UC Berkeley Youth Recreation Office

★★★★★Tracey Jones

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 recommend!!!

★L. Garcia

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 parent required.

★★★★★Melinda McLaughlin

Excellent skate camps, lessons and team program. Sean and the rest of the team leadership are devoted to all of the kids, and have demonstrated excellent communication while trying to build out an amateur skateboarding league in NorCal. My son looked forward to attending every time, and has been able to make progress quickly by safely testing the limits of his skills, under the direction of the programs many skilled counselors. There is a ton of great energy and support from both leaders and participants, and we really appreciate the environment they've created here.

★★★★★Anne F

This is our son's third year at the camp. I continue to value the emphasis on confidence building, good sportsmanship and support of team members. Kids of all levels in this camp - and they help each other out. The year end "exhibition" offers each camper the opportunity to showcase their skills if they want to - I love the strength it takes to do this in front of the crowd - and the support each camper receives. The counselors are positive, fun and encouraging and clearly enjoy being with the campers. Awesome camp in beautiful setting under the oaks. In response to a previous comment about the handing out of swag - this time around every camper received.

★★★Marisa Strong (mxs)

2 days into camp, my son seems to be learning some good fundamentals of skateboarding and is having fun. Logistics wise, pretty complicated drop off /pick up. Skate staff sent home note saying to get a new board without any real information as to why or really what was wrong. Note said to go to a different skate shop. Where we purchased is very reputable and built us up a good setup so felt like Cal camp was trying to build business for other skate shop. A bit unethical if you ask me.