JULY 2020
I Was a Hardto-Be-Around Adult ... Until I Knew Better
SUMMERTIME CHALLENGES FOR FAMILIES DURING THE PANDEMIC
SAFE-SUMMER-FUN GUIDE
Volume 7 / Issue 77
[ PARENTING ] Here's Your Magic Wand to Be Measurably Happier, Starting Today
Summertime Challenges For Families During the Pandemic
[ TRAVEL ]
22
8
Safe-Summer-Fun Guide
6
[ WOMEN & RELATIONSHIPS ]
[ SUMMER CAMPS ] Summer Camp Guide
How to Use Positive Parenting During a Pandemic (And Why You Should)
I Was a Hard-to-Be-Around Adult…Until I Knew Better
12
26
16
12 2 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | JULY 2020
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Local Life & Style for the East Bay Area
Publisher/Editor
Marketing Interns
Contributing Authors
Tracie Brown Vollgraf
Talia Dobrec
Advertising Sales Director
Fashion Editor
Whitney Ignacio Whitney@activefamilymag.com
Rachel Fawkes www.fawkeshunter.com
Amy McCready Dr. Laura Markham Rachel Macy Stafford Laurie Hollman Elizabeth Kang
Travel Editor
Design/Production
Elizabeth Kang ekang@activefamilymag.com
Teresa Agnew Craft
Active Family is published by TAG Marketing Group Mailing Address | P.O. Box 5158, Pleasanton, CA 94566
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Editor’s Note The 4th of July holiday looks slightly different this year. No parades or fireworks, but there is still outdoor fun to be had. Check out our Safe-Summer Fun Guide on page 9. Together we can continue to keep Covid cases down by wearing a mask, staying outside and keeping our social circles small. This too shall pass. Stay safe and enjoy your July. Tracie Brown Vollgraf Editor info@activefamilymag.com
4 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | JULY 2020
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[ PARENTING ]
Here's Your Magic Wand to Be Measurably Happier, Starting Today by Dr. Laura Markham "Everyone has a "set point" for happiness, just as they do for weight." - Martin Seligman The world has been pretty challenging lately. Do you, like me, have a list of things you'd like to change? We could start with society, move on to our children, and finish up with ourselves. Do you think you’d be happier if you could wave a wand and make things more perfect? Join the club! I wish I could hand you that wand. But I'm afraid I have bad news. Your life will never be perfect. You will never be perfect. Your child will never be perfect. And while we're working on evolving our society, perfection is probably not in the cards. None of us will ever be perfect; we're human! There's something even worse, I'm afraid. Research shows that even desirable changes in our lives don't necessarily make us happier for long, UNLESS we change our happiness set points. But I have good news, too. You actually already have that magic wand, not for perfection, but for more happiness, even with things exactly as they are. Scientists have proven that you can change your happiness set-point so that you feel measurably happier. Here are five strategies you can use, starting today. Dr. Laura Markham is the author of Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How to Stop Yelling and Start Connecting. She earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University and has worked as a parenting coach with countless parents across the English-speaking world, both in person and via phone. You can find Dr. Laura online at AhaParenting.com, the website of Aha! Moments for parents of kids from birth through the teen years, where she offers a free daily inspiration email to parents.
6 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | JULY 2020
1. Choose gratitude. Feeling appreciation and gratitude makes us measurably happier. There is suffering in every life, and sometimes it seems there is a whole lot more dark than light. But even in the hard times, there are so many blessings. Try to find a way to focus on those as much as you can. (If it helps, remind yourself that much of our growth comes from overcoming those challenging hurdles.) For parents, simply appreciating your child -- delighting in them, enjoying them -- can put the joy back into being a parent. Side benefit: Feeling our delight in them is transformative for children. Want some ideas on incorporating gratitude into your life? Gratitude Practices to Change Your Happiness Set Point
[ PARENTING ] 2. Choose to make the most of life by seeing the bright
actually sabotages happiness. That's because we're
side, even when there's a setback.
always holding the reality of our experience up to
Optimists are healthier, happier, have more fulfilling
some ideal that can never be attained, instead of
relationships, and live longer. Want to retrain yourself to
appreciating what we have. It's like we're always fighting
see the glass as half-full? See this article on helping your
with life.
child, and yourself, develop optimism. So give up on perfection and accept what is. You can 3. Choose to stay conscious and present, even with
still take action to change things. But you'll do that more
discomfort.
effectively from a positive, appreciative mindset.
Humans don't like discomfort. So when we start to feel uncomfortable, we run in the other direction, or we
5. Choose love.
numb ourselves out. But that just deadens our feelings of
The path to happiness requires you to accept and love
aliveness and joy. The only way around uncomfortable
yourself just the way you are, messy imperfections and
emotions is through. Those feelings of sadness or
all. In fact, I sometimes think that the only thing that really
frustration are there for a reason -- they're messages.
matters in parenting is for the parent to deeply love and
Once we're willing to feel them, we get the message,
accept him or herself.
and the emotions begin to dissipate. That's because your unconditional love for yourself is Want to practice getting comfortable with discomfort?
what allows you to love your child unconditionally. We
Just sit for ten minutes with your eyes closed and notice
know that's what every child needs, and deserves. In
what you experience. Discomfort is bound to come up.
fact, unconditional love -- even when you're setting limits
Don't try to change your breath or your thoughts or the
-- cures a whole lot of problem behavior (and maturation
sensations in your body; just notice them. When you
cures most of the rest.)
notice discomfort, don't try to make it go away -- just notice, and flood yourself with compassion and love.
For a whole series on healing your ability to love unconditionally, start here.
Notice that I'm describing a basic meditation here. Research shows that an hour a day of any kind of
These practices will change your life over time. But why
meditation can rewire your brain and change your
not start today, by talking to yourself like someone you
happiness set point in only eight weeks. But even ten
appreciate and adore? As meditation teacher Stephen
minutes a day, repeated for long enough, will be just as
Levine reminded us, "Nothing has to be different for you
effective.
to be whole.�
Over time, you'll notice that you're less defensive, less
You'll find that accepting yourself spills over into how you
prone to take things personally, that you're curious
talk to your child. And your child's inner voice, when he
instead of uncomfortable with your discomfort, and that
grows up, will come from how you talk to him or her now.
you feel a whole lot more alive and joyful. Nothing has to be different for you to love yourself, wholly 4. Choose what is.
and completely, exactly as you are. Nothing is stopping
We all wish things were perfect. But you don’t need
you from being happier, starting today.
perfection to be happy! In fact, pursuing perfection
What are you waiting for? JULY 2020 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 7
[ TRAVEL ]
[ TRAVEL ]
SAFE-SUMMER-FUN GUIDE Your Guide to Safe, Family-friendly Day Trips Around the Bay Area and Beyond
by Elizabeth Kan Summer is in full swing, but unfortunately, COVID-19
Other wonderful open-air markets to visit include
doesn’t seem to be going away, or slowing down for that
Santana Row, in San Jose, San Ramon City Center, in San
matter. Summer camps have been canceled, tropical
Ramon, The San Francisco Premium Outlets, in Livermore,
getaways delayed, and even backyard pool parties,
and the Stanford Shopping Center, in Palo Alto.
postponed. While shelter-in-place restrictions are easing up a bit as we enter Stage 2 in Alameda County, (Stage
A DAY AT THE BEACH — Various Locations
3 in other areas,) it’s difficult to determine what’s now
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk may be closed, but
officially open, and if it’s even prudent to venture out yet.
there are plenty of beaches around the area that are welcoming visitors who practice social distancing. A
We’ve put together a little activity “cheat sheet” to help
relaxing and fun-filled day at the beach will wash away
navigate the murky waters of summer 2020. Read on for
all of your pandemic worries, for a few hours at least.
some day-trip ideas on where to safely take the family for some much needed and SAFE summer fun.
Capitola Beach — Just south of Santa Cruz, Capitola Beach, in the charming beach town with of Capitola,
VISIT THE FERRY BUILDING MARKETPLACE
offers soft sand and calm surf — perfect for little ones.
— San Francisco, CA
Parking can be tricky near the beach, but there’s a
The Ferry Building Marketplace has been meticulously
paid lot a few blocks away if you’re willing to walk a
planning its re-opening for months, and its new safety
few minutes. Spend a few hours at the beach and then
measures include expanded outdoor seating that’s
grab a slice of pizza from Pizza My Heart, or a few fish
10 feet apart, hand sanitizing stations throughout the
tacos from Margaritaville, both conveniently located
marketplace, hands-free entrances, and a dedicated
right along the waterfront. Bathrooms with outdoor rinse
janitorial staff who will ensure a clean, disinfected eating
showers are located onsite.
area between seatings. Face masks are required for both staff and visitors.
Martin’s Beach — This Half-Moon-Bay secret used to be a private beach, but is now open to the public.
A rotating lineup of live, acoustic music entertains
Featuring tide pools, small crowds and calm waves, this
shoppers and diners at the Ferry Building, where guests
little beach is a haven for little ones, and the scenery
can easily purchase food and drinks to-go, and enjoy at
is great, too. There’s a jagged rock that juts out of the
any of the numerous outdoor dining tables, alongside
shoreline, making for a scenic backdrop for beach pics.
gorgeous, sweeping views of the SF Bay. Grab a gourmet
A small paid parking lot is located a few minutes from the
grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup combo at
beach, and a free parking area is located at the top of
Cowgirl Creamery’s Sidekick, followed by an artisan ice
the hill down to the beach.
cream cone at Humphry Slocombe. Be sure to purchase some goodies to take home with you such as fresh-
China Camp State Park — Nestled along the shore of
baked bread from Acme Bread, local honey wine from
San Pablo Bay in San Rafael, this state park offers a
Bee D’Vine, gourmet coffee from Blue Bottle Coffee, and
dog-friendly beach that’s popular with kayakers and
hand-made chocolates from Dandelion Chocolate.
swimmers, and plenty of hiking and biking trails, along JULY 2020 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 9
[ TRAVEL ]
with picnic tables, for a full day of fun. China Camp has a
climbing, zip lines, free falls, rappelling, and more, while
rich history as a thriving shrimping village, and is a diverse
younger ones will love the “Kidz Kove” play area for kids
and abundant wildlife habitat. Visitors have access to
ages three to 13, where they can climb, balance, run,
parking lots from 8 am to sunset, and are required to
bounce and swing to their heart’s content. There’s also a
practice social distancing.
Miner’s Maze to explore, and zip lines appropriate for small children. Quarry Park also offers paddle boats to fit the
Baker Beach — With parking re-opened at this popular SF
whole family, and thrilling aerial adventures to experience.
beach, it’s best to come early to snag a spot and carve out an area away from the crowds. This picturesque beach
The park is taking COVID-19 precautions very seriously
is known for its stunning backdrop of the Golden Gate
by limiting capacity, enforcing social distancing, using
Bridge and Marin Headlands.
temperature checks, sanitizing regularly, and more.
EXPERIENCE QUARRY PARK ADVENTURES — Rocklin, CA
GO HORSEBACK RIDING
Quarry Park Adventures is an exciting, completely
— Boarding on The Lake, Granite Bay, CA
outdoors, adventure park with a jam-packed roster of fun
There may be no better way to social distance than by
activities. This Rocklin-based park is absolutely worth the
going on a horseback ride, where the horses ensure a
drive from the Bay Area, and includes fun activities for the
good 10 feet apart, at least. There may be no better place
entire family. Quarry park is a huge outdoor quarry with a
to take that ride than at Boarding on The Lake, located in
large variety of active adventures to choose from.
Granite Bay. This established boarding and riding company takes riders on professionally trained horses to experience
Teens, tweens and adults will be thrilled with the rock 10 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | JULY 2020
the beauty of Granite Bay and Folsom Lake. Riders
[ TRAVEL ] meander through forest, past Folsom Lake, and along a
made pie on your way out!
breathtaking beach. Berry Island Farm — In Gilroy, Berry Island Farm The two-hour rides are by reservation only for riders ages
is currently offering blackberries, strawberries,
10 and up. Riders are matched to a horse that fits their
olallieberries, and boysenberries for U-Pick, only on
level of experience and are given a short tutorial prior
weekends, from 9am to 1pm. Closed-toe shoes are
to the horseback ride. All staff members follow proper
required, as are face masks.
COVID-19 protocol, and guests who have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath are kindly asked to stay home. VISIT A U-PICK FARM— Various Locations While July marks the end of the cherry and strawberry picking season, there is still some delicious in-season fruit available, just waiting to be plucked by tiny eager hands! Most of the U-Pick farms in the area require online reservations or limited numbers to ensure less crowds, enabling them to adhere to social distance guidelines.
Want even more ideas for a fun afternoon outside the home? Skate parks are now open, as are open-air museums, botanical gardens, dog parks, golf courses, drive-in movie theaters, national parks, and more! Staying safe and adhering to health advisories doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with the fam —just wear your face masks, keep a healthy distance apart from others, and get out and make some fun summer memories!
Don’t forget your mask, because even though you’re outdoors, they are required. The Farmer’s Daughter — This Brentwood farm stand and U-Pick orchard is currently inviting guests to pick their own peaches and apricots. Open weekdays, 8am to 7 pm, and weekends, from 8 am to 6pm. Duckworth Family Farm — This beautiful farm is located in Sebastopol, and welcomes families to pack a picnic lunch and head up to pick plump, juicy blueberries on Saturdays and Sundays from 8am - 2pm. Masks required, and check availability before going, because they often sell out. Crystal Bay Farm — Offering U-Pick strawberries and raspberries, Crystal Bay Farm in Watsonville is allowing limited numbers to come pick, visit farm animals, and enjoy their cool, coastal air. They are not allowing picnicking at this time. Gizdich Ranch — Located on Watsonville, Gizdich Ranch is allowing limited numbers to enjoy U-Pick berries (strawberries, blackberries, olallieberries, boysenberries,) depending on availability. Be sure to pick up a freshly JULY 2020 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 11
[ WOMEN & RELATIONSHIPS ]
Rachel Macy Stafford is a certified special education teacher with a Master’s Degree in education and ten years of experience working with parents and children. In December 2010, this life-long writer felt compelled to share her journey to let go of distraction and grasp what really matters by creating the blog “Hands Free Mama.” Using her skills as a writer, teacher, and encourager, Rachel provides readers with simple, non-intimidating, and motivating methods to let go of distraction and connect with their loved ones. Rachel’s work has been featured on CNN, Good Morning America, Global News, USA Today, TIME.com, MSN.com, The Huffington Post, and Reader’s Digest. Her blog currently averages one million visitors a month. Rachel’s new book, HANDS FREE MAMA, is a New York Times Bestseller.
I Was a Hard-to-Be-Around Adult … Until I Knew Better by Rachel Macy Stafford A few months ago, I came across a photo taken during a beach vacation with my extended family when my fi rst-born daughter Natalie was a baby. Some beach vacation memories kind-of run together, but not this one. I remember every shameful moment of that trip. Seeing my husband’s family members standing next to me, and recalling how loving they were to me when I was so hard to be around, brought a lump to my throat. While no one ever came right out and mentioned how difficult I was to be around during that trip… that season… that period of my life… I knew I was. I was controlling and critical; I overreacted to small things, and nothing was ever good enough.
12 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | JULY 2020
[ WOMEN & RELATIONSHIPS ] Hard-To-Be-Around was an Understatement.
I went to print out the script the night before, it was nowhere to be found.
I remember how my husband, Scott, kindly booked me a facial during that week in an effort to help me relax.
After a futile two-hour search, I walked upstairs and
About mid-way through the treatment, the esthetician
knocked softly on Natalie’s bedroom door.
left me alone for quite some time. Instead of viewing her extending absence as a chance to simply rest and
“Is everything ok?” she said, sitting up quickly in her bed.
breathe, I impatiently got up, got dressed, and left in a
“I lost my speech that I am giving in the morning. I just
huff.
know I saved it, but I can’t find it,” I said trying to hold back tears. “Can you help me?”
While recalling my behavior — that I now know was masking a deep, unspoken pain — my face burned with
Natalie promptly took my computer into her hands and
embarrassment.
started clicking buttons, opening folders, and checking
But, as shame and regret were about to sabotage the
recent documents. For over ten minutes, she searched by
present moment, I gently told myself, “No. You’re not
title and various key words.
going there. Today matters more than yesterday; who you are becoming matters more than who you once
While she searched, Natalie said not a word, which
were.”
gave me time to think. I remember my thoughts in that moment quite vividly:
For added measure, I recited Maya Angelou’s wise saying, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then
She is not shaming me.
when you know better, do better.” She is not blaming me. I reminded myself that is exactly what I’ve done over the past decade of my life. By chronicling my most
She is not doubting or dismissing me.
painful truths and using them as catalysts for healing and growth, I’ve become the person I didn’t think I’d ever
She is seeing me.
become: She is standing with me. Someone who is easy to be around. My problem is her problem. And I don’t mean “easy” as in pushover, but “easy” as in accepting, open, optimistic, forgiving, and peaceful.
I am not alone.
And as a result, my relationships with the people I love have also been healed and strengthened.
I can breathe.
Like any positive transformation, this growth didn’t
Unable to find the document after trying everything
happen overnight, and honestly, I’m not sure I would
she knew how to do, Natalie reluctantly handed the
have fully realized its impact on my relationship with my
computer back to me, saying how sorry she was.
daughter had it not been for a late-night disaster that
“Thank you so much for trying,” I said, feeling
occurred a few months back.
unexpectedly hopeful.
I was due to deliver a keynote for an important
As I walked downstairs, I realized that watching Natalie
organization that empowers young people. I’d worked
open files triggered a memory from a few days prior. I’d
on the presentation for weeks, making sure to save the
been working away from home and when I tried to save
document throughout the writing process. But when
my presentation, I got a message saying it could not be JULY 2020 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 13
[ WOMEN & RELATIONSHIPS ] saved unless I was connected to the internet.
feeling defensive.
I sat down at the kitchen table feeling confident that
Based on their commentary, I was able to come to
my presentation was saved in a remote location. As I
gather some conclusions. Here is a short list of adult
searched, a text from Natalie popped up. She wrote:
behaviors that increase the chance of being invited into the sacred spaces of young people’s lives.
“Text me if you have any luck finding it. I’m really sorry this happened. I know how hard you work to always be
Easy-To-Be-Around Adults…
prepared for these things, and you do so much for us all. I’m really sorry, and I hate that this happened. If there is anything else I can do, let me know.”
• Don’t always expect conversation. They accept that quiet is needed – and even welcome or create periods of connective silence with the young people
I couldn’t explain why, but her compassionate response
they love.
to my plight gave me added hope and determination; I felt like no matter what resulted, I could deliver that
• Don’t take bad attitudes and grumpy dispositions
speech in a few hours. Had I not had Natalie to turn to
personally. They realize young people are coping with
and had she not received me so kindly in my moment of
a lot, both internally and externally, and understand
crisis, I’m certain I would not have felt that way.
that the poor attitude being displayed is most likely not about them.
Reflecting back on that moment now, there is also this: • Don’t interrogate. Instead of peppering young people Had I stayed the person who was hard to be around–
with questions, Easy-To-Be-Around Adults make themselves available and approachable. When the
A person who couldn’t be pleased,
young people DO talk, the adult pushes aside what they are doing to listen fully and express genuine
A person who held tightly to her plan, A person who met mistakes with exasperated sighs,
interest in what is being said. • Don’t judge decisions. Maybe it’s not the choice the
I’m not sure my daughter would have welcomed me
adult would have made, but that does not mean
into her room late that night… and I’m quite certain she
it’s wrong or won’t result in a learning experience.
wouldn’t be welcoming me into her own catastrophes,
Easy-To-Be-Around Adults express curiosity instead
heartaches, and challenges as she grows.
of judgment by saying something like: “I’d like to hear more about why you took that route.”
Interestingly, this experience relates to one of the most unforgettable conversations I heard when I spoke with
• Don’t have all the answers. It’s hard to be around
a group of middle schoolers last year. It was the kind
someone who knows it all, especially when it comes
of insight that fueled me to keep writing my book, LIVE
to one’s own personal life. Throughout a teen’s path
LOVE NOW, even though it was the hardest endeavor
to independence, they need a sounding board, not a
I’ve ever pursued.
know-it-all.
A few kids had gathered around a desk after my
• Don’t expect perfection. Easy-To-Be-Around
presentation, and a student mentioned that certain
Adults communicate that mistakes are part of life,
adults are “hard to be around.” The other kids nodded
dismissing the notion that perfection is needed in life’s
in agreement and began to talk. I recognized myself
journey, which is very damaging to personal growth,
in their comments and felt grateful to be in a position to
happiness, and wellbeing. Easy-To-Be-Around also
hear – and really listen to – what they had to say without
share their own mistakes, becoming a trusted source
14 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | JULY 2020
[ WOMEN & RELATIONSHIPS ] of support when things go wrong.
simply SEEING this young woman and her pain provided the fuel she needed to move forward with hope.
• Don’t comment on appearance. Easy-To-Be-Around Adults trust that their kids are showing up in whatever
“Feeling seen and heard enables human beings to reach
way they feel most comfortable. They accept young
their highest potential.”
people “as is,” knowing that even the most wellintentioned “suggestions” regarding appearance feel
I’d said those exact words in the talk.
like rejections of who they are. But this young person knew by the cracks in my voice As for the whole presentation debacle, I was able to
that it wasn’t just talk–
find it very early that morning in a remote location called OneDrive I didn’t even know existed. Although it
I’ve lived it… I’ve practiced it.
was around one o’clock in the morning, I suddenly felt awake and excited. For the fi rst time ever, I would have
And now, the people around me can breathe easier and
the opportunity to share pieces of my new book with an
so can I.
audience that would eagerly embrace and apply my insights.
Thank goodness it’s not too late to become who you never thought you’d be.
I expected the audience to be receptive to my honest sharing, but nothing could have prepared me for the
Thank goodness we have the chance to love better,
response of one particular teen.
once we know better.
I was talking to a group of people after the event when she came up and put her hand on my arm. “Can I just hug you?” the young woman said. When we embraced, I noticed she let out an audible sigh of relief, whispering, “Thank you.”
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(925) 826-6397 As she held on and I held on, several thoughts of gratitude came to mind – Thank goodness for second chances… third chances… and forty-second chances. Thank goodness, the truth is not the end; it is the beginning. Thank goodness, struggles shared are struggles halved. I could not find what this young person had lost any more
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than Natalie could find my misplaced presentation–but JULY 2020 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 15
[ PARENTING ]
Parenting expert and “recovering yeller” Amy McCready is the Founder of Positive Parenting Solutions and the author of If I Have to Tell You One More Time… The Revolutionary Program That Gets Your Kids to Listen Without Nagging, Reminding or Yelling (Penguin, 2011.) Amy is a regular parenting contributor on The TODAY Show and has also appeared on Rachael Ray, CBS This Morning, CNN, Fox & Friends, MSNBC, Steve Harvey and elsewhere. In her most important role, she plays mom to two teenage boys. Follow Amy on Twitter @AmyMcCreadyPPS. For more information on Postive Parenting, go to www.positiveparentingsolutions. com/course-details
How to Use Positive Parenting During a Pandemic And Why You Should by Amy McCready Let me guess: Nothing is putting a magnifying glass on your family’s imperfections like the current quarantine. And the magnifying glass gets hotter by the minute. Your toddler is banging his head and slobbering against the window, your tween has been communicating only in grunts, and your 8-year-old’s remotelearning viola lesson reminds you of a dying cat. Yes, we’re all feeling it. Things got real…fast. And as a byproduct, family time just got a lot more intense. We read words like “unprecedented” and “new normal” ad nauseam, but they fail to make it easier. We hear powerful stories around the world showing unity–whether it’s an entire city applauding health care workers or entire countries staying home to “flatten the curve”–but, at home, we’re still worried about an unknown future.
16 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | JULY 2020
[ PARENTING ] And, at this point, despite knowing full well we should
away before we start yelling. It means we take a breath
embrace this time with our kids, many of us are craving a
and count to ten before responding. It means we choose
little break (or two…or three…).
not to fight fire with fire.
I’m here to tell you, though, you’re not alone. While we
Keeping calm cools our heads while allowing us to
heavily engage in our online communities–whether
parent intentionally and strategically.
through Instagram, FaceTime calls, or Zoom chats– there are also amazing parenting resources to help
If you choose not to let your son’s refusal to do algebra
us navigate this pandemic with our families. (You can
infuriate you, you’ll receive less stressful backtalk. If
check out our free online Positive Parenting class for an
you ask your daughter to take out the trash and she
excellent introduction to our 7-Step Parenting Success
says “no,” you’ll dodge a heated power struggle by
System.)
responding calmly with an alternative tactic rather than a fiery ultimatum.
If you haven’t yet tried Positive Parenting (or aren’t even sure what it is), a time of heightened chaos and
Instead of driving ourselves nuts reminding and
uncertainty is the perfect time to start. You’re already
nagging our kids to get their work done, we can use the
reinventing schoolwork, working from home, and
controlled When-Then tool.
creating a new temporary lifestyle. You don’t exactly have a lot of time, yet you have more time at home than
“When you take out the trash, then you can watch your
ever to implement something new.
TV show.”
Parenting, even in the best of circumstances, is hard. So,
It seems overly simple, but it’s profoundly effective.
if you’re questioning your sanity right about now, I know
Letting our kids determine when they’d like to complete
a few Positive Parenting strategies will help you and your
a task makes the request less of a demand. It doesn’t let
family survive–and maximize–your time together.
kids off the hook, but it does let them have a little more control. If they don’t finish the task, the TV is off-limits.
Here’s why…
When they do–in their time–they can earn back that privilege. (Please note this is not a reward. It’s an already
Positive Parenting
established, routinely enjoyed privilege.)
Decreases Parental Stress This simple strategy allows parents to remain calm but Whether we’re worried about paying the next bill,
maintain structure in a child’s daily tasks without heated
watching an entire life’s savings tank in the stock market,
debate and added stress.
or more or less inventing our kid’s at-home school curriculum, things are likely more stressful right now. They
Maintain a Glass Half Full
may even feel entirely out of control. We might want to scream, cry, laugh hysterically with frustration, or just
There really are ways to make this quarantine work in our
zone out in forced apathy.
favor, and focusing on them right now will be our ticket to happiness.
Positive Parenting counters stress and chaos by focusing on the things we CAN control– staying calm and…you
Staying positive doesn’t mean turning into a facsimile of
guessed it…being positive.
the crazy smiler in The Emoji Movie or ignoring pressing concerns. In fact, open communication about difficult
Try to Keep Calm and Carry On
emotions during this time will actually help our kids learn from the current world scenario and help them manage
Staying calm means when our kids don’t listen, we walk
and overcome it. JULY 2020 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 17
[ PARENTING ] But staying positive does require a glass half full sort of
struggles is to give kids a little more control. Throwing out
optimism. Yes, we are cooped up with our kids more than
demands left and right can send kids–and well, anyone–
usual. Yes, our financial situation may cause us anxiety.
into defensive mode. So instead of being authoritarians,
Yes, our days are feeling more and more like we’re living
giving our kids opportunities to make a few decisions for
in The Twilight Zone. But even as we ride this Covid-
themselves will give them less reason to complain, argue,
powered roller coaster, we need to think about what
and misbehave.
great things can come from it. And by staying positive, our kids will pick up on that energy.
An older toddler will put up less of a fight at bedtime if you let him choose which of three books he’d like to
I know it’s easier said than done, but we can think of
read. An 8-year-old will feel empowered when you
quarantine as an amazing chance for family bonding, a
let him choose his at-home curriculum for the week
time to reach out to long-lost friends, and a time to get
(considering how lenient his remote schoolwork is). And
creative and do things we’ve long put off.
a teenager will feel less angst if you let her choose which app she’d like to use to communicate with her friends
A family paint night that you’ve imagined for months
(as long as cyberbullying and internet security are
can finally happen when you purchase those paint
considered).
supplies online, or you can finally learn to play chess with your ten-year-old through an online tutorial. This
All of these, in turn, will naturally make parenting a little
isn’t to suggest that family activities won’t have their
less crazy in a whirlwind kind of time.
own drawbacks–like tantrums of epic proportions when toddlers lose a game of Go Fish, or teenagers choosing
Positive Parenting Decreases Children’s Stress
not to participate in family movie night. Our kids are just as impacted as we are by the current It’s just important to remember that this quarantine has
changes this pandemic has created–particularly our
silver linings that will benefit us all.
teens and tweens. Whether it’s big events like spring recitals, lacrosse tournaments, prom, or even graduation,
Focus on an Increase in Cooperation
kids are missing out on memorable life experiences with their friends. They’re also learning how to navigate
No matter the various levels of our current quarantine
School Mom and Dad.
“lock-downs,” we want our family life to be a well-oiled– and happy–machine. When things run smoothly, kids
We may be frustrated with how our kids are handling
will more willingly complete their schoolwork, the house
their big emotions right now. But staying calm and
can be (somewhat) clean, and we can work fluidly from
positive will help them as much as it helps us.
home–all without wanting to strangle each other by the end of the day.
Embrace Encouragement
This means we need cooperation.
One way to help our kids manage their current situation is to use Encouragement.
Power struggles affect every family on Earth. They’re frustrating, unhelpful, and sometimes inevitable.
Encouragement is a Positive Parenting tool that puts ourselves in our kids’ shoes and focuses on the things
But with Positive Parenting, many power struggles are
they’re doing right. Sure, it’s justifiable to be tired of the
preventable. And with fewer battles at home, anxiety
bad attitudes and the lack of cooperation, but we can
lessens, moods lift, and things get done.
also take a moment to “read the room.”
One tool to encourage cooperation and avoid power
Our kids are likely disappointed they can’t attend Field
18 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | JULY 2020
[ PARENTING ] Day or present their year-long science experiments. They
Give Them the Attention They Crave
might be faced with celebrating special occasions and birthdays without friends and struggling with learning at
One foundational belief of Positive Parenting is that kids
home.
have an innate need to feel significant. This means they need to be reminded of their self-worth, capabilities, and
The truth is, none of this is what any of us planned
the value they bring to the family. These reassurances
for or expected. We can say, “Hey, Honey, I know
are even more imperative during a time of change and
how disappointed you are that so many things you
uncertainty–just like we’re experiencing now.
were looking forward to have been cancelled. This Coronavirus has taken us all by surprise. Despite all of
Has your 5-year-old been talking your ear off or yelling
these changes, you’ve been working hard learning from
outlandishly every time you call to check on a relative?
home and assisting me plan and cook our dinners” (or
Is your 11-year-old misbehaving more than usual? Or, is
whatever else may apply). “I’ve really appreciated your
your teenager doing things just to elicit a reaction?
helpfulness.” Chances are, your children are stressed. They may feel It doesn’t matter if children’s contributions are small or
less valued because we’re more distant or distracted
some of their usual good behavior has been lacking.
than usual.
Encouragement can pinpoint any positive effort and support it. Maybe your son focused 5 minutes longer
We’re already spending at least 50% more time with our
on his English homework today than yesterday, or your
kids each day than (possibly) ever before, so how could
young daughter finally put her games away.
they need more attention? And how can we possibly give it?
We can also use Encouragement by asking our kids to think of solutions to their recent disappointments.
The thing is, in order to feel truly valued, kids need daily
Although the solutions may not be as amazing as they’d
one-on-one time with us where we engage in something
hoped, they can still be special.
they want to do. Although this time with each parent needs to be undistracted, it doesn’t have to take long.
Maybe those birthdays they’re missing with their friends
For busy families, even 10-15 minute chunks of time can
can be celebrated via surprise drive-bys with shouts,
be sufficient.
waves, and confetti. Maybe graduation can be a small family affair with a backyard Pomp and Circumstance
For young kids, one-on-one time might include playing
ceremony and hand-made diploma (followed by take-
house or building a couch fort. For older kids, it might
out from a favorite restaurant).
be talking in-depth about the latest video game. Remember–the activity is their choice.
We can help our kids with serious cases of FOMO (or with the FOMO we have FOR them!) by celebrating the
We can’t count at-home schooling or family game night
smaller things in life. It’s another one of the greatest gifts
as one-on-one time because it doesn’t focus on kids and
this quarantine can give us, and it may even help oft-
their interests individually. But when we take the time to
entitled kids feel more grateful than ever.
do it, it makes a huge difference in our children’s stress levels and their behaviors. (We might even be able to
By using Encouragement, we’re not indulging pity
have a phone conversation in peace.)
parties or ignoring bad behavior. We are simply showing compassion. And by modeling compassion, we can
We Can Focus on Justifiable–and Fair–Consequences
expect our kids to feel sympathy for others who may be suffering greatly during this time, like healthcare workers
This more-than-usual family time is all well and good, but
and COVID-19 patients.
kids are still going to be kids, and parents are still going to JULY 2020 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 19
[ PARENTING ] “lose it” once in a while.
from avoiding right now. This obviously won’t work in a situation that takes parents by surprise, like a child
We can’t expect things to be perfect or to find a new
suddenly breaking quarantine rules by playing with a
balance with work/school/housework overnight. But
neighbor outside. But it can be applied next time, by
what we can do is make sure that when things feel out
warning the child that if she does that again, she won’t
of hand with a child’s misbehavior, we apply fair and
be able to go outside tomorrow (as hard as that might
effective consequences.
be for you).
Kids that don’t know what to expect are more likely to
There is so much to learn about implementing
feel anxious. They are also more likely to find reprimands
consequences, which is why I’ve created an entirely free
and punishments unjust. If a child has ignored your
class where I’ll teach you the 5Rs for fair and effective
requests to clean up the backyard, for example, an
consequences. I promise it’ll be the best hour you spend
abrupt spanking will just turn resentment towards you. It
this week!
will also fail to prevent further misbehavior. Positive Parenting Solutions is the Missing Village You Positive Parenting focuses instead on Logical
Really Need Right Now
Consequences. We can’t see friends and extended family at a physical Logical Consequences are unique–and effective–
arm’s reach right now, but we need support more than
because they follow a set of guidelines that logically link
ever. We’re lacking so many of our usual outlets, from
the cause and effect of misbehaviors. With this link, kids
coffee dates with fellow parents to toddler playdates with
perceive the consequences as fair and internalize them
neighbors.
rationally and productively. What we can do is rely on tried and true Parenting Sounds great, right?
Success System tools that will help us navigate uncharted waters.
I know–your 6-year-old isn’t going to suddenly appreciate you taking her toy away when she hits her
By taking charge of your family’s quarantine through
brother with it; nor will your teenager graciously relinquish
Positive Parenting, you and your kids will feel a lot
his phone privileges after breaking the rules and texting
less stressed and a lot more grateful. And while the
late at night. But, your kids will understand that the
quarantine is guaranteed to expire, these parenting tools
“punishment” (although we prefer to use the word
never will! You’ll have acquired amazing strategies you
consequence) fits the crime. They’ll more consciously
can carry with you for the rest of your parenting journey.
grasp that their poor choices warranted your response. Take your fi rst step towards Positive Parenting today and Logical Consequences are also fair because they’re
learn why life-long access to our proven 7-Step Parenting
revealed in advance. They don’t come as a surprise
Success System online course will benefit you and your
or add undue stress–something all kids could benefit
family for years and years to come.
20 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | JULY 2020
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[ PARENTING ]
Summertime Challenges for Families During the Pandemic by Laurie Hollman, Ph.D. What challenges are families facing this summer that are different from the ones they are used to? Kids of different ages are accustomed to outdoor summer activities with lots of other kids. But general and specialized camps are closed this summer because it’s not safe for groups of kids to gather or for their counselors. It’s just not possible to keep enough distance to insure good health. Summer weather does afford the opportunity to be outside rather than feeling locked in the house during the winter months, but it’s time for parents and kids to be creative with these outdoor activities. Scheduling Wisely A plus that parents may not be as aware of is that overscheduling is no longer a hazard to exhaustion and stress which had been common before when parents and kids tried to fit in too many activities in a day. “Feeling emotionally secure and not overtired are important components of happiness that are often not considered when parents schedule their Laurie Hollman, Ph.D. is a psychoanalyst with specialized clinical training in infant-parent, child, adolescent, and adult psychotherapy. She has been on the faculties of New York University and the Society for Psychoanalytic Study and Research, among others. She has written extensively on parenting for various publications, including the Psychoanalytic Study of the Child, The International Journal of Infant Observation, The Inner World of the Mother, Newsday’s Parents & Children Magazine, Long Island Parent. She also wrote her popular column, PARENTAL INTELLIGENCE, at Moms Magazine and has been a parenting expert for numerous publications such as Good Housekeeping. and Bustle Lifestyle. She currently writes for Active Family Magazine (San Francisco) and blogs for Huffington Post. Her new book is Unlocking Parental Intelligence: Finding Meaning in Your Child’s Behavior. To learn more go to Dr. Hollman’s website at www.lauriehollmanphd.com.
22 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | JULY 2020
children’s daily lives…As you schedule your daily lives, it is essential to look at your intentions as a parent, your child’s intentions, and how your resulting plans will impact everyone psychologically” (Hollman, The Busy Parent’s Guide to Managing Exhaustion in Children and Teens: The Parental Intelligence Way, 2020, 105-106). So, parents and kids can take this opportunity for less rigorous scheduling and time to explore and discover new and old activities but in innovative ways. “In a society that hurries children’s development beyond its natural course, we find that play is minimized” (146). Now is the chance to redress that problem. Free Play versus Structured Play Outdoor and indoor enactments of fantasies such as fairy tales parents and kids may read, as well as, stories kids invent help them deal with conflicts in life. If you watch and listen carefully to kids reactions to the characters in fairy tales or the narrations they create in their make-believe worlds, you will be learning what is on their minds. In other words, you will get to know them better and have closer bonds. Structured activities in formalized camp activities conceal kids minds often so as parents we don’t actually get the opportunity to know our kids better and
[ PARENTING ] strengthen those bonds.
an opportunity to discuss racial themes or other themes such as those with disabilities in your very own home. You
“Free play where children imagine and use toy figures to
don’t need a classroom to discuss these topics in a non-
act out ways of dealing with challenges enhances their
threatening and definitely non-judgmental way.
development. It gives them an opportunity to deal with the stresses of life” (147).
“Playing with real things, like baking a cake, gives children the feeling of coping with reality under
Instead of grade school kids playing teacher and
pleasurable interactions with others” including siblings
student, you may hear your kids playing doctor and
and adults (147). “These different forms of play give
patient where the patient has a virus. Why? Because this
children the feeling they have some control over their
is on their minds whether they talk about COVID a lot or
own destiny” (147) essential during these uncertain times.
not.
Praising Your Kids Builds Self-Esteem if it’s Specific There are also many typical activities that don’t require
Observe and listen carefully to the ways doctors and
groups like bike riding, skate boarding, throwing balls
young patients in play talk to each other: their attitudes,
into a hoop, and playing catch to get the much needed
their conversations, their feelings about wearing masks.
exercise that’s missed if too much time is spent on
I recommend not interfering with questions or giving
screens for entertainment. Repetitive athletic play will
your own suggestions for dialogue, but just listen to your
lead to fast improvement which raises self-esteem. Praise
children interact.
your kids when the ball goes in the hoop even if it’s on their third or tenth try.
If you have an only child, as the available parent you may be asked to play out stories or suggest to your child
Don’t have fancy expectations for immediate
that you’d enjoy playing with them using their story
success and your kids won’t either but be proud
ideas. Notice your own free-wheeling dialogue and
when they succeed after tolerating some failures and
learn about what’s on your mind, too! Playing in this
disappointments. Praise their perseverance and growing
way is a much better avenue than lots of overly serious
biceps. In other words, be positive but specific about
conversations about the Pandemic.
what you are praising. “Good job” just isn’t helpful and will fall on deaf ears pretty quickly.
Playing out Conflicts and Concerns is a Great Way to Master Them
Play Enhances Child Development at All Ages
“By ages two to six, play becomes quite dominant
Thus, we learn how play helps kids grow, not only school
through self-created learning experiences with themes
age kids, though, babies, too!
of lost and found, dependence and independence, distrust and trust. During the elementary school years,
“Infants by twelve months learn object permanence: an
ages six to twelve, children become industrious…Play
object not seen still exists. This results in children playfully
themes continue to become more complex as the
looking for and retrieving hidden objects over and over,
child dramatizes herself or her toy figures as the one in
mastering this new learning experience” (149).
authority, reversing the roles of the real world by making believe she is the teacher, mother” (149) doctor, nurse
Incidental mishaps may not be considered play in the
and policeman.
usual sense but don’t miss these opportunities. “The toddler who drops his food off his high chair for his
Make sure you have play figures that represent people
mother to retrieve it may annoy his mother, but he is
of different skin colors and even cultures and you will
having a grand time proving his object permanence
see play about “Black Lives Matter.” Go on amazon to
knowledge—over and over–he’s proving that what
get any of these toys in a short amount of time. What
goes away can be found and retrieved. This knowledge JULY 2020 | ACTIVE FAMIL Y 23
[ PARENTING ] grows into hide-and-seek, for example, as three-year-
siblings, but if it’s at home, parents and kids can discuss
old children learn object constancy and practice the
how competition helps us gain new knowledge as well
appearance and disappearance of loved ones” (149)
as tolerate losing as a way to learn. We learn much
not only objects.
more from mistakes than easy successes. Let your kids know you really believe that, so they can, too. (Hollman,
At a time when kids are hearing too much about death
The Busy Parent’s Guide to Managing Technology with
and dying on the news (which should be monitored to
Children and Teens: The Parental Intelligence Way, 2020).
prevent trauma) or seeing a parent closed in an athome office for many hours who can’t be disturbed,
Playing at Home Can Prevent the Exhaustion of Camp
remembering that when living parents disappear for a
Life
while, they will return and be glad to see you.
Take advantage of the fact that the pressures of scheduling camps and working parents outside the
By ages eight to twelve, games with rules are fascinating
home are finally lax. You will discover
to kids, so pull out or order interesting board games, card games, as well as, video games. Play with your kids. Let them teach you the rules and get a charge out of beating you because they’re more skilled. In the meantime, they’re learning rules apply to all players consistently, we must all wait our turns, and we must all tolerate the jealousy of others when we are the winners, as well as, the frustrations when we are the losers. Play Using Technology “In this age of newer and newer technology, children learn to use computer-driven games with great skill at earlier ages. Their knowledge of symbols is encouraged with the icons on their well-known games. Children become the experts and their parents the students. This enthusiasm for educational video games does not bring a loss of the imaginary play that children invent for
“Children who are playing are not exhausted children. They are happy and cheerful, exploring and discovering fun for learning and fun for its own sake. They build forts out of pillows on a couch and wood and limbs in their yards. They climb trees to prove their strength and prowess and race around, expending the wonderful energy of their youth (152).” Reducing Stress on Parents Who Work At-Home It’s a great learning experience for kids to see their parents work at home. It’s not only great role modeling for kids’ futures but helps them respect the energy their parents are putting in to support them. Establishing rules about not disturbing a working parent, maybe planning a special treat to surprise the working parent on a break,
themselves. It is an addition—contrary to the beliefs of
or sharing with your kids what in fact you are working on
many naysayers who fear the innovative toys of today”
goes a long way in building not only your kids’ character
(151,152)
but bringing them more into your world.
It’s interesting that the mind-set of ‘discover and
It’s okay to let kids know when parents are tired after a
collaborate’ began online with interactive video game
long work day at home. Kids learn more easily how to
playing. So when parents encourage their kids to teach
give their parents time to themselves after work because
them their favorite video games they not only show
they now really see how long and hard their mothers and
respect for their kids’ knowledge, but discover how
fathers are concentrating on their jobs. This reduces stress
they are persistent problem solvers who emphasize
on the working parents and builds admiration for them
cooperation among players more than individual
by their kids. Kids admiration, too, by the way lessens
competition. Surely competition still will be seen among
stress for adults.
24 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | JULY 2020
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[ SUMMER CAMP ]
Summer Alameda County ALAMEDA Alameda School of Music 1307 High St. 510.769.0195 www.alamusic.org
Camp Bladium 800 West Tower Ave 510.814.4999 www.bladiumalameda.com/ youth-kids/kids-camps
BERKELEY Music Discovery Workshop 2005 Berryman St. 510.528.1725 www.sfems.org
St. John’s Camp Elmwood 2727 College Ave. 510.845.6830 www.stjohnsberkeley.org/ campelmwood
Sticky Art Lab 1682 University Ave. 510.981.1148 www.stickyartlab.com
City of Dublin 100 Civic Plaza 925.556.4500 www.ci.dublin.ca.us
Young Writers Camp UC Berkeley Campus 510.642.0971
Valley Christian School 7500 Inspiration Dr. 925.560.6270
www.bawpwritingcamp.org
www.ValleyChristianSchools.org
Green Stuff Summer Camp UC Berkeley Botanical Gardens 510.643.4832
Edge Gymnastics Training Center 6780 Sierra Court St. K 925.479.9904
www.botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu
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Lawrence Hall of Science UC Berkeley 510.642.5134
Kidz Kraftz Quail Creek Cir. 925.271.0015
www.lawrencehallofscience.org
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BERKELEY/ECHO LAKE
Tri-Valley YMCA 6693 Sierra Ln 925.263.4444
Berkeley Echo Lake Camp Lot #7 Echo Lakes Rd 530.659.7539 www.cityofberkeley.info/camps
CASTRO VALLEY Skye Valley Training Camp 10250 Crow Canyon Rd 925.858.8825 www.psi.lunariffic.com/~skyev0/
Sarah’s Science 21525 Knoll Way 510.581.3739 www.sarahscience.com
Camp Kee Tov 1301 Oxford St. 510.842.2372 www.campkeetov.org
Bee Best Learning 20394 San Miguel Ave. 510.728.2110 www.beebestlearning.com
Habitot 2065 Kittredge St. 510.647.1111 ext. 14 www.habitot.org/museum/ activities_camps.html
Monkey Business Camp 2880A Sacramento St. 510.540.6025
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Extended Day Child Care 8435 Davona Dr. 925.829.4043 & 7997 Vomac Rd. 925.551.8170 7243 Tamarack Dr. 925.833.0127 & 5301 Hibernia Dr. 925.803.4154 & 3300 Antone Way 925.826.5538 www.extendeddaychildcare.com
Quarry Lane School 6363 Tassajara Rd. 925.829.8000
DUBLIN
www.quarrylane.org
East Bay SPCA Animal Camp 4651 Gleason Dr. 925.479.9670
FREMONT
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28 ACTIVE FAMIL Y | JULY 2020
Learning Bee Summer Camp 39977 Mission Blvd. 510.226.8408 www.learningbeeusa.com
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HAYWARD Hayward Area Recreation Park District (H.A.R.D.) Day Camps 510.881.6700 www.haywardrec.org
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Roy’s Magic Camp 2466 8th St. 925.455.0600 www.magiccamp.org
Camp Arroyo Taylor Family Foundation 5535 Arroyo Rd. 925.371.8401 www.ebparks.org/activities/ daycamps/parks_camp_arroyo
Saddle to Ride Topline Training, Inc. 4180 Greenville Rd. 925.858.3933 www.saddle2ride.com
Xtreme Force Dance Company 847 Rincon Ave. 925.455.6054 www.xtremeforcedanceco.com
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Camps Valley Montessori 1273 N. Livermore Ave. 925.455.8021
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OAKLAND
PLEASANTON
Lakeshore Children’s Center 3534 Lakeshore Ave. 510.893.4048
Gingerbread Preschool 4333 Black Ave. 925.931.3430
City of Antioch Parks and Recreation 213 “F” St 925.776.7070
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Urban Adventure Camp 5701 Cabot Dr. 510.339.0676 www.urbanadventurecamps.com
Extended Day Child Care 5199 Black Ave. 925.846.5519 www.extendeddaychildcare.com
East Bay SPCA Animal Camp 8323 Baldwin St. 510.569.0702 www.eastbayspca.org/camp
Quarry Lane School - East 3750 Boulder St. 925.846.9400 www.quarrylane.org
California Shakespeare Theater Summer Conservatory 4660 Harbord Dr. 510.809.3293 www.calshakes.org/v4/educ/ summer_conservatories.html
Oakland Summer ZooCamp 9777 Golf Links Rd. 510.632.9525 www.oaklandzoo.org
Lake Merritt Boating Center Youth Boating Camps 568 Bellevue Ave. 510.238.2196 www.sailoakland.com
Raskob Learning Institute 3520 Mountain Blvd. 510.436.1275 www.raskobinstitute.org
Kids N’ Dance 3840 Macarthur Blvd. 510.531.4400 www.kidsndance.com
Quarry Lane School - West 4444B Black Ave. 925.462.6300 www.quarrylane.org
ANTIOCH
City of Danville Camps 420 Front St. 925.314.3400 www.danville.ca.gov/Recreation/ Camps
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Four Stars Gymnastics Academy 1799 Vineyard Dr. 925.778.8650
Vision Tech Camps 117 Town & Country Dr. St. B 925.699.9602 www.visiontechcamps.com
Athenian Summer Programs at Athenian School 2100 Mt. Diablo Scenic Blvd 925.837.5375
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CONCORD City of Concord Parks and Recreation 925.671.3404
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Camp Concord in South Lake Tahoe 1000 Mt. Tallac Trailhead Rd South Lake Tahoe 530.541.1203
Yang Fan Academy 4160 Hacienda Dr. St. 100 925.699.4664
www.ci.concord.ca.us/recreation/ camp
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Backyard Explorers Corner of Babel Ln & Cowell Rd. 925.671.3118
City of Pleasanton Summer Programs 200 Old Bernal Ave. 925.931.3436
DANVILLE
Color Bundles 301 Hartz Ave. #104 925.727.3137 www.colorbundles.com
Camp Brainy Bunch 741 Brookside Dr. 510.548.4800 www.campbrainybunch.com
Quest Therapeutic Camps Charlotte Wood Middle School 600 El Captain Dr. 925.743.2900 www.questcamps.com
www.cityofconcord.org/recreation/ summercamps/backyardexp.htm
www.ci.pleasanton.ca.us
Expressions Dance & Art 3015 Hopyard Rd. Ste. I 925.200.9908 www.expressions-dance-arts.com/
Young Ivy Academy 5460 Sunol Blvd (#3) 925.548.0188 www.youngivyacademy.com
Inspire Music Academy 2340 Santa Rita Rd. Ste. 7 925.461.3266 www.inspiremusicacademy.com
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[ SUMMER CAMP ]
Summer LAFAYETTE California Shakespeare Theater Summer Conservatory 1000 Upper Happy Valley Rd 510.809.3293 www.calshakes.org/v4/educ/ summer_conservatories.html
Kids N’ Dance 3369 Mt. Diablo 925.284.7388 www.kidsndance.com
Sienna Ranch 3232 Deer Hill Rd. 925.283.6311 www.siennaranch.net
Sherman Swim School 1075 Carol Ln. 925.283.2100 www.shermanswim.com
www.frenchforfun.com
Lafayette Tennis Club 3125 Camino Diablo 925.937.2582 www.lafayettetennis.com
Husky House for Kids 3855 Happy Valley Rd. 925.283.7100 www.huskyhouseforkids.org/ summer-camp-programs
Lafayette Community Center Camps 500 Saint Mary’s Rd. 925.284.2232 www.lafayetterec.org
Roughing It Day Camp 1010 Oak Hill Rd. 925.283.3795 www.roughingit.com
BandWorks Summer Camp 28 Orinda Way 925.254.2445 www.bandworks.com/summer_ orinda.php
Orinda Academy 19 Altarinda Rd. 925.478.4504
Lindsay Wildlife Museum Summer Science Camp 1931 First Ave. 925.935.1978 www.wildlife-museum.org
Camp ARF for Kids 2890 Mitchell Dr. 925.256.1273 www.youth.arf.net
Merriewood Children’s Center 561 Merriewood Dr. 925.284.2121
www.orindaacademy.org
Camp Doodle 66 St. Stephens Dr.
City of Walnut Creek Summer Camps 1666 North Main St. 925.943.5899
www.merriewood.org
www.campdoodles.com
www.walnut-creek.org
MARTINEZ
PLEASANT HILL
John Muir Mountain Day Camp John Muir National Historic Site 925.680.8807
City of Pleasant Hill Camps 147 Gregory Ln 925.682.0896
Castle Rock Arabians 1350 Castle Rock Rd. 925.933.3701
www.johnmuirassociation.org/ muircamp/index.php
French For Fun 3381 Mt. Diablo Blvd 925.283.9822
ORINDA
Rancho Saguaro 1050 Pereira Rd. 925.788.5200 www.ranchosaguaro.com
MORAGA Gaels Summer Camp 1928 St Mary’s Rd. 925.631.4FUN www.smcgaels.com
Camp Saklan 1678 School St. 925.376.7900 www.saklan.org/about-us/campsaklan
OAKLEY City of Oakley Parks and Recreation 3231 Main St. 925.625.7044 www.ci.oakley.ca.us
Diamond Hills Sports Club 1510 Neroly Rd. 925.420.4575 www.sparetimeclubs.com
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www.castlerockarabians.com
www.pleasanthillrec.com
PITTSBURG City of Pittsburg Parks and Recreation 300 Presido Ln. 925.252.4842 www.ci.pittsburg.ca.us
SAN RAMON City of San Ramon Camps 2226 Camino Ramon 925.973.2500 www.ci.san-ramon.ca.us
School of Rock San Ramon 460 Montgomery Street 925.415.3340 510.207.9281 bit.ly/SORsanramoncamps
Adventure Day Camp Dorris-Eaton School One Annabel Lane 925.937.6500 www.adventuredaycamp.com
WALNUT CREEK Adventure Day Camp Seven Hills School 975 North San Carlos Dr. 925.937.6500 www.adventuredaycamp.com
Multiple Locations The Growing Room Academy Various locations around the Bay Offers: 3,4 and 5 Day Camps 925.837.4392 www.thegrowingroom.org
Camp Rocks: Girl Scouts of Northern California Offered at 5 locations: San Rafael (Camp Bothin), Santa Cruz (Skylark Ranch), San Jose (Camp Metro Day Camp), North Lake Tahoe (Deer Lake), and the Sierra Nevada Mountains (Sugar Pine) 800.447.4475 ext. 2091 www.camprocks.org
Mad Science Camp Offered at several local Recreation sites and Community Centers 925.687.1900 www.mtdiablo.madscience.org
[ SUMMER CAMP ]
Camps Steve and Kate’s Camp Danville, Dublin, Fremont, Oakland, Walnut Creek and Berkeley 415.389.5437 www.steveandkatescamp.com
Camp Galileo Alameda, Alamo, Berkeley, San Ramon, Walnut Creek, Fremont, Oakland, Lafayette and Orinda 510.595.7293
Lango Language Summer Camps Serving Alamo, Blackhawk, Brentwood, Briones, Canyon, Clayton, Concord, Danville, Martinez, Moraga, Orinda, Pacheco, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, San Ramon, Walnut Creek and surrounding regions 888.445.2646 www.langokids.com/parent/kidslanguage-summer-camps
Out of Area
SF Zoo Camp Sloat Blvd. & the Great Highway San Francisco 415.753.7080 www.sfzoo.org
Golden Arrow Camps 644 Pollasky Avenue, Ste. 100 Clovis, 93612 800.554.CAMP www.goldarrowcamp.com
Coppercreek Camp 1887 Williams Valley Rd. Greenville, 95947 800.350.0006 www.coppercreek.com
www.galileo-learning.com
KinderCare Walnut Creek, Concord, Danville, Martinez and Clayton 888.523.6765 www.kindercare.com/ summercamp
Viva el Espanol! Lafayette, Piedmont, Pleasanton & San Anselmo 925.962.9177 www.vivaelespanol.org/ summerprograms.php
Club Sport Fremont, San Ramon, Pleasanton and Walnut Creek 925.938.8700 www.clubsports.com
Camp Edmo Alameda, Fremont, and Oakland 415.282.6673 www.campedmo.org
Kids’ Carpentry Berkeley, Lafayette, Alameda, Oakland, Alamo & Walnut Creek 510.524.9232
Stratford School Summer Sports Camp & Enrichment Danville, Fremont, Los Gatos, Morgan Hill and Pleasanton 925.737.0001
www.kidscarpentry.com
www.stratfordschools.com
www.techknowhowkids.com
Sky hawk’s Sports Camp Various locations around the Bay Area 800.804.3509
iD Tech Camp Moraga, Concord, Livermore, Berkeley and other Bay Area locations www.idtech.com
www.skyhawks.com
TechKnowHow Kids Dublin, Berkeley, Fremont, Livermore, Oakland & Pleasanton 650.638.0500
Camp Unalayee 3921 East Bayshore Rd. Palo Alto 650.969.6313 www.unalayee-summer-camp.com
CYO Summer Camp 2136 Bohemian Hwy Occidental, 95465 707.874.0200
Almaden Equestrian Center 20100 Almaden Rd. San Jose 408.927.0232 www.almadenequestriancenter.net
Silver Creek Sportsplex 800 Embedded Way San Jose 408.224.8774 www.gotoplex.com
College For Kids 1700 W. Hillsdale Blvd. San Mateo 650.574.6149 www.collegeforkids-smccd.com
www.camp.cccyo.org
Mountain Camp Woodside 302 Portola Rd. Portola Valley 650.576.2267 www.mountaincampwoodside.com
School of Rock Summer Camp 711 South B St. San Mateo, San Jose & Palo Alto 650.347.3474 www.schoolofrock.com
Camp Tawonga 131 Steuart Ste. 460 San Francisco 415.543.2267 www.tawonga.org
Kennolyn Camps 8205 Glen Haven Rd. Soquel 831.479.6714 www.kennolyncamps.com
888.709.8324
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