Affordable Camps in the San Francisco Bay Area
Summer is just around the bend…
Summer camps are a necessity for many families. If both parents work, the kids need to be cared for over the summer. Yet, many families are feeling pinched. As a result, we have received many requests for help in finding affordable camps during those long summer months. Sign Up For Camp has put together a list of camps in the San Francisco Bay Area that are less than$300 per week, some that are less than $200 and some that are actually free. You can find more information on all of these camps at Sign Up For Camp.
Free Camps – Yes, truly free
Aim High
Aim High has a free summer program for middle school students with locations throughout the Bay Area. These programs are by application only.
Atherton Lacrosse counselor in training (CIT) program
Atherton Lacrosse offers a free camp CIT program. Previous campers are preferred, but it is not required. Atherton Lacrosse offers camps from the South Bay to North Bay.
Camp Edmo Counselor in Training Program
Camp Edmo’s Counselor in Training (CIT) Program is free. Camp Edmo’s CIT program is for teen-agers entering grades 7 through college. The program provides job training and is fun. Bilingual candidates are particularly requested to apply. Camp Edmo has programs in San Francisco, Marin and the East Bay
Createch CIT Program
Createch offers free camp to students in their CIT program. Camp Createch is in Larkspur and San Anselmo.
Golden Gateway Tennis and Swim Club – Jr. Counselor Program
Golden Gateway Tennis and Swim Club offers a free Jr. Counselor program for teenagers (ages 13 to 17), allowing them to volunteer for a fun and rewarding summer experience. For more information about the program, contact Youth Program Director, Laura Safran, at summerkidscamp@ggtsc.com.
Vietnamese Youth Development Center (VYDC)
VYDC offers free summer camp to kids ages 11 to17 that runs June 14 to August 13, Monday through Friday, from 2 to 6pm. For more information contact Mike Nguyen at mike@vydc.org or 415.771.2600 x107.
Camps $300, $200 or less per week
Marin 4-H sleepaway camp – $165 (Angwin)
Marin 4-H offers a very affordable sleep-away camp. is a very affordable option. Only $165 for a week. Children do not need to be members of 4-H to attend.
Academic Chess – $200 (San Francisco)/$175 (San Jose)
Academic Chess offers 20% off if you register by April 30. Sign up for multiple weeks for even more savings.
Acrosports Circus and Specialty Camps – $250
Acrosports offers circus camps in San Francisco.
Cipriani After-School Care – $210
C.U.P.C. Summer Camp – $125 – $150
C.U.P.C. Summer Camp also offers a special 8th grade camp for only $90. Camp is in San Francisco.
Inspire Music – $250 (sign up through Sign Up For Camp and receive a discount through May 15)
Inspire Music is offering Sign Up For Camp visitors a discount of $60 per session (just $250 with discount) when they enroll by May 15. You must mention Sign Up For Camp at enrollment.
Judy Berlin’s Kids On Camera TV/Film Acting Camp – $280
Kinetic Arts Center Summer Circus Camp – $290
Paye’s Place – $175 – popular basketball clinics
Paye’s Place is your place for basketball and other sports camps on the peninsula.
Presidio YMCA – from $235 to $410
Most camps run less than $300 per week, including all traditional day camps and most of the speciality camps. In addition, before- and after-care (from 7:30 in the morning and until 6 in the evening) are included in the cost of the camp, which is a bonus!
San Mateo Gymnastics Camp – $199 to $260
At San Mateo Gymnastics, camp fees are $260 for kids ages 6 to 12 years old and $199 for kids ages 3.5 to 6 years old. A $10 discount applies if you register by May 15.
San Francisco Gymnastics – $255 for members/$280 for non-members
SF Gymnastics has half-day weekly sessions for even less and also has an early bird sign-up discount.
San Francisco Recreation & Parks – Shark Fishing 101 ($237 for 3 weeks) and Harvey Milk Recreational Center (from $163)
San Francisco Recreation & Parks also provides scholarships of up to 50% off the camp price.
West Valley Gymnastics – $297
West Valley Gymnastics in Santa Clara also offers half-day gymnastics for $150. Discounts are available and the camp offers drop-ins.
A Special Discount for Sign Up For Camp members
Kids Nature Adventures – San Francisco
Mention View From The Bay and receive 15% off the camps at Kids Nature Adventures.
