SUMMER PROGRAMS

Camp Shine: Where Summer is Rooted in Joy, Nature, and Discovery

 

 

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CAMP SHINESUMMER CAMP + MORE PROGRAMSMagic on the farm!

SUMMER CAMP

Summer Camp

Camp SHINE Summer Camp is a joyful day camp for children entering Kindergarten through 6th grade, where nature, friendship, and farm life come together to create unforgettable memories. Nestled in the hills of Martinez, CA, our campers care for animals, ride horses, explore the garden, hike, swim, and create with nature-inspired art—all while growing resilience, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness through our SHINE curriculum. It’s a summer of discovery, connection, and pure childhood magic—where every child is seen, celebrated, and invited to SHINE.

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homeschool

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 leadership

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.

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The Acorns

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.

homeschool

Horsin' Around

Horsin’ Around are single-day pop-up camps for horse lovers, animal enthusiasts, and outdoor explorers ages 5–12. Spend a magical day on the farm bonding with gentle horses, feeding animals, harvesting from the garden, and creating nature-inspired art. With guided horseback riding, natural horsemanship, and hands-on barn life experiences, this special camp offers a joyful taste of farm life and connection with animals—perfect for kids who are horse-obsessed or simply love to play, create, and explore outside.
JR. CAMP COUNSELOR LEADERSHIP CIRCLE

Jr. Camp Counselor Leadership Training

Designed for middle schoolers ready to step into leadership, this program helps Jr. Camp Counselors build confidence, responsibility, and compassion. Participants support younger campers, care for the farm, and develop teamwork and leadership skills through hands-on experience and guided training—on the farm and beyond.

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

Everyone’s favorite summertime activity! In the afternoons we take a dip in the private pool that is located at Camp. This is a great way for us to cool off in the afternoons and always refreshes everyone! To ensure safety, we provide a lifeguard who oversees our time spent at the pool.

Connection

Your children will get a chance to connect with one another in a safe container and learn the importance of listening to each other and themselves. We will explore self-responsibility and the power in our choices. We seek to build critical thinkers, forge strong friendships and a cultivate a culture of thoughtfulness and upliftment.

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