Steve & Kate's Camp - Palo Alto - Palo Alto, California

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My child had the happiest spring break of his life here. It was basically an extended party lasting several days: no need to adhere to schedules, no need to obey commands all the time. He could spend days playing the same activity, which was exactly the experience he had longed for, and it was very beneficial for developing his concentration.
The staff here are delightful toward the kids, and the children in the camp are also very friendly. I could see my son relax both mentally and physically during this time.
Of course, there was a certain degree of chaos and conflict, but because teachers rarely intervened, children had the opportunity to resolve or mitigate these conflicts in their creative ways. So overall, they could leave the camp happily and healthily.
Finally, they do have significant freedom to use electronic devices, but at least my son didn't completely immerse himself in them because there were too many things more interesting than electronic products there.

Nick B.

Update - went back again this year and 7 great days for our daughter. Very happy (and just you need to *remember* to bring ID to pick your kids up - if you do that all great, if not really painful).

Mixed:

Good side: kids have fun, play, hang out and the system is flexible so you can drop and pick up each day. It is also cheaper than other camps in Palo Alto. Sign-up night before. My kids enjoyed their time inside the camp.

Bad side: drop and pick-up is abrasive and unpleasant. ID checks, lines and even a fight with somebody not able to take their kid because of the wrong id, with shouting and swearing (in front of kids). Maybe they have an issues with child theft in the past?

Fabiola R.

Few activities, everything in a closed big room, broken machines in some activities. My kids did not enjoy it as the one in Sunnyvale.

Farzaneh H.

Do not send your kids here! My son was stuck in the bathroom for three hours, and they didn’t even try to find him until I arrived to pick him up. When I spoke to the manager, she said they don't check attendance during the day! My son is really traumatized.

Olga G.

My 6 y.o. daughter went to multiple summer camps in the area prior to Steve&Kate’s camp. She never wanted to stay at the same camp for longer than a few days because she gets bored easily. However, she enjoys Steve&Kate’s camp a lot and keeps asking me to purchase more days. Kids do so many activities there, it just blows my mind:
- baking,
- machine sewing,
- playing lots of games (of course),
- jumping in a bouncy house,
- creating movies and music,
- reading books,
- having fun with water outside.
This week they’ve had an opportunity to pet rabbits, chickens and Guinea pigs. Food is provided and you can always choose something appropriate for your kid from their menu. My daughter loves that she can choose activities for herself throughout the day. And I’m happy that she’s happy!

Sohini R.

HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE for my 4 year old. They did not give him any food all day and lost his water bottle. We pack lunchbox for him everyday and upon collection time I see his lunch box was untouched. I asked my son did you eat anything all day, he said no. When I asked the person at pickup why his food was not given to him he rudely replied ‘ if he can’t take his own food he does not eat’. I was so furious I told him we are not returning anyone. I immediately cancelled all future visits to the camp and booked elsewhere. If you have any care for your young kids STAY AWAY FORM THIS GID AWEDUL PLACE!!

Pamela K.

The concept of this camp being self driven seems like a good way to allow kids of different creativity nterests to pursue what they like to do. But there should be guidance and advocacy from staff members onsite, because there are first time campers at this camp and not familiar with this format. Also new kids, who came alone without siblings or friends. This is what happened:

1) Staff member asked the kids after check-in to find a partner. My 6 y.o. grandson (first timer at this camp) asked 2 kids, and they said they already had partners. So he was alone all day from activity to activity by himself, and looking at how other kids were laughing and making things together. He totally missed out on the "fun" factor of this camp experience.

Summer camp is a place where kids not just "do", but also form new friendships with other kids, develop self confidence and build trust with the adults (staff) who are there to support and guide the kids to make this a meaningful experience. Shouldn't a staff member connect him with a group of 2 or 3 kids?

2) At 3:30 p.m., I went to pick him up. The staff at the check-out called for him. When he came, he said he had his swim pants on,
and would like to go on the waterslide. I asked the staff is it ok that I come back in an hour to pick him. He said ok. So I left.
Upon my return at 4:30, my grandson said he could not go on the slide because it will be closed at 4. The disappointment on his face was palpable. Why didn't the staff tell us that?

3) Food: this is just an FYI. The cheese pizza had very little cheese on it per my grandson. He is not a big eater.

Beate T.

My kids have been going to Steve and Kate's Camp for years. We like the flexibility the camp hours give us as parents and the kids like the variety of programs offered. Definitely would recommend this camp to other busy parents or bored children. Minus one star for some lack of sports/outdoor activities for active boys-those activities really depend on the engagement of the individual counselors.