Ventura WILD is a wilderness discovery program connecting children to nature in Ventura and Ojai. We are bringing children into local wilderness settings as a way to rekindle a deep sense of belonging and awareness of life and living. All children deserve a chance to experience the wonder and joy of playful discovery and to build a sense of security and confidence in nature. We strive to provide space and time for each child’s unique gifts and interests to blossom through shared adventure, skill development and stories. Our goal is to build connections among each other and the natural environment, celebrating a hopeful and healthy life for generations to come.

We charge on a sliding scale. If you can give more, you help a less advantaged child experience camp!

What to Bring

Please provide a full water bottle (preferably 2), lunch and snacks (think high energy, low trash ratio!), bathing suit, towel, daypack and sunscreen. The rest will be provided: first aid kit, extra snacks, identification books, journals.

A Typical Day at Ventura Wild!

We start with coming together to share appreciations and give gratitude. We continue by bringing the group together through activities that build comfort in the group, raise body awareness, sensory exploration and basic traveling skills such as tracking animals or birds, mimicking sounds or camouflage, and sinking into our skills of observation and Being. Once we are warmed up we are ready to follow elements of adventure, discovery, celebration, skill development, storytelling and play.

Your child will have the opportunity to gain knowledge from his or her own inspiration, curiosity and joy of experience. Our desire is to build a contagious container of interest and wonder that makes learning an inevitable product of being in relationship with nature. Questions asked, curiosity peeked, discovery every moment. Our goal is for children to experience learning through every sense, and that learning comes from a deeply connected interest in the world around them. We find these skills to be priceless and rare treats for all ages and abilities.

Contact Us:
805-649-9998
info@venturawild.com   

Ventura WILD: Slideshow from 2009

Register Today!
Call us at 805-649-9998.
Click here to fill out a registration form in PDF format (print & mail to us no later than one week before program start date)
We require full payment before program begins, and a deposit of $50 to reserve your child's session(s).

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About Us

All staff are experienced and trained facilitators, with years of working with children with many amazing organizations and with their own families. All staff have received training within our own program, creating a connected group with a shared vision and awareness of our great responsibility. All staff have years of experience taking children into diverse natural settings and have a rich variety of educational and experiential backgrounds to bring to this program. Click here to read bios of individual staff members.

Our Staff to Child Ratio is 1:4

We keep a 1:4 staff to child ratio at all times. This allows for different interests to be met, and for all individuals to feel connected and able to participate in their own way. Some want to watch the ants while others want to jump in the creek. Our high numbers of staff allow us to embrace a variety of opportunities with guidance and flexibility.

Staying Safe: Our Emergency Procedures

All staff are at least CPR/first aid certified with specific first aid training to these sites and experiences conducted within our program. In addition some staff have EMT and Wilderness First Responder certification. We are always equipped with a full first aid kit and are aware of the nearest hospital and clinic in case of emergency. Parents are contacted immediately if there is an emergency, and if they are unavailable the emergency contact provided will be called. We carry medical information provided by parents to about allergies or pre-existing conditions that might create an emergency situation. Your child’s safety is very important to us and we take all necessary precautions to insure a high level of adventure and fun while maintaining a high level of safety.

Our Partners

Ventura WILD is proud to partner with:

Oak Grove School offers innovative early childhood, elementary, junior high school programs, a college-preparatory high school, and a family-style boarding program all nourished by the educational vision of its founder, philosopher and educator J. Krishnamurti. Small classes in a natural environment are guided by experienced teachers who encourage discovery and inquiry while supporting exceptional academic, creative and personal growth.

Once Upon a Watershed is a nonprofit program providing hands-on watershed education, restoration, and stewardship experience to 4th, 5th and 6th grade students in the Ventura River Watershed.

Wilderness Youth Project is our mentoring program in Santa Barbara. The mission of Wilderness Youth Project (WYP) is to foster confidence, health, and a life-long love of learning for young people and families through active outdoor experiences and mentoring.

Outside Now, located in San Luis Obispo, offers nature-based educational programs that connect people to the web of life on this planet and support them as they seek to answer for themselves what it means to be fully human.

Staff Bios