UC Berkeley Youth Recreation Office — Local services in Berkeley

If you live in the area and all your classmates and friends go to this camp than I am sure it’s fine but if you’re like our family that lives outside the area but choose it based on the marketed activities and to develop/expand your child’s world view - this camp is a disappointment. For background, my child attended Galileo summer camp (K-5) and we had a great experience with their small camper to counselor ratio and STEM focus. As she graduated out of that program - we looked for a larger, diverse, and sports focused program.

Cons: Camper activities were not shared until the first day of camp so if you were looking forward to swim or archery and you were not assigned those activities than that’s a real disappointment.

Based on my child’s experience camp leads/staff don’t appear to be engaged or care if campers are having fun or a positive experience. Staff basically act as rule enforcers or are socializing themselves.

Access to shade is limited. Kids are out in the sun the whole time. During high temps kids have to advocate for themselves to stop, rest, drink water. My child witnessed another camper puking after running laps in the heat.

Even though the website and parent handbook says that there is no age mixing at the camp - there is, so older kids bully/dominant activities.

It’s so bad that my child doesn’t even want to attend the remainder of camp. And this is a kid that loves school, super positive, resilient, able to handle adversity but why am I pay money for her to go through this?

Location: on campus on a narrow, one way street where you’re stuck in traffic with other parents or Cal staff…

Pro: Customized pick up options. Secure check-in and check-out process available (photo ID required with registered individuals only) or independent kid sign out - no...

My son just completed his second Cal Camp and once again the experience is rather disappointing. I will focus in on just the most recent camp - the two week Skate Camp. Firstly, ask any camp counselor or camp representative any question and be prepared for a blank stare and a shrug in response. Secondly, on the final day of camp the camp 'lead' came out with a handful of free goodies and declared that not everyone will be getting free stuff. So out of a group of about 25 young skaters, he proceeded to randomly select 4-5 boys (the girls were ignored) to give them swag, while the other kids were just waiting around watching. One poor kid was in tears. My son thought very poorly of the whole camp close. And i was disgusted at the camp counselors appalling treatment of these kids. Apart from this, the camp...

Every aspect is so organized. Communication is great and the counselors are always so respectful and enthusiastic. They would often tell me how much fun they had with my child and that means a lot to me. Since he has autism, I was hoping he would do great in this camp because of how the counselors are trained. They met my expectations and more. Xander is a beginner swimmer but he overcame a lot of his fears at this camp. He was excited to tell us he dove in the water which was above his height. He doesn’t fear the water and has picked up some skills. He also really enjoyed chess which I didn’t think he would. Pick up was a little challenging due to nearby construction but that couldn’t be helped and the counselors handled it well. Would highly...