Questions? We’ve got answers
Please contact the Admission Office at (805) 640-2584 ex. 1259 or by email at summer@ovs.org with any questions. Detailed information, including the pack list and how to prepare for camp, can be found in the 2019 Camper Handbook. The handbook also provides information about cell phones, laundry, and general camp rules. Our Summer Calendar is also a great resource and we’ve compiled some Frequently Asked Questions below as well:
Q: Does OVS provide airport transportation for resident campers?
A: Yes! Ojai Valley School will offer transportation from LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) to resident students for the start and end of each camp session. If you would like your student to ride on Ojai Valley School’s LAX bus, please complete and return the transportation request form. The completed form must be received no later than two weeks prior to the camper’s session start date. If the form is not returned within this time-frame, we may not be able to provide transportation. All flights must be scheduled to arrive and depart between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. There is a $75 fee for airport transportation and an additional $45 fee per hour for unaccompanied minors.
Please download and print the 2019 LAX Transportation Form, and return to summer@ovs.org.
Q: Do you offer daily bus service for day campers?
A: Yes, OVS provides twice daily bus service from west Ventura to Ojai for summer campers. The day bus pass is $100 per week. The bus picks up at Marina Park at 7:40 a.m. and drops off at 5:10 p.m. The address is 1400 Greenlock Lane.
Q: What activities are offered in summer camp?
A: Campers choose from a wide range of morning programs followed by afternoon activities. Activities typically offered in summer camp are listed below:
Archery | Arts & Crafts | Sports | Swimming |
Photography | Ping Pong | Cooking | Dance |
Woodshop | Games | Ga-Ga | ... and more! |
Q: What is the typical schedule for summer campers?
A: Resident campers start the day with breakfast in the dining hall, followed by academic adventures in the morning, lunch, and then fun activities, such as swimming or archery, in the afternoon. In the evenings, resident campers are given the opportunity to participate in games and other activities that encourage friendship and collaboration. The typical daily schedule is available on our Residents page.
Day campers have a similar schedule that begins in the morning, includes lunch, and wraps up in the afternoon with camp activities.
Day Camp Schedule
Time | Activity |
8:00 a.m. | Camp Opens |
8:30 a.m. | Morning Programs Begin for All Campers |
10:00 a.m. | Snack Break |
10:20 a.m. | All Morning Programs Continue |
11:30 a.m. - 12:35 p.m. | Lunch and Recess |
12:40 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Afternoon Activities |
3:35 p.m. - 4:20 p.m. | All-Camp Assembly |
4:30 p.m. | Pick-up for Day Campers. Activities and Dinner Continue for Residents after 4:30 p.m. |
Q: Do you offer any programs for younger children?
A: Yes! Our Junior Camp offers a balance of creative, enriching and educational experiences for young children ages 3-5. Campers learn to swim under the supervision of certified instructors, and enjoy a full day of indoor and outdoor exploration. Our flexible schedule allows campers to enroll for the full six weeks, or to select and combine various two-week sessions. More details are available in the 2019 Junior Camper Handbook.
Q: Where are the dorms ? How many campers share a room?
A: Boys and girls live in separate dormitories on campus. Typically, there are two or three campers per room and camp counselors live in each dorm. As a private college-prep boarding school, OVS provides the experience, supervision, and facilities to accommodate elementary, middle and high school resident campers. Ojai Valley School has been a top sleep-away summer camp in Southern California since 1943. More information is available on our Residents page.
Q: Is OVS Summer Camp accredited?
A: Ojai Valley School is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), the Western Association of Independent Camps (WAIC), and the American Camp Association (ACA). Learn more about how ACA-accredited camps meet highest standards for excellence on the ACA website.
Q: What programs are available for international students?
A: Ojai Valley School welcomes campers from around the world. We encourage international campers with limited English proficiency to enroll in our English Language Camp. Students start their day in morning English classes that focus on grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and listening skills. Campers join their American peers after lunch for camp activities in the afternoon and evening. English Language Campers should select only this program when registering. Students can enroll in two-, four- or six-week sessions. More details, including rates and dates, can be found on the ELC Camp page.