Hidden Villa Camp
Parent Q&A
Parent Reviews
Parents, please Sign in to post a review on this page.Hi - I recommend you look into the camps at Hidden Villa, near Los Altos. They have a strong environmental focus and a long history of equity. I went to camp there as a kid and it was transformative.
https://www.hiddenvilla.org/programs/summer-camps/region-HV/
Hidden Villa has a wonderful overnight program.
Archived Q&A and Reviews
Feb 2009
RE: Place for toddler to milk a cow?
It's a long drive...but well worth it. Hidden Villa in Los Altos, has classes that my son and I both enjoyed...Cow Wow and Go Goats. We got to milk each animal! farmer mom
Jan 2007
My 12 year old daughter has enjoyed overnight camp-she's been to Pt Reyes camp and Winnarainbow. She'd like to try something else, in the Sierras or the foothills, that has more activities. I've heard Camp Tawonga and Mountain Camp are good, but they are too expensive for us. Has anyone gone to Sierra Friends Camp, Snow Mountain Camp, or Hidden Villa Ranch camp? Or any others? I appreciate any info! mae
When I was 12 I attended a 2 week session at Hidden Villa camp and I can't tell you what an positive impact it has had on my life (I am now 27). The camp is on a beautiful farm where they actually grow crops and raise animals. During the school year they have naturalist programs for school groups and teach environment awareness. For the summer camps there are traditional cabins, a pool and sports field. There are (or were) several different programs for your daughter's age group. I was in a backpacking program called Bay to Sea where we hiked through the Santa Cruz mountains to the ocean on a 2 week long trip. I would recommend this one if your daughter is somewhat athletic and is up for an amazing but challenging adventure. However there is also a resident sleep away camp which a few of my friends attended every year and adored. They do typical camp activities arts & crafts, games, sports,storytelling,hiking etc. as well as tending the farm, cooking and nature study In my experience the counselors were fabulous, very experienced, warm and attentive to all the childrens needs. I was a shy child but I never felt lonely or left out at camp, the counselors helped everyone to feel included as part of the group family. There is a focus on community, acceptace and tollerance. I came home from camp stronger, more confident and more willing to embrace new experiences. As an awkward 12 year old girl at the time, this was really powerful for me. I have no idea what it costs these days but they do have financial aid (I know I wouldn't have been able to go without it), they make every effort to encourage a diversity. I don't know about any of the other camps you mentioned by I urge you to check this one out. Ana
Excellent. Both my kids are going this summer too. Yeah!