Week-long day camp with a Thursday night camp out
$365
$365
Youth Programs
Due to the unknowns at this time regarding COVID 19 and the coming months - if you sign up now for a summer program and later need to cancel, you will receive a full refund. Thank you for your interest in our programs!
SUMMER
programs range from three-hour adventures to week-long camps for ages 4-15.
programs range from three-hour adventures to week-long camps for ages 4-15.
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about
FOR AGES 8-12 Since 1992 we have provided Natural Science Discovery Camps - exciting week long day camps with one overnight campout for ages 8-12. Each day is spent at a new location, learning about habitats, geology or the ocean through engaging activities such as hiking, wildlife observation, games, species and water quality monitoring, journal time, learning about local natural history, creating art and more. Hooray for Habitats and Mountains Rock weeks include a kayaking adventure either in the Monterey Harbor or on Elkhorn Slough, while Outrageous Ocean Odyssey includes a whale watch excursion. On the Thursday night camp out, kids prepare their sleeping areas before devouring a pasta dinner with salad and bread. After dinner clean-up, campers gather for s'mores before heading out on a night hike. Talking in hushed whispers or often walking in silence, campers listen to night sounds and gaze at the sky. Following a lesson on nocturnal animals and their adaptations, campers embark on a night hike for the short distance back to camp. Afterward, everyone quietly and excitedly talks about their experience with staff and peers while preparing for bed. Some campers choose to sleep in tents while others fall asleep under the open sky. Friday morning usually flies by after a fruit and pancake breakfast, with packing-up, a short hike and activity, and closing circle for the week, with everyone home in time for lunch. Camp historically runs Monday - Wednesday 8am-4pm, and Thursday 8am, overnight to Friday 12noon . Be sure to check times when signing up. If your child will not be 8 years old before the first day of camp, check out our Wee Ones in the Woods programs (ages 4-7) instead! Older than 12? Consider signing up for this program as an Outdoor Leader in Training, or look into our Condor Wilderness Camp. SIGN UP |
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FOR AGES 4-7 Small groups of up to 10 participants and two staff will enjoy a half-day of storytelling, exploring and creating. Creepy Crawlies, Feathered Friends, Tidal Treasures, Earth Day Every Day, and Super Survivor are just a few of the exciting and educational programs on the menu. Programs typically take place at one location for an entire week, such as George Washington Park or Lover's Point in Pacific Grove, El Estero or San Carlos Beach in Monterey, or Natividad Creek Park in Salinas. Click the sign up link below to see a full list of our offerings, locations and dates. This is a drop off program, however parents are always welcome to stay. A snack for participants is included. This program operates during the summer months, Monday - Friday, with two identical sessions daily, 8:30AM - 11:30AM and 12:30PM to 3:30PM. There is no between program care available. Children must be at least 4 years old, as well as be potty trained. If your child is 8 years old, check out our Science Discovery Camps and our Single Day Adventures for ages 8-12 instead! SIGN UP |
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FOR AGES 8-15 Our knowledgeable naturalist instructors want YOU to join them for a fun filled day of adventure learning about nature. Spend a day in the exciting outdoors exploring dark and mysterious redwood forests, clear and serene tide pools, or the muddy, brackish slough - choose your favorite habitat or attend one of each. From the talus caves at Pinnacles National Park, to the top of the valley at Fremont Peak State Park, there are so many amazing places to discover. Whether you are being dazzled by Monarch butterflies during their winter migration, practicing how to survive in the wild, kayaking alongside sea otters or discovering all the crazy types of invertebrates there are, it is certain to be a true adventure. Good luck choosing just one! Single Day Adventures generally run from 8:30am to 4:30pm. SIGN UP |
Hands-on work experience opportunities for ages 13-17.
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FOR AGES 13-17 This program is for teens interested in learning what it takes to be a wildlife field biologist working with endangered species. This is an intense field experience and is not for the faint of heart! Campers will meet condor biologists, learn about the Condor Reintroduction Program, track wild condors using radio telemetry and participate in a work project benefiting the condors. Since 1977 Ventana Wildlife Society has been involved with conservation ecology and species recovery. Having successfully restored the Peregrine Falcon and Bald Eagle in our earlier days, we continue to restore the California Condor through our reintroduction efforts in Central California. We currently assist in managing California Condors in the wild locally, with a goal of seeing 150 free-flying birds including 15 breeding pairs in central California. In summer 2007 we piloted our Condor Wilderness Camp for teens, taking small groups of students to our remote condor sanctuary and base camp in Big Sur. The program gives youth a unique chance to take an active role in our Condor Reintroduction Program and experience what it is like to be a field wildlife biologist. We believe that education at all levels is the foundation of any recovery effort, and that building passion for the environment is the first step toward building strong leadership and stewardship. We have also hosted this camp at Pinnacles National Park. What to Expect After an orientation on VWS and the Condor Recovery Program, we'll practice using radio telemetry technology to collect data and assist with the management of the condor flock. The first night is spent camping, usually at Andrew Molera State Park. The next day we will check out one of the condor restoration sites for the second night of camping. We will continue to track birds, participate in a work project benefiting the Condor Recovery Program if one is available, and assist with a supplemental food placement for the wild flock. Camping is a large part of the experience and everyone will be expected to take an active part in camp chores such as camp set up, break down, cooking and cleaning. Camp begins at 9am on day one, and runs through to 4pm on day three. Be sure to check times when signing up. If your child will not be 13 years old before the first day of camp, check out our Natural Science Discovery Camps and our Single Day Adventures for ages 8-12 instead! Older than 17? Consider signing up for one of our California Condor Tours or Adopt-A-Highway events along the Big Sur Coast! SIGN UP |
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FOR AGES 13-17 Each week of Natural Science Discovery Camp two spaces are available for teens interested in staying involved with Ventana Wildlife Society. Participants earn community or service learning hours and develop their skills as an outdoor leader. As an Outdoor Leader in Training for the Natural Science Discovery Camp, teens will assist staff with organizing younger campers, help with camp set up, take down and meal preparation on Thursday night, and earn a letter documenting their time with this program. There is an opportunity to assist with or lead an activity depending on comfort level as well. Whether your camper has a strong interest in working with youth outdoors, or they are simply interested in one more summer with our camp - this is an exciting opportunity. Cost in the same as for campers. SIGN UP |
SCHOOL YEAR
Weekly home-school classes and special single-day school break adventures for ages 4-17.
Weekly home-school classes and special single-day school break adventures for ages 4-17.
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FOR AGES 4-16 These weekly home school classes over the course of a year focus on connecting deeply with the land through experiencing nature change through the seasons. Core routines of the program include opening/closing circles, story-telling, journals, sit-spots, tracking, native crafts and activities that provide opportunities for 'dirt-time'. Transportation available* – pick up / drop off at Laguna Grande Park playground across from Seaside City Hall. Option to drop off at class site. Class locations range from Elkhorn Slough Reserve (north) to Soberanes Canyon (south). *If Ocean Grove Charter School is paying for the class, we cannot provide transportation. You will need to transport your child to and from each class location. Spring Session (Jan-Apr) and Fall Session (Sep-Dec) are available, all times are 9:30am-11:30am: • Wednesdays for ages 6-9 • Wednesdays for ages 9-12 • Thursdays for ages 6-9 • Thursdays for ages 9-12 • Thursdays for ages 12-16 • Fridays for ages 4-7 • Fridays for ages 6-9 Transportation for non-Ocean Grove students is available for Laguna Grande Park in Seaside, pick up at 9am, drop off at 12 noon. If you are interested in a Parent / Child class for you and your little one, or a different time or day let us know ... with enough interest, we'd be happy to add it. For more information, or to sign up Call 831-800-7421, or email AlenaPorte@ventanaws.org |
about
FOR AGES 8-15 Our knowledgeable naturalist instructors want YOU to join them for a fun filled day of adventure learning about nature. Spend a day in the exciting outdoors exploring dark and mysterious redwood forests, clear and serene tide pools, or the muddy, brackish slough - choose your favorite habitat or attend one of each. From the talus caves at Pinnacles National Park, to the top of the valley at Fremont Peak State Park, there are so many amazing places to discover. Whether you are being dazzled by Monarch butterflies during their winter migration, practicing how to survive in the wild, kayaking alongside sea otters or discovering all the crazy types of invertebrates there are, it is certain to be a true adventure. Good luck choosing just one! Single Day Adventures generally run from 8:30am to 4:30pm. SIGN UP |
