Hidden Villa will be closed while Summer Camp is in session from June 19 - July 28. Learn more on our 'Visit' page.

Mission & History

Vision

Our vision is a sustainable, healthy, and just future for all.

Mission

Our mission is to foster educational experiences that build connections and inspire a deeper appreciation and respect for nature, food, and one another.

Values

Our values are: Access, Community, Exploration, and Stewardship.

This legacy began in 1924, when Frank and Josephine Duveneck purchased the property near Los Altos in 1924 and began sharing the land and creating humanitarian programs that have inspired many generations. The Duvenecks were profoundly generous and dedicated to creating a just and sustainable future for all.

Today, the Hidden Villa Board of Trustees remains committed to the lessons long taught by the Duvenecks and sustained by our organization since their passing. We stand opposed to discrimination based on ethnicity, national origin, religion or sexual identity. We support environmental regulations that preserve our healthy environment and food systems through regenerative agriculture, and most of all, we strive to inspire future leaders and stewards of the earth.

Learn about our Educational Philosophy and our practice of Responsible Agriculture.

Hidden Villa Timeline

(Click on the “Read Complete History” below for more details)

1924
1924

Hidden Villa was established.

1937
1937

Opened the first hostel on the Pacific coast.

1945
1945

Created the first multi-racial, residential summer camp.

1948
Late 1940s

Provided housing and re-settlement support for Japanese Americans returning from internment camps.

1960
1960

Established the Trust for Hidden Villa as a nonprofit.

1965
1965

Supported Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta in organizing the National Farm Workers Movement (which became the UFW)

1970
1970

Developed the Hidden Villa Environmental Education Program.

1990
1990

Community Programs begins.

1991
1991

Community first has access to Hidden Villa produce; the Community Supported Agricultural (CSA) share box program begins.

2005
2005

Community Services Agency of Mountain View partnership begins and continues today providing over 40,000 servings of fresh produce annually.

2009
2009

Middle and High school aged programming expands to include the school year.

2014
2014

Summer Camp program expands to include Kinder Camp and a Citizen Scientist backing packing trip in the Sierras

2016
2016

Expanded weekend offerings.

2018
2018

Food for Thought helps adults navigate the nuanced food conversation through programs, conversations and collaborations.

Read Complete History