OUR STAFF
A little more about the people behind Camp Wildcraft:
Camp Wildcraft was created in 2016 by husband and wife team Benny Ferdman and Shari Davis. As co-founders of the arts and education organization Creative Ways, their shared creative partnership spans over 30 years creating and teaching art, designing educational programs for children and adults, developing interactive museum exhibitions and curricula for schools and camps, and leading field trips exploring nature and culture. Benny Ferdman is a painter and sculptor. He also served as the Founding Arts Director at deToledo High School in West Hills, CA. Shari also directed education and teen wellness programs for nonprofit agencies in NY and Los Angeles. Their collaborative projects can be seen on their website www.creativeways.org Benny's art website is bennyferdman.com |
A NOTE FROM OUR FOUNDERS
SHARI DAVIS & BENNY FERDMAN: We started Camp Wildcraft 11 years ago in 2016 to create a summer experience where kids develop an enduring sense of wonder, curiosity and independence by spending time exploring nature and making art together. As long-time educators we know that kids thrive and build confidence in multi-age environments that combine the right balance of structure and autonomy. As artists, we see how kids grow their creativity and art skills, along with their ability for sustained focus, while working on our in-depth, imaginative art projects. Over the past decade, we have watched so many of our campers, many returning year after year, grow into kind, inquisitive, resilient kids who care about our world and each other. Our strong and enduring ties with our camp families reinforces our mission and brings us great joy.
Camp Wildcraft is more than a place; it is a beloved community sustained by our campers, camp families, and our dedicated and caring Wildcraft Guides (AKA counselors). Over the years we (and many camp families) have navigated relocations due to fires and environmental challenges. Each time, our families, Guides, and the spirit of what we've built together, have carried us forward. We are grateful to have found a wonderful new home at Surf Canyon in Malibu this year– and we can’t wait to create new adventures with your kids this summer. We are always available if you have any questions. Email us at [email protected] or call/text Shari at 818-489-3862. Warmly and wildly, Shari and Benny |
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OUR WILDCRAFT GUIDES(AKA Counselors) are caring, creative and safety-minded and participate in an intensive staff training before camp starts. They guide our campers to make friends, explore the arts and discover the wild wonders of our natural world. We have a camper to staff ratio of at least 1 guide to every 8 campers. All are CPR and First Aid Certified. Our 2025 Guides are pictured below.
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Ambar Cruz is our Camp Administrator. She has been part of Camp Wildcraft since the beginning, and is one of our original Wildcraft Guides. She is now mom to Milo and baby Coral! Ambar is the go-to person for registration help, session changes and additions and general camp information. She can be reached at [email protected]
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