Camp History & Philosophy

Outdoor Lab was born from a decades-long dream to create delightful experiences for kids that spark creativity, curiosity, and growth. We believe Outdoor Lab can shape campers’ talents, friendships, and bold, brave dreams - through games, creative play, and inspiring coaching.

Founded in 2025 by Leah Caldarone, a local Los Altos parent, Outdoor Lab is rooted in a culture of respect, camaraderie, and commitment. Our fun-loving program blends tradition with science; we evolve and improve based on feedback, cool ideas and trusted research.

What Makes Outdoor Lab Special

  • Hands-On Activities: Learning by doing rocks! Campers dive into games, projects, and creative challenges that keep bodies and minds active.

  • Research-Based Program: We pretty much love all kinds of games and play, but especially activities grounded in research and infused with purpose—designed to spark growth and amazing outcomes for kids.

  • Screen-Free Play & Learning: Campers enjoy precious time outdoors, free from screens, blending classic camp fun with STEAM learning to build lifelong skills.

  • Personal & Character Development: Kids build confidence, discover strengths, and grow through teamwork, experimentation, coaching, and reflection.

  • Community & Belonging: Outdoor Lab’s supportive culture, values and staff help every camper feel included, form genuine friendships, and stretch into their best selves.

“The National Institute for Play supports approaches that prioritize outdoor, unstructured, and socially rich play experiences. These environments reflect decades of research showing that play is essential to healthy human development, supporting creativity, resilience, connection, and well-being across the lifespan.

Outdoor Lab is built around these thoughtful principles, offering fully outdoor, play-based experiences that encourage exploration, creativity, and healthy development for children.”

— Mia Sundstrom, CEO, The National Institute for Play

Research (and Common Sense)

  • Play-Based Learning Boosts Brainpower

    Activities that encourage exploration and creativity have been shown to significantly improve cognitive skills that are essential for academic success and lifelong learning, like problem-solving, creative thinking, cognitive flexibility, and collaboration

  • Outdoor & STEAM Experiences Build Skills

    Studies show kids gain skills from both outdoor and STEAM learning. Outdoor experiences enhance social and self-management skills, while STEAM projects build the critical thinking and resilience needed for the future.

  • The Value of Screen-Free Environments

    In a world dominated by digital interaction, screen-free, play-based camps provide a vital space for development. Disconnecting from devices allows children to connect with each other, fostering deeper social bonds and reducing anxiety.

  • The Power of Camp - Nurturing Growth

    Camp gives kids ages 6–13 the chance to grow in all the best ways—becoming more independent, confident, and collaborative as they take on new challenges and adventures with friends.

    Research consistently shows that time at camp sparks meaningful growth for kids, laying the groundwork for lifelong confidence, leadership, and character.