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Today's Hours: 7:40 AM - 6:00 PM
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Monday7:40 AM - 6:00 PM
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Tuesday7:40 AM - 6:00 PM
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Wednesday7:40 AM - 6:00 PM
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Thursday7:40 AM - 6:00 PM
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Friday7:40 AM - 6:00 PM
Summer Camp in Walnut Creek, CA
Safari Kid: A Unique Summer Experience
Looking for the perfect summer camp in Walnut Creek, CA? At Safari Kid Walnut Creek, we turn summer into an exciting journey of learning, creativity, and fun for children from TK through 6th grade. Our enriching programs combine hands-on activities, academic exploration, and social engagement to help children develop essential skills while making lifelong memories. Whether your child is interested in science, arts, sports, or teamwork-based projects, our summer camp is designed to keep them engaged and excited every day.
Walnut Creek is known for its vibrant parks, family-friendly atmosphere, and excellent educational opportunities. Our summer camp aligns perfectly with the city's spirit, offering a safe and dynamic space where kids can explore, grow, and connect with new friends. With experienced educators, engaging weekly themes, and a focus on personal development, we are the top choice for parents seeking a high-quality summer camp experience.
Spark your child's curiosity and creativity with our enriching summer camp experience. Call us at (925) 940-3321 or reach out online to enroll your child!
Why Choose Our Summer Camp?
Our curriculum is carefully crafted to cater to the diverse interests and needs of children. Our summer camp curriculum includes a mix of academic enrichment, arts and crafts, sports, and outdoor adventures. Each day is structured to provide a balance of learning and play, ensuring that children remain engaged and motivated.
- Engaging Weekly Themes: Each week, campers embark on new adventures through exciting themes like space exploration, wildlife discovery, and STEM challenges.
- Balanced Activities: We offer a mix of academics, physical activities, creative arts, and social interaction.
- Skill-Building Opportunities: From coding and drama to sports and music, our program fosters confidence and personal growth.
- Experienced Educators: Our passionate teachers and mentors guide campers through meaningful learning experiences.
- Safe and Supportive Environment: We prioritize safety and provide a nurturing space where kids can thrive.
- Community-Focused: Located in Walnut Creek, we integrate local landmarks, parks, and cultural elements into our curriculum to deepen our connection with the community and provide children with a rich understanding of their surroundings.
Daily Schedules & Camp Life
Our daily schedules are thoughtfully designed to offer variety and structure, ensuring every camper gets the most out of their summer. Mornings often begin with icebreaker games and group activities to start the day on an energetic note. Following this, children engage in age-appropriate academic enrichment sessions focusing on subjects geared toward their interests and developmental needs.
In the afternoons, we prioritize play-based learning through diverse activities such as arts and crafts, outdoor sports, and thematic projects linked to weekly themes. This schedule balances mental stimulation with physical activity, promoting a healthy lifestyle. With staff trained to adapt the program in real time to children’s responses, every child's daily experience is unique and rewarding.
A typical day at our summer camp includes:
- Morning welcome and community time where campers check in, play warm-up games, and review the plan for the day together.
- Focused learning blocks that reinforce academic skills through hands-on projects, literacy activities, and age-appropriate STEM challenges.
- Outdoor play and movement using nearby play spaces for sports, team games, and free play that let children release energy and build coordination.
- Creative workshops in the afternoon that may include art, drama, music, or maker-style building tied to the week’s theme.
- Reflection and wrap-up where campers share highlights, set simple goals, and prepare for pick-up with their belongings organized.
To help families plan their day, we follow a predictable rhythm that still leaves room for spontaneity and exploration. Campers typically enjoy a mix of small-group work, whole-group challenges, and independent choice time so that different personalities feel comfortable and included. Quiet breaks, snack times, and indoor options are built in to give children a chance to recharge, which is especially helpful on warm Walnut Creek afternoons.
We also tailor parts of the day by age group, giving younger campers more guidance during transitions and older campers more leadership opportunities, such as helping organize games or supporting younger peers. This structure allows children to grow in responsibility over the course of the summer, while we consistently reinforce routines that keep them feeling secure and confident.
Community Engagement & Local Exploration
We are deeply embedded within the local community, offering children the opportunity to explore the vibrant surroundings of our city. Our camp includes city-arranged field trips to local attractions such as the Lindsay Wildlife Experience, Heather Farm Park, and the Ruth Bancroft Garden, allowing kids to connect with the natural world and cultural heritage of Walnut Creek.
Additionally, we invite local artists, educators, and professionals to our campus, giving campers a chance to learn from the broader community. These interactions not only provide educational value but also inspire children to develop a sense of belonging and responsibility toward their local environment.
Some of the community-focused experiences your child may enjoy include:
- Nature-based excursions to Walnut Creek parks and gardens that support science learning and an appreciation for the outdoors.
- Visits from local guests such as artists, musicians, or educators who share their skills and stories with campers.
- Service-minded projects that introduce simple ways children can care for their community, like classroom clean-up challenges or kindness activities.
- Cultural celebrations that highlight the diversity of families in and around Walnut Creek through stories, music, and food-related projects.
We design these experiences so that what children see in the community connects directly back to what they are learning at camp. A visit to a local garden might be paired with a hands-on science project about plant life, while time at a nearby park can become the springboard for art, writing, or teamwork activities once they return to our classrooms. This helps campers understand that learning does not stop at our doors; it continues wherever they go.
Our team also communicates with families about upcoming outings and special guests so parents can talk with their children about what they experienced. This ongoing dialogue supports stronger home-school connections and gives families meaningful prompts to use at the dinner table, during car rides, or on weekend adventures around town.
Explore Exciting Themes & Activities
Every week brings a new adventure at Safari Kid Walnut Creek. Campers participate in interactive projects and hands-on learning experiences, from superhero academies to archaeological digs. Our dynamic curriculum encourages curiosity and critical thinking while ensuring campers stay active and engaged. Children will explore different themes, offering them a broad spectrum of knowledge and skills that extend beyond the classroom.
Within each theme, we plan activities that appeal to a range of interests and learning styles so that every child can find something they love. A science-focused week might include simple experiments, collaborative challenges, and reflective journaling, while a creative arts week may feature music, drama, and visual art projects children can proudly share with their families. By gradually increasing the complexity of projects over the summer, we help campers practice perseverance and celebrate progress.
Examples of themes and activities your child might experience include:
- STEM and innovation weeks with hands-on building challenges, simple robotics, and problem-solving games.
- Creative arts adventures that blend painting, drama, storytelling, and music into memorable performances or showcases.
- Global explorer projects that introduce children to different cultures through crafts, maps, and age-appropriate stories.
- Outdoor discovery days focused on nature scavenger hunts, science observations, and team games that make the most of Walnut Creek’s sunny weather.
We also weave social and emotional learning into these themes, using group projects, role-play, and guided discussions to teach communication, empathy, and problem-solving. When campers work together to solve a challenge or present a final project, they practice listening to others, sharing ideas, and taking turns leading and following. These experiences create a strong sense of community that many families look for in a Walnut Creek summer camp.
Preparing for the Future Starts This Summer
At Safari Kid Walnut Creek, we do more than entertain – we help shape future leaders. Our camp helps prevent summer learning loss, promotes social-emotional development, and encourages self-expression through creative projects and performances. By the end of summer, your child will have gained new skills, formed meaningful friendships, and had an unforgettable experience. We aim to provide a scaffold of learning that positions your child for academic success and personal growth.
As children move through elementary school, summers become an important time to practice independence in a safe, supportive setting. We offer opportunities for campers to make age-appropriate choices, manage simple responsibilities like organizing their own materials, and reflect on what they are most proud of each week. These small steps build the confidence they will draw on when they return to their Walnut Creek classrooms in the fall.
Our focus on collaboration, creativity, and adaptability also prepares children for a world that is constantly changing. Whether your child is naturally outgoing or more reserved, we gently encourage them to try new activities, share ideas, and learn how to work through challenges with the guidance of caring adults. The habits and mindsets they develop over the summer can support them long after camp ends.
Summer Camp Tuition, Schedule & Registration Details
We know that planning summer care is a big decision for families, so we aim to make our program details as clear and accessible as possible. Our summer camp typically runs for multiple weeks across the school break, with options for full-day schedules that support working parents. Families can enroll for the full season or select individual weeks, allowing you to build a schedule that fits around vacations, visiting relatives, and other local activities.
Tuition varies based on the number of weeks and the schedule you choose, and we clearly outline all costs during the inquiry and enrollment process. We walk you through what is included, such as daily learning blocks, materials for projects, and local outings to nearby parks or community spaces. When you reach out to our team, we also discuss any available discounts, such as multi-week enrollment or siblings attending together, so you can budget with confidence.
To reserve a spot, families complete a registration packet, submit required health and emergency forms, and pay a deposit that is applied toward camp tuition. Because our summer groups are intentionally kept small to preserve low ratios and personal attention, early registration is strongly encouraged, especially for popular weeks that align with local school district calendars. We are always happy to answer questions over the phone or in person so you feel fully informed before finalizing your child’s enrollment.
What to Bring & How to Prepare for Camp
Getting ready for camp should feel simple, so we provide families with a clear checklist of what their child will need each day. In general, campers arrive with a labeled backpack, a refillable water bottle, a healthy snack or lunch depending on the schedule, and comfortable clothing suitable for active play. Because Walnut Creek summers can be warm and sunny, we recommend a hat and sunscreen, along with closed-toe shoes that are safe for running, climbing, and outdoor games.
We also suggest packing a light sweater or sweatshirt for time spent in air-conditioned classrooms, as well as any comfort items younger children may appreciate during quiet time, such as a small book or soft toy. All personal items should be labeled clearly so they can be easily identified at the end of the day. Before camp begins, we share any theme-specific suggestions, for example, a plain T-shirt for a tie-dye project or a simple costume accessory for a spirit day, so you are never caught off guard.
Families can help set their children up for success by talking together about what a typical camp day will look like, reviewing drop-off and pick-up routines, and answering any questions children may have about making new friends. If your child is new to group settings in Walnut Creek, a quick drive by our location or a brief visit before the first day can make everything feel more familiar. These small steps make the transition smoother and help your child walk into camp feeling excited and ready to participate.
Health, Safety & Staffing Standards
Safety and well-being guide every decision we make at Safari Kid Walnut Creek. Our campus follows state and local guidelines for child care programs, and we maintain clear protocols for everything from secure entry and sign-in procedures to emergency drills. Staff members are trained on these procedures regularly so responses remain calm and coordinated, whether we are indoors or enjoying time outside in nearby play areas.
Our educators bring strong backgrounds in early childhood and elementary-age learning, and they participate in ongoing professional development throughout the year. This includes training in social-emotional support, positive behavior guidance, and strategies for engaging different learning styles. We maintain low child-to-staff ratios so that each camper receives individual attention, and so we can quickly notice and respond if a child needs extra reassurance, a quiet moment, or a new challenge.
We also partner closely with families around health considerations, requesting up-to-date medical information and allergy details before camp begins. If a child requires medication, special accommodations, or a specific care plan, we work with parents and guardians in advance to understand exactly what is needed. By combining clear communication, thoughtful planning, and a strong, consistent team, we create a summer environment where children feel safe enough to take risks in their learning and fully enjoy everything camp has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Age Groups Does Safari Kid Walnut Creek Cater To?
Our summer camp is designed for children from Transitional Kindergarten (TK) to 6th grade. We tailor our programs to meet the developmental stages and interests of these age groups, ensuring activities are age-appropriate and stimulating. Through targeted programming, we address the unique needs of younger children while challenging older campers with more complex projects, fostering an environment where every child can excel.
How Does the Camp's Safe & Supportive Environment Differ From Others?
At Safari Kid Walnut Creek, safety is our priority. We employ comprehensive safety protocols, adhering to the highest standards in child care practices. Our educators are CPR and First Aid certified, and ongoing training ensures they are prepared to handle any situation. Additionally, our facility is equipped with secure entry systems, and we maintain a low child-to-instructor ratio to ensure personalized attention and supervision. This robust framework provides parents with peace of mind, knowing their children are in a safe and nurturing environment.
What Makes Safari Kid Walnut Creek's Curriculum Unique?
Our curriculum is a blend of proven educational methods, focusing on whole-child development. We incorporate elements from Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and other philosophies to create a diverse learning experience structured around weekly themes. Our programs are not just about engaging activities; they aim to build a strong educational foundation while promoting social skills and emotional resilience. By the summer's end, children are not only enriched academically but also carry invaluable life skills into their everyday interactions.
Enroll Your Child in Our Summer Camp Today
Ready to give your child an unforgettable summer? Contact us today to learn more about our programs and secure your child's spot. We look forward to welcoming your family to the Safari Kid community!
Looking for a fun and educational summer camp in Walnut Creek, CA? Get in touch with us online or call us at (925) 940-3321 to learn more about our program.
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Cognitive
We encourage curiousity and a love for learning that inspires children to explore and discover.
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Social
Children learn vital social skills through activities that emphasize cooperation and sharing.
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Language & Literacy
Communication skills are developed through interactive and engaging activities.
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Physical
We ensure children build strong, healthy bodies while fostering a love for movement.
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Emotional
Our approach to emotional learning helps children recognize, express, and manage feelings.
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Health & Care
Children learn to recognize and attend to their own needs, those of others, and the environment.
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Whole Child DevelopmentWe nurture academic, social, emotional, and physical development through play. -
Cutting-Edge CurriculumResearch-backed education provides an invaluable headstart. -
Welcoming EnvironmentThoughtfully designed facilities foster curiosity, safety, and rich learning.
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2005The first Safari Kid Launches in Newark, CA
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2007Safari Kid’s Eclectic Philosohpy is Introduced
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2008The Proprietary Booklet System is Released
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2009After-School Programs & Summer Camp Launch
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2011The Safari Kid Toddler Program is Launched
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2014The Safari Kid Infant Program is Launched
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2015Environmental Guidelines Are Developed
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2020The Kindergarten Program is Launched
Safari Kid Builds Relationships
Relationships are important to many aspects of life, and it's no different for young children. At Safari Kid, we value building strong relationships with our parents and students, as well as helping children develop relationships with peers and teachers. We foster meaningful relationships through:
- Encouraging parents to participate and collaborate with teachers
- Creating a nurturing environment with highly qualified, caring staff
- Teaching children how to interact with peers and develop positive relationships
Good friends, teachers, and schools are foundations for success in life. Early relationships can shape the way a child learns, grows, and develops into adulthood.
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School environment is exceptional. Very colorful, bright, and playful environment, which attracts children’s attention.Katie LO
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The dedicated staff at Safari Kids create a nurturing and stimulating environment, making it a perfect place for early childhood development.Sushma Venkatayogi
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I would recommend safari kid to anyone looking for a great experience.Jill Turek
Safari Kid Offers a Safe & Welcoming Environment
At Safari Kid, the environment plays a crucial role in the learning process, influenced by the renowned Reggio Emilia philosophy, which considers the environment as the “third teacher.” They’re crafted to inspire exploration, discovery, and the joy of learning. Key elements of our environment include
- Sparkling clean, modern facilities maintained with meticulous care
- Thoughtfully organized and modern spaces that encourage your child’s natural curiosity
- Engaging indoor and outdoor spaces designed for safe, active play
Where your child spends their day matters! Our facilities are designed to provide a safe, healthy, and welcoming space for children to learn and grow.
Wondering where to start? Explore our early child education programs to learn more about specific age groups and curriculum options. You can also contact us online to find out more!