Sometimes, a full week of summer camp doesn’t fit into the schedule, or the budget.  Luckily, some camps offer partial weeks or daily rates to accommodate various needs.

Below are a few examples of San Francisco Bay Area camps which offer more options than just weekly registration.  A couple are so flexible you could actually drop your child off at the last minute for a day of camp.  Most require some pre-paid days, registration, and/or some notice so they make sure the camp is properly staffed.  At a few camps the one-day registration process may not be very clear on their website, so don’t hesitate to call them for help.  We find summer camp folks to be pretty friendly!

Steve and Kate’s Camp
Steve and Kate’s sets the bar for maximum flexibility.  They’ve been going strong since 1980 and have the logistics down pat.  You can buy any number of days ($80 per day, $76 per day when you buy 5) and use them anytime at any location. Unused days are fully refunded automatically. Alternatively, the “20-Day Bundle”  is just enough to get in the groove and is  a great deal at $1280 ($64 per day).  But the best value of all is the All Summer Membership at $2240.  (This is less than $50 per day, if you take full advantage.)   Camps are open from 7:30am – 6pm and include all lunches, snacks and drinks.  The food sounds fantastic. Potential allergens are clearly identifies and the menu accommodates vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets.)

Camp Doodles
Three locations in Marin, plus now three convenient pick-up locations in San Francisco,  provides many Camp Doodle options.  Register for any number of weeks ($300 per week before 6/1) or days ($75 per day).  Their whole-summer option is $1800, plus a bit more for extended care.  Optional hot lunch is available for purchase at all locations.  Camp day runs from 9:00am – 3:30pm, with earlier/later pick-up/drop-off from San Francisco.

Andy Harader Tennis
This camp in Palo Alto, for kids 7-16,  has a daily rate of $70 available.  You can register in advance on their website to let them know the dates you are planning to attend.  This sounds like a perfect option if you have another full week of tennis camp and want to add on a few more days for extra practice. Camp is half-day only, 9am – 12pm.

The Dancing Paintbrush
The Dancing Paintbrush in Berkeley provides lessons on color theory and famous artists in art history, go on field trips, and host special guests to spark the creative process. They encourage individual exploration of personal themes and interests and value working together and sharing ideas. Drop-in students are welcome at the rate of $75/day on a space available basis. Please contact them at least 24 hours in advance to see if space is available. There are no drop-ins on Field Trip days.

Sticky Art Lab
Sticky Camp fills the mornings with a structured art or craft project (with local artists whenever possible), then in the afternoon the kids get to design their own project ideas. It’s a perfect combination of focused skill-building, then self-directed learning. Partial weeks, 2-day minimum at $60 per day.

All the Western Athletic Club Camps also offer daily rates.