{"id":11309,"date":"2019-04-04T07:00:56","date_gmt":"2019-04-04T14:00:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/?p=11309"},"modified":"2024-03-21T15:00:28","modified_gmt":"2024-03-21T22:00:28","slug":"tumbleweed-day-camp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/tumbleweed-day-camp\/","title":{"rendered":"Summer Camp Spotlight: Tumbleweed"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

While visiting area summer camp fairs, I learned about Tumbleweed<\/a><\/strong> in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles. It’s been around since 1954 and has a lot of qualities of a traditional camp: outdoor play, songs and games, appreciating nature, and best of all – it’s unplugged! No iPads or phones allowed here. Of course they use technology on the admin end (very easy enrollment process), and make sure parents always have a way to reach their camper. In addition, their website<\/a><\/strong> and e-mails are chock full of information to assure your child has the best camp experience ever! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below is my Q&A with Tumbleweed Camp<\/a><\/strong> owner Liz “Tuk Tuk” Kimmelman<\/strong>:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Tumbleweed Camp owners Liz (“Tuk Tuk”) and Andy (“Landshark”) Kimmelman<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Q. Your camp has been around for a long time (1954)! What are some significant changes since then, and what has stayed the same? <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A.<\/strong> Much of what our founders, Patti and Gene Tucker, originally envisioned in 1954 is still around, and we love when alumni (many of whom are now camp parents or grandparents) stop by and notice how much has stayed the same! We’ve always focused on exploring nature<\/em> and playing outdoors<\/em> while building new friendships<\/em> and challenging ourselves to try new things. Back in 1954, camp counselors picked up campers in their personal vehicles (and probably didn’t use seatbelts), so that’s been a change for the better. Over the years, programs and activities have come and gone, but the heart of Tumbleweed<\/a><\/strong> has been constant. Fred Rogers once said something about how the world outside is always changing, but kids’ insides stay the same, and we like being an island of stability for our youth amidst all the ever-changing landscape of childhood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q. Because Tumbleweed<\/a><\/strong> is an \u201cun-plugged\u201d camp, do you see kids rushing home to \u201cplug-in\u201d or do you see a gradual weaning from technology?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A.<\/strong> That\u2019s a great question. We don\u2019t often get to experience what life is like at home after the camp day. What we do know is that campers are not trying to \u201csneak\u201d electronics into camp or hide using them on the bus. We also know that campers get home tired, messy, and happy, and are usually in bed earlier than after a normal school day. Many of our parents report that children a less stressed, calmer, more social, which leads us to believe that even if they are going online or using screens at home, that the unplugged environment at camp is having a positive impact on their lives.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q. How much training do your counselors have? Do you run background checks?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
(L-R) Brooks “Toaster” McCall South Program Director and Community Programs Director; Josline “Bingo” Portillo, Summer South Assistant Director; Cara “tigerlily” Djiji, Summer South Assistant Director; Chanel “Froyo” Sudds, Summer South Director)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Tate “Sassafrazz” Castro Director of Expanded Learning and Tumbleweed North<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A.<\/strong> SO MUCH! All joking aside, our counselors, at a minimum go through a full 40-hour week of on-site training that deals with everything from child development to first aid to best practices in leading camp songs. Prior to arriving at camp, counselors spend about 15 hours learning from interactive webinars and staff handbooks. All counselors who are also drivers must attain a California Class B commercial license which adds many hours to their training. All of our lifeguards go through testing and training on site in addition to their 40 hour orientation week (even if they already have their certifications). The same is true for our directors, equestrian counselors, and ropes course counselors – these positions require at least 30 additional hours of training, prep, and professional development. We know that we have a serious job to do, and we make sure that our staff are prepared for that job. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

About 85% of our staff are CPR and first aid certified. The 15% that are not are assistant counselors, who are under 18, and are always with a counselor who is certified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We run background checks, including federal, state, and county-level screenings, plus a check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q. One of your philosophy statements, \u201cTumbleweed offers a positive and accepting community, battling isolation.\u201d How do you identify children that may feel isolated, and how do you distinguish that from being introverted? <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A.<\/strong> Campers who are feeling isolated will often voice their concerns about other campers in the group, about being left out, or about not knowing what is going on. Even campers who are too young or feeling too isolated to speak about how they feel are identified by who (or lack thereof) they sit next to at lunch, what they are or are not excited about at camp, and how often they are only interacting with the counselors in the group. We find that campers who feel isolated and alone outside of camp find a great reprieve when they are at Tumbleweed<\/a><\/strong> – they no longer have the 24 hour stress of social media or school, and they are invited into a completely new environment where they can be whoever they want to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I think the biggest difference between isolation and introverts is who is deciding when a child is left out. If the child is opting-out themselves from activities and choosing what they want to do and who they want to sit with, that\u2019s more of an introvert. Isolation is when others are pushing the child away from activities and intentionally leaving them outside of the social unit. This isn\u2019t acceptable at camp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q. How does your staff deal with \u201cbullying\u201d?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A.<\/strong> Relational aggression or bullying can be a problem anywhere children spend their time, and so we work hard to prevent and counteract it. We give our staff lots of tools, before camp begins, so they’re ready to make sure that everyone feels welcome and safe at camp. We’re a bit different in that each camper is in a group only with other kids their own age, and that does a lot to prevent the common situation of older groups picking on the “little kids.” Within the group, our counselors set the expectation that everyone at camp treats everyone with kindness and inclusivity, and they proactively help campers make new friends by connecting them with each other. Throughout each day, our counselors always engage closely with everyone in their group, so that when situations of relational aggression do arise, they can step in right away. They talk about kindness, validate feelings, and work to get everyone back to a place of emotional safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q. I\u2019m sure the horses are a huge draw at the camp. Are they a part of the regular camp curriculum or only as an extra program?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A.<\/strong> Yes! They are a big part of our program and are a regular activity that campers enjoy at camp. Each group at camp starting with our rising 1st graders get to enjoy horseback riding and horse care at least once a week. Our program that is offered after the camp day is called Twilight Riding. This is a great option for campers to dive deeper into horsemanship and riding with semi-private lessons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q. I see you have \u201cCamp Dogs\u201d! How are they involved with the camper\u2019s activities?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Shasta A.K.A. “Bean”<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Boomer A.K.A. “Boom Boom”
<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A. <\/strong>We have two camp dogs – Boomer aka Boom Boom and Shasta aka Bean. Shasta has been the camp dog for almost 7 years, and Boomer is going on year two. Since Shasta has been around longer, most folks recognize her as the camp dog – she can usually be found in the main office keeping an eye on our littlest campers. She gets to venture out often and meet campers, nosh on some lunch crumbs, and get lots of belly rubs. She really comes in handy when we have a camper who is feeling a little homesick or down – nothing cures stress, anxiety, or sadness like a cuddly pup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q. What ages can participate in the overnight program?
<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A.<\/strong> Our one night overnight is for campers at Tumbleweed North, rising 3rd-8th graders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tumbleweed Camp<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Located on over 100 acres of the Santa Monica Mountains, Tumbleweed Day Camp lets kids enjoy the wonders of nature just minutes from the Brentwood section of Los Angeles. Offering summer camp programs for kids and much more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tumbleweed Day Camp is located at:
1024 Hanley Ave Los Angeles CA 90049
(310) 472-7474<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/www.tumbleweedcamp.com<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Tumbleweed Camp. An agreed upon trade was made in exchange for advertising. All opinions are honest and 100% my own. Images provided by Tumbleweed.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

While visiting area summer camp fairs, I learned about Tumbleweed in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles. It’s been around since 1954 and has a lot of qualities of a traditional camp: outdoor play, songs and games, appreciating nature, and best of all – it’s unplugged! No iPads or phones allowed here. Of course they […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11329,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[2061,2060,2053,2059,2062],"tags":[522,1914,1368],"class_list":["post-11309","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-posts","category-classes","category-entertainment","category-learn","category-places","tag-brentwood","tag-camp","tag-summercamp","eq-blocks"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/13603377_10153532634492161_4672517905642785386_o.jpg?fit=1600%2C1067&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p46LgQ-2Wp","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":11237,"url":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/summer-camp-search\/","url_meta":{"origin":11309,"position":0},"title":"Summer Camp Search","author":"westsidemommy","date":"March 18, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"February and March are the months to attend summer camp fairs. I've already attended two, and am slowly filling my child's summer schedule with fun activities. The camp fairs were a little overwhelming for me, as a parent of a kindergartener. However, I think the key to choosing a good\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "All Posts"","block_context":{"text":"All Posts","link":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/category\/all-posts\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/tumbleweed2.jpg?fit=1200%2C779&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/tumbleweed2.jpg?fit=1200%2C779&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/tumbleweed2.jpg?fit=1200%2C779&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/tumbleweed2.jpg?fit=1200%2C779&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/tumbleweed2.jpg?fit=1200%2C779&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":7649,"url":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/summer-camps\/","url_meta":{"origin":11309,"position":1},"title":"Day camps to keep your kids physically active this summer","author":"westsidemommy","date":"April 21, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Summer in Los Angeles is great. As one of the top summer tourist destinations, there's rarely a\u00a0reason to leave. If you're sticking around this summer (or visiting!) and want your kid to have fun, learn something new, and stay physically active, check out these unique and awesome summer camps! Any\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/category\/news-announcements\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/feat_summercamp.jpg?fit=759%2C360&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/feat_summercamp.jpg?fit=759%2C360&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/feat_summercamp.jpg?fit=759%2C360&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/feat_summercamp.jpg?fit=759%2C360&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":7928,"url":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/were-getting-our-tkd-belts\/","url_meta":{"origin":11309,"position":2},"title":"We’re getting our TKD Belts!","author":"westsidemommy","date":"May 26, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"I started taking HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) TKD (Tae Kwon Do) Fit class at Tae Ryong Taekwondo School Brentwood (on and off, but most recently \"on\") since my friend (and Westside Mommy contributor) Jonna Coleman\u00a0introduced me to\u00a0them in September 2015. Recently, my four-year-old daughter started taking taekwondo classes, so\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/category\/news-announcements\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/feat_belts.jpg?fit=759%2C360&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/feat_belts.jpg?fit=759%2C360&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/feat_belts.jpg?fit=759%2C360&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/feat_belts.jpg?fit=759%2C360&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":7937,"url":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/summer-camp-mnr-dance\/","url_meta":{"origin":11309,"position":3},"title":"Summer Camp Dance Programs and Classes at MNR Dance Factory","author":"westsidemommy","date":"June 7, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"[The following is a sponsored post. Images and content provided by MNR Dance Factory.] MNR Dance Factory, located in Brentwood, Los Angeles, is a place where dancers and their families 'Grow Up'.\u00a0Whether your child is new to dance or already choreographing a routine for the school talent show, you will\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/category\/news-announcements\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/FEAT_MNR.jpg?fit=759%2C360&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/FEAT_MNR.jpg?fit=759%2C360&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/FEAT_MNR.jpg?fit=759%2C360&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/FEAT_MNR.jpg?fit=759%2C360&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":8503,"url":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/mini-camp-at-mnr-dance-factory\/","url_meta":{"origin":11309,"position":4},"title":"Mini Camp at MNR Dance Factory","author":"westsidemommy","date":"July 30, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"For the past couple weeks, my 4-year old daughter Aria attended MINI CAMP at MNR Dance Factory. Mini Camp is a short version of Summer Dance Camp, for younger students, 2.5 hours a day, two days a week. Previously, Aria took ballet and tap class at our local rec center,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/category\/news-announcements\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/feat_dancecamp.jpg?fit=759%2C360&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/feat_dancecamp.jpg?fit=759%2C360&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/feat_dancecamp.jpg?fit=759%2C360&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/feat_dancecamp.jpg?fit=759%2C360&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6899,"url":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/hiit-fit-trbrentwood\/","url_meta":{"origin":11309,"position":5},"title":"Adult High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Fit Classes at Tae Ryong Taekwondo School in Brentwood","author":"westsidemommy","date":"December 29, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Tae Ryong Taekwondo School in Brentwood is a family-friendly, community-minded studio known for martial arts instruction. What most people don't realize, is they also offer fitness classes and private training. Owned and led by 6th degree black belt (6th Dan in taekwondo terms) Master Nickie Quan, who trained under Tae\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/category\/news-announcements\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/feat_hiitfit.jpg?fit=759%2C360&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/feat_hiitfit.jpg?fit=759%2C360&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/feat_hiitfit.jpg?fit=759%2C360&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/feat_hiitfit.jpg?fit=759%2C360&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11309","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11309"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11309\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11328,"href":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11309\/revisions\/11328"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11329"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11309"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11309"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.westsidemommy.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11309"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}