Camp Manitou — Attraction in Oakland

I thought hard about making this experience public but I think it's fair that the camp live with the consequences of their decisions, even if it's just in this review.

To start off, my son (13 at the time) and 6 other bunkmates stole some items from younger camper for a sanctioned all nighter that the kids do between first and second session. The items included fans, chairs, about $20 and some food. This was executed via an elaborate plan including timing when the lower camp was away and a series of lookouts.

Now, how, might you ask, could a large group of 13 year olds pull off this Ocean's 11 robbery without anyone knowing? According to the camp, they are criminal masterminds. According to my son and several other campers, the counselors knew about this behavior, including previous incidents of stealing, and did not stop it before it got more serious. In fact, during this incident they were caught after stealing a few items and were not stopped.

How did the camp respond? Did they take some responsibility and use it as a teaching moment for maturing boys? Did they punish them severely as an example to the other campers? Did they follow their handbook which requires escalating consequences for everything other than drugs or alcohol? No, they shipped the children home for the summer, screwing the kids and their parents (of course pocketing the camp fees) and moved on.

If you're looking for a Lord of the Flies experience where the camp responds reactively when things get out of hand, this is your place. If you want a well chaperoned camp where the children are properly guided away from bad behavior, I'd look elsewhere.

Lastly, I see posts where people claim this camp is clean. I was there for only one visiting day but trust me, I did not leave thinking, "Wow, that camp is clean."

And you'll know this story is true because they know where to find me and send a libel suit if...

Our 12-year old son has gone to Manitou for the last 4 years. He has an amazing time every year and comes back more mature, thoughtful, responsible, independent, kind and communicative each year. We've visited the camp ourselves, as well, and are blown away with how fantastic this camp is. The staff and facilities are incredible but what's truly remarkable about this camp is how much love and attention each boy gets... they meet each boy where they are and help them grow, learn, develop and thrive.

Our son always has amazing time, it's always the best part of his year and he looks forward to it more than anything else. However, for us, we see Manitou as integral in his growth and development. It's just...

My twin 7 year old boys just finished their first session at Camp Manitou about a week ago. They can't stop talking about camp!! They loved it SO much. Their counselors were amazing, and they made lots of new friends. I was so impressed by Camp Manitou, their staff and facilities. My twins are definitely going back next year.

Update: My twins are now 9 and just finished their third summer at Manitou. It just keeps getting better and better each summer for them. They literally talk about camp in some every day. I can't say enough great things about Camp Manitou. It is...