Summer Camps

Our 2026 Summer Camps include woodworking, preschool camp, arts & crafts, music, film production, and more!

CAMP IS FULL - Hand Sewing

with Diane Steele
Join Diane Steele for a beginner-friendly hand sewing camp designed especially for young makers ages 8–12. With over 50 years of experience – beginning her sewing journey at age five and later studying under a Swiss-German fashion designer and pattern-maker – Diane brings expert guidance and patient instruction to every project. In this hands-on workshop, students will learn four foundational hand stitches, including the running stitch, back stitch, whip stitch, and slip stitch, building real technical skills while creating fun, practical projects.

Dates Jun 15–19
Ages 8-12
Time 9:00AM to 12:00PM
Min 4
Max 6
Cost $450

Campers will sew a small zipper pouch, a mini pillow, a scrunchie, a soft stuffy, and additional creative pieces as time allows. Along the way, students develop fine motor skills, focus, patience, and confidence as they complete polished, handmade items they can proudly use or gift. No prior sewing experience is needed – just curiosity and a willingness to learn. By the end of camp, students will leave with a collection of finished projects and the foundational skills to continue sewing at home.

Bio: With over 50 years of sewing experience, Diane Steele began her sewing journey at just five years old under her mother’s guidance. What started as a childhood fascination quickly grew into a lifelong passion. Diane refined her craft studying under a Swiss-German fashion designer and pattern-maker, gaining a strong foundation in technique, design, and garment construction. She brings decades of skill, patience, and creativity into every class, making sewing accessible, joyful, and confidence-building for young makers.

CAMP IS FULL

Film Camp: From Film Analysis to Production

with Scott Hirsch
This one-week film camp introduces high school students (ages 12–18) to the fundamentals of film language through a balance of critical analysis and hands-on production. Students will learn how films communicate meaning through image, sound, performance, and editing, then apply those ideas by collaboratively creating and filming a short narrative scene.

The week begins with guided analysis of scenes from age-appropriate films, helping students understand visual storytelling, camera choices, sound design, and editing rhythms. Rather than focusing on abstract theory, lessons emphasize how creative decisions shape emotion, character, and story.

Dates Jun 22–26
Ages 12-18
Time 9:00AM to 2:00PM
Min 5
Max 12
Cost $425

In the second half of the week, students work together as a film crew to plan, shoot, and edit a short scene. Students rotate through key production roles – such as directing, camera, sound, acting, and editing – so that everyone gains hands-on experience and a clear understanding of the collaborative filmmaking process.

The camp culminates in a final screening and group reflection, encouraging students to articulate what they learned and how ideas evolved from script to screen.

Bio:

Scott Hirsch is a sound designer and re-recording mixer for narrative and documentary film. His work includes collaborations with filmmakers such as Kelly Reichardt and Rick Alverson, shaping detailed, story-driven soundscapes. He teaches sound design and immersive audio at NYU and Film Studies at Oak Grove School.

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Handmade Home

with Sally England
Encourage your child's DIY spirit as we hand make items for the home. We will use techniques such as knotting, weaving, block printing, hand sewing, and coiling to make functional art for the home. Projects include making plant hangers, napkins, pillows, coasters, luminarias, wall hangings, and more! We will focus on several different projects each day, and your child will be able to make each of the items their own with a variety of different material choices and creative guidance.

Date 1 - Jun 22–26 • Ages 9-12
Date 2 - Aug 3–7 • Ages 6-9
Time 10:00AM to 2:00PM
Min 4
Max 10
Cost $485 PER WEEK

Sally England is an Ojai-based fiber artist known for her celebrated large-scale knotted artwork. A full-time working artist, she creates custom wall hangings and sculptures for personal collectors as well as the hospitality sector. When she isn’t knotting, she loves to share her wide knowledge of different art techniques with others. Sally is passionate about the joy of hand work, and believes in the importance of passing down this joy to younger generations.

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Rock & Pop Camp

with Eric Sullivan
Elevate your musicianship and connect with fellow musicians at our Rock & Pop Camp. Specifically designed for vocalists, keyboardists, guitarists, bassists, and drummers aged 12–16, this week-long program offers an immersive environment for intermediate students to transition from solo practice to ensemble performance.

Rather than following a rigid curriculum, we prioritize student agency. Participants take an active role in the creative process by selecting the songs the group will study. This ensures that the technical skills being taught are applied to music that students are genuinely passionate about, making the learning process both relevant and engaging.

Dates Jun 29–Jul 3 • Jul 6–10 (2 Weeks)
Ages 12 - 16
Time 10:00AM to 1:00PM
Min 4
Max 9
Cost $650 FOR THE TWO WEEK CAMP

We will focus on three essential areas of development:

  • Refined Technique: Students receive specialized guidance to improve their technical proficiency and overcome specific musical challenges.
  • Collaborative Dynamics: Musicians learn the essential skills of group play, including active listening, rhythmic synchronization, and understanding how different instruments complement one another in a live setting.
  • Performance Skills: We explore the transition from the rehearsal room to the stage, discussing stage presence and the professional preparation required for a successful live set.

This program is intended for young musicians who have already established a foundation on their instrument and are ready for a more disciplined, collaborative challenge. The week is structured around focused rehearsals and workshops, providing an atmosphere where students can refine their craft alongside peers of a similar skill level.

The experience culminates in a live showcase for friends and family, allowing students to demonstrate their progress in a supportive environment. 

Bio: Eric Sullivan is currently the high school music teacher and honor band coach at Oak Grove School. He has three decades of experience as a musician, educator, and performer. He is also a father of two!

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Preschool Camp

with Brent Friedlander & Jennifer Wing
Get ready for the most exciting summer adventure on our preschool playground! Join the amazing preschool teacher Brent Friedlander and the fantastic aftercare teacher Jennifer Wing for endless fun in the sun.

Every morning will be a whirlwind of exploration, creativity, and hands-on discovery as we dive into the wonders of our campus! From imaginative play to nature-filled adventures, each day will be packed with engaging activities that spark curiosity, laughter, and lasting friendships. And let’s talk about the coolest part – water play galore! With the summer heat, we’ll splash, play, and make delicious homemade popsicles to refresh things.

This is the ultimate opportunity to continue old friendships and create new ones, all while being guided by our nurturing, experienced teachers. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable summer filled with sunshine, smiles, and pure preschool magic!

Dates Jul 6–10 • Jul 13–17 • Jul 20–24
(3 separate week camps)
Ages 3-5
Time 9:00AM to 12:00PM
Min 6
Max 10
Cost $485 PER WEEK

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Chess Horizons

with Ben Gerstein
Discover the art and strategy of chess this summer at Oak Grove School. Led by Ben Gerstein, an educator with over 20 years of chess teaching experience, this program combines engaging play with insights from master games. Whether you're refining your skills or just starting your chess journey, students will have the opportunity in a fun, supportive environment to immerse in exciting matches together, analyze classic and master-level games, and develop essential skills like critical thinking, patience, and tactical creativity. Whether you're a beginner or a budding chess master, this camp provides a welcoming space to sharpen your skills, deepen your appreciation for chess, and enjoy the limitless possibilities of the 64 squares!

Dates Jul 6–10
Ages 8 - 14
Time 10:00AM to 2:00PM
Min 4
Max 10
Cost $450

What to bring: Chess board, chess pieces, chess clock (optional), as well as any other chess-related paraphernalia.

Bio: Ben Gerstein is a trombonist, improviser, composer, artist and educator living in Ojai and Santa Barbara. A Santa Barbara native, he was based in New York City from 1995-2020, a jazz graduate from the Manhattan School of Music in 1999. For over 25 years, he has been collaborating with many different groups and individuals in the U.S. and abroad, committed to the practices of improvised music, composition, studio and nature field recording. His music explores the intersections between free improvisation, composition and visual art through audio and video documentation, drawing inspiration from nature and landscapes, found events, and many different musics, musicians, artists, cultures, athletes, authors, spiritual practices and histories. As a teacher and mentor, Ben motivates and supports students to realize and cultivate inspired practice, getting new perspectives on creative life and their unique musical gifts, discovering new resources and worlds of music, sound and expressive/artistic possibility. He teaches music at homes, studios and schools in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.

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Acting for the Camera (Film & TV)

with Carrie Ruscheinsky
This exciting camp will cover the nuts and bolts of acting for film and television, introducing students to the joys and challenges of acting for the camera. During this week the young actors will playfully explore the differences between acting on stage and for the camera, deepening their understanding of the two art forms. The students will learn how to break down a scene, make specific and personal character choices trusting their acting instincts, play in the framework of “less is more,” hit their mark, camera angles, and all the on-set jobs. The students will also get a taste of Voice Over acting work with a special guest teacher TBA. The week will end with the students filming their work while getting to explore the different on-set jobs. “Picture is up… Quiet on set… Roll sound…. Roll Camera… and ACTION!”

Dates Jul 13–17
Ages 12-15
Time 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Min 4
Max 8
Cost $475

Carrie Ruscheinsky is a stage and film actor and current teacher at Oak Grove School. With 20 years experience in the industry, Carrie has extensive experience working with children and teens in on-camera workshop settings and audition coaching. She is excited to share her love and passion for the craft of acting as it translates to film and television.

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Storytelling Improv

with Dani Puterbaugh
Storytelling – Students will draw from improv/theatre games for inspiration in how to tell a story from their own lives. Using their newly discovered Improv skills, students will have the opportunity to construct narratives and tell stories in compelling ways. Through presenting their stories with humor and humanity, they’ll connect to the broader community.

Goals: A showcase will be a version of a poetry or improv jam, like “The Moth.” This can be a solo or a group showcase.

Dates Jul 13–17
Ages 8 - 11
Time 10:00AM to 1:00PM
Min 4
Max 18
Cost $450

Danielle Puterbaugh is an actress and stand-up comic with 20 years in the entertainment industry. She is a teacher with 15 years’ experience in classrooms and in teaching Theatre and Improv. She has studied at Second City (Chicago), The Center Theatre Group (L.A.) and holds a BFA in Acting from Ohio University.

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Fear & Stagefright

with Astrid Ihle
Reflective workshop on fear, with joyful dance, yoga, voice, and theatre exercises, to prepare for scary exams and other life situations.

Fear is common to all human beings, young and old – fear of how others will look at you, what they might think about you, and whether you will succeed in your exams, just to name a few fears that probably sound familiar.

In this reflective workshop, we will take the time to approach the vast issue of fear from various angles. Through specially chosen body-based exercises from yoga, dance, voice coaching, and theatre, we aim to boost your self-confidence, especially when speaking publicly in front of others. We will also work through reflection, using games that allow us to exchange ideas and discover what is common to all human beings. Short excerpts from Krishnamurti’s work with children may inspire us to learn more about fear.

Dates Jul 20–24
Ages 12-18
Time 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Min 5
Max 15
Cost $400

Join us for a week of fun activities to learn more about yourself and your life.

Bio:

Astrid Ihle lives in Switzerland with her 12-year-old son. She has worked as a freelance simultaneous interpreter for the European Union for more than two decades, translating politicians from six languages into German.

Since her early 20s, she has been fortunate to attend and help organise the annual Swiss Krishnamurti gatherings for adults and young people.

She has completed two yoga teacher trainings, as well as dance and voice coaching and theatre workshops.

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Functional Earth Art

with Vicke & Mikayla Quinlyn
In this week-long series of camps we will be utilizing nature as our muse to create pieces that beautify our lives. We will use a variety of recycled and foraged materials to decorate our spaces, give as gifts, and to experience the simple joy of creating personal one-of-a-kind pieces. Join us as we make wild-crafted clay bowls, peace flags – making our own dyes from plants, landscape greeting cards, pressed and solar-printed flower stickers and twig-and-twine frames for 3D-painted nature scenes.

Dates Jul 27–31
Ages 8 - 11
Time 9:00AM to 12:00PM
Min 6
Max 10
Cost $400

Vicke is a photographer, artist, and afterschool/camp instructor, with a passion for making our planet a better place by using nature, recycled and new materials to create a variety of fun new art pieces.

Mikayla is a watercolor pen-and ink artist and early childhood education teacher with a desire to share her passion for creating nature-inspired art from the heart.

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Improv for Kids

with Dani Puterbaugh
Through upbeat improv games, developed from Second City (Chicago) and theater games, students will develop their own voice and learn to work together as an ensemble. This series of Improv for Kids, ranges from ages K-12 and can work for beginners, interested young comedians or theater gurus. Each class has a different focus, beginning with the basics of improv/ theater games to build confidence in themselves and to create a script on their feet through improvisation.

Goals: This class focuses on developing skills where students can trust their instincts, learn ensemble-building, communication skills, listening, kindness, embracing fear, connection, public speaking skills, self-confidence, and being in the moment.

Dates Jul 27–31
Ages 6-8
Time 10:00AM to 1:00PM
Min 4
Max 18
Cost $450

Danielle Puterbaugh is an actress and stand-up comic with 20 years in the entertainment industry. She is a teacher with 15 years’ experience in classrooms and teaching Theatre and Improv. She has studied at Second City (Chicago), The Center Theatre Group (L.A.) and holds a BFA in Acting from Ohio University.

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Doll Clothes Making

with Diane Steele
In this creative Doll Clothes Design Camp, students ages 8–12 will explore the art of designing and constructing custom doll outfits using both beginner hand-sewing techniques and simple no-sew methods. Led by Diane Steele – who has over 50 years of sewing experience and professional training under a Swiss-German fashion designer – this camp introduces young designers to basic garment construction, fabric selection, and creative styling in a fun, supportive environment. Campers will design and create a variety of doll clothing pieces, including dresses, pants, tops, jackets, and accessories, learning how simple pattern concepts and stitching techniques bring their ideas to life. No sewing experience is required, making this camp perfect for beginners as well as crafty students eager to expand their skills. By the end of the session, students will leave with a collection of handmade doll outfits and the confidence to continue designing and creating on their own.

Dates Aug 3–7
Ages 8 - 12
Time 9:00AM to 12:00PM
Min 4
Max 6
Cost $450

With over 50 years of sewing experience, Diane Steele began her sewing journey at just five years old under her mother’s guidance. What started as a childhood fascination quickly grew into a lifelong passion. Diane refined her craft studying under a Swiss-German fashion designer and pattern-maker, gaining a strong foundation in technique, design, and garment construction. She brings decades of skill, patience, and creativity into every class, making sewing accessible, joyful, and confidence-building for young makers.

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Meditation Camp

with Ben Gerstein
Clear and upright as a mirror, simply reflecting nature back to nature. Yay! Five days of meditation practices and what it means to have this in our daily life in the most updated and loving way. During this week, we allow our bodies to sink into the simplicity and integrity of both seated and movement meditation practices. It will be a paradise for the immeasurable intelligence expanding throughout the cells of our bodies. This meditation "retreat" camp will not actually be a retreat, but about stepping more deeply forward into our lives with a fresh understanding fostered by this body-mind connection to bring expansive presence to all of our relationships and experiences. A practice for the rest of our lives! And yet, here we are now, connecting together on this great matter at hand and heart. A little meditation festival, but also one where perhaps all your questions can be voiced, embraced, and answered. With extended time practicing in more sustained and spacious ways, it will anchor, tune and balance us into an equanimity more than what we can "think." It’s a vibration carried throughout the body and its flow.

Dates Aug 3–7
Ages 11-18
Time 10:00AM to 2:00PM
Min 4
Max 10
Cost $450

The aim over this week will be to immerse and stretch into practices in no way difficult or intimidating. We will cultivate a clearer sitting practice, along with different exercises to incorporate into the every day. It touches all aspects of our lives, connecting us more deeply to creativity, nature, and the outdoors. We are in an amazing human workshop to expand consciousness within the orchestrations of life, and how we can behold all relationships and experiences as collaboration in a compassionate and multidimensional light.

What to bring Meditation cushion (i.e. zafu), surrounding under-cushion (i.e. zabuton), loose and comfortable clothes, any other related interests (books, art, bells, music, etc.)

Bio: Ben has been cultivating meditation practices for much of his adult life, having been exposed to its many teachings, teachers, histories, and cultures. As a musician and artist, his interest in expanding perception has also further aided him in his creative (re)search and practice which connects directly to the incorporation and utilization of meditation in daily life. As a mentor to students of all ages, Ben’s motivational approach to teaching brings a unique and inspiring connection to every opportunity together. He currently resides in Ojai and Santa Barbara, teaching at homes, studios, and schools in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.

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Textures & Tiles

with Vicke & Mikayla Quinlyn
This week-long camp is designed for you to experience a variety of textiles and materials, from making paper, fashioning foil boxes, rock and pebble art, macrame mobiles, to paint tiles. We will explore the fun and feel of nature’s wonderful textures.

Dates Aug 10–14
Ages 8 - 11
Time 9:00AM to 12:00PM
Min 6
Max 10
Cost $400

Vicke is a photographer, artist, and afterschool/camp instructor, with a passion for making our planet a better place by using nature, recycled and new materials to create a variety of fun new art pieces.

Mikayla is a watercolor pen-and-ink artist and early childhood education teacher with a desire to share her passion for creating nature-inspired art from the heart.

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Stand-Up Improv

with Dani Puterbaugh
If you think you have any funny bones in your body, now is the chance to work them out! Stand-up comedy is something that most people want to try, so why not start out early? This week-long stand-up comedy camp focuses on developing self-confidence with public speaking skills and turning real life experiences into something funny. Using improv/theater games and writing prompts, students will learn to take events from their own lives and turn them into a script form to deliver stand-up comedy. This class will provide the foundation that it takes to learn how to speak confidently and make people laugh.

Dates Aug 10–14
Ages 12-18
Time 10:00AM to 1:00PM
Min 4
Max 18
Cost $450

Goals: A stand-up showcase at the end of the week where they will perform 3-5 minutes of stand-up comedy.

Bio: Danielle Puterbaugh is an actress and stand-up comic with 20 years in the entertainment industry. She is a teacher with 15 years’ experience in classrooms and teaching Theatre and Improv. She has studied at Second City (Chicago), The Center Theatre Group (LA) and holds a BFA in Acting from Ohio University.

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Wood Works

with Vicke & Mikayla Quinlyn
In this series of camps we will be learning about pre-production. If you like to design, create, and build, join us for this hands-on camp using a variety of tools and types of wood. We will be designing personalized etchings for block painting, building small garden boxes, and embellishing with wood burning tools, making mancala game boards using a router, and creating wood collage self-portraits.

Dates Aug 17–21
Ages 8 - 11
Time 9:00AM to 12:00PM
Min 6
Max 10
Cost $400

Vicke is a photographer, artist, and afterschool/camp instructor, with a passion for making our planet a better place by using nature, recycled and new materials to create a variety of fun new art pieces.

Mikayla is a watercolor pen-and-ink artist and early childhood education teacher with a desire to share her passion for creating nature-inspired art from the heart.

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If you have any questions about the program or any specific details about a camp, please contact Cassidy.

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