Youth Development Programs

Spring field trips are nearly full – click “Register” to reserve your spot today!

Program Description

This is a one-day program for middle and high school students (7th-12th grade), and groups can choose one of four options for a program focus. All options will also receive a tour of the farm to meet our friendly sheep, chickens, goats, pigs, and cows! 

• High Ropes Course:  Reach new heights on our ropes course as your group engages in challenges by choice and explores taking safe risks. We will practice goal setting, self-advocacy, teamwork, and reflection. All safety gear (helmet, harness, ropes) is provided. Participants can expect to think critically during teambuilding initiatives and lean on each other to solve problems as they exercise valuable communication and leadership skills.
• Food Systems: Deeply connect with food! We will explore the agricultural side of our farm and harvest some produce to make a collective dish to enjoy together. Students will engage in conversations about local food systems, regenerative agriculture, and the social and environmental impacts of farming and food production. Participants will leave feeling inspired by new ways of thinking about food.
• Sustainability: Situated along the Adobe Creek watershed, Hidden Villa is a unique location for students to examine issues tied to resource use and sustainability. Our property houses a collection of sustainable buildings that feature innovative architecture, designed to reduce water and energy consumption. Through examining the natural and built environment, participants will consider sources of water and energy around the farm and explore ways that we as humans can reduce our impact on the environment.

Maximum of 45 participants per reservation. Please plan to bring 1 chaperone for every 15 students for the purposes of supervision and support. 

Program Dates & Times

10am – 2:30pm on Wednesdays, and Thursdays from September-May

Cost

• Leadership and High Ropes: $45 per participant
• Food Systems: $45 per participant
• Sustainability: $30 per participant
• Service Learning: $30 per participant

Program costs include students and adult chaperones. School employees are free of charge. Scholarship funds are available for schools based on the percentage of unduplicated pupils. Please indicate if you are requesting a scholarship in the reservation form and a staff member will contact you after you have made your booking

Registration Information

• June 1, 2023: Registration opens for September-December 2023 programs
• August 2023: Registration opens for January-May 2024 programs

Each adult and child attendee will need to complete and sign a waiver in order to participate with the program.  

Refund Policy and Program Change Fees

No payment is due at reservation. The full balance will be due on the 1st of the month of your visit. We reserve the right to cancel your reservation if this balance is not paid. If fewer participants attend on the actual date of your registration, you will not be refunded the difference. 

Making Changes to Your Reservation:

A $50 change fee will apply if you need to amend or reschedule your visit for any reason. Rescheduling will be subject to availability, and we will do our best to accommodate needs. Because we work to confirm guides and staff in advance, rescheduling will not be possible within 30 days of your reservation.

Canceling Your Reservation:

We understand that plans can change, and our school year programs operate on a stepwise refund policy for cancellations. A 90% refund will be given if canceling with 60+ days notice. A 60% refund will be given if canceling within 30-60 days. A 30% refund will be given if canceling within 30 days. There is no refund if canceling within 7 days. Though our programs generally proceed rain or shine, Hidden Villa will initiate a cancellation if conditions will be unsafe. In these instances, all fees will be refunded.

Questions?

Please email [email protected]. Thank you!