Testimonials

“The best part of camp is seeing all the people I know, and seeing them doing what I’m doing, and the teachers. I will always remember the frog dissection because it was the first time I dissected a full animal.”

— Kiran B., age 11

“I was so amazed and impressed with how engaged my daughter was for the entire three hours and how much she talked about and looked forward to camp each day. The advanced preparation and communication with parents were exemplary, and I think schools could take inspiration for remote learning from this model. Absolutely excellent.”

— Suzanne L.

“We’ve enrolled in several virtual camps throughout this period, and this camp is definitely at the top. The online format is a new thing for kids and parents, and can be quite challenging to adapt And keep kids engaged. Camp Captivate has done a great job of keeping the class fun and organized. The whole process was stress-free. I love that I didn’t have to venture out to 10 different stores to gather together supplies. Everything a camper needs that week was carefully curated and pre-packed. Thanks for offering a quality program.”

— Kim B.

“We got lucky and learned about Camp Captivate this year. After reading the flyer, then the website and followed with the stellar reviews &nmdash; I was convinced that I should enroll my daughter also. What stood out about this summer camp is it is more science and technology-based. The different themes each week were very interesting such as Marine Biology and Environmental Science. I enrolled my daughter in Marine Biology and after the first day, my daughter gave great feedback already. She had a lot of fun and truly enjoyed her day. This speaks volumes already but as a mom, this is my feedback. First, I loved the themes, 2nd the location was very good which is at Millikin Elementary, 3rd it was very obvious right away that the staff were not just there to babysit or operate as daycare, they were truly invested in the kids, 4th their day schedule covered everything from science lesson to art to group activities to physical education and lastly, the class size are small so the kids can really interact with one another and their teacher. At the end of the week, there is a presentation where the kids themselves get to present what they have accomplished during the week. There are pictures and samples and videos. By the end of the week, my daughter has made some great new friends and wanted to enroll again for a 2nd week which we did, she came back for the Environmental Science camp. The only regret I have is not knowing about this camp sooner. But we plan to come back again next year.”

— Beth P., San Jose

“I highly recommend Camp Captivate! Each of our 3 kids have had camp at Camp Captivate the last 3 summers so we are returning customers. They enjoy the themes of the camps and the different hands-on activities they were given. Each weekly camp is different so it’s never boring for our kids. They bring home art and projects we’ve happily posted on our wall. The leaders and instructors are energetic and passionate about what they are teaching and doing with the campers. We look forward to hearing what they have in store next summer!”

— Abby A, San Jose

“These are the best camps we have seen. Each and every day our 9 1/2 year old son can home enthused about what he was learning and wanting to take things a step further. For us, the integration of science, art, technology and physical play is exactly the holistic style of learning we value. Ildiko and her staff are great teachers, not to mention kind and kid-centered people. These weeks are the highlights in our son’s summer. ”

— Linda and Raymond S., San Jose

“My children spent four weeks this summer camp and I must say it was the most engaging summer camp they have ever attended! The staff members and leaders were wonderful. My daughter was super-excited about learning chemistry and block programming while my son really got into the various ancient cultures covered in his age group. My kids learned so much and developed new interests thanks to this summer camp. Thank you Mrs. Stennis for providing my children with an amazing camp experience!”

— Erik W, San Jose

“Camp Captivate (STEAM) is the best value for a camp we have ever found. I looked for 2 years to find a chemistry camp for my daughter, who requested it, and this one has exceeded expectations. Next week my 11 year old gets to do marine biology with dissection. She cannot wait.”

— Lorraine E., Sunnyvale

“I can’t say enough good things about this camp. We’ve tried several other camps – some technology based and others not – but none has been as rewarding as Camp Captivate.”

— Chris E., San Jose

“My daughter has learned how to do Lego animation and make her own movies and loves this, along with the super fun chemistry, hands-on experiments. My daughter told me on her second day of camp that she wanted to do this camp forever and for someone who was so nervous to go to camp to that statement in one day was amazing.”

— Peggy G., San Jose

“My 6 year old daughter is having a blast this summer at Camp Captivate! The ratio is small (10:1) so she’s getting wonderful attention and more importantly, the creative blending of science, art and history has made the learning dynamic and FUN (because 6-year-olds are all about the fun). This particular week has been focused on Egypt so the children are learning about all aspects of Egyptian culture (they learned to mummify, built a pyramid, create perfume and do all sorts of things the Egyptians had done). It’s a very hands-on learning experience and the director, teacher and help staff are friendly, engaging from Day One. They offer before and after school care for working parents (you pay a little extra).

I registered my daughter for the other camp themes this summer (Medieval Times and Rome). I expect the same type of enthusiasm my daughter has been showing where she comes home and rattles off the facts she’s learned and the cool projects she was engaged with all day.

I highly recommend this to parents if you have a child who needs to have fun while learning and you want that nice balance of liberal arts and science exposure.”

— Thuy T., San Jose

“My daughter loved the different themes each week. With history brought to life, hands on science experiments and creative arts and crafts, each session wasn’t just fun, it launched her interest in Egypt, the oceans, Greek gods, and Mexico. She continues to explore all these themes today — she was truly captivated!”

— Julia M., San Jose

“This was a great camp. Smaller size, kids were always engaged. Learning, art, and lots of exercise.  Came home tired and happy. My kids loved the art and the science, and are still giving me facts they learned in history about Egyptians, castles, and the Romans. I hope they find a location for next summer as i will be looking to attend.”

— Jennifer D., San Jose

“Camp Captivate was outstanding! Our nine year old daughter can’t wait to return next year. The weekly themes are interesting and the lessons truly captivate the kids. At the end of the week, our daughter came home with stunning art projects which were clearly well-taught and consistent with the theme of the week. They also have PE to keep the kids active. We love the St. Leo’s location. What a top-notch camp with superb instructors!”

— Tania S., San Jose

“My son just finished the first week of summer camp ‘Walk like an Egyptian’ at Camp Captivate. He LOVED it. A lot of hands-on activities that included making a bottle of scented perfume and other fun activities. Well balanced program that included science, art, history, and physical activity. We will be back for more next week ‘Castles and Crowns’.”

— Cristina M., San Jose

“This is my daughter’s 2nd summer attending Camp Captivate (formally Smart Kids Camp) and I have nothing but positive things to say. This camp is amazing!  She attended three weeks last summer and will be attending 3 weeks this summer as well.

Camp Captivate combines Art, Science, and History, and centers around weekly themes such as Egyptian, Greek, and Renaissance. They also include daily team building activities and PE. The best thing is my daughter LOVES it and can’t wait to go back each day.

My daughter is repeating some of the same themes this year as last; although I was concerned about her being bored by repeating the same themes… I have been pleasantly surprised at all the new activities and crafts they have done this year. I have an Egyptian self portrait she did last week that is a gorgeous piece of art and ready for framing. More importantly, she she learns so much while having so much fun. She is constantly telling me all the things she has learned about these different cultures and times.

The staff is amazing! The camp director and founder, Ildiko Stennis, is just wonderful and so hands-on with all the kids; as are all the staff. I have been impressed with the ongoing ways Ms Stennis is always working to improve the camp and classes. As I am always telling my daughter when she gets excited about something new there… ‘Ms. Ildiko always finds the cool stuff.’

If you are looking for a camp for your child, please give this one a try… I promise you won’t be disappointed.”

— Jeanette C., San Jose