A. Certainly our program is not for everybody. Our camp is high-energy and very active. We are not a high-powered coaching camp, but team sports and games are a major component of our camp program. Campers who thrive at our camp do not have to be good at sports, but they should love to join in and also love to compete and play hard in a variety of team sports and games.

There are many local summer camps offering sports and group games as a much smaller component of their daily program. Those camps are often a better choice for children who have yet to show much interest in or much enthusiasm for active, energetic play in team sports and games.

Also be aware that our camp is very group-oriented. Each child spends the full session with the same group of boys or girls. Some children are very comfortable in that setting. Some struggle.

A. Campers must be entering grades 1-7 next year. However, maturity and interest level are often better indicators than age as to whether or not our camp is appropriate for your child. We've had 7 & 8 yr olds who were still too young. We've also had campers who, at the ripe old age of 11, were "too old" for the camp.

In general, our youngest campers should have a good attention span, get along well with peers, demonstrate interest in playing team sports, love active, physical play, and understand the basic concept of "team" and working together to achieve a common team goal.

Our oldest campers (currently in grades 5-6) should come with a strong athletic background, especially in the major team sports. They should still be kids at heart who love to participate and play hard, be social, enthusiastic and energetic.

A. No. There ARE sports camps out there that are structured to allow for that choice. Ours does not. At our camp each group is scheduled to play certain sports and games at certain times. The entire group plays those scheduled sports (with the exception of swimming which is always optional). During lunchtime free play campers are given many activity choices and may participate in any, all, or none of them.)

A. We do not force any camper to play. However, we also do not provide an alternative (with the exception of swimming). Non-participating campers sit in the shade and watch. We will encourage you to participate in the all the activities. You may not like the sport because you're not good at it. The only way to get better is to play and practice it!

A. Probably. Occasionally a large group of friends is split up due to space restrictions in each camp group. If you specified a particular best friend you wanted to be with you will most likely be placed with that friend. However, if you sign up late for camp and your best friend was in a group that was already full then, unfortunately, you would not be placed in the same group with that friend.

A. No, not daily, but we ask that all campers wear it on Fridays (Field Trips and Fantastic Fridays).

* Note: Camp t-shirts are free and handed out during the first week of camp

A. Yes. However, if you come both sessions it's possible that you might get a different/new counselor and/or junior counselor for Session Two.

A. Please call the camp office 650-492-9695 or send us an email, dsclosaltos@sbcglobal.net and let us know you will be absent.

A. Sorry. We do not offer makeup days.

A. The counselors change many of the games during heat waves. You will play in the shade or indoors and also use water in lots of the games the counselors create especially for hot days. That way you'll stay cool.

A. Yes. We play in the multi-use room and under protected areas, play bingo, board games, foosball, ping-pong, etc.

A. Probably not because the camp will very likely be full. If it's extremely important to you, call the camp business office. We might be able to make a special arrangement (daily fee would apply).

A. Yes. If you only attended the first two weeks of the session we will make a small presentation to you on your last day. If you attended 4 days a week (MTWTh) for the entire session your parents can either sign you up to attend that last Friday for an extra fee OR, you can show up just for the awards ceremony (the last half hour of the day) free of charge. If you are unable to attend for any reason we will mail you your certificate, photos, and ribbons.

A. All campers receive awards. Ability is not rewarded. Your effort, improvement, enthusiastic participation and interest will earn you your awards.

A. No. Swimming is always optional. The campers who don't want to swim will stay onsite and play small group organized/supervised games.

A. Campers entering grades 4-7 leave camp on the first three Fridays of each session for field trips. Campers entering grades 1-3 leave camp only on the Friday we go bowling. Campers who choose to swim will leave camp to do so (a short 10 minute bus ride in a standard yellow school bus).

A. Yes. That's fine. However, water is readily available at camp. In normal weather each group takes a water break after every activity. During the 2 or 3 heat spells we get each summer campers take multiple water breaks during every 45 minute outdoor activity. Staff members consistently mist the campers with spray bottles to keep them cool. Activities utilizing water (water balloons, water relays, slip & slide, Mister Mister, etc) are incorporated into the daily activities. We do such a great job of keeping the kids cool they don’t even realize how hot the day was!

A. We provide (and help apply) SPF 45, paba-free, waterproof sunscreen to all our campers. That sunscreen is applied by each group counselor and JC in the morning and again after lunch and after swimming. Nevertheless, we do encourage parents to apply sunscreen on their child/children each morning before camp.

A. You will spend time in the sun when playing games such as soccer, volleyball, basketball, etc. Parents can help limit that exposure by having their child wear a a baseball cap or visor to camp. Of course, we work very diligently at limiting sun exposure as well. There is both natural and manufactured shade at all our camp locations. The staff is trained to get the campers into that shade whenever possible. For example, shade tents are used for dugouts at each baseball diamond and are also set up along the sidelines in basketball, football, soccer, tennis, and capture the flag. Whenever a camper is receiving instructions or waiting their turn they do so in that shade. Each group spot is shaded and that is where snack, lunch, and group announcements take place.

Activities such as dodgeball, golf(putting), gymnastics, dance, foosball, ping pong, card trading, arts & crafts, & board games all take place indoors/in the shade. During heat spells the daily schedule is altered so that campers spend more time indoors or in the shade.