Steve and Kate’s Camp – Oakland

My son went to Steve and Kates Oakland location three or four times this summer. He enjoyed it however their Lost and Found policy needs improvement he inadvertently left his backpack there we didn’t realize he had left it until a couple days ago when I called to try to retrieve it I was told that it had been donated. Now normally this would not bother me I understand there’s a lot of stuff they need to keep track of however his name was written in a black sharpie in big bold letters inside so I don’t understand why we didn’t get a call that the backpack was there instead of just donating it. That back pack cost $$. When I spoke with the camp director Julie she was very blasé about it.

This is our second summer at Steve and Kates at the Park Day School location in Oakland.
One word sums it up: AMAZING!
It’s a win-​win decision for us as a family:
Kids perspective:
–LOTS of options to do at camp
–camp staff are super engaging
–campers get to choose what they want to do, which has helped my kids become more independent and thoughtful and articulate about their day
–other campers are nice
–fun extra activities throughout the summer
Mom’s perspective:
–the idea that I can purchase as many day passes as I want, and send the kids to camp WHENEVER I want without having to plan my summer out is such a relief. Perfect flexibility.
–whatever unused day passes that I have leftover at the end of the summer, the camp reimburses me at full cost.
–the quality of the directors and the staff are impressive. (Engaging, thoughtful, mature, happy, etc.) The counselors look like they really like their job. This is contagious energy.
–I absolutely trust the care of my kids. I don’t worry one second when they are at Steve and Kates.
–my quiet, introverted kids (two are shy, the third is more outgoing) have blossomed at Steve and Kates. They have learned to be super happy and socialize on their own terms, choose activities based on their personal interests and develop friendships in their own sweet, quirky kid-​like ways.
–the camp staff feed my kids. No need to pack lunches in the morning (woo hoo!)

Our daughter attended Steve and Kate’s camp at Park Day last summer. We contacted Steve and Kate’s early on as our daughter is on the autism spectrum and we wanted to see if they would be able to support her. She is high functioning but has a ton of anxiety and other quirks; some can be a little challenging. Every person I spoke to was super friendly and completely open to the idea. Julie, the head counselor, agreed to meet with us before camp started so she could get an idea of how our daughter operates. It was a fantastic meeting.
Our daughter loved camp. The counselors were so generous and kind it makes me teary eyed even now writing this review. She was not viewed as a burden but embraced. They gave her freedom and at the same time guided her with patience when needed. She is a very picky eater and she liked the food so I did not have to make lunch or send snacks.
We were thrilled with Julie, ALL the staff and the camp. Thank you Steve and Kate’s for giving us a worry-​free summer.

My son had the most amazing summer at Steve & Kate’s at Park Day School. We initially signed him up for four weeks but he insisted on another four weeks as he absolutely loved it. Its philosophy of each child gets to decide what they want to do was so perfect for him. He is about to go into second grade and has been going to summer camps for the last couple years but always had a tough time because he would get overwhelmed with all the transitions as kids collectively move from one activity to the next in more scheduled manner.
At Steve & Kate’s he could decide what he wanted to do — whether it be making stop-​motion movies, hanging out in the lounge, playing on the weekly apparatus, or making bread — he determined what he wanted to do at his pace. He came home each day with stories of meeting new kids, trying new things and and most of all how much fun he had. He really bonded with a couple counselors whose enthusiasm and obvious love of kids was obvious. And best of all? I could drop him off and pick him up whenever it suited us so if he was tired he could sleep in without the panic of not being somewhere on time.
And the fact that they provide lunch? I would have paid double for that! His favorite days were Italian days and Mexican days — I think the kid was better fed at camp than at home!
What a great organization — I have to say I am super impressed by how well they run it — they really do deliver on their promise — they do have it right on all accounts — my kid was safe and happy and had a terrific summer — what more can a parent ask, right?

My daughter went to Steve and Kate’s at Park Day in Oakland last year and we are definitely going again. I was uncertain at first because of the parent reviews that suggested it was especially hard for shy kids. Mine is but I needed the flexibility that only Steve and Kate’s offers and she loved it, learning to make new friends every day that built her confidence so much. The camp felt safe, clean, and really creative. I felt good about the staff. They knew her name quickly and greeted me every day. She’s been to camps where the staff didn’t know her name after two weeks. If I had a question or concern, they responded right away – It is a great balance of fun and structure in a very nice outdoor/​indoor environment.
I highly recommend Steve and Kate’s and would encourage every parent to attend an open house or contact the staff directly. As a parent, nothing beats knowing that she will have a great time, learn lots, meet new people, learn new things, play outside, and I can go when and where I want! Thank you.