Portola Valley, CA, USA
Mountain Camp Woodside is a nature-based summer day camp designed to give kids an authentic outdoor camp experience without overnight stays. The atmosphere is welcoming, energetic, and grounded in classic camp values like friendship, teamwork, curiosity, and independence. Campers spend their days outside, exploring wooded areas, participating in active games, and discovering new interests through creative and recreational activities.
The camp’s program blends outdoor play with skill-building experiences. Kids rotate through activities such as sports, arts and crafts, nature exploration, and group challenges. Each day is structured but flexible, allowing campers to feel both supported and free to be themselves. Counselors focus on creating a positive environment where every child feels included and encouraged.
What makes Mountain Camp Woodside stand out is its strong connection to nature and emphasis on personal growth. Campers are encouraged to try new things, solve problems together, and build confidence through small daily achievements.
This camp is best suited for elementary- and middle-school–aged kids, generally ages 4–14. It’s ideal for children who enjoy being outdoors, like active play, and benefit from social interaction in a supportive group setting.
| Ages: | 4–14 |
| Type: | Day |
| Month: | Summer |
| Gender: | Co-Ed |
| Setting: | Forest |
| Sports: | Sports, Team Sports, Basketball, Cycling, Bicycle, Shooting, Archery |
| Water: | Water, Pool, Swimming |
| Adventure: | Adventure, Challenge, Rock Climbing, Nature & Exploration, Backpacking, Hiking |
| Technology: | Technology, STEM, Rocketry |
| Academics: | Academics, Science, Career, Culinary |
| Arts: | Fine Arts, Arts & Crafts, Fashion & Design, Jewelry Making, Painting, Print Making, Arts, Performing Arts, Drama, Film, Dance, Music |
| Dates | Days | Price | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 8 - Jun 19, 2026 | 12 | $2,695 | |
| Jun 8 - Jun 12, 2026 | 5 | $1,495 | |
| Jun 15 - Jun 19, 2026 | 5 | $1,495 | |
| Jun 22 - Jul 3, 2026 | 12 | $2,695 | |
| Jun 22 - Jun 26, 2026 | 5 | $1,495 | |
| Jun 29 - Jul 3, 2026 | 5 | $1,495 | |
| Jul 6 - Jul 17, 2026 | 12 | $2,695 | |
| Jul 6 - Jul 10, 2026 | 5 | $1,495 | |
| Jul 13 - Jul 17, 2026 | 5 | $1,495 | |
| Jul 20 - Jul 31, 2026 | 12 | $2,695 | |
| Jul 20 - Jul 24, 2026 | 5 | $1,495 | |
| Jul 27 - Jul 31, 2026 | 5 | $1,495 |
You won’t be charged yet. The camp will contact you to confirm all terms first.
Mountain Camp Woodside places a strong emphasis on wholesome, nourishing food prepared by a professional food service team. Every meal is designed to appeal to young palates while remaining nutritious, with a variety of options available at each serving. Camp meals include a hot entrée, salad bar, baked potatoes, pasta bar, and sandwich bar, so campers can enjoy choices that suit their preferences. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available at every meal to accommodate dietary needs. Fresh fruit, vegetables, cereal, and yogurt are offered at breakfast to help campers start the day with energy. The menus are also planned with common food allergies in mind, and the camp encourages parents to communicate any special dietary requirements. Snack breaks are part of the daily routine, giving kids the fuel they need between activities and lunch. These meal experiences also become moments of community and connection, helping campers recharge both physically and socially during camp days.
Safety is a top priority at Mountain Camp Woodside. Activities take place in supervised settings with trained counselors who support campers throughout the day. Clear routines, structured transitions, and age-appropriate groupings help ensure that children understand expectations and stay in safe environments. Outdoor spaces are designed for active play while minimizing risk, and staff emphasize safe behavior during games, exploration, and guided activities. While the official website does not detail specific emergency procedures or exact staff-to-camper ratios, the camp follows established standards for youth programs, providing close supervision and attentive oversight throughout the schedule. Counselors are present during activity rotations, breaks, meal times, and transitions, helping maintain a secure and predictable camp experience.
Mountain Camp Woodside builds community through shared experiences, group challenges, and collective play. Traditions often include team games that become annual favorites, nature-based activities that reflect camp values, and structured group times where campers celebrate achievements and support one another. Morning and afternoon routines reinforce a sense of belonging, helping campers start each day with enthusiasm and end with reflection. While the official website doesn’t list specific ritual names or longstanding events, the camp’s culture emphasizes connection, encouragement, and shared growth — core traditions that create a strong sense of camp identity and community.
Mountain Camp Woodside’s activity program is designed to mix movement, creativity, and social connection. Each day, campers participate in a variety of activities that keep energy high and curiosity alive. Activities are structured so that kids can try new things, build skills, and make friends in a supportive setting. Counselors guide campers through active games, creative projects, nature activities, and cooperative challenges that encourage both individual confidence and teamwork. The program balances structured group experiences with choice-based play, helping children enjoy both guided learning and self-directed exploration.
Day Camp Program (incoming 2nd – 10th graders): 8:50am – 4:35pm
Cub Camp Program (incoming K – 1st graders and Pre-Cubs): 8:50am – 3pm
