We have tried a few day camps here in Alameda, but this one is our new favorite! My kids were very skeptical at first, but after the first day they were thrilled. They didn't want to go home at the end of the day.
They have wonderful videos on their website. After seeing them, I thought "this is too good to be true"...but it really is as good as it looks online.
The teachers all have a great way with the kids. I saw kids who were having behavioral problems, and there was always a staff member right there to redirect the child in a positive way.
They really balance Science, Art, and physical activity. Rather than just let the kids loose on the playground, they do all kinds of organized games. And, they are really learning about Art and Science from a person who has studied and has a degree in that subject.
My son's lead teacher is an Aerospace Engineering major, and an Eagle Scout (!) My daughter's lead teacher has a Masters in Child Psychology. All of the staff are amazing people.
Almost all of the staff has a BA, BS, MFA, or MA in Arts or Science. Many other camps around town seem to be run by high school kids.
At the end of the week, both of my children came home with all kinds of of projects, and stories. The themes are really fun and engaging.
They take kids as young as Pre-K (Nebulas). I was a little nervous as this is my daughter's first summer in a camp. I was thrilled to see that they run the Nebulas class like a Kindergarten class on steroids. I could really tell that the teachers in that group had great trainings with little ones.
They also have a program for kids from 5th-8th grade.
We will definitely be back, and highly recommend it!
- Kristen L, Alameda Parent
