Registration Opens February 1
Welcome to the Mount Madonna School
Mountain of Fun Summer Camps!
We are excited to announce that our summer camp program has grown thanks to the support of wonderful families like yours.
New for 2025 is an expanded camp season for young campers aged 3 to 6 with camps starting as early as June 16!
We are also excited about our newly added a two-week camp dedicated to performing arts for students who love stagecraft.
We have also expanded our offerings for older students looking to explore STEAM projects, outdoor adventure and creative arts.
Bus transportation from Morgan Hill, Gilroy, Corralitos and Aptos available. See individual camp listings or refer to the detailed bus schedule below.
Every camper receives a t-shirt!
Click on the boxes below to view details about each camp
NATURE EXPLORERS
Open to students ages 3-6
Seven (7), week-long camps starting June 16 through August 1, 2025
Three (3) week minimum registration
10% off for students enrolling in all seven weeks!
Each week-long camp runs Monday-Friday from 9:00am-3:15pm
Bus pickup/drop off available from Corralitos, Morgan Hill and Gilroy from June 16 through July 11. Transportation fees apply.
★ Additional bus pickup/drop off in Aptos available July 14 through August 1.
Camp fee: $425/week ($275 for the week of July 2 due to the short week/holiday schedule)
Nature Explorers Camp Description:
Daily activities will include hiking, garden time, story circles, yoga, Montessori lessons, baking, arts and crafts, similar to our year-round preschool and led by our fully qualified preschool teachers.
This program offers a unique balance of Montessori-inspired learning and discovery through a play-based education. We guide each child’s unique path of development with intentional lessons based on the child’s curiosity, creativity and imagination. Daily hikes in the redwood forest bring awareness to children’s senses through a practice of mindfulness and an appreciation of the beauty that surrounds around us. The sights, sounds and smells of the forest spark curiosity and wonder for our natural world. In our outdoor classroom and children’s organic gardens, we learn hands-on life science and a respect for our environment and all living things. Daily activities will include hiking, garden time, story circles, yoga, Montessori lessons, baking, arts and crafts.
Register using the form below.
GARDEN ADVENTURES + EQUINE CAMP
Garden Adventures is an all new camp for even more opportunities for students to be outdoors in the garden and the stables! Students spend mornings in the garden and then shuttled to Mount Madonna Stables just down the street from our campus.
Open to students ages 7-12
One week from July 7 through July 12, 2025.
Daily hours are Monday-Friday from 9:00am-3:15pm
★ Equine spots limited to 14 students
Bus pickup/drop off available from Corralitos, Morgan Hill and Gilroy. Transportation fees apply.
Camp fee: $795 (includes equine camp fees)
Garden and Equine Adventures Camp Description:
Join us for Garden Explorers Camp, a week-long adventure where kids ages 6-10 will dig into the wonders of nature! Through hands-on activities, campers will learn about different plants, how they grow, and the important role they play in our world. Each day will be filled with exciting garden crafts, from painting flower pots to making nature-inspired art, along with fun and easy lessons on planting and caring for a garden. We’ll also whip up delicious, nutritious snacks using fresh ingredients, teaching kids the joy of healthy eating straight from the earth. With plenty of outdoor exploration, creative projects, and tasty treats, this camp is the perfect way for young nature lovers to connect with the garden in a fun and engaging way!
Register using the form below.
MOUNTAIN EXPLORERS
Open to students ages 6-9
Three (3), week-long camps starting July 14 through August 1, 2025
Each week-long camp runs Monday-Friday from 9:00am-3:15pm
Afternoon equine camp add-on available from 12:30pm-3:00pm (additional $350/week) Student must be enrolled in the Redwood Explorers regular camp to enroll in equine camp. Fees include shuttle transportation to and from stables.
Bus pickup/drop off available from Aptos, Corralitos, Morgan Hill and Gilroy for all Mountain Explorer camp days. Transportation fees apply.
Camp fee: $425/week
Equine camp add-on: $350/week
Mountain Explorers Camp Description:
Daily activities will center around the beautiful natural environment with hiking and play in the redwood forest. Campers will create art using a variety of mediums to produce their own pieces and share in collaborative works. They will experience the joy of harvesting from the Mount Madonna School children’s garden and preparing food from their bounty. Children will learn about yoga and mindfulness, and have time to practice self-awareness, reflection and self-expression. Performing arts, singing, storytelling and creative writing will foster positive character development through the exploration of friendships, right actions and kindness.
Activities include:
- Forest Play & Hiking
- Crafting & Art Projects
- Gardening & Baking
- Yoga & Mindfulness
- Storytelling & Performing Arts
- Friday Family Art Show
Equine camp add-on
The half-day program requires enrollment in the above full-day summer program at MMS. Transportation between MMS and the stables is provided by MMS. All riders will be picked up at MMS and brought to the stables, and driven back to MMS after their lesson. The stables will provide all riding equipment, including pre-assigned helmets. Riders must wear closed-toe shoes.
Activities include:
- Tacking & Untacking Horses
- Proper Grooming & Horse Anatomy
- Riding Lessons & Mounted Games
- Vaulting & Trail Rides
Register using the form below.
REDWOOD EXPLORERS
Open to students ages 9-13
Three (3), week-long, themed camps starting July 14 through August 1, 2025
Each week-long camp runs Monday-Friday from 9:00am-3:15pm
Afternoon equine camp add-on available from 12:30pm-3:00pm (additional $350/week) Student must be enrolled in the Redwood Explorers regular camp to enroll in equine camp. Fees include shuttle transportation to and from stables..
Bus pickup/drop off available from Aptos, Corralitos, Morgan Hill and Gilroy for all Redwood Explorer camp days. Transportation fees apply.
Week 1: July 14 – 18 | Outdoor Adventure (limit 45 students) – $425 + optional overnight camping ($25)
Week 2: July 21 – 25 | Creative Arts/Rock Band (limit 45 students) – $425
Week 3: July 28 – August 1 | STEAM (limit 30 students) – $395
Equine camp add-on: $350/week
Redwood Explorers Camp Descriptions:
Outdoor Adventure
Daily activities will center around the beautiful natural environment with exploration in the redwood forest. Activities for campers will include low ropes, building primitive shelters, hiking, astronomy, wood chopping and one overnight camping experience! On the last day of camp, families are invited to the Family Friday hour (2:30-3:15pm) to see the campers’ creations and for a glimpse into the program.
Creative Arts + Rock Band
This camp will feature creative arts, culinary arts, rock band and more! Campers will spend their days in small groups and ensembles for fun and creative activities with opportunities each day to explore the mountain away from computer screens. On the last day of camp, families are invited to the Family Friday hour (2:30-3:15pm) to see the campers’ creations and enjoy a mini rock concert.
S.T.E.A.M.
Students will participate in challenges not unlike the popular show Lego Masters, using MMS’s Lego© library and accompanying electrified parts. Students will also participate in a kinetics challenge where they use solar energy to create moving vehicles for a friendly race and design competition. On the last day of camp, families are invited to the Family Friday hour (2:30-3:15pm) to see the campers’ projects, demonstrations and for a glimpse into the program.
Equine camp add-on
The half-day program requires enrollment in the above full-day summer program at MMS. Transportation between MMS and the stables is provided by MMS. All riders will be picked up at MMS and brought to the stables, and driven back to MMS after their lesson. The stables will provide all riding equipment, including pre-assigned helmets. Riders must wear closed-toe shoes.
Activities include:
- Tacking & Untacking Horses
- Proper Grooming & Horse Anatomy
- Riding Lessons & Mounted Games
- Vaulting & Trail Rides
Register using the form below.
THEATER ARTS
Our inaugural Theater Arts camp will be taught by none other than Mount Madonna’s own Director of Performing Arts, Chelsea Otterness. This camp will explore all aspects of stagecraft including character development, choreography, costuming and prop-making. The campers will perform for families and the community at the end of this two-week intensive camp.
Open to students ages 9-15
This camp duration is two weeks with specific focus on Performing Arts running from July 14 through July 25, 2025.
Daily hours are Monday-Friday from 9:00am-3:15pm
Equine camp is not available for students in this camp due to the intensive nature of the camp program
Bus pickup/drop off available from Aptos, Corralitos, Morgan Hill and Gilroy for all Theater Arts camp days. Transportation fees apply.
Camp fee: $850 (2 week program)
Theater Arts Camp Description:
Imagine blending acting, creative self-expression, upcycled prop-making, and wellness—sounds like a delicious smoothie, right? Well, this summer, that smoothie becomes an experience at our two-week Theatre Arts Camp! You’ll explore Chekhov-inspired acting techniques, character development, and spatial confidence while also satisfying your tactile creativity by constructing a large-scale prop from found and repurposed materials. Additionally, wellness practices such as yoga for concentration and breath techniques for grounding and centering as a performer will be woven throughout the experience. The camp will culminate in a performance featuring a monologue or dialogue, along with an exhibition of your handcrafted prop.
Register using the form below.
NATURE EXPLORERS
Open to students ages 3-6
Seven (7), week-long camps starting June 16 through August 1, 2025
Three (3) week minimum registration
10% off for students enrolling in all seven weeks!
Each week-long camp runs Monday-Friday from 9:00am-3:15pm
Bus pickup/drop off available from Corralitos, Morgan Hill and Gilroy from June 16 through July 11. Transportation fees apply.
★ Additional bus pickup/drop off in Aptos available July 14 through August 1.
Camp fee: $425/week ($275 for the week of July 2 due to the short week/holiday schedule)
Nature Explorers Camp Description:
Daily activities will include hiking, garden time, story circles, yoga, Montessori lessons, baking, arts and crafts, similar to our year-round preschool and led by our fully qualified preschool teachers.
This program offers a unique balance of Montessori-inspired learning and discovery through a play-based education. We guide each child’s unique path of development with intentional lessons based on the child’s curiosity, creativity and imagination. Daily hikes in the redwood forest bring awareness to children’s senses through a practice of mindfulness and an appreciation of the beauty that surrounds around us. The sights, sounds and smells of the forest spark curiosity and wonder for our natural world. In our outdoor classroom and children’s organic gardens, we learn hands-on life science and a respect for our environment and all living things. Daily activities will include hiking, garden time, story circles, yoga, Montessori lessons, baking, arts and crafts.
Register using the form below.
GARDEN ADVENTURES + EQUINE CAMP
Garden Adventures is an all new camp for even more opportunities for students to be outdoors in the garden and the stables! Students spend mornings in the garden and then shuttled to Mount Madonna Stables just down the street from our campus.
Open to students ages 7-12
One week from July 7 through July 12, 2025.
Daily hours are Monday-Friday from 9:00am-3:15pm
★ Equine spots limited to 14 students
Bus pickup/drop off available from Corralitos, Morgan Hill and Gilroy. Transportation fees apply.
Camp fee: $795 (includes equine camp fees)
Garden and Equine Adventures Camp Description:
Join us for Garden Explorers Camp, a week-long adventure where kids ages 6-10 will dig into the wonders of nature! Through hands-on activities, campers will learn about different plants, how they grow, and the important role they play in our world. Each day will be filled with exciting garden crafts, from painting flower pots to making nature-inspired art, along with fun and easy lessons on planting and caring for a garden. We’ll also whip up delicious, nutritious snacks using fresh ingredients, teaching kids the joy of healthy eating straight from the earth. With plenty of outdoor exploration, creative projects, and tasty treats, this camp is the perfect way for young nature lovers to connect with the garden in a fun and engaging way!
Register using the form below.
MOUNTAIN EXPLORERS
Open to students ages 6-9
Three (3), week-long camps starting July 14 through August 1, 2025
Each week-long camp runs Monday-Friday from 9:00am-3:15pm
Afternoon equine camp add-on available from 12:30pm-3:00pm (additional $350/week) Student must be enrolled in the Redwood Explorers regular camp to enroll in equine camp. Fees include shuttle transportation to and from stables.
Bus pickup/drop off available from Aptos, Corralitos, Morgan Hill and Gilroy for all Mountain Explorer camp days. Transportation fees apply.
Camp fee: $425/week
Equine camp add-on: $350/week
Mountain Explorers Camp Description:
Daily activities will center around the beautiful natural environment with hiking and play in the redwood forest. Campers will create art using a variety of mediums to produce their own pieces and share in collaborative works. They will experience the joy of harvesting from the Mount Madonna School children’s garden and preparing food from their bounty. Children will learn about yoga and mindfulness, and have time to practice self-awareness, reflection and self-expression. Performing arts, singing, storytelling and creative writing will foster positive character development through the exploration of friendships, right actions and kindness.
Activities include:
- Forest Play & Hiking
- Crafting & Art Projects
- Gardening & Baking
- Yoga & Mindfulness
- Storytelling & Performing Arts
- Friday Family Art Show
Equine camp add-on
The half-day program requires enrollment in the above full-day summer program at MMS. Transportation between MMS and the stables is provided by MMS. All riders will be picked up at MMS and brought to the stables, and driven back to MMS after their lesson. The stables will provide all riding equipment, including pre-assigned helmets. Riders must wear closed-toe shoes.
Activities include:
- Tacking & Untacking Horses
- Proper Grooming & Horse Anatomy
- Riding Lessons & Mounted Games
- Vaulting & Trail Rides
Register using the form below.
REDWOOD EXPLORERS
Open to students ages 9-13
Three (3), week-long, themed camps starting July 14 through August 1, 2025
Each week-long camp runs Monday-Friday from 9:00am-3:15pm
Afternoon equine camp add-on available from 12:30pm-3:00pm (additional $350/week) Student must be enrolled in the Redwood Explorers regular camp to enroll in equine camp. Fees include shuttle transportation to and from stables..
Bus pickup/drop off available from Aptos, Corralitos, Morgan Hill and Gilroy for all Redwood Explorer camp days. Transportation fees apply.
Week 1: July 14 – 18 | Outdoor Adventure (limit 45 students) – $425 + optional overnight camping ($25)
Week 2: July 21 – 25 | Creative Arts/Rock Band (limit 45 students) – $425
Week 3: July 28 – August 1 | STEAM (limit 30 students) – $395
Equine camp add-on: $350/week
Redwood Explorers Camp Descriptions:
Outdoor Adventure
Daily activities will center around the beautiful natural environment with exploration in the redwood forest. Activities for campers will include low ropes, building primitive shelters, hiking, astronomy, wood chopping and one overnight camping experience! On the last day of camp, families are invited to the Family Friday hour (2:30-3:15pm) to see the campers’ creations and for a glimpse into the program.
Creative Arts + Rock Band
This camp will feature creative arts, culinary arts, rock band and more! Campers will spend their days in small groups and ensembles for fun and creative activities with opportunities each day to explore the mountain away from computer screens. On the last day of camp, families are invited to the Family Friday hour (2:30-3:15pm) to see the campers’ creations and enjoy a mini rock concert.
S.T.E.A.M.
Students will participate in challenges not unlike the popular show Lego Masters, using MMS’s Lego© library and accompanying electrified parts. Students will also participate in a kinetics challenge where they use solar energy to create moving vehicles for a friendly race and design competition. On the last day of camp, families are invited to the Family Friday hour (2:30-3:15pm) to see the campers’ projects, demonstrations and for a glimpse into the program.
Equine camp add-on
The half-day program requires enrollment in the above full-day summer program at MMS. Transportation between MMS and the stables is provided by MMS. All riders will be picked up at MMS and brought to the stables, and driven back to MMS after their lesson. The stables will provide all riding equipment, including pre-assigned helmets. Riders must wear closed-toe shoes.
Activities include:
- Tacking & Untacking Horses
- Proper Grooming & Horse Anatomy
- Riding Lessons & Mounted Games
- Vaulting & Trail Rides
Register using the form below.
THEATER ARTS
Our inaugural Theater Arts camp will be taught by none other than Mount Madonna’s own Director of Performing Arts, Chelsea Otterness. This camp will explore all aspects of stagecraft including character development, choreography, costuming and prop-making. The campers will perform for families and the community at the end of this two-week intensive camp.
Open to students ages 9-15
This camp duration is two weeks with specific focus on Performing Arts running from July 14 through July 25, 2025.
Daily hours are Monday-Friday from 9:00am-3:15pm
Equine camp is not available for students in this camp due to the intensive nature of the camp program
Bus pickup/drop off available from Aptos, Corralitos, Morgan Hill and Gilroy for all Theater Arts camp days. Transportation fees apply.
Camp fee: $850 (2 week program)
Theater Arts Camp Description:
Imagine blending acting, creative self-expression, upcycled prop-making, and wellness—sounds like a delicious smoothie, right? Well, this summer, that smoothie becomes an experience at our two-week Theatre Arts Camp! You’ll explore Chekhov-inspired acting techniques, character development, and spatial confidence while also satisfying your tactile creativity by constructing a large-scale prop from found and repurposed materials. Additionally, wellness practices such as yoga for concentration and breath techniques for grounding and centering as a performer will be woven throughout the experience. The camp will culminate in a performance featuring a monologue or dialogue, along with an exhibition of your handcrafted prop.
Register using the form below.
Registration Form:
(Please complete one form per camper)
Helpful Information
Cancellation Policy
- There is a $50 non-refundable registration fee per student.
- There is a full refund (minus $50 registration fee) if cancellation is within 3 weeks of start of the program.
- There is a 50% refund (minus the $50 reg. fee) if cancellation is within 2 weeks of registered program.
- There is no refund for cancellations within one week of the program.
- Additionally, there is a $50 non-refundable transportation fee per student if registered for transportation.
Mount Madonna School Tax ID and Non-profit Information
Mount Madonna School is a 501c (3) tax exempt organization, IRS Section 170(b (2)(iii) for both federal and state tax purposes. Our federal tax identification number is 94-2693186.
Get to know Mount Madonna School. Explore our 380-acre campus, nestled in the redwood forest of Mount Madonna, just a few miles down the road from Mount Madonna County Park between Gilroy and Watsonville. Contact us today to schedule a personal tour or take a virtual tour.
Questions? Contact the Summer Program Director.
Each camp program encourages and promotes creativity, cooperation and community building; and helps to foster campers’ self-discovery, empathy and compassion in action. Campers will develop their social, emotional, cognitive and physical skills while building lasting friendships in an outdoor setting!
MMS follows all COVID safety precautions and guidelines as directed from the CDC, the State of California, as well as the local health department. All programs are taught by experienced teachers.
