Let me explain my 5 stars review. If I could give a 10 of 5 - I would give 10. The camp is amazing…read morein so many ways. My 9 y.o. daughter is a happy camper of Woodside Camp for the past two summers and I think I'm familiar with the place enough to share my thought and feelings about it. Counselors: The camp does really good job to bring counselors from all over the world. It amazing when my little one starts to talk about different countries because her favorite counselors came from there. She wasn't very interested in anything outside of US, but after last summer she took books from library about Scotland, Ireland and Australia. All counselors are kind, smart and funny and they love kids! Schedule: My kid never get bored. She tried fencing, drama, art, mountain biking, Volleyball, etc, etc, etc. The idea of creating personal schedule for a week on Monday and have an option to switch activity if you do not like you is super convenient. Every time she comes back with new stories and ideas what she wants to do as an after school activities during school year. Facilities: Woodside Summer Camp is in a boarding school in Woodside. Priory School has huge campus with everything on site. It's great location. Food: As I said before the camp located on a boarding school campus. They provide hot lunch with at list 3 options for salads, main dishes and sides. Moreover, staff carefully looking what exactly on a plate of your child and will softly suggest to add some meat and fruits to pasta. It's huge relief do not pack lunch every day. Happiness of my child: She wakes up by herself without alarm, gets ready to go in minutes and comes back from the camp singing in a car. She wants go to this camp for a whole summer. Price: Few people mentioned that it's not cheap camp and it's true, but considering that it probably $10-12 per day more than other camps in Bay Area your kid gets hot healthy lunch, excess to swimming pool, all these activities and staff that really care. Convenient: Camp goes until 5 pm. I work, so time is important for me. I also don't like after care programs because kids usually do nothing during this time. So making long story short It's great camp and my little one loves and me too.

My daughter has gone to this camp for the past two years, and this has been her favorite summer…read morecamp both years. The camp is amazingly organized, and what makes it stand out is the quality of the counselors. They are fully engaged with the kids and my kid LOVES them. She tells me she wants to go to this camp every year and become a counselor when she is older.

My son has attended three weeks of Galileo Summer Quest as follow. My son loved 2 of the 3 courses…read moreand we will likely be back to try others in future years. Course: Chefology When: 2013, entering 6th grade Son's Rating: 5 stars My Rating: 4 stars Framework: Cooking a couple of different veggie-based things each day in a set group of 4-5 kids Pro: Exposure to full range of cooking skills (cutting, sauteeing, boiling, baking, doing dishes, etc), safety, fun, excited to cook more at home Con: Menus were pretty basic - like ranch dip and pizza, so definitely intended for novices (which my son was, so it was fine) Video Game Design When: 2012, entering 5th grade Son's Rating: 3 stars My Rating: 3 stars Framework: Designing a video game on an older PC-based platform (I forget software name) in teams of 2 or 3. First 2 days involved mostly artwork and overall mapping, almost no programming. Pro: Exposure to video game design; had fun during days 3-4, which were the most programming focused Con: First 2 days were really slow ("boring"); 2-person teams not ideal for programming since one person is watching by definition; software not usable on Macs so we couldn't take the program home Go Kart Builders When: 2012, entering 5th grade Son's Rating: 5 stars My Rating: 5 stars Framework: Build your own go kart (like a soap box derby car you can sit in) from wood and metal. Pro: Exposure to woodworking and general construction techniques (sanding, sawing, nailing, painting) with safety/supervision; opportunity to be very creative/independent; lots of fun; pride of taking home a completed product Con: Storing the completed go kart. :-)

I signed up for this camp because apparently it was very "popular"…read more I cannot emphasize enough how disappointed my daughter was when she came back from her first week of camp here. She was going on and on about how there weren't any outdoor activities and it was just like summer school. She took digital photography. In that class I realized that it is difficult to make friendships, since you have to express your emotions in the pictures. She didn't meet any new friends, she just hung around some people that went to her school. When she came home she complained about how boring it was, at first I was shocked considering how many people there were at this camp and how full it was, but then she explained her reasons. I don't recommend this camp to any sports players, or people who like action and games. I recommend YMCA camp for those types of kids, my kids loved it! it was full of action, and they go swimming twice a week, they do team building games, and they take field trips to places! My daughter told me how she could relate both of these camps to school. Galileo was basically the electives and a normal school day without P.E, or Music. But YMCA was like their spirit days, field trips, and end of the year parties. [By the way, YMCA is only HALF the price of Galileo Camp] I think that this camp is probably just popular because of the many ads that are displayed all over the internet. I am leaving 2 stars because the councilors do try and be energetic, but they don't try and get the kids energetic. I hope all the parents out there take this review into consideration when picking summer camps for your kids.

I was a camper there in 5th grade. I loved it so much. I went back as a camp counselor, They go on…read morenight hikes, skits ect.U meet different kids from different schools. They asked if I wanted a cabin of girls or boys, I choose the girls. U learn a lot at this camp. I highly recommend. We all went back up and visited next campers.

I want to retell my outdoor Ed experience I stayed in a cabin with bugs with was LIVE OAK. I saw…read morethe other cabin TOYON with was a house It was shocking. My showers were extremely small I could barely fit. I couldn't move at all my water wasn't hot there were cracks on the floor paint ripped off the floor while the TOYON cabin had luxury shower that were nicer than some hotel showers I have seen In RENO they didn't even need there showers shoes. I know this all because my friend was in the other cabin. My cabin leader was a girl with was extremely weird since we were all boys she constantly told us to SHUT UP even though we're children she should have been fired for telling us that. We were completely forgotten by the staff who kept forgetting our cabin name. They sang bad songs. In short I had a bad time.

I realize it's unexpected that I would give 2 stars as my experience at Camo Unalayee was traumatic…read morehowever I do recognize that the vast majority of people have a wonderful experience and I think most everyone involved in the camp have great passion for their good work. however, years and years ago, I was molested by a camp counselor at this camp- at the time, I told my other co-lead what had happened. At the time, it was suggested multiple times that I was "confused," there was no further exploration as to what happened, and my parents were never told. I myself did not tell them as I was so ashamed after speaking up and having it dismissed. years later, I wrote the adult woman I had told about my experience trying to understand why nothing was done- she told me that she had brought up the issue with the director (and I think founder?) as well as other staff and it never went further than that. I wrote the director, and he said he has no knowledge of it? As a woman and mother now, I recognize the counselor who molested me was practiced and I do fear there were other campers who went through what I did :( I really, really just wish they had spoke to my family about what had happened so that there would have been accountability and hopefully it would have never happened to someone else at the least if it had, we (I) wouldn't have felt so alone. it took my years to enjoy backpacking and the outdoors again- it was so very hard to have such an experience in the most beautiful of places

Camp Unalayee is the most amazing summer camp EVER to exist!…read more The summer program at Unalayee is so amazing, not only because of the location (which is absolutely breathtaking) but also because the staff, returning and new campers each year create an amazing community. My parents brought me up to Camp Unalayee when I was six years old and from then on I was hooked. I've made life long friends and skills. I highly recommend this camp to any person young and mature.

Highly recommend VDE. Torie is great! Torie can come across as very strict but she is super helpful…read moreas a trainer ( per my daughter). Torie focuses on how the rider and the horse can tune in to each other instead of helping the rider advance with an experienced horse, she helps how the rider can grow with the horse to become a skilled rider.

First, Torie and the team have been phenomenal about implementing safety policies and practices…read moreduring Covid. But I also just want to update my review to reiterate what fantastic community Torie has built for riders of all levels. Every person I've met in my lessons has been supportive and kind. Theresa, who handles a lot of admin now, is phenomenal -- responsive, organized, warm. Torie now has two other trainers, Molly and Claire, who occasionally fill in for her so she can actually have a day off, and both of them are wonderful as well -- knowledgeable, fun, friendly. Torie continues to make thoughtful decisions about the horses in her lesson program and how students are matched to horses. I really respect her philosophy toward training horses and riders. And as a new(ish) mom, I have been so grateful for Torie's willingness to flex her expectations to accommodate riding as self-care...and then to tell me when she thinks I'm ready to push harder. Highly recommend.

MadeBy has quickly become one of my daughter's favorite places. She's 10 and very into arts,…read morecrafts, and hands-on projects, so this studio is right up her alley. We first checked it out during the grand opening and were impressed by how open, bright, and thoughtfully set up the space was. It feels much more spacious and creative than other DIY spots we've visited. We've since gone back for camps and casual weekend visits, and she always finds something new she wants to make. The custom comic book and stuffie stations are especially fun and unique. The staff has also been consistently kind, patient, and helpful every time we've been there. Such a fun place for creative kids.

We hosted my son's birthday party here and it exceeded every expectation. What immediately stood…read moreout was how unrestrictive the whole experience felt. We were welcome to bring our own food, which is a huge win and something a lot of venues simply don't allow. The highlight? Every child went home with a personalized tote bag and a custom hat they designed themselves using Canva; all included in the party package. No scrambling for goodie bags, no extra costs, and the kids absolutely loved having something unique they actually made. It felt thoughtful and special without any added stress for parents. The staff was fantastic at keeping the kids engaged and entertained throughout, which as any birthday parent knows, is everything. Overall, Madeby hits the sweet spot of creative, low hassle, and genuinely fun. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a birthday party that feels memorable without the typical headaches.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

My first experience with PFBS was during Covid, when we needed a summer day camp for our oldest…read more They basically just hung out at a local beach every day, exploring the length of it, nearby tidepools, discussing rocks, etc. She enjoyed herself despite the setting being fairly mundane. Now my Kindergarten student attends a weekly pod at the Coastside Moss Beach location and we are really happy to be sending her. The location--Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and the neighboring forest--is spectacular, and I am constantly being surprised at the random nature knowledge she casually spits out. They visit the tidepools whenever the tides allow, make secret hideouts in the trees, make dams in the sand, etc. I wish I could go to forest school!

My son (started at 2.5, now is 3) has loved every minute at PFBS, he asks to go every day! We…read moreappreciate and trust the teachers and he is cared for with love and affection. He thrives in the beautiful forest classroom. In just a few months has become deeply aware of his surroundings in nature and has developed a true curiosity for the ocean, animals, bugs and plants. Now that he is 3, we planned to send him to a traditional preschool full time, but because of his love for this special program, we are continuing part time at PFBS to foster his love for the outdoors.

good experience overall! I sent my 4yo here for a day to get a sense of how this works. Essentially…read morethey operate out of a school or similar facility and they set up different rooms with different activities ( for example, robotics, media, arts and crafts, sewing, etc..) There is an outdoor playground and one or two additional outdoor activities that they have set up. What I absolutely loved is that lunch and snacks is included! This is a huge plus for me as my kid actually enjoyed the lunch! I personally do like the idea of less structure and more playtime and exploration for the kids. They usually have one counselor assigned to each room/activity. My only suggestion is that for the younger children ages 4 to 5, they should have either a buddy assigned on their first day or an assigned counselor who will kind of ease them into the day because it can be quite overwhelming for a kid that age to navigate the campus if they don't know anybody there. For older kids this is a non-issue in my opinion. Overall happy with the experience and would be back again!

Steve & Kate's is known for being a non-structured type of camp and that is what I was interested…read morein for my daughter. She has a structured school year and being able to do what she wanted when she wanted. My daughter really enjoyed being able to make decisions about where she spent her time. She learned how to sew very well and made lots of friends. The director is an amazing leader, and the counselors are very kind to all the kids. Looking forward to this year!!!

Choosing a school for your little one is such a stressful experience, but Harper makes it very…read moreeasy. We've been with them for two years now and have had nothing but good experiences. The admin staff, especially Ms. Lopez, is amazing and really cares about the students. Ms. Lopez is "on the ground" enough that she knows the kids names and they all say hi to her when they see her. The preschool teachers, Ms. Gwen, Ms. Margaret and Ms. Kim, are phenomenal. They approach any issues with kindness and sensitivity. They are also firm with the kids and set good boundaries and routines. Finding that balance is typically difficult, but they do it with finesse! The curriculum here, even with the preschool class, sets the kids up for success in higher grades. It balances play and fun with learning. From letter recognition to name writing to "STEM" - via tiny science experiments - music and Spanish, outdoor play and story time, they do it all. Since day one, my child has been excited to go each day and has thrived in the Harper environment. The learning progress I've seen, especially at such a young age, is astounding. We love Harper and appreciate all the staff very much! We hope to be a Harper family for a very long time to come!

Highly, highly recommended for elementary school! A lot of…read morethese reviews are for the daycare/pre-k programs, but I'd like to review the Elementary program, which is newer and smaller. Our son joined the Kindergarten program halfway through the year in Jan '25. He had been at a well-regarded RWC public school, but unfortunately he struggled there with behavior, academic, and motivation issues. Basically, he was slipping through the cracks. He was regressing academically, and most worryingly to me, he was starting to hate going to school. He started at Harper at the mid-year break. There was certainly an adjustment period - the Harper kids were *so* far ahead academically. But, the curriculum is individualized and the support was tremendous. It was amazing how quickly he improved on all fronts: behavior, academics, and motivation. He literally sprints from the car to class each morning. He is so excited and talks about what he learns constantly. He has developed a positive attitude, curiosity, and emotional maturity beyond anything we could have hoped for. Ms. Shaynee, his teacher, is an absolute rock star. We feel so lucky to have had her as his teacher. The class size for elementary grades at Harper is absurdly small right now. Like, 5-10 kids. At first, I thought it would be weird. But it's actually a wonderful number for this age, and it makes Harper such an incredible deal. It's obviously a new school and a new program, and I'm hoping it grows with him as he progresses through the grades. Overall, if you are looking for a private elementary, I just can't recommend Harper enough. No private school in this area is cheap, but I feel we get incredible value for our dollar. The fact that the aftercare is so affordable helps. Also, we hear that if you have multiple kids there then the cost goes down a lot.