Summer Camp 2018 Day Camp Overnight Family Camp Connecting to Life! Exciting summer camp experiences in a natural environment for kids kindergarten to high school, plus families! Family Camp All Ages RESIDENTIAL Wild Things K-1 st grade World of Wonder (WOW) 2 nd -7 th grade Trail Blazers 3 rd -6 th grade Trail Blazers Beyond 3 rd -6 th grade RESIDENTIAL Leaders In in Training ( ) 8 th grade Junior COunselors 9 th grade WaldenWest.org/summer (408) 573-3057 WWSummerCamp@sccoe.org
Building Community Magic of Nature Student Leadership Having Fun During your child s unplugged, screen-free time at Walden West they will engage in song-singing, creative team building, and connect with the natural world. They ll help create a community through shared experiences that cultivates independence, personal responsibility, and leadership skills. Young people have been making summer memories for over 25 years at Walden West, the Santa Clara County Office of Education s outdoor program. Our majestic redwood and mixed-oak forest setting is located in the Saratoga hills adjacent to Sanborn County Park, just 10 minutes from downtown Saratoga. Over 13,000 students attend summer and school-year programming here. Summer campers achieve a profound sense of awe. Walden West offers a break from the busyness of everyday life to truly savor their childhood summer: feeling the sun on their face, making a big cannonball splash in the pool, and creating lifelong, face-to-face friendships! We look forward to another wonderful magical summer of fun here at Walden West. Please join us! Mission The outdoor education team at Walden West cultivates the growth of essential skills in emerging leaders by exploring the power of collaborative relationships through the wonder of nature. 1
NEW! Family Camp All Ages RESIDENTIAL Summer Camp Programs 2018 July 5-7 June 11-15, 18-22, 25-29 July 9-13, 16-20, 23-27 NEW! Trail Blazers Beyond 3 rd -6 th grade RESIDENTIAL June 11-15 Wild Things K-1 st grade Registration will start on: February 28th at 7:30 a.m. To register, create a profile and sign in. Please use a current email address as all communications will be sent to it. For assistance, call 408-573-3057 or email WWSummercamp@sccoe.org. Accreditation American Camp Association (ACA). ACA- Accredited camps meet up to 300 standards for health, safety, and program quality. Leaders In in Training ( ) 8 th grade July 9-13, 16-20, 23-27 World of Wonder (WOW) 2 nd -7 th grade June 11-15, 18-22, 25-29 July 9-13, 16-20, 23-27 August 6-10 NEW! Junior COunselors 9 th grade June 11-15, 18-22, 25-29 July 9-13, 16-20, 23-27 August 6-10 Trail Blazers 3 rd -6 th grade July 9-13 July 16-20 July 23-27 Staff The camp is managed by Walden West Outdoor Science School and skilled staff. Walden West staff bring years of summer camp experience and a passion for the outdoors. Individuals hold certificates in first aid, CPR, challenge course safety, and lifeguarding, and are assisted by trained volunteer counselors from high schools and colleges, as well as from the ranks of our own former campers. 2
Family Camp All Ages NEW for 2018! July 5-7 RESIDENTIAL Cabins: $225/person Tent: $115/person Registration opens: March 7 There is a new exciting opportunity at Walden West: Bring your family to camp! Our three-day residential program is packed with fun and adventure as your family builds life-long memories. Enjoy quality time with your loved ones, leaving the rest to us! Our amazing team will facilitate this memorable experience and lead your family in exciting activities, challenges and exploration. Enjoy swimming, hiking, archery, the C.O.R.E. challenge course, arts and crafts, and more. We do all the cooking! Take a break and enjoy your family vacation, and delight in having fully-prepared meals. Have fun all day and camp out at night. Stay in a comfortable cabin, or set up in a tent on our big field. Family includes at least one adult and one child. Family members can be parents, siblings, grandparents, other relatives, or friends. Celebrate this experience with your whole family! There are two sessions to choose from this summer. Keep an eye out for future Family Camp programming throughout the year! 3
Wild Things K-1 st grade June 11-15 June 18-22 June 25-29 July 9-13 July 16-20 July 23-27 $500 Registration opens: February 28 Wild Things day campis an entry program for young campers K-1st grade, providing a higher ratio of staff and counselors per camper. It is designed to improve socialization skills and independence. The primary focus is to provide a safe, fun experience while fostering a love for the outdoors. Each morning, campers hike a short distance to the C.O.R.E. challenge course (low ropes only), pond, creek, or Sanborn County Park where our experienced staff lead games and organize hands-on exploration time out in the redwoods. In the afternoons, campers enjoy various choice activities such as archery, crafts, gardening, hiking, nature lab, and making an original, practical art project. Campers also have fun during swim time (weather permitting). 4
World of Wonder (WOW) nd-7th th grade 2nd June 11-15 June 18-22 June 25-29 July 9-13 July 16-20 July 23-27 August 6-10 $500 Registration opens: February 28 Step into a World of Wonder this summer at Walden West WOW day camp. Our traditional and storied day program is taking summer to new levels of excitement as nature and teamwork come to life. This day camp emphasizes positivity, creativity, and fun with campers working together and building life-long memories and friendships. In small groups, campers discover Walden West s natural beauty: its creeks, redwood forest, pond, and garden. Daily activities may include: hiking, archery, arts and crafts, games, gardening, sports, singing, nature study, and don t forget pool time! The C.O.R.E. challenge course is also a part of the day camp program that builds self-confidence, physical coordination, and the spirit of teamwork. Families are invited to the Thursday night BBQ and campfire. Campers may also opt to stay for the night hike and spend the night under the stars. Camper dinner and breakfast the next day is included. 5
Trail Blazers rd-6th th grade 3rd July July July July 9-13 16-20 23-27 30-August 3 $500 Registration opens: February 28 Escape summer tech overload with nature-based activities that foster a meaningful connection with the outdoors. The Trail Blazers day camp challenges campers to take their relationship with nature to new heights! Campers live a day in the life of indigenous California tribes, with the cooperative efforts of our LITs, and also experience the forest from the animals point of view. They find high adventure in the redwood forest running, building, creating and navigating through a myriad of hands-on activities that focus on teamwork, culture and forest ecology. Families are invited to the Wednesday night pasta dinner and campfire. Campers may also opt to stay for the night hike and spend the night under the stars. Camper dinner and breakfast the next day is included. 6 NTIAL RESIDE Navigate a forest trail without sight, Trail hike by the light of Blazers the stars, step into Beyond the past to learn 3-6 grade the old ways, then blast to the future to improve the new. This residential program gives campers a weeklong immersive experience where they learn teamwork, build community, and develop skills that will prepare them for a lifetime of rich outdoor experiences. The fun never stops in this actionpacked adventure week filled with survival skills, astronomy, nature engineering, and much more! rd rd th th June 11-15 $755
Leaders In in Training ( ) 8 th grade July 9-13 July 16-20 July 23-27 $600 Registration opens: February 28 The Leaders in Training (LIT) one-week program prepares 8th graders interested in and ready for the responsibility of caring for children. Within the Walden West camp environment, we focus on social and emotional learning, promoting positivity, a growth mindset, and creating a safe place for campers to be their best and be accepting of others. LITs receive introductory training in child safety and group management techniques. They tackle teambuilding challenges and work alongside our Trail Blazers program under the supervision of group leaders and mentors, as well as enjoying some camp fun of their own. Campers may register for one, one-week LIT session only. LIT graduates are guaranteed a spot in the Junior Counselors program next year and receive a certificate for completion of training and implementing service projects. Families are invited to the Wednesday night pasta dinner and campfire. Campers may also opt to stay for the night hike and spend the night under the stars. Camper dinner and breakfast the next day is included. 7
Junior COunselors 9 th grade NEW for 2018! June 11-15 June 18-22 June 25-29 July 9-13 July 16-20 July 23-27 August 6-10 $300 Registration opens: February 28 Walden West is eager to introduce our newest stage in youth leadership: the Junior Counselors summer program! This exciting opportunity allows 9th grade campers to engage in active leadership. Expanding on the Leadership in Training (LIT) program, Junior Counselors refines their leadership skills in working with young children. They will focus on areas of program planning, child safety, song and game leadership, and behavior management. They will gain experience as they work alongside group leaders in the WOW (World of Wonders) and Wild Things day camps. Each young leader will receive on-going, daily support through challenges, self-assessments and evaluations, with an opportunity to showcase their skills and knowledge. We believe our future leaders are right here in this camp, and we are excited to continue our culture of leadership among youth with the Junior Counselors program. Junior counselor graduates who successfully complete the training and meet all the requirements can join the ranks as summer camp counselor volunteers next year. 8
After-Camp Care 4 to 6 pm Need more time to pick up your camper after camp ends each day? Take advantage of our low-cost After-Camp Care. $30 per week (per child) FREE for all day campers! A.M. CAMP 7:30-8:45 a.m. Walden West Foundation Walden West Outdoor Science School s mission is to empower children to develop a life-long passion for science, engineering, and environmental stewardship. Annually it serves 13,000 students who come from wide-ranging demographic and economic means. Walden West Foundation supports Walden West programs, raising millions of dollars for projects and student scholarships. As a volunteer organization, nearly 100% of funds go directly towards programs. Please support Walden West by giving generously at the Foundation website: www.waldenwestfoundation.org. Welcome to The C.O.R.E.! The Challenge Course at Walden West, also known as The C.O.R.E. (Challenge Oriented Recreational Experience), consists of a zip line, rock wall, and a maze of cables, ropes, and platforms arranged into different elements. The C.O.R.E. is set in the canopy of the redwood forest with age appropriate levels which allow campers to experience the perception of risk in a safe and supportive environment. Campers develop self-confidence, learn group cooperation, face and overcome fears and improve physical coordination. The C.O.R.E. meets or exceeds all safety requirements set by the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) and is led by experienced, certified, and trained staff. 9
Bus Service (Day Camps only) Buses run 7:45 to 8:15 a.m. and 4 to 4:45 p.m. Pick up and drop off your camper at camp, or use our convenient bus service to/from Saratoga High School (7:45 to 8:15 a.m. and 4 to 4:45 p.m.). Register your child for bus service their first day of camp for only $7 per week per camper! (Note: the week of August 6 bus service is to/from Sacred Heart School in Saratoga.) Transfers/Cancellations Transfers and cancellations must be done in writing or email with a 21-day notice prior to the start of the registered week. A processing fee of $150 will be charged. There is a $75 fee to switch weeks. Registration and Information For registration questions call (408) 573-3057. For all other questions call (408) 573-3050 or email WWSummerCamp@sccoe.org. Daily Breakfast and Lunch Available Weekly breakfast (7:45-8:30 a.m.) and lunch (build your own sandwich station with fruit, vegetables and chips) are each just $20, or $40 per week for both. Sign-up in advance and see menus here! Cash or credit card (American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa) are accepted on the Monday of your child attending camp. Scholarships Walden West Summer Camp offers a limited number of scholarships (of $250) to families in need of financial assistance. Scholarship applications must be made by March 31 at www.waldenwest.org/summer. Generous donations to Walden West Foundation (see previous page) have provided funding for these summer camp scholarships. 10
15555 Sanborn Road Saratoga, CA 95070 WaldenWest.org/summer Summer Camp 2018 Sample Day Schedule 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. A.M. Camp/ Morning Shuttles 8:45 a.m. Camp Kicks Off! 9:00 a.m. to noon Program Specific Activities Noon to 1:00 p.m. Lunch 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Program Specific Activities 4:00 p.m. Camp Ends 4:00 to 5:15 p.m. Afternoon Shuttles 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. After-Camp Care