Articles

Circle V Ranch Camp is an exciting summer camp experience offered by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Council of Los Angeles. Since 1945, the Society has provided summer camp programs for youth in Southern California. In 1990, the Society purchased 30 acres in the Los Padres National Forest and established the Circle V Ranch Camp. This beautiful camp setting in the Santa Ynez Valley is just 20 minutes from Santa Barbara. The primary goal of Circle V Ranch Camp is to help build strong character in youth. The camp provides a unique opportunity to learn respect and appreciation for others, nature, and God through a variety of activities and positive role models. The central symbol of the camp is the Circle V—representing love for God and our neighbor. All activities revolve around this concept, creating a safe and enriching outdoor experience for kids of all ages.

At My Gym, we believe in the power of play. We strive to create an environment that encourages little ones to explore, learn, and grow in a fun and safe atmosphere. Our passion for inspiring children to reach their milestones and share in their parents' delight has led us to success for over 35 years. Children of all ages and abilities can come to My Gym and find something that works for them. With over 700 locations worldwide, our dream of nurturing happy, confident kids has become a reality. It’s our privilege to watch our members grow and become part of the My Gym family.

Located in San Yanez on traditional Chumash Land, our site is the perfect spot for your next outdoor adventure! Take advantage of the unique location of our 94-acre site, situated across the road from Lake Cachuma and adjacent to Los Padres National Forest. Our facility is open year-round to groups and schools and provides the perfect backdrop for learning and exploration. Whether you are looking for a day trip or a week-long retreat, our staff and programs are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

At California Educational Tours, we know that knowledge can be gained in traditional classrooms, but those who venture outside can experience the interconnectedness of the natural world in a way that is simply unforgettable. We have been providing amazing educational experiences for students of all ages for over two decades, and we are proud to be a leader in outdoor learning. Our team of experienced educators is passionate about creating safe and memorable experiences for every student. We strive to make sure that each group of students leaves with a rich appreciation of the world around them.

At Girls Rock Philly, we understand how essential it is to have staff that represent a diversity of backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to recruiting and hiring staff from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. Moreover, we actively work with communities of color to ensure our programs are adapting to their input and guidance. Our staff training includes not only technical skills, but also racial equity training. We want our staff to be prepared to handle any situation with respect and understanding, and to create an environment that is safe and welcoming for everyone. At Girls Rock Philly, we believe that music education, creative expression, and positive mentorship can have a transformative impact on the lives of young women. We strive to create a brave, diverse, and inclusive space that celebrates creativity, embraces authenticity, and values all voices. We are dedicated to creating an equitable world where everyone’s unique talents and perspectives are embraced and celebrated.

Artstudio 4 Kids is the perfect space for your young artist to explore their creativity and nurture their love of art! Our outdoor garden patio setting offers ample space between each student, making for a socially distanced learning experience. We provide all the art materials needed, so there’s no sharing of materials or supplies. During class, students will be exposed to the elements of art, as well as the works of the masters and contemporary artists. We provide a blend of age-appropriate projects that will challenge your child’s creativity, while still being fun and engaging. Projects include painting, drawing, and using liquid watercolors, tempera, acrylic paints, and canvas. At Artstudio 4 Kids, your child will receive quality instruction for a safe and enriching learning experience. With a maximum of 12 students per class, they’ll be able to use their imagination and explore their creative side in a socially distanced environment. Each student will have their own art materials, allowing them to take full advantage of the unique outdoor setting and all the fun activities available. Your child will be able to explore the world of art, learning about the elements, the masters, and contemporary artists, all while having a great time!

At our organization, we believe in empowering and encouraging girls to explore and develop their unique gifts. We provide support and guidance to help them strengthen their self-esteem and feel confident in taking risks. Our goal is to help girls nurture meaningful relationships and overcome any gender, economic, or social barriers that may stand in the way of achieving their goals. We offer evidence-based programming that fosters healthy development, and provides opportunities for girls to reach their full potential. We are dedicated to creating an environment that is safe, supportive, and gives girls the chance to learn and grow. We are also committed to advocating for policies that promote equal opportunities and rights for all girls, and take into account the perspectives of our girls and their families. Our focus is on providing girls with the tools they need to lead successful and meaningful lives. We strive to create an atmosphere that allows girls to embrace their strengths, have confidence in their decisions, and create positive relationships. We strive to make sure that girls have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed, and to ensure that all girls are heard and respected.

Karen Putnam is a busy mom and entrepreneur who has been running her own business since 1998. She founded “Art from the Heart,” offering a wide variety of graphic design services, as well as classes, parties, and events for children and adults alike. Her mission is to make art an accessible and enjoyable experience for everyone. Karen is also the author of two children’s books, “Move with Mrs. Dancing Paintbrush” and “Share with Mrs. Dancing Paintbrush.” Through her work, she hopes to inspire children to reach their full creative potential and develop a lifelong appreciation for art.

For over 10 years, Gateway Educational Services has been helping Santa Barbara families access the resources they need for their children's educational success. Our team of experienced educators and business professionals is dedicated to helping every student reach their full potential. With our individualized program, we strive to promote creativity, collaboration, and excellence in the classroom. We are a non-profit organization, so we make sure that every student in our community has the opportunity to experience an outstanding educational system. At Gateway Educational Services, we believe in providing the best resources and opportunities for students' learning. Our educators and business professionals are committed to helping each student reach their academic goals. Our specialized programs are tailored to the needs of each student, while encouraging creativity, collaboration, and excellence in their learning. We are a non-profit organization, so we guarantee that all students in our community have access to a quality education.

The Santa Barbara Public Library (SBPL) is a great resource for the whole family! With a library card, you can borrow books, DVDs, Blu-rays, eBooks, digital audiobooks, and much more. Plus, there are plenty of fun and educational classes and events for all ages. From storytime for the little ones to computer classes for adults, the library has something for everyone. And best of all, all library classes and events are free and open to the public. The Santa Barbara Public Library is a wonderful asset for the local community. With your library card, you can access a huge selection of materials, from books and physical media to eBooks and digital audiobooks. On top of that, there's also a great range of classes and events to choose from. From storytime for kids to computer classes for adults, these free and open to the public events are sure to keep the whole family entertained and learning. So if you're looking for something to do, check out the SBPL calendar today!

Library staff provide a safe and welcoming environment with a variety of services to meet the needs of the community. This includes free classes, events, and materials that support lifelong learning, literacy, and personal growth. SBPL also strives to provide access to information technology and encourages equitable access to information for all.

Santa Barbara is a vibrant and inclusive community that is enriched by the power of art. The Santa Barbara Museum of Art is committed to providing accessible educational opportunities to bring people together and foster meaningful connections. Through these programs, individuals gain exposure to the Museum’s collections and resources, allowing them to explore their creativity and gain a greater understanding of the world around them. The Museum’s carefully crafted instruction helps to foster empathy and cultural exchange, allowing people to gain insight into their local community and even more about themselves. The Museum’s programs strive to touch the lives of everyone who participates and enrich the community. Santa Barbara is an inclusive and vibrant community enriched by art. The Santa Barbara Museum of Art provides accessible educational opportunities to bring people together and inspire meaningful connections. Through these programs, individuals gain access to the Museum’s collections and resources, allowing them to explore their creativity and gain a greater understanding of the world around them. On top of that, the Museum’s carefully crafted instruction helps to foster empathy and cultural exchange, enabling people to gain insight into their local community and even more about themselves. The Museum’s goal is to positively impact the lives of everyone who participates in its education programs.

For nearly two decades, United Way of Santa Barbara County has been offering the Fun in the Sun program—a nationally recognized summer learning collaborative initiative. Involving 80 service delivery partners, 20+ funding partners, and over 600 volunteers, FITS has grown from a program originally designed to tackle summer learning loss to one that now provides a holistic approach to summertime support for students and their families. Fun in the Sun provides a well-rounded experience, with mindfulness activities, STEAM instruction, mentorship programs, environmental education classes, and field trips. Hundreds of students and families in the Santa Barbara County community benefit from all these enriching activities, creating a truly positive summer experience.

At the Santa Barbara Family YMCA, we strive to provide a safe, welcoming space for all members of our community. Our gym offers a variety of amenities to help everyone reach their full potential and maintain healthy lifestyles. With a fitness center featuring advanced cardio and strength training equipment, engaging group exercise classes, and child and adult swimming lessons, we hope to make staying fit and active an enjoyable experience for everyone. The YMCA is committed to strengthening our community and creating opportunities for all people to reach their maximum potential. We offer a variety of programs and services, such as job training for young adults, a safe space for children to go, and connections for seniors. We take immense pride in creating a supportive environment that helps everyone thrive. At the Santa Barbara Family YMCA, we believe that healthy lifestyles lead to healthier communities. We strive to provide the best resources to help everyone in our community reach their full potential and lead fulfilling lives. From our fitness center to our vibrant programs, we look forward to offering a supportive, welcoming space for all of our members.