Gaia Guides Kids Camp

Two kids sitting together in a bright kayak on the San Francisco Bay, guided by an instructor seated behind them.

Paddleboard & Kayak Summer Camps

Gaia Guides, formerly Adventures 4 Kidz is a trusted, locally owned Alameda kids summer camp rooted in over eight years of providing stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking summer camps in our community. Our journey began with the owner (Victoria) partnering with Mike's Paddle Shop to create a unique, nature-focused camp. After five successful years, we took ownership and rebranded as Adventures 4 Kidz. With two more awesome years of inspiring young adventurers, we evolved into Gaia Guides, reflecting our commitment to leading nature-focused experiences for all ages—right here in Alameda and around the globe.

Our camps are designed to inspire curiosity, confidence, and a love for the environment through paddling, teamwork, and hands-on exploration of Alameda’s stunning South Shore. With years of local expertise and a deep connection to the Bay, we create safe, engaging, and enriching experiences for kids. Enroll your child today and let them discover the magic of nature while building skills and friendships that will last a lifetime!

2024 Kids & Family Programs

Paddleboard & Kayak Camps

A young camper paddling confidently in her own bright orange kayak on the calm waters of the Ballena Bay Marina.

Full-Day Camps

  • $699 Per Week

  • Monday - Friday / 9am - 4pm

  • Ages 6 - 14 years old

A young camper sits on a paddleboard, smiling brightly at the camera. She’s wearing a colorful life jacket and enjoying a sunny day

Half-Day Camps

  • $449 Per Week

  • Monday - Friday / 9am - 1pm

  • Ages 6 - 14 years old

A family of three stands together on the shore, each holding a paddle and wearing colorful life jackets. They smile warmly at the camera, ready for their summer evening paddle on the San Francisco Bay.

Family Night

  • $40 Per Adult - Kids Free

  • Tuesdays / 5:30pm - 8pm

  • Kids Ages 5 - 16 years old

A group of kids stands on a dock with one of their instructors during a private stand-up paddleboarding lesson.

Private Groups

  • $50 - $100 per person

  • Contact us for details

  • Families, Birthdays, Schools

Summer Camp Details

  • Summer Camp Dates

    June 9 - 13

    June 16 - 20

    June 23 - 27

    June 30 - July 3 (4-days)

    July 7 - 11

    July 14 - 18

    July 21 - 25

    July 28 - August 1

    August 4 - 8

    August 11 - 15

    Full-day and half-day camps run on the same weeks. Half-day camp pickup is at 1pm, and full-day camp pickup is at 4pm.

  • Summer Camp Location

    1138 Ballena Blvd. Alameda, CA 94501

    We are located in Ballena Bay Marina near the address listed above. Follow Ballena Blvd down past the flagpole until you see a parking lot near the tennis courts. If you pass the parking lot the road dead ends shortly after. Please park and check-in with one of our instructors on site!

    This amazing paddling location has an island and marina that protect a small lagoon making it a calmer space to paddle and play. However, If you just paddle around the corner it opens up into the San Francisco Bay with an amazing view of the city front and opportunities for many paddling adventures!

  • Summer Camp Safety

    Safety is woven into every aspect of our summer camp, especially during our paddling adventures on the picturesque waters of San Francisco Bay. We take immense pride in our commitment to prioritize the safety and well-being of our campers, incorporating comprehensive measures to ensure secure and enjoyable experiences.

    Our 1:6 instructor-to-camper ratio guarantees personalized attention. Campers always wear life jackets and receive thorough safety briefings. We prioritize non-verbal communication and our instructors are trained in CPR/ First Aid and advanced safety procedures. Weather conditions are closely monitored, and activities are adjusted as needed. By emphasizing personal responsibility, we empower campers to actively participate in their own safety.

  • What to Expect in Summer Camp

    We believe that the best way to learn is through exploration and adventure, all while respecting and connecting with nature. Whether it's paddling across the sparkling waters of San Francisco Bay, discovering the wonders of marine life, or learning mindfulness practices, every day at camp is an opportunity to grow, have fun, and build lasting memories.

    Campers can choose paddleboarding or kayaking based on the weather conditions for the day. We keep things flexible because nature always has something new to offer. Each day, we’ll take into account factors like wind, tide, water temperature, and current to decide the best paddling plan. Sometimes that means a full day of paddling adventures; other times, we paddle in the morning and spend the afternoon creating art, playing games, and diving into fun environmental lessons about the Bay.

  • Summer Camp Age Groups

    We’ve carefully designed our camp to make sure that every camper has the best experience for their age and skill level. Campers are divided into two age groups (6-10 and 11-14) for most on-land activities like games, arts, marine biology, and mindfulness. For on-water adventures like stand-up paddling and kayaking, we may mix groups based on skill to ensure safety and maximize learning. We also at times throughout camp encourage our older campers to take leadership rolls overseeing our younger campers to encourage responsibility.

  • Summer Camp Paddling Experience

    We welcome beginners and experienced paddlers alike. Our expert instructors assess each child’s age and water experience to ensure they are matched with the best paddle plan and paddle group for their skill level. Beginners start with gentle paddles in the calm waters focusing on safety and basic skills. More experienced campers will tackle more advanced paddling skills in moderate conditions. For advanced paddlers, we offer thrilling group adventures in the open Bay, challenging them with dynamic conditions and longer routes.

  • What to bring to camp

    To ensure maximum safety and comfort, we provide all necessary paddling gear, including wetsuits and lifejackets, for each camper. To prepare your child for a fun-filled day, campers should bring a large water bottle, any required medications, lunch and snacks, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses with a strap, a towel, a swimsuit to wear under the wetsuit, a long-sleeve rash guard, a warm change of clothes, and a jacket for cooler temperatures. Alameda’s weather can change quickly so packing many clothing layers can help your child stay comfortable throughout the day of camp

  • Summer Camp Curriculum

    Our summer camp curriculum offers a rich, hands-on program that goes beyond basic paddling skills, covering everything from beginner to advanced techniques. Campers dive into adventure safety essentials, learning to check and understand local bay conditions to build confidence on the water. With sessions in marine biology and environmental stewardship, kids gain a deep appreciation for the natural world and their role in preserving it. We also incorporate mindfulness practices, creative art projects, and team-building activities to foster personal growth and camaraderie. This diverse curriculum is designed to inspire, educate, and empower campers, blending skill-building with fun and exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Check out our answers to common inquiries about our summer camp. If you can't find the answer you're looking for, feel free to contact us directly at info@gaia-guides.com or (415) 448-6640

  • We understand plans can change and try to accommodate this with giving a full refund for camps cancelled up to 15 days before camp. Cancellations made within 14 days of the camp’s start date are not eligible for refunds or credits.

  • We reserve the right to cancel camp due to unhealthy air quality, extreme weather conditions, or low enrollment. In the event of cancellation, a full refund will be issued.

  • While swimming lessons prior to camp are encouraged, they are not mandatory. All campers, regardless of swimming ability, must wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) near and on the water. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, please indicate on the camp questionnaire if your child is new to swimming.

  • We're happy to discuss your child's specific needs and recommend the best camp program. Look for signs of independence, such as self-dressing and bathroom use, and gauge their interest in camp activities. Past experiences with similar outings can also provide valuable insights.

    If you're unsure about your child's readiness for camp, reach out to us at info@gaia-guides.com or (415) 448-6640

  • We understand that it can take time for campers to adjust to new environments and experiences. While we strive to create a fun and engaging atmosphere for all campers, we unfortunately cannot offer refunds for campers who may not enjoy camp.

    Our experienced instructors are dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. If you have any concerns about your camper's experience, please don't hesitate to reach out to our staff. We're always here to listen and address any issues.

  • For your child’s safety, we ask that you create a pick-up code and share it with anyone who will be picking up your child.

    For a smooth start and end to each day, a parent or guardian must be present for check-in and check-out. This gives us a chance to review important details and answer any questions.

  • Please inform us of any medical conditions, allergies, or dietary restrictions during registration. We will work with you to ensure your child's needs are met. Please provide any necessary medications in labeled containers.

    If you would like to discuss if our camp is a good fit for your child please contact us at info@gaia-guides.com or (415) 448-4460

  • We prioritize the health and safety of all our campers. In the event of a minor injury or illness, our trained staff will administer first aid and monitor your child throughout the day. If at any point an instructors feels that they need to go home we will contact you to come pick-up your child. We will also notify you of the incident and have you sign a consent form.

    For more serious injuries, we will immediately contact emergency services and then parents and emergency contacts. We will keep you informed throughout the process and provide updates as soon as possible.

  • Our summer camp is committed to fostering a positive and respectful environment for all campers. We establish clear behavior expectations and encourage kindness, cooperation, and inclusivity among participants. Our discipline policy emphasizes positive reinforcement and constructive guidance to address any behavioral issues. When necessary, we implement appropriate consequences such as time-outs, loss of privileges, or reflective activities to help campers understand and learn from their actions. Additionally, we involve parents or guardians in addressing persistent or serious issues to ensure a supportive resolution. Our goal is to create a safe, nurturing space where every camper can thrive and enjoy their summer experience.

  • We encourage you to stay connected with your child's camp experience. Each day, take a moment to chat with our instructors during drop-off or pick-up. They're always happy to share quick updates about your child's day and any highlights or challenges.

    Of course, if you have any specific questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us directly.

  • We love capturing the fun and excitement of camp! We take photos throughout the week and share them with parents after camp concludes. However, please note that we can't guarantee that we'll get a photo of every camper. We'll do our best to capture as many moments as possible.

  • Adventures 4 Kidz, founded and operated by Victoria Anweiler, has evolved into Gaia Guides to reflect a broader business vision to inspire both kids and adults to explore the outdoors. Victoria’s journey began in 2005 as the Outdoor Adventure Director at Humboldt State University, where she led outdoor adventure summer camp programs for 10 years. After moving to the Bay Area, she continued her work as Program Director at the Alameda Community Sailing Center and later at Mike's Paddle Summer Camp, where she helped launch and grow their kids' programs.

    In 2020, Victoria purchased the camp from Mike’s Paddle and rebranded it as Adventures 4 Kidz, focusing on eco-friendly outdoor activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. After two successful years, she and her team adopted the name Gaia Guides to better represent their commitment to connecting kids—and people of all ages—with nature through transformative outdoor adventures. Gaia Guides continues to offer the same high-quality, local summer camps while expanding its mission to inspire a lifelong love for the environment.

Two sisters paddle together on a single stand-up paddleboard, both wearing colorful life jackets and smiling as they work as a team.

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An intern kayaks through the tranquil waters of Ballena Bay Marina, wearing a life jacket and focused on paddling.
A group of staff and interns paddleboarding on the San Francisco Bay, each standing confidently on their boards and wearing life jackets.
Two small campers play on the beach at camp, smiling and enjoying the sunny day.
A group of campers enjoys a fun day at Encinal Beach in Alameda, CA. They’re playing in the sand, splashing in the shallow water.