Outdoors Archives - Page 3 of 3 - Ojai Valley School - Private College Prep Day and Boarding School in Ojai, California

Talking Shop…

The Lower Campus community patiently waits for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the brand new updated Founder’s Shop, scheduled for later this Spring. Students look forward to moving into the new facility after months of being relocated to a temporary woodshop facility.

Woodshop instructors Mr. Lang and Mr. Colborn truly got an opportunity to showcase their craft and craftiness in their persistence to continue delivering the finest curriculum possible in their new surroundings. Regardless of location the students in Mr. Lang’s classes are as enthusiastic as ever to continue the OVS tradition in woodshop studies.

Students in grades PK-8 celebrated the end of the first semester last week with traditional Class Hikes into the nearby Sespe Wilderness. Elementary and Middle School students trekked to and from destinations such as Matilija Canyon, Turtle Pond, Piedra Blanca, Lookout Laura, Howard Creek, the Ventura River Preserve, and Middle Lion Campground.

Despite our current drought conditions, students found swimming holes in some areas of the back country brimming with water. Meanwhile, our pre-Kindergarten students enjoyed a walk into downtown Ojai and the Kindergarten walked a stretch of Shelf Road north of town.

Class Hikes, as well as longer camping trips in the fall and spring, are traditions that began in the 1950s under the guidance of school leaders who believed the outdoors provided valuable lessons. The tradition continues to this day.

“Class hikes are a great way of preparing for the spring camping trips, especially for the middle school,” said Gary Gartrell, the Assistant Head of School at Lower Campus. “It also builds class identity and continues a school tradition that began generations ago.”

Visit the Images of OVS page to see pictures from the 2014 Class Hikes.