Positive Adventures is California’s premier experiential education company

Founded in 2005 in San Diego, Positive Adventures is California’s premier experiential education company. We offer both single day and overnight outdoor education programs to many of the top Independent and Charter Schools around the state. We serve more than 3,000 students each year with our programs.

PADC, our one-week day camps, are great for introducing youngsters to activities like climbing, kayaking, snorkeling and surfing in a welcoming non-threatening fashion. And you can't beat the amazing year-round weather in San Diego!

Our excellent 1:5 staff to camper ratio allows each child to get sufficient support and attention from our staff. At least one staff member at every camp is certified in at least one of these areas: First Aid/CPR/Lifeguard/Wilderness First Responder.
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You're in good hands

We hire, train and retain mature and experienced outdoor educators who work with us year-round. The advantage here is that these talented people are more than "seasonal" employees. These are outstanding men and women who are completely invested in our culture and love to share their passion for the outdoors with our campers. They personify the mantra of...it will be both SAFE and FUN!

Meet the Team

George Stein, Camp Director

George Stein has camp in his DNA as his grandparents founded a private residential camp in 1946. After spending many years on the east coast operating Camp Echo Lake (NY), he headed west with his family and started a private day camp from scratch in Denver, CO. In an effort to "give back", George also created free camps for inner city youngsters in Denver, CO (Project Denver) and Newark, NJ (Heart & Soul). Having recently landed in San Diego, George is very excited to be with us at PADC! He's a graduate of Tufts University in Boston where he competed in three sports. He has 21 year old twin sons who he adores beyond description.

Sara Chernisky

Sara, 35, was born and raised in Miami, Florida.  As an education major and teacher for several years, she lived and taught in South Korea and Argentina.  Sara is a very dynamic leader with tons of energy.  She is quite passionate about working with children and is proficient in all areas of outdoor education. San Diego has been a great landing spot for her as she relishes activities such as surfing, climbing, and hiking.  We feel blessed to have her with us at PA!

Brogan O’Bryan

Brogan, 28, currently resides in Encinitas but grew up in Laguna Beach and naturally developed a real affinity for the ocean. After majoring in environmental studies at U. of Arizona, Brogan spent time in Thailand and New Zealand teaching scuba diving and other outdoor pursuits. He really enjoys helping young people step out of their comfort zones. Brogan is an easy-going, fun loving dude and we are lucky to have him at PA!

FAQs

1.  How long is each camp session?

Each camp session at PADC runs Monday-Friday from 9am-3pm each day.

2.  What does my child need to bring to camp each day?

Each camper needs to bring lunch, a snack, a towel and water. Campers should also wear a baseball cap and have sunscreen applied which then sits in his/her backpack. We will communicate extra items to bring on specific days.

3.  What is staff to camper ratio? Do staff have any certifications? How old are the staff?

We have 1 staff member for every 5 campers at PADC. We have at least 1 staff member onsite with CPR/First Aid training. When not at camp, our staff lead wilderness trips for students year-round for Positive Adventures. All staff are 21+ and our median staff age is 30.

4.  What is the registration and cancellation policy? Are there any discounts available?

Tuition is $595 per camper. When you register, all money is due in full. Cancellations are100% refundable at any time. There is a 10% discount for military personnel, a second family member OR a camper who participates in more than one session. There is no need to purchase the refund insurance from Active network when you register.

5.  Are there any fees in addition to tuition?

There is a one day $20 wetsuit rental for snorkeling. No rental needed if you bring your own. We require that all campers bring or rent wetsuits on this day as the water can be chilly. Wetsuits will be provided to all campers on surf day. We also provide transportation by minivan to and from the Encinitas Coaster Station for a fee of $175 per family for the week.

6.  Where is the camp located?

PADC is a “mobile” camp which means our drop off and pick up points vary during the week. This keeps things fresh and exciting for the campers as it allows us to surf in one area, kayak in another area, hike in another area, etc. We want to take full advantage of everything San Diego has to offer in the outdoor space.  Campers are always dropped off and collected at the same location on that given day.