website: http://www.glitterandrazz.com/

Still looking for a summer camp? Have a kid who is a little on the quirky side? Consider Glitter and Razz summer theater and arts camps in Rockridge. We've had a great experience there for the past two years with our 7 year old son who is on the autism spectrum. While these aren't camps designed exclusively for kids with special needs, the instructors really GET IT. They understand that opportunities for social and emotional learning happen moment-to-moment with kids and they know how to integrate these ideas seamlessly. The process of creating and collaborating takes precedence over the end result. And that kid-focused approach means that in the midst of creating a fabulous play (yes, the plays the kids create are fabulous!) kids take part in a way that feels right, but are encouraged to stretch a little beyond what they think they can do. Check them out at http://glitterandrazz.com/ Christa

This is a wonderful creative camp (and organization). Their emphasis in following children's creative ideas to develop performances in an inclusive, social, supportive group is outstanding. As a parent of a child who is 'different' it was so amazing to find an organization that lives an inclusive philosophy. At Glitter and Razz our daughter was able to fully participate, the leadership clearly 'gets it', and we never felt like we had to be grateful or apologetic. Our daughter was part of the whole, not simply 'included'. She was joyfully engaged, her ideas became part of the whole, and she blossomed. It has been our daughter's favorite camp since she was small and remains our favorite as well. Our 'typical' younger daughter will be able to start in the Ity Bity camp this summer and we are SO excited for her to be able to have the same creative experience her older sister benefited so much from. This is a wonderful camp, for ALL children. David

Re: Camp for sensitive boy entering kindergarten
My son, who sounds a lot like yours, went to Glitter & Razz for a couple weeks last summer and loved it. If your son has any interest in theater arts you should check it out. The kids work together to make up their own play, writing the plot, developing their own characters and lines. They also have time for individual art projects and free play. The group is small and the teachers are very creative and supportive. One day at pickup there was a disagreement between two kids and I was really impressed by how the teachers helped them resolve their conflict.

Re: Acting Classes for a 4 year old
I don't know that I would call Glitter & Razz ''Acting Classes'' per se - as they don't go through the different METHODs or make kids memorize lots of lines, but the Itty Bitty Drama Camps they do (kids 4-6) are fantastic for little ones who love being on stage, using their creativity and imagination and making these dreams come to life using their words and bodies. My five year old has been attending G&R drama classes and play in a day camps since he turned 4. The staff there have taught him much beyond what I expected. Last summer, they not only practiced art, drama, and fun movement, they also discussed and did role plays about conflict resolution, sharing, and being nice. You can check out their programs at www.glitterandrazz.com or call 510.654.7166. Also they are really convenient - right in Rockridge. hil

Re: Camp for high functioning spectrum/aspergers 6-year-old
Hi, We have had our daughter who is higher functioning ASD at Glitter and Razz camp(www.glitterandrazz.com) both the last few summers and during school breaks. It is a children's acting and art camp where they do an amazing job following the children's lead to wherever their ideas and minds take them. It is simply the most creative, most amazing environment for ALL kids you can imagine. Our daughter has been successfully included and able to fully participate in ways we have not seen in other camps. The program works because it is done right for ALL kids. The two women who run the camp 'get it' like few adults I have come across. We cannot wait till our 'typical' younger child gets to attend their programs as well. anon

Re: Short-term summer camp for 4-year-old
I had the same challenge last yr with my newly turned 4 yr old daughter. There are very few options for 4 yrs but the one option that I do know of, is fabulous - Glitter and Razz's Itty Bitty Summer Camp. It has been one the best experiences thus far for my daughter. It's a week long camp and according to their website www.glitterandrazz.com this yr it is aug 10 -28. my daughter was transformed by the experience - she still talks about and does many of the exercises from the camp - silencing herself and remaining that way for extended periods of time. the two women who run the camp, allison and lynn rock, so talented. we are def signing up again. contact me for more info wesley

I have a 2.5 year old also who is unfortulately too young for the camps. However, Glitter & Razz also did my older daughter's birthday at our home and my preschooler LOVED it.

They have something called an Itty Bitty Arts Camp, and I think they are a week long.

Here is the website: http://glitterandrazz.com/happeningnow.html

Good luck with your search. Nellie

5 year old birthday party at Glitter and Razz

Just wondering if anyone has had or gone to a birthday party yet at Glitter and Razz (they took over the old Gymboree site in Rockridge on College at the church). I'm thinking about having my daughter's birthday party there in December and wondering if anyone has tried it yet. anon