Black Oak Wilderness Camps
Relationship with nature grows stronger when it's fostered and encouraged from a younger age. Young explorers will spend their days with instructors who will encourage free exploration as well as guide students through developing that relationship. Kids will hike, garden, learn about plants, make crafts, play nature games, get dirty, have fun, and learn a lot. They will learn especially about reciprocity with nature, planting the initial seeds that will grow into a more ecologically aware generation.
They will share our 90 acre property with groups of different ages and activities to get them excited to learn more. They can watch archery, blacksmithing, survival skills, and advanced crafting. Sign In/Drop Off occurs each day.
Day Camps K - 11
Overnight Camps 6 - 12
Join us at Champ Camp Great Outdoors, a whole new immersive summer experience. We’re elevating day camp to Champion status. Picture a mix of explorations in nature with brainy STEM challenges, fabulous field trips, and games galore! Campers will nurture friendships and unlock hidden talents and even surprise themselves with newfound skills. Get ready—this is where summer magic unfolds. Here are some example of our on-site activities:
- State-of-the-Art Sports
Play football at Mustang Stadium or kick it on the incredible soccer fields. - Make a Splash
Swim and splash around with friends in a cool, refreshing pool. - Outdoor Adventures
Explore the nature trails, perfect for scenic hikes, that connect to the ponds and school facilities. - Natural Beauty
Enjoy the majestic views at four ponds located right on the school grounds. - Unique Access
Study and research the water to learn more about the ponds and the wildlife there.
And what would camp be without field trips?
Rockwall climbing Aquatic center Museum Zoo Botanical gardens 
Into the Heart of Nature
June 24 – July 19
Into the Heart of Nature camp at Tara Redwood is located in an extraordinary setting nestled in the Nisene Marks Forest near a calm creek. We offer cooperative games, creek exploration, habitat studies, playful skits, and nature-themed art.
Kids explore the various elements that support all life. Tara Redwood School’s summer camp educators are highly experienced in outdoor activities and wildlife studies.
Children learn social skills and kindness. Your child will make new friends, develop mindfulness, and learn how to help others.
Children have access to several hiking trails for daily play and to absorb some of our core tenets for happiness through developing a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of nature to all parts of life.
For children 4 to 8 years old.
5810 Prescott Rd, Soquel, 831-462-9632, https://tararedwoodschool.org/summer-camp-2024/
Kennolyn Day Camp
Ready to get your child away from technology and into a nourishing community of fun, friends, and the great outdoors? Give your child a healthy dose of GRATITUDE, POSITIVE ATTITUDE, and GROWTH at Kennolyn Day Camp!
On 450 acres of privately owned redwood forest only 4 miles from town, and 1 mile from our Overnight Camp, Kennolyn Day Camp is just a short bus ride away. Your child will thrive in this fun, active, supportive environment, and you will get a break (or at least be able to work without interruption). And after a day of exploring the fields, pond, and miles of trails, they’ll be happy-tired after each fun day!
Amazing activities keep your camp busy all day: high ropes course, climbing wall, BMX, fencing, pool time, horseback riding, animal care, archery, crafts, and more!
Campers grades K-9 are placed in coed groups based on their grade with two well-trained adult counselors.
Campers entering 10-11th grade may apply for our Leadership Development program.
Groups follow a planned schedule with some choice built in from Monday through Thursday. On Friday Fun Day, campers grades 2+ choose their own activities during the morning. The afternoon wraps up the week with a fun event based on a different theme each week. This is a great change of pace for campers who spend multiple weeks at Kennolyn.
Nowhere else in the local region will you find a more complete, authentic summer day camp experience. Just ask your friends and neighbors.
8400 Glenn Haven Rd, Soquel ~ (831) 479-6714 ~ https://www.kennolyncamps.com/santa-cruz-day/
Through exploration, experimentation, and experiences outdoors the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History hopes to inspire future scientists during our weekly day camps. Join us to discover a passion for nature, learning, and community. All Nature Explorers camps connect campers to their environment in fun and exciting ways that engage their natural sense of curiosity while supporting academic success.
**Nature Explorers camps will run in compliance with state and county guidance for health and safety. Registration will close 2 weeks prior to camp for health screenings**
Jump To: Ages 5-7 | Ages 8-9 | Ages 10-11
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History: https://www.santacruzmuseum.org/camp/, 1305 E. Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz, (831) 420-6115, info@santacruzmuseum.org
The Santa Cruz Kids in Nature Program is an outdoor-based Nature Club for young children. We are a grass-roots program focused on fostering creativity, confidence, communication skills, community, ecological stewardship, curiosity, and social justice ethics and advocacy in the students. Our core curriculums revolve around Social Emotional Learning, Natural History, and Cultural History/Social Justice.
Common activities include: hiking, improv games, watercoloring, harvesting wild clay and making pottery, learning to identify wild plants and medicines, playing games, practicing storytelling, gathering seeds, developing deep relationships, learning local history, and more!
The After-School groups take place over the course of the school year and run outside of school hours.
Summer Camps run 9 - 2:30 M-F and feature themes such as Shelter Building, Birding, Medicine Making, Fermenting, Bookmaking, Coastal Restoration and Exploration, and more!
It is our priority to be accessible to all who are interested, so please inquire about our * equal access scholarships.*
Santa Cruz KIN was founded in 2013 and has been serving the community for 11 years. We look forward to having you join the family!
