When people have meaningful outdoor experiences their health, quality of life, and social well-being improve, and in turn their communities become stronger and more sustainable. Everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy time outdoors, because when people connect with nature we all benefit. Let's break through the barriers!

SIGN UP FOR EMAIL ALERTS ON UPCOMING PROGRAMS HERE

"Thank you so much - my kids had an epic time at camp, they loved all the counselors. They talked about it with every family member we met this summer, about how memorable it was.  ​My son wants to be a counselor someday, which is great." ​ ​​- Natural Science Discovery Camp Parent

join us for a free thursday night family program

Bring the whole family for a fun and engaging virtual nature program, Trivia, show and tell, talent shows, crafting - all the best parts of our nature program experience for the whole family in the hour before dinner each Thursday. (FREE) Sign up here!

Register for one or all of our weekly nature classes

Virtual weekly classes focus on connecting to nature through increased awareness. Core routines of the program include opening/closing discussions, story-telling, using journals, sit-spots, and wildlife observation. The program’s goal is to provide a meaningful experience and get students excited about logging off and heading outside. Follow up activities are provided at the end of each week to help do just that!​ You can register here for a full semester, register here for individual dates. Classes are available for ages 5-7 and ages 8-12.

partner with us on free community programs

VWS provides limited free programming to underserved communities. If you operate a youth program for an underserved community in Monterey County, and would like to explore a partnership, please contact Alena Porte.

DONATE TO OUR YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP FUND

We strive to balance the inequities in outdoor education by providing over half of our programs free to youth from underserved communities. In addition, scholarships are always available for our public fee-based programs. No family is ever turned away due to lack of funds. You can help by donating today.

WHEN WILL VWS OFFER IN PERSON PROGRAMS AGAIN? ​

As a program that operates in publicly accessible areas, there are unique challenges to holding in person programming during the pandemic. Reopening our programs will happen when we can do so safely and in accordance with California's Blueprint for a Safer Economy, local ordinances and community comfort levels. If you would like to receive an email when in person programming is once again available, submit your email here.

EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Summer​ camps and school year

NATURE PRESCRIPTION PROGRAMS
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BILINGUAL EDUCATION
Inclusion for Spanish​ speaking youth

PRESENTATIONS
 Virtual opportunities

KIDS AT HEART
Adult sharing corner

PARTNERS
Community groups​, libraries, more

RESOURCES
For educators and students

INSPIRATIONAL YOUTH
Projects by kids

FUND-A-NEED
Donate for children in need to attend

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meet our staff

cancellation policy

CANCELLATIONS
Up until two weeks before a regular program’s start date you may receive a full refund, less processing fees (15% of program cost), if you cancel your reservation. Should a program need to be cancelled due to incremental weather or dangerous conditions, VWS will issue either a credit or a full refund.

refund policy

REFUNDS
It is VWS policy that no refunds will be made due to late arrivals, early withdrawals, or participant dismissals due to misconduct (see below). Refunds requested in writing, by fax, mail or email, will be considered according to these guidelines. Refund requests should be directed to:
 
Ventana Wildlife Society
9699 Blue Larkspur Ln
Monterey CA 93940
 
or Fax (831) 455-2846 or email cathyhamilton@ventanaws.org
 
PARTICIPANT MISCONDUCT
VWS has a ZERO TOLERANCE policy towards any type of violence (hitting, pushing, kicking, verbal assaults, etc.) and will not hesitate to dismiss a participant from a program due to violence or other misconduct, in order to maintain a high level of safety and comfort for our other participants. Participants with discipline issues consistently require our staff to direct their time and energy from the rest of the program - this is unfair to the other participants who enrolled to be in a fun, educational and safe environment. NO REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED FOR PARTICIPANTS DISMISSED OR WITHDRAWN FROM PROGRAMMING DUE TO BEHAVIORAL ISSUES.

scholarship forms

All scholarships are awarded by participant and are available on a sliding scale. The maximum scholarship award available is 75% off the program fee

Fill out the application by logging in or register for an account.
Please allow 3-7 business days for a response after submitting application. 

Resources for why nature is essential...
​• Benefits of Environmental Education
•​ The Urgent Need for Nature During and After Covid
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