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
We offer a variety of sports and specialty classes for youth. Gymnastics, Half Pint Sports, Pee Wee Soccer, Dog Obedience, Tennis, Golf, Running and Fitness, Sports Basics, First Aid and CPR for Babysitters, Sailing, Adaptive Sports and VYBA (youth basketball) are available.
For more information, click here.
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. Camp sessions are held during the summer as well as during fall, winter and spring vacations at various sites around the City of Ventura. All camps are open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Major activities are provided from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Durring summer camp we offer free extended care from 7:30 to 9:00 am and 4:00 to 5:30 pm. We also offer half day summer camp from 7:30 to 1:00 and 12:30 to 5:30 pm.
During the summer, five different theme camps put a specific emphasis on providing an in-depth experience in the specialty area such as arts, dance, volleyball, tennis, basketball, fitness, leadership skliis, sailing and kayaking, and theater. During the school breaks the camps offer seasonal arts and crafts, sports, games and more. For more information, call 658-4764 weekdays 8am - 5pm. View the lineup of current camps here.
Nature and History Public Programs
The City of Ventura offers a variety of public nature and history programs and outings for youth, including programs designed for children ages 3-6, 7-12 year olds, and a series of “toddler strolls” for parent and children ages 1-2. We also offer nature walks and programs for the entire family to enjoy together.
For more information:
Interpretive Outreach Programs/Nature & History School Programs
The City of Ventura's Interpretive Outreach Program provides preschool through 6th grade students with high quality interactive nature & history education programs in the classroom and at local parks, beaches and historic sites. The Interpretive Outreach Programs help students appreciate our natural and cultural history and encourage a lifelong respect and caring for the environment. Whether students participate in a natural history field trip, a classroom presentation, or step back in time during one of our living history programs, they will be involved and enthusiastic as each child learns through direct experience.
For more information on Interpretive Outreach Programs:
- View Interpretive Outreach Brochure
- click here
- call (805) 677-3961 or (805) 658-4733
- email jstone@ci.ventura.ca.us or borr@ci.ventura.ca.us
Adaptive/Special Olympics
The City of Ventura offers a wide variety of adaptive and wheelchair sports programs; basic sports skills, tennis, floor hockey, swimming, basketball, sailing and adventure trips.
Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-style sports for children and adults with mental retardation or a closely related developmental disability. Ventura County offers 17 of the recognized sports, and we currently have about 575 athletes registered with us.
Special Olympics give these athletes the opportunity to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and build self-esteem. It also allows for the sharing of gifts, skills, friendships, and the building of relationships with other families, other Olympians and the community at large.
Join us today! - as a participant, a friend or supporter, or even a coach. Help us to "Inspire Greatness" within our wonderful world of winners - Special Olympics. For more information, call (805) 654-7787.
Peak (Program Enrichment for After-school Kids)
To provide a safe and supervised after-school education, enrichment and recreation program for students. PEAK is a partnership including the City of Ventura, the Unified School District and the Ventura Police Activities League.
Westpark Community Center
The Westpark Community Center provides diversified programs that meet the needs and interests of all youth. Core programs engage youth in activities with adults, peers and family members and enable them to develop sportsmanship, enhance their self-esteem and develop their full potential.