Though most of us are still crawling out of our wintertime hibernation mindset, open enrollment for children’s summer camps is already well underway here in the North Bay.
The sun is shining, flowers are blooming and seasonal allergies are in full swing, and so too is the rush to reserve spots for children’s summertime recreation.
To help y’all get the process started, here’s a handy dandy list of children’s summer camps in Napa and Sonoma. These places offer a wide range of activities that sound so fun, they make an adult wish they could attend too. So, one may live vicariously and send their kid out horseback riding, to a LEGO workshop, to star in a Peter Pan theatrical production, get hands-on archery experience, etc….and enjoy summer camp second-hand.
Charles M. Schulz Museum children’s camp offers so many options for kids’ enrichment, education and enjoyment that listing them all is nearly impossible. Some highlights include titles like Camp Woodstock, LEGO Animation, Fantasy Creatures and Worlds, Cartoon Safari, Manga and Pokémon, Camp Freeze and Game On! Those interested in getting their kids involved in hands-on workshops and entertaining educational experiences may consider enrolling while spots last. To learn more, visit schulzmuseum.org.
Cloverleaf Ranch summer camp can sweep kids away from their day-to-day reality and make them feel like they’re embarking on a real western adventure (horses included). The Sleep-Away summer camp at Cloverleaf Ranch offers children a chance to get that quintessential experience of sleeping in a cabin, riding horses, shooting a bow and arrow, swimming, learning, playing and essentially recreating to their heart’s content. To learn more, visit cloverleafranch.com.
Girls United Camp is a place where empowerment and enjoyment come together to make a stellar Petaluma-based children’s summer camp that’s all about girl power. This camp offers multiple options for summer camp attendees to spend their stay their way—one may either sign up for the overnight camp or the summer day camp (or possibly the sports camp). Whatever they choose, it’s sure to be jam packed with traditional camp games, creative outlets in spades and a sense of girlish community and blossoming friendships. To learn more, visit girlsunitedcamp.com.
Guild Napa has a lineup of kids’ summer camps that are designed to be truly fantastical. This summer, the North Bay’s kiddos can recreate in style with unique activities with specific themes that are intriguing, to say the least. Camp titles at Guild Napa include themes such as Pool Party, Magical Creatures, Candy Land, Pirates and Mermaids, Out Of This World, Thredz, Pet Palooza, Secret Agents and Superheros, Fairytales and Fables and Luau. Sadly, adults can’t apply for a kids’ camp, but would that one could…To learn more, visit guildnapa.com.
North Bay Theatrics has a summer camp for the North Bay’s more drama-minded children, a place where all those mini players and future superstars can take to the stage and live out their own midsummer night’s dream…well, the summertime production this year is actually Peter Pan, but the point stands. So, one may get thee to a company at North Bay Theatric’s children’s summer camp and let them play. To learn more, visit northbaytheatrics.com/sonoma-county.
Napa Parks and Recreation offers the North Bay’s children…well, exactly what one would expect—a summer full of parks, recreation and memories yet to be made. The list of camps available through Napa Parks and Recreation is extensive, though some examples include Camp Napa, Adventure Camp, Games and Sports Camp, Splashball and Incrediflix (an all-day LEGO camp, which is pretty incredible).
For those who want to get their kids out of the house and involved in one or many activities of a wide range over the summer break, consider perusing through the Napa Parks and Recreation summer camps catalogue. There’s a great big world outside for children to see and be a part of, and these camps certainly celebrate that. To learn more, visit cityofnapa.org.
Sonoma County Regional Parks has some stellar children’s summer camps to choose from…so stellar, in fact, that many are already sold out. So, one may not want to miss out on a chance to snag a spot in one or a few of the remaining camps, which include the Discovery Camp: Spring Lake Water and Nature Adventures, Little Lifesavers Camp and the New Swimmer Junior Guard Camp. To learn more, visit parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov.
SpiritHorse offers a specialty summer camp for children that makes it a welcome addition to this list—specifically, the SpiritHorse Autism Camp, which gives local children a chance to recreate during the summer break in a safe and understanding space. SpiritHorse Autism Camp has a lineup of considerate, mindfully curated activities that are designed to suit those who may not always find the quintessential summer camp experience particularly palatable.
Guests of the camp can expect to participate in hands-on equine activities that are adapted to each person’s individual comfort level. Skill building is another part of SpiritHorse, where children can gain confidence in communication, emotional regulation and social interactions. The entire camp is designed to be a sensory-friendly environment where children are made to feel comfortable enjoying themselves and exploring through interactions with not only horses but others, including peers and counselors as well. To learn more, visit spirithorsebayarea.org.
Steve & Kate’s Camp is all about getting out of the house and seeking out some summertime fun for children aged 4 through 12. Camps run June 16 through Aug. 15 and include snacks, activities and freedom for parents to drop their children off for long days. Steve & Kate’s Camp has two locations in Sonoma County and can be found in both Petaluma and Santa Rosa. To learn more, visit steveandkatescamp.com.
Wonder Camp is for the North Bay’s more curious children to explore, learn, ask questions and get answers that spark off even more questions (like a fun, friendly hydra of never-ending Q&A). In other words, Wonder Camp encourages children to learn through unique learning activities focusing on immersion and hands-on projects designed to make education an irresistibly exciting challenge children will love to be a part of. To learn more, visit cmosc.org.
Summer camp spots fill up faster than one can say, “But it’s only spring.” One may act fast or miss out on getting their whippersnappers signed up for some summertime recreation. After all, the memories they make during this summer break will stick with them for a lifetime.
