Grades 1-5
At OVS Summer School and Camp, elementary campers, grades 1-5, participate in Academic Adventures – our unique blend of English, math, science and outdoor education, integrated into one great learning adventure. Academic mornings, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., are organized by grade and are designed to provide core-subject learning around an environmental theme. Teachers utilize a variety of methods and materials to ensure the class content is meaningful and interesting. Campers have the opportunity to make and do things to help deepen their understanding of relevant topics while solidifying core skills. Our classes are small, allowing teachers to connect with campers individually, monitor their growth and meet their academic needs.
Each two-week session offers a different focus, so participating in multiple sessions expands subject knowledge and, of course, adds more fun! Keeping with our environmental mission, classes will participate in at least one off campus outdoor adventure and an optional overnight camping trip (2nd-8th grade).
In addition to grade level activities, all classes will participate in the creation of our camp newsletter Summer Scoop! A new edition is published each session and by contributing to its contents and seeing their stories in print, campers gain a sense of community and belonging.
All elementary and middle school campers enjoy lunch in our dining hall, and then participate in afternoon activities, which include swimming, archery, cooking, and more.
Here are the summer adventures by grade:
1st Grade – “SKY”
First graders look up and explore all there is to do and see in the skies above. They learn and discover flying insects and animals, and they read stories about exciting air explorers. They investigate different types of flying machines, count clouds, add airplanes, track weather patterns and study the importance of clean air. Grade-level core skills are woven in and around this exciting environmental theme. Field trips include exploration of the Ojai Meadow Preserve, a Bee Keeper Demonstration, and observation of the Flight Camp at our Upper Campus.
| June 24 - July 5 | July 8 - July 19 | July 22 - Aug 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Weather or Not | Birds, Bugs & Butterflies | Take Flight |
2nd-3rd Grades – “SEA”
Second and third graders learn about common and unique creatures that live in the sea, read books and stories about underwater adventurers, multiply and divide shells and sea lions, analyze the conditions of today’s oceans, examine ways to protect them, and discover all that is great about ocean life for us humans! Grade-level core skills are woven in and around this environmental theme. Field trips include exploration of Bates Beach tide pools, visits to the Santa Barbara Aquarium and Channel Islands Museum. Overnight camping adventures include camping-out at our Lower Campus with sea life labs and crafts, s’mores and sea songs.
| June 24 -July 5 | July 8 - July 19 | July 22 - Aug 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Sand & Surf | Fish & Friends | The Seven Seas |
4th-5th Grades – “LAND”
There is so much to know about the earth below our feet and fourth and fifth graders dig into a variety of topics designed to educate and inspire them! They learn about water conservation, read stories about kids doing great things for the Earth, collect data, problem solve and collaborate with others to help save our precious planet. They also get the dirt on sustainable farming and growing techniques, plant and harvest their own fruits and veggies in the camp garden, and practice and discover more ways to reduce, reuse and recycle. Grade-level core skills are woven in and around this environments theme. Field Trips include exploration of the Sespe Wilderness, Pine Mountain, and Ventura River Mouth. Overnight Camping excursions include Lake Casitas evening hikes, enviro-games and activities, cook out dinner and s’mores, and sleep under the stars!
| June 24 -July 5 | July 8 - July 19 | July 22 - Aug 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Dirt is Cool! | Wonders of Water | No Waste Warriors |