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Palo Alto Summer Camp

*Information from summer 2024 and subject to change for 2025

PALO ALTO, CA

Palo Alto Summer Camp

Thank you for joining us at camp! Summer camp has now ended for 2024. Sign up to be notified when we open camp next!

All year long, kids find themselves encased in rigid structure.

When summer comes, we give them what they desperately need — freedom to expand and evolve. At Steve & Kate’s, campers choose which activities they do, whom they do it with and for how long. For kids, this experience is pure joy. It’s also a kind of training ground for life, where they’ll need to be empowered and independent and resilient and responsible for their own decisions. Happy human-ing starts here.

Grown-ups adore freedom, too.

We’ve described the magical gift you give your kids when you empower them to make their own decisions. Now let’s talk hardcore convenience for you:

  • Buy a Summer Pass and send your kid to camp any day you want? Check.
  • Drop them off and pick them up whenever you want? Yup.
  • Long camp hours, all included in your camp fee? Totally.
  • Tasty meals and snacks, also included? You bet.
  • Get an automatic refund for unused days at summer’s end? For sure.
  • Do you desire this kind of freedom? Yes, you do.
Activities

The camper’s dilemma.

Coding. Sewing. Baking. Making. Sporting. Lounging. Every day, campers face the excruciating task of choosing from these and many more engrossing activities. Some select a mix of many. Others burrow deep into one or two. Every morning, they face a brand new day bristling with terrible trade-offs and tantalizing possibilities.

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STOP-MOTION ANIMATION

Create animated art in our bustling Media Lab, as you breathe life into your stories via stop-motion “shorts” filmed on our purpose-built animation stages.
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SEWING SALON

Use customized patterns and challenges—and a mix of hand and machine sewing—to manufacture bags, clothing and other fashionable, funky creations. This year campers can even use stencils to design their own fabric.
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CODING

Absorb hands-on coding concepts using curated iPad apps with drag-and-drop platforms that cater to both early and advanced readers. Our approach gamifies the learning process to put power in the hands of new coders.
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THE STAGE

Move and groove with motion-based games like Just Dance, or film your own music videos with friends. New this year campers can also make puppets for our custom theater. Want to burst out in song and dance, or act out a gripping dramatic scene? This is your big moment.
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ROBOTICS

Leverage leading-edge robotic technology to empower your learning and problem-solving. Choose from guided activities and self-directed games, plus tools like robot landscapes and custom mazes.
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BAKERY

Bake up a storm in our wildly popular test kitchen. Choose fillings, spices, and add-ons, explore new flavors, and customize confections to satisfy your discerning palate.
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TINKER LAB

Release your inner innovator with crafts, inventor kits, 3D pens, and giant foam blocks. Construct take-home projects or collaborate on large-scale builds such as forts or thrones. Our hand-selected STEAM-based materials fuel your curiosity and inspire exploration.
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S&K TRADITIONS

Participate in decades-old Steve & Kate’s traditions like Find Chuckie—our beloved, elusive, rubber chicken—and Friday Pie-Day—where you can cap off a productive week by treating friends and camp staffers to a refreshing pie in the face.
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SPORTS & REC

Run, jump, throw, kick, play. Each site is equipped with go-karts and additional athletic gear optimized for the available fields and play spaces. Team up with peers and staffers to play sports, design games, concoct obstacle courses and more.
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WEEKLY SPECIALS

Every day, experience a special, show- stopping activity. A giant inflatable, a musical performance or guest speaker, a movement class, obstacle course—anything’s possible. We’ll announce our official 2024 specials lineup this spring.
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WATER PLAY

On a sweltering summer afternoon, nothing keeps you cooler than games and activities like water tag, inflatable slip n’ slides and giant sprinklers. Wherever space, weather, and local water restrictions allow ‘em, we provide ‘em.
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LOUNGE

Enter a pulsating paradise of foosball, marble mazes and other indoor diversions. Retreat to a quiet corner with sensory objects, puzzles and fidget toys. Or immerse yourself in a selection from our library of books curated for all ages and interests.

Extra action.

At Steve & Kate’s, enough is never enough. So every week we supplement our main offering of awesome activities with thrill-inducing weekly specials. Here’s what’s coming this summer to your location:

June 10-15

Large inflatable M-F
Each week, we will enjoy a different inflatable. These will usually be something with a jumping area, slide, and hoop. We will also get a few large obstacle course type inflatables.
Campers will take turns on and in the inflatable, and will be grouped with campers of similar size/age whenever possible.

June 17-21

Large inflatable M-F
Each week, we will enjoy a different inflatable. These will usually be something with a jumping area, slide, and hoop. We will also get a few large obstacle course type inflatables.
Campers will take turns on and in the inflatable, and will be grouped with campers of similar size/age whenever possible.

June 24-28

Large inflatable M-F
Each week, we will enjoy a different inflatable. These will usually be something with a jumping area, slide, and hoop. We will also get a few large obstacle course type inflatables.
Campers will take turns on and in the inflatable, and will be grouped with campers of similar size/age whenever possible.

Animal Assisted Happiness F 6/28
Campers will get to hold, pet, and play with animals, such as chickens, bunnies, guinea pigs, and a goat!

July 1-5 (no camp July 4)

Large inflatable M-F
Each week, we will enjoy a different inflatable. These will usually be something with a jumping area, slide, and hoop. We will also get a few large obstacle course type inflatables.
Campers will take turns on and in the inflatable, and will be grouped with campers of similar size/age whenever possible.

July 8-12

Large inflatable M-F
Each week, we will enjoy a different inflatable. These will usually be something with a jumping area, slide, and hoop. We will also get a few large obstacle course type inflatables.
Campers will take turns on and in the inflatable, and will be grouped with campers of similar size/age whenever possible.

JULY 15-19

Large inflatable M-F
Each week, we will enjoy a different inflatable. These will usually be something with a jumping area, slide, and hoop. We will also get a few large obstacle course type inflatables.
Campers will take turns on and in the inflatable, and will be grouped with campers of similar size/age whenever possible.

July 22-26

Large inflatable M-F
Each week, we will enjoy a different inflatable. These will usually be something with a jumping area, slide, and hoop. We will also get a few large obstacle course type inflatables.
Campers will take turns on and in the inflatable, and will be grouped with campers of similar size/age whenever possible.

July 29-Aug 2

Olympics Week
We will have fun Olympics themed games and activities all week, such as track and field, gymnastics, soccer, olympic ring bakery and tinker suggestions, and more! Be on the lookout at curbside for some details each day that week.

Large inflatable M-F
Each week, we will enjoy a different inflatable. These will usually be something with a jumping area, slide, and hoop. We will also get a few large obstacle course type inflatables.
Campers will take turns on and in the inflatable, and will be grouped with campers of similar size/age whenever possible.

Bubble Show F 8/2
The bubble artist will make very large bubbles, fill the sky with smaller bubbles, create clouds of bubble foam kids can run through, and put kids inside a bubble. There will also be pans of bubble juice for kids to make their own bubbles using big floppy plastic wands.

Aug 5-9

Large inflatable M-F
Each week, we will enjoy a different inflatable. These will usually be something with a jumping area, slide, and hoop. We will also get a few large obstacle course type inflatables.
Campers will take turns on and in the inflatable, and will be grouped with campers of similar size/age whenever possible.

Rock Wall M-F
Campers will have the chance to climb a large rock climbing wall all week. Safety equipment and trained staff running the activity will be provided.

CARNIVAL DAY

On the last day of camp we’ll trade in our traditional activities for a giant end-of-summer celebration! Get excited for carnival games, extra treats, and plenty of chances to win prizes!

Youngest campers fly solo, but there’s a net.

Most kids take to life at Steve & Kate’s like the naturally hardy individuals they are. For some, especially our younger campers, it can take a little longer to get their wings. That’s why each camp has staff dedicated specifically to supporting our youngest campers. Helping these campers discover their camp magic is the whole point of our Youngest Camper Support Staff, and every time it’s exhilarating to behold.

Food

Eat your heart out.

Life without delicious food sucks. That’s why our cuisine de camp features a mouth-watering array of tasty, nourishing grub. In partnership with our host school, we keep kids fired up with food they love — from piping hot pizza to salubrious salads, and much more. Our menus include rotating specials as well as healthy snacks and sides kids can grab whenever their fuel gauge dips into the red. Chomp, chomp. Munch, munch.

What’s on the menu.

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
Fees

What camp costs.

Perhaps you are a grown-up who loves to plan. Or maybe you’re an expert of the fine art of logistical improvisation. Miraculously, our camp fees are designed to scratch both of your respective itches. Buy any number of Day Passes or a Summer Pass, and use them whenever you want during the summer. Don’t even bother to let us know when you’re coming — just roll up. If your plans change, don’t sweat it. We’ll automatically refund your unused Passes in full at summer’s end. How many other camps can offer you that level of flexibility?*

*Not one that we know of.

Day Pass and Summer Pass fees cover the entire Steve & Kate’s experience, including lunch, snacks, activities and the entire day from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Includes: Lunch, snacks, activities, and all hours, 8am–6pm

  • Buy any number of Day Passes and use them anytime
  • Upgrade to a Summer Pass at any time by purchasing 30 Day Passes per a given child
  • Unused Day Passes are automatically refunded in mid September

Includes: Lunch, snacks, activities, and all hours, 8am–6pm

  • One fee covers the entire summer–that’s up to 44 days of camp in Palo Alto!
  • If you purchase a Summer Pass and use less than 30 days of camp, we’ll calculate what you would have paid at the Day Pass rate and refund you the difference automatically in mid September
Camp details

Here are the details you were looking for.

DATES

Jun 10 - Aug 9

NOTES

Closed on 7/4

HOURS

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

AGES

4-12 | We also offer a Mentorship Program for ages 14-15

ADDRESS

Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School
450 San Antonio Road
Palo Alto, CA 94306

DIRECTOR

Shannon

CALL/TEXT

650-265-4152

Additional info for denizens of Palo Alto

Mentorship Program

We’re excited to offer our Mentorship Program at this camp location for Summer 2024!

Intended exclusively for children ages 14-15, our Mentorship Program is an experience where participants can get a taste of what it’s like to be a counselor and develop leadership skills, while upholding our self-directed philosophy.

With the supervision of Steve & Kate’s staff, Mentees (our program participants) will help facilitate camp activities, engage with campers, and help encourage camper connection and participation. The program utilizes self-directed learning to support Mentees in their development into young adults ready to take on more responsibilities.

Mentorship Rates:

Mentorship Day Pass Rate: $90
Mentorship Summer Pass Rate: $2,700
Returning Mentees: $0

Per usual, any unused Mentorship Day Passes will be automatically refunded in full at summer’s end. If you purchase a Mentorship Summer Pass and end up using less than 30 days of camp, then we’ll calculate what you would have paid at the daily rate and refund you the difference automatically.

Mentorship Application

To participate in the Mentorship Program, please submit an application here. Please note that Mentees must attend the camp location they apply for. Once approved, your local director will email you with instructions for completing registration. If you have any questions, please reach out to your local director.

Virtual Camp Orientation & Drop-off/Pick-Up Procedures

Check out our virtual camp orientation for everything you need to know before your first day of camp, coming this spring. Once we get closer to summer, we’ll email registered families a link to our virtual, camp orientation. This will provide important information such as camp drop-off & pick-up procedures, how to check-in and check-out of camp each day, what to bring (and not bring), and a few more camp details.

Campus & Accessibility Details

Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School is ADA-accessible

Testimonials

These people are very smart. You should listen to them.

We are truly pleased with Steve & Kate's Camp. It's the kind of camp I would have enjoyed going to as a kid; but back then, we got to be kids. We love everything it has to offer and [our son] looks forward to going everyday! I only have great things to say about the camp and how it is arranged/structured. Steve & Kate's Camp is a great fit for our family!
Nichole W.

(S&K parent)

Want to see more reviews or add your own kudos? Check us out on Google, Yelp, or Facebook!

My kids love Steve and Kate's; they make strong friendships, they are able to feel the self efficacy of creation, and they learn more about what they enjoy doing when they have autonomy. [The director] always knew about everything that was going on with each camper and facilitated the camp experience to make sure that the students' voices were first and foremost. When my kids got out of the car each morning, they couldn't stop themselves from running to start their day at camp!
Jody

(S&K parent)

Want to see more reviews or add your own kudos? Check us out on Google, Yelp, or Facebook!

Staff

So much more than
a job.

For our team members, giving kids the space to liberate their true potential becomes a kind of calling. Think of them as a high-energy, warm-hearted crew of child advocates who deftly balance two invaluable skills — that of providing structure and guidance, and that of staying the heck out of campers’ ways. If that’s not enough, they’re all background-checked and trained in CPR and first-aid. Say “hi” to them at camp — they’d love to meet you.

Mentorship Program

This camp location also participates in a Mentorship Program (or junior counselor program) for teens who might want to work at camp some day or who just aren’t quite ready to give up that sweet camper life. This program guides children ages 14-15 through camp experiences aimed to develop their leadership skills, all while honoring our approach to self-directed learning. Learn more, here.

Events

Steve & Kate's Events

Join us at an upcoming virtual Information Session to learn all the camp basics. We’ll give a quick presentation and overview on our program, and then answer any questions you have. Please note that Information Sessions are open to all Steve & Kate’s Camps, and are not specific to any given location. All Information Sessions are listed in ET.

Local Events

Your camp director

Meet your illustrious camp director.

Our camp directors are year-round employees. That means you are free to contact them anytime with your questions about life at Steve & Kate’s, or questions about life in general.

Shannon K

SHANNON

she/her

Shannon joined the director team at Steve & Kate’s Camp in 2021, but has been working with us since 2020! Shannon loves all kinds of art making, especially multi-media and recycled art, and can regularly be found exploring parks or trails near Capitola.

This summer Shannon is looking forward to incorporating some of her love of art into camp, and hopes to make some camp-wide projects!

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AND DOZENS MORE!

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