Calabasas, CA, USA
Camp Wildcraft is a thoughtfully designed summer camp rooted in nature, creativity, and social-emotional growth. The atmosphere is calm, joyful, and intentionally unhurried, allowing children to engage deeply with their surroundings and with one another. Instead of rigid schedules or competitive activities, the camp emphasizes rhythm, curiosity, and meaningful shared experiences.
A defining feature of Camp Wildcraft is its mixed-age groups, which create a more natural and inclusive camp community. Children of different ages learn and play together, much like siblings or neighborhood friends. Older campers develop empathy and leadership as role models, while younger campers gain confidence by observing and learning from those around them. Activities are designed to support cooperation, imagination, and mutual respect.
The program blends outdoor exploration, daily hikes, creative arts, storytelling, and free play. Campers are encouraged to follow their interests, especially during choice-based activities where kids group by curiosity rather than age. Camp Wildcraft is especially well suited for preschool and elementary-aged children, as well as middle schoolers who enjoy leadership opportunities. It’s an excellent fit for kids who thrive in nurturing environments and learn best through hands-on, experiential play.
| Ages: | 4–18 |
| Type: | Day |
| Month: | Summer |
| Gender: | Co-Ed |
| Setting: | Forest, Ranch |
| Sports: | Sports, Team Sports |
| Water: | Water, Swimming |
| Adventure: | Adventure, Exploration, Hiking, Outdoor, Nature, Animals |
| Academics: | Academics, Career, Leadership, Life Skills, Volunteer |
| Arts: | Arts, Fine Arts, Arts & Crafts, Performing Arts, Theater |
You won’t be charged yet. The camp will contact you to confirm all terms first.
| Dates | Days | Price | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 20 - Jul 24, 2026 | 5 | $585 | |
| Jul 27 - Jul 31, 2026 | 5 | $585 |
Camp Wildcraft operates as a day camp, with campers attending daily and returning home each afternoon. The main program takes place at King Gillette Ranch, a protected open-space property known for its wide natural landscapes, oak trees, and scenic trails. This setting gives children the rare opportunity to spend their days in a spacious, peaceful environment that feels far removed from the city.
The ranch’s open grounds naturally support outdoor exploration, hiking, and imaginative play, making the location an essential part of the Camp Wildcraft experience rather than just a backdrop.
Lunch at Camp Wildcraft is a relaxed, outdoor experience. Campers bring a packed meal from home and enjoy eating under the trees, surrounded by nature. This daily routine is more than just a meal break—it’s a calm pause in the day where children can slow down, recharge, and connect with friends in a peaceful setting.
Safety at Camp Wildcraft is grounded in strong relationships and attentive supervision. Campers are supported by Wildcraft Guides, who are caring, creative, and safety-minded. All Guides participate in intensive staff training and remain actively involved with campers throughout the day.
With a camper-to-staff ratio of at least 1 guide for every 8 campers, children receive consistent attention and care. Many Guides are returning staff, which adds stability, familiarity, and trust within the camp community.
Camp Wildcraft takes a thoughtful approach to both physical and emotional well-being. Staff are attentive to children’s comfort and energy levels throughout the day and are prepared to provide basic first aid when needed. Families are encouraged to share information about allergies, medical needs, or sensitivities in advance. Campers are regularly reminded to hydrate, rest, and listen to their bodies, especially during active outdoor play. The supportive atmosphere helps children feel safe asking for help and expressing how they feel.
A defining tradition at Camp Wildcraft is its mixed-age group model, which creates a natural, family-like camp community. Older campers develop empathy, patience, and leadership as role models, while younger campers gain confidence by learning alongside them. During choice activities, campers group by shared interests rather than age, strengthening independence and social skills.
Camp Wildcraft was founded in 2016 by husband-and-wife team Benny Ferdman and Shari Davis, educators and artists with over 25 years of experience creating hands-on learning programs. Leadership development continues through the Guide-in-Training (G.I.T.) program, which offers high school students meaningful volunteer opportunities to work with younger campers, build leadership skills, and gain valuable real-world experience in a supportive environment.
The activities program at Camp Wildcraft is centered on experiential learning, creativity, and connection to nature. Each day blends guided activities with open-ended exploration, allowing children to follow their curiosity while building confidence and social skills. The program values imagination, cooperation, and joy rather than competition or performance.
Campers take part in daily hikes, exploring trails and discovering the natural world at their own pace. Art-making is woven throughout the week, using a variety of materials and inspired by nature, stories, and personal expression. Storytelling, imaginative games, fort-building, and cooperative play help children practice communication, problem-solving, and empathy. These activities support emotional growth while giving kids the freedom to play, create, and connect in meaningful ways.
Camp Wildcraft is an excellent choice for families seeking a nature-rich, slower-paced summer experience. The combination of a unique outdoor location, mixed-age learning, and strong emphasis on creativity and leadership helps children build confidence, meaningful relationships, and skills that extend well beyond the summer season.
