Camp ConnectionA special publication produced by the Paci� d Sun

Summer 2011

G U I D E T O 2 0 1 1 S U M M E R C A M P S F O R K I D S

CC Summer 2011Summer 2011

2 Camp Connection 2011 • Pacific Sun

M a r i n wo o dYour child's summer

adventure starts here!Choose your adventure!

Ages 3-14

Marin's Most Popular Traditional Day Camps

Tennis Camp

Jr. Golf Camp

Mountain Bike Camp

Dave Fromer Soccer Camp

Marinwood Sports Academy

Jewelry Camp

Parent/Tot Camp

Sewing Camp

Art Camp

Theatre Camp

Performing Arts Alive Camp

Jazz Combo Camps

Computer Animation Camp

Engineering FUNdamentals

Mad Science Camp

Planet Energy Camp

Nature Camp

CIT (Counselor in Training)

GIT (Guards in Training)

w w w. m a r i n w o o d . o r g

Camp Connection 2011 3

at Homestead Valley

CAMP TAMCAMPTAMCAMP

(each with its own theme)

(Optional pre and post-camp 8-9am & 4-5pm)

Register at marinjcc.org or call 415.444.8055

EXTENDED CARE & TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE

200 NORTH SAN PEDRO ROAD, SAN RAFAEL

JUNE 20-AUG 12Pre-K

thru Grade 10

Traditional camps with overnights, field trips, music, sports,

swimming, art, and more!

Specialty camps... Legos™

circus camp, and more!

Art Director: Missy ReynoldsGraphic Designers: Gwen Aguilar, Brindl Markel, Michelle PalmerAdvertising Director: Linda Black Display Sales: Bob Correa, Linda Curry, Helen Hammond , Richard Winston

Pacific Sunpacificsun.com835 Fourth St. Suite B , San Rafael, 94901 Telephone: (415) 485-6700, Fax (415)485-6226. E-Mail: letters@pacificsun.com. ©2011 Embarcadero Media Company

The phrase “summer camp” brings to mind images of woodsy cabins, canoes, games of capture the flag and lanyard making; the stuff of treasured memories and

Hollywood movies. But while many such traditional camps exist and are thriving today, the modern camper has a wide variety of camp styles to choose from, including specialty camps dedicated to sports, arts or other interests; church-sponsored retreats; day camps; fitness camps and many more. And camps today vary greatly in length, distance from home and cost. So how can families decide which camp is the best fit?

Sean Nienow, an advisor with the National Summer Camp Association, said it really depends on what the fam-ily is looking for in a camp experience, but the first step when considering a sleep-away camp (versus a day pro-gram) is to make sure both parent and child are ready for a separation, sometimes of weeks or months.

“It’s normal that there will be some measure of home-sickness. But parents have to ask, ‘is the child ready to learn new skills and meet new people?’ Usually, yes, they are.”

Often it’s the parents who aren’t ready to let their child go, Nienow said, and initial bouts of homesickness will quickly pass.

However, “is there value in imposing camp on a child who is completely not interested or ready? Probably not,” he added.

Most camps start accepting children around age 7, he said. Local YMCA and church camps can be short, last-ing about one week, while more traditional sleep-away camps can run for several

making the SummerCamp

ChoiCe

b y K a r l a K a n e

4 Camp Connection 2011 • Pacific Sun

SUPER SUMMER ADVENTURE CAMP

2,3,4 or 5 Day Half or Full Day SchedulesOptional Swim Lessons, Science Program and Weekly Field Trips

Located at Wade Thomas School in San Anselmo

453-3181 |SuperSummerAdventureCamp.org

2,3,4 or 5 Day Half or Full Day Schedules

WEEKLY SESSIONS FROM JUNE 13TH-AUGUST 12TH

Best AdventuresEver!

Summer Camps at Devil’s Gulch Ranch

Not your Ordinary Camp.

Agriculture Nature Ancestral Skills

An experience of a lifetime on a working

diversified family farm

dges.orgjoebarr.dges@gmail.com

OxbowSummer

ArtCamp

weeks or the whole summer.Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital

Child Psychiatrist Richard Shaw said rather than simply going by the child’s age, parents need to consider the individual needs and personality of their child to determine whether he or she is ready to go away to camp and not be overly influenced by whether his or her peers are ready.

“Kids may not be at the same develop-mental age as their friends,” he said.

Shaw said signs that a child is ready to go off to sleep-away camp include initiat-ing basic self-care such as teeth-brushing, tying shoes and hygiene, making friends on their own and being able to trust adults in authority. Participating in sleepovers with friends or staying with relatives away from home successfully are also good signs of camp readiness, he said.

On the other hand, “if a child has never slept away from home, is afraid of the dark or is very shy or a picky eater,” he or she may have a hard time adjusting to camp life, Shaw said. Though camp can be a

Continued on page 6

We Make Shakespeare

FUN!

Camps June 20 to August 12

Camp Connection 2011 • Pacific Sun 5

wonderful experience in socializa-tion and confidence-building for shy or anxious kids, Shaw recommends preparing them for camp by send-ing them on one-night overnights or weekend programs first, or to camp with a good friend to ease the transition.

Nienow recommends a more tra-ditional camp experience, offering a wide variety of activities for first-time campers, especially those who come from urban areas or who otherwise don’t spend much time in the great outdoors.

“Some kids may have never swam in a lake, slept in the woods or rowed in a rowboat,” until camp, he said.

For children with specific inter-ests, a camp dedicated to one hobby, sport or topic may be a dream come true. However, parents should be sure their child really wants to focus intently on one interest rather than trying the more classic general-camp route.

“Choosing a specialty camp really comes down to making sure the child really and truly has the desire to go and devote themselves to this intense, in-depth experience,” Nienow said.

“If they’re at a basketball camp, they’re going to be playing basket-ball four or six hours a day,” he said.

Budget concerns can have a major impact on camp choice. Rates vary

but a standard entry-level sleep-away camp could start from around $500 a week. Day camps or church camps can be cheaper, whereas high-end programs can cost thousands of dol-lars per week, Nienow said.

National Camp Association staff members such as Nienow offer free advise to any parent looking to choose a camp. A quick visit to www.summercamp.org puts the reader in touch with a variety of ar-ticles and tips on the camp-selection process.

Nienow said parents concerned with finding the right camp for their child should go directly to the source and check out interesting camps on an individual, in-depth

Continued from page 5

6 Camp Connection 2011 • Pacific Sun

basis. Speaking with the head of the camp can go a long way toward determining if the camp is a good choice, especially if the child has special needs or the parent has particular concerns.

“Check out what each camp is offering and make sure it’s a good fit for your child. Talk to the staff and the director; they want to talk to parents and make sure it’s a good fit and that the child has a good time,” he said.

No matter what type of camp a child at-tends, the experience will make a lifelong impression, Nienow said.

“Any adult who ever went to camp as a child remembers it. For many kids, it’s their first time away from mom and dad, their first taste of in-dependence, learning a new sport, finding a first love. They are impacted for life,” he said. Y

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www.ninjacamps.com

PRACTICAL MARTIAL ARTS

www.ninjacamps.com

PRACTICAL

NINJA CAMPSAges 1st

Grade and Up

415-927-0899

Camp Connection 2011 • Pacific Sun 5

Camp Connection 2011 • Pacific Sun 7

Camp ConnectionG u i d e to 2011 S u m m e r C a m p S f o r K i d S

For more information about these camps, see our online directory of camps at pacificSun.com/biz/summercampsTo advertise in a weekly directory, contact (650) 326-8210

Where will your kids be this summer?

oxbow Summer art Camp530 Third Street • Napa, CA 94559www.oxbowsummercamp.org • (707) 255-6000Our 17-day residential art immersion camps in Napa offer teens age 14-16 the opportunity to explore their creativity, develop talent, meet fellow “art geeks” and have FUN! Staff are professional artists and teachers. After learn-ing fundamentals in each media, students design a project of their choice. They learn at their own pace and improve art skills in a non-competitive, safe environment. No prior experience, talent or portfolio needed.

Super Summer AdveNTure CAmp150 ross Ave. • San Anselmo, CA 94960www.sananselmopreschool.org • (415) 453-3181Super Summer Adventure Camp in San Anselmo is gearing up for an-other fun summer of field trips, swim lessons, art, science, and yoga activities and lots more. Our experienced staff will once again put on a summer that your child will not soon forget! Located on the spacious campus of Wade Thomas School our headquarters are fully equipped and air-conditioned. Swim lessons take place at Drake High School Pool. Our staff is experienced in Early Childhood Education and most work year-round. They are CPR and First-Aid certified. Join us for fun!

CAmp AT devil’S GulCh rANChp. O. Box 557 • Nicasio, CA 94946www.dges.org • (415) 662-1099Summer Camp at Devil’s Gulch is a camp like no other. Devil’s Gulch Ranch is a working ranch in West Marin. It is home to many wild animals, has 18 acres of vineyard, and borders endless wilderness. Children will experience agriculture and nature in a way that will change them forever.

mAriN ShAkeSpeAre Summer CAmpSp.O. Box 4053 • San rafael, CA 49413www.marinshakespeare.org • (415) 499-4487We make Shakespeare fun! Two-and three-week sessions, June 20 through Aug. 12 for ages 5 to 7, 8 to 12 and teenagers, each culminate in a performance. Our popular Tennis/Drama camp for ages 8 to 14 combines drama, tennis and free swim. Also check out our Technical Internship Program.

mAriN hOrizON Summer CAmp305 montford Ave. • mill valley, CA 94941www.marinhorizon.org • (415) 388-8408We proudly feature an 8 to1 camper to counselor ratio. We are the saf-est, most reliable program for young children. Children are supervised in small groups at all times, and we promote a policy of inclusion for all activities. We offer flexibility in a 4- or 5-day-per-week program, with a half-day option available for 3- and 4-year-olds.

Camp tam at HomeStead Valley315 montford Ave. • mill valley, CA 94941

www.homesteadvalley.org • (415) 388-0128Homestead Valley Community Association offers a summer

day camp in a beautiful Mill Valley setting at the foot of Mt. Tamalpais. Swimming, hiking, games, sports, art,

crafts, skits, outdoor ed and more in a small-group at-mosphere. For children entering grades K-5. Nine 1-week ses-sions (each with its own theme) June 2–Aug. 19, Mon-Fri 9am-4pm (Optional pre-and post-camp 8-9am and 4-5pm).

8 Camp Connection 2011 • Pacific Sun

G u i d e to 2011 S u m m e r C a m p S f o r K i d S

NiNjA CAmp5768 paradise dr., Suite F • Corte madera, CA 94925www.ninjacamps.com • (415) 927-0899Train like a ninja this summer! Our Freestyle Martial Art includes: Brazil-ian Jiu jitsu, self defense, Muay Thai, padded swords and nunchuks, insane ninja obstacle courses, walks to the park and crazy ninja games. Kids, 1st grade and up, LOVE summers at our dojo! Parents LOVE their ninjas com-ing home exhausted and happy!

OSher mAriN jCC CAmp kehillAh200 North San pedro road •San rafael, CA 94903www.marinjcc.org • (415) 444-8055Pre-K to grade 10. Traditional day camps including swimming, arts & crafts, sports, Judaic culture and more. Field trips and overnights. Teen adventures with camping, LA, Yosemite, Santa Cruz, and more. One-week specialty camps — Mad Science, Legos, Cooking and more. Dates: June 20–Aug.12. Extended care available 8-9:30am and 3:30-6pm. Transportation from Marin and San Francisco.

mAriN COuNTy OuTdOOr SChOOl AT WAlker Creek rANCh (CAmp SOulAjule)1700 marshall rd. • petaluma, CA 94952www.walkercreekranch.org • (415) 491-6602Camp Soulajule is a residential arts and ecology camp for 8-12-year- olds. There’s also a Leaders in Training Program for 13-15-year-olds. Swimming, canoeing, hiking outdoor ceramics and crafts, night-time campfires, Amazing Race and Barn Boogie. A day trip to the beach is included. Staffed by Marin County Outdoor School staff and counselors.

TeNNiS By X5768 paradise dr., Suite j • Corte madera, CA 94925www.bodybyXonline.com • (415) 945-9778Tennis By X Mini-Camp, for boys and girls entering 6th-8th grades, will take your child’s game to the next level. From Thursday through Sunday kids perfect their skills, work on conditioning, and study nutrition, injury prevention, sports psychology (the mental component), and keys to sportsmanship. For camp dates, visit www.bodybyxonline.com.

baSKetball by xwww.bodybyXonline.com • (415) 945-9778

Baseketball By X Mini-camp, for boys and girls enter-ing 6th-12th grades, will take your child’s game to the next level. From Thursday through Sunday kids perfect their skills, work on conditioning, and study nutrition, injury prevention, sports psychology (the

mental component), and keys to sportsmanship. For Camp dates, visit www.bodybyxonline.com.

mAriNWOOd CAmp775 miller Creek rd.Terra linda, CA 94903www.marinwood.org • (415) 479-0775Join Marinwood Recreation for a summer of adventure! Our highly trained staff will make this a summer to re-

member, We offer traditional day camps as well as not-so-traditional camps. Ten sessions run June 13-Aug. 19,

9am-3pm for ages 3-14. Extended care available 7:30am-6-pm. Not-so-traditional camps include basketball, mini sports,

mountain biking, art, nature, theater, jazz, jewelry, sewing, sci-ence, computer art, CIT, GIT and more! Y

Is your child ready for the the next level?

Basketball by X – A Mini-Camp Tennis by X – A Mini-CampFOCUS INCLUDES: DETAILS:

Xavier McClinton

Tom Sadzeck Tennis Skills: The Players Guid

4 Sessions: 4 Sessions:

FOCUS ON: DETAILS:

BodyByXOnline.com

For 6 th-12 th Grade

Boys & Girls

Camp Connection 2011 • Pacific Sun 9

Ten Ways to Go Green

at Campand Home

Parents can take active steps to curb consumption and go easy on the earth. As a

bonus, by choosing to go green as parents, we are able to save money, something every parent needs. We’re also teaching our kids important lessons about protecting the earth and being conscious—both in our homes and during vacations and other outings.

1. Serve organic and locally grown food at home and try to limit processed food. Food grown with pesticides can impact a child’s development and locally grown food will be fresher and in season and will help give your child a taste for fresh fruits and vegetables. Processed chips, snacks and sodas are loaded with salt and sugar and contribute to everything from childhood obesity to attention deficit disorder. Many camps are switching to local and sustainably grown

foods and tossing out the sugar-loaded soft drinks and treats.

2. Cut down on lunch packaging. Use refillable drink containers instead of juice boxes,

and fill your own containers with apple sauce and yogurt. And

10 Camp Connection 2011 • Pacific Sun

limit the amount of plastic bags and packaging by filling your own snack containers with crackers, pretzels and other snacks instead of buying “snack sizes.” Some programs even teach children how to construct their own reusable, cloth snack bags.

3. Buy nontoxic toys. Choose toys from local U.S. companies, check on recalls and choose wood or hard-plastic toys over the soft plastic toys (like rubber ducks) which contain PVC which is known to impact

hormone development.

4. Turn waste into art. Have the kids reuse materials that would otherwise be wasted: turn old socks into puppets, plastic jugs

into watering cans and paper towel rolls into

shakers. Some of the best camps encourage parents to bring

recyclables from home and use the materials in camp art activities, as well. Using old materials is a great way to get creative and learn about protecting the planet.

5. Get outside! Kids are suffering from “nature deficit disorder.” On average, kids spend just 30 minutes of unstructured time outdoors each week—but they spend 40 minutes a day in front of the TV. Whether hiking or camping or simply running around the back yard, regular outdoor activity can have huge positive health benefits.

6. Use nontoxic cleaners. Read the labels on cleaners and make sure that they disclose the ingredients. Cleaners should not contain

ammonia or bleach or even artificial fragrances which can cause reactions in

kids, particularly those with asthma. You can also make your own safe household cleaner from distilled white vinegar and water (it’s great for mirrors!).

7. Carpool. Kids are going to so many different lessons and events,

but that’s no reason to make tons of separate car trips. New online services

like www.dividetheride.com are making it possible for parents to use less gas, save on stress and help conserve energy.

8. plant a garden. Even a few tomato plants grown outside in pots can help teach kids about the process of growing, the importance of soil, water and sunshine and the reward of caring for plants that then produce flowers and food. More and more camps are incorporating gardening skills into their lists of activities. Campers learn hand-on approaches to building worm boxes, compost bins and more.

9. Cut down on consumption. Instead of always buying the latest gadgets, get involved in swapping toys with other parents as kids outgrow them, purchasing used toys, or making alternative toys, like playhouses, out of cardboard boxes.

10. Get active! Encourage your local school to serve healthier lunch options in the cafeteria, campaign to get soda companies out of the schools and to use nontoxic cleaners in the classrooms and organic lawn products on the playing fields. See www.sustainabletable.org for ideas. Y

Camp Connection 2011 • Pacific Sun 11

The Heart of Summer Camp

Leaders in Training Program

Camp Soulajule A program of the Marin County Office of Education, Mary Jane Burke, Marin County Superintendent of Schools.

Registration is now open!Download registration form at

www.WalkerCreekRanch.orgSend payment and registration form to:

Camp Soulajule1700 Marshall-Petaluma Rd., Petaluma, CA 94952

(415) 491-6600 • Fax: (415) 663-9245

Download registration form atwww.WalkerCreekRanch.org

Send payment and registration form to:Camp Soulajule

1700 Marshall-Petaluma Rd., Petaluma, CA 94952(415) 491-6600 • Fax: (415) 663-9245

at Walker Creek Ranch

PAC

IFIC SUN

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Camp Soulajule also offers a fantastic leadership program for ages 13-15. The Leaders in Training program (formally known as the Junior Counselors in Training program) is a fun and rewarding introduction designed to develop leadership and teamwork skills while making lifelong friends. LIT's learn what it takes to

be a camp counselor by assisting staff and leading younger campers during activity sessions.

LIT's participate in hands-on learning during part of the program and spend the

remainder in special camp activities designed for their age group such

as... a camp out, athletic activities and a day trip outside of the camp.

Our Camp Staff is the heart of our program, and is composed of Naturalists, Counselors, and Counsel-ors in Training (CIT's). Each is truly gifted in their abilities to connect with kids, to have fun and to make the most of the camp experience. Each also brings their specific talents in music, theater, science, arts and crafts, ceramics, archery, canoeing, life guarding and more. All paid staff are certified in First Aid and CPR and are fingerprint screened.

After over 40 years of serving children in the Marin County Outdoor School and developing a deep understanding of the incredible transformation that can occur when kids learn and grow in a new and caring environment, away from the familiar surroundings of home and family, Walker Creek Ranch is very excited to offer the Camp Soulajule summer camp program. Located in the heart of West Marin, the Ranch is blessed with 1,741 acres of rolling grassy hills, bay forests, and a four acre swimming pond.

We offer a wide variety of fun and exciting adventure and art-based activities for children ages 8-12. All campers will have an opportunity to swim in the pond, canoe, try their hand at archery, visit the beach and complete a variety of arts and crafts projects. In addition, each camper will rotate around additional activities which may include ceramics, mask making, hike to Grandmother Oak, earth art, creek exploration, challenge course, farm animal fun, organic gardening and fishing. We limit the number of participants in each activity period to ensure safety and adequate supervision.

Best of Marin