Our 6 year old daughter just completed a 2 week summer camp with Tree Frog Treks at the Christopher…read morePlayground location, and we were very impressed with the entire experience! The camp counselors - Najia, David, and Zita - were awesome. The kids were outdoors and active all day, learning about nature and the environment. Our daughter really enjoyed the field trips to Ocean Beach and Marin. As a 2 working parent family, we also appreciated the 9-5pm full day coverage (the only thing better would be an 8:30am start)! I'd highly recommend this summer camp, and look forward to returning next year.

My 6 yo daughter attended Tree Frog Treks at the McClaren Park location for two weeks this summer…read moreand absolutely loved it! She specifically asked to go to a camp where she could look at bugs, climb trees, and collect leaves all day long-- TFT delivered and then some! My daughter came home every day with a huge smile on her face, messy hair, dirty clothes, and lots of new facts about bugs and animals. It is exactly what you picture when you think of summer camp. The camp is well-organized. Good communication before and during camp sessions. The counselors are incredibly nice and you can tell that they love their jobs. I would happily re-enroll her at TFT next summer. Note: my daughter is fairly independent and responsible for her age. She enjoys imaginative play, makes friends easily, and speaks up when she needs help. Kids who need structure or hand-holding may not do as well in this camp.

This review is for the Middle School program…read more We carpool with a few kids from my son's school and it was a real bummer for all of them. They felt incredibly bored - assignments took way too long (and kids rushed to finish because then they could get on the iPad to play games) and didn't match the updates the camp sent out (which of course made the camp sound way more fun then it sounds like it was). They only did a blog - which first off, is that even relevant anymore? Like literally one of the lessons was "How to do a Listicle" which I found incredibly depressing. And when the kids got stuck with ideas or motivation, they said the teacher was pretty much - "Just write whatever because that's the assignment". I made better suggestions just brainstorming a few minutes with them after camp then the teacher or counselors (with the exception of Jaqueline, a teen who they all said was great). They all said the teacher was a nice guy, but pretty much too inexperienced or incompetent to make the material more interesting, or help them in anyway that felt meaningful or tailored to them. I'm especially disappointed because we loved the elementary age program (2nd through 5th). Even our kid reflected, "At least we had more activities - different types of assignments and exercises, making a song, etc." We definitely saw a huge sense of accomplishment when they finished their stories in that program. Sadly, middle school is not the case. Also, when I brought this up with the site administrator, he took several days to write me a plan of what they were going to change (it's only a two-week camp and I wrote at the end of the first week!) and almost nothing changed. I would give one-star for glorified babysitting (or worse, a bad version of school since all these kids actually loved their English teacher last year), but the 2nd star is for the elementary program and I do think the people have their heart in the right place, if incompetent. Essentially writing this as a warning to other families - wish I had gotten one!

If you've got some rock-star child who loves to write and is perfectly well-behaved, well, this is…read morethe camp for your kid. I'd even give it a five-star. If you've got a rock-star child who is a reluctant writer, and isn't always well-behaved, well, think twice before signing up your kid. One-star in that a case, and hence the over-all three-star review. My son, then just finishing second-grade didn't want to go to the camp. But I pulled the somewhat tiger-mom move, and forced him to go because good writing skills are important (and I have this arguably misguided notion that good writing skills are essential to being a successful human being). The writing stuff was great, and his finished story was adorable. But he had some conflicts with another boy, and the staff just didn't know how to deal with it. Not their fault. They're trained to help kids with their writing skills, not their social skills, and not to manage conflict in a healthy way. Well, partially not their fault. Letting one kid play with an i-Pad at times and not others was problematic, and led to numerous problems. A couple years later, my kid still complains about this camp. He is a better writer, though I'm not sure that was related to his two fairly miserable weeks there.

This is my daughter's 4th year at The San Francisco School (we started in preschool 3), and we have…read morebeen very happy here so far! The teachers and staff are warm and nurturing, and the community is very down to earth and kind. We especially love the strong SEL program and excellent music program. We also very much appreciate the school's Extended Day (aftercare and summer camp offerings) as a family with two parents who work full-time. SFS rocks!

We have two kids at The San Francisco School (SFS) and couldn't be happier. Incredible teachers, a…read morewelcoming community, and a well run organization that includes great extended day and summer offerings. Would recommend to anyone looking for a great place for their preschooler to middle schooler!

I have never left a negative review anywhere or on anything, but after several weeks of concerns…read moreand an upsetting experience today, I feel parents deserve to know what our experience has been. My four-year-old attended the Mission Branch YMCA summer camp for much of the summer, beginning at the Dolores Huerta site and later transitioning to the Mission YMCA location. I want to emphasize that I tried very hard throughout the summer to be patient and understanding. I know camps are busy, unexpected things happen, and working with young children is challenging. I gave the staff the benefit of the doubt repeatedly because I genuinely wanted this program to work. Unfortunately, today's experience was the last straw. While there were some counselors who were kind, the overall leadership and communication left me feeling increasingly uneasy as a parent. Throughout the summer: * When my daughter was struggling socially, I reached out for support but never felt I received meaningful guidance or follow-up. * During difficult drop-offs, I would ask how she recovered later in the day and was often told, "I don't know, I wasn't with them," leaving me with very little information about how my preschooler was doing. * One field trip changed locations after the children had already left, and parents were never notified. * On another field trip, the buses returned approximately 30 minutes late, and parents waiting at pickup received no communication about the delay. * I also overheard a counselor speaking to the children in a way that I found concerning, telling them how "terrible" they were behaving. Today's incident was the final straw. We arrived approximately five minutes late for a field trip. I understand there may be safety procedures around attendance and transportation. However, we were told that my daughter could not attend camp at all that day. After reviewing the camp emails and handbook, it clearly stated that if you are late on an excursion day and miss the bus, you will need to drop your camper off at the excursion location. The bus hadn't even left yet and the camp director told us that my daughter wouldn't be able to attend that day, with very little explanation. More disappointing than the decision itself was the response when I tried to discuss it. Rather than acknowledging my concerns or taking a moment to understand why I was upset, I left feeling dismissed. Had someone simply acknowledged my frustration and explained this decision with empathy, this review likely would not exist. As a parent of a four-year-old, I don't expect perfection. I do expect clear communication, professionalism, and a collaborative relationship with families. Unfortunately, that was not our experience. After leaving today, I looked through other reviews and was disappointed to see that many parents described concerns very similar to my own. I sincerely hope the YMCA takes those patterns seriously because this has the potential to be a wonderful program with stronger leadership, better communication, and a greater commitment to partnering with families.

I am so sad that my kids had to leave this program, because it truly made such a positive impact on…read moreour family. Both of my children attended, and I cannot express enough gratitude for the amazing care, love, and attention the teachers and staff provided. From day one, it felt less like childcare and more like building a relationship with people who genuinely cared for my kids. I always felt at ease dropping them off each morning from 8 to 3, which is not something that comes easily these days. The teachers were not only involved but also incredibly communicative. Any time I had a question, needed support, or even just reached out with a call or text, they were quick to respond and always helpful. The program has truly helped prepare my children for kindergarten, giving them a strong foundation in academics, social skills, and independence. They grew so much here, and I know they will carry those lessons with them. The YMCA provides a safe and welcoming environment. There's a large playground, separate classrooms for different ages, and restrooms that accommodate children at all stages (even those still working on potty training). Meals and snacks are provided daily, and the children have nap time on cots,The staff also keep the kids engaged with a variety of activities, from learning numbers, colors, and early reading skills to building friendships and learning how to socialize. Most importantly, the teachers treat the children as if they were their own. They go above and beyond every single day. My kids loved being there, and we will miss everyone so much. If you are considering enrolling your child here, I highly recommend this YMCA. It is a place where children are truly cared for, supported, and prepared for the next stage of their lives.

The staff is friendly and helpful. Most importantly, no pickleball noise. I'm glad I was invited to…read moreplay at this location.

Only game in town for indoor courts which is a shame because they know it's a monopoly and they…read moretreat the tennis members accordingly. You can find high-quality players but not much in the way of clinics for advanced tennis players. I do like the singular coach who does advanced clinics (a lot!) but the facilities aren't kept up the way they should be and it's hard to feel like you get your monies worth. I continue to be a member as there's no other option but it's a shame they're not responsive to member feedback (which I personally have been giving for multiple years).

The hidden gem of the Bay Area---SO WORTH IT! My son has been there at age 6 and now at age 8…read more Picture this-- you drive your child into an easy to reach part of Golden Gate Park. Super friendly and super competent staff round up just 2 SMALL GROUPS of nice kids at a playground (Mother's Meadow right near 19th) then they go 5 DAYS A WEEK OF FUN FIELD TRIPS or do special outings in GG park. REALLY REALLY GREAT. Amazingly this is one of the few camps in this area that is not booked to the gills-- you can get a slot!!! THE BEST. Susan Edwards ROCKS!!!!

My son loves this summer camp and is looking forward to going back this summer. The camp is an…read moreoutdoor camp and the younger children get to explore all the wonderful places in and around The Golden Gate Park. The older children get to explore the wonders of the Bay area with many cool outings to places I had never heard of. My child returned home tired, dirty and very happy, always excited about the next day. I can highly recommend this summer camp.

I just picked my 7 year old on her last day of the 3-week summer camp at Kid Stock in the Mission…read more(St James Location) and she was in TEARS because she didn't want it to be over. She loved this camp and we loved this camp for her. Mind you, this was a camp her theater-nerd mom enrolled her in, and she was really NOT wanting to go due to nerves, but from day one she came home happy and had a great time doing art projects, playing outside, making friends all while learning lines, singing songs, and practicing dance moves. She would come home from camp *wanting* to practice. We didn't have to push her and she went into the show ready and nerve-free! Yesterday was the performance and she dazzled us as she flawlessly delivered her lines loud and proud and stepped up to the mic for her duet. I'm so impressed with what she and all the kids were able to pull off in only 3 weeks. The staff I'd chat to at pick up each day seem truly passionate about theater and making it fun for the kids. Shout out to Rachel and Johnny, though she specifically tells me she liked "all the teachers in fact". The site director, Meg was really good about sending update emails before the camp and after each week so we knew what to expect. Love that they provided the mp3 files for the kids to practice the songs at home. They did a little talent show on the last day and I learned she stepped up and sang her whole song solo for the group. During the school year, she backed out of auditioning for her school's talent show saying she was only comfortable on stage with other people next to her... So we were impressed she did this and that they were able to build up her confidence enough to do that! Thank you, Kid Stock! We will absolutely be back next summer. My only suggestion for next time: More chairs at the final performance and a "kids in front" policy so the siblings/friends can see! :)

The first performance I sat through I cried happy tears - so amazed and proud of my kids who were…read morenormally so shy and reserved, singing a solo into a microphone in front of a packed audience! The staff of Kidstock are incredible, and nurture the kids in such a way that they walk onto that stage full of confidence. My kids look forward to summer camp with Kidstock each year and one of my children found her inner actor through the program and attends year round. I'm so grateful to the program for helping my children feel passionate about the arts!

My son has been going to this camp since he's 2.5 He…read moreabsolutely loves it. He's in nature all day and practices Spanish. If you are looking for a Spanish immersion camp for younger children- this one is an absolute gem.

Mi Escuelita is truly a hidden gem of a preschool and camp. My 3 year old and 5 year old often do…read morethe outdoor camps in Glen Park Canyon with Ines, and I can honestly say I have never seen bigger smiles, sweeter arts and crafts projects (making lanterns, Valentine heart "kiss" necklaces, pinecone turkeys), or more adventure stories (being brave crossing over a stream together and climbing mountains)! They adore being together and adventuring in the canyon and practicing their Spanish! Mi Escuelita is our go-to camp in the city now, and Ines is an inspiring educator who loves being creative with the kids. Highly recommend!

We're a Stratford family with an 8th grader, and our experience has been extremely…read morepositive--especially in high school preparation and the overall school culture. The academics are strong and thoughtfully designed, and the teachers genuinely care about student growth. We've seen our child become more confident, independent, and ready for the increased expectations of high school. The support during the high school application process really stood out. The Principal and staff were engaged, responsive, and incredibly supportive throughout the process. Their experience and guidance helped reduce a lot of stress, and it's clear that Stratford students are well prepared and competitive when applying to some of the best high schools in San Francisco. We also truly value the diversity at Stratford. The school community includes students from many different backgrounds, which creates an inclusive and respectful environment. Our child has benefited from learning alongside peers with different perspectives, and it adds real depth to the overall experience. Communication has always been clear, and the school feels well-run and supportive. Looking back at our child's middle school years, we feel Stratford provided an excellent foundation for both academic success and personal growth.

Our daughter is an 8th grader at Stratford Middle School in SF, and we are grateful for the…read moreincredible role the school played in preparing her for high school. What stood out most was the strong academic foundation, strong teachers/staff, and like-minded students who wanted to excel in academics and activities. Stratford helped our daughter build strong study habits, discipline, independence, and the ability to manage a demanding workload. The teachers pushed her academically, but also supported her and helped her grow in communication, writing, public speaking, leadership, and overall confidence. The principal was also a major strength. He set high expectations around discipline, character, and behavior, which we believe are especially important in middle school. During the high school admissions process, his guidance was incredibly valuable, from parent presentations to interview prep, school prioritization, and being available to families. His relationships with high school admissions offices across San Francisco also came in handy. Overall, we are grateful for Stratford and would highly recommend it to families.

On a recent visit to San Francisco, Barebottle Brewing was top of my list to visit thanks to many…read moreexcellent can selections we've gotten at the local bottle shop. Their beer is excellent, and I've heard nothing but great things about the place and people. We visited on a Sunday and met friends, who said it took a while to get a big table for us; it was surprisingly packed! It's a large industrial brewery, with the equipment chained off at the back. They make great use of the rest of the building with large tables, small tables, bar seating/standing room, plus an arcade area, outside seating area, and a few cozy living room style areas with stuffed furniture at the back. To the right on entry is the canned beer for takeout, to the left is their large bar and impressive tap list. We mostly get IPAs, so it was fun to try their other styles like rice lagers and a barleywine, everything was excellent. Their flights are huge, basically half size goblet pours in a six rack. Prices are reasonable for the well developed beer. They also had a food vendor outside, which we loved (see separate review). It's great to see a place equally rock great beer and a fun experience, I definitely look forward to returning sometime soon.

I come here fairly often with friends or colleagues since its in the neighborhood, great place with…read morea lot of space and usually a food truck outside for grubbing! I stopped by here again last week with a friend who came up from San Jose, grabbed a few beers as the service is usually super quick even on busy days, got my usual IPA, and grabbed a seat outside as it was pretty hot. Great place to hangout, they have a mini-arcade for kids if you've got little ones, and of course a to go fridge if you want to grab some cans to go! This is definitely a fun place to be, and if you're watching sports, they've got Tv's as well!