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?
March 2025
4 TIPS ON HOW TO TALK TO KIDS ABOUT DISABILITIES
6 WAYS TO CELEBRATE ST. PATTY’S DAY WITH KIDS
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.
19 Which Type of Camp Would Best Suit Your Child?
22 Make Summer Count: 9 Activities for Motivated Teens
26 What Do You Envision for Your Child’s Camp Experience?
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28 Is Your Child Ready for Overnight Camp?
30 Summer Programs Can Help Your Child With Decision Making
32 Featured Camp & Summer Program Directory
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10 6 Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Kids
11 Tips on How to Talk to Your Child About Safe Interactions in Sports
14 4 Tips On How to Talk to your Child about People with Disabilities
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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
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.
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.
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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.
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
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.
By Sarah Lyons
Each holiday brings the opportunity to participate in unique celebrations with your kids and Saint Patrick’s Day has no shortage of fun festivities. Whether you are lucky enough to be Irish or just love celebrating the holiday, try these fun and educational ideas to bring some luck to your home.
Celebrate the day by feasting on all things green. For breakfast, try some green eggs and ham while reading the Dr. Seuss book to your kids or dye your pancakes green just for fun. For lunch, try serving up a buffet of green foods - broccoli, celery, salad, guacamole, and grapes. Wash it all down with some green juice. Who knows? Maybe your child will try some new foods trying to get good luck on St. Patty’s Day.
Check your local listings for a Saint Patrick’s Day parade and attend as a family. Go green by painting your face or picking up some silly hats or headbands at the local dollar store. See which family member can dress in the greenest for the event.
The night of the 16th, have your kids set a leprechaun trap using a box or laundry basket. Put gold coins inside to attract your leprechaun, but remember, leprechauns are very sneaky and do not like to be seen. In the morning, your child may awake to see that the leprechaun has taken their gold coins and left them a small gift or treat.
Create a scavenger hunt for your kids (or let the leprechaun leave the first clue in the trap). Make it educational by asking kids to answer a question or riddle to figure out the next clue or leave an interesting fact about Saint Patrick to learn more about the holiday. Have your kids follow the clues through the house to find a pot of gold coins at the end
Saint Patrick’s Day wouldn’t be complete without a rainbow. Have your kids use watercolors or finger paint to create their own rainbow. Vanilla pudding with food coloring
makes for a fun and edible finger paint. Put food coloring in cups of water and let kids experiment by mixing them to see what colors they can create. Using eye droppers and ice cubes trays lets you sneak in a little fine motor practice too. Make sure to offer some Lucky Charms cereal as a snack for a little inspiration.
Learn about the Irish culture by checking out books or movies about Ireland and the history of Saint Patrick’s Day from your local library. Have the kids watch a video of an Irish dance performance (YouTube is a great place to find one) and have the family try some of the dance moves themselves. This activity will get the whole family moving and probably produce some giggles too. For the crafty, try painting or drawing an Irish flag or four-leaf clover. If you are lucky enough to be Irish, make a family tree and discuss your heritage. For dinner try serving a traditional Irish meal like corn beef and cabbage. If this isn’t a family favorite, Reuben sandwiches may be a good alternative. There are so many ways to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day that do not involve the stereotypical party we may first think of. Parents can get creative with crafts and activities that are familyfriendly and sure to become a well loved tradition in years to come.
Sarah Lyons is a mom of six kids including seven-year-old triplets. She enjoys reading, writing, and spending time outdoors with her family.
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.
• 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.
• 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
*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
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
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?
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?
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.
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.
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.
Your Child’s Best summer ever starts here
In-person & Virtual Day Camps & Summer Program
Ages 5-17
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 Michelle Obama School in Richmond.
View our course catalog on our website. Apply early! Late applications considered based on availability. Financial aid offered to qualifying families.
https://atdp.berkeley.edu
Day Camp • Ages 7-14
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/
Day Camp • Ages 4-11
No experience necessary! In addition to a daily dance class, children learn about and watch a different famous classical ballet each week. They explore their own creativity through exercise in movement concepts. Students also learn valuable lessons about anatomy, nutrition, dance history and vocabulary. https://alamedaballet.com
Day & Overnight Summer Program • Ages 15-17
The programs will fire your imagination, stretch your mind, and set you on the path to achieving your goals. You’ll experience multiple aspects of architecture and environmental design. Engage in a transformational learning experience with highly skilled instructors and professionals. Apply early as seats fill up quickly.
• Explore architecture and related areas
• Develop technical and design skills
• Imagine, create, and build your designs
• Collaborate with other creative teens
• Experience a college campus
• Earn a certificate of completion from UC Berkeley
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/
Day Camp & Summer Program
• Grades 6-12
Explore your interests, inspire your curiosity, and have fun!
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. Held on O’Dowd’s friendly campus in the foothills of East Oakland, 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. Come be a Dragon this summer! https://www.bishopodowd.org/ summer-academy
Day Camp • Ages 5-17
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 ranging from musical theatre, dance and activity, to technique camps. Camps for all age groups from 3 through adult. https://www.dance10.org/programs/ summer-camps/
Day Camp • Ages 5-17
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.
https://dancingpaintbrushstudio.com/
In-Person and Virtual Day Camp • Ages 6-16
Firecracker Math offers weekly in-person and virtual summer camps on extra-curriculum 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-to-students interaction and attention to each child’s needs and pace of learning.
http://firecrackermath.org
Julia Morgan School for Girls’ mission is to prepare the confident, capable, creative, and compassionate women of tomorrow. We are committed to creating a challenging and inspiring academic program that encourages students to recognize and meet their potential through individualized attention, cooperative learning, and the guidance of expert teachers. The faculty has developed a thoughtful curriculum, and subject areas are taught using an interdisciplinary approach designed when possible to integrate disciplines. The relational model is core to what we do at JMSG, and therefore cooperative learning, creative expression, and valuing every student are emphasized.
The 4th-6th grade Girls Summer Camp focuses on building community and empowering girls to express themselves authentically through art and STEAM activities. There is a new Girls Sports Camp (6th-8th grade) offering soccer, basketball, and volleyball.
Each session of camp is one week and will have a variety of activities related to the theme. Every day the girls will engage in activities that are planned by JMSG faculty and designed to serve all learning styles.
https://www.juliamorganschool.org/programs/ girls-summer-program-4th-8th KIDS FOR THE BAY
Day Camp • Ages 5-11
Let’s get outside! Join KIDS for the
BAY for a fun-filled summer of handson science and nature exploration in the outdoors. We offer Summer Camp sessions for youth ages 5-11. Your Camper will investigate unique ecosystems, make discoveries at creek, bay and ocean habitats, and become an inspired Environmentalist! KIDS for the BAY Summer Camps take full advantage of the amazing natural spaces in the Berkeley Area!
Campers will explore meadows, redwood groves and bay shorelines. They will hike along creeks, discover insects in ponds, watch river otters swimming, birds feeding and turtles sunbathing in lakes. Campers will discover bay and ocean beaches, enjoy tide pooling, animal tracking and many more exciting nature adventures! Your Camper will explore a new theme each week. Hands-on science investigations, environmental stewardship, nature games and art projects are integrated into each special camp theme. Team building activities and games help
to build a fun-loving, connected and caring Summer Camp community of friends, scientists and environmentalists for every week of camp! We also provide opportunities for middle and high school youth leaders to join our Summer Camp as volunteer helpers, Leaders-in-Training and paid Junior Camp Leaders. All KIDS for the BAY Camps are led by Year-Round KIDS for the BAY Educators who create an engaging, safe, fun, creative learning environment for every camper.
To register or learn more about our sessions, themes and locations, please visit
https://kidsforthebay.org/ summer-camp/
We are pleased to announce the return of Le Camp D’Été for summer 2024! Our camps are open to the public for rising G1 to G6 students while our
mini-camp (preschool and entering K) will still be for incoming and current EB students only. In addition to our super fun-filled French Immersion Camp we will also be offering Riveropolis Maker Camp, a two week maker camp (English Only), for rising G3 to G6 students. https://www.lecampdete.com
In-person & Virtual Day Camp & Summer Program • Ages 5-18
The Ohlone for Kids & Teens Summer Enrichment Program (OFK) at Ohlone College offers an exciting and educational opportunity for young learners. More than just a program, OFK fosters a sense of community and cultural awareness, providing a supportive and inclusive environment for students to explore a wide range of subjects. This unique combination of academic and recreational activities is designed to engage students in creative learning experiences that challenge and inspire.
The OFK program offers a rich tapestry of academic enrichment opportunities. From STEM to creative writing, visual arts to outdoor exploration, the program provides a diverse array of subjects that allow students to tap into their creativity and expand their knowledge. The focus on interactive, project-based 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, the program offers both 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.
https://www.ohlone.edu/ohloneforkids
Day Camp • Ages 5-16
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 likeminded 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
Summer Camps & Programs • Ages 8-14
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.
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
Day Camp • Ages 4-12
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! https://www.serendipityschool.com
Since 1980, Steve & Kate’s Camp has put kids in charge–allowing campers to choose from a variety of activities in real-time, including sewing, stopmotion animation, coding & gaming, sports & recreation, maker crafts, water play, baking, and more.
As children are empowered to make their own choices at camp, they discover new reserves of confidence, resiliency, and creativity–learning to course correct and trust themselves as they go.
Families can buy any number of days, to use at any time–no weekly reservations required. Or, buy a Summer Pass, which covers the whole season. Either way, any unused Passes are automatically refunded at summer’s end.
Lunch, snacks & all hours (8am–6pm) included.
https://steveandkatescamp.com
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! 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
