Ultimate Guide to Summer Camps in Marin County

Photo above: Tiny group size, with a maximum of 8 campers and 1:4 adult/child ratio, ensures individualized attention and strong bonding among peers at Snails and Turkey Tails Summer Camp in San Rafael.

Parents in Marin County have a wide array of summer camp options to choose from – from outdoor adventures along the coast to creative arts and science programs. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate summer camp in Marin and find the perfect fit for your child. We focus especially on families with younger kids (around ages 5–7) experiencing camp for the first time, offering tips on camp types, schedules, costs, and more. Whether you’re looking for nature-focused camps, sporty day camps, STEM programs or creative arts camps, Marin has something for everyone. Read on for an overview of Marin summer camp categories, examples of popular camps, a comparison of costs, and answers to frequently asked questions about summer camps in Marin County.

Traditional Day Camps and Community Programs in Marin

For a classic summer camp experience with a bit of everything, consider the general day camps run by community organizations and recreation departments. These camps offer well-rounded programs including outdoor play, sports, arts and crafts, group games, and theme days – great for first-time campers who want to try a variety of activities in a supportive environment.

Community Center Camps: Many Marin towns host their own camps through parks and recreation departments. For example, Marinwood Summer Camps in San Rafael provide an “all-in-one” day camp on their community center grounds with hiking on nearby trails, daily swimming, sports, crafts, and special theme events. Marinwood’s program serves ages 3–12 with camp hours roughly 9:00 am–3:00 pm (extended care available), and weekly sessions are very affordable – about $307 per week for residents (and $360 for non-residents). Similarly, Mill Valley, Novato, and other cities offer camps that mix outdoor play and creative activities in local parks and centers. These community camps often have the lowest cost (usually in the range of $300–$400 per week) and tend to fill up fast due to their popularity. They’re a great starting point for young children to get used to the camp routine close to home.

YMCA and JCC Camps: The Marin YMCA and the Osher Marin JCC run inclusive day camp programs open to all. The YMCA of Marin offers traditional summer camp groups for kids entering Kindergarten up through middle school, typically with full-day coverage (e.g. 7:30 am to 5:30 pm) to help working parents. Activities include weekly themes, field trips (like mini-golf or museum visits), swimming and sports days. The Osher Marin JCC’s Camp Kehillah in San Rafael is another beloved program, blending typical camp fun (arts, sports, cooking, water play) with a bit of Jewish culture and values in a very welcoming environment. JCC camps usually group children by age (from preschoolers up to around 8th grade) and offer extended care options. Prices for these nonprofit camps are moderate – often roughly $300–$500 per week depending on schedule length and member discounts. Both the YMCA and JCC also offer financial assistance or scholarships to ensure all families can participate.

Flexible Scheduling Camps: If you need maximum flexibility, a unique option is Steve & Kate’s Camp in Corte Madera. This innovative program lets campers choose activities freely (from sewing to coding to breadmaking) and offers drop-in attendance – parents can purchase day passes and attend any days without pre-scheduling. Steve & Kate’s is open 8:00 am–6:00 pm and even includes lunch and snacks in the fee. The cost is higher up front (around $124 per day, or a discounted summer-long pass) but it covers a full 10-hour day of care including meals. For families who need all-day coverage or irregular schedules, this “drop-off anytime” model can be a lifesaver. Kids ages 4–12 love the freedom and range of activities, while parents love the convenience of no-stress scheduling. (Be sure to budget accordingly – five full days here would be about $620, comparable to other full-day specialty camps.)

Nature and Outdoor Summer Camps in Marin

One of the joys of Marin County is its beautiful outdoors, and many local camps make nature their classroom. Nature and outdoor camps are ideal for energetic kids who love exploring parks, beaches, and trails. They provide unplugged time outside, often with an educational twist about wildlife, ecology, or farming.

Farm and Wilderness Camps: A standout in this category is Slide Ranch Summer Day Camp, located on a coastal farm in Muir Beach. Slide Ranch offers a truly hands-on farm experience for ages 5 and up, where campers milk goats, feed chickens, tend gardens, explore tide pools, and learn about sustainable farming. Camp runs roughly 9:30 am to 3:00 pm at Slide Ranch’s 134-acre coastal site, giving kids an immersive taste of ranch life. With small groups and experienced naturalist educators, campers come home with muddy shoes, newfound confidence, and maybe a freshly harvested veggie or two! Slide Ranch is very popular and does come at a premium price (around $495–$650 per week depending on the session), but the unique environment and low camper-to-counselor ratio make it a memorable experience. Scholarships or membership discounts may be available – for example, Slide Ranch offers early registration to members and occasional financial aid opportunities.

Another beloved outdoor program is Audubon Adventure Camp at the Richardson Bay Audubon Center in Tiburon. Aimed at younger children (ages ~4–7 for the main camp), Audubon’s summer sessions center on themes like “Wild Wetlands” or “Animal Architects.” Kids spend the day outdoors by the bay observing birds and sea creatures, exploring the shoreline, and doing nature crafts. Typical hours are 9 am–2 pm for the little ones (with an option until 3 pm for older groups), and extended care until 5 pm is offered for working parents. Weekly costs range from roughly $460–$575 depending on age group and schedule. If your child loves critters and getting dirty in nature, they will thrive at camps like Audubon’s.

Snails & Turkey Tails offers a beautifully focused nature‐based preschool camp nestled in China Camp State Park in San Rafael. Designed for ages 3–5 (with some flexibility as low as 2.6 years), it’s geared toward younger children who thrive in rich outdoor experiences

Beach and Coastal Camps: Coastal Camp by NatureBridge is another outstanding outdoor camp, set in the Marin Headlands of Sausalito. Here, the “campground” is literally a national park site – campers explore beaches, tide pools, forests, and historic batteries in small groups guided by environmental science educators. Every day at Coastal Camp brings a new natural discovery, whether it’s studying marine life in tide pools or hiking to a vista point. Programs are offered for kindergarteners up through teens, with age-appropriate adventures for each group. Coastal Camp runs full days (approximately 9 am–3 or 4 pm) and charges about $575–$625 per week for day camp. This includes all activities and supplies; you send a lunch, and they supply the wonder and fresh air. If your child comes home sandy, tired, and excited to tell you about banana slugs or harbor seals, you’ll know it was a good day at Coastal Camp.

For a taste of wilderness skills and outdoor leadership, check out programs by Vilda and Marin GreenPlay. Marin GreenPlay Camp (voted “Best Summer Camp” by Marin IJ readers) is a mobile nature camp that meets at various parks throughout Marin. GreenPlay gets kids hiking on trails, rock climbing, doing service projects like habitat restoration, and practicing outdoor skills – all geared to instill a love of nature. They serve kids entering K through 12th grade, often dividing by age for different excursions. Some sessions are half-day and some full-day; before/after care is free for full-day campers. Prices can vary widely because they offer everything from short one-week half-day programs around $300 up to intensive two-week outings near $750. If you have an older child interested in wilderness survival or environmental leadership, also consider Nature Navigators (a Larkspur-based nature camp by Sage Educators) or Vilda’s Counselor-in-Training program for teens – these programs engage youth in deeper outdoor education and even provide internship-style experiences.

Animal and Farm Camps: Marin also has camps centered on animal care and farming. Besides Slide Ranch, there’s Rancho Compasión Summer Camp in Nicasio, set on a farmed animal sanctuary. Kids spend days caring for rescued animals (like cows, pigs, goats, and chickens) and learning about humane farming and gardening. For horse lovers or children with special needs, Halleck Creek Ranch in Nicasio runs an Inclusive Horsemanship Camp where kids of all abilities learn horseback riding and horse care in a supportive setting. And WildCare in San Rafael offers a summer wildlife camp where children can meet rehabbed wild animals and learn how to protect local critters. These animal-focused camps often have limited enrollment (small group sizes for safety around animals) and may run partial days. Costs and ages vary, but expect roughly $400–$600 per week for most animal camps (covering the care of animals, facility upkeep, etc.). They are incredibly enriching for kids who are animal-obsessed or gentler souls who might prefer feeding bunnies over playing capture-the-flag.

STEM and Science Camps in Marin

If your child is more of a tinkerer, builder, or budding scientist, Marin’s STEM and STEAM camps will fuel their curiosity all summer long. STEM camps focus on science, technology, engineering, and math (often with art and design in the mix for STEAM). These programs are fantastic for kids who love experiments, coding, LEGO, or learning how things work.

Technology & Coding Camps: One highly rated option is Camp Integem, which bills itself as “#1 AI + AR STEM & Art Camp” and has a location in Larkspur. Camp Integem offers a unique blend of coding, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality design for kids as young as 5 up to teens. Campers might create holographic AR games, program simple robots, or design 3D animations – all with a creative twist. Groups are organized by age and skill, so a 6-year-old might do an introductory coding art project, while older kids tackle more advanced challenges. These camps typically run in one-week sessions, full days (~9 am–3 pm). Prices are on the higher side (tech camps often range $500–$700+ per week), reflecting the specialized equipment and low student-to-instructor ratios. For instance, similar Bay Area tech camps at museums charge around $600 for a 5-day week. If you have a future engineer or game designer in the house, the cost may be well worth the excitement of building their own video game or AR project.

Another local favorite is Play-Well TEKnologies in San Anselmo, which runs LEGO-inspired engineering camps. Kids ages 5–12 can join Play-Well camps to build elaborate LEGO structures, motorized vehicles, and even battle-top arenas while learning principles of physics and engineering in a super fun way. These camps are often half-day (morning or afternoon sessions), and they partner with community centers around Marin. A typical Play-Well camp might cost $180–$250 for a week of half-days, or around $400–$500 for a full-day combo. They’re a great choice for younger builders who might not be ready for all-day camp but want a focused, hands-on project experience.

Science & Museum Camps: The Bay Area Discovery Museum (BADM) in Sausalito offers acclaimed summer Discovery Camps for ages 3 through 8. Each week has a fun theme – from prehistoric adventures to outer space to messy chemistry – and campers get to explore the museum’s exhibits in the process. BADM camps for 4-year-olds and up run full days 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, and the museum provides an exciting, kid-friendly setting with both indoor labs and outdoor play spaces. For example, a 5–6 year old might join the “Adventures Around the World” camp and spend each day “traveling” to a new continent through art and science activities. The cost is about $620 for a 5-day week (9–3), plus optional aftercare in the afternoons. While pricier than basic day camp, Discovery Camp comes with expert educators and the museum’s resources – campers might get to experiment in the science lab, build inventions, and enjoy the outdoor spaces. It’s an ideal blend of learning and play for younger kids. (Tip: BADM members sometimes get early registration or small discounts, and these camps do sell out quickly.)

Other science-oriented camps include Lawrence Hall of Science camps (in nearby Berkeley, for ages 4–18, with weekly themes and access to a planetarium and animal room) and Chronos Academy’s Maker Camp in Larkspur, which introduces kids to maker skills like building and 3D printing in a STEAM format. There are also specialized programs like Firecracker Math and Girls Rock Math (offering math in a creative, confidence-building environment) and Esporterz in San Rafael, which uniquely combines esports (video gaming) with STEM learning. At Esporterz camp, kids might spend part of the day improving their gameplay strategies and another part doing coding or robotics challenges related to gaming. These niche camps can be great for keeping academically inclined kids engaged over summer, especially if they claim to be “bored.” Expect costs roughly in the $500–$700/week range for most specialty STEM camps; many offer half-day options at lower prices as well.

Sports and Active Camps in Marin

For kids who need to burn off energy and love to stay active, Marin has no shortage of sports-oriented camps. From multi-sport day camps to specific sports clinics, you can find a program for virtually every interest – soccer, basketball, tennis, swimming, mountain biking, gymnastics, and more. These camps emphasize fitness, teamwork, and skill-building, all while keeping it fun.

Multi-Sport Camps: Several community programs and private outfits run multi-sport camps where kids play a variety of games and sports. For instance, the YMCA’s traditional camps (mentioned earlier) include weekly field games, sports, and even swimming outings for all ages. Likewise, Camp Funderblast is a local day camp that focuses on active play and outdoor fun – a typical day might include tag or capture-the-flag, pool time, and group games, mixed with art and skits to give kids a breather. Camp Funderblast operates at multiple Marin locations (Fairfax, Mill Valley, etc.) for ages 4–12, and it’s beloved for its high-energy, loving atmosphere that “fosters confidence and creativity”. Hours are usually roughly 9 am–3 pm, with extended care available, and the cost tends to be mid-range (around $450–$550 per week). Funderblast also offers a few specialized sessions – for example, their Fishing Camp (Hook, Line & Sinker Camp) teams up with a local fishing instructor to take kids fishing at different Marin spots, culminating in a charter boat trip on Friday. That unique camp is priced at $630 for the week including the boat day (equipment not included), and runs slightly shorter hours Mon–Thu (9am–2pm) with a longer day on Friday for the fishing trip. If you have an active child who craves variety, these multi-sport camps will keep them moving, socializing, and smiling all day long.

Specific Sports Camps: Marin’s young athletes can also hone their skills in dedicated sports camps. For soccer enthusiasts, programs like Coach Toni’s SoccerKids in Corte Madera introduce fundamentals to the littlest players (ages 4–5) in a fun, non-competitive setting. Older kids can join more advanced soccer clinics or clubs (some run by local soccer clubs or UK Soccer). Basketball camps are offered through organizations like One-on-One Basketball or local high schools. If tennis is your kid’s game, look out for camps like MTC Tennis Summer Camp (Marin Tennis Club) or coach Dan Hiddleson’s tennis camps – these typically group kids by ability and mix drills with other games to keep it fun.

Marin’s environment is perfect for adventure sports as well. The Ross Valley Mountain Bike Camp gets kids out on the trails learning biking techniques on local hills. There are also skateboarding camps (e.g. Shredders Skate Camp in San Rafael) where kids spend mornings at the skate park working on their ollies and kickflips. For aspiring climbers, Gravity Vault Marin in San Rafael offers a Climbing Summer Camp on their rock walls, which also mixes in slacklining, yoga, and games. Gymnastics lovers can flip to their heart’s content at MEGA Gymnastics camp in San Rafael, which is “ALL gymnastics ALL day” in their fully equipped facility – perfect for kids with serious tumbling energy.

Aquatics and More: Given Marin’s waterside locale, there are even camps for swimming and boating. Call of the Sea’s Summer Sailing Camp in Sausalito is a standout – kids ages 8–13 spend the week learning to sail on San Francisco Bay aboard a classic schooner, with a mix of marine science and team-building on deck. The camp runs 8:30 am to 3:30 pm and includes all sailing gear and instruction; aftercare is offered until 5 pm for working parents. At $795 per week, it’s one of the pricier camps, but for many kids it’s an unforgettable adventure learning seamanship under the Golden Gate Bridge. (They even offer scholarships for those who need assistance.) If your child prefers pools to bay waves, you might consider swim-focused camps: local swim schools or the Marinwood/Sharks Swim League sometimes have swim camps that combine instruction with typical camp fun. And for general water play, note that many day camps incorporate swimming on hot days – e.g. Funderblast uses community pools, and the Marinwood camp includes free swim at their pool every week.

As you can see, sports and active camps in Marin come in all flavors. When choosing, consider your child’s interest and stamina. A 5-year-old might do better in a gentle multi-activity camp with breaks, whereas an older or more passionate kid could handle an intensive sports clinic. Either way, they’ll come home happy, tired, and maybe a bit sun-kissed!

Creative and Performing Arts Camps in Marin

Marin’s creative spirit shines in its many arts and performance camps. These camps are perfect for kids who love to express themselves – whether on stage, on canvas, or with a musical instrument. In a supportive camp environment, even shy children often blossom with confidence through art and performance.

Theater and Performing Arts: Budding actors can join programs like Marin Theatre Company’s summer camps or Marin Shakespeare Company’s camps. The Marin Theatre Company in Mill Valley offers one-week theater workshops for grades 2–12, where campers learn acting techniques, play theater games, and put on a short performance or showcase at the end. Marin Shakespeare Company runs camps in San Rafael for ages 8–19, bringing the works of Shakespeare (and other stories) to life in fun ways – imagine 10-year-olds performing A Midsummer Night’s Dream in the park! They incorporate lots of games and improvisation to keep it light while teaching stage skills. These theater camps typically run half days for younger kids and full days for older ones. Costs are usually in the mid range – around $300–$500 per week depending on length – and often they conclude with a cute show for families.

If dance is more your child’s thing, Marin has dance camps for all ages. Studios like Love2Dance in Novato and Just Dance Academy in San Rafael host summer sessions covering styles from ballet to hip-hop. For example, Love2Dance’s camps start with preschool-age movers and go up through teens, often organizing routines to show parents at week’s end. A dance camp day might include a warm-up, lessons in multiple styles (jazz, tap, etc.), plus choreography practice and some costume or craft activities for variety. These are often half-day camps, though some offer full-day options or combine with another activity. Expect roughly $200–$400 per week for a dance camp, depending on duration. Marin Ballet also offers a summer intensive (their Beautiful Earth Dance Camp for ages around 8–12 blends dance with arts & crafts and storytelling), which runs a full week and costs a bit more due to professional instructors.

Visual Arts and Maker Camps: Young artists will find plenty of creative outlets in Marin. The Art School of San Francisco Bay runs summer art camps in Marin (San Rafael) where kids learn painting, drawing, and sculpture techniques. These camps often have themes (like “All About Painting” or “Cartooning & Comics”) and cater to various age groups from 5 up to teens. Another cool option is Doodle! (an art studio camp in San Anselmo frequently praised by parents) where kids might do mixed-media art projects, ceramics, and even stop-motion animation. For hands-on builders, check for maker camps like the CreativeCave in Mill Valley – they offer camps in things like stop-motion animation, fashion design, and animatronics, empowering kids to prototype imaginative ideas. These art/maker camps usually run about 9 am–3 pm. Prices tend to be around $500–$600 per week (covering art materials, take-home projects, etc.), though some smaller studios may be a bit less. The camper groups are typically small, ensuring lots of personal attention as kids create their masterpieces.

Unique and Specialty Camps: Marin is also home to some truly unique camps that defy easy category. Cooking camps are popular – e.g. Epic Cooking School runs a kids’ culinary camp where young chefs learn to cook and bake delicious treats. There are even camps for pottery (like Marin Pottery’s summer sessions for young potters to get messy with clay) and music (such as Rock Band camps at local music schools, or the Marin JCC’s Rock Academy for teens). These niche camps allow children to dive deep into a passion or explore a new hobby in a fun group setting.

When considering an arts camp, think about your child’s interest level and temperament. Creative camps can be wonderfully freeing for imaginative kids, and they often help children develop focus, fine motor skills, and self-expression. Plus, you’ll likely get some wonderful homemade artwork, a new recipe cooked by your child, or a lively performance as a souvenir of their camp experience!

Comparing Camp Costs and Schedules in Marin

One big question for parents is “How much do summer camps in Marin cost, and what schedule will we need?” Camp pricing can vary widely based on factors like program length, specialty resources, and staff expertise. Below, we compare a sampling of Marin camps – showing their weekly price, typical hours, and the approximate cost per hour of care. This can help you evaluate the value you’re getting for the price:

Rates above are examples of 2025 camp pricing for full-day camps. As you can see, a standard full-day camp (around 6 hours) typically costs $300–$650 per week in Marin, which works out to roughly $12–$23 per hour of supervision and activities. Community camps (often subsidized by local agencies) fall at the lower end of the cost spectrum, while specialized camps (sailing, farm, tech, etc.) with higher staffing and equipment needs are at the higher end.

Extended care (before/after camp) usually costs extra – for example, one museum camp charges $125 for an extra hour in the afternoon, and Call of the Sea’s aftercare is $150/week. Some camps, however, include extended hours in the base price (Steve & Kate’s covers 8am–6pm in their day pass, and Marin GreenPlay offers free before/after care). If you need a longer day, calculate those costs as well when comparing options.

Also note that camp fees often include supplies, field trip transportation, or snacks in some cases. Always check what’s included. For instance, the sailing camp includes all safety gear and even snacks, and the art camps include art materials – whereas a basic day camp might not include lunch or any extras.

In general, Marin County summer camps can fit a range of budgets. There are free or low-cost options too: organizations like the Boys & Girls Club or local churches sometimes offer low-cost camps or VBS (vacation bible school) programs. And many higher-priced camps offer scholarships or sibling discounts – e.g. Call of the Sea has scholarships available so that no child is turned away for lack of funds, and Willow Grove Montessori camp provides a sibling discount for the second child. Don’t hesitate to ask a camp director about financial aid; the camp community in Marin wants to include everyone.

Finally, remember that cost isn’t everything – the right camp experience for your child is priceless. It might be worth paying a bit more for a program that truly matches your kid’s passions or provides the schedule convenience you need.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marin County Summer Camps

Q: What age is appropriate to start sending my child to camp?
A: Many Marin camps offer programs for children as young as 3 or 4 (usually these are gentle half-day “preschool” camps). For a first-time day camp experience, ages 5–7 are very common – in fact, entering kindergarteners are a big group at most day camps. At age 5, kids are typically ready for group activities, can handle a half or full day away from home, and love the chance to play with peers. You know your child best, but generally by age 5 most kids thrive in a camp environment. Some start even earlier with short, structured camps (a 4-year-old might do a morning art or dance camp, for example). If you’re unsure, look for camps specifically labeled for “preschool” or ages 4–5 to start, which often have higher staff ratios and quiet time built in. By first grade, most kids in Marin are doing full-day camps confidently.

Q: How early should I register for summer camps in Marin?
A: Register as early as possible – many popular camps fill up months in advance. In Marin, registration for summer camps often opens in the winter (January or February). Prestigious or very popular programs (like certain nature camps or specialized tech camps) can literally fill the same day registration opens. For example, NatureBridge’s Coastal Camp opens registration in early February and can book up fast. To be safe, try to plan your summer in late winter and sign up by March for high-demand camps. Community camps and others may have spots into spring, but even those can develop waitlists by May. If you’ve missed the early window, don’t panic – there are always some camps with openings or new sessions added later. You can use resources like Enrichment.kids or local directories to search for camps with availability (on Enrichment.kids, some camps are marked “Availability!” if they still have open slots). Pro tip: Get on camp email lists – many will notify past participants of registration dates or added sessions. And if you’re waitlisted, keep in touch; spots often open up as families’ plans change.

Q: Are there camps in Marin with extended care for working parents?
A: Yes, many Marin camps offer extended care in the morning and/or afternoon for an additional fee. For instance, the Marin YMCA camp runs 7:30 am to 5:30 pm by default, and others like Steve & Kate’s cover 8am–6pm in their standard rate. Most city-run camps (Mill Valley, San Rafael, etc.) have optional before-care starting around 8am and after-care until 5 or 6pm for working families. The fees can range from $5-10 per day for city camps up to $20-30 per day for private camps. When budgeting, definitely factor in extended hours if you need them. Also, some camps partner with local childcare providers or have “camp add-ons” – for example, your child could attend a specialty camp 9–3 and then join an extended care program on-site until 5. Always ask the camp director what solutions they have; in Marin’s family-friendly atmosphere, camps understand the need for coverage and often try to accommodate. A few camps even include extended care free (Marin GreenPlay, as noted, and sometimes the JCC offers free extended care if you register for multiple weeks). Be sure to read each camp’s details so you know pick-up/drop-off times and any extra costs for longer days.

Q: What are some free or low-cost summer camp options in Marin County?
A: While many camps in Marin do come with a price tag, there are a few lower-cost avenues:

• City Parks & Rec Camps: As mentioned, community camps like those run by Marinwood CSD, Novato Parks & Rec, etc., are relatively low-cost (around $300/week). Some offer scholarships or reduced rates for residents.
• Nonprofits & Churches: Organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA, and some churches host summer programs that are free or very affordable. For example, the BGCM (Boys & Girls Clubs of Marin) typically has low-cost summer day programs and only charge a nominal membership fee for the whole year. Local churches might run a one-week Vacation Bible School (VBS) for free or a minimal fee – these are usually half-day programs with games and songs (and open to all kids, not just church members).
• Library and Community Workshops: Marin County Libraries often have free special programs in summer (one-day or a series of workshops, like science experiments or art classes) – while not full camps, they can enrich your child’s summer at no cost. Likewise, Marin Parks and Open Space sometimes offer free nature hikes or junior ranger activities.
• Camp Scholarships: Many camps have scholarship funds. If there’s a camp your child is dying to attend but it’s out of reach financially, contact the camp – you may be surprised. As noted, some camps like Call of the Sea explicitly offer scholarships, and others like the Marin JCC have scholarship applications for their camps.
  In short, yes – with a bit of research and outreach, you can patch together an affordable summer. Don’t hesitate to leverage these community resources; they are there to ensure every Marin kid gets a great summer experience.

Q: What should my child bring to camp?
A: Most day camps will provide a packing list, but generally for any Marin summer camp your child should bring:

• A backpack to hold everything.
• Lunch and snacks: Unless the camp provides lunch (some do – check details), pack a good lunch and a couple of snacks. Marin days can be warm and active, so kids get hungry.
• Water bottle: Hydration is key, especially for outdoor camps. Send a refillable water bottle, labeled with their name.
• Sunscreen and a hat: Camps will usually have sunscreen application times (especially after lunch), but apply in the morning and pack extra. A hat is great for sun protection during outdoor play.
• Comfortable clothing: Play clothes that can get dirty are ideal. If the camp involves nature or sports, closed-toe shoes are typically required (sneakers over sandals). For art camps, don’t send them in anything you’d mind getting paint on.
• Swim gear if needed: If the camp has swimming or water play, pack a swimsuit, towel, and perhaps sandals. Some camps designate a specific day for swim, others do it daily in the afternoon.
• Extra layer: Mornings in Marin can be cool even in summer, especially near the coast. Pack a light sweatshirt or jacket that can be stuffed in the backpack by afternoon.
• Any special item requested: e.g. camps might ask for a white t-shirt to tie-dye on color war day, or a favorite book for reading time. And if your child has to bring specific gear (like a fishing rod for fishing camp or a bike for mountain bike camp), the camp will let you know well in advance.
  Importantly, label everything with your child’s name. Camps accumulate lost & found items very quickly! It’s also wise to leave valuables at home – camps usually advise not bringing electronics or toys from home (both to avoid loss and to encourage kids to engage in camp activities). If your child does bring a comfort item (like a stuffed animal for rest time), make sure it’s something replaceable or not too precious, just in case.

Q: Any tips for helping a 5–7 year-old adjust to their first camp?
A: Absolutely. First-time campers at that age might be a mix of excited and nervous. Here are a few tips:

• Visit the camp or do orientation if offered: Many camps have an open house or at least let you do a drive-by to show your child where it will be. Seeing the playground or classroom ahead of time can ease first-day jitters.
• Talk through the daily routine: Explain what drop-off will be like, how they’ll have fun with new friends, and that you (or the caregiver) will be back to pick them up after lunch/afternoon, etc. Knowing the plan reassures kids.
• Start with a half-day or shorter week: If you’re unsure how they’ll handle it, some camps allow enrolling just a few days of the week or offer half-day options for younger campers. You can build up to full days next time.
• Pack a little comfort: For a 5-year-old, sometimes a family photo in their bag or a favorite little trinket (nothing too distracting) can help if they feel homesick. Let the camp counselors know it’s their first time – the staff will keep an extra eye out to help them adjust (Marin camp counselors are generally very kind and experienced with first-timers).
• Encourage making a friend: You might arrange for your child to attend with a buddy or a sibling if possible. If not, reassure them that everyone will be new and making friends. After the first day, ask about who they met and what they did – focusing on the positive parts of the day.
• Stay positive at drop-off: Even if your child is clingy the first morning, keep upbeat and confident. A quick, cheerful goodbye (“You’re going to have a great day! I can’t wait to hear about the fun you have – see you after camp!”) and then hand-off to the counselor works best. Prolonging the goodbye can actually make it harder. Most kids settle in minutes after parents leave, especially once the first game or activity starts.
  By the end of the week, your little one will likely be asking for more camp! Marin has a wonderful camp community, and camps are very accustomed to nurturing young children through that first camp experience.

Marin County is truly overflowing with enriching summer camp opportunities – from sailing on the bay to painting under the redwoods, from scoring goals to performing on stage. With this guide, you have a starting point to explore the diverse camps available and find the ones that fit your child’s interests and your family’s needs. Summer camp in Marin is more than just a way to keep kids busy; it’s a chance for them to learn new skills, gain independence, make friends, and create childhood memories in our beautiful backyard. Here’s to a summer of growth and fun for your kids – and hopefully, a bit of stress-free planning for you, knowing that Marin’s got your family covered with fantastic camp options. Happy camping!