Best Sports Camps for Girls in the Bay Area

As a child, I spent most of my summers in sports camps across the Bay Area of California. Here is a list of my personal summer camp recommendations for your daughter.

Cal Youth Camps- Science & Sports

Website: http://www.recsports.berkeley.edu/youth/yinside.aspx?uid=e5f21bbc-eda0-4481-bcfd-80e3c3434648

Phone: 510.643.CAMP

The University of California, Berkeley offers a wide gamut of fantastic summer camps, many of which are sports related. This particular camp is a combination of both science and sports, which makes it a perfect choice for your daughter. Campers spend the morning at the Lawrence Hall of Science and the afternoon at either Strawberry Canyon Rec area or Golden Bear Rec area. Girls get to choose to participate in 3 sports, including soccer, frisbee, softball, basketball, swimming, etc. in the afternoon. This camp is great for girls who want to experiment with sports but haven't yet gotten hooked on one in particular.

Cal Youth Camps- Windsurfing

Website: http://www.recsports.berkeley.edu/youth/yinside.aspx?uid=47c45e9a-487c-4411-9fd0-e13a484edb17

Phone: 510.643.CAMP

This is another wonderful camp held by the University of California, Berkeley, and a personal favorite of mine. Camp is located at the Berkeley Marina where the camp is equipped with windsurfing boards and sails, wetsuits, and other facilities. Windsurfing is fun way for girls to be active outside and build their upper body strength. This sport be a cold one during Berkeley's sometimes foggy summers, so be sure to dress your daughter warmly.

Ziemer Brothers Soccer Camp

Website: http://www.ziemer.com/contact.htm

Phone: 707.585.7800

This was my ultimate favorite camp growing up-an overnight camp where the campers play soccer and other fun games week long. This summer camp is for girls who really love soccer, not for those that are still experimenting. It is challenging but rewarding, and the instructors are all extremely friendly and fun. Girls get to stay in cabins so the overnight experience feels rustic and adventurous.

St. Mary's Basketball Camp

Website: http://www.smcgaels.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=21400&ATCLID=1483331

Phone: 925.631.4FUN

Campers stay overnight for this camp in dormitories on the St. Mary's campus. The basketball camp is intensive but very fun. Campers will have their meals in the campus cafeteria and will play "college student". It's a fun break from home and a good experience for girls to know what its like to stay in a college dorm. The camp is run by great instructors and the campers will leave with much improved basketball skills.

Santa Clara Volleyball Camp

Website: http://santaclarabroncos.cstv.com/genrel/011403aaa.html

Phone: 408.554.4676

Santa Clara University offers a great overnight volleyball summer camp. Girls stay in the University's dormitory and eat in the cafeteria. The summer camp offers both advanced and regular instruction, and sessions take place in the morning and afternoon. The camp is intense but fun. I recommend this camp to all girls who are thinking about playing volleyball in college and want to vastly improve their skills.