Steve & Kate's Camp - Walnut Creek

★linh tran

My kid and her friend registered for the last week of summer camp. They arrived at 9 a.m., but unfortunately, many things weren’t open until 10:30 a.m. Consequently, they had limited options for activities. Even the open activities were completely full. When things finally opened, there were extremely long lines, and they were unable to participate in any activities except for a 20-minute sewing session before being excused for lunch. They were repeatedly told to return an hour later on many activities, so they tried the library, which was closed, and then searched for athletic equipment like balls or anything, only finding none that weren’t already being played with. In essence, the kids were left with no options and were forced to sit around and observed other kids doing the same, which is not what we expected from what was advertised. I understand that the camp has a high number of kids the last week of summer, but it should not compromise their overall experience. I had to pick them up early because they literally had nothing to do. I am a working mom and was really hoping this camp would have worked out for them for the next day. Therefore, I requested a full refund but nobody ever got back to me about it. Super disappointing and a fair warning for others who are looking to enroll in this summer camp in the future.

★★★★★Lacey Christensen

Steve & Kates is a wonderful program full of heart! Their dedication to keeping kids engaged and included is top notch. They value diversity, inclusion and safety above all else! Marlena, the camp director, is a compassionate, hardworking leader with years of experience working with all ages of children.

★Melanie Ropelato

My 10 year old experienced abuse at this camp and we will not return. I already have a complaint in to their HQ and have thoughts on calling the police. My son said something inappropriate as a sarcastic joke (they even told me on the phone he said it as a joke, all the kids laughed, and none of the kids wanted him to get into trouble. Literally what Marlene told me on the phone), but I agree it was inappropriate and he shouldn't have said it. Kids say stupid things sometimes. Instead of calling me right away, they put him in a room and refused to let him back out. They didn't call me until over three hours had passed! I was not aware of this until I picked up the 10 and 12 year old and they told me. I called the office and said I wanted to confirm if what the kids told me was true or not. The staff initially told me that he was only there an hour before they called me to pick him up. I was standing next to the kids at home on the phone and asked them if that was true. The kids said no! He was put in there at least 30 minutes before lunch. I asked her again, saying that is what the kids said. She said, maybe 1230. I asked what time lunch was and she said 12. So, I told her that we both understood that the remark was made before lunch and lunch is at 12... and that what she was saying didn't compute. She went into recovery mode after being caught in the lie and hearing that I was directly asking the kids. So, around 11am they put him in a room and didn't call me to get him until about 2:15. I got there around 3 to get him and he was locked away that entire time! And then they LIED about it. How is that not abuse? Why wouldn't they call me first?!?! Aren't these people in charge of kids supposed to have even a passible level of common sense? I am happy to let everyone know this experience. Just know that if your kid messes up, they will lock him away and not call you until hours later! So, if that is what you want, go here. If you want a camp that doesn't abuse kids then go elsewhere.

★★Tom

Not a fan for my 4 year old. It's a free for all, they mixed her up with kids from her age to 13. No extra special supervision or handholding bc she was so young which is absurd. Maybe good for older kids but avoid for 4-6. On top of that, they don't allow adults to view the interior of the facility to get a feel for the vibe, like 99.9% of other daycares/summer camps do. Sketchy.