MANDARIN MANIA CAMP
This immersive and fun Mandarin camp is appropriate for all levels of Mandarin learners. Campers will learn to speak and read the Chinese language while exploring the customs, food, music, art, and dance of this wonderful culture.
WILL MY CHILD LEARN AT THEIR LEVEL?
All levels of Mandarin language experience are welcome. Children will be grouped by language proficiency and age after the first week, to ensure every camper gets the most out of her experience.
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Beginner: No/very limited previous exposure. Language acquisition will come naturally through participation in immersion-based activities.
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Intermediate: > 1.5 yrs experience. Understands simple conversation/basic vocabulary.
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Advanced: > 2 yrs experience. Good grasp of conversation, reading & writing.
Aftercare now available!
Aftercare runs from 3pm-5:30pm for $100/week.
Sign up during registration! (limited availability)
Language scaffolding unfolds during our multi-week session together!
Session 1
2 Weeks
June 19th - 30th
Terra Marin School
Ages 3-4
Ages 5-8
Session 2
2.5 Weeks
July 5th - 21st
Terra Marin School
Ages 3-4
Ages 5-8
Session 3
3 Weeks
July 24th - August 11th
Looking for camp from June 12-16 or August 14-18? Try Earth Discovery Camp!
This summer, open your eyes to language & culture. Safely.
WHERE WILL MY CHILD BE?
Campers study and explore two locations each week. Exact location information for camp and shuttle services will be received after registration. Locations can be viewed below.
MARIN COUNTY LOCATIONS
Terra Marin School
70 Lomita Drive, Mill Valley, CA 94941
Yellow car icons represent X shuttle stops in the following areas:
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9:00 am Morning drop-off at Terra Marin School in Mill Valley
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3:00 pm Afternoon pick-up at Terra Marin School in Mill Valley
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5:30 pm Optional aftercare pick-up at Terra Marin School in Mill Valley
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Note: Exact shuttle and location schedule will be emailed to your primary email address after registering for camp
Green tree icons represent Y parks and beaches we’ll visit:
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McNears Beach Park
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China Camp State Park
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Phoenix Lake
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Blackie's Pasture
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Old Mill Park
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Tennessee Valley
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Rodeo Beach
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Muir Beach
ACTIVITIES
Each day, camp staff will support campers in experiences such as:
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Cultural studies - language immersion, practicing traditions, taking part in celebrations, cooking
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Movement - yoga, digging, climbing, exploring
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Art - calligraphy, singing, painting, leaf rubbings, building models, weaving, sewing
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Connection - with self, others, and environment - journaling, meditation, gratitude, story lessons, "sit spot"
Meet The Team
Claire Laurenz
Camp Director
Hiking. Climbing. Camping.
BS in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Education from Michigan State University, 7 years of experience leading outdoor ed programs. Completed 2 cross-country bike tours. "I work to inspire wonder and life-long learning."
Chris Rasschaert
Camp Director
Trapezist. 70 Mile Marathon Runner. Retired Bee Keeper. Unicyclist.
BA in Outdoor Recreation and Environmental Sustainability at Central Michigan University. "I look forward to unveiling the wonders from the ground under our feet to the blue sky above while building our hearts, minds, and souls along the way."
Michael Pastor
Bus Driver - Marin
Served in the Navy, Has a grown daughter
San Francisco native. Punctual, 17 years as a bus driver. Previously, served as a building and property manager.
Melvin Watson
Bus Driver - San Francisco
Loves bikes, father of four grown children.
Born in Galveston, TX. Previously owned and operated a bike shop, spent 22 years as a building manager in the Presidio, and worked a few years at another K8 school in SF.
Additional camp counselors to be announced soon
DAILY Flow
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Morning Marin shuttle: 8:30am - Morning drop-off at Terra Marin School
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9:00 am - Camp begins. Parent drop off at location-of-the-day
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Morning circle with song/poem/gratitude
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Hike & nature exploration
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Snack time
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Sit spot (connection)
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Activity (Earth studies, movement, art, Spanish culture)
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12:00 pm - Lunch & story time
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Optional nap time (age 3-5 only)
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Nature exploration & group games
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1:00 pm - Half-day camper pick-up at the location-of-the-day
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Activities of the day continued (Earth studies, movement, art, Spanish culture)
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Journey back to pick up area
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Closing circle - daily reflection
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3:00 pm - Camp concludes. Pickup at the location-of-the-day
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Afternoon Marin Shuttle: 3:30 pm - Afternoon pick-up at Terra Marin School
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Aftercare: 5:30 pm - Aftercare pickup in Mill Valley
COVID SAFETY
Safety is our top priority. We follow all CDC & state regulations. Your child plays & learns in a small, stable cohort, with most of their time spent outdoors in the fresh air.
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Small, stable group sessions (max of 12 children)
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Masks worn at all times (except when eating)
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Our educators are highly trained in COVID safety protocol
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Daily sterilizing of common spaces & educational tools
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Camp activities are held in indoor/outdoor learning spaces
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Mandarin Mania Camp held at Terra Marin School?
A: Yes, Terra Marin School, 70 Lomita Dr, Mill Valley, CA 94941.
Q: Where is Earth Discovery Camp Located in Marin County?
A: In and around Mill Valley, CA. Here is a list of locations McNears Beach Park, China Camp State Park, Phoenix Lake, Blackie's Pasture, Old Mill Park, Tennessee Valley, Rodeo Beach, and Muir Beach.
Q: What is your Refund Policy?
A: If we need to shut down the camp due to a COVID case within the camp cohort, you will be refunded for the remaining days not attended. If you cancel your registration due to personal reasons more than two weeks (14 days) before the start of the camp, you will receive a full refund minus a $50 administrative fee. If you cancel within 14 days of the start date, no refund will be provided unless the cancellation is COVID-related. If the cancellation is due to COVID, please contact us at camp@terramarin and we will determine the refund on a case-by-case basis.
Q: Do you provide snacks and/or lunch?
A: No, we do not, parents are responsible for preparing snacks and lunch for their children.
Q: Is nap time outdoors or indoors?
A: Nap time will take place outdoors for all Earth Discovery Camps and indoors for Mandarin Mania Camp.
Q: What does my child need to bring in their backpack?
A: An entended packing list will be sent via email after registering. In short, please be prepared to pack a lunch, snacks (2), water, shoes, weather appropriate clothing, hat, jacket, personal medications, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, tissue paper for nature bathroom breaks, 1 complete change of clothes
Q: How does shuttle work? Where are the pick-up and drop-off locations?
A: https://www.terramarin.org/summershuttle
Q: What happens in case of bad weather?
A: All Marin camps will take place at Terra Marin School if it is safe to do so. SF camps may be moved to an indoor location in the city such as the Exploratorium. We will communicate via email about this.
Q: How do I get to aftercare if I did not register for the shuttle?
A: Aftercare is available for campers in Marin and takes place at Terra Marin School. If you are taking part in an Earth Discovery Camp you must register for the shuttle to register for aftercare.
Q: What does aftercare look like?
A: Indoor & outdoor play, free choice in various activity centers, snack is provided
Q: Who are the camp counselors? What is their training/experience?
A: Our camp staff educators are resilient, reliable and professionals in their respective fields. Earth Discovery educators are seasoned camp counselors and have all studied and/or worked in environmentally affiliated programs. Language Immersion staff are trained to teach and demonstrate necessary language skills. All staff are CPR and First Aid certified.
Q: What is the students:counselors ratio for camps?
A: 7:1
Q: What is the process in case of an emergency?
A: If necessary, we will call 911 and parents accordingly. If we need to move camp, we will relocate to Terra Marin School.
Q: How do you keep all the kids together?
A: Camp begins with a morning circle where we outline and set expectations for our camp day. Then we transition as a group throughout our time from activities to games as we execute the daily flow. We eat lunch, walk, talk, and learn as a team. Ending with a closing circle, concluding the day just as we began, together.