How to Pick the Best Camp for Your Child
Which Type of Camp Would Best Suit Your Child?
Sending Teens to Summer Camp Is Your Child Ready for Overnight Camp?
Making Positiv Impact
Immersed in a joyful school community, Prospect Sierra students think and feel deeply, develop a lifelong love of learning, and are prepared to make a positive impact on the world.
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Get Ready for Summer
Which Type of Camp Would Best Suit Your Child?
Make Summer Count: 9 Activities for Motivated Teens
What Do You Envision for Your Child’s Camp Experience?
Good to Know • Get Ready for Summer! Looking for a Great Summer Camp?
Is Your Child Ready for Overnight Camp?
• 12 Vacinnes to Plan on for your Baby’s First Year
• 2025 National Parks Fee-Free Days
Tips on How to Talk to Your Child About Safe Interactions in Sports
4 Tips On How to Talk to your Child about People with Disabilities
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Good to Know
GET READY FOR SUMMER! Looking for a Great Summer Camp?
Don’t miss the Parents Press 2025 Virtual Camp & Summer Expo starting on March 9. This year, we are doing a virtual program for camps that can be customized so you receive the information you want. Please register to receive your customized package of camp information: https://parentspress.com/summer-camp-expo. html
VOTE for your Favs!
Our 2025 “Best Of” ballot is here! We need your input! Each year, we poll our readers for their top picks of places to shop, dine and play – everything from preschools and schools to kids’ classes, docs and dentists, camps, museums and attractions and so much more. Head online to www.ParentsPress.com to vote for your favorites today. We’ll publish the winners in our annual Best of publication this summer.
12 Vaccines Your Child Should Receive in Their First Year
By Anisha Srinivas, Intern in the Injury Prevention Program at Boston Children’s Hospital
All of us strong and healthy adults once started off as smal babies with weaker immune systems. One way for us to live healthy lives and build immunity to illness is to be vaccinated as a child. Vaccines help build immunity by exposing the body to small amounts of pathogens, allowing the immune system to recognize and fight them later. Here are the key vaccines your child should receive in their first year of life:
1. Hepatitis B (HepB): Symptoms: Fever, fatigue, jaundice, and liver damage. Schedule: First dose at birth, second at 1-2 months, third at 18-24 weeks.
2. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): Symptoms: Pneumonia, breathing difficulties, and blue skin. Schedule: Given within a week of birth if born during RSV season.
3. Rotavirus (RV): Symptoms: Severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. Schedule: 2, 4, and 6 months (oral drops).
4. Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP): Symptoms: Breathing difficulty, muscle stiffening, and violent coughing. Schedule: 3 doses at 2, 4, and 6 months, with boosters at 15-18 months and 4-6 years.
5. Haemophilus Influenza Type B (Hib): Symptoms: Ear infections and severe blood infections. Schedule: 3-4 doses at 2, 4, 6 months, and 12-15 months.
6. Pneumococcal Disease (PCV13): Symptoms: Sinus, ear infections, pneumonia, and meningitis. Schedule: 4 doses at 2, 4, 6 months, and 12-15 months.
7. Polio (IPV): Symptoms: Mild flu-like symptoms; severe cases can cause paralysis. Schedule: 4 doses at 2, 4, 6-18 months, and 4-6 years.
8. Covid-19: Symptoms: Cold/flu-like symptoms, pneumonia, and long-term complications. Schedule: One dose at 6 months, repeat as new vaccines are released.
9. Influenza/Flu: Symptoms: Sinus/ear infections, pneumonia, and complications for existing conditions. Schedule: 1-2 doses between 6-12 months, annually thereafter.
10. Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR):
Symptoms: Fever, rash, pneumonia, and severe complications. Schedule: First dose at 12 months, second at 4-6 years.
11. Hepatitis A (HepA):
Symptoms: Liver infection, complications may include liver failure. Schedule: First dose at 12 months, second at 18 months.
12. Varicella (Chickenpox): Symptoms: Fever, rash, and severe complications like pneumonia. Schedule: First dose at 12-15 months, second at 4-6 years.
Vaccines are essential for your child’s health, offering protection against serious diseases. For specific information about vaccines and what your child needs, please contact your pediatrician.
2025 Virtual Camp & Summer Expo
Monthly March through June
Receive camp information and learn about more than 75 day and overnight camps as well as summer programs for all ages and interests.
Click here to register and receive access to regularly updated online camp expo materials
Good to Know
EAST BAY PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE IS AVAILABLE!
The 2024/25 edition of The East Bay Private School Guide is available and is filled with information on how to help parents navigate the process of finding the best private school for their child. This guide has information on prioritizing what are the most important factors for your family, determining what type of school to consider, navigating admissions tours, shadow days, interviews, needed exams, tuition assistance and writing a great essay. Use the month-by-month guide to keep your family on the admissions track to getting accepted to the school of your choice. Available in print and online at www.ParentsPress.com – just click on “Our Magazines” tab.
Private School Online Admission Events Calendar
What better way to keep track of all the Bay Area preschool and private school’s admission events than this handy tool! With over 50 schools & preschools participating, check out the Online Open House & Admissions Calendar on ParentsPress.com. Look for the School Open Houses button on the main header bar and tap. Don’t forget to tell them you saw their event on https:// parentspress.com
2025 National Parks
FEE-FREE Days
According to National Park Service Director Chuck Sams, “The entrance fee-free days encourage people to discover the beauty, history, and inspiration awaiting them in the more than 400 national parks throughout the country.” Only about 100 of the 400+ national parks have an entrance fee, with costs ranging from $5 to $35+. Detailed information about what to see and do in each park is available on NPS.gov or the NPS app. People to know what is open and available before they go, especially if they stay overnight. Fee-free days apply only to entrance fees and do not cover amenity or user fees for camping, boat launches, transportation, special tours, or other activities. The annual $80 America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass allows the pass holder and companions accompanying them unlimited access to over 2,000 federal recreation areas, including all national parks. There are also free and discounted passes available for currently serving members of the U.S. military and their dependents, military veterans, Gold Star Families, fourth-grade students, disabled citizens, and seniors.
Free Entrance Days for 2025
April 19: First day of National Park Week
June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day
August 4: Anniversary of Great American Outdoor Act
September 27: National Public Lands Day
November 11: Veterans Day
Infant
8:45 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Safety First: Talking with Your Young Athlete
By Ju’Riese Colón, CEO of the U.S. Center for SafeSport
Health and well-being are often things adults prioritize at the start of every new year, but what about the youngest among us?
For those with children in sports or thinking about joining organized athletic activities, it’s never too early to find age-appropriate ways to start talking with your young athlete about positive behavior in sport settings. While these conversations can help prevent abuse and other forms of misconduct, they also support crucial life skills like establishing healthy boundaries.
The U.S. Center for SafeSport is the first national organization in the world dedicated to preventing and responding to abuse within the Olympic and Paralympic movement. But, we cannot do it alone. Shifting sport culture is going to take all of us. The good news is that sport safety can start with something as simple as a conversation—even with kids 5 and under.
Based on the Center’s Parent and Guardian’s Handbook for Safer Sport, here are tangible ways you can talk about boundaries and introduce simple rules related to sport participation with your young athlete.
• Tell your child you value their safety first. If a coach does something that hurts their feelings, hurts them physically, or makes them feel uncomfortable, encourage them to tell you (or another trusted adult) as soon as they can.
• Talk about other adults in their world they consider “safe.” This helps your child feel comfortable sharing concerns with another trusted adult if you are not available. In some families, these may be aunts, uncles, or grandparents. For others, a trusted adult
might be a best friend’s parent, a teacher, caregiver, or pediatrician.
• Ask open-ended questions that can draw out detailed answers. In other words, instead of questions that can be answered with yes or no, ask questions such as “What was your favorite/least favorite part of practice?”
When we establish an open dialogue, kids know they can come to us early and communicate safely. Remember that you don’t have to tackle everything at once. In fact, it’s best to make a commitment to start smaller conversations over the course of time.
Talk about Emotional Misconduct
• Reinforce that a coach may criticize a specific behavior—a kick, a catch, a run—but should never criticize the child personally.
• Teach your child the difference between helping words (such as “you can do it” or “great job trying”) and hurting words (such as “you’re stupid” and “you can’t do anything right”).
• Tell them they should let you know if a coach uses hurtful words when they talk to them.
Talk about Physical Misconduct
• Communicate about physical boundaries with your child before they attend their first class/practice. That includes boundaries between themself and other players as well as the coach.
• Discuss disciplinary techniques that you as a parent consider inappropriate (such as denying a water break as punishment). Tell your child you would want to know if another adult used those on them. This helps them feel comfortable coming to you when something a coach does feels wrong.
When we establish an open dialogue, kids know they can come to us early and communicate safely.
• Help your child understand that making behavioral mistakes (such as not following rules) is different from making skill-related mistakes. They should not be punished for trial and error when learning new skills.
Talk about Sexual Misconduct
• Communicate about what to do if a coach or older kids ask your child to keep something a secret from you or other trusted adults. Encourage them to tell you, even if the secret is something they feel confused or ashamed about.
• Discuss boundaries with your child about who should be touching them and when. Example: “It’s okay for the doctor to look at your private parts during an exam when I’m there, but it’s not okay for anyone else to do that.”
• Use the correct names for body parts when talking with your child and encourage them to use those names as well.
• Remind your child that nobody should be touching their private parts (even if they ask), not even their friends.
• Monitor the relationship of coaches or older kids taking special interest in your child, to spot potential grooming behaviors.
The Center has a wealth of educational tools and resources on abuse prevention for kids and parents. While the guidance above is geared toward children 5 and under, we also offer additional resources on how to talk to children age 6-12 and 13 and older.
Report to the U.S. Center for SafeSport if you have experienced abuse or misconduct—or if you have reasonable suspicion of abuse or misconduct—inflicted by someone in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Movement. You can also call the Center at: 833-587-7233.
Ju’Riese Colón is the Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Center for SafeSport, the nation’s only nonprofit organization committed to ending all forms of abuse in sport. As CEO, Ju’Riese leads the strategic vision and direction of the organization to ensure every athlete is safe, supported, and strengthened through support. An experienced child advocate who serves as an expert on issues related to child safety, Ju’Riese has led prevention and outreach initiatives with youth-serving organizations serving families, educators, law enforcement, and diverse communities. She earned bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice and Spanish from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Tips on How to Talk to Kids About Disabilities
By Sarah Lyons
“Why do you talk like that?” I heard the question come from behind me as I helped another child in the Sunday school class.
“It’s just the way I am.” I heard my sisterin-law wisely answer the curious boy.
My sister-in-law, Kara, was born with Cerebral Palsy. She was helping me in the classroom that day when one of the kids noticed her speech was different. Kara has been taught to answer “It’s just the way I am.” after years of questions about her differences.
Our kids have grown up around their beloved Aunt Kara and accept her as she is but there came a time when each of them has asked about Kara’s disability and why it makes her different.
Chances are, at some point, your child will meet someone at school or in the community that has disabilities. It is normal for children to have questions about people who are different, which means parents should be prepared to answer their questions in an intelligent and appropriate way.
Here are four tips to get the conversation started:
EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT BUT THE SAME
All of us have unique gifts, personalities, and challenges. No two people are the same and this is a great thing because diversity makes life interesting and fun. While we are all different, everyone has things in common too. All people, including people with disabilities, want to have friends, be shown respect, and have the desire to be accepted. Encourage your child to embrace the differences of others and find common ground, as well. If your child is interested in a popular television show, book, toy, or game; chances are a person with special needs is too. Ask them what they love to do, I would guess they will be happy to tell you.
TYPES OF DISABILITIES
Some disabilities are obvious and some are not. Some people may need a walker or wheelchair to help them move around. Others may have a cognitive (thinking) disability that is not as visible. Explain in simple terms that people struggle with different things and may need a little extra help from a physical tool (like a wheelchair) or help from others. People can have impairments with sight, hearing, walking, speech, cognitive, or a variety of other things. It is important to note that just because someone is in a wheelchair, it does not mean they have a cognitive disability. Also, disabilities are not contagious and children are not going to “catch” the disability. These things may
sound obvious to adults, but children process things differently and many have these questions.
NAME CALLING IS NEVER OKAY
Emphasize that people with disabilities have feelings too. Name calling is hurtful, disrespectful, and is a form of bullying. People with disabilities need others to stand up for them when they cannot stand up for themselves. Encourage your child to tell an adult if kids are teasing another child. Your child can be an example to others by being kind and respectful. Parents can set an example by using positive language and behavior towards others, as well.
A NOTE ABOUT “RUDE” COMMENTS
Kids are curious and love to ask questions. Many times, they will speak exactly what is on their mind, without thinking about whether the comments will be hurtful. This can be very embarrassing to parents. So, what do you do if your child blurts out a rude and embarrassing comment? Start by answering calmly and matter of factly. If, for example, your child says “Why is that boy in a wheelchair?” Simply answer, “He needs it to move around. Why don’t you say hello?” If the child is reluctant, say hello to him yourself
All people, including people with disabilities, want to have friends, be shown respect, and have the desire to be accepted. Encourage your child to embrace the differences of others and find common ground, as well.
along with something like “John likes trains. Do you like trains too?” If the person accompanying the child responds, follow their lead. It is always better to treat others as you would like to be treated than to hurry away in an embarrassing situation. Later, when you are at home, you can ask your child if they have any other questions about others with disabilities and reinforce the value of treating everyone equally.
My sister-in-law, now thirty-eight years old, has been asked many questions over the years, some rude and some just curious. She has learned to handle them well because she knows that, just like anyone else she has challenges to overcome and successes to celebrate. Kara loves watching movies, dancing to music, and taking care of animals. She loves eating candy, pizza, and tacos. She is fun to be around and loves to get out and explore new places. People with disabilities are just people. Sometimes that simple fact is all kids need to know.
Sarah Lyons is a busy mother of six children. Lyons has been published in Pregnancy and Newborn Magazine KC Parent, Austin Family, Creative Child and over 140 other parenting publications.
JUNE 9 THROUGH
JUNE 10 THROUGH
ACADEMY FOR RISING 3RD AND 4TH GRADERS!!!
Motivated Students & Athletes Ages 8-14
HOW TO PICK THE
Best Camp FOR YOUR CHILD
IN THE BAY AREA, WE’RE INCREDIBLY FORTUNATE BECAUSE WE HAVE AN ABUNDANCE of summer camps to choose from for our children. Whether you’re looking for a day or sleepaway camp, one that focuses on the performing arts, science, or whatever else your child is passionate about, it more than likely exists in our region.
Which Type of Camp Would Best Suit the Needs and Interests of Your Child?
The 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 called 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.
The only downside to having so many options is that it can truly feel like an exhausting search to find exactly the right fit for your kids. We want them to be happy. We want them to feel comfortable. And, most of all, we want them to be safe. But how does a parent know they are making the right choice? Read on to find a wide range of information that will answer your checklist of questions regarding how to best decipher the information in all of those brochures and how to make the most of an informational visit. You’ll have better peace of mind and, chances are, your kids will have one incredible summer.
BE PREPARED
Before you start scheduling camp interviews, research all of the options that appeal most to your family, then weigh the pros and cons of each (you can even grade them on a points system if you like). After you’ve compiled a list in order of interest, start eliminating some. You don’t want to drive yourself crazy going on interviews for camps that aren’t really all that appealing to you. It’s a waste of your time and theirs.
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 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.
Once you’ve ruled out camps that don’t meet your essential search criteria or expectations, begin exploring the details of each option you like. Sometimes, the filtering process yields too many camps to interview personally; sometimes, it doesn’t yield enough. Adjust key variables, such as location and session length, to narrow or expand the number of options on the results page. Use the results page to go directly to camp websites.
GET ORGANIZED
Camp interviews may feel a bit tedious at times, especially depending on how many you plan on talking to, but they are so necessary in determining how your child might fit into the environment. Go into each interview armed with knowledge of your pros and cons so that you have your questions firmly planted in your mind. How does the camp convey who they really are and reflect the world they’ve created exclusively for a child’s benefit? Camp seekers can learn so much from a close look at camp websites, brochures, photos, videos, FAQs, newsletters, social media, and camper
Camps are much more than lists of activities they offer; they are vibrant educational communities – and no two are exactly alike. There is probably not just one perfect camp for your child. More than one camp may turn out to be a great fit, given your search criteria, so the interviewing stage will most likely factor into your final decision and help you to pinpoint the camp. So, how do you decide between two (or a few camps) with comparable activities, locations, schedules, amenities and prices?
Enough research will provide answers to your questions without you having to utter a single word. Camps try to anticipate what families need to know and provide this information online. You’ll want to use interview time to ask questions that haven’t already been answered – questions that explore the fit for your child.
Running low on time? Interviews with some camp head honchos may already be available online. You can also consult with friends who’ve previously met with the camp for information you never even realized you might want. Look for an interview with the example, you might see photos on the website or on Facebook showing the salad bar or a cabin group sitting around the table with food served family-style. This might spark a question about camp food and how your child’s dietary needs can be met. Or, combing through the part of a website developed exclusively for parents of overnight campers might enable you to understand the camp’s plan and suggestions for communicating with your camper. Perhaps reading the director’s blog from last summer or looking at newsletters might give you some insight into the camp’s philosophy and culture.
BE YOUR CHILD’S BEST ADVOCATE
You’re the expert on your child! What aspects of his personality might affect the camp fit? (Your child is shy and cautious in new situations, for instance. Or your child needs to have a certain amount of time to practice music, sports or academics.)
Submitted by American Camp Association.
Make Summer Count: 9 activities for motivated teens
Summer often conjures images of camps for younger kids, where they make friends, learn new skills, and have fun. But as children grow into their teen years, they still benefit from engaging, enriching summer experiences—just tailored to their evolving interests and goals. While babysitting, mowing lawns, or lifeguarding are great ways for teens to spend their summer, there’s a wealth of opportunities that can help them prepare for their future, especially if they’re college-focused. Here’s a look at some activities and their benefits:
1Summer Camps & CIT Opportunities.
Community Service Camps: These camps allow teens to give back to their communities while learning valuable skills. Whether it’s packing food for the homeless, assisting with community projects, or even helping to build homes, teens gain hands-on experience that fosters a sense of purpose.
Interest-Based Camps: For teens passionate about sports, arts, computer science or other activities, specialized camps provide an immersive environment to develop their skills. From improving soccer techniques to exploring the arts or deepening their faith, these camps offer a focused approach to personal growth.
Team-Building Camps: At camp, teens meet peers from diverse backgrounds and learn to work as a team through collaborative activities. Trust-building exercises and group projects teach cooperation—skills that are vital in college and beyond.
2 Internships.
For teens with a clear interest in a particular field, internships provide an excellent opportunity to gain realworld experience. Whether shadowing a doctor, assisting in a lab, or working at a local business, internships offer insight into potential career paths and look impressive on college applications.
3 Research Opps.
Teens interested in STEM fields can
often find summer research opportunities through universities, science institutes, or specialized programs. These experiences allow students to contribute to meaningful projects, learn advanced methodologies, and connect with professionals in their field.
4Job Shadowing.
For those still exploring career options, job shadowing provides a chance to observe professionals at work. Spending a day or two with a mentor can help teens understand the day-to-day responsibilities of a job and determine whether it aligns with their interests.
5Developing Interests & Skills.
Summer is a perfect time for teens to unplug and dive into interests they might not have time for during the school year. Whether attending camps focused on creative arts, sports, or technology, or taking guitar lessons, teens can develop new passions or refine existing ones, which could influence their future studies or careers.
6 Building Independence.
Experiences like camps, internships, or job shadowing encourage teens to step out of their comfort zones. These activities require them to adapt to new environments, manage their time, and interact with others—key skills for college and adulthood.
7Building Healthy Habits.
Whether through sports camps, outdoor adventure programs, or summer jobs that involve movement, staying physically active during the summer is essential. These activities help teens maintain their health while fostering discipline, developing skills and teamwork.
8 Cultivating Friendships & Social Skills.
Whether through sports camps, outdoor adventure programs, or summer jobs that involve movement, staying physically active during the summer is essential. These activities help teens maintain their health while fostering discipline, developing skills and teamwork.
9 Sweet Homecoming.
Spending time away from home — whether at a residential camp, internship, or through international travel —
often helps teens gain a new appreciation for family life and everyday comforts, from home-cooked meals to their own bed.
Summer isn’t just for relaxing—it’s a time to grow, explore, and prepare for the future. Whether through camps, internships, research, jobs or other activities, college-focused teens can make the most of their summer while creating memories, making friends and developing skills that will last a lifetime.
Summer Camp
Incoming First through Sixth Grade 2025 Register Now!
*Grade levels refer to the grade your child will be enrolled in during the 2025-2026 school year
At Ventana School, our belief in the infinite potential of confident, curious children ignites their belief in themselves. Keep your child inspired all summer at Ventana’s Elementary Summer Camp. With engaging week-long themes, campers will immerse themselves in hands-on activities that will boost their creative confidence and stimulate their minds. Join us for one or all six weeks of Summer Camp!
Week 1 (June 16 - 18, 20)
Week 2 (June 23 - 27)
Week 3 (July 7 - 11)
Week 4 (July 14 - 18)
Week 5 (July 21 - 25)
Week 6 (July 28 - Aug 1)
Camp runs Mondays through Fridays from 9 AM to 3 PM Extended care is available until 4:30 PM
For more details and registration information: www.ventanaschool.org/summercamp2025 summercamp@ventanaschool.org (650) 948-2121
Dancing Paintbrush FP Summer Art Camps
The magic of Summer Art Camp begins this year on June 5th!
We limit each summer camp session to 12-15 students, so that each student receives individual attention. Making art develops problem-solving skills, encourages creativity, and develops self-confidence. Our goal is to provide the materials, structure, and guidance to spark creativity in each child, allow them to explore and investigate their own ideas, and have lots of fun in the process.
Schedule for Summer Art Camp 2025
Special: June 5 and 6 Paint and Draw (2 day week)
Week 1: June 9-13 Drawing
Week 2: June 16-20 Paint: Color
Week 3: June 23-June 27 Animals & Imaginary Creatures
Week 4: June 30-July 3 People & Faces (4 day week)
Week 5: July 7-11 Landscape, Still Life & Oceans
Week 6: July 14-18 Drawing
Week 7: July 21-July 25 Animals & Imaginary Creatures
Week 8: July 28-August 1 Paint: Color
Week 9: August 4-8 Landscape, Still Life & Oceans
Week 10: August 11-15 Animals & Imaginary Creatures
All art materials are safe and non-toxic. Ages 6-13, regular campers, and 14-17, counselors in training. Camp options are from 9am to 3pm each day with before and aftercare available, 8-9am and 3-5pm. On Friday, camp ends at 3pm. Daylong Immersion Days are also available. Questions?
Our camp is located at 1744 Solano Avenue, Berkeley
Please call 510-604-0036 or email Bethpaints@gmail.com
What Do You Envision for Your Child’s Camp Experience?
electing a camp for your child can be exciting. You know that camp is a wonderful way for your child to develop independence, new skills and new friends. But now you need to figure out which camp is the right choice. Consider these questions as you go through your search:
What is driving your camp search?
Fun and learning? New experiences and skills? A need for child care? Family tradition? Encouragement from friends?
What are your leading camp search criteria? Which ones are “non-negotiable” and which are “preferences”?
Which of your family’s values should be reflected in the camp philosophy? How religious should it be? How competitive? How diverse? How much camper choice should be given?
What activities or programs interest you and your child? What level of intensity are you looking for? Are you looking for opportunities for your child to try new activities, to play, to advance current skills, to practice, to compete or to specialize?
What kind of facilities will your camper consider? Discuss electricity, bathrooms and dining.
What session length, from eight weeks to a few days, is comfortable for you, for your child, and for your family’s summer schedule? The most common session lengths are: full season (seven to eight weeks), half season (three to four), two weeks and one week.
What camp clientele do you want to consider? There are camps for only boys or girls, coed, brother/sister, religious groups, underserved populations and children with special needs.
How far are you willing to commute your child? Is there a good local source or is it worth driving to a destination camp?
Is Your Child Ready
Camp for Overnight Camp?
Day Camp or Overnight
Deciding between day camp or residential (overnight) camp is one piece of the decision for families. Camp is an experience and not limited to a singular location. Campers can develop the same skills, both hard and soft, whether they’re sleeping away from home or returning to their own beds each night. While there are differences between day and residential camps, above all else, the most important outcome of this decision is finding the right fit for your camper and family.
This begins with knowing your camper. Many overnight camps begin taking campers between ages 7-9 years old. However, some children may be ready at 6 and some others may not be ready at 10. While there is no clear, linear checklist to determine whether day or overnight camp is right for your child, the questions listed here can help guide that conversation.
These questions can help begin a dialogue with your family about which camp experience is the best fit for you. The choice of day versus residential camp is one important aspect of the overall decision. But even then, make sure you follow up with those potential camps. Talk to directors. Ask for tours. Ask for references. Do your due diligence. In the end both you and the camp want this summer to be the first of many and the beginning of a great relationship.
• What is the primary reason for wanting to go to camp?
• Has your child ever spent multiple nights sleeping away from home?
• What’s your budget for camp?
• Can your child bath and dress independently?
• How far away from home do you want your child’s camp experience to be?
• What activities are important to your camper’s experience?
Medications at Camp
What Parents Should Know
Parents often face challenging decisions about managing their child’s medications, especially ADHD or diabetes medications, during summer camps. Follow these steps to help ensure your child has a safe and enjoyable camp experience.
Start with the Camp Director
Prior to the start of camp, talk to the camp director to understand the daily schedule and identify the counselor who will work most closely with your child. While camp directors may have experience with children taking special medications, counselors can be younger—sometimes only 18 or 19—and less experienced. This doesn’t mean your child won’t be well cared for, but it’s important to understand the varying levels of expertise among staff.
Consider the Camp’s Duration
The length of the camp matters. Short day camps lasting three or four days differ significantly from multi-week overnight programs. Reflect on how much time and effort it took to create effective strategies for your child with teachers and healthcare providers. Camp staff, with their limited time, may struggle to fully understand your child’s unique needs or group dynamics.
Utilize the Health Care Consultant
Camps are usually required to have a health care consultant on staff to manage medical forms and medication protocols and disbursement. During check-in, you’ll likely meet the person responsible for overseeing medicine distribution. Ask about:
- Who ensures your child receives their medication on schedule.
- Where and when medication will be administered.
- Any potential conflicts with the camp schedule, such as meal times, special activities, or curfews.
Make sure your child understands the process, and discuss with their counselor how to navigate any challenges. For example, strategize ways to handle situations where your child might feel embarrassed about taking medication and how to minimize disruptions to their camp experience. Also, share with the counselor signs that medicine is not being administered or if too much medicine has been taken as well as how the medicine may affect your child’s appetite, activity level and state of mind and what to do when something isn’t right.
Balancing Activity and Medication
Some parents feel that the physical activity at camp might reduce the need for certain medications. However, keep in mind that the limited duration of camp and varying staff experience levels can make managing unmedicated campers more challenging. Carefully weigh the benefits of medication against potential difficulties and ensure your decision aligns with your child’s needs.
By working closely with camp leadership, understanding staff roles, and collaborating with the health care consultant, you can create a plan that supports your child’s well-being and allows them to enjoy their camp experience fully.
CAMP DEVELOPS KIDS Decision Making Skills
Decisions 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 decision-making 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 decision-making 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 decisionmaking takes time and practice. Both found in abundance at camp.
5 Life Lessons Learned at Camp
Life lessons. These are moments where the lightbulb goes off over a 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 150-plus 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.
I can do that!
Confidence! Camp thrives on selfefficacy 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.
Submitted by the American Camp Association.
Camp & Summer Program Directory
Your Child’s Best summer ever starts here
ACADEMIC TALENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (ATDP) AT UC BERKELEY (BERKELEY, POINT RICHMOND & VIRTUAL)
Day Camp • Summer Program
Ages 5-17
510-642-8308
UC Berkeley’s ATDP offers challenging summer courses for highly motivated young scholars in grades K-11. For over 40 years we have offered stimulating and invigorating classes designed for academic advancement and enrichment. Students can explore academic passions through a wide offering of in-person (ED and SD) or remote (SD only) courses. Secondary Division (grades 7-11) is held for six weeks at the UC Berkeley campus and Elementary Division (grades K-6) is held for three weeks at Washington Elementary in Point Richmond.
Apply early! Late applications are considered based on availability. Sibling Discounts and Financial Aid offered to qualifying families. View our course catalog and learn more on our website: https://atdp.berkeley.edu
SUMMER @ ACTION DAY (SAN JOSE, SARATOGA)
Day Camp
Grades PreK-8
408-248-2464
Summer is a wonderful time to explore new things and expand learning through a variety of activities. The days stretch out in front of each child, waiting to be filled with adventure, good friends, and just plain fun. Our summer camps provide each child with the opportunity to fill his or her summer days with diverse experiences and activities. Creative play, arts and crafts, academic review, sports, picnics, and bike days, will provide all students with a memorable summer.
https://www.actiondayschools.com/ summer-at-action-day
ADVENTURE KIDS SUMMER CAMP (MULTIPLE CITIES)
Day Camp
Ages 7-14
925-276-2325
Adventure Kids Summer Day Camps offers the best in summer adventure for kids ages 7-14.
Our senior staff is always off duty education professionals or others with a high degree of experience working and directing groups of school age children. Support staff is generally drawn from college students or off duty or retired education professionals. We do not hire under age 20 as supervisory staff personnel and we always look to proven professionals or those with a demonstrated high level of awareness, friendliness, professionalism and sensibility where supervision of campers is involved. Adventure Kids Summer Day Camps offers the best in summer adventure for kids with adventures including Six Flags, water parks, bowling , archery, movies, swimming, roller skating and much more.
Our adventures are designed to provide age appropriate but boundary stretching summer fun for all ages. Transportation is provided from Pleasanton, Danville, Walnut Creek, Lafayette and North Oakland. Serving Orinda, Walnut Creek, Alamo, Lafayette, Orinda, Concord, Danville, San Ramon, Dublin , Pleasant Hill and surrounding cities. https://adventurekid.org
lessons about anatomy, nutrition, dance history and vocabulary. https://alamedaballet.com
AoPS ACADEMY (FREMONT, MOUNTAIN VIEW, PLEASANTON, SANTA CLARA, SARATOGA)
Day Camp • Summer Program
Grades 2-12
408-746-1808
Find advanced summer and after-school programs near you! Since 1993, Art of Problem Solving has taught advanced students how to successfully solve problems they’ve never seen before. AoPS Academy brings this problem solving approach to small, in-person classes in local neighborhoods. Young problem solvers connect with expert instructors to form a collaborative community that encourages them to reach new academic heights. Plan your student’s summer learning journey with handson, exploratory camps in math, science, and language arts for grades 2–12. AoPS Academy currently has 4 locations in the Bay Area: Fremont, Santa Clara, Pleasanton, and Mountain View. Find the one nearest to you.
Join in-person summer and academic year courses in math, science, and language arts for grades 2–12. Advanced students find lifelong friends, mentors, and role models as they collaborate to reach new academic heights. Academic enrichment including writing, advanced math exploration, speech & debate, science - fun and challenging! https://santaclara.aopsacademy.org
Day Camp
Ages 4-11
510-337-1929
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
ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN SUMMER PROGRAMS AT UC BERKELEY (BERKELEY)
Day Camp • Overnight Ages 15-17 510-643-1188
The programs will fire your imagination, stretch your mind, and set you on the path to achieving your goals. You’ll learn about multiple aspects of
architecture and environmental design, while meeting and collaborating with students with similar passions. Engage in a transformational learning experience with highly skilled instructors and professionals. Apply early as seats fill up quickly.
DESIGN + BUILD BOOTCAMP
• High school students entering 10th and 11th grade
• July 14-25, 2025
Imagine, design, and build a mini golf course using state-of-the-art tools in the College of Environmental Design’s wood and metal shop and digital fabrication lab. You collaborate on a small team to create one mini golf hole. Get creative with themed environments, tunnels, bridges, buildings, windmills, tubes, ramps, characters and other engaging elements and obstacles.
EMBARC SUMMER DESIGN ACADEMY
• High school students entering 12th grade
• July 7 - Aug 1, 2025
• Commuter and overnight option This engaging college-level program offers students the chance to study at the top-ranked public university for
architecture and the built environment. Challenging design assignments, oneon-one reviews with instructors, field trips around the Bay Area, and a design/ build project for a community nonprofit introduce you to the skills, ideas, and culture of an environmental design education. You’ll leave the program with a strong portfolio for your college applications in any area of environmental design and credit on an official UC Berkeley transcript.
https://ced.berkeley.edu/ highschool-summer-programs
BALD EAGLE SPORTS CAMPS (MULTIPLE LOCATIONS)
Day Camp Grades TK-12
888-505-2253
Offering 3 Camps at one location, Bald Eagle has Multisports (TK-5th), Sports Leadership (6th-8th), Basketball Camp (3rd-8th) and Coach In Training (9th10th) to serve the entire family! With multiple locations around the Bay Area, Bald Eagle Sports Camps is on a mission to provide youth with Development Zones that not only
encourage every level of athlete, but also teaches leadership skills through sports activities. Bald Eagle is the premier Pre K-12th grade system of activities and experiences built with the end goal of producing active, confident, positive, contributing leaders of the future.
We teach the Positive Coaching Alliance message to our campers, certify our entire staff as PCA Double-Goal Coaches, and plug parents into the PCA support system.
We design our programs, games, and activities to make every camper feel included, encouraged and inspired to be their best. We take extreme measures to design & deliver every program in a manner that enhances age-appropriate personal growth of each campers leadership skills and passion for movement activities.
We offer all of this in a “5-STAR” service package which allows parents to relax and know your kiddo is having fun, making friends, being highly active & evolving towards being their best self. Check out these awesome parent perks! Morning & Afternoon Snack is included in every registration. Extended Care offered 7:30AM-6:00PM every day with an easy pay-as-you-go system. Have a meeting one day? No worries, we will keep them! Easy registration process that allows for free date changes and full refunds before May 1st. 10% Sibling Discount. Friend Referral Discounts. Multi-Week Discounts. Multiple Locations throughout the Bay Area. We hope you will join us for a great time at Bald Eagle Sports Camps!
Unique Non-Traditional Sports Camp Model. Also, amazing camp culture as the first camp EVER to be Approved by the Positive Coaching Alliance as a true Development Zone Leader. https://www.baldeaglecamps.com
BISHOP O’DOWD’S SUMMER ACADEMY (OAKLAND)
Day Camp Grades 6-12
510-577-9100
At O’Dowd’s Summer Academy, students develop social-emotional, creative, and intellectual skills, all while getting to know the O’Dowd campus. We offer a flexible morning and afternoon schedule, and free lunch for students who enroll in 3 or more classes.For grades 6-9, Summer Academy offers robust academic and enrichment courses, from Math and Spanish, to Drama and Gardening. Held on O’Dowd’s friendly campus, with small classes, hands-on learning, and fun activities. Come be a Dragon this summer!
O’Dowd’s Summer Academy is designed to offer fun enrichment and inspiring advancement opportunities for middle school and high school students throughout the Bay Area. Summer
Academy students can choose from courses to inspire their curiosity, like photography, 3D printing, gardening or creative writing, to courses that challenge them academically, from algebra and geometry prep to debate. O’Dowd’s Summer Academy also offers athletic opportunities, including basketball, football, baseball, soccer, and more.
https://www.bishopodowd.org/ summer-academy
BRUSHSTROKES SUMMER
ART CAMP (BERKELEY)
Day Camp
Ages 5-13
510-528-1360
Brushstrokes Studio, Inc. is a paint your own pottery studio owned by ceramic artist Jessica Abbott Williams. Founded in 1995 by the ceramic artists Nancy Selvin and Kevin Nierman (of Kids ‘n’ Clay), Brushstrokes continues to be a place of creativity and hands-on art activity offering drop in studio time
for pottery painting and mosaics as well as parties, classes, camps, ceramic baby keepsakes, and art classes. Brushstrokes is not a storefront in a shopping mall but a real art studio with beautiful light, an outdoor garden, and is staffed by professional artists.
Summer camps include painting pottery, sculpting with wet clay, fusing glass, making mosaics, printmaking and doing tons of drawing and painting. Parties are perfect for any age and include a private space for up to 25 people and an art project hosted by our staff.
https://www.brushstrokestudio.com
CIRCUS CENTER SUMMER CAMPS (SAN FRANCISCO) Day Camp
Ages 7-13
415-759-8123
Circus Summer Camp provides kids with an in depth introduction to circus arts and community. Students will have the
opportunity to try a variety of new circus skills, build discipline through physical arts, and explore new aspects of both their personality and expression. Sign them up for a week of flying, bouncing, flipping, balancing, static-trapezing, stilt-walking, clowning, juggling, hooping, collaborating, creating, and performing.
http://circuscenter.org/camp
DANCE/10 PERFORMING ARTS SUMMER CAMPS (ALAMEDA)
Day Camp
Ages 3-Adults
510-522-5678
Dance/10 Performing Arts Center established performing arts camps and workshops in Alameda in 1989 to provide local youth and teens with an outlet to sing, dance, act, perform, and have fun! Our instructors maintain a professional atmosphere, while our programs offer a variety of performing and enrichment experiences. Offering 10 different camps for 2025 ranging from musical theatre, dance and activity, to technique camps. Camps for all age groups from 3 through adult. Camp options are:
Ballroom Blitz Camp for Adults - June 7, 14, & 21 (7:00-9:00 pm)
Musical Theatre Camp - Peter Pan The Pop Musical, Ages 7-15- June 9-13 (10:00am-3:00pm)
Shakespeare Song & Dance CampMacbeth The Musical, Ages 7-15 - June 16-20 (10:00am-3:00pm)
Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride Camp, Ages 3-6 - June 23-27 (9:30am-11:30am)
Big Blue Adventure Camp, Ages 3-6June 23-27 (12:00pm-2:00pm)
Wickedly Wonderful Dance Camp, Ages 7-13 - June 30-July 3 (9:00am-11:30am)
Swifty Dance Camp, Ages 7-13, June 30-July 3 (12:00pm-2:30pm)
Ballet Intensive Camp, Ages 8+ - July 7-11 (11:00am-2:15pm, Special Pointe add-on till 3:00pm available)
Princess & Fairytale Camp, Ages 3-6July 7-11 (9:30am-11:30am)
Choreography Camp, Ages 9-17 - July
21-25 (12:30pm-3:00pm)
https://www.dance10.org/programs/ summer-camps/
DANCING PAINTBRUSH STUDIO (BERKELEY) Day Camp
Ages 5-17
510-604-0036
We limit each summer camp session to 12-15 students so that each student receives individual attention. Making art develops problem-solving skills, encourages creativity, and develops self-confidence. Our goal is to provide the materials, structure, and guidance to spark creativity in each child, allow them to explore and investigate their own ideas, and have lots of fun in the process. Our philosophy is to encourage students to explore and express themselves with an emphasis on practice over product, without judgment, comparison, or criticism. Each camp day has plenty of structure and practice, and we have lots of fun in the process. I love to work with each student, one-on-one, to see what their unique interests are! We demonstrate a variety of methods and ways of making art to nurture artistic development. We also provide lessons on color theory and famous artists in art history, go on field trips, and host special guests to spark the creative process. We wholeheartedly encourage individual exploration of personal themes and interests. And we value working together and sharing ideas. Collaboration, cooperation, and community are important!
Please join our Award-Winning Summer Art Camp for a summer filled with Fun and Creativity! Voted Best of the Bay by Parent’s Press! Our new location is on Solano Avenue, Berkeley, in the Thousand Oaks neighborhood! We are so excited to serve you!
https://dancingpaintbrushstudio.com/
ECOLE BILINGUE CAMP D’ETE (BERKELEY) Day Camp
Grades Preschool-8 510-610-6681
Le Camp d’Été is an extension program of Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley, offering a dynamic and engaging Preschool to (rising) G6 summer camp experience. Designed to inspire curiosity, confidence, and creativity, our camp welcomes all children no prior exposure to French is required! NEW for Summer 2025! EB invites rising G5-G8 students to embark on a dynamic, bilingual learning adventure at the EB Summer Institute! This new program is designed to inspire creativity, hone critical thinking, and broaden global awareness. Held at our Grayson St. Middle School campus, the program offers hands-on, immersive workshops in STEM, arts, language, and leadership, all sessions are taught in French and English.
New offerings for Summer Camp 2025 at Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley! Now campers from Preschool through Middle School will delight in an immersive French experience filled with cultural adventures, arts, sports, and STEM activities.
https://www.lecampdete.com
FIRECRACKER MATH (ALAMEDA, BERKELEY, CASTRO VALLEY, MILL VALLEY, OAKLAND/ PIEDMONT, SAN FRANCISCO, AND WALNUT CREEK)
In-Person and Virtual Day Camp • Ages 6-16
Firecracker Math offers weekly in-person and virtual summer camps on extracurriculum math topics, and aims to spark children’s interest in math, deepen their knowledge and further develop their aptitude and talent in math. Our curricular focuses on exploration and understanding of mathematical concepts, and on teaching kids the skills of problem solving and logical reasoning. We foster a creative learning environment employing well-trained,
enthusiastic teachers with advanced degrees in math or science, and small group sizes to ensure close teacher-tostudents interaction and attention to each child’s needs and pace of learning. http://firecrackermath.org
GIRL SCOUTS OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA (MULTIPLE LOCATIONS)
Day Camp, Overnight Camp, CIT Programs
Ages 6-18
Imagine a place where youth can connect deeply with nature, let go of daily pressures, and truly be themselves. At Girl Scouts of Northern California camps, we believe that every child deserves an environment where they feel accepted.
At our council-run summer camps, we offer a wide variety of overnight and day programs. Whether your girl visits Both in in Marin County, near Santa Cruz, Sugar Pine in the Sierra Foothills, campers will experience a safe and supportive environment with many opportunities to discover new things, develop new skills, and of course,
have fun! And, we are excited to begin the process of reopening Skylark this year with troop and family camping available.. https://camp.gsnorcal.org
KC CAMP COYOTE AND SUMMER SCHOOL (FOSTER CITY)
Day Camp, Summer Program
Ages 5-11
Find the fun at Kids Connection this summer! We have a variety of programs to get your child engaged with learning, exploring their curiosity and discovering their passions. All our summer programs are open to the entire community. At Camp Coyote, we provide a joyful and safe experience for students to explore their curiosity and discover their passions! We also offer our Summer Academy where we amplify your child’s learning experience to get a jump start on the next school year. Program runs for 4 weeks in the summer. Early bird pricing before April 30, 2025!
https://kidsconnectionschools.com/ elementary/camps-summer-programs/
KID STOCK SUMMER CAMPS (SAN FRANCISCO, SAN MATEO)
Day Camp • Summer Programs Ages 5-17
415-237-3637
Kid Stock Summer programs in San Mateo and San Francisco (Sunset, Mission, and Potrero Hill), are threeweek day camps that give kids ages 5-14 the chance to grow and express themselves through workshops in dance, drama and song, culminating in a performance. Our campers have a blast and often return year after year anxiously awaiting the next summer of Kid Stock. What keeps kids and families returning?
Our summer programs allow space for campers to express themselves, build self esteem, make new friends, and have fun while putting together a musical production designed to make each camper feel like a valuable part of a team! Our caring instructors focus on dynamics and learning strategies customized to both individuals and the group as a whole to help campers big and small bring a Kid Stock original play
to life through workshops in song, dance, drama, and art. Campers share their joy and self growth with an audience of supportive family and friends through their final, fully staged performance. Kid Stock is lights, sound, costumes, camera and action! The final show is presented live and captured on video for lifelong memories. Whether their goal is being a professional actor one day or just making friends and having fun at camp, we prioritize our camper voices at Kid Stock, it’s all about them and our team is here to make their dreams come true! Now high school rising Freshman and Sophomores can keep the fun going and learn how to be a Kid Stock teaching artist at our Sunset Teen Scene program too! Check out our programs at : www.kidstockinc.org/programs
OHLONE FOR KIDS AND TEENS (FREMONT & VIRTUAL)
Day Camp • Summer Program
Ages 5-18 510-979-7590
Experience the fun of learning!
The Ohlone for Kids & Teens Summer Enrichment Program (OFK) at Ohlone College offers an exciting and
educational opportunity for young learners.
From STEM to creative writing, visual arts, and outdoor exploration, the program provides diverse subjects that allow students to tap into their creativity and expand their knowledge. The focus on interactive, projectbased learning and the emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork ensure a well-rounded educational experience.
The program is not just about learning; it’s about growth. Designed for kids and teens of all interests in grades 1-12, it offers fun and educational activities that cater to various learning styles. More than that, it promotes leadership, social skills, and a sense of belonging, ensuring that it’s not just an enriching summer experience but a transformative one for youth in the Bay Area.
The OFK program offers various enrichment opportunities. Students can participate in multiple courses, including Arts, Performing, Language Arts, English, Math, Reading, LEGO Robotics, Electronics, Engineering, Science, Social Studies, and SAT/College Preparation.
In-person and virtual options are
available. Use the Promo code OFKparentspress2025 for 10% off any OFK offering!
https://www.ohlone.edu/ohloneforkids
PIEDMONT EAST BAY CHILDREN’S CHOIR CAMPS (SONOMA COUNTY)
Overnight Camp
Ages 7-18
Join choir sleepaway camp! Children are encouraged to sing at the lake, on hikes, and around the campfire. Built with young singers in mind, this weeklong camp is the perfect opportunity for your child to build confidence, deepen musical skills, and make new friends. Multiple Sessions available between: July 21 and August 2. We can’t wait to sing with you! Save your spot: https:// www.piedmontchoirs.org/camp.
Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir Camps fosters lifelong friendships that begin with the love of singing. Give your child a chance to strengthen old friendships and begin new ones while hiking, swimming, crafting and living through music.
https://www.piedmontchoirs.org/camp
POISON APPLE MUSICAL THEATER SUMMER CAMP (MARTINEZ)
Day Camp
Ages 5-16
925-957-0773
About Apple Core Summer Camp: For Youth Ages 8-14
This camp includes all enrollees in the cast to produce a Musical Theater Camp Performance in just three weeks! Participants meet everyday for three consecutive weeks for three hours a day. Participants learn to work as an ensemble in this magic making environment where they delve into fun choreography, self expression, projecting voices, basic singing and dance technique, and so much FUN! With 20 other like-minded students, Apple Core Summer Camp
leads to a love and appreciation of musical theater, and a bonding with other participants “Campers” never forget.
About Advanced Summer Camps: For Youth Ages 10-16
Participants are expected to have at least two years of theater training experience before enrolling, and be ages 10-16 (no one under 10 will be admitted). This camp produces a high quality Musical Theater Camp Performance in just three weeks.
About Apple Stars Summer Camp: For Youth Ages 5-7
This camp includes all enrollees in an exciting themed camp filled with crafts, games, acting, storytelling, and beginning musical theater performance skills!
Participants meet everyday for one week, three hours a day. Participants work together with instructors to perform a short story based on the week’s theme to create a share case performance at the end of the week that shows off participants’ creativity, self expression, team work, public speaking, and PLAY! Apple Stars Camp leads to a love and appreciation of performance in just one week - a great place for your young actor’s “first bite of theater.”
https://poisonapple.org
RIEKES CENTER FOR HUMAN ENHANCEMENT (WOODSIDE)
Day Camp
Ages 5-17
The Riekes Center exists for the enhancement of the individual student. Our mission is to provide each student with the best possible opportunity to define and accomplish individual goals, build character and learn transferable life skills through Creative Arts, Athletic Fitness and Nature Awareness, in an environment of non-judgment and mutual respect. We provide these opportunities regardless of the student’s ability to pay, or ability to perform. Each person’s uniqueness and potential is celebrated.The Riekes Center thrives on providing transformational outcomes for our students.
At the Riekes Center, all students, all goals, and all interests are equally important. It’s a place where real world diversity thrives and empathy is encouraged. The Core Values of Self Supervision, Honest Communication and Sensitivity to Others are the Center’s operational and social standards.
https://www.riekessummercamps.org
RIPE FRUIT WRITING (SAN FRANCISCO & VIRTUAL)
Day Camp and Hybrid Options
Ages 11-17
415-279-1411
Ripe Fruit Writing one-week summer camps bring together 8-10 students to gain confidence in their writing voice, aerobicize their imaginations, and develop strong writing skills using exciting and imaginative writing exercises in a safe space. Voted Best Teen Focused camp in SF by Parents Press in 2015. Middle School camps run from 9am-12:30pm M-F. High School camps run from 2:30-6pm. Camps take place on the bottom floor of a 120-yearold Edwardian in Dolores Heights and are taught by award-winning author, Leslie Kirk Campbell, who has over 30 years of experience teaching creative writing to students of all ages. All camps are offered in person. A few are offered as hybrid camps for out-of-towners. Healthy snacks included. Students love these camps. Many return summer after summer.
http://www.ripefruitwriting.com/ classes/teen-writing-camps/
SERENDIPITY SCHOOL CAMP QUEST (BELMONT)
Day Camp
Ages 4-12
650-596-9100
Welcome to Camp Quest Summer Program! Come join us this summer at Camp Quest. Our summer staff, comprised of Serendipity School teachers, teaching associates and alumni are
excited to welcome and support your child’s growth this summer. 8 weeks of adventure, enrichment, friendship and fun. Offering exciting weekly themes and added enrichment programs throughout the summer; join us for one quest or for all 8 with activities ranging from Art, STEM, Sports, Cooking, and so much more. Thank you for choosing to spend your summer here. Whether it’s for a few weeks or the whole summer, we are so glad you are a part of our camp. It is our pledge here at Camp Quest, to provide a fun, exciting and safe environment for your child this summer. Safety is paramount and we want you to know that your child will be in good hands. If you have any questions, you can always call us at (650) 596-9100 or email us at summer@serendipityschool. com. We are looking forward to an exciting and memorable summer! Come join us this summer at Camp Quest! 8 weeks of adventure, enrichment, friendship and fun. Experience Art, STEM, Performing Arts, Sports, Cooking and so much more. https://www.serendipityschool.com/ elementary/camp-quest
SHC SUMMER INSTITUTE AT SACRED HEART CATHEDRAL PREPARATORY (SAN FRANCISCO) Summer Program
Ages 8-14 415-775-6626
An Innovative Summer Program for Motivated Students & Athletes, Ages 8-14
The SHC Summer Institute is a series of one-week enrichment courses and sports academies for motivated students and athletes ages 8–14. Instructed by SHC’s talented faculty, staff and coaches, students and athletes explore exciting topics through hands-on learning and field trips and pursue athletic achievement with others that share their interests and abilities. All academies run from 9 am to 3 pm daily with a lunch break from noon to 1 pm.
Extended care options are available. To learn more about our morning and after care programs, please go to our website.
The 2025 SHC Summer Institute will take place from June 9 through July 18. Campers will dig their hands into interesting topics not typically offered at their grade level, and athletes will strengthen their skills while building lasting friendships.
https://www.shcp.edu/summer
STEVE & KATE’S CAMP (MULTIPLE LOCATIONS)
Day Camp
Ages: 4-12
415-389-5437
When you trust kids, they trust themselves. Since 1980, Steve & Kate’s has put kids in charge of their own learning experience. As they try, fail, and learn on their own, they learn to trust their own judgment, and tackle the challenges of an ever changing world with creativity and confidence.
Campers choose from a variety of activities in real-time including, sewing, stop-motion animation, music, coding, sports & rec, makers crafts, baking, & more. They’ll decide what they want to do, and for how long.
This summer families can buy as many days as they’d like, and use them at any time. No weekly reservations required–just show up! Or, if you need more care, purchase a Summer Pass, which covers the whole season. If for any reason your plans change, they’ll automatically refund any unused Passes in full at summer’s end.
Ages: 4–12 | Lunch, snacks, and all hours (8am–6pm) included.
Steve & Kate Bay Area Camp Locations: San Francisco - Potrero Hill, San Francisco - Cathedral Hill, Emeryville, Fremont, Pleasanton, Walnut Creek, Corte Madera, Petaluma, Santa Rosa, Belmont, Palo Alto, San Mateo, San Jose - Berryessa, San Jose - Willow Glen, Sunnyvale
https://steveandkatescamp.com/ bay-area-camps
SUMMERTOPIA @ TRINITY SCHOOL (MENLO PARK) Day
Camp
Ages 4-11
650-854-0288
Summertopia is a full day camp for children 4-11 years old. We offer a full day camp on the Trinity School Elementary Campus. In addition to new, engaging activities every week, each child has the opportunity to select an enrichment class of their choice. To make summer easier for all families, morning and afternoon snack is provided, and lunch can be ordered separately. Summertopia at Trinity School has something for everyone! We offer a Cub Camp, Elementary Camp, and Academic Camp for incoming 3rd-5th Graders. Summertopia is a full day camp, and each week there are new enrichment activities available. Camp runs weekly from June 23August 1, 2025.
https://www.trinity-mp.org/ summer-at-trinity
VENTANA SCHOOL
ELEMENTARY SUMMER CAMP (LOS ALTOS) Day
Camp
Ages 6-12
659-948-2121
At Ventana School, our belief in the infinite potential of confident, curious children ignites their belief in themselves. Keep your child inspired all summer at Ventana’s Elementary Summer Camp. With engaging weeklong themes, campers will immerse themselves in hands-on activities that will boost their creative confidence and stimulate their minds. Join us for one or all six weeks of Summer Camp!
Week 1 - Masterchef Junior (June 16-18, 20 {June 19th is a public holiday}) Prepare your tastebuds! This week will focus on preparing (and sampling) different foods. Get ready to mix, chop, peel, knead, stir, and decorate.
Week 2 - Tinkering (June 23-27)
Get ready to tinker! Campers will build
their very own small towns. Using their imagination to create buildings, transportation, entertainment centers, and more, campers will create a community where they would like to live.
No camp the week of June 30th - July 4th
Week 3 - Theater (July 7-11)
Calling all actors, singers, dancers, designers, and backstage crew members. This week will be filled with opportunities to perform and work behind the scenes. You’ll explore acting and performing techniques, set design, and stage presence.
Week 4 - Science (July 14-18)
Get your lab coats on! You’ll be bubbling with joy after a science-filled week of fun experiments, creative projects, and exciting activities to ignite your curiosity.
Week 5 - Arts & Crafts (July 21-25)
Let your creativity run wild this week, focused on visual arts and crafts. Be inspired by famous artists as you practice new techniques and discover - or develop - your unique artistic voice.
Week 6 - Wonderful Water (July 28-Aug 1)
Splash, scoop, submerge! Let’s have some fun in the sun with water play activities! We’ll play many outdoor games and use our experiences to help us design new games!
https://www.ventanaschool.org/ summercamp2025
The East Bay German International School (EBGIS) offers exceptional academics and German immersion from preschool through grade 8. Our East Bay International High School (EBIHS) is a college preparatory high school offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP). Often referred to as the gold standard in high school education, the IB is highly regarded by universities in the United States and worldwide.
We provide a dynamic learning environment and a truly global perspective, anchored by our European educational approach. Our small size and low student-teacher ratio (7:1) enable our highly trained international faculty to provide an individualized educational experience to each student.
Our International High School is open to all students in grades 9-12. EBIHS offers multiple language tracks with beginner to native-speaker-level language and literature courses in German, French, and Spanish as well as introductory Mandarin. All other EBIHS instruction is in English.
No knowledge of German is required for students entering our preschool or kindergarten, nor for our high school. Talk with us about individualized language support for elementary and middle school students.
Open House
October 19, 2024
January 25, 2025 10 am - 2 pm
High School Campus Visit September 23, 2024 9:40 am Online Info Sessions for all programs. Register at: http://www.ebgis.org/ admissions/visit-us 1070 41st Street
Emeryville, CA 94608 (510) 380-0302
admissions@ebgis.org
