Nature Explorers
Ages 3-6
These engaging camps are designed for students ages 3-6. Campers immerse in nature, hike, make arts and crafts, explore cooking and baking, enjoy stories, and build community.
Three, two-week sessions offered starting:
Transportation available
Mountain Explorers
Ages 6-9
Adventure awaits in our camps designed for students ages 6-9. Young adventurers will garden, create art using a variety of mediums, practice yoga and mindfulness as well as hike and explore the natural surroundings.
Weekly sessions starting:
Transportation available
Horse Camp add-on for students ages 7+
Redwood Explorers
Ages 9-13
Opportunity abounds in our camps designed for students ages 9-13. Campers choose weekly themes ranging from Sports to Outdoor Survival, Creative Arts and Lego™ infused S.T.E.A.M. camps.
Weekly sessions starting:
Transportation available
Horse Camp add-on available
Horse Camp
Ages 7+
Activities Include:
Add-on afternoon option for students ages 7+
Offered weekly
Transportation to and from the horse stables included
All skill levels and abilities welcome
Limited spots available
Open to students ages 3-6
Three (3), two-week-long camps offered:
10% discount for students enrolling in all three sessions (6 weeks total)
Camps run Monday-Friday from 9:00am-3:15pm with the exception of July 3 in observance of Independence Day
Bus/van pickup/drop off available from Corralitos, Morgan Hill and Gilroy from June 22 through July 2. Transportation fees apply.
Bus/van pickup/drop off available from Aptos, Corralitos, Morgan Hill and Gilroy from July 6 through July 31. Transportation fees apply.
Daily activities will include hiking, garden time, story circles, yoga, 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.
Open to students ages 6-9
Four (4), weekly camps offered:
10% discount for students enrolling in all four sessions (4 weeks total)
Camps run Monday-Friday from 9:00am-3:15pm
Bus/van pickup/drop off available from Aptos, Corralitos, Morgan Hill available. Transportation fees apply.
Horse Camp add-on is available for campers age 7+ during the weeks of July 6 – July 24.
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. Creative self-expression, singing, storytelling and creative writing will foster positive character development through the exploration of friendships, right actions and kindness. On the last day of camp, families are invited to the Family Friday hour (2:30-3:15pm) to see the campers’ creations and work from the week.
Activities Include:
Open to students ages 9-13
Four (4), weekly camps offered:
10% discount for students enrolling in all four sessions (4 weeks total)
Camps run Monday-Friday from 9:00am-3:15pm
Bus/van pickup/drop off available from Aptos, Corralitos, Morgan Hill available. Transportation fees apply.
Horse Camp add-on is available during the weeks of July 6 – July 24.
Sports Camp
Students will explore a variety of sports including basketball, soccer, table tennis, volleyball, and more! Campers will learn team-building while developing fundamental skills and understanding in a variety of team sports.
Outdoor Survival
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. + Lego™
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.
Open to students ages 7+
Offered the following weeks:
Space is limited to 14 horse campers per week
Campers depart Mount Madonna School campus at 12:25pm and return at 3:00pm
Round trip van transportation from Mount Madonna School campus to Mount Madonna Stables is included.
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:
June 22 - July 2 |
Morning Pick Up |
Afternoon Drop Off |
|
| Corralitos | 2905 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville, CA (corner of Freedom Blvd. and Corralitos Rd.) - 8:30am | 2904 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville, CA (corner of Freedom Blvd. and Corralitos Rd.) - 3:50pm | |
| Morgan Hill | 16970 Dewitt Ave, Morgan Hill, CA (corner of Dunne Ave. and DeWitt Ave.) - 8:20am | 16970 Dewitt Ave, Morgan Hill, CA (corner of Dunne Ave. and DeWitt Ave.) - 4:05pm | |
| Gilroy | 4525 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy, CA (Fortino's Winery parking lot) - 8:35am | Watsonville Rd., at Redwood Retreat Rd., Gilroy, CA (the turnout on Watsonville Rd. at Redwood Retreat Rd.) - 3:50pm | |
July 6 - July31 |
Morning Pick Up |
Afternoon Drop Off |
|
| Aptos | Soquel Drive at Heather Terr., Aptos, CA - 8:10am | Aptos Library, Aptos, CA - 4:15pm | |
| Corralitos | 2905 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville, CA (corner of Freedom Blvd. and Corralitos Rd.) - 8:30am | 2904 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville, CA (corner of Freedom Blvd. and Corralitos Rd.) - 3:50pm | |
| Morgan Hill | 16970 Dewitt Ave, Morgan Hill, CA (corner of Dunne Ave. and DeWitt Ave.) - 8:20am | 16970 Dewitt Ave, Morgan Hill, CA (corner of Dunne Ave. and DeWitt Ave.) - 4:05pm | |
| Gilroy | 4525 Hecker Pass Hwy, Gilroy, CA (Fortino's Winery parking lot) - 8:35am | Watsonville Rd., at Redwood Retreat Rd., Gilroy, CA (the turnout on Watsonville Rd. at Redwood Retreat Rd.) - 3:50pm | |
To help keep all students safe, the following rules must be followed while riding the van or bus.
Students must ride their assigned bus and get on/off at their assigned stop.
Students should arrive at the bus stop on time and wait safely. Students who do not follow bus rules may receive warnings or have MMS van and bus transportation privileges revoked without a refund.
Working together helps make bus rides safe and pleasant for everyone.
Follow driver instructions at all times.
Stay seated, facing forward, while the van or bus is moving.
Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
Use quiet voices and respectful language.
Keep the bus clean—no throwing trash or objects.
Do not eat, drink, or bring unsafe items on the bus.
Wear safety belts at all times.
Car seats and boosters will be used on passenger vans as required by law and DOT regulations. (Car seats and boosters are not required on school buses.)
Keep the aisle clear and remain seated until the van or bus stops.
Never distract the driver.
Exit the bus safely and follow crossing rules if needed.
Students who do not follow bus rules may receive warnings or have MMS van and bus transportation privileges revoked without a refund.
Working together helps make bus rides safe and pleasant for everyone.
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 request a personal tour or take a virtual tour.
