Once upon a time, in the sunny, golden state of California, there lived a bunch of super adventurous kids. These were no ordinary youngsters, oh no, they were the "California Hiking Heroes!" Their leader, a funny little chipmunk named Charlie Chipmunk, wore a captain's hat, and his cheeks were always stuffed with almonds - California's favorite nuts! California was a paradise playground for these adventurous kids. It was like a giant, outdoor Disneyland but with real mountains instead of Space Mountain! From the towering Redwoods up north to the sandy beaches down south, and from the snow-capped Sierra Nevadas to the vast desert landscapes, there was an endless amount of trails to blaze. And blaze trails they did! Charlie Chipmunk led the gang up steep hills and down deep valleys. They traversed through forests and meadows, skittering across hot sandy beaches, and even sliding down snowy slopes on their bottoms. They hiked in the rain, under the scorching sun, and through mystical fog, their laughter echoing through the diverse Californian landscapes. And the best part was stopping to enjoy their picnic, where Charlie would generously share his almonds. These kids had legs stronger than a sequoia's roots and hearts as vast as the Pacific Ocean. They tasted the salty seaside air, felt the crunch of autumn leaves under their hiking boots, and watched as the sun painted the sky a million shades during sunset hikes. And so, the "California Hiking Heroes" with their leader Charlie Chipmunk explored the beauty of CA, learning that every trail has a tale, and every hike is a new adventure awaiting. With each step, they fell in love with their state a little more, proving that California and its kids were as cool as a sea breeze on a coastal hike.

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best hiking programs in Oakland, CA

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Swift Nature Camp is the perfect place for your child to spend their summer! Our overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6-15 is located in beautiful Wisconsin. We offer a unique blend of traditional summer camp activities and environmental education to help kids increase their appreciation for nature, science, and the environment. We’ve got it all – fun, friendships, adventure trips, and nature! Spend your summer with us – you’ll never forget it!

Minong, WI 54859
4.5(4 reviews)
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At UAC, we believe that summer camp should be a meaningful and unique experience. Children are free to explore and discover in a safe and stimulating environment. Our programs take children on educational field trips to the best museums, science centers and parks in the Bay Area. Qualified instructors with subject knowledge and experience working with children lead our programs, providing an in-depth source of information for students. We strive to create a summer camp experience that will be both fun and educational, giving your child an opportunity to follow their own interests and discover new ones.

Oakland, CA 94611
5(2 reviews)
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At our overnight camp, middle-school-aged youth have an opportunity to explore the outdoors and get back to nature. Campers can discover hiking trails, milk goats, pick berries from a local farm, sleep under the stars, and read their favorite book in a tree. Our campers have the opportunity to learn about themselves, discovering strengths they never knew they had. By the end of the three-week camp, many campers feel as though they’ve been transported to another dimension. The camp is a place where they can be themselves, an opportunity to escape the day-to-day and feel connected with Mother Nature and their community in a new way. At our overnight camp, middle-school-aged youth find a unique opportunity to learn about themselves and explore the outdoors. Our campers have the chance to go on hikes, milk goats, pick berries from a farm, sleep under the stars, and read a book in a tree. Our campers can learn about themselves, discovering strengths they never knew they had and connecting with nature and their community in a special way. By the end of the camp, many of our campers report feeling like they’ve been taken to another world, gaining a new appreciation for themselves and the natural environment.

Oakland, CA 94603
4.9(5 reviews)
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This Oakland-based organization was founded and led mainly by women and People of Color. Their mission is to challenge oppressive dynamics and environments through urban farming and access to the natural environment. ANV is dedicated to elevating the lives of youth and their families in Oakland and beyond. The organization strives to create safe and creative outdoor spaces for youth and families to learn about nutrition, food production, healthy living, and the natural environment. Through these initiatives, ANV works to strengthen the ties between the young people and their families, as well as their connection with the community.

Oakland, CA 94621
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At Camp Common Ground, we believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to experience the magic of summer camp. That is why we provide the opportunity for rising sixth through ninth graders from middle schools throughout the Bay Area to come together and create meaningful connections. By bringing together youth from different backgrounds and different economic means, we provide a unique and diverse experience for everyone. Not only does this allow us to provide camp experiences to those who would not otherwise be able to afford it, but it also helps us maintain a financially sustainable program. For those who are admitted to Camp Common Ground, we provide a two-year leadership journey. This journey begins with a two-week overnight camp, followed by a Leadership Academy during the school year. Through this program, campers have the opportunity to work on projects to make positive changes in their schools and communities. In the second summer, they come back to camp to mentor a new group of campers. We are committed to making sure that every young person has the chance to experience the joys and benefits of a summer camp experience. That’s why Camp Common Ground is dedicated to providing an affordable and diverse program to our Bay Area campers. With our two-year leadership journey, campers can develop valuable skills, build meaningful relationships, and work to make positive changes in their communities.

OAKLAND, CA 94603