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
At each of our sites, Camp Wildcraft builds an exuberant camp community, with each day's program building on what came before. To create this immersive experience, we offer weekly sessions for kids entering grades K-6, with a Junior Guide program for campers entering 7-9th grade.
UPDATE JANUARY 2021: We are planning on having camp Summer 2021, following the Department of Public Health protocols. Registration for our weekly sessions will open early March.
A GALLERY OF IMAGES FROM SUMMER 2020
We had an awesome four weeks of in-person camp at our Malibu site this summer.
Strictly following the LA Dept. of Public Health guidelines, all of our campers and staff stayed healthy and safe.
Strictly following the LA Dept. of Public Health guidelines, all of our campers and staff stayed healthy and safe.
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LEADERSHIP: Camp Wildcraft was created by husband and wife team Benny Ferdman and Shari Davis. 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 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 |
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Our Site at the Sycamore School in Malibu
Our expansive and beautiful campus in Malibu provides ocean breezes to keep us cool on the sports field, and in our grassy play areas and outdoor workshop and vegetable garden. Campers use the indoor makerspace to build and create and the spacious kitchen to bake and cook. Campers take daily hikes along the nearby creek where they hunt for crystals, put on their water shoes and look for tadpoles, sail homemade boats and explore the wild places. The Sycamore School is an independent school committed to building gritty, empathetic, curious, and reflective learners, a goal Camp Wildcraft heartily shares! The address is 3504 Las Flores Canyon off the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu.
A Gallery of images from past years at the Sycamore School
site in Malibu
site in Malibu
Our Site at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas
At this spectacular 588 acre park, daily hikes take place in the cooler mornings, and art workshops, nature skills, fort building, games, theater and group activities take place in the grassy meadows and under the shady oak trees. Our indoor, air-conditioned space provides a cool refuge for programs, and when it's hot, refreshing water play is added to our day. The Ranch address is 26800 Mulholland Highway, at the intersection of Mulholland Highway and Las Virgenes Road, across the street from Malibu Creek State Park.
At this spectacular 588 acre park, daily hikes take place in the cooler mornings, and art workshops, nature skills, fort building, games, theater and group activities take place in the grassy meadows and under the shady oak trees. Our indoor, air-conditioned space provides a cool refuge for programs, and when it's hot, refreshing water play is added to our day. The Ranch address is 26800 Mulholland Highway, at the intersection of Mulholland Highway and Las Virgenes Road, across the street from Malibu Creek State Park.
A Gallery of images from past years at King Gillette Ranch, Calabasas
OUR 2020 COUNSELORS (AKA WILDCRAFT GUIDES): Our talented, caring and safety-minded staff guide our campers to make friends, explore the arts and discover the wild wonders of our natural world. All are over 18 years old, bring unique art and nature skills, and have extensive experience working with kids.
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Highland Hall Waldorf School, Northridge ---starting Summer 2021!
For campers entering 1st Grade through 5th grade. We are thrilled to be opening a new site this year on the beautiful 11 acre campus at Highland Hall in the North San Fernando Valley. A perfect spot for camp, Wildcrafters will make art under the trees, work in the three-acre biodynamic garden, cook together in the outdoor kitchen, explore the magical labyrinth and small woods, and play games in the large grassy sports field. There's even a gaga pit! Air-conditioned classrooms for activities and abundant water activities will keep kids cool all summer. Highland Hall is an independent school that shares our vision for integrating the arts to create a lifelong sense of wonder and a joy of learning. The address is 17100 Superior Street, Northridge, CA 91325. |
SAFETY: Safety is at the heart of all we do. Key staff are CPR and First Aid Certified and all are trained in outdoor safety procedures. We have at least 1 counselor for every 8 campers, exceeding American Camp Association recommendations.
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FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS: Our Wildcraft Junior Guide Program offers an opportunity for middle schoolers entering grades 6, 7, 8 and 9 to participate in camp, learn leadership skills, guide our younger campers and assist with activities and programs.
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OUR GIT PROGRAM FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: Our Wildcraft Guide-in-Training Program (G.I.T) provides opportunities for students entering grades 10 through 12 to volunteer at camp. There is an application process, but if accepted no fee to participate. Our GITs bring their interests and skills to Camp Wildcraft each day, help set up and lead activities with our counselors, are caring and attentive guides for our young Wildcrafters, and have fun learning new things by participating in all of our art and nature activities. Our GITs receive 35 hours of community service credit, if needed, each week. Prospective GITs must apply and commit to a minimum of one full week of camp.
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