San Mateo Summer Day Camps
Small group, nature-based summer day camps for San Mateo families in the Bay Area —designed to get kids off screens and into creeks, forests, and unforgettable real-life experiences.
Hummingbirds (Ages 5-11)
Outdoor adventures for kids ages 5-11!
In a world increasingly shaped by screens and over-scheduled routines, children need meaningful opportunities to move, explore, create, and connect in real life.
Our Hummingbirds program is intentionally designed to give children the kind of confidence, independence, resilience, creativity, and genuine freiendsip through active outdoor adventure and hands-on discovery.
Each day blends thoughtfully supervised Bay Area adventures with imaginative play, shallow creek and shoreline exploration, collaborative games, creative projects, nature discovery, and meaningful social connection in a warm, emotionally safe environment where children feel supported, included, and encouraged to grow.
With small group sizes and highly engaged mentors, campers develop communication skills, problem-solving abilities, teamwork, confidence, and independence - all while unplugged from screens and full immersed in the joy of childhood.
Way beyond summer childcare, Hummingbirds offers children a rare opportunity to experience a summer filled with movement, belonging, curiosity, friendship, freedom, and unforgettable memories.
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Wild Explorers 'Eagles' Camp (11-16)
A must-have adventure camp for ages 11-16!
Designed for older campers seeking adventure, independence, friendship, and meaningful real-world experiences in a fun, active, screen-free environment.
In intentionally small groups, campers spend their summer exploring some of the Bay Area's most beautiful outdoor locations through paddle-boarding, kayaking, scenic coastal bike excursions, redwood exploration, shoreline discovery, team adventures, and unforgettable outdoor experiences designed to build confidence, connection, resilience, and independence.
Kayak, paddle board, and bicycle rentals - along with safety equipment and instruction as needed -are all included.
More than just an adventure camp, Eagles offers teens and tweens a rare opportunity to unplug, move their bodies, build genuine friendships, develop confidence, and experience the freedom, fun, and belonging that come from being fully engaged in the real world.
Our small-by-design groups allow campers to feel safe, supported, socially connected, and truly seen while discovering new interests, building leadership skills, and creating unforgettable summer memories.
This is the kind of summer experience today's teens genuinely need: active, healthy, adventurous, emotionally grounding, and deeply memorable.
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Teen Leadership CIT Program (13-16)
Amazing opportunity for teens 13-16!
CPR Certified. Real Leadership Experience. Not a Classroom.
A highly engaging, beach-based leadership experience where teens train, practice, and grow—while still having an incredibly fun week of summer. Designed for families who value independence, real-world skills, time in nature, and meaningful connection.
- Daily CPR & First Aid Certification training (not a one-day course)
- Hands-on leadership experience (without being with younger campers all day)
- Paddle boarding, beach time, biking + real teen connection
- Designed for both first-time AND experienced CITs
What Sets This Program Apart
This program follows a learn → apply → reflect → connect rhythm each day:
- Train: CPR, First Aid, and water safety with a certified instructor (American Heart Association)
- Practice: Real-life leadership scenarios, communication, and child guidance
- Apply: Rotate into camp to work with younger campers in real time
- Reflect: Return to a comfortable home base for discussion, feedback, and growth
- Connect: Paddle boarding, games, picnics, and meaningful teen bonding.
Teens are not placed with younger campers all day—they move between training, real experience, and fun.
Skills & Certification
- CPR & First Aid Certified at no extra cost (built through daily repetition for real retention)
- Leadership & communication skills
- Conflict resolution + child guidance
- Situational awareness & safety training
- Confidence in real-time decision making
Experience Levels
For All Experience Levels
- New to leadership? → Build confidence and foundational skills
- Prior CIT / babysitting / camp experience? → Step into higher expectations, leadership roles, and résumé-building growth
No prior experience is required—just a willingness to show up and participate fully.
Why Teens Love It
This is a space to grow AND enjoy being a teen:
- Time to connect and make real friendships
- Active, outdoor adventures
- Supportive environment (not pressure, but balanced, customized & at their pace)
A Pathway to Future Opportunities
Many participants go on to become paid counselors and leaders in future programs.
Limited Enrollment
Small group by design for safety, mentorship, and a high-quality experience.
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