DAY CAMPS

Berkeley/Oakland/Albany/El Cerrito area

Updated 6/10/2009

by Tom Lent

 

148 camps … Have fun!

 

Age: Grades listed instead of age usually means the program is for kids entering those grades in the coming fall (CIT indicates the camp has a Counselor In Training program. A number after CIT indicates the minimum age or entering grade for CIT participants. Check with other programs also. Ask. More programs than I know offer CIT programs. Fees vary.

Reviews: A limited number of camps (about 20) have reviews that were provided by Berkwood Hedge parents from their experiences during the summers of 1995 through 2001. The parenthetic numbers indicate the number of reviews and which year they apply to (2-99 means two reviews from the summer of 1999). I no longer have the time to collect and collate additional reviews.

See http://parents.berkeley.edu/recommend/summer/ for continuing reviews of some of these camps.

Dates: Length of sessions and dates they are scheduled. (Much of the date  Information is out of date. See note below) 

Time: Times in parenthesis are for extended care.

Ratio: Camper to counselor ratio
Cost: To make comparison easier, unless otherwise stated, all listed Costs are per week, even if sessions are multi-week, unless otherwise noted. (Much of the Cost: Information is out of date. See note below) 

Discounts & scholarships: Some organizations have reduced rates for early registration, for members, for multiple weeks, for multiple kids in one family, etc. Many programs have scholarships for limited income families. Be sure to ask before you assume you can't afford a program. Also check out the "campership" program for low income youth attending day camps in of the East Bay Regional Parks at http://www.ebparks.com/camps

Info: All phone numbers are area code 510 unless otherwise indicated.

 

LOOKING for Spring or Winter break camp? Several camps offer Winter Camp and/or Spring Camp options, including Berkeley Community Media, Berkeley Montessori, Cal Adventures, Cal Strawberry Canyon, Camp Brushstrokes, City Camp, Crucible, Head Over Heels, JCC, JMCA, MOCHA, Monkey Business, Roleplay, SewNow, This Land and the YMCA.

Look for the *WC or *SC in the camp listings below.

*WC means the program has a winter camp over the end of year holiday period.

*SC means the program has a camp during the Easter week break or another spring school week off. Inquire for exact dates.

 

NOTE: I am no longer able to comprehensively update Information for all camps each year but am keeping the date and Cost: Information in here from past years as a rough guide to you. I do update the web site as time allows with new and update Information that camps and other readers email to me. Please visit the camp web sites for up date Information. Parenthetic numbers at the end (03) indicate the year in which the dates and prices were last updated

Want to add or correct a camp? Submit Updates & New listings

Comments? E-mail them to me: tominfo@igc.org

 

Return to Summer Camp Guide for more Information about this guide and for links to the annual Summer Camp Fair and more sources of summer camp information and more recent reviews by other parents.

Time for the kid to sleep away? Read about Overnight Resident Camps

Return to Tom Lent’s Information Center

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Need a break this weekend? Check out KIDS' NIGHT OUT, weekend evening programs offered by several camps to let parents take a night on the town or relax at home, while the kids have fun.

 

Monkey Business in Berkeley offers occasional Saturday night Kids Night Out parties with games, piρatas, cooking projects, martial arts and basketball workshops, slide shows, various art projects and  healthy organic dinner suited to kids' tastes.

Age: 4.5-11 (CIT 12+). Benefits summer scholarship program. www.monkeybusinesscamp.com 

 

The Downtown Berkeley YMCA also offers a Kids Night Out program with arts & crafts, kindergym, swimming (4-8), and other age appropriate activities for 2-11 year olds

Age: 2-11 www.baymca.org

 

Brushstrokes pottery program now offers a Friday Night Kid Fest year round -- every 

Friday night from 6 - 9 pm. $30 includes pizza and the opportunity to make a $15 piece of pottery or other crafts.

Age: 7+, Register at 528-1360 or www.brushstrokestudio.com

 

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SUMMER PROGRAMS

 

55th Street Shadow Puppet Camp: Create and perform an original shadow puppet show from start to finish in North Oakland. Activities include: Silk-screening posters, building puppets, theatrical choreography, musical instruction, music and puppet performance, and more. The camp will end with an original shadow puppet performance for friends and family. Musicians and creative campers encouraged.

Age: 8-16, Dates:  one wk sessions 7/30-8/4, 8/6-8/11, Time: 9-4 (8-6), Ratio: 6:1, Cost: $250/wk, ($350 for extended care) Scholarships are available. Deadline: FCFS. 12 student max.

Info: 717-3359 or puppetcamp.com  (07)

 

Academic Study Associates (ASA): Academic pre-college enrichment summer programs for high school students at UC Berkeley. See also resident camp listings for domestic and study abroad programs in Europe and Latin America. 

Age: 9th-12th, Dates 2-4 wk sessions June-August, Cost: Varies by program – please see website, Scholarship opportunities, Ratio 10:1 Deadline: FCFS.

Info: 212-796-8340 / 800-752-2250 www.asaprograms.com (07)

 

Adoptees Connecting Camp: Camp for adopted children to help them explore, acknowledge and celebrate their particular life journey through various art forms: writing, drawing, collage, painting, drama, and puppets. Folk tales, myths and personal stories will be used. This camp is for children who are ready and wanting to explore their adoption story in a supportive, creative and fun way. Run by storyteller Mary Ellen Hill in West Berkeley, who also runs FAD (listed below) and the performance arts camp, Puppets and Pie (not listed).

Age: 6-12, Dates 1 wk session 7/14-7/18 plus Time 9:3-3:30 Ratio 6:1, Cost: $400/wk, partial scholarship available Deadline: FCFS

Info: 636-4155  www.mehstories.com  (08)

 

Camp Adventura: Closed in 2004

 

Adventure Camp: Traditional camp of sailing, canoeing, arts, sports, archery, horseback riding, hiking, kayaking plus in Walnut Creek. One overnight each session. Transportation available from Oakland and Berkeley.

Age: K-9th, Dates 3 wk sessions 6/22-8/22, Time 9:15-3:30 (8-6), Ratio 6:1, Cost: $363/wk, discount $341 until 2/1, $42 door to door transportation (ext care included), Deadline: FCFS. fills in mid May,

Info: 925-937-6500 www.adventuredaycamp.com (03)

 

AdventureOUT: Rock climbing camps in Remillard Park in Berkeley and surf camps in Pacifica for girls, boys, women & men.

Age: 9-16 (8-16 for surf), Dates 1 wk Mon-Wed for rock (also 1 day clinics), Tue-Fri for surf, dates vary check web site, Time 9-1, Ratio 3:1, Cost: $225-240/wk (check for advance sign up discounts), Deadline: FCFS.

Info: 465-0016 www.adventureout.com (03).

 

Ailey Camp: Dance immersion camp at UC Berkeley cosponsored by the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre. Ballet, modern, jazz, African dance plus creative writing, peer personal development discussion groups, field trips and visiting artists. Prior dance training is not a consideration for admission.

Age: 11-14, Dates one 6 wk session 6/21-7/30, Time 8:30-3:30, Cost: $0, Deadline: 2/27,

Info: 642-4630 www.alvinailey.org/artined_aileycamp.asp (04)

 

Albany Sports Camp: Moved. See El Cerrito Sports Camp.

 

Aquatic Science Adventure Camp see listing under KIDS for the BAY

 

Art YoWZa Kids: Variety of theme based art camps in Alameda.

Age: 5-11, Dates one wk sessions 6/15-8/28 (or daily), Time 9-4, Cost: $300 (or $65/day), Deadline: FCFS

Info: 521-2671 www.artyowza.com (09)


Arts at Archway: Cuisine and Art: Run on Archway School's Berkeley and Oakland campuses, includes field trips. Campers learn kitchen savvy and safety, cook a variety of foods, make art, and put on a cafe for family and friends. Reviews (1-97) Good staff, organization OK. Cuisine & art was fun for one year, best for craft oriented kids.
Age: 6-16, Dates 2 wk sessions 6/25-7/6 (age 6-8 only), 7/9-8/17, Time 9-3 (3-5), Cost: $350/wk (extended care free)

Arts at Archway: OnStage  Theater camp for performers of all abilities; acting, dance, and voice training; culminates in a musical theater production. At Archway's Berkeley campus.

Age: 8-17, Dates 2- & 3-wk sessions 6/25-8/17, Time 9-3 (3-5), Cost: $250/wk (extended care free)

Arts at Archway: Mixlab: Digital media arts camp at Archway's Berkeley campus. Learn multi-track recording, sound effects, podcasting, stop-motion, and more. Campers present their projects in a final showcase.

Age: 13-17, Dates 2 wk sessions 6/18-7/27, Time 9-3 (3-5), Cost: $375/wk (extended care free),

Deadline: FCFS.

Info: 849-4747 ext. 30, www.archwayschool.org/summer07.htm. (07)

 

A World of Peace Summer Day Camp listed below alphabetically under World of Peace

 

BADA Youth Ultimate Frisbee Summer League: Learn and play the high energy game of Ultimate Frisbee. Training and games sponsored by Bay Area Disc Association at Tom Bates fields off Gilman near the waterfront in Berkeley. All experience and skill levels. UPA Certified coaches from several East Bay schools train in basic and advanced throwing and catching skills, running and conditioning, strategies of the game, spirit of the game, good sportsmanship and other fun disc games. Each camper will get a t-shirt, a disc and healthy daily snacks

Age: 9-17, Dates: 1 wk sessions 7/6-7/31, Time 1-6, Cost: $175, limited scholarships available.

Info: 599-2254 http://www.bayareadiscassociation.org/camp (09)

 

BALL Summer Camp: Baseball camp for boys & girls at Oakland's Caldecott baseball facilities near the Tunnel Road exit off Hwy 24.  Founded by NOLL/SOLL parent/coach to provide continued access to baseball after the conclusion of spring Little League season.  Instruction and skill-building in the morning and organized games in the afternoons. 

Age: 7-12 Dates: 1 wk sessions 6/26-7/28 Time: 9am-4pm. Cost: $195/wk ($25 discount for 7/3-7/7 session, and/or for registering for two or more sessions).  Enrollment limited to 24 players per age group to ensure optimal counselor-to-camper ratio. Deadline: FCFS after April 30.

Info: www.summerballcamp.com  (06)

 

BandWorks Rock ‘n Roll Camp:  ½ day rock band workshops with instruction playing rock instruments, recording a CD, song writing workshops.

Age: 8-17, Dates 1 wk sessions 6/20-7/29   Times 9-12 & 1-4, Cost: $160 - $300/wk, Deadline: 5/15, spaces may be available last minute, FCFS except CD camp where instrumentation matching is required.

Info: 649-7738, www.bandworks.com  (06)


Bay Area Adventures Kids Camp: Closed in 03.

 

Bay Area Shakespeare Camp: Performance oriented workshops covering casting, staging, Cost:uming, and rehearsal concluding with a performance for family and friends in John Hinkle Park in Berkeley, Alice Arts in Oakland and other Bay area locations.

Age: 7-18 Dates 2 week sessions in different locations 6/13-8/19, Time 9-3 (9-5:30) Cost: $198/wk ($63), some scholarships, Ratio 10:1 or less, Deadline: FCFS.

Info: 415-422-2222 www.sfshakes.org (05)

 

Belladonna Fairy Camp:  Magical eco-arts program for girls that celebrates the powers of imagination, intuition, and creativity. Takes place at the Fairy Cottage in the Thousand Oaks neighborhood in North Berkeley and sponsored by the Belladonna Sanctuary.

Age: 6-10. Dates: 2 wk session: 6/15-26; 9-2, Ratio: 4:1 Limited to 12. Cost: $250/wk. Deadline: May 1,

Info: 883-0600, www.fairycamp.org (09)


Berkeley Academics:  Academic enrichment program at Bay Farm Elementary School in Alameda. Designed to provide skills to help students succeed in elite institutions. Core classes focus on mastering vocabulary, critical reading, essay writing and math catering to each student's level. Elective classes include robotics, art, drama, sports, speech & debate, chemistry and chess.
Age: grade 1-8, Dates two wk sessions 6/26-8/3, Time 9-4 (8-5:30), Cost: $90-100/class/wk (students take 1-4 classes per session), multi-session and sibling discounts, Deadline: FCFS.

Info: 814.1992 www.berkeleyacademics.com (06)

 

Berkeley Boosters P.A.L. Outdoor Adventures: Outdoor camp in Berkeley with rock climbing, swimming, hiking, team building, nature explorations, field trips to museums, and cooperative games, plus an overnight camping/kayaking trip sponsored by the Police Athletic League whose mission is to link Cops and Kids together in programs that make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. Also run Cliff Bar Cycling Challenge 2 weeks of bike clinic and daily rides culminating in a 3 day camping/biking trip with whitewater rafting Adventures in Sailing on SF Bay with overnight trip and Adventures in Backpacking 2 weeks of hikes, camp clinic, ropes course and rock climbing culminating in 5 day camping and whitewater rafting trip on the South Fork of the American River.

Age: grade 5&6 (Adventure camp) 11-17 (Cycling and Backpacking) 12&up (Sailing), Dates (6/21-8/20 check web site for details), Time 12-6, Cost: $50-150/wk, Deadline: FCFS.

Info: 845-7193 http://berkeleyboosters.org (04)


Berkeley Chess Camp: Intensive chess at Hillside School in Berkeley w/ sports during a break time. Reviews (1-98, 1-00) Well organized w/excellent master teachers. Intense, most suitable for kids really into chess with good attention span (classes available for beginners and experts).
Age: grade 1-9, Dates one wk sessions 6/23-7/18 (check for other dates in other Bay area locations), Time 1-5 Cost: $113-130/wk (02) check for scholarships, Deadline: FCFS limited to 20,

Info: 843-0150 www.berkeleychessschool.org (03)

Berkeley Community Camp (formerly Le Conte Summer Camp): Closed in 01.

Berkeley Community Media's Summer Youth TV Camp: (*WC, *SC) Create your own television show from beginning to end at Berkeley High. Directing, hosting, camera, audio, switching, graphics, interviewing and writing with experience working in every crew position. Shows will be aired on cable TV in Berkeley on B-TV Channels 28 and 33 and you will be certified in studio production at BCM and can continue to create your own shows for free.

Age: 13-20 Dates: 2 wk sessions, 6/18-6-29 & 7/16-7/27 (plus winter & spring break camps) Time 1-5 pm Cost: $300/wk (Scholarships are available) Deadline: June, Class Size: Limited to 15 students.

Info: 848-2288 www.betv.org (07)

 

Berkeley Day Camp: Hiking, swimming, arts, crafts, games, picnics, camp songs at Live Oak Park, Tilden Park and Berkeley Marina. Pickups at schools around Berkeley. All outdoors. Reviews (2-97, 2-98, 1-99, 2-00) Well organized but not highly structured. Good staff. Some loved it, others called it mediocre. Very active all outdoors program without much rest time. Best for young to mid range (1-3rd grade) Best for energetic, active kid who can handle all day running around outdoors. Best for outgoing kid who makes friends easily or make sure that other friends are in the same sessions.
Age: 6-12 (CIT 14), Dates 1 wk sessions 6/17-8/15, Time 9-3:15 (7:30-6), Cost: $74/wk (add $25 for 7-9, $40 for 3-6), non residents pay a slightly higher fee and have second pick after residents, Deadline: 10 AM 4/08/02

Info: 981-5140 http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/camps/daycamp.html (or drop by 2016 Center St. 7 AM - 6 PM) (02)

Berkeley Marina Experience: ½ day programs in marine biology, water skiing, boating, canoeing and sailing plus other 1-1/2 & 2 hour programs (fishing, building, crafts, etc.) at the Shorebird Nature Center and the Adventure Playground at the Berkeley Marina.
Age: 5-16, Dates 3 & 4 day programs and drop in 2 hour programs at varying dates Time varies by program full day option available 9:30-4:30 with Marine Biology or boating combined with Adventure Playground Cost: $20-60 for 2-4 hr 4 day sessions, some free drop in sessions, scholarships available, Deadline: on site registration on 4/13 then FCFS. classes generally fill in a couple of hours.

Info: 644-8623 www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/marina/marinaexp (02)*

 

Berkeley Montessori School Elementary  Summer Camp: (*WC, *SC) Hands-on, experiential activities in studio arts (drawing, a/v production, digital arts, clay), performance arts (drama, drums, guitar, rock band), physical arts (team, individual, alternative, and new sports and games), and living arts (cooking, gardening, creative writing). Session #5 also offers the "Digital Playground", where campers learn storyboarding, character development, 3D modeling/animation, movie and music production and editing. Field trips to Iceland, Albany Bowl, Adventure Playground, San Francisco, A's games, and others.

Age: 6-12 (CIT 13), Dates: one and two wk sessions: 6/25-9/1 plus winter and spring camps, Time: 8:30-4:00 pm (8-6 pm), Ratio: 10:1, Cost: $290/wk ($95), Deadline: 4/1

Info: 665-8800 x260, www.bmsonline.org (06)

 

Berkeley Playhouse Music Theatre Camps: Daily instruction in singing, acting and movement at the Julia Morgan Young People’s Performing Arts Center. Rehearsals, skill development and performance with live musicians and professional directors, choreographers, music directors and educators plus creative arts and crafts activities, including youth productions of Urinetown and Adventures in Terraleuferia (2009). Different programs grouped by age.
Age: K-9, Dates 2-6 wk programs 6/15-8/14, varies by age, Time: 9-3, Ratio: 7:1 or 8:1, Cost: $225-275/wk (financial assistance available), Deadline: February, waiting lists ongoing

Info: 665-5565 www.berkeleyplayhouse.org (09)

 
Berkeley Rec Centers: Each of the Berkeley City recreation centers holds programs whenever the public schools are not in session, including traditional general interest day camp and many specialty sport and other theme camps as well. See Recreation Brochure downloadable from the  web site for details.

Age: 5-12, Dates 1 wk sessions 6/16-8/18 varies by age and theme, Time 9:30-3:30 (7:30-6) plus many shorter specialty camps, Cost: $85/wk (financial assistance available), Deadline: FCFS.

Info: 644-6640 hwww.ci.berkeley.ca.us/DepartmentHome.aspx?id=8506 (08)

Berkeley Rep School of Theatre Summer Intensive Acting, play creation, improvisation, voice and speech, various forms of physical theatre (e.g., mask work, clowning and psychological gesture), Shakespeare, stage combat, disciplines of design and production (e.g., Cost:umes, sound and lights) with master teachers and a choice of daily electives including musical theatre, directing, playwriting, sign language for the theatre and hip hop dance, plus creation and performance of an original at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre in downtown Berkeley. work

Age: 6th-12th grade, Dates 4 wk sessions 6/27-7/22 (6-8), 7/25-8/19 (9-12), Time 9-3 Cost: $250-$275/wk; scholarships

Info: 647-2972, www.berkeleyrep.org (05)


Berkeley School of the Arts: Closed in 2005 www.BerkeleySchoolOfTheArts.homestead.com/

 

Berkwood Hedge & Los Mapaches Music Camps: at Berkwood Hedge School in Berkeley sponsored by Los Mapaches.

Joy in Music: Music lessons, singing games, traditional circle dances, outside music games and choral pieces in a Kodaly based music program. Traditional art projects, such as singing, puppets and folk instruments plus time for free play. One field trip to Tilden, with outdoor music games and a search for the birds and animals we sing about in our songs. Morning and afternoon snack provided.

Los Mapaches Music Camp: Singing, games, instruments and traditional dances from Latin America. Instruction in the zampoρa (panpipe from the Andes) and a variety of percussion instruments from South America.  Children will learn songs in Spanish, English, as well as native language from the Americas. Latin American art projects and cooking projects and time for free play. One field trip to Tilden with outdoor music games and a hike with the zampoρas. Morning and afternoon traditional Latin American snacks provided.

Age: 5-10, Dates 1 wk session 8/17-21(Joy) 8/24-28 (Mapaches), Time 9-3, Cost: $300/wk, early bird & sibling discounts, Deadline: FCFS.

Info: 684-9741 www.losmapaches.org

 

Camp Brushstrokes: (*WC, *SC) Art camp in a NW Berkeley painting studio, including ceramics painting, murals, mosaics, modern art, bookmaking and collage. 12 students max.
Age: 5-16, Dates one wk sessions 6/23-8/29 vary by age range plus winter and spring camps, Time 9-12 0r 2 (extended available) Cost: $220 -$365/wk ($7/hr) ask about scholarships, Deadline: FCFS filled by May,

Info: 528-1360 www.brushstrokestudio.com (08)


Cal Adventures: (*SC) Sailing, hiking, ropes, games, rock climbing and sea kayaking at Berkeley Marina and various East Bay Parks. Must be able to swim. Reviews (1-98, 1-99). Well organized, good staff. Loved it.
Age: 9-13 (-17 for specialty classes) Date: varies by age 1 wk sessions 6/16-8/29 plus spring camps, Time 8-4 (7:30-5:30 call to confirm) ½ day specialty classes available as well both 9-12 and 1-4, Cost: $160-$200/wk 1/2 day, $350-$435 for full day ($45 7:30-9 or 4-5:30) member discounts, Deadline: FCFS.

Info: 642-4000 www.oski.org (03)

 

Cal Shakes Summer Theater Camps: Theatre training camp with conservatory for experienced theater enthusiasts and less intensive camps for newcomers. Morning may include acting, improvisation, stage combat, text, and movement. Afternoons are spent in rehearsals for public performances of plays and scenes at the end of the program.  Locations in Oakland, Lafayette, Orinda and El Cerrito. 

Age: 8-18, students divided into age appropriate groups, Dates 2&5 wk sessions 6/16-8/8 (varies by location) Time 9:00-3 or 3:30 Ratio 15:1, Cost: $212-255/wk, Deadline: FCFS.

Info: 548-3422 X105, www.calshakes.org/camps (08)

 

Cal Bears Athletic Camps: Specialty sport camps  focusing on skill development in the sport of choice, including Baseball, Girl's Basketball, Boy's Basketball, Girl's Crew, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Boy's Rugby, Boy's Soccer, Girl's Soccer, Girl's Softball, Strength & Conditioning, Swimming, Tennis, Volleyball, Boy's Water Polo, and Girl's Water Polo. Most sports have a variety of different ½ & full day camp programs aimed at different age and abilities from beginner to Advanced Residential, Specialty and Team Camps. 

Age: 5-18, Dates: 1 wk sessions all summer long, Cost: $300-695, Ratio 10:1, Deadline FCFS

Info: 642-1765, www.calbears.com/camps (08)


Cal Strawberry Canyon Sports & Science Camps (w/LHS & Botanical): (*SC) Cal offers a wide range of programs, some all sports and some combined sports and science. The Science camp morning sessions use Lawrence Hall of Science, UC Botanical Gardens, and other area museums. In the afternoons (all day for the all sports camps) they offer a wide variety of sports (from soccer, swimming, ping pong, water polo, tae kwan do, Frisbee, football, archery, skateboard and more) plus, arts & crafts, nature study, magic and drama to mix and match at Strawberry Canyon and Golden Bear Recreation Center above the UC Berkeley Campus. Also have one week single sport intensive camps and half day variety sports options. Reviews (1-97, 6-98, 12-99, 6-00) Lots of positive reviews, but a few dissatisfied. One of the most popular programs with BH kids. Well organized. Good staff and facility. Most kids liked or loved it. Good combo of learning and activity. Don't need to be into sports. Good for trying new sports and building confidence and team cooperation. Active fast paced and outdoors all time. Some called it exhausting. Be prepared for lots of changes through the day. Bring a friend. One mentioned wish for more diversity. Unlike the combo education and variety sports programs, the single sport intensive camps are just that - intense. One called gymnastics intensive physically grueling.
Age: 5-18 (CIT 10th/CILT 8th), Dates 1&2 wk sessions 6/16-8/29 plus spring camps, Time 9-12 & 9-4:00 (7:30-5:30 check to confirm extended care for skateboard camp), Cost: $120-138/wk ½ day, $175-258 full day, $288 for Science combo ($38 7:30-9 or 4-5:30) NOTE: Additional annual $50 membership required for these prices,  Deadline: FCFS. Fills extremely early, particularly specialty camps like Skateboard (filled in the first week of Feb 2002 ex for some girl only slots) and Sport & Science combo (Note: online reg only for Sports & Science), Priority registration given to donors of at least $100 before Feb 1,

Info: 643-CAMP, http://calbears.berkeley.edu (03)

 

California Adventure Camps: This program offers a wide range of mobile and stationary camp options based in Castle Rock Park in Walnut Creek but with transportation available from Oakland, Berkeley and other East Bay communities. Member East Bay Regional Parks Day Camp Collaborative.

Bay Area Explorers: Mobile exploration of Bay Area Summer fun spots with regular trips to Water World, Discovery Kingdom, river rafting, Muir Woods, Angel Island, The Exploratorium, zoos, beaches and sports like bowling, archery, fishing and more.

Jr. Explorers :  An age appropriate younger version ( 5-8 yrs) of Bay Area Explorers

Summer Skateboard: Skating at all the local area skate parks with other non skate related summer fun as well. Expert coaching available.

Tackle Football:  Experience with all positions of football in full pads, light contact camp for beginners to intermediate players

Kids TV Production Camp: Campers learn ins and outs of Television Production both behind the scenes and in front of the camera.

Age: 5-16 (CIT 12) Dates: 1 wk sessions 6/15-8/21, Time 9-3 (7:30-6) Ratio: 6:1 (8:1 for Skateboard, 4:1 for Jr. Explorers), Cost: varies by camp $250-385/wk ($50) multi session and sibling discounts, Deadline: FCFS 

Info: 925-952-4450  http://caladventurecamps.org (09)

 

Casa de Bambini: see Grand Lake Montessori (changed name in 2002).

 

Chabot Space & Science Center Summer Camp Explore space and earth science, astronomy, technology, robotics, and video production at the Science Center in the Joaquin Miller Park in Oakland.

Age: 1st-12th grade, Dates 1 wk sessions, 6/17-8/16 dates vary by age, Time 9-12 (10-3 for video production camp) no extended care, Cost: $185-250/wk, Deadline: FCFS.

Info: 336-7300  www.chabotspace.org (02)

 

Champions Science Adventures Day Camp: Launch a rocket, build a robot, and experiment with physics at Crown Beach in Alameda, Merritt College in Oakland and many other locations around the Bay area and nationally. Different theme each week, such as: Gizmo’s Robot Factory, Powerful Planet, Fabulous Physics Challenge, and Space and Rocketry. Also have after school and school break programs.
Age: 5-12, Dates 1 wk sessions 6/15 - 8/21, Time 9-noon or 9-3:30, Cost $194/wk half day, $309/wk full day,  Multi-session & sibling discounts available, special $25 off coupon (promo Code caf003), Ratio max 15:1, Deadline: FCFS.
Info 888-458-1812 www.scienceadventures.com (09)

 

Children's Fairyland's Performing Arts Camp: Theatre and circus arts with professional performers plus time with the animals, gardening, arts & crafts and swimming at Fairyland on Lake Merritt in Oakland. Performance for parents on last day.
Age: 5-10, Dates 6/18-8/24, 1 wk sessions, Time 9-5 (inquire for before and after care), Cost: $250/wk, discount for 6 weeks, Deadline: FCFS.

Info: 238-6878 #4 www.fairyland.org (07)

 

City Camp: (*SC) Urban explorer camp based at UC Berkeley and at the Ferry Building in San Francisco. Campers take a field trip every day, walking or taking BART, buses, cable cars and ferries to a wide range of East Bay and SF locations, learning to read maps, look for landmarks, and safely explore the city along the way. Not reviewed (but received “Favorite Camp in Bay Area Parent Magazine’s 2003-4 parents’ poll)

Age: 5-12, Dates 1 wk sessions 7/12-8/20 plus spring camps, Time 9-4 (8-6) Ratio 6:1, Cost: $250/wk ($100), multi-session and sibling discounts, Deadline: FCFS.

Info: 847-7123 www.citycamp.net (04)

 

Camp Chameleon Girl Scout sponsored camp for girls with wide range of specialty programs including horseback riding, nature study, sports, science, music, and more, combined with traditional camp activities such as hiking, swimming,  arts & crafts, and group games at Robert Park in Oakland hills. Bus transportation available from Berkeley, Oakland, Hayward and San Leandro.

Age: 1st-8th grade (CIT 7th), Dates one wk sessions, 6/24-8/9, Time 9-5 (8:30-5:30, 7:30-6:30 if using bus pickup), Cost: $195-295/wk +$10 for GS membership ($100 for bus pickup), financial assistance available,

Deadline: random drawing April 1, 2002, then FCFS.

Info: 562-8470 http://www.girlscoutsbayarea.org  (02)*

 

CCEA New Sprouts 2009 Chinese Summer Camp: Mandarin language program infused with fun cultural activities taught by bilingual Chinese teachers. Sponsored by the Chinese Cultural Education Association in Oakland at tne Lake Merritt United Methodist Church. No prior knowledge of Chinese is necessary. Learning Chinese by participating in theme-based activities including arts & crafts, dance & movement, stories, music, games, brush painting, take home projects, cooking, special visitors, and local field trips. Different cultural focus each week including Chinese Fables and Storytelling, Chinese Costumes, Famous Chinese Landmarks and Chinese Inventions.

Age:  4.5-12.  Dates:  wkly sessions 7/27-8/21.  Time: 9-3 (8-6).  Location:  Oakland.

Cost:  $280/wk (-5% for 3 wks, -10% for 4 wks). Extended care $75/week. Sibling discount 10%.

Info: 510-206-5666  www.cceanewsprouts.org (09)

 

Classroom Matters Super Summer Camp  Arts and crafts, bookmaking, cooking, and games, plus daily field trips and outdoor fun including gardening, nature explorations and movement in West Berkeley. Changing themes each week reInforce key academic (biology, chemistry, math and writing) concepts in a fun, playful, encouraging atmosphere.  Cooperative program of Classroom Matters and SymbaEdVentures.

Age: 5-10, Dates one wk sessions 6/19-8/11, Time 9-5 (half day options also), Ratio 10:1, Cost: $275/wk (half day options, sibling discounts), Deadline: June 12,

Info: 540-8646 www.classroommatters.com (06)

 

Contra Costa Civic Theatre Summer Drama Camp: Act in and produce a play (and video) at CCCT in El Cerrito with theater games, make up, improv, Cost:uming, staging and video. New advance training program at Prospect Sierra School for 12-16 yr olds. Review (3-98, 1-00) Well organized, experienced, motivated staff. Good for any kid who likes stage. No experience necessary. Good cooperation and self esteem builder. Loved it.
Age: 7-16, Dates two wk sessions, 6/17-8/30, Time 9-4 (no extended care), Cost: $250/wk (7-14) $262 (12-16), Deadline: lottery 3/15/02, then FCFS.

Info: 524-9132 or 524-6654 www.ccct.org (02)


COOK! Creative Culinary Camp: Learn foundational kitchen skills, cultivate the sense for the adventurous at the “International Street Food Fair” camps, or star in your own live cooking show in the “COOKS Live!” programs. Sponsored by and based at the Paulding & Company kitchen in Emeryville. Local professional chefs will be making guest teaching appearances throughout the summer and campers in the two-week programs will get to feed the senior citizens during a day of community service at the Emeryville Senior Center.

Open house on April 19th, 2009, from 1 - 4p.m. so that parents and kids can come meet the staff and have a tour at Paulding & Company, 1410 D 62nd St., Emeryville, 94608.

Age: 9-12 and 13-17, Dates: 1 wk sessions: 6/15-6/26. 2 wk sessions: 7/6-7/17, 7/27-8/7. Time 9-3 (8-6) Ratio 6:1, Cost $500/wk sibling discounts, Deadline FCFS

Info: 594-1104 www.pauldingandco.com (09)

 

Creative Strings Camp Violin, viola and cello students explore improv games, fiddling, blues and world styles and participate in a daily art class. They will perform a live soundtrack to a narrated story, illustrated by their own artwork. Run in Berkeley by Irene Sazer, an original member of the Turtle Island String Quartet, and current the leader of the  Real Vocal String Quartet. 

Age: 8-12 & 13-up, Dates 1 week sessions 7/17-21 (8-12) & 7/24-29 (13&up) Time 9:30-3:30 (8:30-6) Cost: $390/wk, Deadline: FCFS.

Info: 548-3738 www.stringimprovisation.org (06)

 

Crissy Field Junior Ranger Camp Variety of programs in urban ecology, media lab, arts and nature based at the Crissy Field Center learning lab (in SF, but maybe you commute to the Presidio?). Visit other National Parks in the Bay Area - the Presidio, Alcatraz, Muir Woods, and then spend the night in the Marin Headlands. Plus they now offer a week long overnight camp in Kings Canyon. 

Age: 6-14, Dates 1 week sessions 6/16-8/22 Time 8:30-5, Cost: $265-475/wk, ask about scholarships, Deadline: FCFS.

Info: 415/561-7690 www.crissyfield.org (03)

 

Crowden