Learn More About Gaia Guides and Our Amazing Team

Inspiring Kids Through Nature, Adventure, and Paddling on the San Francisco Bay

At Gaia Guides, we draw inspiration from Gaia, the Greek goddess of Earth, and are inspired by the ancient belief that everything is connected. We genuinely love being on the water and believe kids should get to experience that same joy. We’ve seen what happens when a child picks up a paddle for the first time, or when they make it across the lagoon on their own. There’s this spark of pride and excitement that never gets old. We started this program because we wanted kids to have a place where they can explore outside, get a little muddy, try something that feels brave, and surprise themselves along the way. As a small, women-owned business rooted in Alameda’s South Shore community, we bring over 20 years of experience in youth leadership and outdoor education. Our team knows this coastline inside and out, and we’re passionate about creating safe, empowering spaces where kids can grow, make friends, and experience the magic of the Bay.

Unlike large corporate camps, our programs are intentionally small. This allows our experienced instructors to truly know each child, build meaningful relationships, and tailor learning in a supportive environment where confidence can flourish. Nature is our classroom. Through kayaking, paddleboarding, environmental education, outdoor safety, and teamwork games, our thoughtfully designed curriculum fosters independence, curiosity, and respect for the natural world. Because we’re locally owned and community-based, your child is never just another camper here. Our team mentors with care and intention, giving parents peace of mind knowing their child is genuinely supported, seen, and cared for every day. We hope you’ll join us on one of our adventures soon.

Staff and interns celebrate the end of an epic summer season, smiling and posing together on the beach. They’re all wearing casual, fun outfits and holding up their hands in excitement.

If you’re comparing summer camps, here’s what truly matters

Not all camps are designed the same. When choosing a summer camp, we encourage parents to look beyond flashy activities and ask a few deeper questions:

✔ Small groups, not crowded programs
So kids are known by name, supported individually, and never lost in the shuffle.

✔ Experienced instructors who mentor, not just supervise
Look for teams who teach skills, build confidence, and model kindness, leadership, and care.

✔ A thoughtful curriculum, not just activity rotation
The best camps offer intentional skill progression, teamwork, and learning woven into each day.

✔ A strong connection to nature and place
Local knowledge matters. Camps rooted in their environment help kids feel confident and capable. With this local experience, we can provide bigger adventures on the water!

✔ Safety, trust, and emotional support
Children grow most when they feel safe both physically and emotionally, to try something new, and feel proud of themselves.

✔ Values that align with your family
Eco-awareness, community, and care for the outdoors shouldn’t be add-ons, they should be part of the experience.

That’s exactly how Gaia Guides is designed. We’re a small, eco-focused, community-based camp where kids build skills, confidence, and a lasting connection to the natural world at a pace that honors who they are.