CAMP SHINE 2025SPRING OFFERINGS & PROGRAMSEnrollment now open!
cs storytellers
Designed for children in Kindergarten through 3rd grade, Storytellers invites our youngest learners into the wonderful world of literature and storytelling. Through inspiring books, imaginative puppet shows, nature-inspired activities, and gentle introductions to reading and writing, children discover the joy of language in a fun, creative, and meaningful way. Whether we’re sharing stories beside the donkeys, acting out favorite tales, or writing our own adventures on the farm, every class is designed to spark curiosity, nurture a love of books, and build confidence in the English language.
Title
farm school
This seasonal, farm-based program for children in Kindergarten through 6th grade blends hands-on learning with nature and real farm work, using the seasons as our guide. Children care for animals, garden, explore earth science, create nature-inspired art, learn traditional handwork, and discover the rhythms of the changing seasons. Mixed-age groups encourage confidence, lasting friendships, and a deep love of learning in a welcoming and supportive environment.
CS captains
The next evolution of Farm School, where students become confident leaders while developing practical life skills through meaningful experiences. CS Captains focuses on leadership, survival skills, homesteading, life science, teamwork, planning and executing farm projects, and serving the community. Through real responsibility, growing independence, and hands-on learning, we use the farm as our classroom to cultivate confidence, character, and skills that last a lifetime.
Spring Break
Title
Jr. Camp Counselor Leadership Training
This is a hands-on program for rising 6th–9th graders who are ready to step into leadership with heart, responsibility, and purpose. Set on our vibrant working farm, this immersive experience blends practical skills, mentorship opportunities, and emotional growth as participants learn to guide younger campers, care for animals, and support one another. With a focus on compassionate leadership, nervous system awareness, and real-life tools for confidence and communication, this program helps young leaders shine from the inside out—on the farm and beyond.
Horse Play
Horse Play offers group horse lessons for both beginners and experienced riders. Children build confidence through progressive skill-building, learn horsemanship basics, and enjoy guided trail riding on our fenced five-acre farm in Martinez, CA. Each session supports growth, connection, and a love of working with horses.
Camp Shine was named one of the
Best of the East Bay: Kids
We can feel the love!
Thanks to our Camp SHINE parents and campers for all the love! We are so excited to be named one of the Best of the East Bay Camps by Diablo magazine. And we’re not just a summer camp! We have year-round offerings so check us out if you haven’t yet! We’d love to see you at the Farm!
Explorations & Activitiesat camp shine
Farm Life
Located in the hills of Martinez, CA, we enjoy farm life with chickens, mini ponies, horses, and a bunny! It is not uncommon for the children to enjoy art or chat with a chicken tucked under their arm. We collect eggs, groom ponies, and feed the animals. The children LOVE spending time on the farm!
Herbs & Holistic Health
We teach children the power of plants! At Camp SHINE, we are bringing back the tradition of holistic health by educating our youth on how to use herbs and their unique properties to support our bodies. This program is mainly taught by guest teacher Andrea Telfer Karbo FNP, a functional practitioner and founder of The Remedy.
Horsemanship & Riding
Through working with horses, children experience being calm and confident leaders. They discover reading the language of a horse and how to be aware of their surroundings, a huge life skill! They also learn to groom, tend, and ride our two horses, Marty and Piper.
The Pool
Connection
Nature-Inspired Art
These are not your typical “kid art” projects. They will use high quality, natural products to create works of art that are inspiring and beautiful. They will whittle walking sticks, sand, assemble and paint bird houses, create pottery, do natural dying and so much more! We often bring in the expert in their field to teach the children a new skillset they can enjoy for years to come.
for example
Horseback Riding | Holistic Health | Horseback riding | Leather working | Pottery | Weaving | Wet felting | Painting | Woodworking Projects | Walking Sticks | Talent shows/Plays | Hiking + Exploration | Soap + Lotion Making | Biodiverse Farming | Natural Dying | Tree House Building + so much more