Outdoor Summer Camps for Kids in the Bay Area

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

We provide all paddling gear including Coast Guard approved life jackets, wetsuits and gear specially sized for each age and adventure.

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.

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.

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.

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.