This roundup of summer camps for kids who like to try new things is just a sampling of the diverse offerings available in the East Bay. Learn more about these and other East Bay camps in our 2017 Camp Guide.
Special thanks to our sponsors who make this guide (and these hecka fun camps!) possible:
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Alameda Community Sailing Center (Alameda)
Sailing for kids age 7 to 17 in Alameda. Choose from Discover Sailing, Seasoned Sailors, Teen Sailing, and STEM Sailing (combination of sailing and science camp). Campers gain confidence as their skills improve and they move towards independence on the water.
Website >
Hours: 9am to 4pm, extended care available
Price:$625 per 2-week session.
Avid4 Adventure (Oakland and other Bay Area locations)
Avid4 Adventure offers authentic outdoor adventures for kids Pre-K through 7th grades. Fun and empowering, campers of all levels learn to climb, paddle, bike, hike and thrive in the outdoors.
Website >
Hours: 9am-3pm Extended care: 8:00am-6:000pm
Price: $499-$549/week. Early bird discount available. Shuttle and lunch are additional fees.
Deal: Use code 510FAMILIES to save $15 off a week of day camp
“Our daughter loved Avid4 Adventure and is now more confident, conscientious, curious and persistent. Overall, it was the most positive camp experience and the best money spent!” ~ Avid Parent
Boys on the Go! (North Berkeley)
Boys, ages 9-13, have adventures around the Bay Area on public transportation, meet new friends, and become more curious, competent and compassionate. Activities include Lake Merritt boating, bowling, baseball games, ice skating, arcades, and lots more. A program of Monkey Business Camp.
Website >
Hours: 8:30am to 4pm with with extended care available from 8am to 6pm; or van transport 7:30 start to 4:30 end
Price: $488/week with super earlybird, earlybird, sibling, and multi-session discounts available
“Even the mindfulness stuff was fun! It was like a really cool family of brothers.” ~ 10 year old boy
Girls on the Go! (Berkeley, Oakland)
Girls ages 9 to 13 explore the Bay Area with fun field trips via public transportation empowering the girls. Staff co-creates fun, supportive community so girls feel connected with “get to know each other” playshops. A program of Monkey Business Camp.
Website >
Hours: 8:30am to 4pm with extended care from 8am to 6pm; see website about van transport
Price: $488/week with earlybird, sibling, and multi-session discounts available
“We were amazed at how happy Girls on the Go Camp made our daughter, how much confidence it helped her build, and the fears she overcame surrounded by the power of the girls in the group.”
Oakland ZooCamp (Oakland Zoo)
Oakland ZooCamp is an exciting week of outdoor nature discovery, animal adventures, and fun! Activities include zoo tours, games, crafts, science activities and of course, animals up close. Oakland Zoo creates age-appropriate programs for campers in PreK – middle school.
Website >
Hours: Full-day programs 9am – 4pm. Half day also available.
Price: $339/week for non-members. Discounts available to members.
“ZooCamp is both educational and fun; the campers came home every day with stories, songs, and little pieces of animal and nature trivia.” ~ ZooCamp Parent
Roughing It (Lafayette Reservoir, free pickup from many {510} locations)
Roughing It Day Camp is an all-outdoor summer day camp for children age 4-16. Activities include instruction in horseback riding, swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and more. Free transportation from many convenient Bay Area locations.
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Hours: 8am-4pm including transportation to and from camp; extended care available.
Price: Prices vary, see dates and rates. Discounts for early birds, siblings, and friend referrals.
“My daughter has been coming to Roughing It now for over 8 years. Highlights are swimming and horseback riding.” ~ Damon M, Camper Parent
Sarah’s Science Camp (Tilden Park, Berkeley and Roberts Park, Oakland)
Each day at camp, kids make and take home a fun science project while exploring complex science topics ranging from physics to chemistry and beyond. Camp also includes hiking, music, art, games, and swimming. For children 5 and over. CIT program begins at age 11.
Website >
Hours: 9am – 3pm, plus before care and after care
Price: $425-$470/week or $105/day with early registration, sibling, and multi-week discounts available
“We love, love, love Sarah’s Science and attend for several weeks every summer. My kids love the projects, the outdoor time and the traditional camp fun (games, hikes and songs).” ~ Mom of 7 & 10 year-old campers.
Trackers Earth (Berkeley and Walnut Creek)
Mobile adventures start at HQ then transport to the best parks and green spaces. Themes include archery, survival, live action role-playing, fishing, homesteading, and more for children entering grades Pre-K through 10th. Youngest campers learn the beginnings of these new skills.
Website >
Hours: 8am to 4pm, After care available to 6pm
Price: $475 for standard day camps; $550 for premium camps. Early discounts available.
“Trackers was the best camp experience EVER! We heard more stories on Monday evening than we heard for the entire school year! She was happy, engaged and tired at the end of the day.”
More adventurous camps that you can find in the Summer Camp Guide:
Swinging from the ceiling, sailing, wilderness, tree-climbing, and farming
- Adventure Day Camp (Walnut Creek with transportation provided from Oakland, Piedmont, Berkeley) Website >
- KIDS for the BAY (All drop offs in Berkeley area, locations vary daily) Website >
- Sailing & Boating (Oakland at Lake Merritt and Jack London Square) PDF
- Urban Adamah Farm Camp (Berkeley) Website >
- Urban Adventure (Rockridge BART) Website >
- Monkey Ninja Camp @ Athletic Playground (Emeryville) Website >
Find the perfect camp for your child in our 2017 East Bay camp guide. See many more adventurous options in our sleepaway camp guide.
[Photo provided by Trackers Earth]
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