Summer Camp Hayward

Give Your Child A Summer Of Growth & Joy

Summer can be a juggling act. You want your child to have a safe, joyful break from school, and you also want to know their days are filled with more than simple babysitting. At Safari Kid San Mateo, we offer a summer experience that helps children grow while they play.

Our summer program at our Hayward center blends hands-on fun with a research-driven approach to early childhood education. Children spend their days exploring, creating, moving, and connecting with friends in a warm, nurturing environment. While they enjoy camp, you gain peace of mind knowing their time is purposeful and carefully planned.

As a global leader in early childhood education, we draw from Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and other respected methodologies. Our goal is simple. We work to support the whole child, including cognitive, social, language and literacy, physical, emotional, and health and care development, all within a playful, relaxed summer setting.

Ready to give your child an unforgettable summer packed with fun and new friendships? Click here to connect online or call our team at (442) 259-3752 to learn more.

Why Families Choose Our Summer Camp

Parents choose our program because they want a summer that feels both relaxed and meaningful for their children. We design each day with a thoughtful mix of structured activities and open-ended exploration, so children can follow their curiosity while still enjoying familiar routines. This balance helps children feel secure, yet excited for what each day will bring.

Our curriculum is guided by principles from Montessori and Reggio Emilia, which means children are encouraged to ask questions, investigate ideas, and express themselves through many different materials. Instead of worksheets, you will find project work, storytelling, building, creative arts, and collaborative games. These experiences support skills like problem solving, language, and self-regulation without feeling like traditional school.

Families also appreciate our nature-inspired, modern classrooms and outdoor spaces. Materials are carefully chosen to invite exploration and creativity. Children might build with natural blocks, tend to plants, or create art from items they discover. This kind of environment helps them slow down, focus, and use all their senses as they learn.

Our educators bring warmth and intention to every interaction. They guide group activities, support friendships, and help children navigate big feelings that can come with new experiences. We maintain close communication with parents, including regular updates, family events, and opportunities to discuss growth. For many families, this sense of partnership is the reason they return to our camp year after year.

What A Day At Camp Looks Like

Morning Routines & Exploration

When you can picture your child’s day, it is easier to know if a program feels right. At our camp, mornings begin with a calm, welcoming arrival. Educators greet each child, help them settle in, and offer simple choices such as quiet reading, building, or drawing. This gentle start gives children time to transition from home and connect with friends.

After morning circle time, children move into richer experiences that might include science explorations, art projects, music and movement, or storytelling. Activities are designed to be active and hands-on. For example, children may investigate how plants grow, create their own storybooks, or build structures with different materials. Throughout, we pay attention to individual interests and give children time to follow their ideas.

Outdoor Play, Rest & Afternoon Projects

Outdoor play is an essential part of the day. Weather permitting, children spend generous time outside where they can run, climb, play group games, and explore nature within our setting. This supports physical development and offers space for energetic play and social learning. Educators stay engaged during outdoor time, guiding safe choices and helping children include one another.

Midday brings a calm meal and rest period. Younger children have time to nap or rest their bodies, while older children enjoy quiet activities such as reading or drawing. Afternoons often focus on longer projects or themed activities, which might include cultural explorations, music sessions, collaborative art, or simple STEM challenges. As the day winds down, we support smooth pick-up times so children leave feeling proud and connected, rather than rushed.

How We Support Every Child

Every child arrives at camp with a unique blend of strengths, sensitivities, and interests. Some children are eager to jump into group games. Others may need more time to warm up. We design our summer program to honor these differences so that each child can feel comfortable and included.

Our educators consider age, developmental stage, and temperament when planning activities. Younger campers might explore through sensory play, simple science, and stories, while older campers may take on more complex projects or leadership roles in group work. We strive to offer choices within activities, so children can engage in ways that feel right for them.

We also use ongoing observations and assessments to better understand how children are growing. These are not formal tests. Instead, our team notes how children interact with peers, approach challenges, and express their ideas. This information helps us adjust support, whether a child needs more encouragement in social settings or extra opportunities to stretch their thinking.

Emotional safety is a core part of our approach. We coach children through conflict resolution, help them put words to feelings, and celebrate small successes like joining a new game or sharing materials. By weaving these skills into daily camp life, we help children build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging that can carry into the school year and beyond.

Safety, Communication & Family Partnership

We know that safety and communication often sit at the top of every parent’s list when choosing a summer program. At our center, we work to create an environment where children feel known and cared for, and where parents feel informed and included. Safety is addressed through thoughtful routines and attentive supervision across the day.

Our classrooms and outdoor spaces are arranged with visibility and age-appropriate boundaries in mind. Families can expect consistent sign-in and sign-out procedures and careful attention to health and care needs. While we cannot remove every bump or scrape that comes with active play, we aim to create a setting where children are supported to explore within clear, predictable limits.

Communication with families is continuous and multi-layered. We use tools such as Procare and social media updates to share photos, notes, and reminders so you stay connected to your child’s experiences. Educators are available for brief check-ins at drop-off or pick-up when possible, and more in-depth conversations can be arranged if you would like to talk through progress or concerns.

Family partnership does not pause for the summer. We host events that invite families into the learning environment and may share reflections on group projects or themes. Our goal is for you to feel like an active partner in your child’s summer, with plenty of insight into how they are growing socially, emotionally, and academically during their time with us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ages can attend your summer camp?

We welcome children from early childhood through elementary school age, with groups organized by age and stage. This lets us match activities, expectations, and social experiences to where children are developmentally. If you are unsure about your child’s fit, our team can talk through options with you.

How will you help my child feel comfortable?

We ease transitions by greeting children warmly, offering familiar routines, and allowing extra time for those who need it. Educators check in often, introduce peers gently, and provide quiet options alongside group games. Our goal is for every child to feel seen, heard, and gradually ready to explore.

What types of activities will my child do?

Children take part in a wide range of activities that may include creative arts, music, movement, science explorations, storytelling, building, and outdoor play. We design activities to be hands-on and engaging, not screen-based, so children can experiment, collaborate, and express themselves in many different ways.

How do you keep children safe during camp?

We focus on attentive supervision, secure environments, and consistent routines such as sign-in and sign-out. Classrooms and outdoor areas are arranged for clear visibility, and educators guide children toward safe choices during play. While active play has natural risks, we work to keep children supported and cared for.

How will I stay updated on my child’s day?

We use tools such as Procare and social media updates to share photos, notes, and important messages. Educators are available for brief conversations at arrival or pick-up when possible, and we can schedule longer check-ins if needed. Our intention is to keep you closely connected to your child’s summer experience.

Call (442) 259-3752 to connect with our team and learn more about enrollment.