website: http://www.steveandkatescamp.com/

Both my daughter & son attended Steve & Kate's camp from kindergarten to 7th grade & 6th grade respectively. I can't speak highly enough about their camp & until this day, my kids still have extremely fond memories of all the great fun they had with and without their friends. Here's their philosophy - it's all child directed. That's right - your child picks the fun activities they pursue for the day & the kids they'll hang out with as well as what they will eat for lunch from the truly marvelous healthy choices they offer. Trust me, S&K + their first class staff know how to offer activities that will ring your child's bell. It is so empowering for your child to be in control of their own day. What FUN it is for them to make decisions about their day while being tended to by their carefully selected staff. My kids have always led a very structured schedule while in school along with their extracurricular activities of soccer, baseball & music lessons. As I look back on their S&K camp days, the biggest gift they received was the freedom to do what they wanted, an important aspect missing in the accelerated world our children live in. The other attractive component of their camp is the fact that you don't have to commit to session dates. This means you can plan your vacations first, then fill in your camp dates by purchasing camp hours. Whatever camp hours you don't use are refunded back to you soon after camp ends. S&K's camp is just a win-win situation!! Phyllis

Has anyone had any recent experience with Steve and Kate's camps. They have many locations around the Bay, and I was considering the Berkeley location, but might do another location in Contra Costa country. I would appreciate all feedback pros and cons. Thanks, PK

I loved that they didn't have to go off site for any field trips (so I didn't have to worry about them traveling around the Bay Area without me), but every day there was something new and exciting that the staff brought in, like a magic show, a water slide, bouncy houses, and petting zoo animals. The staff seemed more mature and experienced than many other summer programs we've tried out (they're all at least in college-and it seems like many we got to know were teachers or in some other kind of professional field working with kids during the school year). I know this year they are planning on adding many more locations. Their website says the East Bay locations are El Cerrito, Berkeley, Lafayette, Danville, and Pleasanton, and you can use multiple locations if it's more convenient for you. We will just stick to our home campus, though - the kids get so involved with the staff and the new friends that they make, that I can't see mixing it up by going to more than one location. It sounds like a nice option, though, for people who need it. Boy Mama

But when I picked him up at the end of the day, he was playing Lego by himself. When I asked him how his day had been, he started crying. He told me that he'd played video games all morning (they have a room set up just for playing video games), and that he'd played Lego alone all afternoon.

When I called the staff later to ask what had happened, why they had basically let my son spend the day alone, a young woman asked me ''what's wrong with your son? Does he have a social problem?'' No, my son does not have a social problem, unless you think shyness is a social problem.

I should say also that the next day at Monkey Business Camp, the head counselor had this same shy son helping and laughing and part of a group group of kids within 10 minutes of arriving. A little emotional & social intelligence and kindness was all it took to help him join the group. I left confident that he would have a good day. Happier elsewhere

We are considering sending our 8-year-old son to Steve and Kate's camp for the entire summer - it looks great on their website, but we don't know anyone who has attended. Of the 3 reviews in the BPN archives, two are positive and one is negative. We'd love to hear from others about the good and not-so-good things about this camp - please also say how many weeks your child attended. I'm wondering if kids might get bored after a few weeks. Thanks so much. Camp planning mom

Steve & Kate's Camp (Berkeley location) looks like a wonderfully creative place for my 6-year-old daughter, but I don't know anyone whose children have attended. I would appreciate feedback from those who have experience with it, in particular the quality of counselors and activities. Ann

Quality of staff? What I witnessed was fine - friendly, outgoing, caring. But for the rest of time? I heard no complaints from my kids, no ''horror stories'' of any kind. I suppose I wish there was a better way to acclimate kids who were trying to figure out the system, but then again, it's also good for kids to do some real-life problem solving - let them talk to staff and kids and figure it out - which they did. My older child suffers from an anxiety disorder and is also a picky eater (so their open-all-day cafe had little appeal for him) - but if HE wanted to go back, then I'd give it a thumbs up for all. Mom of Two

Re: Summer camp for daughter just finishing kindergarten
Steve and Kate's Camp - About $2,000 for the entire summer. Kids have a great time - you need a self motivated kid because there is a general assumption your child will choose one or more of the activities if they're interested. Great value, lots of fun. There is a dog, so if you're kid is allergic this is not the camp for you.