Activities

Oh, the activities!

At Outdoor Lab, the days are packed with classic games, hands-on projects, fun challenges and silly summer activities to keep campers’ bodies and brains in motion.

Classic Sports & Games

All kinds of games, including favorites like capture the flag, foursquare, baseball, soccer, gaga, charades and board games

Hands-on Projects

Treasure hunts, build-and-test challenges, running the camp store (upper years), NASA projects, fort-building, creative arts and more!

Structured challenges

Build the tallest Lego tower, estimate items in a jar, move objects across a field, get the most hops in 30 seconds

Silly summer fun

Counselor contests, water play activities, impromptu dance parties, mystery games, theme days, and the occasional LARPing battle

Team Building & bonding

Group performances & skits, team cheers, camp lingo, trust walks, awards, games and puzzles

The Basics

  • Camp hours 9am - 330pm.

    Dropoff 830-9am. Pickup 330-4pm.

    Extended Care is available

  • Campers are organized in groups of ~10 kids their age.

    Each group is supervised by two dedicated counselors who get to know each camper and support their growth and care throughout the session.

    We aim for a staff to camper ratio of 1:5 or less, in line with the highest standards in the camp industry.

  • Campers can bring their own lunch and snacks or we offer a camp meal program that families can purchase.

    Outdoor Lab’s meal program has been crafted with input from kids, nutritionists, and chefs. Our goal is to provide simple, healthy, tasty foods that kids will love.

    We can accommodate most food allergies.

  • Outdoor Lab is based in Los Altos, CA.

    Details on our summer 2026 location will be shared in early 2026.

    We are highly selective about our camp location, to provide outdoor space for games and STEAM activities, while ensuring a safe and trusted environment. 

  • The safety and security of every camper at Outdoor Lab is our top priority.

    We invest in extensive Staff training, clear policies and protocols, on-site health staff, and relationships with local agencies.

2026 Dates & Rates

  • Week 1: Monday June 8 - Friday June 12

    Week 2: Monday June 15 - Friday June 18

  • Week 1: Monday June 22 - Friday June 26

    Week 2: Monday June 29 - Friday July 3

  • Week 1: Monday July 6 - Friday July 10

    Week 2: Monday July 13 - Friday July 17

  • Week 1: Monday July 27 - Friday July 31

    Week 2: Monday August 3 - Friday August 7

2026 PRICES

Tuition: $1200 per two-week session

Extended Care: $20 per day (advance sign-up required) 

Camp Meal Program: $150 per session (advance sign-up required)

FAQs

  • Outdoor Lab’s camp day is from 9 AM to 3:30 PM.

    Drop-off is from 8:30 AM to 9 AM and pickup is from 3:30 PM‍ to ‍4 PM.

    We offer extended care for an additional cost:

    • Before camp: 8 AM - 8:30 AM

    • After camp: 4 PM - 5 PM

  • Campers should BRING:

    • a packed, nut-free lunch and snack (if not in Camp Meal program)

    • a refillable water bottle,

    • sunscreen (already applied each morning)

    • swimsuit and towel on water days

    • comfortable closed-toe shoes suitable for play

    Campers should LEAVE these items at home:

    • ALL electronics (cell phones, tablets, gaming devices),

    • any valuable toys or personal sports equipment

  • Camper safety is our top priority. We are a nut-free campus and all campers must bring nut-free lunches and snacks.

    For all other allergies and medical needs (medication, epi-pens, asthma inhalers), parents must complete a detailed health form prior to the start of camp. All medication is stored securely and administered only by designated health staff as directed by the camper's authorized health form.

  • Our daily schedule is a blend of high-energy fun and skill building, interspersed with reflection to highlight values and lessons.

    A typical day includes:

    • Welcome Activity (flexible options for campers to choose)

    • Morning Assembly (group games, announcements)

    • Morning Activity Block (e.g., creative projects, builder challenges, sports or games)

    • Lunch and Chill Time

    • Two Afternoon Activity Blocks

    • Closing (celebrate wins and capture lessons from the day)

  • Outdoor Lab intentionally develops camper skills and connections over two weeks.

    • Week 1 - “Set the Foundation”: Develop team identity, belonging, basic skills

    • Week 2 - “Build & Grow”: Deepen skills and friendships to take on bigger projects. For example, upper grade campers run the Camp Store where all campers “shop” each day.

    Weeks 1 and 2 feature different themes and special events to keep activities fresh and engaging. At the end of each week, special events and recognition ceremonies celebrate campers’ progress.

    We currently do not offer the option to attend for only 1 of the 2 weeks. However, it’s not a problem if campers need to miss a few days for family vacations, etc. If you have specific questions about your camper’s schedule and availability, feel free to reach out to us and we’ll be happy to help.