Using nature as a classroom, our Education Programs foster understanding and appreciation of wildlife and natural processes, encouraging children to contribute personally in everyday life to the protection of our precious wild ecosystems. Whether it’s journaling in the shade of a giant redwood tree, watching sea lions from a kayak, exploring tidepools, or watching a condor take flight, our programs generate memories that will last a lifetime.
2021 Virtual Programs
• FREE Family Fun Night
• FREE Programs Offered Through Partners
Boys and Girls Club of Monterey County (ages 4-12)
These camps are hosted by BGCMC and instructed by VWS naturalists. * Please note, you must be a registered BGCMC member and enroll for these programs through BGCMC in order to attend.
These camps are hosted by BGCMC and instructed by VWS naturalists. * Please note, you must be a registered BGCMC member and enroll for these programs through BGCMC in order to attend.
2021 In-Person Programs
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• Meet Us at the Farmer's Market (ages 6-12)
Offering FREE Natural Science Education with fun activities - while you shop, drop off your children, ages 6-12, to explore fun and engaging nature programs. Every Tuesday at 632 East Alisal 11:00AM - 4:00PM located in the parking lot of the WIC Center, Salinas, CA |
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• Natural Science Awareness Classes (ages 6-9 and 9-12)
Weekly nature classes at different locations around Monterey County. Increase your nature awareness through observation, exploration, and “dirt time”. Explore important habitats and observe the plants and animals that live in them. Identify flora and fauna and gain a broader understanding of the local watershed and the relationship we as humans have with the environment. |
Wednesdays, 9:00AM-11:00AM
Fall 2021 |
2022 In-Person Programs
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wee ones in the woods (ages 4-7)
THREE-HOUR session; Drop-off program Monday - Friday, two sessions offered daily to choose from (AM and PM). Campers explore the natural world through storytelling, exploring tidepools and other habitats, and creating projects. Daily themes include Creepy Crawly Hunt, Earth Day Every Day, Plant Power, and Nests, Holes & Homes. natural science discovery camp (ages 8-12)
WEEK-LONG day camp with Thurs night campout; pick-up / drop-off at Laguna Grande Park in Seaside. There are different camp themes to choose from; Outrageous Ocean Odyssey, Hooray for Habitats, and Mountains Rock. Learn all about one of the most beautiful coasts in the world as we explore rocky shorelines, tide pools, riparian habitats, oak woodland, and more. Ocean weeks includes a day of whale watching. Habitats and Mountains weeks include kayaking. *Opportunity for Outdoor Leaders in Training for ages 13-17. |
condor wilderness camp (ages 13-17)
THREE DAYS, TWO NIGHT camp; pickup / drop-off at Del Monte Center in Monterey. 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. single day adventures (ages 8-12)
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Meet Our Educators
Cristian Hernandez with a homeschool class
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Policies
Cancellation Policy
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, Ventana Wildlife Society will issue either a credit or a full refund.
Refund Policy
It is Ventata Wildlife Society 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 Ste 105, Monterey CA 93940. Fax (831) 455-2846 or email cathyhamilton@ventanaws.org
Ventana Wildlife Society 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.
Ventana Wildlife Society, 9699 Blue Larkspur Ln Ste 105, Monterey CA 93940. Fax (831) 455-2846 or email cathyhamilton@ventanaws.org
Ventana Wildlife Society 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.
