Xtra Programs
New Experiences New Opportunities
Programs Held At Nordhoff School In Classroom C-7
(unless otherwise indicated)
RUN WILD
provided by Thrive Welness
Trail running club designed to foster confidence, connection and time spent in nature.
Youth 7 - 17 years old.
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$150 per season. Scholarships available
No experience necessary
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April 30, May 7, 14, 21, 28
Raptors - Birds of Prey
Each semester, students will participate in a one day a week for 5 weeks program working closely with the Ojai Raptor Center experts learning about these fascinating birds of prey.
LOUD - School of Rock Music Program
LOUD Music Program is an international music program, offering high-quality music education to young people. Students form a group/band, pick a band name, create a logo, rehearse under teacher guidance, record if possible, do small local performances, and end the year with a showcase concert.
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No experience necessary!!
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Fridays at 2:00 in C-7
FIELD TRIP - CARPINTERIA SEAL SANCTUARY
Marine Biologists from the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum will be leading a special field trip for Ojai students to visit the Carpinteria Seal Sanctuary.
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Saturday, March 29 - 9:00 am
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15 New baby seals -
watch them play!!!
UNDERWATER EXPLORATION
Uncover the mysteries of the Channel Islands with this two-day marine robotics experience. Participants will learn to pilot a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and dive it underwater down into the ocean exploring shipwrecks, marine ecosystems, and the history of these iconic islands. With hands-on technology, it’s an adventure that brings together science, history, and exploration.
Fall 2025
SPACE EXPLORATION - STAR GAZING
Great opportunity to discover the wonders of the night sky with astronomy experts viewing stars, planets and the moon through telescopes.
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SPRING - Dates to be determined
INTRO TO COOKING
Learn the basics of cooking. No previous experience required. Just need the desire to learn how to make food taste good in the kitchen. Taught by famed local Ojai chef Sandra.
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4 MONDAYS - MARCH 3 - 24
Classroom C-8 3:30
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< Free>
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Leadership Program (High School Grades)
Spring 2025
Held annually every year, Leadership Program students are invited to attend 6 special sessions hosted by organizations located in Ojai. Students spend time with the organization’s leader and become involved in activities learning about the organization’s mission. Students get to spend time learning how the organization’s leader defines and accomplishes their goals.
Connecting With Horses
With Katrine Nielsen
at On The Line Equestrian
650 Burnham Rd., Ojai
Students must wear closed toed shoes, long pants or yoga pants made from cotton based or cotton blend materials, and a shirt with sleeves. Any dangly jewelry will need to be removed and long hair will need to be pulled back in a braid or ponytail for safety reasons while working with the horses. Helmets will be provided.
Students do not have to have boots right away, but should wear a sturdy shoe, no platform soles, no smooth soles (need some grip), and no zippers on the inside of the shoe.
ROBOTICS COMPETION TEAM
RANGERS 1
High School - Grades 9 - 11
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No experience necessary!!
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INTRODUCTION TO FLYING
Start learning the basics of flying an airplane from a professional pilot / flight instructor. This 6 week introductory program will be done in the C-7 classroom and will be using a flight simulator.
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FALL Semester
Classroom C-7 3:30
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Register For Classes < Free>
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Designing Your Dream Car
Spend two special sessions each semester with a professional car designer getting a chance to try your creative skills designing your own dream car!
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Fall 2025 Register For Classes < Free >
FASHION DESIGN
If you are interested in working in the world of fashion, this program will focus on learning about fashion design and the necessary steps involved in the development of a clothing line.
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This program will be taught by various people from the fashion industry.
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Sign up to start learning about a career in fashion.
FALL 2025
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Register Here < Free>
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OJAI DAY MANDALA PROJECT
Come learn how to be a member of the Ojai Day Mandala team! Learn all about the making of the Ojai Day Mandala with River Sauvageau. We will start with ODM history and making personal mandalas and go on to making group mandalas.
We will explore how to bring meaning to designing, the simple math of enlarging a design and techniques and strategies for the layout of the ODM, the largest piece of public art in Ojai.
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Sign up to be part of the team
Fall 2025
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Register Here < Free>
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Environmental Programs
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Green Valley Project Organization
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Whether it's planting trees, removing invasive species, restoring damaged meadow or forest habitat for birds, bees, butterflies, or creeks for fish and turtles.
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Contact: Green Valley Project
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Outdoor Education Program
provided by Thrive Wellness
(7th & 8th Grades)
Nature-based workshops take place within Ojai Valley, and camping trips are at Channel Islands National Park and Los Padres National Forest. Groups embark on hikes, and engage in a variety of discussion topics like: self-care, anxiety, healthy coping skills, social struggles and shared experiences. (Fees Involved) Go To Website
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Dates to be determined
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Martin Luther King Jr. Annual Celebration
Monday, January 20, 2025, at 10:00 A.M.
We are so grateful for the awesome job done each year by the youth committee celebrating MLK Jr. Day in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s teachings and accomplishments.! The ceremonies take place at Matilija Auditorium beginning at 10:00 A.M. in the morning.
CHESS In Libbey Park
Hosted by Surya
9:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
3rd Saturday of every month
Through the Lens
Photography & Filmmaking
PHOTOGRAPHY CHALLENGE
Get out in the field. Undertake photo/video taking challenges using Ojai as your backdrop. Practice your skills of taking good pictures and videos with local professionals. No skill level required. Just the willingness to get better and to learn from getting out to take photos and videos!!
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Phone cameras may be used!
Dates to be determined 3:30
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FILMMAKING SEMINAR - BEYOND JUST THE STORY ON THE SCREEN
Dates to be determned
Learn from top filmmakers the art of filmmaking including screenplay writing, lighting, editing and camera work.
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Humane Society
Weekly afterschool and weekend experiences are available to work alongside the Humane Society staff members at the Humane Society in Ojai while learning the importance of taking good care of animals.
Sheriff Department
Explorer Program
Partnering with Ventura County Sheriff Explorer Program: Law Enforcement Exploring is an exciting way for young men and women to explore the dynamic field of law enforcement. As an Explorer, you will have the opportunity to participate in: Traffic Control for Special Events, Station Operations, and Community Outreach Activities
Questions: (805) 646-1414
Surfing
Surfclass Spring 2025 programs for after school
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 4:00-6:00 pm and
Thursdays from 2:30-4:30 pm. and Fridays from 4:00-6:00
(after daylight savings kicks in).
The cost is $85 per class. This includes wetsuit and surfboard and a ton of fun surfing and learning.
CONTACT: Surfclass
CASITAS ROWING PROGRAM
Fall Program Begins September
Casitas Rowing is an educational program with instruction and training of jr high and high school students in the sport of rowing on Lake Casitas. Their purpose is to promote a lifetime appreciation of fitness, and environmental awareness and in particular, positive and wholesome development of our Ojai youth. For more information, contact Wendy Gillett at Casitas Rowing: wendy@casitasrowing.org
“I loved the field trips. The museums were so inspiring. On one trip, the ropes course was terrifying, but I completed it. I was so proud of myself.”
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- Destiny
