Rebel Art School is one of those places that I wish every family could find for their kids…read more Our oldest has been homeschooled his entire life because he received a liver and kidney transplant when he was very young and remains immunocompromised. His education has consequently involved a lot of computers and technology. He also has developmental delays and clinically diagnosed difficulties with dexterity, so when we first found Rebel, we were excited about simply giving him a chance to unplug, use his hands, and experience a completely different kind of learning. What we didn't anticipate was just how important Rebel would become to him. Art has challenged his fine motor skills in ways that are productive and enjoyable. He is painting, drawing, sculpting, building, and working with different tools and materials, all while strengthening skills that are genuinely difficult for him. Instead of feeling like he's working on something he struggles with, he's proud of what he's making. But what Rebel has given him socially may be even more valuable. When you homeschool a child, finding meaningful opportunities to build relationships and feel like part of a group can take some extra effort. At Rebel, that happened naturally. He has formed relationships with his instructors and classmates, he gets excited about going, and he has a community that belongs to him independently of us. Watching that develop has meant more to me as his mom than I can really put into a review. Our experience was so positive that we eventually signed up his younger brother too. He's now almost through his first semester, and we've watched him find his own place there in an entirely different way. Both boys have participated in Rebel's summer camps as well, and those have become something our family looks forward to every year. Something else I really appreciate is that Rebel doesn't confuse teaching technique with teaching conformity. The kids are absolutely learning how to use materials, develop skills, and understand artistic concepts, but they aren't being taught that everyone's finished product should look identical. Their individual perspective is treated as part of the art. Their ideas aren't corrected out of them. They're encouraged to take what they're learning and make something that actually feels like theirs. I think kids desperately need more of that. They need places where imagination is taken seriously. Where making something unusual isn't automatically making it wrong. Where they can try something, discover it doesn't work, change direction, and keep going. Art gives children a language for things they may not always know how to put into words, and Rebel understands that beautifully. As a parent, I'm also incredibly particular about the environments I trust with my children. Rebel is somewhere I can send them knowing they are cared for, respected, encouraged, and surrounded by adults who genuinely seem to enjoy helping kids discover what they're capable of. I thought I was signing my son up to learn art. Instead, we found something that has supported him physically, socially, creatively, and emotionally, and eventually became something his brother could call his own too. So if you're asking me if I would recommend Rebel Art School? 10,000 times over, we recommend them!

Our daughter thoroughly enjoyed years of creativity with Alex and the wonderful team at Rebel Art…read more Now, as a high achieving student at Cal she attributes much of her creativity and acceptance of new challenges to the supportive atmosphere of exploration she experienced there. Rebel Art rounded out a great academic and student athlete with appreciation for the artistic dimensions of life. Your young one, too, may find depth in themselves--or they might just get excited about colors and clay! Either way, worth it! Thank you to Alex and her crew.

I can't even begin to express how amazing this center is! All three of our children have attended…read moreWACC since starting elementary school, and our youngest two participated in their Junior K program (known as Little Acres). Miss Julie and the Little Acres teachers are wonderful - they are kind, patient, and passionate about education and child development. The program is very well developed, and keeps the children engaged and interested in exploring and learning. Our kids have thrived under their care and direction, and were more than prepared to take on Kindergarten! Additionally, the after school care program was a wonderful bonus to allow for extended care. All the after school care teachers are engaging, fun, creative and clearly dedicated to childhood learning and development. Overall it's an extremely well-run program, and we could not be happier to have WACC as a part of our kid's lives. Our kids are always so happy at the center, it's often the highlight of their day!

I couldn't recommend Walnut Acres Children Center more! I use to have a shy kiddo and he has all…read morethe confidence now. The teachers are amazing, both of my boys love all the activities and they are so creative. As soon as can start your kids at the Children Center you should! It prepares them for school and they create life long relationships.

My son had the introductory archery class here. Instructor was really nice and laid back. He was…read morealso young and related well to an 8 year old without losing track of safety basics. My son really enjoyed the class. They let us wander the property a bit too before the class started (we arrived early). Ponies, chickens, goats, and a peacock in full display! Kids loved it.

My kids favorite summer camp for multiple years in a row. They got to hold chickens, milk goats,…read moretake adventurous hikes, and learn to ride horses. The counselors are great with the kids.

First, I don't recommend this for children entering K or younger. Our youngest is four (entering…read moreTK), but we kept her out this year because there are too many big kids and not enough supervision and structure. Basically, this place is a free-for-all for elementary and younger middle school students. Also, the bathrooms. Hit or miss. First day, one had ants and another one had poop. Last day, everything was clean and well-stocked. I realize that that's up to the janitorial staff of the host school and not S&K, but that is an area for improvement. With that said, Jenbert Jr 1 (6.5 years, entering 1st grade) had so much fun here. On her first day she played soccer, read in the library, made a bracelet, played interactive games with the counselors, went down the slip & slide, and played on the playground. She came back with an equally big smile on her face after the second day talking about finding Chucky the chicken, all the games she played, and pieing volunteers in the face. Jenbert Jr 1 is usually a fussy eater but she liked a lot of the meals here. She enjoyed the rest of her time here and can't wait to come back next year. As a parent, I love the flexibility, variety of activities (both the core and rotating), and the fact that nut-free lunch and snacks are provided. There are also veg and GF options. I also like that you only pay for what you use. We are looking forward to returning in 2027!

My kid and her friend registered for the last week of summer camp. They arrived at 9 a.m., but…read moreunfortunately, many things weren't open until 10:30 a.m. Consequently, they had limited options for activities. Even the open activities were completely full. When things finally opened, there were extremely long lines, and they were unable to participate in any activities except for a 20-minute sewing session before being excused for lunch. They were repeatedly told to return an hour later on many activities, so they tried the library, which was closed, and then searched for athletic equipment like balls or anything, only finding none that weren't already being played with. In essence, the kids were left with no options and were forced to sit around and observed other kids doing the same, which is not what we expected from what was advertised. I understand that the camp has a high number of kids the last week of summer, but it should not compromise their overall experience. I had to pick them up early because they literally had nothing to do. I am a working mom and was really hoping this camp would have worked out for them for the next day. Therefore, I requested a full refund but nobody ever got back to me about it. Super disappointing and a fair warning for others who are looking to enroll in this summer camp in the future.

My 5 year old daughter enjoyed Camp Galileo (Walnut Creek). I heard good feedback from other…read moreparents. The pricing is on higher side if you don't attend more than one week compares to other camps; however, the camp leaders and directors are very energetic and passionate to make science & art both fun and educational. On Fridays, the children bring home their projects and art work. Optional lunch ( partnered with Lunch Choice. All nut free!) was available for advanced purchase for entire week. It's pricey $36 for whole week , but lunches/snacks were healthier than typical school lunches and customizable. My daughter is picky eater, but she enjoyed all the lunches.

I sent my daughter to Camp Galileo (WC) for one week this summer and was very impressed. My…read moredaughter is on the spectrum, and they didn't bat an eyelash when I told them. They were instantly welcoming, took in all my input, were incredibly proactive and kind and patient. They communicated well, and most importantly my daughter had an amazing time. Would highly recommend.

We have a shy first grader who is apprehensive of new situations. The counselors made him feel…read morecomfortable and now he is loving camp. They offer a wide range of fun activities like archery, boating, swimming, etc

I used to be a camper here for one summer and when we were leaving to the annual camping trip in…read morethe Oakland hills our counselor left our entire group in a locked van for almost 45 mins in over 90 degree heat. I remember one or two people had luckily filled their water bottles or I think it would have been a lot different. When we got to the camp site we set up tarps and just put our sleeping bags on them with no cover. In the morning a bunch of white spiders were crawling on everyone and got in all of our bags. On that trip that gave us salad from a literal trash bag.

I can't say enough positive things about Grow Fit Camp. My daughter had a tough time adjusting at…read morefirst, and Eric the camp leader, personally reached out to make sure they were doing everything possible to help her feel comfortable. They truly care about the kids and prioritize their well-being, and their communication is excellent. I would highly recommend this camp to any family!

My 13 year old has spent 3 weeks this Summer as a CIT and has had a terrific experience working…read morewith the team at Growfit. It's his 1st official job and he comes home every day excited about getting to help the younger kids in sports, science, art, etc. Kudos to the team for creating a great environment for someone like my son to get some beneficial work experience!

My son loves this place! They are fantastic. Highly recommend for your child to get a good work out…read moreand have fun.

This place is awesome. We live a little far away so can't make it consistently but the facility is…read moresuper cool, the staff is very welcoming and friendly, and they are very very flexible about drops ins and the like. Definitely recommend trying it!!!

North Peak Riding Academy and all its instructors has been a Godsend in my daughter's life! We came…read moreto this school after a year or two looking for consistent lessons, a covered arena option for inclement weather, and multiple teachers and horses to cover any illnesses or needed down time. We got everything we wanted and more. From the moment we arrived, my daughter was greeted with love and acceptance. I was also pleased to see a few other riders of color, since my daughter is of mixed race and the horse world tends to be predominantly white. This school has become a home to my daughter and a place of great benefit -- both physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The instruction (from all teachers) is top notch and my daughter's riding skill has skyrocketed since joining last year. Simply a wonderful place!

My daughter has spent over 2 years with the wonderful trainer, Deb Henry. She is patient, thorough,…read moreand cares deeply for the riders and horses. Her care for her horses is impeccable and teaches horsemanship in a positive and safe environment. She has become like family to us and I'm so grateful to her.

My 13 year old had a transformative 4 weeks at Roughing It day camp. She bonded with her group of…read moregirls, and responded to the great counselors and staff. Near the end of camp, she fell off a horse (only hurt her pride), and the counselors were so helpful and concerned for her to literally "get back on the horse" as soon as possible. That little tumble ended up being the pivotal positive experience in her entire summer! Although she attended camp reluctantly, she is now enthusiastic about returning this summer as a camper in leadership training (CILT).

The registration process is all online but good Lord they require a lot of information. If your…read morechild has ADD they require a Dr's note, if you don't want to medicate at the camp - I find the paper work excessive. It's super expensive ($600+) so I registered for the sample day (one day instead of the whole week) for $60. We are trying out the camp to see if it's worth the $$$. Cons - They don't provide lunch (for that much $$?) - The hours are 9-3 (technically that's not a full day when your a working mom) Pro - Check in was quick. They show up and check everyone in between 8:45 - 9am. - It's outdoors and they let the kids choose the activity - It appears friendly and loving Would I pay crazy dollars to go here? No, but I have always wondered what it was like. It's very similar to the Camp Potowatami at East Avenue, with a lake.