Why We Created This Camp

Hi! I'm Kathy!

I grew up exploring the mountains, beaches, and forests of Northwest Washington, where childhood meant long days outdoors imagining, creating, adventuring, and learning through experience. That deep love of nature shaped my life and eventually inspired the camp we’ve built today.

When I moved to the Bay Area in 1986, my oldest daughter was just two years old. Together, we spent her childhood wandering beneath the redwoods, visiting beaches and tide pools, observing marine life, collecting shells, and experiencing the incredible beauty of Northern California. Later, together, we shared those same adventures with her children, my grandchildren.

Watching the joy, confidence, and wonder those experiences created for our own family became the heart behind starting this camp.

Over the years, through my work as a swim instructor, gymnastics coach, and youth program leader, I also saw firsthand how deeply children thrive when they are given opportunities to move, create, build friendships, gain independence, and engage with the world around them in authentic ways.

Today, we are proudly a three-generation woman-owned family business rooted in the belief that childhood should feel adventurous, grounded, joyful, and real. Together with my daughter, who brings over 20 years of hands-on educational experience nurturing children’s creativity, confidence, and love of learning, we created this camp because we believe children need more opportunities to slow down, connect with nature, use their imaginations, and simply enjoy being kids.

We understand the pressure many Bay Area children face today: busy schedules, academic demands, structured activities, and so much time indoors and on screens. We believe children benefit deeply from meaningful real-world experiences that build confidence, resilience, creativity, friendship, and connection.

At camp, children explore tide pools and ecosystems, stroll beneath the redwoods, create nature-inspired art, laugh with friends outdoors, and experience the simple magic of adventure and discovery. For older campers, kayaking, paddle-boarding, and bike or horseback trail rides along the beach create unforgettable opportunities for growth, independence, and confidence-building.

Most importantly, we believe every child is born with a natural sense of wonder and love of learning — and we feel passionate about helping nurture and protect that spark.

To us, our camp families become an extension of our own family, and it’s an honor to share our family’s love of the outdoors, adventure, and meaningful childhood experiences with the children and families we serve.