ACHEV

Painted Pony Farm Apple Picking Field Trip
2025-09-15 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Painted Pony Farm, 15315 Santa Paula Ojai Road, Santa Paula, CA, 93060, United States
What: Join us for a fun field trip to Painted Pony Farm in Santa Paula! You will learn about the farm, get to hold baby animals, a farm lesson from Steve, pet and feed animals, and pick 5 apples each.
Who: All ACHEV members are welcome on this field trip.
Cost: $8 for every person age 2 and over. Cash Only. No charge for babies under 2, but they will also not be able to pick apples. If you would like them to be able to pick apples, please pay the $7 field trip fee for them. Adults also get to pick apples as it is included in the $8 fee.
When: Monday September 15th, field trip starts at 10:00, but please arrive by 9:45 to allow time for us to collect cash and give everyone a sticker showing that they have paid.
Sign Up Here

In-N-Out Field Trip
2025-09-25 09:00 - 10:00 | In n’ Out Camarillo, 1316 Ventura Blvd, Camarillo, CA, 93010, United States
What: In-N-Out Burger Field Trip. Tour topics include history, store operation, morning prep and nutrition. The tour will last 45-60 minutes. Every student participating will get a free meal, and parent chaperones included in the tour will also get a free meal. Additional parents will have to wait in the dining area and will be able to purchase food at the conclusion of the tour. There is a meal order form found below. They can accommodate vegetarians (order a grilled cheese) and gluten free attendees by putting gluten free on your order form and asking for a lettuce wrap.
Who: ACHEV students 1st grade – 8th grade and maximum of 13 years old. Nobody under 1st grade or over age 13 may participate. Younger siblings will have to wait in the dining area with a parent. Priority for chaperoning will be given to the first 6 parents (presuming we have 30 kids sign up) that indicate they would like to be able to participate and/or the parent of a child with special needs in attendance . If you have to stay with a younger child (kindergarten and below) in the dining room, you will not be eligible to participate in the tour. These are the rules set forth by In n Out and their legal department.
Cost: Free!
When: Thursday, September 25th at 9am. Please arrive by 8:45. I need time to check you in and collect forms. We must be ready to begin on time so that they can open their store to the public on time.
Guidelines: Failure to comply with any of the listed guidelines may result in termination of any future school tours.

Tours are for 1st-8th graders only up to 13 years old. No younger siblings, no older siblings, no high schoolers, no students age 14+. Sorry =( If you have younger children that you cannot leave at home, you will have to stay in the dining room area with them, and will not be able to participate in the tour.
Groups arriving more than 15 minutes late may result in a shortened tour or cancellation
The minimum number of students for a tour is 10, and the maximum is 30.
1 adult (parent, teacher, or chaperone) per 5 students may participate in the tour.
Additional adults will need to wait in the dining area, and may purchase food at the end of the tour
All tour participants must wear closed-toe shoes.
Filming/videotaping is not permitted inside In-N-Out Burger restaurants, and photographs are only permitted in the dining room areas.

Everyone participating in the tour must complete this release form, including parent chaperones. Please make sure to fill one out for each child as well as yourself if you will be participating in the tour and bring your completed forms with you on the morning of the tour. For group/school name, write “ACHEV” Store Tour Release Form
Please fill out your meal order form ahead of time and bring the completed form with you on the morning of the tour. Please remember that the free meals are only for participating students and parent chaperones. Additional parents may purchase meals on their own at the conclusion of the tour – if you are paying for your own meal, do not fill out one of these for yourself. Store Tour Meal Order Form
Sign Up Here for this field trip, and indicate (parents) if you are able and wanting to participate in the tour. Please make a note of whether you are bringing along younger siblings and will be staying with them in the dining area, but do not put them in a spot on the sign up sheet.
Bonnie 805-504-6457 bonnieadair@verizon.net

Great Pacific Pumpkin Patch Field Trip
2025-10-03 10:30 - 11:30 | McGrath Brothers Great Pacific Pumpkin Patch, 5100 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura, CA, 93003, United States
ACHEV activities, events, and field trips are for ACHEV students unless otherwise noted.

What: Join us for one of my favorite field trips of the year. We are going to the McGrath Brothers Great Pacific Pumpkin Patch. It is in Ventura on Olivas Park Drive, it is not the one in Camarillo.
We will receive an educational pumpkin/squash talk, a hay ride on their beautiful property while we learn a bit of the history of their farm, a visit with the animals, and then everyone can pick out their own pumpkins. The hay maze is also included in the field trip fee. Children will get to pick out one small sugar pumpkin to take home (included in $7 field trip fee).
Who: ACHEV Members all ages, parents, grandparents & ACHEV grads
Cost: $7 per child ages 3 and up. $3 for every adult (pumpkin not included). Ages 2 and under are free. Children under 3 that do not pay $7, do not get a sugar pumpkin included, but you can choose and pay separately for as many additional pumpkins and squash as you like. Bring cash with you for the field trip fees. I will collect from everyone as you arrive and make one lump payment for our group before the field trip starts. They take credit cards at the farm stand if you want to purchase additional pumpkins from them.
Time: Our tour starts at 10:30. Please arrive at 10:15 and meet me in the parking lot near the front so that I can collect cash from everyone and make payment before the tour starts. The tour will last about 45-60 minutes, but plan to spend a little extra time afterwards to look at their wonderful selection of pumpkins and squash that are great for eating, decorating and carving.
Sign Up Here
Additional Info:

They have a wide and wonderful selection of pumpkins, squash, gourds, and colorful corn available for purchase. We have been to a lot of pumpkin patches, and this is my favorite to purchase from. Many years they have dried out gourds to choose from and they make a really fun art project for Halloween or Thanksgiving.
They are dog friendly as long as your dog stays on a leash and you clean up after it.
Bring your camera! They have a lot of good photo ops here =)
Wear good shoes. There is a lot of dirt and some uneven ground. Potentially mud depending on weather.

Ventura County Fire Station 50 Field Trip
2025-10-27 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-28 14:00 - 15:00 | VCFD Station 50, 189 S. Las Posas Rd, Camarillo, CA, 93010, United States
ACHEV activities, events, and field trips are for ACHEV students unless otherwise noted.
What: Tour of Ventura County Fire Station 50 (Camarillo Airport)

Station tours include a tour of fire apparatus, equipment, living and working areas. It also features appropriate fire and life safety lessons
Tours generally last between 30 – 45 minutes.
VCFD participation is subject to department availability and may be interrupted for emergency services.

Who: ACHEV Members, all ages and parents
Cost: Free
Time: 2pm-about 3pm. Please arrive at 1:50 so we can assemble and be ready to start on time. Parking is in the front.
Sign Up: I have scheduled the same field trip for two different days so that we can have smaller groups that will allow for the kids to get more attention and hands on time with the equipment, and I’m hoping more people will be able to participate by having two date choices. I made one Google Sheets workbook with two different sheets/tabs.

Sign Up for Monday October 27th

Sign Up for Tuesday October 28th

Read below for information about this station and all the cool trucks they have, with links to pictures and information about the trucks.
Station 50 History: Fire Station 50 serves the Camarillo Airport, the western portion of the City of Camarillo and unincorporated portions of the Oxnard Plain. It is the headquarters for Division 1. Situated on the flight line of the airport, the original station was inherited from the U.S. Air Force by the airport authority and leased at no cost to the fire district in exchange for fire protection on the airport. The station was originally built as a temporary building in 1954 and never updated. A new station 50, located off Las Posas Road for better access to western Camarillo, was completed in early 2001. The Airport Fire Station is currently the district’s hazardous materials response station and the District’s Hazmat Officer is assigned here. The aircraft fire/rescue Crash Truck also operates out of Station 50. In 2006 a Paramedic Squad with two Paramedic/Firefighters went into service at Station 50. It is station staffed daily by five firefighters and houses Engine 50; Crash Truck 50; Tractor-Trailer Haz-Mat 50; Paramedic Squad 50; Foam Unit 50 and Utility Pickup 50. Also assigned to Station 50 are two De-Con trailers used for decontamination at Haz-Mat incidents.

Impressionist Art Tour at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art
2026-01-06 10:15 - 11:15 | Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101, United States
ACHEV activities, events, and field trips are for ACHEV students unless otherwise noted

Would you like to view Impressionist masterpieces by Monet, van Gogh, Gauguin, Matisse, and Morisot?

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art is hosting two major exhibitions of Impressionist and 19th Century art, with loaned pieces from the Dallas Museum of Art. This is going to be a hugely popular and influential exhibition!
Admission is typically $21 for kids 6 yrs+, and $30 for adults, but this tour is going to be FREE for many of us (see below).

What: A 45-minute docent-led tour. Students will explore how these once-radical Impressionist artists reshaped modern art through guided discussions and close looking.
Who: ACHEV members ages 7 yrs through high school. Parent chaperones are required (one chaperone per five students). Parent chaperones must be willing to enforce the museum’s etiquette standards with the students in their tour group (see below).

The total number of required parent chaperones is subject to the number of students signed up.
Due to high interest in this event, we are currently limiting sign ups to one parent chaperone per family.
Even if you sign up as a parent chaperone, your ability to participate ultimately depends on our student numbers. More students = more parent chaperones.
If you would like a second parent to chaperone, please add them to the WAITLIST. Allyson will let you know if there is space to participate.

Cost: Free admission for up to 30 students. A maximum of six parent chaperones (free admission) will be required if all 30 students attend. An additional six parents may also attend the tour at regular admission ($30 per adult).
When: Tuesday January 6th

10:15a Gather at the Park Entrance of the Museum, in the rear of the building.
10:30a-11:15a Docent-led tour of the special exhibits.
11:15a After the tour, families are free to explore the collections on their own (parents will be responsible for supervising their own students).

Where: Santa Barbara Museum of Art: 1130 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101. Paid parking is available throughout downtown Santa Barbara; please be prepared to leave enough time to pay and walk to the museum.

Museum Etiquette
Please review this information with your students before you arrive. We desire to be a blessing to the museum staff!

Large bags and reusable water bottles are NOT permitted in the galleries. (I would avoid backpacks too)
Food, drinks (including water bottles), and gum are prohibited in the galleries.
Only pencils may be used in the galleries; the use of pens and markers is prohibited.
Cell phones should be turned to silent while in the Museum.
Photographs are permitted without flash.
All visitors should remain 18 inches from the artworks (i.e., more than an arm’s length away)
Do not lean on walls or artwork when taking notes.
Visitors should keep their voices low.
Running and rough play are prohibited.
Chaperones must stay with their group at all times; students should never be unattended while in the Museum.
Important: Teachers and chaperones are responsible for student behavior in the Museum.

Contact ACHEV mom, Allyson Plumberg at allysonplumberg@gmail.com for questions!

Sign up for the Impressionist Art Tour by November 21

Field Trip: Hill Canyon Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour
2026-01-21 10:00 - 11:30 | Hill Canyon Wastewater Treatment Plant, 9600 Santa Rosa Rd, Camarillo, CA, 93012, United States
ACHEV activities, events, and field trips are for ACHEV students unless otherwise noted.
What: Whether you’re eager to dive into the world of wastewater treatment, explore cutting-edge renewable energy technologies, or simply marvel at our open space, you’re in for an unforgettable experience at our plant! Discover the City’s groundbreaking environmental initiatives and see firsthand how we’re making a difference. Our tours are a hit among local university students, high schools, and elementary schools, offering an engaging look at our wastewater management and environmental conservation efforts.
Cost: HCTP tours are absolutely free!
Where: 2600 Santa Rosa Rd., Camarillo 93012. Please look at these directions on how to get there: Directions to HCTP. It is off the beaten path.
When: Tour starts at 10am, please arrive at 9:45 so we can assemble and be prepared to begin on time. You will have to drive slow on the road up to the plant, so please give yourself enough time to get there. Tour is stated to last between 1-1.5 hours.
Who: ACHEV members, all ages, ACHEV grads. I am not sure about stroller or wheelchair accessibility. If you have a baby or toddler, please plan to “wear” them. If you need wheelchair accommodation, let me know so I can advise the organization.
Make sure to Bring: Signed release forms for each person in your party. There is a separate form for adults and minors. Please take the time to read them, they are not long. Please be aware that it includes a photo release clause.
Release Form for Child Tours
Release Form for Adult Tours
Sign Up Here

WFVZ Bird Museum Tour + Lab
2026-02-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology, 439 Calle San Pablo, Camarillo, CA, 93012, United States
ACHEV activities, events, and field trips are for ACHEV students unless otherwise noted.
Come see one of the largest collections of birds’ eggs and nests in the world!!
Field Trip WFVZ Bird Museum and Research Center, Camarillo
The WFVZ (Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology) Bird Museum was founded in 1956 by Ed N. Harrison and several other prominent southern California naturalists. This hidden educational gem in Camarillo hosts one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of birds’ eggs and nests. The WFVZ mission is: To study, conserve, and educate about the birds of the world! (You can preview the museum displays via this link: https://wfvz.org/virtual-tour/). Tours are led by biologists and scientists who work at the museum.
The WFVZ houses:

Eggs: more than 275,000 sets
Nests: approximately 20,000 specimens
Bird Study Skins: more than 57,000 specimens
Mounted Specimens: More than 1,800 birds mounted in life-like postures

Time: Tour begins at 10am, but please arrive and 9:45 to check in and pay so that we can begin on time.
Tour length: 1 hour. The hour will be broken into a 30 min docent led tour, followed by 30 min where you can explore the museum on your own. Younger children can do a scavenger hunt activity during free time.
Who: ACHEV members, all ages. While any age is allowed in the museum, we find that students 9+ have the best learning experience because they have an easier time seeing the specimens on top of the cabinets.
Cost: $10 per person; children 5 and under are free. The option lab add-on (1 hour) costs an additional $10, bringing the total cost to $20 per student if participating in the lab. The lab will be done after the initial 1 hour tour. We must have 8 students participating in the lab to make it happen. Payment will be collected by the museum the day of the tour. They accept cash or credit card.
Optional Lab Add-On:

Cost: Additional $10 per student (total of $20), parents watch for free.
Time: 11:00-12:00
Who: Grades 3-12 . Parents can sit inside the lab room and watch at no cost.
What: The lab will be a hands on, interactive lab called “What Bird is That?” with the scientists that work at the museum. They will work with each other and the instructors on taxonomy, learn about how DNA and modern science has changed how birds are classified, and have the opportunity to get very hands on with some interesting specimens. **Please be aware that birds are stuffed and mounted with glass eyes. Some children may be sensitive to this.**
We must have minimum 8 students participating in the lab to make it happen. If we have less than 8 wanting to do lab, then it will not be offered. Indicate on the sign up sheet if your student will participate in the lab. Max 30 students participating in the lab.

Other Important Notes:

The museum contains information about evolution and it will likely come up during the tour.
Please wear jackets as the museum center is kept cold. The lab is warmer.
Maximum group size of 44

Sign Up Here: Deadline Wednesday, February 4th.

Strawberry Picking Field Trip
2026-03-04 09:00 - 10:30 | One Acre Farm, 9015 Rosita Road, Camarillo, CA, 93012, United States
ACHEV activities, events, and field trips are for ACHEV students unless otherwise noted.

*Originally scheduled for Feb 18, but due to rain has been changed to March 4.

Field Trip at One Acre Farm! One Acre Farm grows delicious strawberries. They planted even more strawberries this year and they have been doing very well and are huge and delicious.

Learn first hand about…

Growing & planting strawberries
Selling
Small Business Farming…We love teaching our future generations and would love to pass our knowledge and encouragement on to them!

Cost: Entrance is free, pay for what you pick, $20 per full bucket of strawberries (holds 3-3 1/2 lbs, you can purchase partially filled buckets, you don’t have to fill it). They may also have some blueberry bushes left (in containers) for sale at only $20 per container. Pay with cash or card

They provide buckets to pick your berries into, and they will provide plastic clamshell containers for taking them home. You may bring your own re-useable containers for packing and taking them home if you like.

Who: ACHEV Members, All ages.

One Acre Farm is located on Gerry Ranch on the outskirts of Camarillo right off of Santa Rosa Rd. I will email everyone more specific details for parking/directions before the field trip.
Sign Up Here

*Cancelled* US Coast Guard Band, Field Trip
2026-03-17 09:00 - 11:00 | Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91362, United States
**Unfortunately, this field trip had to be cancelled due to the government shutdown.
ACHEV activities, events, and field trips are for ACHEV students unless otherwise noted.
What: TO Arts, Kids and the Arts Field Trip Program
Join the U.S. Coast Guard Band for an educational and entertaining hour-long performance by a world-class 50-piece Concert Band. The program will showcase the various sections of the band and highlight the collaborative way musicians come together to make beautiful music. Students will enjoy learning and listening to great music performed by world-class musicians in this interactive presentation.
Who: ACHEV Students PK-8th grade + one parent chaperone per family. Please do not bring any younger or older siblings. ****Update 2/18/26, they will permit us to bring High School students
Cost: Free!! They appreciate donations. https://toarts.org/programs/kids-and-the-arts/
There are a lot of important details to be aware of:

I (Bonnie) have signed the below statement on behalf of all attendees. If you are not comfortable agreeing with this, you should not attend this field trip.

“By attending this field trip, you are giving permission to TOArts to take group and possibly up-close pictures of students to use for donor relations and marketing. You additionally take responsibility to ensure that the parents of students attending are aware that their kids may be photographed. We understand that some families choose not to have their kids photographed. We have no control over excluding such children.”

SHOW INFORMATION

The performance starts at 10am on March 17, 2026.
Please plan to arrive an hour before showtime and be patient if you have to wait in line or on the bus for a little while as there will be a large number of schools attending this performance.
The length of the performance is 60 minutes.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU ARRIVE

Everyone will be going through security, including students.
No outside food or drink. (small plastic water bottles for students who absolutely need it are acceptable)
Metal water bottles will absolutely not be allowed.
No oversized backpacks unless required for students needing ADA support (let us know in advance if needing a backpack).
We cannot entertain requests for specific seats. We make every effort to ensure classes are seated together. Students may relocate within their assigned block of seats. Wheelchairs and other needs are taken into consideration.
(Note From Bonnie) – weapons/knives are also not allowed. They didn’t mention that in the school field trip email, I presume because that is already a rule at every brick and mortar school, but some of our homeschooled kids carry around pocket knives and things like that and we don’t really give it a second thought. Make sure you and your kids leave all those sorts of things in the car. Only bring what you need. You can also look at their rules here (though some things may not apply in our situation) https://bapacthousandoaks.com/patron-safety

THEATRE ETIQUETTE

For your convenience and to prepare the students for a fantastic experience, we have put together a Theatre Etiquette Flyer which you can find attached, we request you review with your classrooms a few times before the show to ensure a pleasant experience for all students.
We understand that it is hard for kids to sit still for an hour. However, we request that you speak to your students in advance about the importance of sitting as still and as quietly as possible to respect the performers. We ask that you remove any disruptive student(s) from the theatre. We have a cry room, which can be used for their comfort and yours so that they can watch the show without being a distraction. One of our ambassadors can help direct you to this room if needed.

Our kids are our next generation of theatergoers, patrons, and artists. We appreciate you making the commitment to the arts in your classroom!
AFTER THE SHOW

Due to the urgency to clear the parking lot and buses in a timely manner following the performance, we are unable to accommodate requests for students to stay and enjoy a sack lunch on our property. If you wish to enjoy lunch at a nearby park, a map and directions to local neighborhood parks where you might be able to enjoy lunch can be found here.

Signing Up for This Field Trip:

Sign Up on the Google Doc, deadline February 15, 2026. Extended to March 1st

We have reserved 35 seats. If it is full, please sign up on the waitlist. There is always a good chance that someone will need to cancel, or someone will turn up ill, and we do not want to have any empty seats.
If anyone has special needs (wheelchair access, mobility, sensory or any other needs) we need to know about it by February 15th or sooner if possible. You can contact Bonnie personally (805-504-6457, bonnieadair@verizon.net) if you have special needs, and I will inform the coordinator at the Arts Center.

Carpinteria Salt Marsh Field Trip
2026-03-25 10:00 - 11:00 | Carpinteria Salt Marsh, Estero St, Carpinteria, 93013, United States
ACHEV activities, events, and field trips are for ACHEV students unless otherwise noted.
What: Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve Field Trip
What is an estuary? Why are they important for the eco system? What endangered species live here in Southern California? Come learn all this and more on a visit to the unique 230 acre Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve. The marsh reserve is a research location for scientists and an educational platform for learning about wetland habitats. Our guide will also introduce us to some amazing plants, waterfowl and fish that thrive is these salty marsh waters. Our tour time has been planned to correspond with tide for the best viewing options.
Who: ACHEV Members, all ages. The tour content will target 3rd grade and up, as that is what their program is designed for, but younger children are welcome. Parents, please supervise younger ones.
Tour max: 30 children (does not count parents)
Cost: Free!
Where: Address: Estero St, Carpinteria, CA 93013 (Yes, the address shown on **Google maps** is correct. The entrance to the Reserve is at the end of Estero St. in Carpinteria. Estero is a tiny stub of a street that dead ends at the Reserve gate. Please have everyone park along Estero or out on Carpinteria Ave. Do **NOT** use the directions given by Apple Maps. Those directions will take you to the wrong part of the marsh.)
Time: Tour begins at 10am, but arrive at 9:45 and meet at gate so that you have time to check in with Christie and we can begin on time.
REQUIRED: electronic waiver filled out for every person who will going on the reserve premises, regardless of age. Quick form to complete. Parents will electronically sign it on behalf of each child (even infants) and for themselves as well. https://us.services.docusign.net/webforms-ux/v1.0/forms/55f9a56ca2b9c33e5d8fa743819317e5
The form will ask for Group or Class Leader: Please write FRIESTAD and use the email address christie.friestad@gmail.com in that space.
Plan to pack a lunch and we can find a place to picnic after the tour.
Sign Up Here no later than Tuesday March 10th *Make sure to sign up all people in your party, infants and all adults included

*Cancelled*Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve State Park Guided Field Trip
2026-04-02 11:00 - 13:00 | Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, 150th St W, Lancaster, CA, 93536, United States
**Cancelled Due to low Enrollment**
**ACHEV activities, events, and field trips are for ACHEV students unless otherwise noted.
What: Guided hike at the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve led by California State Park Staff/Volunteers. Become a Junior Ranger of this beautiful state park! We’ll get to see a very different environment than what we are used to in Coastal Southern California. We’ll talk about a desert and what it is, why it looks different, and types of plant and animal adaptations. We’ll talk about what is beautiful and we’ll look for fragrant desert flowers .
There are a lot of details and rules to review before our trip. Feel free to ask me questions, or let me know if it looks like I made a mistake! Thank you so much for reading through the whole thing:
Who: ACHEV Members. Please read this note from the park interpreter about ages that can participate:
“This program is designed for school age kids. Any children that are not Kindergarten age cannot participate in the program and cannot tag along with the group. I suggest that people with young children or infants a designated chaperone(s) who are willing to take care of the young ones away from the group. I know that often homeschool groups juggle children of many ages, but for this program, the young ones can hang out with an adult in the visitor center, picnic tables or go for a fun walk around the park while the school age ones follow me around😊”
This field trip is best suited for 2nd grade and up due to the walking involved and length of the tour as well as the amount of stopping for discussion that we will do that sometimes younger ones can get impatient or bored with. At your discretion though, you can bring Kindergarten students and older for the guided tour.
Cost: Free. There is usually a fee to park, but their website states: “Vehicle entrance for K-12 school groups is free. Fee waiver only applies to schools and homeschool groups; other school-age groups and organizations do not qualify. School fee waivers are only offered on the weekdays during school hours.” A couple of things to take note of regarding parking: If arriving in personal vehicles, only cars transporting students or the teacher will be free. Cars with only chaperones will be charged the day use amount.
When: Thursday April 2. The tour begins at 11:00, but you will need to plan to be there 20-30 minutes earlier than that in case it takes a while to get into the parking lot and to allow time to use the restroom and maybe eat a snack before we start our hike (see details below).
Notes from Bonnie:

Their guidelines state no backpacks, but this is directed more toward brick and mortar school students who usually have heavy books in their bags. Kids who are capable of carrying their own backpacks may do so in order to carry their water and necessities. They don’t want kids getting tired and distracted from lugging something around that they can’t handle very well. Parents may carry a backpack with water and necessities. Food is not permitted on the trail!
Wifi & cell reception is limited
We’ll meet in the parking lot at the visitor center
t is about a 2 hour drive depending on where you are coming from – if you’re in Fillmore you are much closer. Please give yourself plenty of time to arrive on time.
There is a Junior Ranger Guide that you can print out if you choose, using the link below. If you prefer that I email it to you, please reach out to me and let me know. There are other resources available as well: Free self-guided brochures are also available along with a scavenger hunt focusing on the park’s natural resources is available to download/print before your visit.

Notes from the Park
Congrats! You have scheduled a Guided Field Trip to Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve. Please read the email in its entirety so that you will have a successful field trip. Guided tours are led by California State Park Interpretive Staff and Volunteers. Allow a minimum of 1.5 hours for your visit. More time is preferable. During your field trip, you are welcome and encouraged to explore the park whilst following established park rules.
How To Prepare:

Check the weather. Students will need to be prepared to be exposed to whatever the weather conditions are. Please click this link for a weather report.
Organize Students. Before arriving at the park, please organize students into groups of 10-15 with a minimum chaperone ratio of 1:15 (adult: student).
Prepare Students. Ensure students are prepared to hike a 2-mile trail with half a moderate uphill. If there are students with mobility needs, a shorter ADA compliant 1-mile trail will be utilized.

Comfortable Shoes. Students need comfortable, closed-toe shoes. Remind students they will be hiking – they should wear shoes they are okay with getting dirty.
Water bottles. Preferably one liter per student.
Leave backpacks and lunches in the school bus.
Layered Clothes. Antelope Valley CA Poppy Reserve can have extreme temperature changes and cold winds – the morning might be 40 degrees and the afternoon 90 degrees! Instruct students to wear comfortable clothes with layers to adjust for cold or heat.
There are no trashcans or restrooms on the hike. Garbage may be disposed of after the hike or if large amounts, taken back to the school bus.

Prepare Chaperones. Chaperones are expected to be active participants during the field trip and are responsible for their group. Chaperones should help with behavior management and to keep track of their group.

Parking and Directions
For directions to the park, you can open the Google Map directions here. There is no fee associated with parking for registered school groups. During peak times, it can take 30-40 minutes to enter the park. Please arrive at least 15-20 minutes in advance of your scheduled tour time.
Buses can park in the Overflow lot. Make a right into the dirt lot after the kiosk. Single cars or otherwise not identifiable school buses may park in the main parking lot or in the overflow lot. Parking spaces are not reserved and are on a first come-first served basis
What to expect during the field trip

Trained, interpretive staff/volunteer docents will lead groups of 15-30 students on a nature hike, stopping every 5 minutes or so to discuss a topic or do an activity.
After the tour, your class is welcome to stay and explore the park and visitor center. If you would like to enjoy lunch in the Reserve, lunch can be eaten at picnic tables at our first come, first serve picnic area.
About 15 minutes before your expected departure time, teachers and chaperones will walk students back to the bus as a group.

Trail map- Click here for a trail map.
The Merlin app by Cornell is an excellent resource for bird identification.
iNaturalist or iSeek will help you identify any animal or plant within the Reserve.
Behavior Expectations to Discuss with Your Students:
When you are visiting the park, please be sure to clearly outline behavioral expectations for your students that will protect park resources and wildlife and provide for the safety of your group.
Leave No Trace & Keep It Crumb Clean: Please instruct students to pack out any trash that they bring into the park with them, this includes all wrappers and food scraps. Although natural food items will naturally break down over time, leaving behind scraps attracts pests and negatively impacts wildlife and other visitors.
Stay on the official trails!
Stepping on plants kills them, causing ugly patches of bare dirt that ruin the park’s beauty. Walking on already-damaged areas will crush roots and worsen the damage. We have Mojave green rattlesnakes at the park. Mojave green rattlesnakes prefer to hide in the flowers and grass. Stay on the trail.
Do not pick any flowers.
ALL plants, animals, rocks, and historic objects are protected by law in the park. Wild areas are becoming increasingly rare. This park was created to protect ALL natural and historic features.
Dogs/Pets are prohibited.
No Drone Zone
Drones are prohibited in the airspace above the park due to fire danger, negative impacts on wildlife, and visitors’ reasonable expectations of privacy and tranquility.
Consumption of food is only allowed in parking lots and the designated picnic areas.
Post-Visit trip Activity Suggestions:

Have students investigate the animals and environments around the school neighborhood. If you are in a more urban area, investigate the relationship between the city ecosystem and the kinds of animals that have adapted to live close by with us (see this link for more information). Use this resource from Wonder of Science as a graphic organizer to support this field trip.

Post-Visit Survey:

Let us know how we did! Complete this survey

If you have any other pre field trip inquiries, questions, or concerns, contact Callista.Turner@parks.ca.gov . On the day of your visit please feel free to call (661) 483-0565 if you have any problem locating the park or you are running late.
Thank you, we look forward to seeing you!
Sign Up Here

Horse Experience Field Trip
2026-04-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Oso Ranch, 1290 Meyer Rd, Ojai, 93023, United States
ACHEV activities, events, and field trips are for ACHEV students unless otherwise noted.
What: Horseback Riding Field Trip at Oso Ranch in Ojai. Come experience horses close-up! Each participant will learn about grooming, saddling, and basic riding skills, take a 1-hour horseback ride into the Ojai Land Conservancy’s Ventura River Preserve, and have a tour of the ranch. Participants must be at least 6 years old, but younger students with their parents may take a pony ride around the ranch (ages 3-5) or just enjoy the animals on the ranch.
Who: ACHEV Members ages 6 and up (must be at least 47 in tall). Pony rides available for ages 3-5. Siblings under 3 may tag along with parent but will not be able to go on any horse/pony rides. **Please see height and weight restrictions below in “policies”. Participating parents can ride along with their participating children if they are signed up. We will keep family groups together if that is your preference.
Drop off is okay for participating (riding) students ages 6 and up. Parents must be sure to complete a waiver for their students before dropping off. There will be only one waiver needed per family.
How Much:

Horseback Riding for ages 6 and up (parents may also sign up) $60 per student rider, $95 per parent rider.
Pony Rides for ages 3-5 $15 per pony ride. Pony rides are 15 minutes. Parents will walk alongside or behind with their little ones while they ride the ponies.
Non-riding parents and siblings – no charge. Non riding parents and siblings may participate in the tour and watch the grooming session at no charge. They may also hike along the trail at a distance behind the horses, or simply enjoy the property and animals on the property, bring a blanket or chair and read a book, etc.
Your payment reserves your spot and must be received by April 11. You must cancel by April 12 to receive a refund. Submit payment via Venmo (@Andie-Savard), Zelle (matt.savard@sbcglobal.net) or mail/in person (Andie Savard, 7919 Colton St., Ventura, 93004).

**Policies:

Weight limit is 240lbs for anyone over six feet tall and 230lbs for anyone under six feet tall. This is to better protect the rider and the horses. Anyone over these limits will be putting themselves and our horses at risk.
All Riders MUST be at least 6 years old AND 47 inches tall.
No dogs.
If you or someone in your group has special needs, please let Andie know: mrs.a.savard@gmail.com

What to Bring or Wear:

Closed toed shoes. Boots with a heel are ideal, but not required. Riders wearing open toed shoes or sandals will not be accepted.
Please wear long pants, this will protect your legs from the from the elements.
A camera & water! Please No selfie sticks or neck straps.
We supply saddle bags on all of the horses so your belongings can come with you.
These rides have very little shade, please wear sunscreen and a hat.

Misc. Info:

Helmets are provided
Rain alternate date: April 21
Oso Ranch (home of the Ojai Valley Trail Riding Company) is a fun place to walk around and see cattle, goats, pigs, miniature horses, peacocks and other birds, and bunnies, not to mention plenty of horses! Families can plan to come early to enjoy the ranch or stay after their ride.
After the field trip, feel free to take a hike! Great lunch spots on the boulders and hiking trails abound in the adjacent Ventura River Preserve (free). The ranch is closest to the Oso Trailhead. Find more info at https://ovlc.org/preserves/ventura-river-rancho-el-nido/hiking-ventura-river-preserve/

Sign Up: After reading all the info above, Sign up here by April 11th . If the sign up sheet is full, please add yourself to the wait list.

Field Trip: Wind in the Willows
2026-04-30 11:00 - 13:00 | Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91362, United States
ACHEV activities, events, and field trips are for ACHEV students unless otherwise noted.
What: TO Arts, Kids and the Arts Field Trip Program
Journey into the Wild Wood on this multi-media adventure based on Kenneth Grahame’s beloved children’s novel. Wind in the Willows mixes classic storytelling with projected illustrations to tell the trials of Mole and Rat on an all-night race against time as they venture through the hidden wonders of the forest to find the young Otter before it’s too late.
Who: ACHEV Students and parent chaperones. They recommend 3rd-6th grade but pk-12th grade permitted at parental discretion. One parent chaperone per family please, unless there are special needs. Do not bring any children younger than age 3.
The Westlake Women’s Club has generously offered to donate a copy of the book “The Wind in the Willows” to every classroom attending this performance! I have requested 7 books. They will be given to the first 7 families on the list that wants them.
Cost: Free!! They appreciate donations. https://toarts.org/programs/kids-and-the-arts/
There are a lot of important details to be aware of:

I (Bonnie) have signed the below statement on behalf of all attendees. If you are not comfortable agreeing with this, you should not attend this field trip.

“By attending this field trip, you are giving permission to TOArts to take group and possibly up-close pictures of students to use for donor relations and marketing. You additionally take responsibility to ensure that the parents of students attending are aware that their kids may be photographed. We understand that some families choose not to have their kids photographed. We have no control over excluding such children.”

SHOW INFORMATION

The performance starts at 12pm on April 30, 2026.
Please plan to arrive an hour before showtime and be patient if you have to wait in line or on the bus for a little while as there will be a large number of schools attending this performance.
The length of the performance is 60 minutes.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU ARRIVE

Everyone will be going through security, including students.
No outside food or drink. (small plastic water bottles for students who absolutely need it are acceptable)
Metal water bottles will absolutely not be allowed.
No oversized backpacks unless required for students needing ADA support (let us know in advance if needing a backpack).
We cannot entertain requests for specific seats. We make every effort to ensure classes are seated together. Students may relocate within their assigned block of seats. Wheelchairs and other needs are taken into consideration.
(Note From Bonnie) – weapons/knives are also not allowed. They didn’t mention that in the school field trip email, I presume because that is already a rule at every brick and mortar school, but some of our homeschooled kids carry around pocket knives and things like that and we don’t really give it a second thought. Make sure you and your kids leave all those sorts of things in the car. Only bring what you need. You can also look at their rules here (though some things may not apply in our situation) https://bapacthousandoaks.com/patron-safety

THEATRE ETIQUETTE

For your convenience and to prepare the students for a fantastic experience, we have put together a Theatre Etiquette Flyer which you can find attached, we request you review with your classrooms a few times before the show to ensure a pleasant experience for all students.
We understand that it is hard for kids to sit still for an hour. However, we request that you speak to your students in advance about the importance of sitting as still and as quietly as possible to respect the performers. We ask that you remove any disruptive student(s) from the theatre. We have a cry room, which can be used for their comfort and yours so that they can watch the show without being a distraction. One of our ambassadors can help direct you to this room if needed.

Our kids are our next generation of theatergoers, patrons, and artists. We appreciate you making the commitment to the arts in your classroom!
AFTER THE SHOW

Due to the urgency to clear the parking lot and buses in a timely manner following the performance, we are unable to accommodate requests for students to stay and enjoy a sack lunch on our property. If you wish to enjoy lunch at a nearby park, a map and directions to local neighborhood parks where you might be able to enjoy lunch can be found here.

Signing Up for This Field Trip:

Sign Up on the Google Doc, deadline April 22, 2026.

We have reserved 20 seats. If it is full, please sign up on the waitlist. There is always a good chance that someone will need to cancel, or someone will turn up ill, and we do not want to have any empty seats.
If anyone has special needs (wheelchair access, mobility, sensory or any other needs) we need to know about it as soon as possible. You can contact Bonnie personally (805-504-6457, bonnieadair@verizon.net) if you have special needs, and I will inform the coordinator at the Arts Center.

Field Trip: "The Wizard of Oz Jr." Play
2026-05-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Oaks Christian School, 31749 La Tienda Road, Westlake Village, CA, 91362, United States
ACHEV activities, events, and field trips are for ACHEV students unless otherwise noted.
What: Oaks Christian Middle School Theater Department presents “The Wizard of Oz, Jr.”
Who: ACHEV Members grades K-12 and one parent per family please. If you have children with special needs, you can sign up a second parent or grandparent. If we end up having extra seats, we may add extra parents, so if you have an additional parent that would like to attend if possible please let me know. I am sorry, but the school has said no babies or siblings younger than kindergarten, so if you plan to come you will need to make babysitting arrangements for your younger children.
Cost: Free
Time: 10am, arrive no later than 9:45
I have reserved 40 seats for ACHEV to this special school field trip showing. They are requiring a final headcount by April 1st, so the deadline to sign up is March 31st. If we don’t need all 40 seats, we want to let them know. (this date may be subject to change as more details come and we get closer to the event date)
Sign Up Here.

Rock & Mineral Field Trip
2026-05-14 13:00 - 15:00 | Juanamaria Park, N Kimball Rd & Loma Vista Rd, 104 Livermore Avenue, Ventura, CA, 93004, United States
ACHEV activities, events, and field trips are for ACHEV students unless otherwise noted.
Hello Friends! 🌳💎 Please join us for the Amazing Magic Mineral Show!!! 💎 ⛏⭐️Ventura Gem and Mineral Society will be coming to Juana Maria Park to give all our students the most amazing presentation and hands on demonstration on Magical Rocks!! VGMS was awarded best rock club in the nation! 🏆 VGMS does gem shows, field trips to search for cool rocks, fossils and gems like jasper, garnet, serpentine, agates, geodes, etc, lapidary instruction for making jewelry and use of their equipment, and have the best youth program. Here is a message from our presentor :
“Sure, many gems and minerals are colorful and wonderful to look at, but beyond the beauty, some are absolutely magical! Come to The Amazing Mineral Magic Show to learn about minerals with special properties, then sit down to play with a few to see their amazing effects for yourself, from minerals that float on water to ones that have magnetic personalities to still others that will have you seeing double. Jim Brace-Thompson of the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society will provide a brief introduction and will bring a treasure chest of polished stones so everyone can pick a treasure to take home along with a little flyer to give you a refresher about these stones and what causes their amazing properties.”
A wonderful, fun and educational presentation you can cross off for science class! Jim will give his rock presentation at 1pm at the tables, don’t miss it! Then he will stay at the tables for hands on demonstrations until about 3pm.
This event is for all ages, kids, Teens and parents. And it’s FREE!
Join us on:
Thursday May 14th
1pm-3pm. Please arrive a few minutes before 1pm, so you don’t miss anything.
Juana Maria Park
7802 Loma Vista Rd.
Ventura
Bring a blanket and/or chairs to sit on.
Sign Up Here
For any questions feel free to email, or call/text me at 805-791-0810
Have a great day! 😊
-Sandy Fogel

Field Trip: Pacific Festival Ballet presents Camelot.
2026-05-15 09:00 - 11:05 | Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91362, United States
ACHEV activities, events, and field trips are for ACHEV students unless otherwise noted.
What: TO Arts, Kids and the Arts Field Trip Program
We are beyond excited to announce that we have partnered with Pacific Festival Ballet to present Camelot as an additional Kids and the Arts field trip this school year. Step into the magical world of Camelot and join King Arthur and his legendary Knights of the Round Table as this timeless tale comes to life through stunning choreography, gravity-defying aerial feats, and an unforgettable musical score. This visually spectacular production is filled with passion, mystery, and enchantment. Every moment is crafted to captivate young audiences and spark their imaginations. More than just a performance, Camelot is an inspirational, curriculum-enhancing experience — making it a perfect field trip connection to history, literature, theatre, music, and the arts.

Who: ACHEV Students. They recommend 3rd-8th grade but pk-12th grade permitted at parental discretion. One parent chaperone per family please, unless there are special needs. Do not bring any children younger than age 3.
Cost: Free!! They appreciate donations. https://toarts.org/programs/kids-and-the-arts/
There are a lot of important details to be aware of:

I (Bonnie) have signed the below statement on behalf of all attendees. If you are not comfortable agreeing with this, you should not attend this field trip.

“By attending this field trip, you are giving permission to TOArts to take group and possibly up-close pictures of students to use for donor relations and marketing. You additionally take responsibility to ensure that the parents of students attending are aware that their kids may be photographed. We understand that some families choose not to have their kids photographed. We have no control over excluding such children.”

SHOW INFORMATION

The performance starts at 10am on May 15, 2026.
Please plan to arrive an hour before showtime and be patient if you have to wait in line or on the bus for a little while as there will be a large number of schools attending this performance.
The length of the performance is 65 minutes.
A video reel showcasing this performance can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRpzxnHlQLw

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU ARRIVE

Everyone will be going through security, including students.
No outside food or drink. (small plastic water bottles for students who absolutely need it are acceptable)
Metal water bottles will absolutely not be allowed.
No oversized backpacks unless required for students needing ADA support (let us know in advance if needing a backpack).
We cannot entertain requests for specific seats. We make every effort to ensure classes are seated together. Students may relocate within their assigned block of seats. Wheelchairs and other needs are taken into consideration.
(Note From Bonnie) – weapons/knives are also not allowed. They didn’t mention that in the school field trip email, I presume because that is already a rule at every brick and mortar school, but some of our homeschooled kids carry around pocket knives and things like that and we don’t really give it a second thought. Make sure you and your kids leave all those sorts of things in the car. Only bring what you need. You can also look at their rules here (though some things may not apply in our situation) https://bapacthousandoaks.com/patron-safety

THEATRE ETIQUETTE

For your convenience and to prepare the students for a fantastic experience, we have put together a Theatre Etiquette Flyer which you can find attached, we request you review with your classrooms a few times before the show to ensure a pleasant experience for all students.
We understand that it is hard for kids to sit still for an hour. However, we request that you speak to your students in advance about the importance of sitting as still and as quietly as possible to respect the performers. We ask that you remove any disruptive student(s) from the theatre. We have a cry room, which can be used for their comfort and yours so that they can watch the show without being a distraction. One of our ambassadors can help direct you to this room if needed.

Our kids are our next generation of theatergoers, patrons, and artists. We appreciate you making the commitment to the arts in your classroom!
AFTER THE SHOW

Due to the urgency to clear the parking lot and buses in a timely manner following the performance, we are unable to accommodate requests for students to stay and enjoy a sack lunch on our property. If you wish to enjoy lunch at a nearby park, a map and directions to local neighborhood parks where you might be able to enjoy lunch can be found here.

Signing Up for This Field Trip:

Sign Up on the Google Doc, deadline April 21, 2026.

We have reserved 35 seats. If it is full, please sign up on the waitlist. There is always a good chance that someone will need to cancel, or someone will turn up ill, and we do not want to have any empty seats.
If anyone has special needs (wheelchair access, mobility, sensory or any other needs) we need to know about it by April 30th or sooner if possible. You can contact Bonnie personally (805-504-6457, bonnieadair@verizon.net) if you have special needs, and I will inform the coordinator at the Arts Center.

Public Works Day Field Trip 2026
2026-05-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Ventura County Government Center, 800 S. Victoria Avenue, Ventura, 93009, United States
ACHEV activities, events, and field trips are for ACHEV students unless otherwise noted.
What: ” Let’s come together to appreciate the people who keep our county running smoothly!”
Private group tour of the Ventura County Public Works Day Event. Our Group tour will be conducted before this event is open to the public .
“On Tuesday, May 19th, 2026, Ventura County Public Works Agency (VCPWA) will host an engaging and educational Public Works Day event, welcoming community members of all ages to participate. The courtyard between the Hall of Administration and the Hall of Justice and the circular drive will be filled with interactive display booths, including the popular heavy equipment demonstrations and a career exploration booth. VCPWA staff will lead hands-on activity stations that showcase the wide range of services our Agency provides to help keep Ventura County safe and thriving.”
Here’s a short promo video from Public Works Day 2024
Who: ACHEV Members, all ages.
When: Our tour begins at 10:00, please arrive by 9:45 to check in with Jena so that we can be assembled and ready to begin on time.
How Much: Free
Other Details:

Strollers should be fine for most of the area but may be a challenge if they want to go upstairs in the govt center (there are elevators though). Littles of any age are welcome.
Most of the tour is outside so hats/sunscreen, comfortable shoes, etc are encouraged.
Park in lots E or F (not G) see map below. Meet at the fountain where arrows are pointing in map below. Parking was tight last year, so please allow some extra time to be sure you can find a spot and walk to the meeting place by 9:45.
By the time our tour is over, the event will be open to the public, so you are welcome to stay as long as you like until the event ends.

Sign Up by May 11! We need to turn in our final numbers a week in advance.
