What is the camper-to-counselor ratio? If your child has health concerns, can they accommodate conditions such as asthma or allergies? Are they willing to dispense medicine?
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Find out about the facility.
Is there enough space indoors for the children to play during inclement weather? Are outdoor equipment and grounds wellmaintained? Are the children’s swimming skills tested before they enter the water? Is the staff trained in lifesaving and present during all water activities?
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Ask how the program is structured.
Find out how the children are divided up—same age or similar grades? What activities will they be doing? How long will each activity run?
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Fill out forms Completely.
Sometime during pre-registration, you will be asked to fill out medical and emergency contact forms. “Parents often fill out medical forms but omit important information, such as tetanus dates,” Walsh says. “Another area of concern is in listing those who may pick up their child. It’s not unusual for parents to write down names but forget to include themselves, and that can present a problem. Take your time when filling out these forms so we can do our part to keep your child safe.” Equally important is to share other concerns, such as if your family is going through a divorce or has experienced a recent death, as this may affect your child’s personality or temperament.
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Read camp policies.
Before camp begins, read over the policies and procedures with your child so you both know what to expect. In recent years, many organizations have developed strict policies regarding technology and other valuable items. “This is to protect the children and their property; we can’t be responsible for things that are lost or stolen,” says Walsh. “If restricted items are brought in, we ask kids to put them away and send a note home reminding parents they are not allowed.”
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Label all items with your child’s name.
Use a permanent marker or a name stamp specifically for fabric.
Consider cost.
“Find out exactly what’s included,” says Connelly. “Camps often have a base price but charge extra for special activities, food and before- and after-care. Materials may be additional, too. Also check on the refund policy. If there is an illness or family emergency, can you transfer weeks?”
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Supervise appropriate attire.
Remind your child to dress for comfort, safety and appropriate temperatures. “Avoid dark-colored jeans and t-shirts on a hot, sunny day, as well as clothing with strings attached as it may get caught on play equipment,” says Spath. “Shoes can be a challenge too. Most camps have at least one physical activity, so leave the crocks, sandals and flip flops at home and send your child in tennis shoes.”
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Pack water.
Each night before your child goes to camp, place one plastic water bottle in the freezer and one in the refrigerator. The next day send both bottles to camp. The refrigerated one can be used in the morning and the frozen one will melt and provide cool refreshment in the afternoon heat. “Spray bottles are a great idea, too, as are frozen washcloths and sponges; they keep the face, neck and body cool in the hot sun,” says Connelly.
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Apply sunscreen.
Before leaving for camp, apply sunscreen to your child’s skin and send along the tube for later reapplication. Avoid
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Parents Press Bay Area Summer Camp Guide
tanning lotions with little or no SPF, or sunscreens that contain glitter as it can reflect light and cause sunburn. If your child will be outside most of the day, send along a hat or visor for extra protection.
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Apply bug spray as needed.
If your child is venturing into the natural environment, protect against mosquitos and ticks and follow up with a tick check when he comes home.
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Keep lines of communication open.
Talk with your child about camp before it even starts. Reassure her of the positive experience she will have. At the end of each camp day, find a block of time to listen as your child shares her adventures. “It’s really important to validate what your kids do,” says Walsh. “Ask what his favorite part of the day was and share in his excitement. Remind him to be safe, follow the rules, be friendly and have fun. If he does all this, he will have a great time.”
(Long Before MTV)
E
scaping from the techno-centric world of today is difficult. We wake up and log on the same way previous generations grabbed the paper from the driveway. The internet and mobile devices ensure we stay updated on the latest trends, news, and which friend just had a baby. In this time of likes, shares, downloads and clicks, camp endures as an opportunity to make genuine, human connections. At camp, one rediscovers the fun in playing outdoors, learns more about personal strengths, and over time, finds their own voice. However, this doesn’t just apply to campers. Staff too find camp a pleasant escape from their ever-buzzing world. Many will post farewell messages on their walls, “Heading off to camp. See you in August. Send cards and cookies to…”. That cellphone goes into a locker and comes out once in a while at night or on a day off to let mom and dad know you’re okay. Being unplugged allows today’s young adults, both campers and staff, to focus on developing 21st Century Skills that aren’t always the focus in school. The sheer nature of taking away the technology safety net of Google or Siri, forces campers and staff
to get back to basics. Camp generously provides opportunities to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It emphasizes face-to-face communication and helps foster creativity and innovation in both structured and unstructured environments such as the challenge/ropes course or socializing in the bunk. If you scroll through the newsfeed on Google or the Associated Press, it won’t be long before you see an article referencing how artificial intelligence will change the future. This is nothing new. But while technology updates, the core of innovation remains the same; creativity, problem-solving, communication and teamwork. And since Frederick Gunn’s first 10-day trek from Washington, CT to Welch Point in Milford, camping has remained one constant we can rely upon to foster these skills.
STAFF TOO FIND CAMP A PLEASANT ESCAPE FROM THEIR EVER-BUZZING WORLD.
Provided by the American Camp Association
DAY CAMPS ACADEMIC CAMPS
CAMP S Presc hool
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*Camps offered vary by location. Preschool State License Numbers: 013420588, 013423042, 434404890, 434413440, 434410816, 434408056, 013420939, 414004014, 384001837, 384004006, 434407977, 434408877, 434410807, 434404336, 434406722. Copyright © 2022 Stratford Schools, Inc.
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B R I N G T H E WH O L E F A M I L Y T O
Feather River Family Camp Bringing Bay Area families together in nature since 1924 With an abundance of natural beauty and activities for all ages, Oakland Feather River Family Camp provides everything your family needs for an amazing vacation together. Join us in the High Sierras this summer for an unforgettable family experience!
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*$300 savings is for a family of 4 staying 4 nights. Discount value varies with number of nights and campers.
Camp Video Provided By FEATHER RIVER FAMILY CAMP
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Get Dirty. Eat Organic. Make Shabbat a Party. Located on 350 acres in Sonoma County
Organic Farming, Wilderness Skills, Homestead Crafts, Culinary Arts 100% Organic. 100% Kosher. 100% of the time.
Three week overnight sessions for rising 3rd-11th graders 510.560.5610 www.edenvillagewest.org
Camp Video Provided By EDEN VILLAGE WEST
Weekly Camps June 6 - August 12
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Camp Video Provided By LEGARZA SPORTS
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Key Camp
Search Questions
You Didn’t Know You Needed to Ask • Are there deal-breaking parameters for our family’s camp search? What
is non-negotiable for us? Session length, location, and activities are often non-negotiable. Can you be flexible about number of weeks? Location – a camp that must be in a certain state or within a certain zip code? Activities – horseback riding, Lacrosse, theatre or other activities that are the child’s favorite? Every parameter cannot be a deal breaker, but be honest about the aspects of the search that are not flexible for your family.
• What’s driving my camp search? Does my child want to be a camper?
Un-paralleled fun and learning? The opportunity for new experiences? To develop new skills? Family tradition? The need for child care? Answers to these questions will influence your options.
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Parents Press Bay Area Summer Camp Guide
• How do I uncover a full range of camp options that might suit my child’s current needs and interests? Visit parentspress.com and click on the Find A Camp Tool to explore options. Word of Mouth is a great way to add additional options. Ask people whose children share interests with yours. Ask community people who know your child, coaches and staff of extracurricular activities or after school programs.
• What educational philosophy will best match my child’s temperament and compliment their current school experience?
What values are important to you in terms of how the camp runs its program and trains its staff? Do you want a camp that emphasizes structure and responsibility? One that emphasizes free play and choice? How do the camps you are considering build community and encourage independence?
• What is my budget for camp?
There’s a camp out there for everyone! Some camps offer financial assistance. Financial aid procedures vary from camp to camp, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. Read camp brochures and websites carefully for information and application instructions.
• How is the programming at this camp designed to grow with my child over the years? On average, what percentage of campers return for a second year? A fifth year? Yes, you’re looking for camp for THIS coming summer, but camps design programming so children can return in future summers since some of the leadership and other skills are not instantly acquired, but gained over the course of a few summers.
For more information about camp including helpful tips on finding the right camp, contact the American Camp Association or visit www.aca.org.
g n i n r a e L s y a Alw rowing &G
Summer Forest Camp Explore, Imagine, Create, Grow! Ages 3-8 | Small Groups
San Francisco and Berkeley Area June 6th-August 29th 2022 9am-3pm sibling discount www.alwayslearningandgrowing.com Parents Press Bay Area Summer Camp Guide | ParentsPress.com
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ATHENA ACADEMY
ACADEMIC SUMMER CAMPS Athena Academy proudly offers two week-long skills programs for dyslexic and twice exceptional students entering grades 1–8. This program is specifically designed, utilizing Athena Academy’s unique teaching approach, to help dyslexic and twice exceptional students build foundational skills for learning. Our highly trained, dedicated teachers will work with the students on understanding the way their brains work and through multi-sensory, skills-based instruction, teach them to use their visual-spatial strengths when learning. The incorporation of our project-based curriculum will engage the students with meaningful and fun content that will allow them to apply the skills being taught. Through engaging hands-on projects in our Makerspace your dyslexic thinkers can explore their passions and build on their strengths while getting the summer boost they need to find success in school. Past projects have included learning about area and perimeter by building garden boxes, using the design process to build your own arcade game and using water pressure to build a chain reaction.
Learn more and register at: www.AthenaAcademy.org/summer
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Parents Press Bay Area Summer Camp Guide
525 San Antonio Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Dates Mon, June 20–Fri, June 24 Mon, July 18–Fri, July 22 Cost $650/wk by Mar 1st $700/wk Mar 2nd or later Grades 1st-8th Graders Time 8:30am-3:00pm
Experience first-hand a space for dyslexic and 2e students where learning becomes joyful and success becomes possible.
Camp Video Provided By SUMMER AT ATHENA ACADEMY
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Parents Press Bay Area Summer Camp Guide
CAMP DEVELOPS KIDS Decision Making Skills
D
ecisions can be scary. Without certainly knowing an outcome, people make choices every day. Some work out, and others provide unforeseen results. Both contribute to developing a healthy process for making decisions. By doing, people learn how it feels to make decisions and how they overcome internal and external factors that impede or help the process. However, decision-making is not a naturally easy process for many. And for children, decisions can be even scarier. After years of making decisions, most adults naturally find their process. However, where can children find more opportunities to independently and collaboratively make decisions safely? Camp.
Do I Stay or Do I Go? It starts with the decision about camp. By including them in the process, campers feel empowered and learn how to consider multiple factors in coming to a decision. A camper
may have a friend at camp and want to go or a parent might want their child to have a similar experience they did as a kid. Both are valid reasons to go to camp, but there are other factors to consider before giving the green light. When the process is done together, parents and children are both honing their decisionmaking tools.
What do I wear? What do I eat? What do I do? Every summer, campers will address these questions independent of their parents for the first time. A camper may be used to school only. Parents might decide an outfit, the cafeteria decides what’s on the menu and, and teachers generally decide the daily lessons. Camp can offer choices for children that they’re not used normally facing. At sleepaway camp, campers might have more leeway in what they wear. Day camps might allow campers to select their own activities each day, and for
some campers, simply deciding between two food choices can be a first. Campers won’t make these decisions in a vacuum. However, by allowing campers to make even the smallest decision on their own, camp builds confidence in the camper’s decisionmaking abilities and provides learning opportunities for those choices that don’t pan out. All this is done in the safe, friendly confines of camp. From the decision to go to camp, to trying new activities, and all the other choices involved, camp is a natural environment that fosters decision-making capabilities. Even for many adults, decisions can be hard. Anxiety is real and fear of making the wrong decision can paralyze. But camps can help this. Camps provide children an opportunity to make decisions in a safe, healthy environment daily. Just like getting to Carnegie Hall, better decision-making takes time and practice. Both found in abundance at camp.
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Camp Video Provided By ALAMEDA BALLET ACADEMY
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Camp Video Provided By DANCE CONNECTION
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5 Life Lessons L
Learned at Camp
ife lessons. These are moments where the lightbulb goes off over child’s head. They understand the concept of two plus two. They see something they can’t un-see or learn something they’ll never forget. Over the last 150plus years, camp has provided opportunities for children and adults to discover or further develop many life lessons. Here are just a few.
It’s all about relationships. Life doesn’t exist in a vacuum and no one can do this alone. Just like a classroom, children have opportunities at camp to share experiences with peers, develop friendships, and learn the ups and downs of getting along with others. By the nature of co-existing in the same space and enjoying similar experiences, camp encourages children to develop and maintain skills necessary to relationship building.
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Parents Press Bay Area Summer Camp Guide
I can do that! Confidence! Camp thrives on self-efficacy in young people. Enjoying success in a healthy manner and learning to overcome obstacles or even failure are hallmarks of a camp experience. For both campers and staff, camp allows young people to feel proud when things go well and encourages resilience when they don’t.
Take a risk
One way to build confidence is to try something new. Camp is rife with safe, healthy opportunities for children to take a chance. This could mean climbing a 30-foot wall, trying out for the camp production of Peter Pan, riding a horse, or trying broccoli for the first time. At camp, young people learn how to take risks and learn from their outcomes.
It’s a great big world out there. When a child goes to camp, they interact with peers and
adults from places they might have never seen or even heard of. Campers might hear a new song or accent. They may meet someone from another state or country, and sometimes they run into people from home who become lifelong friends at camp. Camp is an opportunity to both try new things and meet new people.
Not all learning happens in a classroom. Last but certainly not least, campers discover that school does not have a monopoly on learning. Campers develop new skills, learn about their own passions and interests, and are exposed to ideas and experiences that don’t normally sneak into a formal classroom. Without knowing it, campers are learning every day by simply getting out and going to camp. For more information about camp including helpful tips on finding the right camp, contact the American Camp Association or visit www.aca.org.
Should They Stay
or Should They Go? Day Camp or Overnight Camp.
D
eciding between day camp or residential there is no clear, linear checklist to determine (overnight) camp is one piece of the decision whether day or overnight camp is right for your for families. Camp is an experience and not child, the questions listed here can help guide limited to a singular location. that conversation: Campers can develop the • What is the primary reason for These questions can help same skills, both hard and begin a dialogue with your wanting to go to camp? soft, whether they’re sleeping family about which camp away from home or returning • Has your child ever spent experience is the best fit to their own beds each night. for you. The choice of day multiple nights sleeping away While there are differences versus residential camp is from home? between day and residential one important aspect of the camps, above all else, the most • What’s your budget for camp? overall decision. But even important outcome of this then, make sure you follow decision is finding the right fit • Can your child bath and dress up with those potential for your camper and family. camps. Talk to directors. Ask themselves independently? This begins with knowing for tours. Ask for references. your camper. Many overnight • How far away from home do Do your due diligence. In camps begin taking campers the end both you and the you want your child’s camp between ages 7-9 years old. camp want this summer experience to be? However, some children may to be the first of many and be ready at 6 and some others • What activities are important to the beginning of a great may not be ready at 10. While relationship. your camper’s experience?
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Learn more at steveandkate.com/locations Parents Press Bay Area Summer Camp Guide
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July 18 - 22 July 25 - 29 July 25 - 29 Aug 1 - 5
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Camp Campers
Environmentalists of Tomorrow
C
ampers are the future stewards of the environment, and the grass is looking greener. According to a study conducted in 2015 by the national organization of the American Camp Association, Nature/ Environmental Education programs as well as Gardening programs make up 31% of new programs being added to camps based on interests of campers. Camps have been providing an ideal setting for creating environmental awareness in children for over 150 years! Living closely with the Earth while at camp, campers learn to appreciate and 32
Parents Press Bay Area Summer Camp Guide
care for the world around them. They experience it as members of an ecosystem, which allows them to understand and appreciate biodiversity on a personal level. Camp gives children the opportunity to explore how their choices have an impact on other animals and on the Earth. It often sparks interests that can become lifelong hobbies, lifestyles, and careers – environmental and earth sciences, gardening, farming, oceanography, geology, and so much more. Whether located in a field or forest, on an island or a school campus, a park or a dedicated woodland reserve, camp program offerings
maximize the use of the site where the camp is located. Experiential learning at camp happens naturally when camp leadership implement common-sense and sound practices in their programs. Training counselors to instruct kayakers not to pick the water lilies as they paddle around the pond or lake; hikers on an overnight trek return with more trash than they took with then; organic gardens planted for educational purposes are done so in locations where they can be left for the rest of the year. These experiences in the natural world are transformational – so much so that campers return home with real world knowledge of environmental awareness and a focus on reducing their negative impact on the environment. They return home with an enhanced appreciation of the outdoors and their role in the ecosystem. Children who attend summer camp go on to have a greater appreciation for natural parks and wildlife preserves for the rest of their lives – many will even go on to pursue interests in the environment or the sciences in college, the workplace, the community, and their families. While you’ll find varying degrees of environmental expertise and focus from camp to camp, summer camps today are building
on the proud tradition of providing children with opportunities to experience and enjoy nature and the environment in ways that will sustain our collective future. Though one can’t know if the namesake of the next national park will credit their experience to summer camping, we are positive they won’t mention NOT interacting with nature and the environment. Provided by the American Camp Association
Berkeley
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Berkeley Tuolumne & Echo Lake Camp Programs
A summer’s worth of adventure, hiking, and outdoor fun packed into every week! Day Camp Core Program 9 sessions (1 week each) Day Camp AM/PM Care Day Camp C.I.T. Program
www.cityofberkeley.info/Recreation
Scholarships Available Full Week Sessions of Family, Youth & C.I.T. Camps available
Program details available on our online registration portal
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By Bud Copeland
W
hether your family has a long tradition of summer camp or this is the first camper from your clan, once you’ve made the decision to send your child to camp, the real work begins. Directors in our membership have shared thoughts on first-time, overnight campers, and below are 6 tips for preparing those campers.
TRY SLEEPOVERS. Some first-time campers
have never slept away from home before. While camp is a great place for young people to adjust to being away from home and family, it’s not the best place to begin the experiment. Slumber parties, going to a relative’s house for the weekend, or spending the night at a friend’s house, are all good practice for dealing with that unfamiliar feeling prior to night one at camp.
INVOLVE THE CAMPER IN THE PROCESS.
From the first conversation about camp, it is a family affair. Including the camper in these preparations and decisions lays the foundation for a positive camp experience. Finding camps, taking tours, talking to directors, planning communication, packing, etc. and anything the family can involve the camper with, they should. The more a camper feels ownership over this experience, the better. “Buying in” isn’t always the easiest for first-timers, so start early, keep them involved and informed, and empower them throughout the process.
SET AND MANAGE EXPECTATIONS. It’s easy to tell
campers everything is going to be fine, and they are going to love camp. Odds are, you’re telling the truth. However, experience teaches us that love for camp often comes over time. Campers may experience homesickness, anxiety, or other unfamiliar feelings for the first time at camp. It’s important to talk about these feelings, communicate how normal they are, and brainstorm strategies to cope and continue having fun.
COMMUNICATION IS KEY. Camps have policies
and procedures for communication during the summer. Some camps allow phone calls, some print e-mails for the campers, and almost all still encourage snail mail. Learn camp’s policies regarding camper communication and review them with your camper. Set realistic expectations for if, when, and how they can share the fun their having at camp. Also, prewrite a few letters and send them ahead of time for your camper. Hearing their name at mail call is one of camp’s thrills!
BE HONEST WITH CAMP. Prior to camp, parents should communicate any and all pertinent information that could influence their child’s summer. Whether it’s family dynamics at home, new developments at school, or recent health changes, sharing this information openly and honestly with your camp sets up all parties for success. Things such as bedwetting, new medications, or having a camper whose sister who’s going away to college after the summer, can all be useful in helping camps prepare for your child.
GO DO SOMETHING (THE PARENTS).You’ve done
due diligence finding a camp. You’ve packed, practiced and rehearsed arrival day, and the time has come to drop off your camper. Once at camp, don’t stick around too long. When you depart, the magic of camp truly begins. Take this time and enjoy it. That could mean reading a book you’ve been putting off, getting together with other parents who are summer empty-nesters, or doing any number of things that the joy of parenting forces you to delay. Remember that your child is off making new friends and facing new challenges in a safe environment. It’s time to step back and both have some fun.
For more information about camp including helpful tips on finding the right camp, contact the American Camp Association or visit www.aca.org.
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Parents Press Bay Area Summer Camp Guide
Athena Summer Day Camps Los Altos & San Jose Sports, Creativity & Mentorship Girls Kindergarten – 10th Grade
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Medications at Camp What Parents Should Know
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ANY PARENTS STRUGGLE WITH THE QUESTION OF WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEIR CHILDREN’S MEDICATIONS, specifically ADD and ADHD medications, during the summer months. Although I am not a doctor or medical expert, I can give you my perspective as a camp director and some simple steps to take to ensure your child has a fun-filled camp experience. First, speak with the camp director to clarify the daily schedule and possibly identify the counselor who will be in direct contact with your child. Although many full-time camp directors have plenty of experience with children with ADD and ADHD, the camp counselor may only be 18 or 19 years old and sometimes even struggling with the same issues your 8- to 10-year-old may be having. This is not to say your child is not safe, but the level of experience can vary greatly from counselor to counselor. Next, take into account the duration of the camp. Is it just a three- or four-day camp or a multi-week overnight camp? To put this in perspective, think about how long you worked with teachers, doctors and consultants to properly diagnose, work through issues and begin to process and create a workable solution for your child. The relatively short amount of time a counselor is in contact with campers makes it not only difficult for the counselors to learn the group’s dynamics, but individual issues, as well. After speaking with the camp director there is still yet another level of expertise you can go to. By law, each camp in the state of California must have a health care consultant on staff to help the camp directors manage the many physical forms and immunization documents. Although the health care consultant may not have immediate knowledge of your particular situation during your first call, he or she is there to help manage the medications and implement protocols. Furthermore, by HIPAA Privacy Act guidelines, the camp counselor will 44
Parents Press Bay Area Summer Camp Guide
most likely not be aware of any of the medical issues of your child unless authorized by you, the parent or guardian. This granting of permission can be achieved through the health care consultant, and it is important that you are comfortable and in full knowledge of the camp’s written plan for your child. From my perspective, parents of children with ADD and ADHD sometimes feel the physical activity offered in a summer camp setting may allow them to be a little more lenient with medications that reduce hyperactivity. I urge all parents to also understand the timespan and experience of those in direct contact is significantly reduced and it is important to look at both sides of the equation while implementing the appropriate plan of action.
Important organizational chart for camps in California that parents should be aware of:
1. Camp director/owner 2. Health care consultant 3. On-sight medical personnel 4. Camp counselor in direct contact with your child
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Parents Press Bay Area Summer Camp Guide
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SEARCHING FOR THE PERFECT STEM CAMP? Get Kids Back to Camp this Summer! Exciting in-person and Live Virtual Summer Camps!!
South Bay Peninsula East Bay San Francisco In-person camps with COVID-19 safety regulations in many cities. Check out your city‛s Parks & Rec. website for Mad Science Camps. Virtual camps are all live and interactive. All materials will be delivered at your doorstep. thebayarea.madscience.org 510-438-9702 Parents Press Bay Area Summer Camp Guide | ParentsPress.com
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Too Young for a Job? Too Old for Camp? CIT Programs to the Rescue!
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OUR TEEN IS TOO YOUNG TO GET A SUMMER JOB AT A LOCAL RETAIL STORE, yet she considers herself too mature to spend the summer frolicking in the pool, playing games and making crafts. With a roll of the eyes, she has declared, quite to your dismay, that she’s too old to attend camp this summer You, on the other hand, have a different idea. Summer camp still seems very much a worthwhile venture considering the alternative – just hanging out all day. There is a solution to this dilemma: Young teens can participate in a Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program. CIT programs offer a perfect happy medium for those kids who feel they’ve “outgrown” summer camp but aren’t yet old enough for employment. And, for many kids, they offer a chance to extend the summer camp experience a few more years.
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What Are CIT Programs? CIT programs are for young teens who are serious about assuming some of the responsibility and effort it takes to work with younger children in a camp setting. There are usually a limited number of openings, and some camps only consider teens who have been “campers” in previous years. CIT programs are intended to train teens to become future counselors, leaders and mentors. There are a variety of responsibilities given to these trainees, and the scope of their duties can vary enormously from camp to camp. Some of their assigned tasks might include organizing and planning activities, leading teams in various projects, helping out with camp maintenance, assisting counselors with office work and assisting at various athletic activities. At most camps, CITs are usually still
CIT programs are intended to train teens to become future counselors, leaders and mentors. There are a variety of responsibilities given to these trainees, and the scope of their duties can vary enormously from camp to camp. considered “campers,” but they assume more responsibilities. Most teens in CIT programs are still considered minors, and, therefore, are not paid. CITs usually pay a camper’s fee, but their fee is often reduced. The teens are expected to split their time between working as a CIT and being a camper. CITs at day camps are usually 14 to 16 years old. Resident camps (overnight camps) generally expect applicants to be 16 or 17, because teens cannot become a senior counselor at an overnight camp until they reach 18. In some of these instances, the CITs are paid a stipend or given tips.
years. Therefore, it is important to call the camp you have in mind to discuss their guidelines prior to applying. Camps are looking for teens who are excited about becoming mentors to younger kids. So it’s imperative that your teen lists experiences in this area, such as babysitting, tutoring or community service that might involve children, such as reading to youngsters at a local library. Teens should also list skills or sports they are good at on the application. For instance, if a teen has lots of experience with tennis, a camp director might foresee using the applicant as an assistant coach in a tennis program.
Benefits for Teens
Finding the Right Fit
Teens who participate in CIT programs reap many benefits. They gain confidence in themselves and their special abilities and talents. Most camp directors expect that CITs will learn leadership skills, develop responsibility and competency, acquire a strong work ethic, gain decision-making skills and learn to be part of a team working toward a common goal. Teens also learn the value of being a positive role model and mentor for younger kids. These programs serve as a release from the academic pressures teens are faced with during the school year, yet they still provide an excellent learning experience. The completion of a CIT program looks great on college applications. Participation in these programs shows a willingness to work hard and take on the responsibility necessary to work with young children. In addition, camp program directors often provide great references because they can write about a trainee’s strengths and accomplishments in detail.
Your teen will have a better experience if the camp she chooses fits her abilities, skills and interests. Ask your friends and neighbors about camps that their children attended, particularly if they participated in a CIT program. It’s always good to hear from someone who has experienced the program firsthand. If possible, visit the camp before applying because not every camp is right for every child. ■
The Application Process The application process to become a CIT can vary from camp to camp. It may involve simply filling out an application or also going on interviews and supplying references. Some camps only accept applications from teens who have been campers at their camp in previous Parents Press Bay Area Summer Camp Guide | ParentsPress.com
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Summer Camp Listings Your Child’s Best summer ever starts here
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Parents Press Bay Area Summer Camp Guide
ACADEMY AT OAKLAND BALLET (OAKLAND) Day Camp (510) 893-3132 Ages 5-17 The Academy at Oakland Ballet Company offers classical ballet training with one of the leading Bay Area professional dance companies. The Academy at Oakland Ballet’s focus is on developing the whole dancer through classes that not only teach ballet technique, but explore artistic expression and build self-confidence - all in a fun and nurturing, yet challenging class environment. https://oaklandballet.org/education/ theacademyatobc/summer-intensive/
ALAMEDA BALLET THEME SUMMER CAMPS (ALAMEDA) Day Camp 510-337-1929 Ages 4-11 No experience necessary! In addition to a daily dance class, children learn about and watch a different famous classical ballet each week. They explore their own creativity through exercise in movement concepts. Students also learn valuable lessons about anatomy, nutrition, dance history and vocabulary. https://alamedaballet.com/classes/ summer-camps-classes-2/
ART WITH SUSAN CREATIVITY CAMP (ALBANY & WALNUT CREEK) Day Camp 214-732-4056 Ages 5-12 Spend Some Summertime Creating! Open Choice Studio is an innovative art program that offers students the opportunity to respond to their own ideas and interests through artmaking. Working at their own pace, students learn problem-solving, independent thinking, cooperative learning, and persistence through Listing information provided by Camps
creative discovery. Veteran art teacher Susan Stein guides the community of student artists, determines their needs, creates structure, and introduces a large variety of new mediums and techniques. Play creative games. Explore sensory materials. Enjoy time outside http://www.artwithsusan.com/
ATHENA CAMPS (LOS ALTOS AND SAN JOSE) Day Camp 408-490-4972 Ages 4-17
CAMP ST. ANDREWS (DARDANELLE - 45 MIN NORTH OF SONORA) Sleepaway Camp (650) 445-4555 Ages 8+ by July Founded in 1970, Camp St. Andrews San Bruno is an unforgettable, weeklong, traditional summer camp in the High Sierras. https://www.campstandrews.org/
CODING WITH KIDS (VIRTUAL) Virtual Camp 206-486-0525 Ages 5-18
Athena Camps is a day camp for girls entering Kindergarten - 11th grade designed to inspire courAges and build confidence through a unique combination of athletic, creative, emotional, and social activities in a nurturing community of mentors. https://athenacamps.com/
BERKELEY CITY BALLET SUMMER Dance Camps (berkeley) Day Camp 510-531-8566 Ages 5-8
Weekly Dance Camps from 9am-3pm culminating in performance! https://berkeleycityballet.org/ classes-and-more/classes/ dance-camps
CAMP EDMO (MULTIPLE LOCATIONS) Day Camp and Virtual Programs 415-282-6673 Grades Pre-K - 8th + LIT Programs EDMO is back with some incredible summer programming to help kids learn something new, all while having fun! Join us for a summer filled with science, technology, maker and art with a social emotional learning twist - online or in-person! https://edmo.org/summercamp
Coding with Kids provides online camps through our unique Coders Pathways®️ for Ages 5-18. Virtual camps are conducted live, in small groups, and teach a variety of subjects, from game development in Scratch or Python to Minecraft Modding, Roblox, Java/C#, and 3D Design. In-person classes are also available at many locations throughout the US. We look forward to seeing your camper this summer! https://www.codingwithkids.com/
DANCE CONNECTION SUMMER CAMPS (PALO ALTO) Day Camp 650-322-7032 Ages 4-17 Experience dance in an inclusive, artistic, creative, and athletic environment with Dance Connection. Camps are offered for children and teens in weekly sessions from June 6 through August 5 with full and half day programs. https://danceconnectionpaloalto. com/dance-connectionevent-calendar/ summer-dance-camps/
DOODLETON RANCH (CLAYTON) Day Camp (510) 207-7467 Ages 7-11 Doodleton is a nonprofit organization with a summer camp program. All programs including the summer camp are created to
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foster appreciation, understanding, and respect for the natural world. Campers participate in projects that use nature as a tool. http://www.doodletonranch.org/
FEATHER RIVER FAMILY CAMP (QUINCY)
EDEN VILLAGES WEST (SONOMA)
A family getaway unlike any other! Fill your days however you choose–from hiking and swimming to arts and crafts, disco bingo, and more! Programs promote growth, relaxation, safety, and fun for all Ages. Meals, activities, and lodging included. https://featherrivercamp.com/ summer-family-camp/
Sleepaway Camp (510) 560-5610 Ages 8-16 Eden VillAges West is an organic farm-to-table Jewish summer camp in Northern California for rising 3rd-11th graders that integrates culinary arts, organic farming, wilderness skills, and homestead crafts. Join us for an incredible summer 2022! https://www.edenvillageswest.org/
FAD PAD (OAKLAND) Day Camp (510) 219-3474 Ages 5-12 The FAD PAD is a magical outdoor camp offering a wide variety of FUN! Art, Cooking, Gardening, Fairy Lore, Drama, Cooperative Games, Hand Sewing and Starwitz. http://www.mehstories.com/
Family Camp 510-336-2267 All Ages
FIELDGUIDES SUMMER BACKPACKING (MULTIPLE LOCATIONS)
areas with our experienced guides encourages participants to challenge themselves, build long lasting friendships, and create connections with the outdoors that will help them gain a stronger sense of self and a better understanding of the world they live in. For 16-17 year olds we are also offering a wilderness leadership training (CIT) program designed to increase leadership and outdoor living skills. https://www.fieldguides.org/ summer-programs.html
GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN SCHOOL SUMMER CAMP (NOVATO)
Sleepaway Camp (650) 969-6325 Ages 12-17
Day Camp 415-897-2510 Ages 2-5
15-day backpacking trips for youth Ages 12-17 in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. The trips travel 4-7 miles a day, and are an ideal entry into the area’s pristine high-altitude lakes, unique limestone pinnacles and caves, and rich conifer forests, home to a number of endemic species. Trips in these unique wilderness
We will hold camp Monday-Friday with various hourly options. During summer camp, we offer play-based activities centered on a weekly theme; we also offer special events like a bubble show or jump house. http://www.gslsnovato.org/
INTEGEM AUGMENTED REALITY CODING & ART CAMP (MULTIPLE LOCATIONS) Day Camp (408) 459-0657 Ages 5-18 Fun and Educational Camp! K-12 students learn Augmented Reality coding, digital art, game design, animation, 3D, storytelling, STEM/ STEAM, design thinking and more. Beginner to Advanced levels with personalized curriculum. https://camp.integem.com/
JUNIOR CENTER OF ART AND SCIENCE (OAKLAND) Day Camp 510-839-5777 Ages 6-13
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Join the Junior Center of Art and Science this summer for one-week and two-week day camps that explore art, design, and technology on the beautiful Lake Merritt! http://juniorcenter.org/summercamp
LEARNING PLUS ACADEMIC SUMMER CAMP (SAN JOSE) Day Camp (408) 377-4114 Ages 7-13 Learning Plus Tutoring uses our award-winning programs to help students catch up on academics, get ahead, increase skills, and have fun! We offer academic summer camps for students entering grades 2-9 that cover reading, comprehension, math, writing, vocabulary, and study skills. https://www.learningplustutoring. com/summer-camp.html
LEGARZA SPORTS (MULTIPLE LOCATIONS) Day Camp (415) 334-3333 PreK-8th Grade Basketball, All-Sports, & Volleyball Summer Camp. Legarza programs give children the knowledge and motivation they need to achieve their personal best in sport and life. Over 250,000 of the Bay Area’s youth have experienced and benefitted from our 32-year, proven and tested system. Our program is tailored to help your young athlete succeed on and off the court in a safe, professional and encouraging environment of learning and fun. http://www.legarzasports.org/
MR. PETER’S GOLF CAMP (SAN BRUNO) Day Camp (415) 902-3003 Ages 5-7 & 8-15 Weekly Summer Camps M-F for kids 5-7yrs and 8-15yrs. Since 2010. Experienced staff ~4/5 to 1 student / coach ratio. Very hands on. Beginners - advanced welcome. All equipment provided. Safety first! Optional field trip to the course Friday afternoon!100% covid strict protocols. Everyone must wear masks at all times. 10 YARDS social distancing, no sharing anything, hands sanatizer, everything sprayed down between uses, 100% outside.
Learn all the shots! Grip, stance, putting, chipping, pitching, full shots, drivers, etiquette, rules, scoring and course care. All you need to know to join us at the local par 3 for our weekly field trip to the course. Sibling and multi week discounts. http://mrpetersgolfcamp.com
MUSICAL THEATER SUMMER CAMPS (MARTINEZ) Day Camp 925-957-0773 Grades 3-16 Our summer camps immerse participants in the magic of theater-making with a fun summer camp twist! Whether your child is a first-time actor or a seasoned pro - summer camp is a memorable and fulfilling experience for all ability levels. http://poisonapple.org/
NATURE AND ITS ENCHANTMENTS (WALNUT CREEK) Day Camp (925) 357-8080 Ages 3-mos. - 1st grade entry Celebrating the Freedom and Splendor of the Outdoors! https://www. klaschoolssummercamp.com/
POISON APPLE PRODUCTIONS MUSICAL THEATER SUMMER CAMPS (MARTINEZ) Day Camp 925-957-0773 Grades 3-16 Our summer camps immerse participants in the magic of theater-making with a fun summer camp twist! Whether your child is a first-time actor or a seasoned pro - summer camp is a memorable and fulfilling experience for all ability levels. http://poisonapple.org/
THE RENAISSANCE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (OAKLAND) Day Camp 510-531-8566 Grades 1-8 This summer we offer Montessori classroom activities in the morning, followed by summer camp in the afternoon for Lower Elementary (first through third grade) students, and an all day summer experience for Upper Elementary and Junior High students (fourth through ninth grade). https://www.therenaissanceschool. org
RIPE FRUIT WRITING (SAN FRANCISCO AND VIRTUAL) Day Camp and Virtual (415) 337-4369 Ages 11-17 Awarded Best of Teen Summer Programs by Parents Press in 2015, these camps are both for teens who love writing and for those who find it challenging. Here, students learn tools to become stronger, more original writers and are encourAgesd to trust their own unique voice. They gain both confidence and competence and get excited about languAges itself! Here, in this supportive environment, the imagination is honored and each student is honored and respected. The camps are both inspirational and fun! Offered on zoom with in-person options. The teacher has taught creative writing for over 25 years, including with Poets-in-the Schools, and is a nationally awarded fiction writer. http://www.ripefruitwriting.com/ classes/teen-writing-camps/
SCHOOL OF ROCK PERFORMANCE CAMPS (SAN RAMON) Day Camp (925) 415-3340 Ages: 8 - 16 Do you want to learn how to play in a band or learn to write songs? School of Rock San Ramon offers a wide variety of music camps and workshops that cover topics such as these. Our local music camps are perfect for musicians of any skill level who want to play guitar, bass, drums, keyboard and vocals. Each camp will have a performance at the end of the week. Camp themes include Green Day, Pop Legends, British Invasion, Rock 101, and Songwriting. http://sanramon.schoolofrock.com/
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SUMMERFILM - CINEMA ARTS WORKSHOPS FOR AGES 1118 (SAN RAFAEL AND ONLINE OPTIONS) Day Camp and Virtual Programs 415-517-6997 Ages 11-18 Join us this summer for a variety of programs that explore all angles of the industry and artistry of film. All in-person camps will take place at the Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center. All online camps will be hosted on our CFI Education Online platform and open to students anywhere in the U.S. Times listed are Pacific Time Zone. Need-based scholarships are available for all programs. http://cfieducation.org/summerfilm
SUMMER AT ATHENA ACADEMY (PALO ALTO) Day Camp 650-543-4560 Ages 8-13 Athena Academy proudly offers two, week-long skills programs for dyslexic and twice exceptional students entering grades 1–8. The program utilizes Athena Academy’s unique teaching approach to help our students build foundational skills for learning. https://athenaacademy.org/ summer-camp/?ref=PP2202
SUMMER@STRATFORD (MULTIPLE LOCATIONS) Day Camp (408) 244-4073 Grades: Preschool - Middle School Summer@Stratford is back with our academic camp favorites and all NEW day camp programs! This summer, children will have a wide range of options to explore new interests, discover a world of wonder, and enjoy a summer to remember at Stratford! https://www.stratfordschools.com/ summer
SUMMER PROGRAMS AT SFCM (SAN FRANCISCO) Day Camp (415) 503-6254 Ages 10-18 Summer@SFCM offers opportunities for students in areas of Music Technology, Brass, Percussion, Composition, Harp, Guitar, and Voice. Students will learn from world class faculty in the heart of San Francisco’s arts district in one or two week sessions in June or July. Ages and dates vary by program. Application deadlines as early as March 15, continuing through June 1. Admission by audition for most programs. https://sfcm.edu/summer
SUMMERCREST (SAN RAFAEL) Day Camp (415) 457-6672 Entering K-6 SummerCrest is an academic camp that offers challenging academic classes and broadening enrichment activities. We are in our 11th year of bringing a quality, fun camp to our community. http://summercrest.org
TERRA MARIN CAMP (SAN FRANCISCO, MARIN) Day Camp (415) 906-2220 Entering 3-10 Outdoor Nature Camp - Exploring, hiking, storytelling, adventuring, building shelters, learning survival skills, experiencing the environment up close and meeting the creatures both big and small who live in our surrounding forests, preserves & beaches. Language Immersion Camps Spanish & Mandarin language immersive camps where campers get to experience the language and traditions of the culture through outdoor adventures, song, dance, food and more. All language levels welcome. http://summercrest.org
WALNUT CREEK ARTS & REC SUMMER DAY CAMPS (WALNUT CREEK) Day Camp (925) 295-1490 Ages 3-14 Join Walnut Creek’s Arts & Recreation for summer camps this year! Arts & Rec offers summer camps in arts, sports, outdoor recreation, preschool camps, specialized recreation, and much more! Our popular summer day camps include: Camp Community Arts, WC Sports Camp, WC Day Camps, Specialized Recreation Camp, Camp Tenderfoot, and Camp Clever Creek. Half-day and full-day options are available. Payment plans and scholarships are available. Visit us at www.walnut-creek.org/summercamp or call (925) 295-1490 for more info. https://www.walnut-creek. org/departments/arts-andrecreation/arts-rec-open-now/ arts-rec-summer-camps
WILDCARE’S SUMMER NATURE PROGRAMS (TIBURON, SAUSALITO) Day Camp (415) 453-1000 x19 Ages 7-11 WildCare’s Summer Nature Programs provide young people with an unforgettable wildlife and nature experience! This summer we are offering Nature Hikes and Virtual Wildlife Classes. https://discoverwildcare.org/ summer-nature-programming/
YOUNG DANCER SUMMER DANCE CAMP (SAN RAFAEL) Day Camp (415) 499-8891 Ages 3-9 Let’s Imagine: Step into the magical world of ballet, filled with vision, imagination, and pantomime. In Marin Dance Theatre’s Let’s Imagine class, dancers will be empowered to expand their innate creativity and imagination. They will create an
original story to bring to life through dance and fantasy. Little ones will dance away from this class with new movement skills and an enhanced ability to express their imagination. This is a 5-class series for dancers Ages 3-4 and 5-6. https://www.mdt.org
YOUTH CAMP AT CAMP CONCORD (SOUTH LAKE TAHOE) Sleepaway Camp (925) 671-3006 Ages 8-13 Youth Camp at Camp Concord is a weeklong overnight camp in South Lake Tahoe for kids 8-13. Enjoy the outdoors with detachment from the digital world. Your child will love all the fun-filled traditions of overnight CAMP! Over the 5 days/4 nights at Camp Concord in South Lake Tahoe, campers Agesd 8-13 will enjoy Canoeing, Crawdad Fishing, Hiking, Archery, Volleyball, Swimming, Beach Fun at Lake Tahoe, Skits,
Arts & Crafts, Tye Dying Shirts, and Campfires with S’mores. Your child will be disconnected from the digital world (although texting is possible with some providers). Roundtrip bus transportation from Concord to South Lake Tahoe is included, plus all meals, a Camp Concord tee-shirt for tye dying, and all activities. https://friendsofcampconcord.org/ youth-camp/
YOUTH MUSICAL THEATER COMPANY (BERKELEY) Day Camp (510) 595-5514 Grades 7-12 Summer Musical Theater Workshops for 7th to 12th grade. YMTC is offering 3 in-person workshops this summer appropriate for 7th grade to 12th grade students at its Aquatic Park campus in Berkeley. Class size currently limited to 14 students. http://www.ymtcbayarea.org/
Little Scholars Outdoor Adventure Camps Grades Kindergarten through 8th Grade
Are you looking for a safe outdoor camp for your child in Pleasanton this summer? Little Scholars campers will get many opportunities to explore, hike and learn all about Pleasanton’s wildlife and their habitats! They will also learn about surviving in nature and they will even get a chance to build their own outdoor shelter using natural materials! We will play games, enjoy water play and make new friends in a safe covid cautious way! If you are interested, you can learn more and register for camps at: www.littlescholarsoutdooradventurecamp.com If you have questions, feel free to call (925)750-7680!
