Inspired by watching the TV series Alone made me want to get started with learning survival skills…read more- this course helps you get your feet wet in the core elements of how to analyze and think critically when faced with a survival situation. Dan Baird was an incredible instructor (his background as a primitive survival specialist must be highlighted here) as he gave a very clear reality of what we need to tackle i.e. shelter and temperature regulation, knowing your environment, etc. We got to build shelters on what we think we would good for a survival and Dan showed us a much more sustainable version: both in a limited amount of time to replicate more dire situations. We also got to practice tying up gauze in case of heavy injury and bleeding as well as how to properly navigate via a compass (who knew there were two kinds of "north"?!) Overall, I highly recommend and will be back for more! Note: our training was in the mountains of Livermore - your car will get dirt on it!!

My friend and I met up for this adventure and we both had a blast while learning practical survival…read moreskills. I enjoyed our instructor Dan Baird as he was skilled at his craft and excellent at involving everyone in our group of many ages and backgrounds. Can't wait to pack my survival/first aid kit and use my tools on my next adventure. Side note: The intro class does make you want to take more classes!

My son Gavin has been with Athens Debate since 4th grade, and we couldn't be happier with the…read moreexperience. The program has helped him build a strong foundation in both public speaking and debate. Over the years, he's gained not only valuable speech and argumentation skills, but also confidence, critical thinking, and the ability to communicate effectively. When he started middle school, he transitioned into Lincoln-Douglas (LD) debate, and thanks to the outstanding coaching and supportive environment at Athens Debate, he quickly developed a real passion for it. He genuinely loves debating and always looks forward to practices and tournaments. The coaches are knowledgeable, dedicated, and truly care about each student's growth. They challenge students to think deeply while providing encouragement every step of the way. We're incredibly grateful for everything Athens Debate has done for our son and highly recommend Athens Debate to any family looking for an exceptional speech and debate program.

My sons learn speech and debate in Athens for 4 years. Athens offers an online opportunity as well…read moreas in person classes, easy to make up if missing classes, which is very convenient for the family with multiple children who need to schedule driving. I couldn't praise enough for Athens staffs, encouraging, friendly, and knowledgeable! They are not only debate coaches, they are role models for the children in how to interact with others with respect, consideration and compassion. The tournaments are super fun too! My boys love their in person tournaments where they can meet same age friends who also loves debate. A LOT of snacks in their in-person tournaments by the way. The trophies are big and nice. They really work very hard to leave the children life time memories. As a mother, I want to thank Athens for opportunity they provide and the dedication they show for children's growth!

My daughter (6 years old at the time) attended 2 different summer camps through 2B Creative Theater…read moreand Art in the summer of 2024. My daughter tends to be more reserved and takes time to warm up, so I wasn't sure how she would do in a theater arts camp. From day one, Brittnie was so welcoming and accommodating to my daughter. The camp was designed for all different levels of theater experience and for all types of personalities and learning styles. My daughter loved the camp from the start, and she actually got mad at me when I came to pick her up early one day! The camp had a nice variety of activities, including arts and crafts, journaling, and games. Brittnie and Ben did a wonderful job of making the process fun for the kids. There was never any pressure to do the play (on the last day) perfectly. Brittnie encouraged students to use their scripts as needed and she found a way to help each child shine. I felt that the group size was just right. There weren't too many students, so Brittnie got to know each child very well. She invited guests to come in during the week and help with things like voice, breath, and posture. Brittnie also sent a detailed email summarizing the day so we had a good idea of what the kids were working on throughout the camp. After doing one week of theater arts camp, my daughter happily and eagerly signed up for another week later that summer. I highly recommend the theater arts camps with 2B Creative and look forward to having my daughter attend again.

The camp was so well organized. Check-in and check-out processes were very smooth. Kid had a great…read moretime there. They have a small performance show at the last day of the camp. I was almost cried to see my girl singing on the stage.

great experience for kids... they absolutely loved it. they tried other basketball camps but this…read moreone was the best.

Great place, nice indoor gym, enthusiastic coaches. Just the right place to have to play basketball…read morefor the summer.

My child has attended the Summer Camp periodically, a winter Science Camp, and more recently,…read moreLeader In Training (LIT) camp. The lead counselors are positive, experienced, and passionate, work long hours tirelessly, excellent at teaching the kids, and develop the older counselor-in-training kids as future leaders, mentors and counselors. This camp gives your child a great opportunity to explore, and grow on a number of levels. Cannot say enough good things about their Leader in Training program. For the negative reviews: think about the expectations with which you go into this camp. -I do not feel it is a money grab at all. Campers can expect to pay $1-2 for optional ice cream or treats if they so choose. Starts teaches kids about money, and keeping track of their money, and making decisions, I think. Probably the lowest upsell on goods of any similar camp. Another camp on the other side of the mountains tells kids to bring $30-$60 for the week. -Their normal school bus shuttling from Saratoga was affected by the winter's rains and partial Sanborn Road washout, now prohibiting long/heavy vehicles like a school bus. They have since scrambled to get passenger vans while waiting for the road to be repaired. -Also, those teen counselors which were faulted in another review have more training than quoted, are monitored by senior staff, and have evaluations. Having seen some of the paperwork which goes on behind this, I can say that all the leads there are now extremely watchful, camper-focused, and dedicated to constant improvement. If you have a serious concern, I recommend talking live with the Director. She sends her own kid to the camp, too.

Walden West is a great place for your kid if your kid likes to hike or likes the outdoors. They…read morehave really good food like waffles, sausages and french toast for breakfast, bagged sandwiches for lunch on the Epic Journey hike, salad bar and chicken tenders and pizza for dinner. Make sure to bring water on the Epic Journey hike! About half of the staff I like and the other half I didn't. Every kid has to have a buddy with them to go to the bathroom or anywhere else, even if it's 20 steps away from where everybody is. If you have some medicine or something to be given by the health clerk, you have to go with a buddy even though it's right next to the cabins and have a water bottle to drink with the medicine. I liked my cabin leader, she was amazing. Overall it's fun but it can also be annoying. I am glad I went though.

I've been to Vasona many times and seen the sign for YSI, though I finally ventured in today!…read more This place is somewhat of a hidden gem; while it offers a chance to learn more about endemic species in our area, it is also very small. For that reason, I would say it's great to come here but I wouldn't go out of my way for it. COST: $6 for parking, but no cost to enter! PARKING: there is a spacious lot right next to the entrance. AMBIANCE: clean, uplifting, and cozy. There are many educational toys and books, which complement the somewhat small selection of animals to see. Would come back, but would be best to combine this with a walk in Vasona or a trip to the Oak Meadow merry-go-round or train.

Every child should be treated equally, my son was told he will not be given a shirt because he had…read moreparticipated in another class this summer, just because we are a returning customer my son had to experience this, when I asked Allyson(the director of the program) she said that's how things are done here and your son is not getting a shirt. Amazing

Art Hub Academy is extremely professional and accommodating. I registered my child for the Matiz…read moreclass online on July 21 (a Friday). Though there was a schedule that listed Matiz class 9:45 am to 10:45 am on Saturdays, there was no information regarding start and end date, so I was under the impression it was on a rolling admission, or that I would receive an email with directions. I did not receive an email with instructions, thus I emailed Art Hub Academy asking whether or not I should show up the next day (Saturday) for the class. Jose Luis emailed me back and let me know that all classes start at the beginning of the month, however he was super accommodating and allowed my son to come in the next day, all due to MY confusion! I apologized for the inconvenience and thanked him for his flexibility and for being so thoughtful. We showed up to the class the next morning, and Ms. Vivian was there. I am extremely impressed with how patient she is. She provided an all inclusive classroom environment that made my son feel comfortable. So much so, that he asked if I could leave because all of the other parents were not present. Usually he does not like to be alone in new environments until he warms up, but he wanted to be alone within 10 minutes of the class! The children were already working on a clay project from the week prior, and Ms. Vivian accommodated all of the children. I watched her navigate the class professionally with an enthusiastic attitude and friendly demeanor. She was well organized and made sure to give every child attention, as well as one-on-one attention. She explained tasks well to the children, and encouraged the children to socialize. She was gentle yet firm in her teaching approach. I got the vibe that Ms. Vivian loves what she does and it truly shows through her actions. When the class was over, I walked back in to pick my child up. I asked her how my child did. It went well, he enjoyed it all while having fun and learning art concepts. I was surprised at how attentive she proved to be. In addition to telling me how the class went, she picked up on things that I was already aware of, but did not expect others to pick up on during a one hour class. For example, she picked up on the fact that my son needs a lot of hands-on instruction and repetition. She even went as far as to ask how she could better help my son. Words can not explain how good Ms. Vivian's attention to detail made me feel as a parent. I am truly appreciative of the professional and patient demeanor exhibited by this facility. I am really happy with the choice I made to bring my child here. My son would not stop talking about how fun the class was, and walking me through the process of "wiring" for his clay model. It has only been one class and I can see the impact that this establishment has made on my child's self-confidence. The developmental gains that my son (and I'm sure other children) are making from this establishment are substantial. Thank you for the love and confidence that you pour into our children, Art Hub Academy!

My son, who is eight years old, attended one week of Summer Camp with Art Hub. He really enjoyed…read morelearning a new painting technique and a new way to draw.

Montalvo Arts Center feels like a peaceful escape--the grounds are beautiful for an easy hike or…read moreslow stroll. The Carriage House Theatre concerts are intimate and special, and membership comes with fun concert receptions. One of my favorite memories was meeting Charo at one of those receptions after a concert. If you haven't been, check their program schedule and upcoming events: https://montalvoarts.org/

Such a beautiful park maintained jointly by the Montalvo arts center and santa clara county parks…read more It's truly a hidden gem in Saratoga with beautifully maintained lawns, and ample trails. The Great Lawn in front of the main building ie the Montalvo Center allows picnics without reservations - just set up camp under a tree. There's a very well maintained Italian garden right next to the great lawn with varieties of succulents, a pagoda like structure and cedars. Also saw a wedding in progress while we were there and it is such a beautiful location for it! I will definitely visit again to explore the trails. Parking can be a little hard on weekends but you gotta just wait till a spot opens. If the event venue is booked out - that makes parking harder since they reserve a lot for guests. Free entry and free parking

My child has been taking classes here for over a year, and we've had a great experience so far. The…read morepace and instruction are well tailored to each student's level and interests. Each class has a good balance of teaching and hands-on practice, with a clear structure and dedicated time for both. At the end of each class, the instructor provides a recap along with comments on each student's in-class performance. This personalized feedback is very helpful for parents and gives students a solid foundation, especially for beginners. Overall, we've been very happy with the experience and would definitely recommend the classes.

My 5 year old daughter did their last week of Art Exploration Summer Camp. She was initially a bit…read morehomesick but Ms Gigi made her very comfortable and kept me updated. As for the art work, I was amazed to see how beautiful everything turned out. Highly recommend it! We will be signing her for the during the year classes as well.