OUR NEW LOCATION!
Camp Wildcraft is now taking place at
King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas
Our address is 26800 Mulholland Hwy at the corner of Mulholland and Las Virgenes.
Click here for details about our new site!
King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas
Our address is 26800 Mulholland Hwy at the corner of Mulholland and Las Virgenes.
Click here for details about our new site!
Note about our former camp locations at Sycamore School and MUSE: Due to fire-related challenges at both sites, we are unable to have camp there this summer. We are happy to be back at beautiful
KGR--where we began 10 years ago!
KGR--where we began 10 years ago!
Camp Wildcraft is a welcoming space
of discovery, fun, wonder & growth
through an immersive exploration of arts and nature.
of discovery, fun, wonder & growth
through an immersive exploration of arts and nature.
2025 CAMP DETAILS + DATES + RATES
DATES SUMMER 2025 at King Gillette Ranch
PROGRAM NOTE RE: SWIMMING AT CAMP: We will have access to the pool at King Gillette Ranch during weeks 2 though 9 (not our first week of camp.) Swimming is optional activity at camp and parents sign a swim permission for in our registration system. Campers can elect to swim 1-3 afternoons a week during our "Choice Activity" time after lunch (on assigned days), or choose to participate in theater, field games, clay-work, printmaking, and many other art and adventure activities offered each week. If you have any questions about swimming at camp please text/call Shari at 818-489-3862.
- Week 1-- June 16 - 20-- FULL! Waitlist open
- Week 2--June 23-27-- FILLING UP--Don't wait!
- Week 3--June 30-July 3 (4 day prorated week for July 4th holiday)
- Week 4-- July 7 - 11
- Week 5-- July 14 - 18
- Week 6-- July 21 - 25
- Week 7--July 28 - August 1
- Week 8--August. 4-8
- Week 9-- August 11 - 15
PROGRAM NOTE RE: SWIMMING AT CAMP: We will have access to the pool at King Gillette Ranch during weeks 2 though 9 (not our first week of camp.) Swimming is optional activity at camp and parents sign a swim permission for in our registration system. Campers can elect to swim 1-3 afternoons a week during our "Choice Activity" time after lunch (on assigned days), or choose to participate in theater, field games, clay-work, printmaking, and many other art and adventure activities offered each week. If you have any questions about swimming at camp please text/call Shari at 818-489-3862.
RATES:
$570 weekly session + $35 one-time registration fee (non-refundable)
July 4th week prorated for 4 days at $456
We encourage families to sign up for a minimum of two weeks as campers benefit from the familiarity and connection. Every week we have different art projects, activities, and adventures. See our multi-session discount below.
After Care: Optional aftercare is available for $20 per day from 3-4pm. You can select by the day.
Middle School Junior Guide Pre-camp Camp-out Option--May 31-June 1--$120 (See details below)
$570 weekly session + $35 one-time registration fee (non-refundable)
July 4th week prorated for 4 days at $456
We encourage families to sign up for a minimum of two weeks as campers benefit from the familiarity and connection. Every week we have different art projects, activities, and adventures. See our multi-session discount below.
After Care: Optional aftercare is available for $20 per day from 3-4pm. You can select by the day.
Middle School Junior Guide Pre-camp Camp-out Option--May 31-June 1--$120 (See details below)
DISCOUNTS & PAYMENT PLAN
- Sibling discount of $15 per week for second + camper(s)
- NEW! Multi-session discount–Sign up for 3 or more weeks & from week 3 onward tuition is $555– $15 off per week (in addition to sibling discount if applicable)
- Payment plans are available. Pay 25% at registration per child and the remaining balance will be evenly divided across the remaining months (until your camp session begins.) Simply select this option in the cart.
- Campership Financial Aid: We have a limited amount of financial aid available for families with genuine need. Please email Shari at [email protected] to discuss.
CAMPER AGES:
- Campers ages 4.5 and up, entering grades PreK-5. Campers are in mixed age groups. (Scroll down to read more about why we have mixed-age groups.)
- Some 4.5 year olds are not ready for the full day Camp Wildcraft program--which includes daily hiking, focused art making and being a part of a mixed aged group. Please call Shari at 818-489-3862 to discuss whether our program is a good fit for your little one this year.
- Middle School Junior Guide leadership program for campers entering 6-8th grade. Middle Schoolers are automatically placed in this program when registering. See details below.
- Volunteer Guide in Training (GIT) programs for HS students entering grades 9-12. Separate application required--No fee--see details below.
CAMP HOURS + OPTIONAL EXTENDED CARE
Regular camp hours are 9am to 3pm at both locations. Campers can be dropped off starting at 8:30am.
Extended Care is offered from 3pm to 4pm. This can be added as a separate (by the day) option at registration. Fee is $20 per day. As campers are often tired after a full day of camp, we encourage you to add only if needed. It is an option that can be added later, if preferred.
Regular camp hours are 9am to 3pm at both locations. Campers can be dropped off starting at 8:30am.
Extended Care is offered from 3pm to 4pm. This can be added as a separate (by the day) option at registration. Fee is $20 per day. As campers are often tired after a full day of camp, we encourage you to add only if needed. It is an option that can be added later, if preferred.
REFUND, SESSION CHANGE & CANCELLATION POLICY
- CANCELLATION POLICY: Until May 16th, we will provide refunds for canceled weeks, minus the $35 registration fee. After May 15th we will not be issuing refunds.
- SWITCHING WEEKS: We are happy to change weeks of camp provided we receive an email request two weeks prior to the start of your registered session and space is available.
- CHANGE REQUESTS: All changes and cancellations must be made by emailing [email protected]
- MISSED DAYS OF CAMP: We cannot refund, reschedule, credit or prorate for individual missed days of camp. However if due to illness a camper misses a full week of camp, we will reschedule for another week where space allows.
Curious about what we do all day?
Click here for "Camp Life & What We Value"
Click here for "Camp Life & What We Value"
|
JUNIOR GUIDE MIDDLE SCHOOL
|
We are enthusiastically committed to creating a pathway for our older campers to thrive and grow at Camp Wildcraft. Campers entering 6th through 8th grade are part of our Junior Guide program. In addition to participating in all Wildcraft programs, Junior Guides are mentored by our team to identify and channel their strengths and interests. Junior Guides build leadership skills by developing and leading special projects and programs for all our campers. As part of a Junior Guide cohort, they connect with other campers their age.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please schedule a time to talk with Shari if you would like more information on this program. Email at [email protected]
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please schedule a time to talk with Shari if you would like more information on this program. Email at [email protected]
🌿ANNUAL JUNIOR GUIDE + GIT OVERNIGHT CAMPOUT: Middle School Campers (in grades 6-8 in September) and our H.S. GITs are invited to sign up for our (optional) Pre-Camp Overnight Campout May 31-June 1st at Malibu Creek State Park Group Campground. Open to all Jr. Guides and GITs who have signed up for ANY week of camp. Participants will need to bring a tent, mat and sleeping bag. Fee is $120 for Middle School Campers and $75 for GITS (who will be expected to assist with activities). The fee includes dinner, breakfast, light lunch and snacks. GITS register separately. Email [email protected] for details.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR CAMPOUT
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR CAMPOUT
Our Middle School Junior Guides! Scroll through the Album!
Our High School Guide-in-Training (GIT) Program
Our Wildcraft Guide-in-Training Program (G.I.T) provides volunteer opportunities for high school students entering grades 9 through 12 to build leadership skills by working with children at camp. GITs grow experience working with a team of Guides, develop and share their interests and skills with campers, and gain great work experience. GITs receive community service hours if needed. There is an application process, but no fee to participate if accepted. GITS participate in and help guide campers during our daily hikes, art-making and choice activities. They are trained and supervised by our staff. GITs commit to a minimum of two full weeks of camp.
High School Students: Please complete application here to apply.
Parents: Please complete the parent waiver here
Question? email Shari at [email protected]
High School Students: Please complete application here to apply.
Parents: Please complete the parent waiver here
Question? email Shari at [email protected]
WHY WE HAVE MIXED AGE GROUPS....
A unique aspect of life at Camp Wildcraft is our mixed age groups. At Camp Wildcraft we’ve experienced that having groups of campers of different ages creates a more natural camp community. Older campers are reminded of how they once experienced childhood–not so many years ago–including the spontaneity and imaginative play of their younger selves. Additionally our older campers benefit from knowing they are role models for our younger campers. With our guidance, they develop empathy, patience and leadership, whether by sharing their skills on the sports field, their discoveries on the hiking trail, or when making art or telling a story, building a fort or playing a game. Our younger campers benefit by being around and watching older campers model these behaviors--and sharing their own discoveries, ideas and ways of playing! Social skills for both are boosted as younger children watch older kids navigate challenges, explore in different ways or share their ideas in our opening circles. During "choice activities" campers group by their shared interests, rather than age. We also support and encourage kids in making friends with their age-mates, and there is a natural pull in this direction, within an environment where we are one big camp community.
At Camp Wildcraft we strive to find a balance between these mixed age experiences and activities that are responsive to the developmental needs of our different aged campers. For this reason, this year we will also have some activities and staff dedicated just for our youngest campers. Additionally, our Middle School Junior Guide program enables our oldest campers to have some activities each week just for them, so they can build connections with each other, along with leadership skills this program is designed to develop.
At Camp Wildcraft we strive to find a balance between these mixed age experiences and activities that are responsive to the developmental needs of our different aged campers. For this reason, this year we will also have some activities and staff dedicated just for our youngest campers. Additionally, our Middle School Junior Guide program enables our oldest campers to have some activities each week just for them, so they can build connections with each other, along with leadership skills this program is designed to develop.
|
LEADERSHIP: Camp Wildcraft was created by husband and wife team Benny Ferdman and Shari Davis in 2016. As co-founders of the arts and education organization Creative Ways, they have worked together for over 25 years creating and teaching art, designing hands-on educational programs and museum exhibitions, developing interactive curricula for schools and camps, and leading field trips exploring nature and culture. Benny Ferdman is a painter/sculptor. He also served as the Founding Arts Director at deToledo High School in West Hills, CA. Shari served as Director of Education and led the Focus on Teen Wellness at the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles.
Their collaborative projects can be seen on their website www.creativeways.org Benny's art website is bennyferdman.com |
OUR WILDCRAFT GUIDES(AKA Counselors) are caring, creative and safety-minded and participate in an intensive staff training, 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. Our Guides are supervised by our Leadership Team at each location.
Our 2024 Wonderful Wildcraft Guides!
