My son attended his first season at Camp Adventurewood in 2023 - it was his first experience at a…read moresummer camp and he was a little nervous and shy but all his counselors made him feel so welcome and comfortable and after the first day he was hooked! He loved the variety of activities and made so many new friends. He came home with fun stories each day. I loved that they offered a variety of options from 2 days/week to 5 days. We returned last summer and an unexpected and sudden medical event threw our summer for a loop. They were beyond kind and accommodating. Michael, the owner, personally made sure we were taken care of at a very scary time and was just incredibly kind and communicative. I can't thank him and his staff enough for the support. I would recommend this camp for any family. Its like a classic, old-school summer day camp experience!

My son attended Adventurewood camp for the first time this week. For the most part he enjoyed…read morehimself -- particularly the characters they introduce throughout the week. However, we decided to pull him out for next week because of a very disturbing situation. He shared that a counselor had pushed him with both hands on his shoulders during a capture the flag activity. He had dropped his flag and was putting it back on when a counselor (he didn't know her name) pushed him back hard enough to make him lose his balance and fall. She also barked "you need to reset!" She didn't ask if he was ok or help him up. You'd think if this was an accidental push and he fell over she would say something like "sorry bud are you ok? Here let me help you up" but nope, not a word. A friend he's attending camp with witnessed the whole incident. Since I pick them both up in the afternoons they both recounted this situation to me and both of them noted how inappropriate her behavior was. I immediately reached out to Michael, the owner of the camp. He said he wanted to identify this counselor and get her side of the story. Understandable. My son felt uncomfortable going back the next day but I reassured him it would be handled and offered to drop him off in the morning and stick around to talk to Michael and the counselor. I wanted him to feel safe. Michael identified her (her name is Carson) and said he wanted to talk to her first, which he did a few feet away from me. I heard her say she didn't push him. They then walked over to me and she again denied everything. So we asked both kids to come over and recount what happened. They both did -- in front of her -- and reiterated she pushed him. She denied even touching him. So Michael suggests at this point that perhaps it was an accident and my son responds by saying "how do you push someone like that by accident?!" No response. So I ask her, are you saying these kids are lying? She again said she didn't touch him and at this point we send the kids away. I'm incensed because not only does she gaslight both of them to their face but tells this bold faced lie to her boss in front of the campers and me. I tell her I believe them and I think she's the one lying. At this point she gives me this dirty look - angry, irritated and almost rolls her eyes at me. I turn to Michael and say "and now she's giving ME an attitude?!" Unbelievable. In a follow up call, he tells me how good of a person she is and that this is shocking for him to hear but that she doesn't seem like someone who would do something like this...that she's getting her teacher credentials and he knows her really well. I am getting the vibe he doesn't actually believe any of this and he sounds very skeptical. I respond by telling him that it's almost always surprising when people exhibit bad behavior and that even teachers do bad things...that doesn't make her any more credible in my eyes. He acknowledged that. In fact, it's worse because I would be really concerned to have someone like that teaching a kid. Lack of empathy, accountability, and integrity. I mean, I think it's great he's trying to have her back but there are moments in life when you need to draw a line and act swiftly...these are one of those moments. Because ultimately, this impacts the reputation of your camp. I told him that it would be good to offer training to his staff in case this ever happens again in the future and honestly he sounded baffled and asked me to clarify...I said well maybe tell your staff not to give dirty looks to a mom who's clearly upset that her son just got pushed by a grown adult at summer camp?? I told him that the response to this situation could've resulted in a totally different outcome. Had she said something like "I really don't recall pushing you but if I inadvertently did and made you feel bad I'm sorry - I didn't mean to do that" - I would've went home that morning feeling fine about the situation. When I told him this he said that he's not going to police all her reactions, that she's still young, that she's still learning and made all kinds of excuses for her. Exhausting. Apparently she got a "warning" and will sit out of the flag activity (umm, ok...). He seems like a smart guy and wish him nothing but success in the future and I was earnestly trying to offer advice for how to handle a situation like this better but it fell on deaf ears. I really hope that some kind of learning comes out of this for both of them. Oh and to top it off, my son's friend told her mom that Carson was giving her looks several times throughout the day today and when she asked what kind she said "side eye" looks. NOT COOL. My son also said she was kind of mean to him but wondering why they were even in close proximity when Michael said they'd absolutely be separated and would not see each other? Validates we both made the right choice by pulling them both out. He offered a refund but I'm still pissed about the situation.

I found Andrea on Yelp when my husband and I bought a house in the Duarte area. I used to ride as…read morea child, and I decided now was the best time to get back into it. Andrea has been nothing short of AMAZING! She is very experienced and knowledgeable, and allows you to move and grow at your own pace. She has been incredibly flexible with my schedule, and she has always been very prompt to reply when I contact her. I love that she allows me to arrive early to take my time to get my horse ready. I never feel rushed when working with her. She is very patient and kind with her teachings. I cannot believe more people do not know about this hidden gem and incredible instructor right here in north Duarte! I am now taking 2 riding lessons a week with Andrea, and I am learning so quickly and having so much fun all at the same time. She really cares about the safety of her horses and riders, and she instills a ton of knowledge upon you about her craft as well. She always makes me feel safe when I am riding, and that was something that was very important to me. I highly recommend Andrea to any beginner riders, experienced riders, or children just getting started for the first time. You certainly will not be disappointed!!

Andrea the owner is so nice and, I'm so glad I was brought to this hidden place of peace…read more I got to finally ride my dream horse for the first time; Friesian horse, his name was Acke German like the owner. I haven't done vaulting in 15 years, this was so much fun, I do yoga so it helped for sure because vaulting is a mix of acrobatics and riding. The place is so peaceful, and this helps a lot to relax and focus. So close from where I live and work, who knew this kind of hidden gem would be found in Duarte! Thank you Andrea. Posted a picture, it talks for itself.

The Y has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember - playing in their pools as a child,…read morethen getting my very first job ever at a local Y by my high school - worked as a lifeguard for the last 2 years of school - and as an adult trying to get fit again lol!! I've had memberships here off and on over the past 6 years - definitely my fave Y in the SGV!! Their pool is enormous!! I love to swim here - especially now with their new reservation system. They have 4 swim lanes available with room for 2 swimmers in each lane - and you make timed reservations via their app. Super easy to use and you can block out 30 minute increments as available in each lane with no limit to how long you want to swim. Upon check in, you'll receive a wristband with your times and lane numbers - so helpful in avoiding conflicts! This is far superior to their pre-pandemic process where lap swim was a free-for-all and insanely crowded - I couldn't ever get a lane which was one reason I stopped going. But that's all fixed now - I LOVE their new system! They also have a huge basketball gym, extensive weight room with nautilus machines and free weights, a ballroom/classroom, and a treadmill room that includes bikes, ellipticals and a stair master. They have weekly classes you can also sign up for - also very easy to do in their app. They don't have as many class offerings as they used to though - but I think they're all still trying to get things back up and running again from the pandemic. This location doesn't offer personal trainers yet - but I was told they will soon if there's enough interest. But your membership includes access to all the area YMCA locations and they offer PT services at the nearby Sierra Madre & South Pas locations. They have 3 locker rooms - one for men only, one for women only, and one for "families with small children". The one for families is limited to children under a certain age and nudity is forbidden. The other two include rules for children over a certain age (I think it was 12-13 but I can't remember) and nudity is allowed (showers and changing etc). The staff are all just awesome here - so helpful and friendly! Prices are very reasonable- especially compared to all the other gyms in the area - I've been shopping around for general gym services with a pool and personal trainer for several months now and the prices here beat all the others. They have tons of parking.

Came to the SA YMCA for their winter basketball league for my kiddos…read more The league itself practices in Wilson Middle School in Pasadena. This YMCA is located in Monrovia. Weird name and location spread out. The league itself was decent. For our age group, we ref ourselves and they do not keep score. Jerseys cost $10. Decent starter league if you want your kids to try basketball.

Brought my (almost) three year old for a class and she loved it…read more The next week attempted to bring her back and she had an absolute tantrum. Instead of them understanding and allowing me to reschedule for the following week, they told me too bad. Emailed to try to get someone to understand that tantrums are unpredictable and again, they didn't care. Kept throwing their 24 hour reschedule policy at me. Next time, I'll ask my three year old 24 hours before If she plans to have a tantrum. Definitely not a place for kids younger than 5. Don't waste your money.

I take my grandson, who is only two, to gymnastics, and coach Leila is amazing with him! She cares…read moreso much for the toddlers and is super patient with them -- but with the needed discipline which is so much appreciated!

I will be forever grateful that my child got to experience the magic of Village Playgarden for two…read moreyears, and even five years later (he just turned 10!), he still wistfully recalls even the most minute details of the love and joy he felt there in the respectful, developmentally focused care of Ms. Kikanza and Papa Geoff. From feeding the goats to swinging high up in the sky amidst the oaks, he developed a reverence for nature, and a sense of wonder, learned how to be in community with others, and listened to stories that fed his soul. From hikes on the forest trails to collecting eggs from the chickens, from digging in the dirt to helping prepare the fresh vegan meals, to sewing pouches for treasures like acorns found along the way, it was childhood as it should be. Thank you, VPG! I should add that I know that the campus is in a new place now, but I also know that with Papa Geoff leading the way, the heart of the school, and the deep respect for children will always be there.

We cherish our time at Village. It's meant so much to our family. Yes, it was a terrific school for…read moreour little but it was really also a place for us as parents to grow and truly grasp what it means to BE parents in today's culture without sacrificing the values of the past that we hold dear. Ms. Molly's parenting classes, and all the community gatherings, where we could speak so openly and freely about the challenges of parenting were life changing. Our little one has such a foundation of love of community, kindness to all, generosity, love of nature, and brave and fiery spirit that was truly NURTURED & FOSTERED at Village. Best of all, this place has a sense of humor about it. We used to joke that it's Waldorf Light, or Waldorf but willing to crack a joke. Geoff and the whole crew are all super down to Earth, maybe the downest to earth in some ways. Always felt like we could come to them about anything, and we wouldn't be judged even if we were challenging the existing norms. We could truly bring ourselves, and they met us where we were, just like they say they're doing for the kids. Honestly, I wish I went to school here.

We Love Kids Klub! Our son started at Kids Klub when he was…read morejust 1 and stayed through pre-K graduation. It was truly like a second home for him -- and for us. The environment is so warm and nurturing, and the staff genuinely cares about every child. They're flexible, attentive, and just wonderful people. The curriculum is amazing -- it goes beyond academics and really teaches kids manners, confidence, and how to be kind and respectful. Our son also learned Spanish & Mandarin, and picked up Korean from the extra curricular karate class they offer. He also loved soccer. The fact that they offered extra curricular classes made it easy for us working parents. The in-house kitchen is another huge plus -- fresh, healthy meals every day. Kids Klub is pricier than other daycares, but 100% worth it. What you get is unmatched. Now that he's in Kindergarten at a different school, we can really see how well Kids Klub prepared him -- socially, emotionally, and academically. We can't recommend Kids Klub enough!

I just have to say, this daycare center is one of the best around! I found it through a friend…read morewhose child is so happy there, and it really shows. My little one, who's 2.5 years old, adapted in just a week! The teachers are amazing--they greet my daughter with warm smiles every morning. Every time I pick her up, she's right next to her teacher, and it shows she feels comfortable and connected. She also loves giving them hugs when it's time to say goodbye! A huge shout-out to Ms. Jasmine, Ms. Liza, and Ms. Nancy--they're fantastic! They also have a flexible schedule that works for every family. We started with half-day programs, and I have to say, every time I pick her up at noon, the kitchen smells incredible! I found out they mainly use organic food from Costco! The facility is clean, organized, and just a lovely place. Plus, they offer Spanish and Chinese classes, along with fun activities like ballet in late afternoons. Honestly, I think it's the perfect spot for busy parents to send their kids!

BEST WEDDING VENUE EVER!…read more My husband and I dreamed of a wedding where everyone could stay together onsite, immersed in nature, with no worries about driving after a night of fun, and Camp Osito Rancho made that dream a reality. Our families stayed in the health center, lodge, and electrified cabins, while our friends embraced the adventure of summer cabins and tents. The venue offers so many stunning spaces, from the spacious dining hall for meals to the stage/amphitheater with fire pits--perfect for s'mores and late-night stories. We exchanged vows at the top of a hill near the outdoor pavilion, with a gorgeous backdrop of pine trees and a view of Big Bear Lake in the distance. We were able to offer our guests camp activities like archery and a pool day, as well as had room to setup other activities like craft tables and lawn games. The biggest perk was the complete freedom to choose our own vendors, allowing us to create a truly personalized experience (huge shoutout to Scratch Kitchen for catering--our guests still rave about the food). We spent a year making signs, collecting décor, buying solar lights, and crafting to transform this Girl Scout camp into a full-blown wedding festival. If you're up for planning the details, this venue is the ultimate blank canvas. Last but not least, the Camp Osito Rancho team is absolutely amazing. A huge thanks to Angel for her help throughout the year, Ryan for his help throughout the weekend, and to Gerardo for the tour that sold us from the start. For a wedding that feels like an unforgettable getaway, this place is pure magic

Amazing camp!! Came with sweet elite Girl Scouts 2020. My daughter canoed, rode horses, zip lined,…read morelearned archery. So many activities. Well worth the work. Beautiful campsite.

Just did a private cooking class with Cathey for my nieces 8th birthday. We had the best time…read moremaking spaghetti bolognese, garlic bread and chocolate chip cookies! Her truck is awesome and she uses great ingredients for all of her recipes. Would definitely do this for a birthday party. Thank you Cathey!!

Ms. Cathey & Ms Sunshine were great. We had them come out for our Girl Scout troop, earning our…read moresimple meals badge. They did a great job teaching the girls basic cooking techniques utilizing a variety of tools and encouraging healthy food choices. The girls made chicken spinach tomato & cheese panini and smoothies with veggies, coconut milk and fruit. They loved it.

Our daughter has been in this school for about a year. The teachers are all very friendly and…read morepatient. They would greet us when entering the gate at the playground. We also got phone call promptly from the teachers if my daughter is not feeling well. My daughter enjoyed her time in school and made many friends. We are happy with the school so far！

We've been with Montessori Academy of Arcadia for about two years now, and our twins will be moving…read moreup to the Advanced Primary class next school year. Overall, it's been a positive experience with a few minor considerations. One of the standout features for us is the flexibility -- the school is open from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM, and I really appreciate being able to drop them off as late as 9:30 AM. It gives us the chance to enjoy slow mornings together. In addition to the flexible hours, there are very minimal holidays, which is a huge blessing for working families who just can't take that many days off in a year. Meals (breakfast, snack, and lunch) are included, and the facility is nut-free, which is crucial for us due to our daughter's peanut allergy. The school is very accommodating, and both Emilene and Stacy are great with communication. Stacy speaks Chinese, which is helpful since we're a bilingual household, and she's on top of everything. Together, Emilene and Stacy run the school very competently and are always responsive when we reach out. We've also noticed Spanish-speaking teachers interacting with the kids -- it's a nice bonus to hear them occasionally counting or singing in Spanish at home. The school provides uniforms, which makes mornings simpler -- no outfit struggles. Homework starts in the Primary class but is optional, which takes off some pressure. I like that the teachers let kids learn at their own pace. For example, our daughter has started writing her name, while her twin brother is still tracing -- and both are encouraged at their own level. Class sizes are a bit large, which might be a concern for some. Also, nap time is still enforced even though our kids are weaning off naps -- understandable, but something to be aware of. One thing I do wish is that they would take and share more pictures of the kids during the day. As a parent, I'd love to see more of what they're doing and experiencing at school. Overall, it's a warm and structured environment with great hours, minimal closures, helpful staff, and a multilingual atmosphere that we really value.

5 stars for Pickup USA. I went to sign my son up with Fernando and I was amazed at what a great…read morevibe this location has. overall great experience.

I like this place. Great for kids. Sometimes I shoot around myself. But you should go on a Monday…read moreor Wednesday because otherwise there will be kids practicing there. You should bring your own ball because the free balls the provide either have no air or weigh a lot.