Play. Laugh. Explore! Programs for ages k-12.
-after school programs
- summer day camps
-summer ove FUN! FITNESS! NATURE! LEADERSHIP! ENTHUSIASM! POSITIVITY!
(17)
148 Yerba Santa Avenue
Palo Alto, CA
94022
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Greetings Run for Fun Families,
My name is Dave Barth and I am the founder of Run for Fun Camps. In 2009, after graduating from Boston University, I returned to my hometown of Los Altos to pursue my dream of becoming a college Athletic Director. While interning with Stanford Athletics I looked to coaching our local youth to making some extra cash on the side. After a few months of coaching I was convinced that Summer Camping and working with kids was my true calling. A few months later I started leading Run for Fun Afterschool Programs at Fairmeadow Elementary. In the Summer of 2012 we launched our first summer camp. My parents graciously allowed me to borrow the family minivan for the week. We had 5 campers and two counselors, and just like that a dream had come to life. Who knew the growth that would come...not I. The last decade has been a wonderful journey as I have watched young campers become staff, and staff turn into young women and men with college degrees and full-time jobs. It has been a privilege getting the opportunity to meet so many amazing families from the Palo Alto, Los Altos, Menlo Park and Mountain View communities. Through after school programs and summer camps I have made a few major observations of why summer camp matters, and I would love to share them with you.
Self Confidence At camp there is a natural platform for campers to build self confidence in both small- and large-group settings. A few of my favorite settings for building self confidence are our evening embers and campfires. Each night at Camp High Five our campers gather for evening embers amongst their cabin-mates. Embers are a chance to reflect on the day and even the shyest of members get involved in sharing something they loved about the day or an event they are looking forward to tomorrow. On a larger scale campers often perform in front of a large group during campfires. Whether it be a song, skit or joke; campers are eager to share with their fellow camp-mates. Every year, parents are surprised to hear that THEIR camper got up in front of a large group to perform. Both at embers and campfires we aim to be respectful of everything that is shared and performed in the Run for Fun Community. Friendship At camp our counselors work hard to connect campers with others who share their same passions. Whether it's a fierce game of pick-up basketball or some slime making, great bonds can be formed amongst groups while doing an activity they are passionate about. Some of the coolest experiences I have seen take place at camp are the kids who come to Camp Hight Five not knowing anyone. They always are the most nervous but end up meeting new friends during the week. Many of which hangout or stay in touch during the year as they await the next summer of camp. It is the exchanging of phone numbers at week's end that shows me our counselors have succeeded. Communication + Problem Solving Kids learn awesome communication skills while at camp. We offer games that challenge kids to problem-solve and work out positive solutions. A good example of this is in the GaGa ball arena. We have counselors observing and refereeing but we also allow kids to talk through their concerns and issues that may arise. Yes, it would be great if we all got along perfectly, but camp is a place where we can solve solutions in a positive manner by talking through issues that arise. Disconnect from Technology We do not offer technology during Adventure Day Camp or Camp High Five Overnight Camp. The focus is on conversations, play and being outdoors. One of my favorite experiences every year is watching the meals at Camp High Five. The first night campers can not wait to finish their meals to get outside and play. As the week progresses, campers sit for long periods of time in the dinning hall telling jokes and stories. By the end of the week we have to kick them out of the dining hall so that we can start to clean and get ready for the next day.
Looking forward to an amazing summer at camp! Reach out any time at [email protected] or call me at 650.823.5167. Warmly,
