City of Emeryville Day Camp

My kid has done Emeryville Rec for summer camp the past two years (2nd grade now), and will very likely be going again this year. I can't compare to other programs. 

My kid LOVES it, though I would attribute some of it to familiarity since she attends AYES and the rec staff for afterschool care is largely the same as the summer staff. Each week is a different theme, and every Friday is a field trip. They've gone to Cal Academy, Antioch Water Park, Rockin' Jump, Great America, and local places like Bay Street, the marina or the new Huichun Park. 

Kids are scheduled for 2 swim days and 2 park days each week. I don't recall how long the swim sessions are but it is a significant part of their day. They're allowed to swim or not swim as long as they stay in the pool area with the staff, and there is a divide between swimmers and non-swimmers that can be surpassed only by passing a swim test. All kids that have not passed the swim test -- either because they cannot or because they choose not to test -- have to wear a life vest. 

Rec covers 7:30am - 5:30pm, which is very helpful.

It's hard to beat for <$200 per week.