What is your Covid-19 policy?
Camp SHINE is 100% outdoor program. We ask that you stay home if your child is feeling ill and notify us if you are within contact with someone with Covid-19. Since we are outside and in the sunshine masks are optional.
Is Camp SHINE for boys and girls?
YES! Camp is for everyone! In fact, my own sons – 8- and 12-year-olds – LOVE camp!
What is the location of Camp SHINE?
We are in the hills of Martinez, CA at a private farm. Once you register for camp you will be provided further directions and info about our location.
How many kids are in each session?
We have on average between 18-22 kids in each session.
How does it work with mixed ages?
We love mixed ages at Camp SHINE. Since everything we do is universal and enjoyed by everyone from young children to even adult. We don’t do traditional “kiddie projects” and so what we explore is really satisfying for all. In addition, the older kiddos get to support the younger ones and practice leadership skills. The little ones get to rise to the occasion and try something new. We enjoy mixed ages as there is a place for everyone at Camp SHINE!
Do you provide a buddy option so friends can enroll together?
We do not provide a buddy system. The best way to ensure signing up with a friend is to correlate amongst families and to enroll early and on the same day for your chosen session.
Will my child feel left out if they don’t know anyone or come with a friend to Camp?
We have had many kids come to camp “alone” but the environment of camp makes it easy to make friends. Our staff is also trained to look for kiddos who need help connecting. No child will ever be left standing alone! EVER! We find many campers meet new friends that are lasting and continue outside of camp 😊
Camp SHINE sounds utopic! Does conflict arise?
Of course! We take each bump in the road as a learning opportunity. Kids need guidance and loving help. None of us are perfect! We help kids to awaken their empathic skills and discover non-violent communication. We help kids to learn how to kindly take responsibility, recognize their own needs and take good care of themselves. We use camp as a learning playground to become better and kinder humans not perfect ones! 😊
What's the supervision like at Camp SHINE?
In each session there is a lead teacher who is supported by 2 Camp Counselors (High school Students). We also have guest teachers who come once a week and we also have a lifeguard to help supervise time at the pool. We have a lot of support at Camp SHINE!
Do you offer Camp SHINE scholarships?
Each year we give away 5 pay what you can spots at Camp SHINE. Please email us HERE to apply. It’s on a first come first serve basis. When you apply, your name gets added to a list and we will reach out if you are selected.
Does my child need to know how to swim to come to Camp SHINE?
No, however they will be required to wear a lifejacket the entire time we are near the pool, which is a separate fenced area from the rest of camp. We also provide a lifeguard in addition to our Camp Counselors who oversee the pool time. We take pool safety very seriously.
Can My kindergartener come to Camp SHINE?
We will accept Kindergarteners if they have experienced some school and are used to longer days or if they have a sibling in the program.
Camp SHINE is a long day, do the kids get tired?
Great question! We provide times in the day that are naturally quieter. Hammocks to rock in and quiet spaces to relax. We teach the kids to honor what they need and help them find ways to take good care of themselves. Since we are 100% outdoors, we find that kids are not as overstimulated as they might be in a classroom with bright lights and objects all around them. They tend to not have melt downs or feel overwhelmed. This is the beauty of being outside. Many parents report that their child’s behavior at home improves after their time at camp…however we make no official claim to that! 😊
If I cannot make a day of Camp, do I get reimbursed?
We do not prorate the program. We look at the program as a whole and not a per day basis. We do not reimburse for missed days.
How will the morning and afternoon sessions work?
We are so excited to offer a morning and afternoon session at Camp SHINE. We want to keep out session sizes down to provide a more intimate experience. Each session will have their own teacher and camp counselors to Shepard them through the day. Each session will also receive a different color t-shirt. The groups will not mingle very often but be on their own journey and schedule throughout the day.
What is your cancellation policy?
You can cancel anytime up until 2-weeks to the start of your camp week. If you notify us after the 2 weeks you are fully responsible for tuition. If the spot if filled, we will refund you. You can ask us about our waitlist or transfer your spot to a friend.
How do you handle horse safety and riding?
We do our best to create a safe environment, however it is important to note, that all animals are unpredictable. We mitigate risk by teaching the children about horses’ safety and how to create an environment that is safe for ourselves and the horse. When your child interacts with the horse it is supervised and 1 to 1.
Do you have Camp SHINE for adults?
We get this question all the time 😊. Coming soon because us adults need CAMP SHINE too!
