7 sports camps in Berkeley, Oakland, and Alameda

When I really think about how I want summer to be for my son, I think sunshine, dirt, and sports. I want him to run around so hard all day that he sleeps and eats well each evening. Living in the East Bay, we have a big heap of options for keeping your athlete busy. Here are seven choices among many.

California Golden Bear sports camps (Many) is a collection of single-sport camps run by the Cal Recreational Sports department. The full-day camps are designed to improve the tactical and technical abilities of athletes. For example, goal of soccer camp is for participants to improve their speed of play, soccer awareness and positive playing habits. Campers are grouped by age and ability levels. Other single-sport camps are available in baseball, water polo, tennis, field hockey, crew, basketball, softball, rugby, and golf (at varying price and hours), so have a look if a single sport is your child’s passion.
Location: UC campus
Hours: Half-day camp for 5-10 year olds is 9am to noon; Full-day for 8-13 year olds is 9am to 4pm.
Price: Note this camp is not available every week during the summer and the week that includes 4th of July is less expensive. $325/week for full day; $195/week for half-day.
Ages: 5-10 (half-day morning); 8-13 (full day)

East Bay BALL Camp is for baseball enthusiasts. Campers will receive hands-on instruction. Mornings are devoted to drills and instruction; organized games take place after lunch.
Location: Caldecott Field (also known as the North Oakland Sports Complex)
Hours: 9am to 4pm with limited extended care to 5pm for $10/day.
Price: $285/ week
Ages: 6-11

Bladium Multi-Sport Camp includes a wide variety of sports and activities, including soccer, flag football, rock climbing, basketball, dodge ball, frisbee, and kickball along with a dose of arts and crafts. This year Revolution Foods provides lunches for all kids (one less lunchbox, yay!). Single sports also available for baseball, soccer, basketball, and ninjas (yes ninjas!).
Location: Alameda, Bladium
Hours: Full-day camp 9am to 5pm. Extended day 7:30 to 6pm. Half days 9am to 1pm.
Price: $290/week. Extended care $10/day. Discounts available for siblings, early payment, and multiple sessions.
Ages: 5-14

Cal Youth Camps provides multi-sport and sport-specific camps led by the energetic counselors from UC Berkeley. Red Cross swimming lessons available. Kids will be knackered by the end of the day. We did the multi-sport Explorer camp last year and loved it.
Location: Berkeley’s Strawberry Canyon Recreation Area
Hours: Full day is 9 to 4 pm. Extended care is offered for $15/time slot/day (morning (7:30 – 9:00am), or evening (4:00 – 5:30pm)).
Price: Explorer camp, for ages 5-6, is $295 per week based with discounts for a 2wk commitment. Other age groups have different rates and offer half-day option. See rates and timing  for Blue Camp cubs (age 7-8), bears (age 9-10), and grizzlies (age 11-13).
Ages: 5-13

Other Cal Youth Camps are available in many- or single-sports; however, you will need to check availability and pricing. Many are sold out.

More, more more?!

Martial arts camps are offered at El Cerrito Martial Arts for kids age 4 1/2 to 12. $165/week 7:45am to 6pm includes field trip.

Hockey skills and drills will be offered by Oakland Ice and Cal for a few weeks only. $295. See Oakland Ice website for details.

Rock climbing camp at Berkeley Ironworks is weekly from June through August for children ages 6 to 17 from beginners on up. $250. Call 981-9900 for details, dates, prices.

For other kinds of camps, see our 2012 Summer Camp Guide.

[photo by susieq3c on flickr]