SF East Bay, California                          

Quest continues to operate in-person programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the course of the last 17 months, we have provided Afterschool programs once a week and a successful 7-week summer program. Keeping connected with county, state and federal public health recommendations, we have provided hundreds of children the opportunity to interact and receive our innovative mental health treatment. Campers remain in separate groups and if eligible, must be vaccinated as all staff is required. Masks are worn and most activities will be outside to limit close exposure. All materials and supplies are closely maintained for safety.  Register online at the homepage and click "Register" to follow the links.

Afterschool programs (9/9/21-6/2/22):

Starting in September, Quest provides 3 10-week sessions in Danville and Oakland. We continue to operate in Danville at the Danville Women's Club and in Oakland at St. John's Episcopal Church from 4:00-6:00 pm. The first hour is activity-based to observe children at play and provide therapeutic intervention as problems occur and encouraging positive behaviors as well.

There will be no virtual program this year.

Summer 2022: 6/13- 7/29

Public Health has developed guidelines for summer camps. Children must join at the same time and no new campers can attend until 7/5. If someone attends for 3 weeks, s/he can return for additional sessions starting 7/5. As the recent update from public health, campers will be in groups of 14, separated from other groups until we receive a revised order. We will have each group meet under a 13X13' shade structure with portable toilet and sink for each group.

Session 1: Starts 6/14 for 3-7 week, add additional weeks including 7/5 and beyond

Session 2: Starts 7/5 for 3-4 weeks

2021 Quest Therapeutic Camps Summer Fees

• 3 Weeks.......$2475.00
• 4 Weeks.......$3300.00
• 5 Weeks.......$3900.00
• 6 Weeks.......$4550.00
• 7 Weeks.......$5200.00
• New Camper Screening Fee: $150

*Medical insurance/ABA coverage/Regional Center may cover Quest

*Van service to and from Rockridge and Dublin BART stations (at additional cost through Kango)

Quest Therapeutic Day Camp Summer program:

Since 1989, Quest Camps have provided innovative treatment programs for children aged 6-18 years old. Thousands of children have made dramatic improvements in behavioral, emotional and social functioning because of Quest’s unique system that combines recreational activities, behavioral milieu and group psychotherapy. The principles of the Quest system derive from Dr. Field’s clinical training and his successful private practice that has provided therapeutic services to children, adolescents, and families for over 30 years.

Each morning, campers participate in outdoor activities that include sports that competition is minimize and enjoyment is emphasized, tag, hiking and playing together. The trained counselor staff then observes how each interacts and provides Quest-developed interventions to increase awareness and improve behavior. Each morning also includes an hour group therapy session, integrating therapeutic exercises, discussion and feedback for better understanding of each camper’s goals.

After lunch sent from home, we hope to attend an afternoon swim at the City of San Ramon Aquatic Center for free swim or sign up for “Quests” that include animation, robotics, science, art, drama, journalism and construction. These two-hour activities blend ages and genders for all campers to enjoy. Camp ends with the Camper of the Day ceremony to identify the camper from each group who has made the greatest effort for that day.

Due to COVID-19, we are unsure if we will be able to have fieldtrips. Fridays are “Fabulous Fridays” at Quest. On three of them, the entire camp leaves by bus, in the morning and heads to the Exploratorium, Six Flags and Lake Del Valle. The other Fridays are fun, all camp activities such as carnivals and group challenges. Pizza is served and after the Spirit Stick, honoring the group with the most enthusiasm, and Camper of the Week ceremony, campers attend the Quest Store to purchase their toys and gift cards.

Quest 2021 staff included licensed therapists including Bob Field, Ph.D.,director; Erin Meyer, LMFT , assistant director; Ricardo Almada, Psy.D. Few programs have the team of professionals leading a therapeutic day program. Our counselors include some licensed professionals, those working on internship hours, enrolled in Master’s degree programs and college undergraduates. Staff to camper ratio is 5 to 1.

New campers must be screened prior to attending. Quest’s campers are of average intelligence, have mild to moderate emotional problems such as ADHD, anxiety, high functioning Autism, poor self esteem and social difficulties. A diagnosis is not necessary to attend Quest.

Physically aggressive children are not appropriate for the Quest program nor are children with more severe emotional, social or developmental issues.

 AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS:

All Sessions: 10 weeks

Danville-Danville Women's Club      
242 W. Linda Mesa
Thursdays 4:00-6:00 pm (2 hrs.)

 Oakland- St Johns Episcopal Church 1707 Gouldin Rd Oakland

Tuesdays 4:00-6:00 pm

Single Session: $950.00

Two Sessions: $1,710.00

Three Sessions: $2,425.00

Afterschool Program

Effective as an independent group therapy program, the Afterschool program also offers an opportunity for summer campers to continue progress throughout the school year. Quest meets once a week for three 10-week sessions in Oakland and Danville ( Tuesdays , Thursday, 4:00-6:00 pm.With the strains of homework and other activities, Quest provides a time for children to learn the critical skills associated with emotional and social intelligence. Quest research indicated that those who attended our summer program found decreases in progress made when not attending the Afterschool program but those who continued, progressed further.

Using the Quest summer model, the program provides an activity hour to work with the children within a naturalistic environment and an hour of group therapy to focus on individual goals, social and emotional skill development and group dynamics. Since the program is only two hours a week, campers earn more points each hour to be sufficient to buy toys at Store or participate in a fieldtrip once every five weeks.

Children are grouped by age and ability. The Afterschool program provides the opportunity to have a therapist involved with the group for the entire time. This adds a more intensive treatment for the shorter day. Parents provide points for daily goals at home that are combined with camp points and Contract goal points for their reward. Evening parent group meetings occur every five weeks with therapists. Parents receive both written and verbal feedback about their child and effective techniques.

Download Summer Camp calendar in the Resource section down below.

Quest Camp Counselors are unique because they all have demonstrated a dedication to improving the lives of children. All Quest Counselors must be either attending, or have graduated from college. In recent years, 50% of our staff have been attending or have completed graduate training programs and work at Quest for additional supervised hours. Staff members are hired based on their personal qualities, experience with children, and their college education.

All counselors are subject to background and reference checks and must comply with high standards in their experience. COVID vaccines are required.

Over the past years, many of our counselors have gone on to careers in psychology, counseling, and education.

To apply for a staff position in SF Bay area or Pittsburgh, Pa.,click the link below:

http://www.ultracamp.com/info/sessiondetail.aspx?idCamp=481&campCode=QTC&idSession=299215

For Huntington, CA staff application, click here.

We typically begin reviewing applications for summer camp counselors the February before camp starts. For qualified graduate students, professional supervised internship hours are available.