In the sun-kissed state of California, where palm trees sway in the breeze and the Pacific Ocean sparkles under the sunlight, a group of adventure-loving kids craves the thrill of outdoor escapades. Known as the 'Nature Navigators,' they explore the jagged mountain peaks, the tranquil forest trails, and the mysterious depths of the sea, all under the guidance of their magical mentor, Captain Kookaburra. Ah, Captain Kookaburra! He's not your regular guide. A bird with a surfer dude's spirit and the wisdom of a forest elder, he sports rainbow-colored feathers and a tail that transforms into a boogie board! With his hilarious jokes that make the squirrels chortle, and his tall tales that even the wise old owl finds amusing, he is the coolest bird in all of California. These 'Nature Navigators' are no ordinary kids either. With their sun-kissed faces, sand-filled shoes, and hearts full of courage, they dive into every adventure with rambunctious enthusiasm. They are the ones who would high-five a grizzly bear in Yosemite, take a selfie with a sea lion on the beaches of Santa Monica or race against a roadrunner in the Mojave Desert. Every day with the Nature Navigators and Captain Kookaburra is a whirlwind of laughter, learning, and leg-pulling. They may get mud on their clothes, but they also get stars in their eyes, learning to respect and protect the vibrant natural world around them. Because in California, it's not just about the golden sun or the crimson sunsets - it's about the golden-hearted kids whose laughter rings out over the rustling leaves, embodying the true spirit of this beautiful state.
Read morebest nature programs in Oakland, CA
Swift Nature Camp is the perfect place for your child to spend their summer! Our overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6-15 is located in beautiful Wisconsin. We offer a unique blend of traditional summer camp activities and environmental education to help kids increase their appreciation for nature, science, and the environment. We’ve got it all – fun, friendships, adventure trips, and nature! Spend your summer with us – you’ll never forget it!
At UAC, we believe that summer camp should be a meaningful and unique experience. Children are free to explore and discover in a safe and stimulating environment. Our programs take children on educational field trips to the best museums, science centers and parks in the Bay Area. Qualified instructors with subject knowledge and experience working with children lead our programs, providing an in-depth source of information for students. We strive to create a summer camp experience that will be both fun and educational, giving your child an opportunity to follow their own interests and discover new ones.
At Montclair Community Play Center (MCPC), we strive to provide a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment for our children to grow and learn. We are a play-based parent's cooperative preschool in Oakland, California, and have been since 1933. Our campus is situated among redwood trees, and we have multiple outdoor and indoor spaces, including two large outdoor play spaces, a nature area with chickens, an all-weather outdoor art space, a large playroom, a stand-alone learning annex and a snack room. We are a diverse community of 25 families who work together to create an environment that allows our children to learn how to resolve conflict, build self-esteem and value diversity.
At our overnight camp, middle-school-aged youth have an opportunity to explore the outdoors and get back to nature. Campers can discover hiking trails, milk goats, pick berries from a local farm, sleep under the stars, and read their favorite book in a tree. Our campers have the opportunity to learn about themselves, discovering strengths they never knew they had. By the end of the three-week camp, many campers feel as though they’ve been transported to another dimension. The camp is a place where they can be themselves, an opportunity to escape the day-to-day and feel connected with Mother Nature and their community in a new way. At our overnight camp, middle-school-aged youth find a unique opportunity to learn about themselves and explore the outdoors. Our campers have the chance to go on hikes, milk goats, pick berries from a farm, sleep under the stars, and read a book in a tree. Our campers can learn about themselves, discovering strengths they never knew they had and connecting with nature and their community in a special way. By the end of the camp, many of our campers report feeling like they’ve been taken to another world, gaining a new appreciation for themselves and the natural environment.
This Oakland-based organization was founded and led mainly by women and People of Color. Their mission is to challenge oppressive dynamics and environments through urban farming and access to the natural environment. ANV is dedicated to elevating the lives of youth and their families in Oakland and beyond. The organization strives to create safe and creative outdoor spaces for youth and families to learn about nutrition, food production, healthy living, and the natural environment. Through these initiatives, ANV works to strengthen the ties between the young people and their families, as well as their connection with the community.
At Park’n It Day Camp, we’re passionate about promoting the health and well-being of kids through outdoor activities. We’ve joined the Healthy Parks Healthy People initiative, which encourages kids to get active in parks and green spaces. Our goal is to help them grow into eco-literate adults who understand and care about the environment. Research shows that when kids engage in active outdoor recreation, it has a positive impact on their physical and mental health. At Park’n It Day Camp, we’re committed to giving kids the opportunity to explore the great outdoors and reap the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle. We’re proud to be part of the Healthy Parks Healthy People initiative and look forward to helping more kids discover the joys of being active in parks and green spaces.
At Girls Leadership, we understand the importance of empowering young girls with the skills they need to confidently use their voice in all aspects of life. Our programs are centered around social and emotional learning, and are designed to help girls of all ages develop the self-esteem and leadership skills they need to succeed. With workshops for families, professional development for teachers, guidance counselors, and non-profit staff, Girls Leadership is helping girls across the United States and around the world to find their voices. We believe that girls everywhere should be encouraged to speak up and take charge. That’s why we work with districts, public schools, charters, independent schools, and community-based organizations, offering our unique programs and workshops to help create a brighter future for the next generation. Through our innovative approach to social and emotional learning, girls can gain the confidence and self-assurance they need to take control of their own destiny.