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About
I Don't Wanna Grow Up Kids Camp

I Don't Wanna Grow Up Kids Camp is all about kids being free to play in the outdoors. We will take kids to some of the most beautiful locations on the peninsula and let them enjoy nature in the way they'd like. It's a awesome opportunity that is becoming more and more rare these days. If we're doing our job your children will come home happy, tired and dirty. 

We currently offer four different activities for kids who join our camp. We began with Outdoor Free Play. This is where most of the tired, dirty and happy happens. Kids will have an opportunity to create their own experiential learning through play. This is foundationally important for children and something they are getting less and less of today. We keep them safe and let them decide what they do and which friends they do it with. Adults play with children but do not lead specific structured play. We provide amazing environments and they let their imaginations run free within them.

Our second activity is L.A.R.P. (live action role play) this is a cross between our outdoor free play and our dungeons and dragons. We provide the structure of guided activities and storyline with some games and competitions mixed in. The kids choose a class, dress up and act out the heroic deeds of their role play character. Fun is had by all ages and types of kids. Fair warning this is an activity where most kids are engaged in simulated combat. This is not intense but it is rough and tumble for sure. For kids who aren't into that they can play a healer, bard, archer or less combative class. All of our LARP activities are outside.

Finally, we offer Dungeons and Dragons. Our DnD comes in two flavors: In-person outdoors and online. Whichever suits your needs best is the one you should choose. If you aren't familiar with DnD it is a fantasy based role playing game. Kids will create a class, race and unique background for their character and then our Dungeon Master will guide their party (group of players) through an adventure. They will learn teamwork, creativity, problem solving, confidence and make friends. My father taught me to play when I was 7 years old and I have loved playing all my life. No experience is necessary and we love new players. DnD is for everyone!

Founded in 2018
Our Staff

As a child growing up most of my life was spent outside. I explored hills, climbed trees, searched out wildlife in the world around me and played at the beach. I loved my childhood and the tremendous benefit of learning and growing up outside. It made me fit, strong, social and gave me a lifelong curiosity about the world around me. I want to help your children have that same experience.

Staff-My name is James Reed and I am the owner/operator of the business. I am the eldest of six children. I have two children of my own. Lincoln is age 19 and will be at camp as a helper from time to time. Liam is almost five. I am CPR and first aid certified and current. Each day we will carry a basic first aid kit as well. I have also passed recent background checks as well. As a Boy Scout leader I competed mandatory reporter training. I have earned the Lifesaving merit badge in scouting and teach wilderness survival classes.

In 2008 I went back to school to earn a degree and become an elementary school teacher. My major was Child and Adolescent development at San Jose State. Working with children is my passion and my education. 

I have worked with kids my entire life as a parent, older brother, teacher, mentor, scout leader, coach, program director and camp director. Kids and animals have always been my people. I love working with kids and they are the unquestioned best part of this job. I experience joy on a daily basis in this work.

Honors & Awards

CPR and First Aid certified

Verified Background check

Mandatory Reporter certified

Lifelong Scout

Best of 2022
Tax ID (EIN): 83-1000239
Locations (9)
Contact I Don't Wanna Grow Up Kids Camp
Reviews
4.7 (99)
(Outdoor Free Play for Kids)
January 5, 2025 - Katy Tripp
My 5 year old went to 6 different camps last summer through Palo Alto (Enjoy), Stanford, and Legarza - this was by far his favorite. He has asked that he only do this camp next year. He got to go to various locations around the Bay Area and explore nature. It was definitely his only camp where he was a kid being a kid. Will definitely do this next year!
(L.A.R.P. Outdoor Play Camp)
July 7, 2024 - Somjed Wartrakchit
Verified Purchase
Very good. My kid really enjoyed the activity but the weather on that week was really hot.
(Dungeons and Dragons Day Camp)
June 24, 2024 - Annabelle Lee
Verified Purchase
My son had so much fun that he wanted to do it the following week. If your kid has any interest in learning DnD or already does, I highly recommend this program. James is kind, enthusiastic, patient, and an incredibly imaginative DM (Dungeon Master)
FAQ's
Is I Don't Wanna Grow Up Kids Camp worth it?
Parents recommend I Don't Wanna Grow Up Kids Camp and the average rating is 4.7 out of 5. Overall, the reviews indicate that I Don't Wanna Grow Up Kids Camp provides engaging and enjoyable experiences for children.
What ages can go to I Don't Wanna Grow Up Kids Camp?
I Don't Wanna Grow Up Kids Camp has camps for children ages 4 yrs 9 mo. to 18 yrs. Age-appropriate activities are designed to engage and inspire children at different developmental stages.
Questions & Answers
What is the camper to counselor ratio? What is min age and qualifications of the counselors? (Outdoor Free Play for Kids) -
asked on Apr 18, 2021
Apr 20, 2021 - James Reed
We keep our ratio at 8:1 children to adults. We use counselors 18 or above unless they are the 3rd or 4th counselor with a group. -
Do you have an updated mask policy? Your program sounds great, but unless everyone is masked except when socially distanced eating and drinking, we will look elsewhere. (Outdoor Free Play for Kids) -
asked on Feb 02, 2021
Feb 03, 2021 - James Reed
I will be updating our COVID policies. Employees will wear masks during transit. Due to individual health concerns I will not require children to wear masks outdoors. That decision will rest with individual parents. -
Any way there is extended care in the morning for an 8:00am drop off? (Outdoor Free Play for Kids) -
asked on Aug 03, 2021
Aug 04, 2021 - James Reed
You would need to contact me directly in order to discuss details. -
Do you take photos while kids are playing, and share those pictures with parents?
asked on Apr 27, 2021
Apr 27, 2021 - James Reed
We have a dedicated Instagram account- idontwannagrowupkidscamp are we take pics and posts them there. We include locations as well. -