Come Spend a Semester Learning Outside With Us!

Join us at Camp Comfort, Soule Park, and the enchanting trails of the Ojai Valley!

We’ll spend the semester learning deeply about our local ecosystems, engaging in fun, hands-on, science activities, and of course, looking for wildlife together.

At a Glance…

• Spring Semester Dates:
• Session One (10 Weeks): Tuesday, January 13 – Friday, March 20, 2026
• Session Two (10 Weeks): Tuesday, March 24 – Friday, May 29, 2026
• Days & Hours:
  • Tuesdays & Thursdays: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Fridays (Adventure Day): 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Ages: 4.5 – 8
• Group Ratio: Small groups; we maintain a low instructor-to-student ratio for safety and attention.
• Enrollment: Adventure Semester, divided into two sessions to allow for family flexibility, requires a full-session commitment; choose 1, 2, or 3 days per week. Mid-session entry is welcome if space allows (tuition will be prorated). If you know ahead of time that you’ll be out of town during part of the session, or your child will miss certain dates due to scheduling conflicts, please let us know before applying — we’ll let you know if a prorated rate can be arranged.

Tuition (tiered weekly pricing)

Rewarding commitment while keeping access flexible:

• 1 day/week: $125 per week
• 2 days/week: $200 per week
• 3 days/week: $250 per week

Example: Joining at Week 8 for 2 days/week → tuition = remaining weeks in session × $200/week.

Locations & Drop-Off

• Tuesday: Soule County Park, 1033 E Ojai Ave, Ojai, CA 93023
• Thursday: Camp Comfort, 11969 N Creek Rd, Ojai, CA 93023
• Friday: Rotating “Adventure Day” sites (examples include Lake Casitas, Ojai Meadow Preserve, and the Ventura River Preserve).
  Exact meeting points are shared with enrolled families ahead of each class, and are subject to change depending on weather and conditions.

How to Register

1. Complete the registration form (one per child).
2. Pay the non-refundable $125 deposit to hold your spot (applied to tuition).
3. Choose 1/2/3-day schedule; we’ll confirm your placement and send your payment plan link that will allow you to pay in full or in installments.
4. Watch for your weekly location & packing note before each class.

Safety & Qualifications

• Core leaders are CPR, Wilderness First Responder, and EMT trained/certified.
• Robust first-aid kits, radio/phone communication, and site-specific plans.
• Emphasis on boundaries, hydration, sun protection, and creek safety.

Questions? info@pacificwildlifeinstitute.org • (805) 320-7936 (call or text)

Parking: Both of the parks charge $2 if you plan to stay beyond drop-off or pick-up (even just for a few minutes). Quick drop-offs and pick-ups are free.

⸻

Check-In & Payment

• First-time families: Please allow extra time for a few additional permission slips (Liability Waiver, Photo/Video Release, Behavioral Agreement, and a printed copy of your sign-up form in case anything needs updating).

• Daily sign-in/out: An approved parent or guardian must sign their child in and out. Only individuals listed as a parent/guardian or emergency contact, with ID, will be allowed to pick up. Please update your list if others (like a grandparent or neighbor) might help with pickup.

⸻

What to Bring

• Lunch & Snacks: Peanut-free, with plenty of snacks.

• Water Bottle: Refillable and required—we’ll pause for water at least once an hour.

• Sunscreen: Even in shade, sun protection matters. We’ll reapply together about every two hours unless you’d prefer otherwise.

• Clothing: Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes your child can move freely in. Quick-dry shorts are especially helpful.

• Shoes: Sturdy and easy to take on/off for creek time. Velcro or quick-lace shoes work well. Sport sandals are okay. Please avoid flip-flops, slides, or Crocs as the only shoe.

• Optional: Binoculars, hat, sunglasses.

• Please Do Not Bring: Toys, video games, water guns, or valuables.

⸻

During program contact:

• Andrew Nelson: (805) 320-7936

• Bridgett Nelson: (805) 422-6143

FAQ

Can parents help or participate?

Not during the program itself. To keep consistency and safety, we limit direct adult involvement to staff. That said, we are meeting in fully public spaces—you’re welcome to enjoy the park or the areas nearby, and watching quietly from a distance is absolutely fine. Just please be sure your child isn’t distracted from our program.

How many kids are in the group?

We keep groups small and personal: no more than 10 children, with at least one adult for every five kids.

What is the refund policy?

• The deposit is non-refundable (it secures your child’s spot and helps us begin preparing materials).

• The session/semester tuition is generally non-refundable once paid, since it goes directly toward supplies, staff, and permits. Unless approved ahead of time, payment for the full session is required. That being said…… we understand life happens. If your family experiences something unexpected, especially financial hardship, please reach out. We’re always willing to have a conversation.

• If PWI cancels a class day for whatever reason, we promise to ALWAYS make it right! Parents will receive a prorated refund for the class day that was canceled.

What if my child has allergies or medical needs?

Please share any details during registration AND initial check-in. We take this very seriously and will do our best to support your child’s needs.

What if it rains?

We believe rain is part of the adventure! We’ll continue as planned with a few adjustments. If there’s heavy rain where it becomes a safety concern, we’ll notify you of changes or backup plans.

How do I apply for financial aid?

We are extremely passionate about making our programs as accessible as possible to families of all income levels. This is a major part of our mission. Simply reach out to us via email before enrolling and we will gladly send you a financial aid application. Contact us at info@pacificwildlifeinstitute.org