The state of California, known affectionally as the Golden State, is as beautiful and as golden as a sunflower basking in the afternoon sunshine. It's a magical place where majestic mountains share the horizon with lush vineyards and the roaring Pacific Ocean. But the real magic happens in the gardens, where a peculiar group of kids, the 'Green Thumbs Gang,' spends their time. The leader of this gang is a funny little character known as Muddy Boots. With a hat as wide as a satellite dish and a spade that doubles as his scepter, Muddy Boots rules his garden kingdom with a green thumb and a hearty laugh. His eyes sparkle with enthusiasm as bright as the starlight, and his laughter is as contagious as a wild daisy spreading across the field. The other kids in the Green Thumbs Gang all look up to Muddy Boots. They're a bunch of dirt-smudged, sun-kissed, worm-chasing, seed-planting oddballs. They spend their sunny California days laboring in the soil, planting the weirdest and wildest plants they can find. From rainbow carrots to striped tomatoes, their garden is as varied as a painter's palette. Every so often, Muddy Boots would declare a "Garden Giggles Day." On this special occasion, the gang would throw rotten tomatoes at each other, stage worm races, and have a contest to see who could make the funniest vegetable face. After all the hullabaloo, they would sit under a big shady tree, munching on their home-grown snacks, their laughter echoing across the garden, nearly as heart-warming as the Californian sun above them.
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DEBUT Creative Center & Theater-Studio is a dual-language (English–Russian) program where kids explore creativity, confidence, and self-expression. From theater and dance to fencing and stage performance, children can try new activities and discover their unique talents. Small class sizes let instructors give each child personalized attention, helping them feel comfortable, supported, and confident as they learn. Kids build artistic skills while also developing social confidence, teamwork, and poise on stage and in everyday life. Our programs celebrate each child’s individuality, combining fun, hands-on experiences with a focus on personal growth—all while keeping Russian language and culture an important part of the curriculum.
This Oakland-based organization was founded and led mainly by women and People of Color. Their mission is to challenge oppressive dynamics and environments through urban farming and access to the natural environment. ANV is dedicated to elevating the lives of youth and their families in Oakland and beyond. The organization strives to create safe and creative outdoor spaces for youth and families to learn about nutrition, food production, healthy living, and the natural environment. Through these initiatives, ANV works to strengthen the ties between the young people and their families, as well as their connection with the community.
At Park’n It Day Camp, we’re passionate about promoting the health and well-being of kids through outdoor activities. We’ve joined the Healthy Parks Healthy People initiative, which encourages kids to get active in parks and green spaces. Our goal is to help them grow into eco-literate adults who understand and care about the environment. Research shows that when kids engage in active outdoor recreation, it has a positive impact on their physical and mental health. At Park’n It Day Camp, we’re committed to giving kids the opportunity to explore the great outdoors and reap the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle. We’re proud to be part of the Healthy Parks Healthy People initiative and look forward to helping more kids discover the joys of being active in parks and green spaces.