Parks Plus Creation

We sent our 3-​year old son to 3 summer camps this summer (there were only a few in the city that accepted kids under 4 years old). This was BY FAR his favorite one. He absolutely loved going — partly because he loved being outside and playing all day long and partly because he loved the camp counselors. They are all awesome — Ilana and her whole team. They’re warm, fun and they love the kids. Can’t recommend this place enough.

This was my son’s first year of summer camps. He’s 5.5. He did Parks Creation’s Coyote Camp for two weeks this summer, full-​day program. He was one of the older kids in the class, as the camp is for 3 – 6 year olds.
When we dropped him off the first day, he was pretty much afraid of being in nature. He didn’t have a lot of experience with it, was afraid of animals, bugs, the unknown. We didn’t know how this was going to turn out, but we knew that we wanted him to be a kid and enjoy roaming the outdoors all day!
He LOVED it! He came back every day completely filthy (sand, mud, food), exhausted, and with a huge smile on his face and stories to tell of what they found that day in the Presidio. It was a HUGE win for us. We loved the camp counselors and felt very comfortable with them. I’ll be the first to admit that I can be a bit of a paranoid helicopter mom. «Where will they go to the bathroom?» «What if he gets scared?» «What if they lose him?» «What if they encounter a coyote?». All of these thoughts came into my head, but it was all useless anxiety. The staff at Parks Plus Creation have done this year over year, they had an excellent system, they knew how to handle themselves and how to manage the kids. I could not have asked for a better experience for my son or for me. I dropped him off every day knowing that it would be a good one.

The founders of Parks + Creation are brilliant, thoughtful and inspiring educators. They not only instill children with a love of nature but also a love for learning.
Each and every single teacher I have met through the Chickadee and Bluebird programs – Megan, Ilana, Kelly, Caitlin and Lily– has been nothing but patient, loving and enthusiastic with my child (including when he has exhibited less-​than-​ideal behavior as toddlers sometimes do).
I am thrilled to continue my son’s enrollment at the next level with Forest Preschool in the Fall. I can’t recommend this school highly enough!

This is the most amazing program! We knew Ilana and Megan from the Rosenberg school and always thought they were gifted teachers. We had a chance to check out Parks + Creation last September while we were gearing up for a move to the east bay. My 5-​year-​old son was in-​between schools for 4 weeks until we moved and I was struggling to get the house packed up as well as care for my one-​year-​old. Parks + Creation was a miracle for our family! My son went five mornings a week and loved it. Every day was an adventure — hiking, building forts, crafts, reading. They really encouraged his imagination and appreciation for nature and the environment. He still asks to go back to «his camp.»

This is a hidden treasure in the Presidio. Both of my children enjoyed many days filled with adventures at Parks + Creation. They never want to miss a day at their «Spire School».
Both of them LOVE Megan and Ilana. At pickup time, we are greeted with big smiles and dirty faces, with exciting stories about the «Octopus» and «Mr. Raccoon», and with artwork made of sticks, clay and paint.
Megan and Ilana are very warm and kind with all children, funny and knowledgable, calm and full of creativity. They taught them respect for nature and for each other. They helped them solve their conflicts and reflect on what they enjoyed the most or challenged them. Parks + Creation is inspired by Reggio Emilia.
In every regard, we could not be happier with this wonderful program for preschool children.

My son’s experience at Parks + Creation was nothing but amazing. I was hesitant at first because it was his first camp experience. After the first day I felt comfortable. Ilana and Megan are two of the most attentive caring teachers/​counselors. After each day my son told me of his adventures: Hiking, building forts, arts and nature. My son learned to be more caring towards his environment as well as his friends. When we planned our summer we only had time for him to attend one week. I wish I had planned on two weeks instead. Bravo to these ladies for providing such an enriching experience for this age group.