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.

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....

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.

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.

Decently sized gym and a fun location. This gym has almost all essential equipment, but is missing…read moresome things like a decline crunch and hack squat. They are easily substituted, but it would be nice to have here. There is also a parking lot which is paid parking everyday from 10AM-5PM. Before 10 AM or after 5 PM, parking becomes free (i assume). The facility is quite clean and the service is fantastic. There is a gymnasium, group class sessions, bike room, and a stretching room. Overall a decent gym with nice equipment, but would be nice to have some more. Gym equipment not pictured: - Precor Resolute Multi-Station (2x Lat Pulldown, 1x Low Row, 1x Adjustable Pulley) - Cybex Plate-Loaded Squat Press - Cybex Eagle NX Hip Abduction/Adduction - Cybex Eagle NX Glute - Cybex Prestige Strength VRS Fly/Rear Delt (Pec Dec)

Once my son joined the YPAC YMCA team a year ago, I signed up for gym memberships for us and the…read moreswim team for him as a package deal. I can't remember details other than the difference was negligible to do both and it made sense. I've gently eased myself getting back into working out. I used to train hard, 5+ days a week. Let's just say it's been a glacial progress getting back into a routine; I need to improve. Presidio YMCA is a great gym, not too crowded and it's clean. And with my son now working out 3-4 times a week before he trains with the swim team, I don't have an excuse not to go more often. Fitness goals..

Teacher Kelly is the best! She works amazingly well with toddlers and young children. Her art…read moreclasses and camps are filled with exploration, fun, and excitement. Highly recommend all her classes and camps for families looking to enhance their children's artistic abilities and creativity.

As other reviewers have mentioned, Kelly and her team are magical. I have an 8 year old daughter…read moreand 11 year old son and they have been going to GGAN's summer camp for multiple weeks every summer for the past 6 years. My kids are very different in temperament and interest and this is the single camp they both want to do over and over again and so do their friends. Kelly and all the counselors as so nurturing of children's natural curiosity and desire to explore both in the studio and out in nature. As an arts and crafts lover myself, I wish I could hang out in the art studio, it is truly a magical space. I'm not sure what the prior counselor review was about, but I personally have found the counselors to be extremely skilled, the space very clean, and my kids feel very well cared for.

Easiest review I've ever written, if I could give 6 stars, I would. The educators and the school's…read moreapproach to social emotional development is beyond what I could've hoped for my kiddo. Not only is my son developing and flourishing, I am a better parent because of what I have learned. The element of being in the forest is so beautiful and unique. My kiddo was confused at first "how a school could be closed on the weekend if there are no doors" :), but I've grown to really adore the benefits of a fully outdoor school. From pointing out where sour grass is in abundance to spotting dark-eyed junkos, my son has a beautiful appreciation for the natural world around him that is not something that I would've instilled in him. They have a book station, a "mud" kitchen, and sometimes structured art activities (and I can't speak to what they do in the older classes yet), but I love that the majority of their play is imaginative. There is space to run, climb, and explore. The educators really follow the lead of the kids interests too and bring in books, conversation, art within that space. I am grateful to have stumbled upon such a magical, intentional place. It is a community that we are so glad to be a part of and couldn't imagine life without.

Our family couldn't be happier with Spire School, a fully outdoor forest preschool based in the…read morePresidio. Our son has been in pre-school for two years and we've loved the program's play-based, emergent curriculum deeply rooted in nature connection. Our son was timid and introverted when he started this program and it's amazing to see his physical and emotional confidence build through exploring in nature and experiencing the physical range of weather. What most struck me was the growth in the expansiveness of his imagination through the program which was an unexpected outcome. Watching his ability to play imaginatively within the constraints of the nature classrooms has been amazing to watch. I've also been so impressed by the quality of the educators at Spire. Teacher Kristyn, in particular, is so intentional about how she uses the outdoor environment to develop the various components of early childhood education. She's very clear how she uses various parts of the forest to work on fine or gross motor skills, for example, or how she engages the children in various play-based scenarios and activities to work on cognitive function or various interpersonal skills. The school is also very flexible, inclusive and supportive of families. The lack of rigidity in the school has been a huge plus for us. They are very supportive of each child's individuality and focus their time on adapting to each child's unique interests and needs. The school has a very low student to teacher ratio so the level of individualized support and the depth of relationships is wonderful. I feel very grateful to live in a place like San Francisco where the weather allows for a school like this. I figure my son has years of sitting inside at a desk so why not let him spend as much time outside in his early school years as possible. Nature is powerful and healing.

My daughter attended three weeks of spy camp and LOVED every single day! One week was co-ed at the…read moreFlorida St location; the other two weeks were girls only at the Hayes Valley location. My daughter came home every day excited to tell me what she did at camp. The activities she did over the course of three weeks included laser mazes, stick fighting, snowboarding, learning actual spy skills (tailing, surveillance, dead drops), and going on simulated spy missions. The camp is super communicative: you get email updates every day with pictures and summaries of what the campers did that day. She says she definitely wants to go back next year. My daughter is open to trying new things, enjoys problem solving activities, and has a high frustration tolerance. I could see this camp being less appealing for kids who are more cautious or who get frustrated easily.

My 8yr old son's favorite out of 5 camps in past 2 yrs. We signed up online after a bad experience…read moreprevious week with steve and kate camp (Feinstein location). $550 each week was worth every penny. All mask and COVID protocols in effect was comforting. Mix of outdoor and indoor activities, great low ratio of student vs instructors. They rotate each week Thurs/Fri is the snowboard or skiing so was happy to sign up for 2 weeks. Great intro to winter sports for son with zero prior experience, learning without the discomfort of cold and fear of falling. We plan on getting additional endless slope time slots before Tahoe. The kids learn to put on the boots and ski by themselves and proper sizing. Free Parking tight but always available at 9am and 4pm within a block. Highly recommend for elementary school aged, or older CIT experience. Most of the camp is spy activities and outdoor playground games. Don't expect a proficient skier after, but a very happy camper!

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

I am a kid who went to Camp Galileo. Here's a knock knock joke:…read more"Knock knock" "Whose there?" "Camp Galileo" "Camp Galileo who" "Camp Galileo is poo poo doo doo dusty musty crusty rusty usty lusty fusty chusty moldy oldy foldy zesty preppy googlechrome chromosome ice cream cone chicken bone all alone on the phone no way home" In their ad, they have a giant grassy field, but in reality, they have a tiny playground no bigger than half a basketball court. Their ad also shows kids making stuff with power tools, but actually we spent 5 minutes making stuff out of cardboard and the rest of the time was spent in a tiny room with everyone in the camp going crazy. Another thing you should know is that you don't take home most of the stuff you make. Also all of their things are knock-offs: their mascot is called Clucky which is obviously copied from Steve and Kate's Camp's mascot, Chucky. The also have things called cluck bucks which are copied from Steve and Kate's Camp's Moose Bucks. We didn't even play the games that they said we would play today. In idea lab, they said we would make a game involving our heads and take them home, but instead we built towers out of paper and threw them away. On Friday they have pie day where kids are supposed to pie teachers, but the teachers make a list of kids they will pie without permission. There are so many more things that are wrong with this camp, but I'm too slow at typing to list them all.

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.