Steve and Kate’s Camp – Kentfield

There are so many reasons why Steve and Kate’s Camp is awesome.
1. The counselors: many of the kids were previous camp attendees in their younger years, so they were really familiar with the camp, the structure, the fears, and the overall idea of the camp. My kids loved their counselors, who were caring, happy, attentive, and approachable. This was something I was so appreciative of, as this was their first camp experience.
2. The hours: they were an all day camp, open from (I think 7:30?) until 6pm, so I was able to work a full day.
3. The price: I chose to prepay for 20 days for each kid, and any unused days were refunded. This is one of the biggest reasons I decided to consider this camp, as this was the first year the kids went to camp. Most camps don’t refund unused days, so it was great that we got our money’s worth, and only paid for the days the kids went. They have memberships, day rates, and paying for even one day guarantees that you can bring your kids on any day — they have some secret algorithms that have helped them determine staffing and supplies, to ensure there’s enough staff and supplies to cover each day.
4. The food: they were fed all day. I didn’t have to worry about making a lunch. They had breakfast available (though my kids went to camp fed already), good healthy snacks, lunches I was jealous of (they posted the menu for each day), and coffee for the parents. My kids weren’t always fond of the selections, but I myself would’ve eaten everything they offered.
5. The activities: how cool is it to have a stop motion video creation room, full of Legos and IPads, every 7 year old’s dream??? They also had a bread making station (my 5 year old’s favorite), a coding room, a craft/​sewing room, the school playground, a dance and music studio, and the «chilling» room — the lounge. They allow kids to choose what they want to do, teaching them how to make their own decisions, helping them to learn life skills. Each week also brought one special cool rotating activity — things like rock climbing, electric scooters, a water slide, etc. they also had theme days, which were super fun to dress up for, and an end of camp carnival day, to end the summer.
6. Bear: the leader. He was very approachable, both during orientation, pre-​camp meet and greets, and during camp. I could always email or talk to him in person, and he listened, responded. He made it easy to feel comfortable that camp was going to be a safe and fun place for my kids to be.
7. The location: this last year camp was located at Bacich Elementary School (which I believe has been the location for a few years). Easy in, easy out.
8. The after-​camp sale: although I didn’t end up buying anything, post camp they sell all the items (including iPads), to save on storage costs. What a cool idea, and a way to make sure they always have new supplies!
My kids would have reasons they didn’t like camp, but that had more to do with them wanting mom to take the summer off to be home, rather than any real issues. I can’t say that there were any cons for me.
I hope to return next summer, hoping that my kids will return with enthusiasm, and hopefully we’ll see many familiar faces.

We love Steve and Kate’s Camp! Our daughter has gone there for two years in a row and we’re definitely signing her up for the whole summer next year. There are a variety of activities that the kids get to choose from throughout the day: bread baking, sewing, knitting, movie making with the kids, movie for kids to make with Legos, song recording, and dancing. There are also Friday dress-​up days, such as Hawaii day, pajama day, costume day, etc. They have outside activities set up each week, too, such as a bouncy house, a water slide, rock climbing wall, etc. They are very well organized with getting the kids signed in and out and the counselors are all fun and involved. It’s also wonderful that all the food for the day is set up, including breakfast, snacks and lunch!

Steve and Kate’s Kentfield location is excellent!
Staff
Check in and out is great. Counselors across the board are friendly and engaging. Upon arrival, they remember your child’s name and greet them. They greet you. They check in your child (with a name badge for the day). Upon pick up, they check the computer and ask who you are if they have not met you.
The counselors have experience with children. These are not your high school/​young college CITs. I have never heard a counselor yell at a child. Rather, they use encouraging words, allow the child to think through things themselves, find solutions and use engaging, inviting language giving the action they’d like the child to complete (i.e. let’s go to the bathroom now, then go get a snack) vs saying «NO» or «DON’T do that». They answer the phone, or call you right back. They know where your child is and can give you an update from the counselor with your child in moments.
Activities
My kids both love the myriad of activities available. They always have a choice. Baking, sewing, crafting, making videos, singing, dancing, hanging out, sports choices, etc… My children bring home their projects and are excited to discuss what they did that day. In addition, you can access your child’s electronic work (videos, movies, karaōke performances) online on your account page.
How they looked for the rubber chicken throughout the day is always a discussion.
Cost
While the cost feels a little steep, bonus is that it’s pay per day (with discounts automatically added once you reach the next tier). So you can buy as you want and when you hit the 20 days for the cheaper rate you get it! You don’t get penalized because you didn’t buy it ahead of time. But if you did? Awesome, because if you don’t use all your days, they refund them at the end of the summer. GREAT flexibility.
Food
My kids enjoy the lunches and snack café. They are not wild about having to eat vegetables at camp :)
Overall, this has been a great experience for both of my children, currently ages 9 and 4. Kindercamp, in particular, was a great, first full day experience for you 4.5 year old.
Thank you Steve & Kate’s!

This camp is awesome! It is so well organized and offers an amazing variety of things for the kids to do. My kids always go to Sports camp so it was so great to see them do different things… movie making, sewing, knitting, baking bread, music. They can still do fun games and sports so they were in heaven.
The counselors are very knowledgeable and engaging. The food is tasty and all included (they provide lunch and all snacks, including smoothies and oatmeal!). Most importantly, the security at drop off and pick up was so thorough and organized I felt my kids were in very safe hands.
Another bonus, you can buy days a la carte so your kids don’t have to go the whole week if they are fried from camp. Also great for working parents who need flexibility.
The only downside is it is a little bit on the pricey side so buy a package of passes for a reduced rate. You can use them a la carte or by the week. Plus, you get a refund for any unused passes so it’s low risk if you have a change of plans or it’s not the right fit for your kids.
We will definitely be back next summer!