The best camp songs have hand motions, as demonstrated by the kids at St. Stephens Episcopal Church camp.
Camp Community Arts kids and counselors pose after a homemade boat race at the Clarke Swim Center in Walnut Creek.
Participants learn the basics of rowing and the importance of teamwork at Orinda Strokes’ Learn to Row Camps. Summer Racing Camps are also available for more experienced athletes.
This young camper stops for a smile while getting limber at a gymnastics camp run by Orinda Parks and Rec.
Young bumble bee dancers perform in the Orinda Ballet Academy’s summer production of Cinderella.
The best camp songs have hand motions, as demonstrated by the kids at St. Stephens Episcopal Church camp.
Campers at Roughing It Day Camp learn how to paddle a canoe around the calm waters of the Lafayette Reservoir.
Summertime fun is right around the corner with camps catering to every child’s interest. Use this guide to help those in grades K-12 explore the possibilities. Review what’s offered online and sign up early; many sessions are limited in size and fill up fast. Some camps offer scholarships, discounts for siblings and intern positions for teens. Access this guide online at http://www.theorindanews.com.
GENERAL CAMPS
Orinda Parks & Recreation
28 Orinda Way
Orinda, CA 94563
925-254-2445
www.cityoforinda.org
This year’s camps offer the same quality, creativity and fun programming you have come to expect. There are more than 125 options for camps, including Visual/Performing Arts, Science and Sports Camps with locations ranging from Orinda Community Center to Community Center Tennis Courts and Pine Grove Park unless otherwise noted. Camps at Orinda Community Center are eligible for extended care. Stand-alone camps not located at Orinda Community Center, such as Wagner Ranch Gym, are not eligible for extended care. Camps run in nine week-long sessions June 10 to Aug. 9.
Access the Orinda Summer Camps Guide at http://www.OrindaParksandRec.org. Full descriptions are listed alphabetically on pages 13 to 21. Choose Your Adventure Camps allow you to pick a different morning and afternoon camp for each week. All camps are M–F, $205 residents (R)/$235.75 nonresidents (NR) for morning (9 a.m.– noon) or afternoon (1 – 4 p.m.) sessions. Both morning and afternoon sessions are $410 R/$471.50 NR. If you choose the All Day Camp Orinda held at Orinda Community Center (only), the cost is $350 R/$402.50 NR for one week (M-F) including two all-expense paid field trips. Some camps have a materials fee collected at registration.
Summer Enrichment program information is on page 12. Programs run from weeks two to five (June 17 to July 12). This year’s theme is Our Fabulous Five Senses. Programs are offered to children entering Kindergarten or Transitional Kindergarten in Fall of 2019.
Extended Care A.M./P.M. and Lunch Bunch: Page 13 lists extended care details: A.M. 7:30 to 9 a.m. or P.M. 4 to 6 p.m., $15 R/$17.25 NR per week. Free supervised lunch bunch (noon to 1 p.m.) for registered campers ages 4 – 14+ – children must bring their own lunch or snack. Available for all camps located at Orinda Community Center or Pine Grove Park. Requires advance sign-up; no drop-ins. No camps on July 4 or 5. If your child needs over-the-counter or prescription medication, a supplemental Parental Consent and Directions to Staff Form is recommended and available online or at the office. Register online at http://www.OrindaParksandRec.org or complete a registration form and mail it to Orinda Parks & Recreation Department, 28 Orinda Way, Orinda CA 94563. Register by phone, 925-254-2445.
Camp Brainy Bunch
19 Altarinda Drive
Orinda CA 94563
510-548-4800
www.campbrainybunch.com
Located on the Orinda Academy campus, weeklong camps serve children in 1st to 6th grade from June 10 – Aug. 10. All Camps Summer Pass available. Sign up for seven different camps including Legendary Leaders, Wonderful Writers and Dynamite Doctors. Sibling and multiple week discounts. Extended care available 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Call and/or check website for details and registration.
Camp Galileo and Galileo Summer Quest
11 East Bay Locations
1-800-854-3684
www.galileo-camps.com
Camps combine a mindset-shaping, innovation based approach with crazy, summertime fun. Campers are encouraged to be: visionary, outrageous, collaborative, determined and reflective. Camp Galileo is held at Del Rey Elementary school in Moraga for pre-K-5th graders. Camps include: Renaissance Adventure, Makers Workshop, Expedition to Everest, or Deep Ocean Explorers. Galileo Summer Quest for rising 5th-8th graders is held in Lafayette and offers eight camps such as: DIY Hoodie, YouTube Producers, Decadent Desserts, 3D Modeling & Printing and Drone Innovators. There are 11 East Bay locations with extended care available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Optional healthy Choicelunch program. Dates and times vary so check website.
St. Stephens Episcopal Church
66 Saint Stephens Dr.
Orinda, CA 94563
925-254-3770
www.ststephensorinda.org
Camps for children ages 3 – K held at St. Stephens’ preschool include Pirates of the Caribbean, M-F, June 24 – 28 from 9 a.m. to noon or Under the Big Top, M-F, July 8 – 12, 9 a.m. to noon. Doodle Camp is held at St. Stephens Orinda Campus M–F June 10 – Aug. 9, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is a maker art camp for kids in grades K through 5 where they experience making real things meant to empower their minds and self-esteem. See http://www.campdoodles.com.
VISUAL, PERFORMING AND DIGITAL ARTS CAMPS
Academy of Language & Music Arts (ALMA)
Dr. James Fiatarone, Director
99 Brookwood Road
Orinda, CA 94563
925-254-5056 or 925-254-5053
office@almaleap.com
www.almaleap.com
This camp offers a create-your-own program featuring private lessons in music, including guitar, piano, voice, strings, wind instruments and percussion; also, private and small group lessons in foreign languages (Italian, French, Spanish, Greek, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese and Chinese, etc.) and English as a second language. Special summer group classes include Guitar Ensemble, Rock Guitar Combo, Band Ensemble, Jazz Combo, Theory and Musicianship (all instruments), Strings Ensemble, Percussion/Drum Clinic, and Vocal Ensemble/ALMA Glee Club. Other classes include: Acting up at ALMA, theater, acting and presentation skills, and Music Technology Class, basic studio recording techniques, creating and recording songs. Call for dates, times and cost.
California Shakespeare Theater
Summer Conservatory located at:
St. Mary’s College
1928 St. Mary’s Road
Moraga, CA 94575
learn@calshakes.org
www.calshakes.org
Cal Summer Shakespeare Conservatory has partnered with St. Mary’s College for intensive four-week sessions aimed at students entering 6th to 12th grades in fall 2019. Mornings are spent in a wide variety of theater disciplines taught by working theater professionals. Afternoons are spent in rehearsals. The experience culminates in Shakespeare performances for family and friends at the end of the program. St. Mary’s College offers an immersive theater experience rooted in passion for artistic exploration and excellence, in new light-filled classrooms, plenty of outdoor space, and a well-equipped theater. Payment plans available; scholarships may be available. See website for details or call 510-809-3293. July 8 – Aug. 2, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: $1,600.
Camp Community Arts
111 N. Wiget Lane
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
925-943-5846
www.communityarts.org
Extensive list of choices in four day camp segments from June 17 – Aug. 9 for three age groups (5 – 7, 8 – 10 and 11 – 14). Classes include visual arts (painting, drawing, clay, printmaking), fiber arts, digital media and performing arts (theater, dance, music and voice) as well as field trips and fun outdoors. In each age group there are three tracks to choose from: Track A is Performance Art, Track B Visual Arts, Track C Mixed Arts plus additional options. The day might start with a stop motion animation class, continue with afternoon swimming, and end with African drumming and dancing. Camps are half day or full day for 9 or 10 days. All teachers are working artists who give each child one-on-one attention. See website for scholarships, registration, etc. Morning and aftercare available.
iD Tech Camps
St. Mary’s College
1928 St. Mary’s Road
Moraga, CA 94575
408-871-3700
http://idtech.com
This is the 21st season St. Mary’s has hosted week-long tech camps which run M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., June 17 – July 26. Choose 21 different classes from four paths: Coding, Game Development, Design or Robotics. Camps are divided into co-ed age groups 7 – 9, 10 – 12 and 13 – 17. Sample camps: YouTube Gamecasting and Video Production; MovieMaker: Create Videos and Shorts with Adobe; WorldBuilder: Minecraft Game Design; Digital Video Production: Start Your Own YouTube Channel. Project oriented camps give a taste of independence and glimpse into collegiate life. At Friday Family Showcase, students debut their final project and receive a diploma. Campers may eat lunch at the university dining hall or have catered meals. See website for dates, cost and registration.
Orinda Ballet Academy
28 Orinda Way
Orinda, CA 94563
924-254-2445
www.cityoforinda.org
Led and taught by world-class professional ballet dancer Patricia Tomlinson, Orinda Ballet Academy offers a summer “Cinderella” themed ballet camp and/or intensive. Classes are held M–F for beginning through advance level dancers at the Orinda Community Center July 8 – Aug. 9. Camps/intensives are divided between divisions for students ages 3 to 18 years. On Aug. 9, summer dance students will demonstrate excerpts from “Cinderella” at 3 p.m. Contemporary jazz, private ballet lessons and Pilates reformer lessons are available as well.
Orinda Parks & Recreation
28 Orinda Way
Orinda, CA 94563
925-254-2445
www.cityoforinda.org
Visual and performing arts camps are offered throughout the summer and are listed in the Orinda Summer Camps Guide which can be accessed at http://www.cityoforinda.org. Visual and Performing Arts camp descriptions are on pages 15-19. They run in nine week-long sessions June 10 – Aug. 9.
SingOut! Musical Theatre
Diablo Theatre Company
233 Gregory Lane
Pleasant Hill CA 94523
925-944-1565
www.singouttheatre.org
Rachael Pergamit offers award winning youth musical theater programs for kids ages 4–18 at Diablo Theatre Company. All summer camp rehearsals are at the Winslow Center, 2590 Pleasant Hill Rd., Pleasant Hill.
Triple Threat Workshop, June 10-28, M-F, 9 a.m. to noon ($550). This two and one-half-week intensive pushes incoming 6th graders to graduating seniors to hone acting, singing and dancing skills. Open to serious students who want to work hard and have fun. At the end of the intensive students receive a DVD of their performances to share with friends and family.
Disney’s My Son Pinocchio Jr program is offered June 10-28, M–F, 1 to 4 p.m. for kids aged 8 – 14 ($550) and for Mini Kids aged 4 – 7 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. ($350). After just three weeks of rehearsals with professional staff, kids will put on performances June 26-28 for family and friends at 4 and 7 p.m. Cast members will learn songs, dances and scenes. All performances are at Seven Hills School Theatre, 975 N. Carlos Dr. in Walnut Creek. Visit website for details and high school intern options.
Town Hall Theatre Company
3535 School Street
Lafayette, CA 94549
925-283-6673
madison@townhalltheatre.com
www.townhalltheatre.com
From June 10–July 27 youth in grades 2 through middle and high school receive a mix of training and production-based classes in live theater. Depending on the child’s age, he or she could participate in The Emperor’s New Clothes, Summer Camp: A Musical Caper or workshops such as Scene Study and Improvisation, Musical Theatre, Clowning or New Play. Whether the students are seasoned pros or beginners they will be taught by the best working theater artists in the area. Check website for classes, times, cost and production details. Aftercare available for 2–5 graders.
SCHOOL-RELATED CAMPS
Bentley Summer Academy
1000 Upper Happy Valley Rd.
Lafayette CA 94549
925-283-2101
summer@bentleyschool.org
www.bentleysummeracademy.org
First grade through outgoing 12th grade students can sign up for week-long camps June 17–Aug. 5, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; early drop off/late pickup options. More than 46 choices spread over three age groups are available such as Makers Studio Workshop, Robotics, Martial Arts, Hip Hop and Modern Dance, Outdoor Adventure, Video Games as Literature, and Trail Running.
Fountainhead Montessori School
30 Santa Maria Way
Orinda, CA 94563
925-820-1343
www.fms.org
A Montessori-based summer camp and summer school. Summer school program for ages 2–6 years. Summer session is June 25–Aug. 14. See website for more information.
Holy Shepherd Christian Preschool
433 Moraga Way
Orinda, CA 94563
925-254-3429
www.holyshepherdchristianpreschool.org
Several weeks of summertime activities to choose from in a small- class environment with a variety of fun themes. Summer school camp runs June 10 – July 5, 9 a.m. to noon. M–F; extended care available to 2 p.m. at $8/hour. No camp July 4. Vacation Bible School runs July 8–12, 9 a.m. to noon.
The Saklan School
1678 School Street
Moraga, CA 94556
925-376-7900
www.saklan.org
Summer@Saklan provides culture, language and summer fun for ages 3 to 11 June 10 – Aug. 9. Mornings are filled with enrichment in Mandarin, French, Japanese, Spanish or Italian. Afternoons offer summer fun, including field trips, swimming, art and music. Three week sessions 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., half days available. Extended care available. Visit website for more information or to register.
SPORTS-RELATED CAMPS
Orinda Parks & Recreation
28 Orinda Way
Orinda, CA 94563
925-254-2445
www.cityoforinda.org
Sports camps are offered throughout the summer and are listed in the Orinda Summer Camps Guide which can be accessed at http://www.cityoforinda.org. Descriptions of sports camps are on pages 20-21. They run in nine week-long sessions June 10 – Aug. 9.
Oakland Strokes (OS)
4675 Tidewater Avenue (at High Street)
Oakland, CA 94601
510-926-4100
oaklandstrokes@gmail.com
www.oaklandstrokes.org
Learn how to row and what real teamwork is all about. OS is a 19-time national champion. Summer Rowing Camps are one-week sessions designed to provide an enjoyable but real introduction to rowing. Camps provide training in rowing techniques, fitness, teamwork and endurance. Within a week, participants will gain enough skill to row their first race. Camps are held at San Pablo Dam Reservoir in Orinda and Tidewater Aquatic Center in Oakland. Beginner Rowing and Intermediate Rowing are open to anyone entering 6th to 12th grades in fall 2019. Intro to Competitive Rowing is open to anyone entering 8th to 12th grades in fall 2019 (other requirements online). Orinda camps run June 10 – June 28. Check website for details, discounts and to register.
Rancho Del Lago
2331 Rancho Del Lago
Briones CA 94553
925-323-0219
www.rancho-del-lago.com
Campers age 6 to 12 learn to groom, tack up, ride and care for horses at one week sessions. Full sessions are 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., half sessions are 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and noon to 3 p.m. All sessions run M-F June 17 – Aug. 2. Each child is matched to a Welsh pony or full-size horse depending on the child’s size and experience. Kids learn the basics, “stop, go and steering,” moving from there to riding around obstacles, how to post the trot and practicing jumping position. All campers create a routine they perform for parents and friends on the last day of camp. Before, after and extended care available.
Saint Mary’s Athletic Camps
Saint Mary’s College
1928 Saint Mary’s Road
Moraga, CA 94575
925-631-4386
smccamps@stmarys-ca.edu
www.smcathleticcamps.com
Summer camps for ages 4 to 18 June 10– Aug. 10. Overnight, day, half-day, team and specialty men’s and women’s camps include All Sport, Baseball, Basketball, Running, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Strength and Conditioning and Volleyball. Five coed camps. Athletes can expect to participate in daily competitions, conditioning, skill development and other activities. Residential camps are for high school students only. See website for details regarding specific camps including dates, times, prices and descriptions. Early morning and extended care options available. Call or email with questions or for more information.
Sherman Swim School
1075 Carol Lane (off Mt. Diablo Blvd.)
Lafayette, CA 94549
925-283-2100
www.shermanswim.com
Celebrating 59 years, the school offers year-round swimming and diving lessons in a warm, protected environment for ages 9 months to adult. The instructors have received extensive in-water training. Private lessons coupled with patient, encouraging teachers and comfortable water (90º – 92º) creates an ideal learning environment. Spring and Summer Sessions run April 22– Aug. 30, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sessions are three to four weeks long, M-F for one, two or three days a week. Private swim lessons are 15 to 30 minutes; small-group dive lessons are 30 or 60 minutes. Check website for entire schedule and registration forms.
Sleepy Hollow Swim & Tennis Club (SH)
1 Sunnyside Lane
Orinda, CA 94563
925-254-1126
shstc@comcast.net
www.sleepyhollowclub.com
Private recreational facility; inquire regarding membership. Legendland is a supervised drop-off day camp for kids 5 to 9 years old and runs eight weeks, June 10–Aug. 2. Summer Tennis Camp runs mid-June through early August; call for details.
OUTDOOR RECREATION AND NATURE CAMPS
Aspen Network Team Camp
15 Vallecito Lane
Orinda, CA 94563
925-262-3135
info@aspennetwork.net
www.aspennetwork.net
Youth 13–27 who experience social fears and anxieties or difficulties with spectrum differences learn and grow with like peers at this four-day camp. The camp is at Clair Tappaan Lodge in the Lake Tahoe area and runs July 8-11. Activities include hiking, river rafting and many educational opportunities to improve social skills while having fun. Pick-up/drop-off at Reno Airport available for an extra fee.
Lindsay Wildlife Experience
1931 First Avenue
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
925-935-1978
www.lindsaywildlife.org
Eight camp sessions for kids age 4 – 10 with a camper to counselor ratio of 4:1 and a maximum class size of 20. Kids can become explorers, naturalists and scientists. Experience wildlife adventures with live animals, songs, games, activities and art projects. Explore Lindsay’s exhibits, outdoor gardens and adjacent Larkey Park. Camps run M-F June 10-Aug. 9. Nut-free and vegetarian-friendly snacks are included for all camps. Aftercare available.
Roughing It Day Camp
P.O. Box 1266
Orinda, CA 94563
925-283-3795
www.roughingit.com
Roughing It Day Camp is an outdoor summer camp at the Lafayette Reservoir. Campers age 4 to 16 are grouped in the same age group. There are more than 50 outdoor activities with instruction in swimming, waterfront (fishing, rowing canoeing, kayaking), horseback riding, sports, crafts, nature exploration, outdoor living skills, cooking, team building and more. Free extended care and free transportation included. Visit website for more details.
Zoo Camp
Oakland Zoo
9777 Golf Links Rd.
Oakland, CA 94605 (off Highway 580)
510-632-9525 x280 (Zoo Camp hotline)
zoocamp@oaklandzoo.org
www.oaklandzoo.org
The Oakland Zoo creates age-appropriate options for campers in grades Pre-K, kindergarten, 1st grade, grades 2-3, grades 4-5, grades 6-8 and high school. There is also a multi-grade nature exploration class. Camp sessions are one week and run mid-June to mid-August. Campers learn about nature and animals through games and songs, creating and making, discovery hikes, and science activities plus plenty of up-close time learning about their more than 660 native and exotic animals. Extended before and after care available. Open daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. No camps July 4 or 5. Full summer camp schedule and registration on website. Discount pricing for zoo members. Three-week High School Teen Assistant camps for grades 9–12. Programs held rain or shine.
