Summer Day Camp

A nature-based summer program in Ventura, California combining play, exploration, and outdoor skill-building. Join us this summer as we tromp through woods, wade in creeks, explore dunes, hike botanical gardens, investigate marine life, paint alongside the sea, study rare plants and birds, and adventure along the California coastline. We are a 9 am to 5 pm program based at various parks and nature preserves in the Central Coast. REGISTRATION IS OPEN. $450 per week for full-time and $250 per week part time (9am-1pm)

Explorers: Ages 4-7 years old. Adventurers: Ages 8-11 years old

Pick-up and drop-off instructions will be given for each week of camp.

Week 1: Creeks & Critters Camp
June 16-20

FOSTER PARK

Creeks & Critters Camp is the ultimate outdoor adventure for young explorers ready to dive into the wild! Get your hands muddy as you explore creeks, track animals, and discover the secrets of the forest. From mastering survival skills like building forts and shelters to discovering the bugs and wildlife that call the park home, you’ll also uncover the secrets of the watershed and become a nature expert along the way!

Week 2: Marshes & Migrators Camp
June 23-27

EMMA WOOD

Marshes & Migrators Camp is an action-packed adventure where the land meets the sea! Explore the wonders of the marsh and estuary, learn all about the amazing marine life and birds that call this place home, and discover the magic of bird migrations. You’ll wade through peaceful waters, bike along scenic trails, and uncover the hidden world of the wetlands.

Note: Includes two days of bike rides each week along the Ventura Bike Path. Non-bike riders can jump in our surrey. Includes an extra $30 adventure fee for bike rentals.

Week 3: Seaside Gardens Camp
June 30-July 3

GRANT PARK & BOTANICAL GARDENS

Seaside Gardens Camp is an exciting outdoor adventure where kids can discover the magic of plants and the beauty of the Pacific Ocean! Whether you're a budding botanist or a nature lover, you’ll explore lush gardens, discover vibrant flowers, and learn all about the plants that thrive in coastal climates, including those from around the world. You’ll get to hike through fun trails, plant flowers, enjoy stunning views of the ocean, visit the Ventura Botanical Gardens, and even create your own garden art!

Week 4: Island of the Blue Camp
July 7-11

HARBOR COVE & CHANNEL ISLANDS

Explore the wild, rugged beauty of an island just like the one in the story! You’ll experience the survival skills and traditions of the Chumash people. Hike along coastal cliffs, create indigenous crafts, and discover the art of storytelling, just like the island's brave inhabitants. You'll learn about the island's plants, animals, and history while imagining the adventures of Island of the Blue Dolphins.

Note: Adventurers (ages 8-11) participate in two days of half-day kayak adventures and a boat trip to Santa Cruz island. Includes an extra $110 adventure fee. Explorers stay in Harbor Cove and explore the Channel Islands Park Headquarters.

Week 5: Tracks & Tails Camp
July 14-18

FOSTER PARK

Tracks & Trails Camp is an outdoor adventure where kids can discover the wild animals that call the California forest and chaparral home! Explore the mysteries of the forest by learning to track animals like mountain lions, bobcats, and bears, and uncover signs of wildlife through scat and markings. You’ll also meet the incredible creatures that migrate to the ocean, like owls, raptors, raccoons and snakes, and receive a special visit from the Ojai Raptor Center. Along the way, you’ll sharpen your survival skills, like shelter-building and fire-making, and you’ll learn how animals survive in the wild.

Week 6: Blue Planet Camp
July 21-25

EMMA WOOD

Blue Planet Camp is the ultimate adventure for young scientists ready to dive into the mysteries of the ocean! Explore the wonders of marine life, from tiny sea creatures to giant whales, and learn all about the amazing ecosystems that live beneath the waves. You’ll discover how waves, tides, and currents work in real life, and even get your hands dirty with cool marine experiments and studying sea animals.

Note: Includes two days of bike rides each week along the Ventura Bike Path. Non-bike riders can jump in our surrey. Includes an extra $30 adventure fee for bike rentals.

Week 7: Channel Island Camp
July 28-August 1

HARBOR COVE & CHANNEL ISLANDS

Experience both the wild world above land and the wonders of the ocean. Hike through the stunning Channel Islands National Park, discover unique plants and animals, and learn about the secret life of the islands. Wade or paddle through the crystal-clear waters, discovering the colorful underwater ecosystems and spotting sea life like dolphins, sea lions, and otters!

Note: Adventurers (ages 8-11) participate in two days of half-day kayak adventures and a boat trip to Santa Cruz island. Includes an extra $110 adventure fee. Explorers stay in Harbor Cove and explore the Channel Islands Park Headquarters.

Week 8: Coastal Creators Camp
August 4-8

SAN BUENA VENTURA

Coastal Creators Camp is the perfect place for young artists to create masterpieces inspired by the beauty of the sea and the outdoors. Set next to the sparkling ocean, you’ll explore different art mediums like painting, drawing, printmaking and even sculpting, all while soaking in the natural beauty around you. Gather inspiration from the waves, sand, and coastal landscapes as you learn new techniques and create your very own works of art.

Note: Includes an extra $25 supply fee, but you take paints home with you.

Our Pods

Explorers:
Ages 4-7

Our Explorers program is perfect for your young child who loves to be outside. With two educators to every ten Explorers, children receive small group instruction as they learn how to safely interact with the natural world. All activities take place outside. Rain gear, multiple layers, and a change of clothes are vital. Some programs include wading and puddle play opportunities. (NO SWIMMING.) Children are required to wear a personal flotation device during water play.

Adventurers:
Ages 8-11

Our Adventurers program is perfect for children who are learning independence in the outdoors. Adventurers receive small group instruction as they learn adventure-based, wilderness survival skills, and STEM learning. All activities take place outside. Rain gear, multiple layers, and a change of clothes are vital. Some programs include wading and puddle play opportunities. Swimming is provided during designated lifeguard times. Children are required to wear a personal flotation device during kayaking trips