River Day Camp

Looking for something fun and exciting for your kids to do this summer? Are you unable to commit to full week long camps due to scheduling conflicts or planned vacations? This year, try Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens River Day Camp, running each morning the weeks of June 23-27, August 4-8, and August 11-15. For the younger students, ages 5-7, there are fossils to find, plants to grow, and even a visit to Trader Joe’s to discover where our food comes from. Younger kids will enjoy the fun activities and various daily topics, offered Monday thru Thursday, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. For your older kids, ages 7-10, every Friday is full of exploration as we use GPS technology, take a bike ride down the trail, or try to break records from around the world. This day class runs from 9:00 to 1:00 pm and offers your older child an opportunity to discover new things and challenge themselves, all while having fun.

The best part is, with this summer buffet of choices, you can build a summer camp that works for you and your child, whether it’s one class or many classes. Sessions for the younger children are $30/day, while the four-hour Friday classes for older students are $40/day.

It’s never too early to plan for your child’s summer, so reserve your spot today! All classes meet at the Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens Visitor & Education Center located at 438 Coleman Ave, San Jose 95110. For questions or to register by phone call (408) 298-7657.

Group A
Ages 5-7
9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Fitness Fun
Start your week out right with outdoor activities in the Guadalupe River Park. Learn how your body works, practice proper stretching techniques, center your mind and spirit with Yoga, and get your heart rate up by playing some fun games. Bring your tennis shoes, workout clothes, water and energy for a morning of physical fun.

Fossil Finders
Travel back in time as we explore the lost world of prehistoric beasts. Discover the different animals that once roamed this area, learn how fossils form and become a junior paleontologist as we complete a simulated fossil dig.

Little Sprouts
Do you have a green thumb? Or are you interested in growing one? Join us as we explore the world of plants and their pollinating friends. Gain an understanding of what plants need in order to survive and plant your own seeds to take home. Discover dirt, bugs and everything else good for plants in this day of gardening fun!

Pioneer Parade
Imagine spending your summer working in an orchard to earn money for the coming school year or to help your family with the seasonal harvest. Today we will take a walk in someone else’s shoes as we make crafts and toys, play games, and explore our city's history when it was called the Valley of the Hearts delight. Sample fresh and dried fruit (if available) and help with the harvesting of the summer season.

Under the Weather
Become a junior meteorologist as we look to the skies and discover what makes the weather happen everyday. Experience a simulated rainstorm using just your hands and make a rain gauge to take home. Measure wind, temperature, and other weather related numbers and put on your very own weather report.

How It’s Made
Ever wonder where your favorite food comes from? Does it magically appear at the supermarket? Discover where our food comes from as we explore the orchard and gardens at the Guadalupe River Park. Learn how food grows and how different cultures throughout the world use the same ingredients to make unique dishes. Take a walk to Trader Joes and explore the market as we see how food is delivered and packaged so it can be used in our homes.

Solar Salute
A famous star will be joining us for a day of HOT activities – the SUN! Take a closer look at the earth’s nearest star as we learn how it formed, what it’s like, and what its future holds. Make sun prints, cook with the sun, and make a delicious sun tea as we learn all about this amazing star. Don’t forget your sun-screen; this is one day that is sure to be hot, hot, HOT no matter what the weather!

Animal Detectives
Get sneaky as we explore the Guadalupe River Park and signs of animal activity within it. Learn what animal tracks, scat, calls and other clues they leave behind can tell us about their secret lives. Solve an animal mystery using forensic science and make an animal track to take home.

Group B
Ages 7-10
9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Nature Navigators
Put your map skills to the test as we take to the park with handheld GPS devices in search for “caches” or treasure boxes. Learn basic navigation skills, how GPS units work, and solve a puzzle to reveal the final hiding place of a secret treasure, all while exploring the natural beauty of the Guadalupe River Park & Gardens.

Bikes in the Park
The Guadalupe River Park is 2.6 miles long and still growing! Explore the length of the park and the all the sites it has to offer with this special day bike exploration of the Guadalupe River. See all seven of the sister cities, find all of the hidden animals captured in sculpture and art in the park, take a ride on a salmon, humming bird, coyote or shark at the Arena Green Carousel, and learn simple bike maintenance. You must have a bike, helmet and lock in order to participate.

The World of Records
Do you think you break the world record high jump of a pig? Or the most spoons balanced on a person’s face? Bring your competitive side as we look at some of the world records, some interesting, others bizarre, and test our own skills and strengths against them. Perhaps you will discover a hidden talent of your very own to submit to the Guinness Book of World Records.

Registration Form (345 KB .pdf file)
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