Berkeley Parents Network: Overnight Camps for Kids

Berkeley Parents Network

Overnight Camps for Kids

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Advice about Kids Going to Overnight Camps

March 2007

Re: Away Camp for 13-yr-old, Cazadero in Particular?
I've heard wonderful things about Cazadero although I have no personal experience with it. I'm sure that part of their great reputation (besides the music) comes from the fact that they provide a positive camping experience for the kids that go there!

The reason I'm writing is that I feel strongly about sending kids off to sleep-away camp. I think it's like learning to ride a bike or learning to swim or learning to drive a car---it's an important life experience that provides an opportunity for growth and sense of personal accomplishment. I went to several camps over several summers (for a week or two each). Most of them were great. Learned lots of songs, made new friends, hiked and swam. Loved riding the bus and singing ''Catalina, Madalina'' at the top of my lungs. One camp was a horrible experience, I hated my counselor, I was there for my birthday and the counselors confiscated the cookies that my grandmother sent to me (hmmm, wonder who ate those?!) But, I survived!! And, I have some pretty funny stories and great memories, even of THAT camp.

Each of my kids went off to their first camp starting the summer before 6th grade. My son went to Boy Scout camp, with a backpack full of clean clothes each marked with his name. He came home with a backpack full of clean clothes---he even survived not having showered or brushed his teeth for an entire week! (Maybe he swam that week?)

I do think it's nice if you have a friend go to the same camp---but after a couple of days at camp it won't matter if he doesn't. There will be other kids in the same boat!

I strongly encourage you to send him off! I think our kids need us to push them to do things that are a little scary or new so that they can move on to other (perhaps scary) rewarding activities---college, marriage, you know.

If he goes, definitely mail a letter off to him before he goes so that he'll get mail the first day. I always sent a magazine or quick paperback too. If the camp allows food, by all means consider a package of cookies. Helps make friends with your bunkmates!

I'd be willing to bet money that he'll have a great time. Sally

Camp Augusta

May 2007

Re: Seeking outdoor camp for 14-15 year old boys
My 2 boys, now ages 12 and 15, have attended Camp Augusta for several years and both like it. It is a sleepaway camp in the Sierra foothills and all the activities you mentioned, and more, are available. However, it's not cheap and tends to fill up quickly. Here's the website: http://www.campaugusta.org/ Camper mom

Camp Concord

Feb 2002

I attended Camp Concord as an 10/11/12 yr old about 20 years ago. This may be outdated, but if it's the same camp being run in South Lake Tahoe, I remember it being a fun experience and would recommend it. I attended a two one week session one summer and a two week session another summer, both time with friend(s) from school and my sister (although I never saw my sister because we were in different cabins - which was fine with me!). The site is thickly wooded dotted with small cabins. The camper to counselor ratio is about 8 or 10 to 1. I always knew I was supervised and felt safe. Cabins are solid construction of wood w/ bunks (thin mattresses), no heat or electricity. Showers, bathroom facilities are separate from cabins. Boys and girls are separated for sleeping quarters, but would socialize during group activities (arts & crafts, swimming at lake,archery, hikes, excursions) or by age group with another (boys/girls) cabin. Counselors were always present, very friendly and outdoorsey folks. Swim tests (supervised treading of water in frigid lake tahoe - those who pass get an armband). Overnight stays in a meadow under the stars. Nightly campfire songs...i still remember some of them..., skits, etc. Send him with a warm sleeping bag, jeans, sneakers, flip flops for the shower, flashlight, sweats and windbreaker. It gets cold at night.

Coppercreek Summer camp

March 2007

Does anyone have any experiences with sending their child to Coppercreek Summer Camp, a sleepaway camp? I'd love to hear any reviews. Thank you! Parent of 12-year old girl

My nephew has attended CopperCreek camp frequently since he was 11. He is now 18 and will be a Jr. Counselor there this summer. We have been so impressed with all that we've heard over the years about the camp, it's safety, nurturing environment, exciting activities and overall great experience that we are sending our three boys (twins 10 and an 8 year old) there this summer. It will be there first sleep-away camp experience, and based on all I've heard, will be a wonderful adventure for them. Mom with 3 boys off to camp this summer!

Deer Crossing Camp

March 2006

I would like to hear about summer camps that were exciting and engaging for kids ages 12 and up. Both overnight and day camps that were stimulating, fun and where there was good supervision of the kids so that a kid who is slow to warm up would not be ignored but helped to join in.
looking for some great summer experiences

Hi. The first summer our son went away to a sleep over camp was pretty traumatic for all of us. He went alone and I really had to force myself to do it. He went to Deer Crossing camp which is up in the wilderness near lake Tahoe. It's run by the Wilten family who are absolutely wonderful. They specialize in teaching responsibility and optimism. All their counselors have more than the required safety training, and the activities are both fun and educational. There is canoeing, rafting, wind sailing on the small lake near camp, and all kinds of educational nature activities. When we went to pick our son up after a week, he begged us to let him stay longer! We're sending him back this year for two weeks and he's really looking forward to it. Find them on the internet at www.deercrossingcamp.com. Their web site is very informative. Carol

Hidden Villa Camp

Jan 2007

My 12 year old daughter has enjoyed overnight camp-she's been to Pt Reyes camp and Winnarainbow. She'd like to try something else, in the Sierras or the foothills, that has more activities. I've heard Camp Tawonga and Mountain Camp are good, but they are too expensive for us. Has anyone gone to Sierra Friends Camp, Snow Mountain Camp, or Hidden Villa Ranch camp? Or any others? I appreciate any info! mae

When I was 12 I attended a 2 week session at Hidden Villa camp and I can't tell you what an positive impact it has had on my life (I am now 27). The camp is on a beautiful farm where they actually grow crops and raise animals. During the school year they have naturalist programs for school groups and teach environment awareness. For the summer camps there are traditional cabins, a pool and sports field. There are (or were) several different programs for your daughter's age group. I was in a backpacking program called Bay to Sea where we hiked through the Santa Cruz mountains to the ocean on a 2 week long trip. I would recommend this one if your daughter is somewhat athletic and is up for an amazing but challenging adventure. However there is also a resident sleep away camp which a few of my friends attended every year and adored. They do typical camp activities arts & crafts, games, sports,storytelling,hiking etc. as well as tending the farm, cooking and nature study In my experience the counselors were fabulous, very experienced, warm and attentive to all the childrens needs. I was a shy child but I never felt lonely or left out at camp, the counselors helped everyone to feel included as part of the group family. There is a focus on community, acceptace and tollerance. I came home from camp stronger, more confident and more willing to embrace new experiences. As an awkward 12 year old girl at the time, this was really powerful for me. I have no idea what it costs these days but they do have financial aid (I know I wouldn't have been able to go without it), they make every effort to encourage a diversity. I don't know about any of the other camps you mentioned by I urge you to check this one out. Ana

Mountain Camp

Feb 2000

Hi, I would just like to recommend a summer camp that my daughter has attended last summer. She had a lot of fun, made some very close friendships and learned a lot of new things. This camp is Mountain Camp and it is located in Pollack Pines (near the Sierra Mountains) and offers lots of water, lodge and outdoors activities. You can check out there web site at www.mountaincamp.com -- Anonymous

Skylake Camp

I have a question about the Skylake summer camp. Has anyone sent their kids there and how do I contact them for a brochure? --Stella

Answer to Stella about Skylake camp www.skylakeyosemite.com Great place. --Victoria (Feb 2000)

Camp Venture Creek

Re: Sleepaway camp for 10-year-old (Jan 2003)
Camp Venture Creek in Nevada City is co-ed and has all the traditional camp stuff in addition to a business-economics curriculum. My son has been two years in a row and loves it and cannot wait to be a junior counselor. It has a diverse group of campers and an excellent staff. Price is based on a sliding scale. The web site is www.campventurecreek.com. Email me directly if your daughter would like to talk to my son about his camp experience. liz

My step-son went to Camp Venture Creek last summer and cannot wait to go this summer. The price is income-based, only $100 for two weeks if your income is under $60,000/year. The program and the staff are great. Check out the web site, www.campventurecreek.com. The camp is located in Nevada City. Liz

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