Summer Day Camp
A nature 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, kayak, study rare plants and birds, and adventure. We meet at various parks and nature preserves.
Explorers: Ages 4-6 years old. Adventurers: Ages 7-10 years old
Monday-Friday 9 am-2:30 pm// After Care 2:30-5:00 pm
Pick-up and drop-off instructions will be given for each week of camp.
Refunds up to May 1, minus 2.9% Credit Card fees.
Day Camp
Week 1: Creeks & Critters Camp
June 8-12
FOSTER PARK
Creeks & Critters Camp is the ultimate outdoor adventure for bug lovers. Get your hands muddy as you explore creeks, bug catch, and discover the secrets of the forest. From mastering survival skills like building forts and shelters to discovering the insects 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 15-19
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 and whale 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 along the Ventura Bike Path for adventurers. Bring a bike!
Week 3: Fire in the Mountains
June 22-July 26
ARROYO VERDE PARK
Come learn about chaparral and wildfire. Campers will learn how fires are built, and how people have safely used fire throughout history—then investigate wildfires, how they spread, and how ecosystems respond. Along the way, kids will discover how towering redwoods survive fire and how other plants use fire to grow, regenerate, and thrive. Through games, demonstrations, and nature-based challenges, campers become wildfire-wise.
Note: Includes a field day to Ventura Botanical Gardens.
Week 4: Island of the Blue Camp
July 6-10
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 7-10) have an optional full day to Channel Islands, fee of $75.
Week 5: Raptor Camp
July 13-17
FOSTER PARK
Raptor Camp is an exciting outdoor adventure where kids dive into the world of birds of prey that soar above California’s forests and chaparral. Campers will learn to identify hawks, owls, falcons, and eagles, track their movements, and uncover clues they leave behind, from feathers and nesting signs to hunting behavior. Kids will get hands-on with science by dissecting owl pellets to discover what owls eat and how food webs work, and enjoy a curriculum from the Ojai Raptor Center for an up-close look at these powerful birds.
Week 6: Blue Planet Camp
July 20-24
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 like squid!
Note: Includes optional surfing adventure for swimmers. Price is TBA.
Week 7: Channel Island Camp
July 27-July 31
HARBOR COVE & CHANNEL ISLANDS HEADQUARTERS
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! Become a junior ranger!
Note: Adventurers (ages 7-10) have one day optional kayak adventures, and then final excursion to Channel Island's National Park. Fee is $75.
Week 8: Coastal Creators Camp
August 3-7
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 4-6
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.
Adventurers:
Ages 7-10
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.
Meet the Team
Our team is trained in outdoor education, ecology, and childhood. Our mission is to rewild childhood to save the planet.
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Melissa B. Wilder, M.S. & M.L.A.
Melissa B. Wilder is an ecologist and educator with 24 years in the classroom. Currently, she researches bold strategies to save half the Earth for other species and rewilding Homo sapiens. In 2019, she was awarded the “Dean’s Outstanding Thesis Prize” at Harvard University and graduated from their sustainability program with a Master of Liberal Arts. She also holds a master’s certificate in resource management, a master's of science in environmental education, a bachelor's degree in outdoor education, and an Outward Bound Educator certificate.
She is a certified mentor teacher from Harvard's Graduate School of Education and a certified maker spaces leader from MIT. She has taught in both higher education and preK-12th grade private and public schools. In 2020, she moved to Santa Barbara to be a STEM educator and later the Director of Academic Innovation at the Riviera Ridge School. In 2023, she was awarded Santa Barbara Environmental Teacher of the Year at the Earth Day Festival. She is the owner and founder of the Little Blue Creche and a faculty member at Harvard University's Extension School.
Brianne Vogel, M.A. Ed
Brie has a Master of Arts in Education and over eight years of experience taking children outside. Whether on wilderness trips throughout the state or in the garden creating plots and compost Brie loves using the natural world to help children discover more about themselves and the Earth. She recently finished her Early Childhood certificate from Ventura College and is a Certified Agricultural Literacy Educator, a Certified School Garden Coordinator, an Environmental Action Civics Trained Educator, and an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach.
Brie will be leading our on-site garden program and will also be managing our nature-based Summer Day Camp for ages 4-10 years old around Ventura County. Brie can often be found hiking the mountains with her baby and partner.
