Summer is finally here! And here at Oaktown Boulders, that means Youth Summer Camps! This is our first summer here in the Artthaus building and it’s been a huge blessing to be able to serve the neighborhood by offering youth summer camps to the local families.

Growing up, I remember that I spent most of my summers watching tv and playing video games inside the house. I never got the opportunity to go to summer camps like a lot of the other kids, and as an adult, I realized that I missed out on so many experiences that other kids had. And that’s why I am so passionate and excited about Oaktown Boulders this summer- with this space, I can now give this opportunity to more kids that are just like me when I was growing up here in Oakland.

We’ve completed two week long summer camps so far this year and we still have a few more to go (click here to sign up). Summer camp runs the entire day 9am-3pm (5pm for those families that need it) and goes everyday from Monday-Thursday. You can also get more information here. Some of the activities that we do at camp include climbing, obstacle courses, speed drills, balance games, and much more. Through all of these activities, the goal is to give kids the opportunity to learn and challenge themselves. We work on facing their fears, embracing challenges, overcoming obstacles, learning from failures, working with other, and loving ourselves.

Quick shoutout to all of those who have been so supportive of us, from my family, to my friends who I have met through climbing, to my church community—you all have given so generously and we wouldn’t be able to serve all these kids without you. You all deserve a post of it’s own, but I know that’s not why you gave. Thank you all so much.

Now, here are some pictures from our first two weeks of camp!