best nature programs in Oakland, CA

Hello Parents! We're delighted to introduce you to Kids 'N Comedy, the leading comedy school for children in New York City. This dynamic institution offers a range of classes including stand-up comedy, advanced writer workshops, and even a summer camp! With programs designed for kids between the ages of 10 and 18, this school is a buzzing hub of laughter and learning. They even organize monthly live stand-up comedy shows, providing a real-world stage for budding comedians to showcase their talent. At Kids ‘N Comedy, our experienced staff is comprised of accomplished writers and comedians from New York City. Their shared journey is what makes them so passionate about this project. They recall their teenage years, when they didn't have access to a program like this one, and are committed to ensuring today's youth don't miss out on this unique opportunity. Through their dedication, they aim to fill the void they once felt by providing the comic experience to the young generation. We invite you to get to know the brilliant minds behind Kids ‘N Comedy. This talented team is not just teaching comedy, they're nurturing creativity, confidence, and a love for laughter in our children. They're shaping the future stand-up comedians, writers, and performers of tomorrow. So, come on parents, let's meet these comedy wizards and discover how they're making a difference in our children's lives.

At UAC, we believe that summer camp should be a meaningful and unique experience. Children are free to explore and discover in a safe and stimulating environment. Our programs take children on educational field trips to the best museums, science centers and parks in the Bay Area. Qualified instructors with subject knowledge and experience working with children lead our programs, providing an in-depth source of information for students. We strive to create a summer camp experience that will be both fun and educational, giving your child an opportunity to follow their own interests and discover new ones.

At Montclair Community Play Center (MCPC), we strive to provide a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment for our children to grow and learn. We are a play-based parent's cooperative preschool in Oakland, California, and have been since 1933. Our campus is situated among redwood trees, and we have multiple outdoor and indoor spaces, including two large outdoor play spaces, a nature area with chickens, an all-weather outdoor art space, a large playroom, a stand-alone learning annex and a snack room. We are a diverse community of 25 families who work together to create an environment that allows our children to learn how to resolve conflict, build self-esteem and value diversity.

At our overnight camp, middle-school-aged youth have an opportunity to explore the outdoors and get back to nature. Campers can discover hiking trails, milk goats, pick berries from a local farm, sleep under the stars, and read their favorite book in a tree. Our campers have the opportunity to learn about themselves, discovering strengths they never knew they had. By the end of the three-week camp, many campers feel as though they’ve been transported to another dimension. The camp is a place where they can be themselves, an opportunity to escape the day-to-day and feel connected with Mother Nature and their community in a new way. At our overnight camp, middle-school-aged youth find a unique opportunity to learn about themselves and explore the outdoors. Our campers have the chance to go on hikes, milk goats, pick berries from a farm, sleep under the stars, and read a book in a tree. Our campers can learn about themselves, discovering strengths they never knew they had and connecting with nature and their community in a special way. By the end of the camp, many of our campers report feeling like they’ve been taken to another world, gaining a new appreciation for themselves and the natural environment.

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.

At Girls Leadership, we understand the importance of empowering young girls with the skills they need to confidently use their voice in all aspects of life. Our programs are centered around social and emotional learning, and are designed to help girls of all ages develop the self-esteem and leadership skills they need to succeed. With workshops for families, professional development for teachers, guidance counselors, and non-profit staff, Girls Leadership is helping girls across the United States and around the world to find their voices. We believe that girls everywhere should be encouraged to speak up and take charge. That’s why we work with districts, public schools, charters, independent schools, and community-based organizations, offering our unique programs and workshops to help create a brighter future for the next generation. Through our innovative approach to social and emotional learning, girls can gain the confidence and self-assurance they need to take control of their own destiny.