Bay Area Summer Camps for Kids Ages 6–14
Top Outdoor Adventure and Environmental Education Camp
Families searching for Bay Area summer camps want something that feels safe, meaningful, and genuinely fun. At Gaia Guides, we offer kids summer camps just outside San Francisco in Alameda, where children build confidence through kayaking, paddleboarding, teamwork, and hands-on outdoor learning. Our camp welcomes families from across the Bay Area, including Oakland, Berkeley, San Francisco, and beyond, who are looking for more than a typical indoor or overcrowded summer program.
Our Alameda summer kids camps offer both full-day and half-day options, with each 1-week camp session running Monday–Friday.
Options: Full & Half Day
Our full-day camps run 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and half-day camps run from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Both options are offered during the same weeks.
Time: 9am-1pm / 9am-4pm
Campers are grouped by age and experience to create a supportive, safe, and challenging environment for skills lessons and paddle adventures.
Ages: 6 - 14 years old
Drive to Ballena Bay Marina, 1138 Ballena Blvd, Alameda. Drive past the flagpole and look for the tennis courts and parking lot on the left.
Location: Alameda, CA
Full-day camps are $699 per week, and half-day camps are $449 per week. Both options are offered during the same weeks.
Price: $449 - $699 Per Week
All campers wear life jackets, with CPR/First Aid certified instructors, small group ratios, and Bay adventures planned around weather conditions.
Safety: Our Top Priority
Spring Break Camps
April 2026
Full-day school break camps.
April 6 - 10
April 13 - 17
April 2026
Leadership Training
CPR/First Aid certification
Dates Coming Soon
June 2026
Summer Camp
Full-day and half-day camps.
June 8 - 12
June 15 - 19
June 22 - 26
June 29 - July 3
July 2026
Summer Camp
Full-day and half-day camps.
July 6 - 10
July 13 - 17
July 20 - 24
July 27 - 31
August 2026
Summer Camp
Full-day and half-day camps.
August 3 - 7
August 10 - 14
A Different Kind of Bay Area Summer Camp
The Bay Area is full of camps. But not all of them feel the same.
At Gaia Guides, our kids summer camps are built around small groups, personal attention, and time spent outside on the water. Kids aren’t pushed to perform or compete they’re encouraged to explore, try new things, and grow at their own pace.
Our Bay Area camp experience is:
Beginner-friendly and welcoming
Confidence-building without pressure
Safety-first and thoughtfully run
Playful, supportive, and adventurous
It feels less like a schedule… and more like a really good summer.
Safety & Supervision
We know parents are trusting us with what matters most.
Your child is guided by CPR & First Aid certified instructors who are calm, experienced, and genuinely great with kids. Our camper-to-instructor ratios stay small, and our camp takes place in a protected lagoon ideal for beginners.
We focus on:
Clear safety instruction
Thoughtful supervision
Supportive encouragement
A pace that helps kids feel confident
Kids feel brave. Parents feel at ease.
Why Bay Area Families Choose Gaia Guides
Families choose Gaia Guides because their kids are:
Known by name
Encouraged through challenges
Supported emotionally and physically
Proud of what they accomplish
Kids leave tired, smiling, and confident.
Parents leave grateful they found the right summer camp.
What Kids Experience at Camp
Every week blends movement, learning, and connection.
Kids spend time:
Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding
Learning water safety and paddling skills
Playing team games and creative challenges
Exploring the Bay Area’s coastal environment
Making friends and feeling proud of themselves
Some kids arrive unsure. Most leave glowing. And many ask to come back again.
Camp Options for Bay Area Families
Our Bay Area kids summer camps are designed to work for real families.
We offer:
Full-day and half-day options
Monday through Friday sessions
Small group instruction
All equipment and wetsuits included
Families travel from all over the Bay Area to join us at our Alameda waterfront location for a camp experience that feels both easy and unforgettable.
Explore our full Kids Summer Camp program
Easy Access for Bay Area Families
Our camp is held at Ballena Bay Marina in Alameda, California, just a short drive from Oakland, Berkeley, and San Francisco. The calm lagoon and open sky create a perfect environment for beginner paddlers and young adventurers.
It’s close enough to be convenient — and far enough to feel like a little escape.
Ready to Find the Right Bay Area Summer Camp?
If you’re searching for Bay Area summer camps that combine outdoor adventure, safety, and real connection, we’d love to welcome your family.
Explore our full Kids Summer Camp program
Quick Kids Camp FAQs
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Start the day with games and a paddling, environmental, or adventure lessons
Adventure time as we head out on the Bay to practice paddling skills and explore
Half-Day Campers return at 1:00 PM after a morning of paddling, games, and eco-learning
Full-Day Campers eat lunch at the beach or marina, then enjoy afternoons of paddling, nature walks, art projects, and eco-lessons
Every day mixes adventure, skill-building, and discovery to keep kids active, safe, and excited
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Sun Protection sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses with a strap
Swim Gear we require a long-sleeve rash guard and swimsuit to wear under our provided wetsuits
Warm Clothes towel, cozy clothes, and a jacket for before/after paddling
Footwear sandals or water shoes for camp
Water & Food large water bottle, plus snacks and lunch
Layer Up! Have campers arrive with swimsuits under warm clothes for easy wetsuit changes. Be sure they bring extra layers, as Bay Area microclimates can shift from cool mornings to warmer afternoons.
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Drive past the flagpole and look for the parking lot next to the tennis courts on the left. Camps are held at Ballena Bay Marina in Alameda, CA. 1138 Ballena Blvd, Alameda CA 94501
This picturesque paddling location offers:
Calm Lagoon for Practice: A protected area ideal for beginners to learn and play.
Access to San Francisco Bay: Just around the corner, participants can enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline, adding an adventurous element to their experience.
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Life Jackets every camper wears a Coast Guard approved life jacket whenever they are on or near the water.
Certified Staff all instructors are trained in CPR, First Aid, and water safety, with a focus on youth instruction.
Small Ratios we maintain a low camper-to-instructor ratio (about 1:6) so each child gets close supervision.
Condition Checks instructors assess Bay conditions including wind, tides, and currents before planning the day’s paddle route.
Skill Training campers learn buddy systems, safety signals, and self-rescue techniques to build confidence on the water.
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To keep all campers safe, anyone picking up your child will be asked to provide the 4-digit pick-up code you chose during registration.
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.
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Camp is designed to spark curiosity both on and off the water. When we’re not kayaking or paddleboarding, campers might explore the Bay’s ecosystem, learn about marine life and water quality, or dive into art projects and nature crafts. Afternoons often include team games, mindfulness activities, and environmental lessons that connect kids with the outdoors while building friendships and confidence.
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We provide all paddling gear including Coast Guard approved life jackets, wetsuits and gear specially sized for each age and adventure.
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Both! Campers get to try kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, with the option to focus on the one they enjoy most as the week goes on. We keep things flexible and design a daily paddle plan around Bay conditions like wind, tides, and currents. While nothing is guaranteed every day, campers always get safe, fun time on the water.
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Swimming experience we want campers to feel safe and comfortable around water but strong swimming isn’t required. All campers wear Coast Guard approved life jackets.
Paddling experience we love teaching campers with no experience, our instructors teach step by step in a safe, encouraging way. Returning campers get chances to build advanced skills and take on bigger adventures.
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We do not offer refunds or credits for cancellations made within 14 days of the camp start date. If you need to cancel or reschedule more than 14 days before camp begins, please contact us as soon as possible.
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.
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Local woman owned business rooted in love for our community and built with over a decade of local experience on the Bay
Our unique location at Ballena Bay in Alameda offers calm, protected waters for learning and direct access to the San Francisco Bay for bigger adventures
Equipment we provide for all our campers including wetsuits to keep them warm and comfortable
Our curriculum goes beyond paddling blending kayaking, paddleboarding, eco-education, art, teamwork, and mindfulness to give kids a one-of-a-kind experience they can’t find anywhere else.
Family Paddle Nights
Family Paddle Nights are a chance to get on the water together in Alameda’s Ballena Bay. Parents and kids paddle side-by-side, play games, and enjoy the sunset in a safe, welcoming environment. Best of all, kids paddle free on their first night!
June 2 - August 11
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM / Tuesday
$40 Per Adult / Kids FREE
Coupon Code: KIDSPADDLEFREE
What Parents Are Saying
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My kids literal favorite week ever. He keeps asking if he can sign up for another week!
I actually get tears in my eyes when I write this because he was nervous at first and I worried that I had signed a six-year-old up for something two immense, but literally Victoria and her amazing team of teachers changed his outlook and gave him more confidence than I could ever give him alone. They kayaked, but mostly paddle boarded, which was everybody's favorite and now he's asking me to get him a paddleboard! I really can't say enough good things. I normally don't leave my kids with people that aren't family but immediately the team felt like a little cohort of marine explorers and everyone seemed to really care about everyone else. Victoria is so conscious about safety and is constantly reminding the kids to put on sunscreen so much so that they can guess what she's about to say lol! I am not concerned at all about safety when I know such competent teachers are with my kids and I'm so happy that his introduction to Alameda has been so beautiful.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
— Alexandria
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I don’t write reviews often, but I really want to share this five-star review for the stand-up paddleboard summer camp by Gaia Guides.
It was an absolute delight for my child, and I couldn't be happier with the experience. First and foremost, the camp's staff exceeded all expectations. They were incredibly friendly, professional, and dedicated to ensuring the safety and enjoyment of every camper. Another aspect that stood out was the camp's dedication to providing a fun and educational experience. The instructors not only taught stand-up paddleboarding skills but also instilled a love and appreciation for nature and outdoor activities. It was incredible to witness my child's growth and development in both physical and mental aspects.
I highly recommend this camp to parents looking for a fun, educational, and memorable summer camp experience for their children.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
— Jessica
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This is one of the camps my child wants to attend every summer.
She has a blast every session she goes. I know sometimes the summer is grey and cold but don't worry, they provide wetsuits for the kids. Just be sure to bring some warm clothes to change into after taking the wetsuit off. The staff actively monitor the water and weather and they will plan activities and paddles based on the water conditions. That can be anything from paddling to the Hornet, SUP yoga to SUP Olympics. Last by not least, all the instructors are super nice and wonderful people.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
— Sharon