Orinda Afternoons

Archived Q&A and Reviews

Oct 2013

My sons (5 and 7) spent several idyllic weeks this summer and will be spending holiday breaks at Orinda Afternoons. The director, Bekki, runs the program out of her home, and she provides them with exactly the kind of activities that engage their interest without overstimulating them. Every session has a nature theme that ties into the daily excursions which take the children to one of the area's regional parks to explore together. The camp attracts kids who love the outdoors, and between the common interests and the small group size, they get to become friends while they're there. Bekki is wonderfully attentive to the children's needs and moods, and adjusts the day's program when the children are extra energetic or extra tired. Aside from the concrete features of the camp, the best sign that it was the right fit for us came when I would pick them up. The boys came home each day tired but relaxed, the way they do when they've gotten exactly what they needed. Details on the programs are at www.orindaafternoons.com dls

Oct 2013

Where do I start? Orinda Afternoons has been a lifeline for me and my 3 kids. The summer and ''no school'' stress is over now that I found Bekki and her WONDERFUL camp. She has camp not only in the summer, but on those days off! Her home is welcoming (and so clean) and set up for kids. Art, crafts, science, nature, (safe) adventures and play...never a dull moment for your little one. I found her child development background to be of real help/support any time I had something to run past her re my kids. And if that is not enough, she serves organic snacks and lunch!! If I could give Orinda Afternoons more than 5 stars, I would. Bekki V Gilbert 925.254.1974 / www.OrindaAfternoons.com (fully-licensed) -Relieved budget-conscious Mom

Sept 2013

We are immensely grateful to Bekki Gilbert for contributing so positively to our son's development during this summer camp at Orinda Afternoons. Besides camp, Orinda Afternoons is an afterschool program and open on a number of school holidays, which makes it unique. Bekki Gilbert, the lead teacher/director, is a gifted and passionate educator with a background in Child Development. Most important, she is a caring mother of two children and a nurturing mentor to the kids. She talks about camp/after school activities with excitement and sincere interest in children and their learning. She created a program not only as an educator in mind but as a Mom, who blended science-based environment, art, free play, home based atmosphere (involving cooking, organic gardening, and even special family members: Cinnamon, the Cat, Snowball, the Kitten, Buba, the Fish, and several adopted chickens!). Not to mention a close connection to the nature and atmosphere nourishing a deep curiosity about the world, beauty and history of the Bay Area and local regional parks. Every day they went on a special hike/tour based on the theme of the day. Our son loves outdoors and free play. When we picked him up at the end of the day, he was a happy, energized camper, who was not willing to go home. He could not wait to go back to Miss Bekki the next day. One of the other great features is the intimate nature of the program, where kids get lots of personal attention. Bekki is very responsive and sincere. I greatly appreciate the pictures she shared of what kids did during the day and weekly newsletters with detailed description of the activities (such as letter boxing expedition, observing fishermen at work, surviving cargo ship history, etc.) We are so happy we have met Bekki and our son had one of the most valuable hands on experiences. We highly recommend this program! Irina

Feb 2013

Re: Playful summer camp for early elementary kids
For the parent looking for playful summer camps - Sorry for the slow response, but there is a program in the east bay that is fantastic. Small, home-based and very child centered. Everyday they go on a different hike or excursion to a local regional park - my kids always came home telling me about a fun art project, song or story. The camp is small 6-8 campers only (K-2) - kids get lots of attention. The director is really nurturing, fun and great with young kids. Camp has before and after care for those who need it and serves lunch and snacks. Check out www.OrindaAfternoons.com Susan

Feb 2013

My children attended in a great camp called Orinda Afternoons in August 2012 and again during Thanksgiving break. The camps are run out of a house in Orinda during school and summer holidays. All of the camps include a daily outing with hiking, outdoor play & more. The director, Bekki, is a former teacher who is amazing with children and the house is a kid's paradise with a trampoline, tree house, art room, playroom. Camps run from 10 to 4, but there is before and aftercare available. The themes are really creative - like Farms or ''Water Cycle'' - and all of the activities (hikes, crafts, food) relate to the theme. Lunch and snacks are included in the cost of the camp ($75 day)- which makes it so easy. I also like that camp is small so my kids are getting lots of individualized attention, instead of being lost in the crowd. This is really a special place - I can hardly wait till my preschooler can attend because the camp only accepts kids in kindergarten to 5th grade. Contact the director 925-254-1974. www.orindaafternoons.com Susan