School still sucks. I graduated but those experiences still stayed with me. It's horrible there. I…read moreespecially wouldn't recommend anyone to attend boarding, it's just horrible. Education is tolerable for the most part that I could remember, sixth grade was a breeze for me. However the boarding aspect is horrid.

My son attended kindergarten last year and this year he is attending 1st grade. This school is…read moreamazing! Horseback riding, wood shop, art, music, and Spanish are just some of the classes that the 1st Graders do weekly besides the core subjects. Both his teachers are great! They work closely with all the students and are very enthusiast. I can't recommend this school enough.

Got to enjoy church camp with my 4th graders. 5 stars all…read morethe way around! - The cabins were clean and the mattresses weren't too bad, for "camping". - The food was delicious!!!! I loved the options and none of my kids complained or went hungry. - The facilities were clean - The customer service from the young ladies going around and maintaining the camp to the cooks and kitchen staff were ALL so helpful and wonderful! Thank you for such a great experience. I know my kids had a wonderful time. I can't wait to go back next year.

Church rented facilities for high school summer camp. Everything was great. Food was good. Kids and…read moreadults had a great time.

Best training stables around! Greg really knows how to teach well, he comes from a background in…read moreeducation which combined with his equine expertise makes him the best teacher! I have been riding for over 12 years and have trained with various different instructors in the area and no one compares to Peppercorn. Not only are they the most knowledgable, patient instructors, Greg and his wife go above and beyond by accomodating their students and really making these stables a great environment. Greg also does Pony Club, although I never participated in this I've seen all the Pony Club students and they seem to have a wonderful system set up!

From the owner: Horseback Riding Lessons, Leasing, Eventing, Jumping, Dressage, Summer Day Camp, US Pony Club,…read moreTraining, Boarding

I love this place just for spending time with the animals, even though I haven't gone horseback…read moreriding yet. The kids love seeing the horses, goats, llamas, and much more up close. I know it's America and other places might see it as a liability, but I hope they continue to let people come and roam free!

It took everything in me to not act like I was in Red Dead Redemption. I wanted to lean down while…read moresoftly petting the horse and say "Wooaah eaassyy there Nelly. Don't be scared. If we must die, we'll die. But sometimes death is the only way to remain free..." This was actually my first time riding a horse. Horses are so beast. Like that thing could have killed me anytime he wanted to. When we were checking in for our ride, a cowgirl in a long sleeve camo shirt, navy blue jeans, and some cowboy boots with spurs came out and said "Hey y'all!" in a thick Western accent. I look over and the rest of the staff are also full cowgirls. I had to double check I wasn't in the Even Cowgirls Get the Blues novel. Great read. Her name was Sissy and she was our trail guide for the day. She passionately explained how old each horse was and a bit of their backgrounds. My horse's name was Graham and he was a straight thug. He used to carry solar panels up the mountains. Straight workhorse. She had to put him near the back because he wanted to LAP all the other horses. After a 30 minute ride, we were able to walk around the grounds, and see all the other animals on the ranch. Mules, Donkeys, Cows, Horses, Alpacas, Sheep, etc. It was pretty rad. I got a good boot rec from Sissy (Double H Boots), as I'm in the market for some quality boots. Not cowboy boots though I'd be a phony. It was inspirational to see how people still live so differently. Sissy has been riding since she was in diapers and teaches lessons at the ranch full time. I often wonder if this simple of a life leads to greater happiness than climbing the corporate ladder. Comparison is a thief of joy though. If I were a screenwriter, the Ojai Valley Trail Riding Company would provide me with plenty of inspiration for a hit film. IG @jnov_ Tiktok @jnov_reviews

An incredible space for young people to find out who they are and what they're here to do. We are…read moreso grateful for this "school!" My 10 year old son started at RTS a year ago after several years at a public school in the county. He was so anxious at the public school: most of the kids there would run out the gate at 3pm wanting to get out of there, with my son being very upset if I was even a few minutes late. His clothes were frayed at the wrist and knees from him chewing anxiously on them, he was labeled the class clown because he was always trying to lighten the mood. Most of the "teachers" kept asking if he had ADHD or another learning disability. We knew that he did not, and so decided to try changing his environment. We started in January (so glad that we were able to start mid-year) and the dramatic difference in his happiness, behavior, sense of connection and community has been VAST. It's such a testament to the incredibly thoughtful space Natasha and Jim Bailey have co-created. The kids can choose what they do each day, with climbing trees or chatting with friends being a perfectly valid activity (there's so much learning in everything.) My son is building things, mastering design and 3D printing, playing 3 instruments without any lessons (and no urging to practice), has created his own small business and is learning entrepreneurialism and team management. All at the age of 10. (What was he learning in the other school? How to survive the day and do what other people told him to do...) The Rock Tree Sky model (or Sudbury model, the first democratic school) isn't for everyone, but we've found it more appropriate in preparing our son for life during this modern time than traditional school was. If you have any doubts or concerns about this model, a great book I was recommended was Peter Gray's Free To Learn. Note that there are no formal lessons, no strictly age-segmented classrooms (amazing), and no "teachers" only "mentors". There are rules of conduct and there are offerings each day that kids can choose from: cooking, carpentry, sewing, gardening, pottery etc. but most of them choose their own adventure each day. Isn't that what we're all doing? Isn't that what life is about?! I can only speak with the utmost respect for this learning environment and warm community. I know that the kids here are destined for brilliant things, with so many supportive people gently guiding and cheering them along the way. Ps. You can apply to the Summit program via OUSD, which is a homeschool program integrated into RTS, which also subsidizes some of the tuition and offers a more traditional classroom experience for a couple of hours a week. It's incredibly affordable compared to other private schools here, but again - it's not for everyone. If your family values self-directed learning (and living), we highly recommend RTS!

Jim Bailey and Natasha Efross put together this amazing school that both my 9 & 11 year olds…read moreattend. "Self Directed Education" and that's exactly what it is. The school sits in 2 beautiful locations in upper Ojai and your finding space for your little one may prove to be slightly difficult, so I highly recommend that you get on that wait list STAT. The teachers/mentors are the very best of the best and the kids are amazing. This is one of those schools that your child will never want to leave. I honestly don't have the ability to write all that needs to be said so I will leave it to you to go and give it a visit. Oh, their logo happens to be pretty damn beautiful too. 5 stars.

I'm working with Camp Spin Off's founder DJ Tina T, who currently spins at one of the hottest clubs…read morein Las Vegas. Camp Spin Off is her passion project and is the first of its kind: a sleepaway camp in the Sierras where kids can learn about music, art, and culture...and get out in the fresh air to hike around, too. ;) It was just featured on Buzznet and NBC's San Diego and San Francisco local websites, and is super affordable and a one-of-a-kind experience. Camp Spin Off has been a long time dream of DJ Tina T. As founder of the camp, she has been able to build a place "where DJ's go to play!" This has allowed Tina to pull together her 12 years of support and experience within the DJ community and return it back to the next generation of DJ's. This summer, kids ages 12-17 from across the country will come together and learn how to DJ during an action-packed week of traditional summer camp activities. By understanding the exceptionally influential time for kids in this age group, Tina relates by looking back on how being exposed to DJing at age 15 has changed her life in such a positive way. Camp Spin Off is the first and only sleep away DJ camp of its kind. I hope you'll check it out (and let me know what you think/if you have any questions!). Forest Home Ojai Valley 655 Burnham Road Oak View, CA 93022 Topatopa Mountains Info@CampSpinOff.com July 29th to August 2nd, 2012

This camp gets high marks from me based on many factors, but highest among them is that it's the…read morevenue for an annual getaway for burn survivors and their families. To have a fun place to come, away from the city with so many different activities, is a blessing for the participants. The setting is nestled in a scenic piece of valley along Lake Hughes Road. We went up to the camp for the day last Saturday to be part of a tribute for a nurse who's retiring. We had previously participated ten years ago, staying for the whole weekend. A myriad of activity venues include an impressive and extensive ropes facility, large swimming pool, tennis courts, basketball court, go-cart area, hiking trails, arts & crafts building, baseball diamond, soccer field, and more. During camp they offer scuba lessons, massages, campfire entertainment, and other options for all ages. A large dining hall makes for mealtime togetherness. Pingpong tables and other indoor games are under the same roof, but in a separate room. The sleeping accommodations are mostly home-style bunk bed rooms holding about 8 people. Shared bathroom with shower for each room. As I recall, they had a few family units, but otherwise the rooms are segregated by gender to make the most of the space. At under 90 minutes to get from Simi Valley to this great venue for outdoor fun and adventure, it's a hit. It has a homey, homemade kind of vibe. Glad we went up for the day to enjoy the whole atmosphere. That's what fresh air smells like. ;-) There are some attractive yurts on the property now. Am not sure if they're for staff. Didn't get a chance to ask.

I sent my grandson here for a week and he had a great time. Staff was great only downside was he…read moredidn't like any of the food provided and he's not a picky eater but he also said the line for lunch was really long and he was very hungry and wanted to eat asap. He also didn't want to go on the last day I think there's was an activity he didn't want to participate in but he never said. They also were great with insuring kids used their sunscreen and drank their water. It was pretty pricey for 1 week but then everything is nowadays. All in all he had a great time and impressed himself by performing the challenges they had for them and I'm very grateful for that! Would have given 5 stars if not for long lines to eat and evidently not kid friendly food/lunch.

Lori, our fantastic guide took us on an unforgettable adventure to experience this incredible…read moresanctuary. She was extremely knowledgable about the environment, the sanctuary and every horse on site. She know they herds, the horses names and habits. We got to be immersed in the world of wild horses, many who were interested in us and wanted to interact. We cant wait to go back!

Spent a wonderful day volunteering here today then thoroughly enjoying a 4 hour walking tour of…read morethis beautiful, wild horse sanctuary. The owner and staff shared so much knowledge and passion for these amazing animals. The horses are well cared for, healthy and have ride open pastures to roam in their herds. Absolutely fascinating- Highly Recommended for horse lovers!

Went to watch my Granddaughter take riding lessons they actually are learning not only to ride but…read moreto take care of the horses I was very impressed with this Horse camp!

Such a great time! I went with my 2 boys age 5 & 7 and they loved it. This was their 2nd experience…read moreriding horses and the gentleness of the horses really made them feel good. Our instructor Paris was awesome! Would definitely go again!

This was our second year in a row to visit the Girl Scouts' Winter Wonderland and both times have…read morebeen fun for the family. You get to walk through and visit lit attractions, ride on a tractor, get up close to meet horses, cook s'mores, meet Santa, create arts and crafts, and have hot chocolate and goodies along the way. It's a great way to spend a nice Friday or Saturday evening in December. The staff is very friendly and the lights are nice to look at and some are interactive. There is a discount if you are a Girl Scout member and the food and drinks are priced very reasonably. My only recommendation would be to offer more food options in the lodge in case families want to have a casual dinner there (i.e. pizza, sandwiches, salad). Tip: Wear western boots to avoid getting pebbles in your shoes. Bring a flashlight or where lit clothing so you can see in the dark.

Amazing place. The Rome and pippin cabins are great. Full kitchens with all your supplies. The…read morebathrooms are clean and the property is very well maintained. Our kids did BB guns and archery plus horseback riding. The facility staff are amazing. Well versed and so patient and kind.