Overview

Student-Teacher Ratio 3:1


Give your child the Summer they deserve: Climbing trees, finding bugs, exploring, imagining and creating core memories in nature! 


Mornings will begin with a hike, snacktime and then free exploration in nature. After lunch we will provide a quiet time of read aloud stories. The day will conclude with a choice between nature art or dungeon and dragons role playing games. 


What sets our camp apart? Experienced Early Childhood Educators lead this program.  With 20+ years of experience as preschool teachers you can be confident your child will have the most positive camp experience possible!  Early Childhood Matters has been running our Play-and-Learn Nature Explorers program since 2014!


Low student to child ratio: With our experienced teachers, an assistant teacher, and 2+ counselors in training, the ratio will be 3:1  or less to ensure each child is engaged and having the time of her life!


Drop off location: Golden Gate Park



Frequently Asked Questions – Early Childhood Matters Summer Camp

How will my child benefit from this camp?

This is a great opportunity to offer your 3-5 year old consistent peer socialization, facilitated by expert Early Childhood Educators, before or while they begin preschool. Through play-based learning in nature, children will build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and develop independence in a safe and nurturing outdoor environment.

Who leads the camp groups?

Each group will be led by Alexis Buckley or Rebecca Walsh, expert Early Childhood Educators with extensive experience in outdoor learning and child development. Learn more about them here.

What is the counselor-to-child ratio?

Our camp maintains a small group size with an excellent counselor-to-child ratio of approximately 3:1. Each group will have a lead teacher (Alexis or Rebecca), another counselor/teacher, and two counselors-in-training (CITs) to ensure individualized attention and a safe, engaging experience for all campers.

Will counselors-in-training be on their phones?

No. Our teachers and CITs will not be using their phones while working with campers. Their focus will be on engaging with the children and supporting the lead staff in creating a fun and immersive camp experience.

Where is drop-off and pick-up?

Drop-off and pick-up will take place in Golden Gate Park at different locations depending on the day:

  • Monday & Tuesday – Rose Garden

  • Wednesday, Thursday & Friday – Chain of Lakes

Further details and exact meeting points will be provided before camp begins.

Do children bring their own food?

Yes, campers should bring their own snacks and lunch each day. Please pack food that does not require refrigeration or heating. Please also send your child with a full water bottle.

What are the bathroom options for campers?

Campers will have the option to “nature pee” or use a portable potty with a liner, which is especially available for bowel movements. Our staff will ensure a clean and sanitary setup for all restroom needs. Please note: Participants must be potty trained to attend this camp as we do not have the correct ratio of teachers to support diaper changes.

Will there be a nap time/rest time?

After lunch children will be broken into group by age to do quiet reading aloud and resting time. If parents would like their children to try to nap outside, they can bring sleeping bags, but we cannot guarantee that children will actually sleep.

What if my child is sick? Can I get a refund?

Summer camp is non-refundable but is transferable if you need to offer the spot to a friend or if you come to a separate arrangement with someone on our waitlist.

Cancellation Policy
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From Provider (5)
Reviews
5.0 (26)
Been here? Write a review and earn points.
(Play-and-Learn Outdoor Explorers)
November 21, 2024 - Claire P
Verified Purchase
We loved outdoor explorers- it was engaging, fun, and a special time with my kid. I’d highly recommend anything Early Childhood Matters hosts!
(Positive Discipline for Preschoolers (In-Person))
March 31, 2023 - Jashlyn Dale canon
We have enjoyed taking this class and even after the first session, we had action tools to apply with our toddler.
This is a small group so there is enough time to be heard and work on our specific needs. You need to get the book and do some homework to get the most from the class but it is worth it.
We now have the tools to break abusive cycles and power struggles for our children. Thank you, ECM.
(Positive Discipline for Preschoolers (In-Person))
March 31, 2023 - Jashlyn Girard
This class is very engaging and has yielded impressive results for us, so far. We have appreciated the session lessons and been able to apply the strategies with our child.
Questions & Answers
About Early Childhood Matters
Early Childhood Matters focuses on the early years (0-5) where the most crucial brain development happens.
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