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.
Summer 2025
Natural Science Discovery Camp - $365/week
(Ages 8-12) Week-long day camp (8am-4pm) with Thursday campout, returning Friday at noon. Campers explore and learn about our beautiful, natural areas. Ocean weeks include a whale watch, Habitat & Mountain weeks include kayaking in Monterey.

(Ages 13-17) There are two spots available weekly for Outdoor Leaders in Training. 
June 16-20, 2025
​July 14-18, 2025
INTEREST FORM - Natural science discovery camp

    INTEREST FORM
    Once you have submitted your interest form, please allow one business day for the camp manager to reach out with registration forms and a link for payment to secure your space.
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Summer 2025
Wee Ones in the Woods - $40/session
(Ages 4-7) Offering AM (8:30am-11:30am) or PM (12:30pm-3:30pm) sessions. This drop off program is led by two instructors for eight students. Young campers enjoy the natural world through story-telling, arts and crafts, a walk, and through exploration of the environment. Sign-up for three or more sessions at a reduced price of $35 each.
Offered daily during the following weeks:
June 16-20
June 30-July 3
July 7-11 (AM available only)
​July 14-18 (AM session - FULL, PM session available)
INTEREST FORM - Wee ones in the woods

    INTEREST FORM
    Once you have submitted your interest form, please allow one business day for the camp manager to reach out with registration forms and a link for payment to secure your space.
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Summer 2025
Single Day Adventure - $65/day
(Ages 8-12) One day of adventure (8:30AM-4:30PM) in a beautiful natural location! Spend the day hiking through forests in Big Sur and learning about the California condor. ​Drop-off/pick-up at Laguna Grande Park, Seaside. 
June 30
July 1
July 2
​July 3
INTEREST FORM - single day adventure

    INTEREST FORM
    Once you have submitted your interest form, please allow one business day for the camp manager to reach out with registration forms and a link for payment to secure your space.
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Fall 2025
Home School Programs
​• Natural Science Awareness Classes (ages 6-12)
​10 CLASSES: Wednesdays 9:30AM-11:30AM
DATES: Jan 29 - Apr 23 (no class Mar 19 or Mar 26)
COST FOR 10 CLASSES: $310 / semester
DROP-IN COST: $35 / class
10% DISCOUNT: for Military Families 
SCHOLARSHIPS: Available and offered on a sliding scale
CONTACT: Marily Muñoz-Serrano to register, request scholarship application, questions
Weekly nature classes meet at different locations around Monterey County. Increase nature awareness through observation, exploration, and “dirt time”. Explore important habitats and observe the plants and animals that live there. Identify flora and fauna and gain a broader understanding of the local watershed and the relationship we have with the environment.
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Policies
Reservation Policy
You may reserve a space in any of our regularly scheduled programs with a non-refundable program fee (15% of program cost). Balance must be paid in full 2 weeks prior to the start of any regularly scheduled programs or at the time that the program becomes full, whichever occurs first. For privately scheduled activities such as tours, youth programs or presentations, a non-refundable 50% deposit must be received 30 days in advance.
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 VWS policy that no refunds will be made for cancelations within the two weeks prior to programming, or as related to 'no show's', 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:

Mail: Ventana Wildlife Society, 9699 Blue Larkspur Ln Ste 105, Monterey CA 93940
​Fax (831) 455-2846 or
Email [email protected]

Participant Misconduct 
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 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.

ventana wildlife society

Conserving native wildlife and their habitats through science, education, and collaboration.