Ventura WILD is a wilderness discovery program connecting children to nature in Ventura and Ojai. 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 new awareness an inevitable product of being in relationship with nature. Questions asked, curiosity peeked, discovery every moment. Our goal is for children to experience life 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.

Four exciting new programs this summer to get outside!

Especially for young girls, this is just a chance to explore nature with a twist. This program will add survival skills and exploring a bit further out into our wild spaces to nature knowledge and building relationships. We will gain knowledge and skills toward our overnight together. We will explore various local swimming holes and gorgeous wild places.

This program is an introduction to nature awareness focusing on safety and skills that provide knowledge for wise choices and an urge to keep learning and experiencing wilderness places. An appreciation for the diversity and interdependence of living things, and sensory explorations that lead to a keen desire to get dirty, get wet and be curious about life! We will explore various local swimming holes and gorgeous wild places using Oak Grove School vans.

Especially for experienced Ventura Wild participants, and those that have a background in nature exploration, this program will add survival skills and exploring a bit further out into our wild spaces. We will gain knowledge and skills toward our overnight together Friday night.

We will explore various local swimming holes and gorgeous wild places using Oak Grove School vans.

An introduction to nature awareness, sensory explorations, and discovery for young children doesn't need to travel far to provide a wonderful adventure and simple pleasures! This program will not have van access. Parents will deliver children to various local trail heads and natural spots.

Add to our scholarship fund:
Providing this experience to less advantaged children is a goal for Ventura Wild. If you can, please support this effort.

What to Bring to Camp

Please provide a full water bottle (preferably 2), lunch and snacks (think high energy, low trash ratio!), bathing suit, towel, daypack and sunscreen. Wear clothes that can get wet and dirty, and shoes that have a secure heal and can get wet and dirty. We suggest a light long sleeve shirt and hat. More info provided after registration.

A Typical Day at Ventura Wild!

We start with coming together to share appreciations and connect as a group. We build group connections and work on skills to support each other and have fun. We continue by playing games that 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. The end of the day always seems to come too soon. While the children are tired, they seem to glow with reflections of the day. We have a circle to share their experiences and give back to the land we have enjoyed. We leave tired, yet a lovely satisfaction and calm permeates the group. They are excited about tomorrow!

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

Ventura WILD: Slideshow from 2009

Registration Now Open!
For more information 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 upon program registration.

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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.

More on Our Philosophy

We are bringing children into local wilderness settings as a way to rekindle a deep sense of belonging and awareness of life within the natural systems and interconnections that sustains us all. All children deserve a chance to experience the 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.

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.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 10 working days before the program with a $50 cancellation fee. We'll require families to pay their full program balance for any cancellations that happen within 10 working days of the start of a session. Ventura Wild staff will do everything possible to fill the spot, and if filled, you will only be charged $50. This isn't about the money. This is about serving as many kids as possible. And though we do have waiting lists, people often make other plans and we can't always fill a spot on short notice. Thanks for your understanding and support!

Staff Bios