ISO summer camp recs for a quiet nonbinary 6yo
we're looking for camps for this summer for my 6yo (rising first grader). last year we did a week of wildcat canyon community school; we'll probably do more this year, but especially since they're only doing july at the moment, we're expanding our search. they like arts & crafts, imaginative play (esp fantasy—magic, unicorns, dragons, fairies), and nature time. we're in north oakland but can be at least a little flexible about location within the east bay. kind/empathetic staff who are comfortable with using their pronouns definitely a pro.
Mar 29, 2025
Parent Replies
A couple of recommendations!
Camp Indigo (https://www.thecampindigo.org/) is a camp in north Oakland (at Cleveland Elementary on the east side of the lake) that is explicitly for trans & nonbinary kids, and completely run by trans & nonbinary staff. Going to the camp was transformational for my then shy, quiet rising kindergartner, and she’s gone back every year since (going to be a rising 4th grader this summer). I’d describe as old school camp fun (crafts, physical games, singalongs) with a ton of queer joy. There also parent sessions after drop-off & before pick-up that can be great to learn more to better support your kid on wherever their gender journey ends up being.
Walden Center & School (https://waldencenterschool.org/childcare/summer-camp/)runs a very chill summer camp (again, mostly old school camp fun) in central Berkeley. Some (maybe the majority) of their staff are non-binary, and they’re great with pronouns. The school philosophy is very similar to Wildcat, so you’ll probably enjoy it if you enjoyed Wildcat.
Monkey Business! Lots of crafts, imaginative play, and superb staff with many counselors returning each year. Thoughtful approach towards framing the day (important for my kid who can be easily overwhelmed) and building community. Some campers are gender expansive and the camp asks for preferred pronouns on their registration forms.
My nonbinary kid has been going to Camp Indigo for 5 years and loves it. It's for trans/nonbinary/gender fluid kids, but it's not about processing these identities. It's a pretty traditional summer camp (arts and crafts, water games, songs and skits, etc.) where these kids can just BE together. They do have morning and afternoon caregiver sessions if that's something you're interested but not required by any means (I've only ever been to one). The folks that run it are awesome, and it's just a great place. Here's the link if you're interested: https://www.thecampindigo.org
My trans niece had a great time last year at Camp Indigo - it’s a camp in Oakland for trans and nonbinary kids. The staff are trans and nonbinary, and they also do a bunch of education and community building for the parents. I think it’s invaluable to be able to give my niece the community and role models she found at Camp Indigo.