Find Schools, Camps and Activities
View a database of Bay Area schools, summer camps and activities at www.sfgate.com/ campguide.
visit www.cookinground theworld.com.
Does your child dream of the spotlight? Consider Circus Discovery Camp — a weeklong opportunity for children who want to learn about acrobatics, juggling, stilt walking, aerial arts and clowning. The weeklong camps cost $395 and are designed for kids ages 7 to 14 and open sessions are available through Aug. 26. For more information visit www.circus center.org/camp.
For older kids, consider one of San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department’s teen camps which still have openings for campers ages 11 to 17. Camps include themes like Amusement Park Adventures, where kids visit five different amusement parks in California, SF Navigation and Pay it Forward and are sure to provide something for even the campresistant teen. For more information, visit www.sfrecpark.org.
But what if you don’t really have time to look for a last-minute camp or one doesn’t work with your schedule? Fear not. Consider an alternative like field trips to local museums or family camp. Each parent can take on the camp schedule for the week planning activities, games, camp songs and summer-themed meals.
Still not feeling it? Get the extended family and neighborhood involved.
Plan a family/neighborhood talent show at a local park or open space where each family presents a group talent. Or get creative with duct tape. Use it to make tracks on the ground for toy cars or create hopscotch games and mazes.
For older kids, have them create an outdoor obstacle course using common household items like chairs, benches, side tables and houseplants. Then, time them as they work their way through. Make the course more challenging (and cooler!) by having kids balance a cup of water on their head or doing the whole thing while walking backwards or only using one leg.
Not big on camping but have kids who want to give it a try? Pitch a tent in the backyard (or living room) and cook dinner outside. Try a new recipe or make simple “tin foil dinners,” which are different combinations like potatoes and vegetables wrapped up in foil and cooked over a fire or in the oven.
Whatever you do, slow down and enjoy it. Summer isn’t a time for stress and chances are your kids will love any camp you find or just about anything you plan.