Gaia Guides Kids Camp

Each one-week session follows a flexible outdoor-learning format rather than a fixed classroom routine. Campers start with games and a lesson in paddling, environmental topics, or adventure skills. Instructors then lead a morning paddle, beginning with land instruction and protected-lagoon practice before choosing a route suited to wind, tides, currents, camper skill, and group comfort. Kayaking and paddleboarding are taught step by step, and campers may focus more on the craft they enjoy as the week develops.

Half-day campers finish after the morning program at 1:00 PM. Full-day campers stay for lunch and an afternoon that may include another paddle, nature walks, art projects, nature crafts, team games, mindfulness, rest time, or environmental lessons. The schedule balances structured safety expectations on the water with more choice and free-flowing play on land. Campers are grouped by age and experience, allowing newer paddlers to receive shorter routes and closer support while older or more experienced participants may work toward longer journeys and stronger skills.

Instructors check in throughout the day and may adjust coaching, breaks, activity intensity, or participation based on energy and comfort. The program aims to build practical paddling ability, teamwork, problem-solving, care for equipment, and awareness of the Bay ecosystem through repeated hands-on experience.

Families provide food for camp. Full-day campers should bring snacks and a packed lunch, while half-day campers need snacks for the morning. Full-day groups may eat lunch on the beach during a longer outing or return to the marina for a midday break, depending on the day’s plan.

Campers should also bring a large water bottle. The official packing guidance recommends sending enough layers and other daily gear for changing Bay Area conditions, but it does not describe camp-provided meals or snacks. Families should share medical needs and allergies on the registration form so staff can plan support before camp begins.

Campers wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets whenever they are on the water, and instructors check that each jacket is fitted securely. Staff remain on the water with the group and teach buddy systems, safety signals, self-rescue, and paddling skills in steps. Newer campers begin in a protected lagoon before instructors consider larger Bay routes.

Each morning, the team reviews weather, wind, tides, currents, water conditions, and group comfort. Activities, routes, and paddle length may change during the day, and staff can shift to land-based programming when conditions are not suitable. Instructors are CPR and First Aid certified, and the published camper-to-instructor ratio is typically about 1:6.

Daily check-in and check-out require a responsible adult. At pickup, the adult must provide the four-digit code selected during registration before a camper is released.

Families are asked to report medical needs, allergies, and emergency medications on the registration form before camp. Emergency medication such as an inhaler or EpiPen is carried by staff in a dry bag during paddling outings, and instructors follow the camper’s care plan.

Minor injuries, including small scrapes or bumps, are treated on site by trained staff and documented. Parents are contacted when an injury needs additional care or when a medical concern arises during the day. For a serious injury or emergency, staff follow emergency procedures, seek appropriate medical attention, and keep families informed. Campers who feel sick or need to contact a parent are supported in doing so.

The camp is led by a founder, program director, instructors, and interns within a small, locally owned outdoor program. The organization states that its team brings more than 20 years of youth leadership and outdoor education experience. Instructors are CPR and First Aid certified, trained in water safety and youth instruction, and familiar with local Bay conditions. They teach paddling step by step, monitor camper comfort and energy, provide breaks or extra coaching when needed, and maintain a typical ratio of about one instructor for every six campers.

Instructors communicate with parents at drop-off or pickup when a concern or update needs discussion. More immediate issues are handled by phone. Parents are contacted promptly for medical concerns, injuries that need additional care, emergencies, or significant behavior and support needs. Campers who feel sick or need to reach a parent are allowed to do so, and families may share relevant support information before camp.

Camp meets at Ballena Bay Marina. A parent or guardian must be present for daily check-in and check-out, and pickup requires the four-digit code selected during registration. Campers should arrive wearing a swimsuit under warm clothes and bring a long-sleeve rash guard or sun shirt, sandals or water shoes, a towel, a jacket and extra layers, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses with a strap, a large water bottle, and the food needed for their camp option. Gaia Guides provides wetsuits and paddling equipment.