Our camp staff is extraordinarily committed people who reflect the diversity of our camp participants. We intentionally hire staff who can create an inclusive, fun environment that promotes a sense of belonging. Our staff members participate in an intensive, hands-on training that covers topics such as working with youth in developmentally appropriate ways, encouraging respect for all, ways to address and prevent bullying, and creating an emotionally as well as physically safe environment. Additionally, all camp staff members are certified in CPR & First Aid. We love working with youth and take our responsibility seriously.

How are your counselors selected?

Our fantastic camp counselors come from all over the country and around the world. They are hired as a result of an extensive application and interview process, which includes references. Once hired, our counselors are required to be fingerprinted and background-checked by the Department of Justice, the FBI, and the National Sex Offenders Registry. Counselors must be certified in First Aid and CPR, and they must also attend a two-week staff training at Hidden Villa.

Seasonal Camp Staff Expectations

• Our seasonal camp staff are the heartbeat of our summer program! All seasonal camp staff will live on-site at Hidden Villa and be expected to uphold and maintain a culture that keeps all members of our community safe and healthy. They will utilize their training and be experts in Hidden Villa Summer Camp’s health and safety protocol.
• Our camp staff lives at camp for the entire summer season.

Join our camp staff!

We are looking for fun and creative individuals who are passionate about youth work to deliver a high-quality social and environmental justice camp experience to our Hidden Villa campers. Explore open positions on our website.

Hidden Villa’s mission is to foster educational experiences that build connections and inspire a deeper appreciation and respect for nature, food, and one another.

Our camp team came together and created a camp-focused mission:

We develop young leaders who are committed to social and environmental justice and are equipped with a sense of awe for natural and human beauty, tools for non-violent, multi-cultural community-building, as well as the confidence to make a positive change in our families, communities, and world.

Our core themes of environmental stewardship, racial and class equity, farm and food, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and the Duveneck Family legacy serve as the foundation of our curriculum. The engaging and fun programming campers experience at Hidden Villa offers them opportunities to learn and expand their knowledge about the world and people around them. Staff receives training and support to introduce these topics in ways that are relevant and age-appropriate.

Hidden Villa is committed to creating a safe environment for our campers to remain healthy and happy during their time at camp. Please visit our Health and Safety Page here.

Who are Hidden Villa campers? Is this an inclusive camp?

Hidden Villa campers come from all over the Bay Area and around the world so that your youth has a broad, multicultural experience. In the tradition in which Hidden Villa was founded, we greatly value diversity and the richness that it lends to the camp experience. As such, we weave mutual respect and understanding into our camp activities and make every effort to ensure our spaces are inclusive to people of all identities. We support an individual’s right to keep sex-assigned at birth confidential and sleeping areas are segregated by gender. Gender-neutral bathrooms are readily available or available by request in all common spaces. If you have concerns about your camper being included at camp, please contact the Camp Office.

What if my child wants to attend camp with a friend?


Camp is a wonderful place to make new friends! Hidden Villa Summer Camp brings youth together from different backgrounds to learn and have fun together! In keeping with our mission and to help create an inclusive atmosphere for all, we do not take requests to place a camper in the same group as a buddy. Campers in the same program have opportunities to get together with their friends during mealtimes, pool-time, and some free-choice activities over the course of the camp session, but we do not fulfill requests to place children in groups or cabins with their friends.

How do I communicate with my child while they are at camp?

Our Summer Camp program encourages growth, independence, and confidence-building. Therefore, we prefer that campers spend their time enjoying nature, making friends, and broadening their horizons, rather than emailing or making phone calls, therefore we do not allow campers to make phone calls home nor will they have internet access. Parents are encouraged to send letters or one-way emails to stay in touch with their campers. Details about communication with your camper will be in your Welcome Packet.

PREPARING FOR CAMP:

What if my child gets homesick?

It’s normal for campers to miss home while they’re away for camp. If you or your camper are concerned with homesickness, there are some key things you can do ahead of time that will help prevent intense homesickness and help your camper enjoy a full camp experience! These include:

• practicing separation prior to camp for a long weekend at a friend or relative’s home.
• experimenting with coping strategies during these separations such as drawing or journaling.
• discussing the importance of staying busy and active while at camp
• encouraging them to talk to their counselor when they feel homesick

What do I pack for my child?

Each of our programs requires different preparations for camp. For your camper’s suggested packing list (including what NOT to bring!), please refer to your welcome packet that you will receive prior to camp. Please note: We are an electronics-free camp! Time at Hidden Villa Summer Camp is an opportunity to unplug, make new friends, and enjoy time in nature. Please leave all electronic devices at home.

Below is a survey intended to help parents determine whether their camper (young or old) is ready for summer camp. The survey was developed by Bob Ditter, a child and family therapist. This information is offered to assist you as the parent, in seeing what your child’s needs are and to find a camp that best fits your child.

Camp Readiness Survey