Youth Programs
Youth Programs
The City of Ventura Community Recreation Division is committed to providing a variety of positive recreational opportunities for all youth that are fun, educational, assist in developing self-esteem, promote social responsibility and encourage health and physical development.
Sports and Specialty Classes
Check the current My Ventura recreation guide for seasonal offerings.
Register for classes using eRecreation
Recreation Enrichment Program (Youth Camps)
Adventure and fun await boys and girls ages 6 to 15 who enroll in the City of Ventura's popular Recreation Enrichment Program (REP) day camps held during the summer at various sites around the City of Ventura. See the summer My Ventura recreation guide online for offerings in sports, arts and recreation as well as full and half-day camp hours and prices. Select camps are offered during fall, winter and spring school breaks. For these, visit the current My Ventura recreation guide online or call 658-4726 weekdays 8 am - 5 pm.
Nature and History Public Programs
The City of Ventura offers a variety of public nature programs and outings for youth 3-7 and 8-11 years. We also offer nature walks and programs for adults and for the entire family to enjoy together. For current offerings visit My Ventura recreation magazine online at www.cityofventura.net/eRecreation and see the "Nature Programs" header.
Register for classes using eRecreation
For more information:
call (805) 677-3961 or (805) 658-4733
Interpretive Outreach: Nature & History School Programs for Preschool to Sixth Grade Classes
The City of Ventura's Interpretive Outreach Program offers 29 programs focusing on nature studies and California history for school-age groups in an outdoor setting. Reaching more than 16,000 participants (preschool through 6th grade) each year, the field trips take place at Ventura parks, beaches and local historic sites as well as in classroom presentations.
- View Interpretive Outreach Brochure
- To register for classes or enquire about class availability email borr@cityofventura.net or call (805) 677-3961
- For more information email Interpretive Program Supervisor at jstone@cityofventura.net or call (805) 658-4733
PEAK (Program Enrichment for After-school Kids)
PEAK, created in 2002, offers an inclusive (education, enrichment and recreation) after school program for 500 elementary and middle school children per year. PEAK is a partnership of the City of Ventura Community Services Department, Unified School District and the Ventura Police Activities League (PAL). Contact: Renee Richards (PEAK Coordinator) 658-4748 or rrichards@cityofventura.net or Mario Robinson (Youth Programs Supervisor) 654-7807 or mrobinson@cityofventura.net.
Westpark Community Center
The Westpark Community Center provides a variety of safe, educational and affordable youth programs and services to boys and girls, predominantly from the Westside. The emphasis is on self-esteem, leadership, good character, responsibility and respect in five program areas: homework/tutoring, recreation enrichment, sports, classes and special events.
More information about Westpark's programs can be found here.
Police Activities League (PAL)
PAL activities (sports, academics, education and recreation) help create strong bonds between our youth, police department and the community and is a joint project of the Ventura Police Department, Ventura Unified School District and Community Services Department. For full information visit the PAL website at www.venturapal.org or contact Executive Director Mario Robinson at 805/654-7807 or mrobinson@cityofventura.net. Mailing address: Ventura PAL, PO Box 3262, Ventura, CA 93006-3262
Teen Voice
The goal of Teen Voice, the City of Ventura High School Leadership Program created in 2008, is to develop student programs and activities on and off our city's high school campuses. Participating students are nominated by their Principals, complete an application and questionnaire and go through an interview process to be accepted into the program. Contact Youth Programs Supervisor Mario Robinson at 654-7807 or mrobinson@cityofventura.net
More information about Teen Voice can be found here.
Adaptive/Special Olympics
Call 658-4726 for available adaptive sports/activities.
Register for classes using eRecreation
Contact 650-7717 or www.vcso.org for Special Olympics Ventura County schedule of free seasonal Olympic-type sports training and competitions for individuals with intellectual disabilities, ages 8 and up. Or visit the office at 1559 Spinnaker Dr #206, Ventura CA 93001.