Summer Day Camp

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Summer Day Camp at Fairyland aims to spark creativity and a desire to learn by bringing stories to life. Our camp activities explore the intersection of storytelling, imagination, nature, arts, and play.Through daily practice, we instill the importance of respect and care for one another. Our nurturing staff and safe environment encourage campers to develop friendship through team-building projects, dramatic play, and exploration. 

Camp runs from June 3 to August 9, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with aftercare available by registration from 3:30 p.m to 5:30 p.m.

We offer the following 1 week and 2 week sessions:

Thematic Camps: For children entering K to 6th grade

  • Fantasy Affair
    • June 3 to June 7 Timeless Stories
    • June 10 to June 14  Super Fantasy Con
  • Magic
    • June 17 to June 21 Herbology
    • June 24 to June 28 Enchanted Gear
  • Makers and Crafters
    • July 1 to July 5 Crafts and Culture
    • July 8 t o July 12 Maker’s Wonderland 
  • Farm To Table(2-week session)
    • July 15 to July 26
  • Fairyland Classics
    • July 29 to August 2 A Pirate’s Life for Me
    • August 5 to August 9 Run Away with the Circus

  • Performance Camps OR Theater-Based Camps (2 week sessions): For children entering 3rd to 6th grade
    Session 1: June 3 to June 14 — Fairyland Puppeteers
    Session 1: June 17 to June 28 (June 19th off) — Theatre Camp
    Session 2: July 1 to July 12 (July 1st off) — Fairyland Puppeteers
    Session 2: July 15 to July 26 — Theatre Camp

  • Counselor-in-Training: For youth ages 12 to 14 and entering 7th to 9th grade
    Week 1: June 3 to 7 Week 6: July 8 to 12
    Week 2: June 10 to14 Week 7: July 15 to 19
    Week 3: June 17 to 21 Week 8: July 22 to 26
    Week 4: June 24 to 28 Week 9: July 29 to August 2
    Week 5: July 1 to 5 Week 10: August 5 to 9

*We offer sessions through our 1 week Thematic Camps or 2 week Theatre-Based Camps. 

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Fairyland Members: Registration opens on 1/15 at 12pm 

Everyone: Registration opens on 1/20 at 12pm 

 

2024 Summer Day Camp Descriptions

One Week Thematic Camps 

Fantasy Affair

Timeless Stories: June 3 to 7
All the imagination you need is in a story! Campers engage with timeless folktales and fairytales as themes that guide their learning about storytelling, character development, costume design, and much more. 

Super Fantasy Con: June 10 to 14
Campers transform into magical beings and superheroes, create their own comic strips, make fantasy-fantastic props, all in preparation for our very own Super Fantasy Con.

Magic

Herbology: June 17 to 21 (June 19 off)
Transform herbs in the garden into a magical array of potions, balms, teas and salves. Dive right into the magical world of medicinal plants and go on the journey from seeds to potions! 

Enchanted Gear: June 24 to 28
Wands, pouches, sigils, dream diaries, and magical art. Everything the young witch, wizard or warlock might need for their journey! It’s time to get crafty! 

Makers and Crafters

Crafts and Culture: July 1 to 5 (July 4 off)
Campers will dive into a hands-on multicultural craft making experience and learn about crafters and creations from around the world. We will uncover stories behind the artful pursuits and explore various techniques. 

Makers Wonderland: July 8 to 12
Enter the maker and crafter wonderland! Campers will create projects that explore resourceful, creative, and innovative ways to materialize ideas. From basic crafting skills, DIY experiments, and unusual hacks, campers become the next generation of problem solvers. 

Fairyland Classics

A Pirate’s Life for Me: July 29 to August 2
Climb aboard, me hearties! We’re off to find treasure, swashbuckle, and navigate the seas. Design your own pirate flag! Create your own pirate map! Use navigation skills to hunt for treasure! Brush up on your pirate lingo and hoist the Jolly Roger! 

Run Away with the Circus: August 5 to 9
This is your chance to juggle, clown around, and pretend to be a wild beast!  It’s all happening under the big top!

Two Week Camps

Fairyland Puppeteers
June 3 to June 14
July 1 to July 12

In this two week session, campers learn how to put on their own puppet shows. From making puppets to creating scripts, campers experience the Fairyland magic that brings puppets and stories to life. 

Fairyland Puppeteers will have two sessions, taking place between June 3 to June 14 (Session 1), and July 1 to 12 (Session 2).

Theatre Camp
June 17 to June 28
July 15 to July 26 

In this fun-filled two week camp, children will create their own theatrical production from start to finish. Inspired by their own creativity and the magical world of Fairyland, an experienced theatre educator will guide participants through the playwriting process while exploring performance skills and stagecraft. At the end of this two week session, children will present their play for family and friends at Fairyland’s beloved Aesop’s Playhouse. Through teamwork and a lot of creative juice, they will learn about the collaborative nature of theatre while honing communication, problem-solving, and social-emotional skills during the creation of their own theatrical event.

Theatre Camp will have two sessions taking place between June 17 through June 28 (Session 1) and July 15 through July 26 (Session 2), culminating in a performance for family and friends on the last Friday of each session at Aesop’s Playhouse.

Farm To Table
July 15 to July 26

Campers get their hands dirty as they learn about gardening, animal husbandry, and going on the journey from seeds to salads! Planting, harvesting, and transforming produce into plates, campers get a deeper understanding of where their food comes from and gain appreciation for the land, as well as our Fairyland residents. 

Farm-to-Table will take place between July 15 through 26 (Session 4 only).

C.I.T Program
Children's Fairyland is offering a Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program for youth ages 12 to 14 or rising seventh through ninth graders in conjunction with our Summer Day Camp program. CITs become stewards of Fairyland camp, serving as role models for our younger campers. CITs assist in activities, games, and team-building projects. They will have a chance to develop their leadership experience in a fun and supportive environment, while gaining real-world work experience.

This program is suitable for youth who have a passion for helping younger children and aspire to become future camp counselors. They should be able to follow instructions and be prepared to take on a leadership role and new challenges. We offer sessions through our one-week Thematic Camps or two week Theatre-Based Camps, June 3 to August 9. Participation in the program includes a certificate of completion at the end of their session.

Camp Health and Safety

Keeping campers safe and healthy is our top priority. As we work diligently to update our operations plan, the following are preventive measures we are taking, including what you can do at home.

During Camp:

  • Make sure your campers arrive healthy, hydrated and well rested.
  • Masking is required only for individuals who are experiencing cold and flu-like symptoms and if the COVID-19 Community Level in Alameda County is Medium or High.
  • If a mask is required, campers may take off their face coverings when they are able to social distance and during field activities and snack/meal time. When social distancing is not possible (rides, attractions and workshop activities), campers will be asked to keep their face coverings on.
  • Staff will make sure that campers are practicing good hand hygiene habits and respiratory etiquette.

​What you can do at home to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

  • At least 10 days before your child's session, please begin self screening for temperatures over 100.4°F and for any presence of symptoms.
  • If you travel by airplane before your camp session starts, get tested three days after your return. Please show us your negative result before coming to camp.  
  • Help your campers establish good hygiene and the habit of wearing a face covering in public.
  • Consult your health provider if you have any concerns. 

What will Fairyland do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 before camp begins:

  • We will provide our camp staff training on health and safety procedures.
  • Establish PPE (personal protection equipment) protocols and health screening as needed.
  • Stay current with any new guidance issued by the Alameda County Public Health Department and CDC.
  • Continue to update you on camp guidelines.

Camp FAQs

The Basics

What is the age range for Fairyland summer camp?

For our thematic camps, children must be five (by September 1, 2024) to eleven years old or rising kindergarten through 6th graders. Fairyland Puppeteer and Theatre Camp are for children eight to eleven years old or rising 3rd through 6th graders. The Counselor-In-Training (CIT) program is for youths twelve to fourteen years old or rising 6th through 9th graders.

 

How much does camp cost?

Prices are for weekly and biweekly sessions:

Thematic camp is $445 for Fairyland members and $460 for non-members.

Farm-To-Table will be $1020 for Fairyland members, and $1,050 for non-members.

Fairyland Puppeteer is $1,020 for members and $1,050 for non-members.

Theatre Camp is $1,020 for members and $1,050 for non-members.

The Counselor-In-Training program is $200 per week.

Aftercare is $125 per week (Monday through Friday). There is no cost for CITs who need aftercare. 

The camp fee includes one camp T-shirt (one for each week your child is registered for) and a Magic Key. The aftercare fee includes two snack items per day and choices of activities. 

Additional shirts are available for $12 each.

 

Can I sign up for just one week of a two week session? 

To allow campers a better experience, we do not allow one week registrations for our two week sessions such as Fairyland Puppeteer, Theatre Camp, and Farm to Table. Our two-week sessions are a specialized curriculum, and gives campers more time to develop friendship with their peers and counselors. We offer multiple one week options within our Thematic camps. 

 

What are your camp hours? Is there aftercare?

Camp hours are 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Arrival is 8:30 to 9 a.m. and pick up is 3:30 to 3:45 p.m. Aftercare is from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. (Registration is required for aftercare.) 

Campers signed in to aftercare can be picked up anytime between 3:45 and 5:30 p.m.

A late fee of $1 per minute will be applied if a child not registered in aftercare is not picked up by 3:45 p.m. The late fee applies to each minute and after 5:30 p.m. for children in aftercare.

 

What is a day like?

Sample Thematic Camp

8:30-9:00 Arrival, games

9-10:30 Morning welcome and team building, thematic play creation, animal/plant/puppet workshop

10:30-10:45 Snack, break

10:45-12 Group activities and park exploration

12-1 Lunch, chill out time

1-3:30 Rides, scavenger hunt, group games, park exploration

3:30-3:45 Afternoon team building, pick-up or aftercare

 

Sample Fairyland Puppeteer and Theatre Camp Schedule

8:30-9 Arrival, games

9-9:20 Morning welcome

9:20-10:30 Theatre workshop, behind-the-scenes activity

10:30-10:45 Snack

10:45-12 Theater game, scriptwriting, character design

12-1 Lunch, chill out time

1-2 Park exploration, team-building activity

2-3:30 Prop building and costume making

3:30-3:45 Pick up or aftercare

3:30-5:30 Aftercare (free play, arts and crafts, games)

3:45 Last Friday performance 

 

What kinds of activities are available for campers registered in aftercare?

All activities will begin after snack time. Campers will have a variety of activities to choose from each day, including organized outdoor games, art projects, and the opportunity to work on their costumes or props for the Friday play.  

 

Who are your camp counselors?

Our camp counselors are chosen for their significant experience with children, enthusiasm for play and pretend, and vibrant, compassionate personalities. All camp staff are background checked and trained in first aid and CPR. 

 

The Big Picture

What is the camp’s philosophy?

Camp is where the magic happens and children can unlock the power of storytelling through play.  

 

What makes our summer camp special?

  • Dual emphasis on imagination and social-emotional development.
  • Highly experienced, fun, and compassionate staff members.
  • Children learn to collaborate with peers, improve confidence, and be playful through improvisation.
  • Children use creativity while engaged in hands-on activities to explore each theme. They use teamwork to create and perform amazing plays at the end of each week - boosting confidence!
  • Opportunities to go behind the scenes with Fairyland’s puppet theater, gardens, and gentle animals.
  • Lots of park exploration time for the campers to do everything they love at Fairyland.  

 

What do you do all day at camp?

Our activities fall into three categories:

  • Park Exploration – Hit the rides, slides, Jack and Jill Hill, use a Magic Key, climb the rigging on the pirate ship, and dig in the sand at Play Island.
  • Activities – These workshops involve the horticulture, gentle animal, and puppetry specialists, as well as arts and crafts and unforgettable experiences through daily thematic activities.
  • Dramatic Play – Dramatic play promotes the development of social skills. We encourage children to make up plays by pretending, group brainstorming, and practicing for the Friday show. 

 

Is there a show or performance that families can attend?

Our Friday skit challenges and chant-offs are created by the campers in each camp. We start with the theme and use our imaginations and teamwork to put on a short 3 to 5 minute skit. Skits are a way for campers to develop their confidence, find their voices, and add a theatrical element. These skits and chant-offs are built in as camp activities as a part of the curriculum, and will be performed to the campers, CITs and counselors only and will not be recorded and shared with families, as it is not meant to represent a full production.

We will offer in-person viewing for Fairyland Puppeteers and Theatre Camp families only. Fairyland Puppeteers will perform on Friday, June 14 for Session 1 and July 12 for Session 3. The Theatre Camp plays will be presented on Friday, June 28 for Session 2 and July 26 for Session 4.  

 

How about children with learning differences?

While our camp may not have the capacity to accommodate every need, we have found that we tend to be very successful at camp when we work one on one with families and are well informed about the campers’ needs before the session begins. We invite you to contact us so we can help you decide if camp is the right fit for your child.

 

How do you incorporate social and emotional learning into camp?

All camp staff are trained in conflict resolution and are committed to helping children resolve their differences with words. We consciously work to create a caring community of adults and children who treat each other with respect and are ready to make new friends. Taking turns, cooperation, sharing, and being a good sport are continuously reinforced, and we take time at the end of each week for the children to share their appreciation for each other.

 

Registration

How do I register my child?

The registration link will be open beginning January 15 for early bird access exclusively for Fairyland Members and January 20 for everyone.

 

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept Visa, Mastercard, and E-checks.

 

What is your cancellation policy?  

You may cancel your registration via ACTIVE through April 15. After this date, all cancellations must be submitted by email to Topaz Bess at topaz.bess@fairyland.org.

A $40 processing fee will be assessed for all cancellation requests before April 15. 

After April 15, 25% of the full registration fee per camper will be assessed. 

For cancellations on sessions 30-days prior to the first day of camp, 50% of the full registration per camper will be assessed.​

Camp fee is nonrefundable if the request is made less than 30-days prior to the first day of camp. 

You may change your camp session up to 30-days before the start of your confirmed session, but only if we have space.

Thank you for your interest in Children’s Fairyland Summer Day Camp! Please do not hesitate to email the Community Engagement Manager, Topaz Bess, or call 510-929-3535, with questions or concerns.

Scholarship information

Fairyland is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are dedicated to making sure our youth programs are affordable for all families. Our scholarship program is designed to support families in need who have children/young people wanting to participate in our Children’s Theatre and Summer Day Camp. There is a short application process required. Eligible families will receive up to 70% reduced fees for Summer Camp and 100% scholarship for Children’s Theatre. The scholarship application is open now for 2024. Apply here!