Unlike most summer camps that focus on indoors activities (outdoor time is just the playground), Avid4 is very different. The kids have focused activities every day that include biking, hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding as well as other activities like yoga. Older kids get to go climbing (how cool is that!). For most major activities the kids get safely transported in vans to nearby parks and reservoirs. I initially thought that my kid would get a limited experience (e.g. mountain biking in the parking lot, kayaking in a pool, etc). I was pleasantly surprised to find out that they actually provide even the littlest adventurers the full experience! This means that after the initial lessons in a flat area like a parking lot where beginners learn to bike and get comfortable, and more advanced kids to ride safely and learn new tricks, they actually get to go mountain biking on trails. Kayaking and paddle boarding is done at a local park or reservoirs. Hiking is done at a local park where others also go hiking. I'm not sure why I was expecting anything different (the experience but not the setting), but they actually go all in to truly give the kids the full outdoor adventure.
If you're nervous for your little one or unsure whether she or he will like it, I suggest giving it a try for just a week and see how it goes. Every kid is different. I signed up my incoming 1st grader for just one week as I wasn't sure how he'd like it. At the end of it, he begged me to sign him up for more weeks, but unfortunately it was their last one. What makes this experience that much more special is that the counselors are young, energetic, encouraging and very motivating. They never push kids to do anything that they do not want to, but they try to motivate them to try at least once. They also work with different kids levels and skills to maintain a very safe environment. The equipment is top notch and in pretty much new condition (Specialized bikes, kayaks, paddle boards, floatation vests, etc.). The cherry on top is that on the last week they actually sell off most of the items they used at a great discount.
My little guy attended the Campbell location last time as the Los Gatos location is new this season. He waited a whole year to be able to go again, and this time his brother will also join him. He was so excited after last year's experience that even his little brother is pumped up and looking forward to it. I highly recommend this camp. read more