Three of our kids have been through City Kids and every one of them loved it. Evan is super…read moreresponsive and clearly works hard training his counselors and counselors-in-training. The kids head all over town, to parks, beaches, and wherever else the day takes them. They learn to ride the bus and explore the city we live in, and they pick up real life and people skills along the way. The staff is also really good about staying in touch with parents. Highly recommend! It's a pretty good value as well for an all day camp.

I was in San Francisco for work and signed my kids (8 & 9) up for the City Kid Camp. They LOVED it…read moreand asked to stay longer. They made friends and loved the daily trips and activities. They came home exhausted every day, but happy and excited. The camp is a unique format - the kids are out exploring the city, playing games, learning new things, and developing social skills. Evan and the team that run the camp are great. You can tell that they are really interested in helping the kids have a great experience and develop skills. The kids are definitely in good hands and well supervised and cared for. I also love that it is a device-free environment. My kids are already asking if they can go back next summer....

There are few times in my life where I drop off my son for a camp or after school program and feel…read morelike he will be engaged in ways that he's never been before. That's how I feel about Tinkering school. My Son,6yrs old, literally talks my ear off after coming home from here. He talk about the human size Hungry-Hungry Hippo he's making out of pulleys and wood, about the working Air hockey table and how good he is getting at using real tools. Joshua and Nathan and everyone else there are kind, attentive and passionate about what they do. I leave feeling like I'm actually enriching my child's life instead of just leaving him with somebody to babysit him. Registration was easy and They are pretty good at getting back to my emails. Not sure why the bad review here said it was hard. I guess I'm just good at using a computer.

Our son attended this summer camp for the first time. We were so excited because he's always asking…read moreto build stuff using tools/power tools. Our experience was disappointing. Since the camp is an extension of Brightworks School, there are kids who know the ropes and are familiar with the way things work. Unfortunately, the camp isn't set up to really introduce kids who are new to the process of building. Every day our son came home and said he hadn't built anything because he didn't know what to build. Yes, some kids will dive right in and come up with something. Others need instruction, and that's normal. Brightworks has a reputation for being child-led to a very high degree, but I take issue with them not teaching our son about the materials and tools so he could feel comfortable and build something, which he did do on the two final days. When I asked for someone to give him some guidance or ideas, I was told they don't like to give the kids ideas because then they all do the same thing. Yes, yes, I agree, but that applies to the kids with experience, not a kid who's been there 2 days and has no idea what to do. That takes the concept of child-led too far. A school friend was with him at camp and they reported that the instructors were snappy with the kids. Sigh In addition, on their day at Crissy Field, he returned home with the worst sunburn he has ever had. When I inquired about why nobody had put sunscreen on him, I was told that they had given the kids sunscreen and he had applied it himself. He is not yet 7. He is not responsible for sunscreen application to protect his skin from damage. Adults are responsible for that. Even if he takes off his hat, it's the adults who have to enforce the safety rules. Given our experience, we asked if we could un-enroll him for the following week and get a refund. They declined, much to our disappointment.

We held our child's birthday party at STEMful and the team exceeded our expectations. It was well…read morerun. The activity was fun. And everyone had a chance to connect. I'd recommend the location for a birthday party or special event.

After a number of years, our family we will not be returning to Stemful…read more This decision is based on my recent interaction with David. During the first day of a holiday camp, the front door was unfortunately vandalized. Not their fault! Was is in their control is how they handled it. 1. We received no communication about the incident until we arrived for drop off. They should have sent an email as soon as they discovered the vandalism so we don't show up in person! 2. When I did arrive for drop off, I asked about the status of the glass replacement, code compliance, and timing for completion. The questions I asked were reasonable and directly tied to safety and planning as a working parent. Instead of receiving clear information or empathy, I was met with condescension and a dismissive attitude. At no point was there acknowledgment of the very real constraints families are navigating--jobs, schedules, and the need for reliable, high-quality educational programs like the ones Stemful provides. The conversation centered almost entirely on David's personal stress in managing the situation, rather than on transparent communication with parents who are impacted by it. He essentially told me to go away and stop asking questions. 3. When I called back later to inquire about the status of the glass, he doubled down on his attitude, said "aren't you the person that was here before?" and demanded the name of my camper so we can "get this taken care of". It was incredibly threatening in language and tone and I didn't even feel comfortable giving my child's name. While we eventually got a refund, I'm not confident that me or my camper will be treated with respect and care in David's presence.

Thank you for providing such wholesome and connecting opportunities for our teens. My son has been…read moreattending Camp Tawonga for over 4 years and has benefited from numerous scholarships that have allowed our family to take advantage of this experience. Our son talks frequently about how much he appreciates Camp Tawonga and being able to spend screen free time with a great group of peers (my son is typically as glued to his phone as any other teen). He gets so much out of being immersed in a values based Camp Tawonga experience. I appreciate the influence, love and community that you have provided him. Thank you to all of you!

Our family had long appreciated the mission and values of Camp Tawonga. One of our children…read moreattended Taste of Camp and had a truly wonderful experience. As someone who works in the Jewish community, I had frequently recommended Tawonga to others, believing in the strength of its programming and community spirit. Unfortunately, our experience left us feeling deeply disappointed. Our child was registered for a summer session but was unable to attend due to the sudden passing of a close family member just days before camp began. As the family member's funeral was held out of state and organized by us, attending camp was simply not possible. We informed camp staff in advance, sharing both the situation and the fact that we are a financial aid family, and asked if any credit or accommodation could be made for a future session. We received single-sentence emails with zero condolences stating that the policy was no refund (which we didn't request) or credit. It was such a strange response we wondered if it was AI. Despite multiple follow-ups from us during a time of grief, we were told nothing could be done because the deadline had passed. At long last, the only acknowledgment of our loss was a brief line hoping the funeral preparations were going well--no further condolences or recognition of our child's disappointment were offered. By contrast, another camp we had registered with for a different child responded with immediate compassion--offering a partial refund without being asked, sending condolences, and even making a small kind gesture when our child was finally able to attend for a shortened period. As a family raising Jewish children and deeply involved in the Jewish community, this lack of empathy from a camp we had held in such high regard was especially painful. We weren't asking for a refund, just understanding and flexibility in a time of extraordinary personal loss. We struggled to name the Jewish value being demonstrated by Tawonga and still do. We will never return to Tawonga in the future--both due to financial constraints and a lack of confidence that our children's emotional needs would be supported in difficult times. The Jewish sleepaway camp we've attended for the past several years has actually lived and walked the values they advertise, and we couldn't be happier. We share this with the hope that it encourages a deeper reflection on how grief, compassion, and community care are handled. We continue to believe in the power of the Jewish community and wish all campers and families positive experiences in the future. -- A Jewish Family in the Bay Area

My 6.5 yo daughter attended for three weeks and had a great time! She actually loved it so much,…read moreshe begged for us to add after care so that she could spend more time at camp. There were a lot of activities to choose from: arts and crafts, engineering exercises, free play, dress up, and sports. There was even face painting some days! From what my daughter shared, it sounded like the camp struck the right balance between having structured activities and providing free choice. As a parent, I appreciated how organized the camp was. Groups are divided by age/grade so kids can make friends easily. Drop off and pick-up was a breeze. The camp director was very communicative and it was clear he put a lot of time and thought into designing fun and educational camp programs. We'll definitely be back next summer!

Camp for incoming 6th graders was good…read more Camp for incoming 4th graders is boring and basically like a babysitting camp. Disappointed in staffs unwillingness to work through this with us despite saying we wanted to keep our one kid in but didn't want to keep our other kid in who was having such a lame experience. Very expensive for what it is for anything under incoming 6th graders

What an amazingly creative atmosphere! It's a tiny shop filled with magical little things to…read moreinspire creativity of kids and adults alike. All proceeds go to their tutoring program. Definitely stop by and make a purchase or donation and enjoy the woodland vibe. They have a seed bank too!

After our mini golf, delicious food and drinks adventure, we ventured out into the nearby…read moreneighborhood. Our second stop was supposed to be SomiSomi located just steps away from Spark Social, but it isn't open yet. Bummer. But then we saw 826 Valencia - Mission Bay Center Woodland Creature Outfitters, and we both were excited to check it out. We felt the magic as soon as we entered. This place looks like it was built for forest nymphs, magic creatures, and those who believes. Lots of interesting cool products, mix with things you may find from magic potion shops, and artsy workshops. We also learned that this organization is a writing center that serves under-resourced students. And this center is also part of a long-term redevelopment plan for this neighborhood to integrate low-income housing into market-rate housing to become one of San Francisco's most thoughtfully integrated neighborhoods/communities.

Tucked in the Outer Richmond, just down the way, It's the…read moreperfect stop to brighten your day. Hit the beach or Golden Gate Park when you're through, Or make Butterfly Joint the destination for you. At first glance, you might think it's just coffee and treats, But there's something even more special behind the scenes. Danny has been working with kids for 30 plus years, Building confidence, life skills, and plenty of cheers. The workshops are hands-on with woodworking fun, Teaching real tools, not toy versions for everyone. But before the projects begin, there's one lesson that's clear: Manners, respect, and safety always come first here. The kids even head to the park during the day, Mixing fresh air and adventure into the play. They leave with a project they're proud to display, And lessons that will stick with them long after today. Meanwhile, the coffee window is reason enough to stop by, Serving donuts, cookies, sweet treats, and my favorite, chai. Espresso, pastries, and all the classics too, There's something delicious waiting for you. Whether you're dropping off your kids for an unforgettable day, Or just grabbing a coffee before heading on your way, Butterfly Joint is one of those neighborhood gems you'll adore, Come for the caffeine, stay for the community and leave with so much more.

I am only commenting on the coffee shop.... the owner Danny is really friendly and makes you feel…read morewelcome. You order thru the window counter, street side. This is a true family owned, neighborhood cafe. I had an iced Americano, good light blend, really smooth.

I cannot say enough good things about Art School of SF Bay! The instructors, Maria and Lana, are…read moreabsolutely amazing--they have been incredibly helpful and supportive throughout both of the courses I've taken (Key Elements of Fine Arts for Beginners and the Realistic Open Art Studio). Even though I had some prior experience, the classes on portrait drawing and proportions were highly valuable. While the abstract art component wasn't for me, every single skill they taught was ultimately put to use in my final project. Thanks to their wonderful guidance, I've created paintings I never thought I was capable of making. I highly recommend this school!

My almost 7-year-old has been attending this school since she was 5. Why? Because she genuinely…read moreenjoys it. She loves that she is never bored. Every week she learns something new: new styles, materials, and techniques. Sometimes they focus on painting, other times on sculpture or different forms of art. Katia and Sara have both been her teachers, and she has felt happy and supported with all of them. Like with many activities at this age, it took a couple of weeks for her to fully adjust and feel familiar with the environment but consistency made a big difference. As parents, we appreciate seeing her come home excited and proud of what she created. It is easy to notice how much she has progressed over time and we get very excited when we see her project. We also appreciate the communication style of the school. They provide a high-level overview each week of what the kids will be working on, which keeps parents informed without overwhelming us with too much information. On the administrative side, tuition payments and renewals are simple, and the staff has always been friendly and helpful whenever we have had questions or needed help resolving any mistakes on our part. We also love the location. Depending on the day and who is with me, it is easy to wait nearby at the library, a coffee shop, or a restaurant while class is in session.

SFSU Gator Camp is an incredible experience for kids and a great value for parents. My kids want…read moreto return next year without hesitation. They have a ton of fun playing a variety of sports and games while strengthening their bodies. Their leadership is the head of the Dept. of Kinesiology at SFSU - which means they are learning solid skills. If you want to get your child in the pool every day, this is a great option. But maybe you want him to play tennis. That is also on the daily menu. As is martial arts and team sports. The bottom line is that real skills will be learned. We signed up for all six weeks. My kids started camp having never held a tennis racket, now they are serving the ball and playing with confidence. All of this with university level facilities! It's easy, easy drop off and pick up. Just pack a few things and lunch is provided. This is the most rewarding, stress free summer my kids and we parents have ever had!

My kids, Cameron and Morgan had a blast this summer and would love to come back next year. It…read moresounds like you made all the rotations really fun. Lily

My son started volunteering with Sky Kids as a junior counselor for a few camps and then in the…read moresummer from 8th to 9th grade wanted to work as many weeks of camp as he could. He is planning to join in the fun again this summer. He really loved the staff, kids and activities. Miranda and Shelly, the leaders of Sky Kids, treat the JC's with respect and they get to enjoy many outings and adventures. They also learned about being responsible, on-time and reliable. All good things. Would you believe that one night I heard from a 13 yr old, "...Mom, I have to get to bed early. Those kids wore me out today and I am working again tomorrow. It's a lot of responsibility, you know." Highly recommend Sky Kids and I heard they are going to begin an after-school program too. I'm sure it will be a success as well.

Fantastic summer camp! Our daughter had a blast and it was a great way to keep up her Mandarin…read moreduring the school break. We also hosted an exchange student and the whole experience was really well organized. We look forward to coming back next year.