The following gives an overview of what to expect during a day in Ventura Wild. Our programs are guided by this flow but also allow for spontaneous moments in nature to arise. Read more about our programs and teaching philosophy by clicking here. 

All of our programs maintain a 4:1 child to-mentor ratio. Our mentors are highly experienced naturalists and educators passionate about supporting your child’s nature connection journey in a safe and compassionate learning environment. 

BEGINNING – Drop-off includes a game/activity to welcome participants and build group cohesion.

OPENING CIRCLE – We gather together to set safety agreements and introduce the daily theme and options for skills or activities. This is also an opportunity for water, snacks and bathroom breaks.

EXPLORING – Kids will have the opportunity to discover the world around them with their peers. This might include tracking, foraging, mapping, treasure hunts, finding mysteries…endless possibilities!

SNACK – Time is set aside to sit and eat, drink water and be in community, celebrating food and place.

SKILLS – Wilderness skills are introduced and time is provided for practice and development. Kids may work on one project over the course of the session, or try a new skill each day.

REFLECTION – Individual time to sit and write in a journal, play quietly, sit in meditation or walk silently. Group reflections might include sharing, problem solving or group stewardship projects such as clean-ups or plantings. 

CLOSING CIRCLE – Includes sharing gratitude and a personal “story of the day” or other meaningful reflections.

Experiential Learning: Our programs are centered on hands-on experiential learning. Students embrace their curiosities, forming questions that then guide them to their discoveries.

Emotional and Social Development: Students are encouraged to recognize and communicate their emotions. This awareness supports their self care routines and their relationships with each other. Instructors are there to encourage this process, to support students building interpersonal skills such as communication and cooperation.

Risk-Taking: Students are also encouraged to assess and take calculated risks, building spatial and motor skills. For example, students are taught the risks around tree climbing. With this awareness, they are then able to discover their ability and grow their comfort level within these parameters. With a 4:1 ratio, instructors are there every step of the way. Introducing risk-taking at a young age builds their resilience and improves their judgement, skills they’ll carry throughout their lives.

Deepening a Relationship with Nature: Because our program is held in nature, students build a deep and lasting relationship with their environment. Witnessing the same animals and plants each day, we gain an understanding and therefore friendship with them. An early relationship with nature grows respect that lasts a lifetime.

For more information on our Teaching Philosophy, please visit our website here.

Our programs meet at a variety of natural spaces in Ventura County, including VLT & OVLC preserves, county parks, state beaches, and sections of the Los Padres National Forest.

This is Ventura Wild! We want to find adventure in natural environments and safe spaces away from crowds. We also aim to provide a diverse range of experiences that not all locations can fulfill. Example: only some places allow shelter building or foraging and other places have access to water or climbing trees. The challenges of weather can also dictate our choices, as well as group specific needs (Example: some groups need to move more, others are doing stewardship projects, and others are just too little to walk very far).

Locations with directions are communicated by your lead instructor before each group meets.

Transportation is not provided. Carpooling is encouraged. Locations are determined with consideration for locale of registered families, in addition to weather, group dynamics, and other factors. Locations are communicated prior to the start of the session and reminders with directions are sent out before each meet up.

Please note these locations are subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

Review the item list here.

We provide clear, verbal and modeled expectations rooted in the Ventura Wild Agreements: Take care of yourself, Take care of each other, and Take care of the Earth.

We set these agreements at the beginning of each season as a group, and review how we are doing throughout the session. We address issues that come up immediately and are able to discuss solutions and practice good communication skills. Sometimes students have challenging days, and frequently those challenges stem from a physical or emotional need that is not being met (tired, hungry, upset, etc.). We always assess a child’s comfort before intervening with an undesirable behavior. 

We have found that setting expectations lets everyone know that we do have them! If behavior consistently endangers the safety and quality of the experience of an individual or the group, there are certain interventions we will take. Please read more about our BEHAVIOR POLICY

We are a rain or shine program! It is important for our students of nature to witness how the local environment changes as the weather changes. These moments also inspire discussions about the risks of exposure, and extreme weather, and how to stay safe. As is key in most situations, preparation is paramount! If the weather is too risky for us to be out, such as flooding events, high wind, hazardous air quality, extremely high or freezing temperatures, or heavy downpours - we will cancel program. We try to notify you at least 12 hours in advance when possible, however sometime last-minute decisions need to be made. Make up classes will be provided/ If a make up is not possible, refunds will be offered.

For questions, please contact our main office at 805-643-8044 ext. 4

venturawild@venturalandtrust.org

In Ventura Wild, we have a set of agreements which include staying together as a group and respecting all wildlife. We practice snake safety and perform regular area sweeps.

During program, we honor and acknowledge that we are entering into wildlife habitat and encourage doing so with minimal disturbance. If we’re lucky, we will have the opportunity to observe and admire wildlife. However often, animals retreat to a distance or into their hiding place when groups are near. 

Bug bites are normal during summer due to the bounty of water and heat. Best way to avoid bug bites is to wear lightweight long sleeves and pants. Our instructors perform regular tick checks with the kids when we are out in the field, but we recommend doing another once over each day when they return home. You can find more information here and review this fact sheet on where to check for ticks.