We are a group of outdoor guides and teachers who have worked with children for many years. Our experiences have led us to believe that kids can learn and grow tremendously by exploring together in nature.
Our goal is to create a fun and enriching exploring club where kids will learn, build new friendships, and foster positive relationships with nature. All Ramblin' Adventure Club outdoor teachers have been finger printed and background checked, and we are fully insured.
Our goal is to create a fun and enriching exploring club where kids will learn, build new friendships, and foster positive relationships with nature. All Ramblin' Adventure Club outdoor teachers have been finger printed and background checked, and we are fully insured.
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Courtney CastañosRamblin’ Adventure Club Co-Founder, Certified California Naturalist, UCSC Masters in Education & B.A. in Art, California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, Santa Cruz Adventurers Founder
My favorite memories of childhood are of roaming the abandoned fig orchards of Fresno on my Huffy bike with the neighborhood gang. We'd build bike jumps and secret forts, climb trees, catch lizards and toads. Fresno summer were hot but we stayed cool under the trees drinking hose water and having water fights with our Super Soakers and water balloons. In my 20's I read Richard Louv's, "Last Child In The Woods," and learned how kids were so scheduled that they were missing out on time to play, create and explore outside. The impact resulting in higher rates of anxiety and depression in kids broke my heart. I founded Ramblin' with the hope that I could help get kids back outside to play and dream and adventure. |
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Ella BrokawSanta Rosa JC Prospective Nursing Major, Life Guard, CPR/First Aid Certified
I've always loved animals and nature. I remember as a kid one of my favorite things to do was lay in the grass and watch the bees land on flowers. When I got a little older I would go on a lot of overnight camping trips with the school I was part of. I feel like I always learned a lot on those trips. They helped grow my love for nature. I believe that it is very important that kids are exposed to the outdoors and nature to learn about and experience just how amazing our planet is. |
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Emily MeltonDominican University of California B.A. Psychology, Art Minor, Assistant Teacher Forest Friends: Earthwise Education, Scribbles & Giggles Art Teacher, Teaching at Ramblin' since 2024
As a child, my parents always taught me the importance of being in nature and connecting with the natural; now that I'm older, nature is the first place I go to in order to find wonder, joy, and peace. Working with kids creates a similar space of joy and wonder that has always drawn me in. Being able to connect future generations with the beauty and awe found in nature is so beneficial to both the kids, the environment, and myself! It creates such healthy communities and safe spaces for the children, and I am so thrilled to be apart of Ramblin' Adventure Club! |
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Heather Kingsley
UC Davis Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, Santa Cruz Outdoor Science School Counselor, Teaching at Ramblin' since 2016 I have always loved nature, and all the wonders that it holds. As I grew, this became not only a curiosity, but also a passion in my life. Exploring the outdoors and discovering new parts of it has greatly enriched my life, and now I am full-heartedly committed to sharing this with others. Children are remarkably curious and open minded, and I am thrilled to be an aid in this time of exploration. |
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Ian BenedettiUC Santa Cruz B.A Classical Giutar, B.A. Math, Cal Adventures Instructor, Tutor at Marin Tutors, Fusion Academy Math Teacher
Ian graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a double major in mathematics and classical guitar. Over the last ten or so years, he has found himself in various places, employed in various fields, from barista to butcher, counselor to carpenter, mandolin player to... milk pasteurizer?... but always with a passion for teaching! When not outdoors, Ian is a part of several different musical projects and can sometimes be found at nearby indoor rock-climbing establishments, or also at other places where he generally (and genuinely) enjoys life. |
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Iowyn EddlemanAcademy of Art University A.A in Merchandising and Marketing, Sonoma County Chabad Hebrew School Teacher, Pathways L.A Childcare Provider
Since I was four years old, hiking and backpacking with my family have been a central part of my life. Nature has always been a safe space for me, a place where I could retreat when feeling overwhelmed, and find peace and clarity. Growing up surrounded by the outdoors, I came to realize how important it is for children to have time away from screens to explore and connect with the natural world. Nature offers a unique opportunity for imagination, problem-solving, and physical activity, all of which help children grow in mind, body, and spirit. I’m excited to work with the Ramblin’ team and go on many an adventure that will inspire the kids to discover the wonders of the world around them. My goal is to provide a space place where children can explore, get their hands dirty, and be wild in ways that will shape their lives positively—just as the outdoors has shaped mine. |
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Jack PolakisMill Valley Rec. Swim Instructor,
College of Marin Biology, CA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife Volunteer, EMT Certification in Progress Jack has a deep love for fishing, camping, and staying active outdoors. He’s a Red Cross certified water safety instructor and has worked as a swim instructor with children ages 4-12. He also has a love of animals and has interned at the Camino Alto Vet Hospital, as well as, the Canine Rehab Center as a rehab assistant. Jack is currently studying Biology as well as becoming an EMT. Artistic and observant, Jack enjoys drawing nature scenes and brings a calm, attentive presence to working with kids. He understands that each child needs something a little different and is passionate about helping them feel confident, curious, and supported in the outdoors. |
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Kashawna Johnson-BenedictSanta Rosa Junior College Nursing Program, Olivet Elementary School Teaching Assistant, CPR/AED Certified
When I was young my dad had a house in the countryside of Sebastopol. It was separated from my best friend's house by a creek. Some of my favorite memories consist of us playing and exploring the land around our homes. We would build fairy houses and get lost in our imagination until the sun went down. In the commotion of today's present times, I always feel the happiest when I find the time to connect with nature. It's important to slow down and appreciate the world around us. I feel that my passion for this grew from my experiences as a child, and I hope that I can help new generations find the same enthusiasm for the outdoors. |
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Marina BenedettiPortland State B.A. Theater, For The Love Of Comics Camp, Lawerance E. Jones Expeditionary Learning Program Graduate
As a nature lover since birth I try and take every chance I get to head out and explore new things and places. Hiking and observing nature have always been inspiring constants in my life. Every moment so far has felt like an attempt to connect my love of art with my love of science and nature. In my mind, the two are absolutely linked and to understand one can only further your understanding of the other. What I find so rewarding about working with kids is that I can be a model to them and hopefully continue to nourish that exciting spark that comes when exploring the outdoors and learning something new. |
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Nick BischoffAssociation for Environmental and Outdoor Education Northern California Outdoor Educator of the Year 2018, UCSC B.A. in Community Studies, Certified California Naturalist, Certified Wilderness First Responder, Red Cross CPR Certified, Teaching at Ramblin' since 2015
I grew up creek walking, catching lizards behind my elementary school, and mountain biking Marin’s fire roads. These experiences had a huge impact on me growing up and I want to share it with others. I believe it is important to get outside, take some time to explore what is around us, and to connect to this amazing diverse local ecosystem. There are a lot of benefits of having children play outside including, improved creativity, problem solving, and social relations. Every child should have the opportunity to explore the natural world and have the opportunity to connect to place, community, and nature. |
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Orion WiseStudying Environmental Science at Santa Rosa Jr. College, Land Paths Young Stewards Program, Lead Educator Camp Trillium, CPR/First Aid Certified, Teaching at Ramblin' since 2024 I’ve always been an avid naturalist, even as a kid growing up in the old apple orchards of Graton. I’ve only ever lived in places where I had access to wild areas, hiking trails and preserves and as a kid, this exposure to the outdoors really shaped how I think of the world and my place in it. I think nature can teach everyone valuable things and that it’s especially important for kids to have opportunities to explore the wild. The internships that I’ve done with local conservation organizations taught me a lot about stewardship of the land, as well as the work that it actually takes to keep preserves healthy. After working at a nature summer camp, I realized that it’s important to me to be a part of giving kids a positive and educational experience in nature. |
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Ray SumserRhode Island School of Design B.A. Painting, Film/Animation/Video and Belief Systems, Fusion Academy Art Teacher & Wellness Lead
I am a lifelong artist. I play bluegrass mandolin, perform sketch and improv comedy and paint large oil abstractions. I have an enduring love for the hills of Northern California and proudly center my inner five year old in all I do. I take great joy in playing with a group of kids. I relish the opportunity be a ‘big kid’ modeling safety, concern and kindness. Nature is the ultimate teacher, illustrating essential truths and offering an endless playground for imaginative, observant and ever-curious kids. It’s an honor to participate in Ramblin Adventure Club and contribute in a small way to today’s special kids and tomorrow’s amazing adults. |
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Siri GunnarsonUC San Diego B.A. in Human Development, Wilderness First Responder, Coach, Mentor, Facilitator & Trainer, Neurodiverse Family Life Coach
I grew up outdoors in West Marin—on the coast, in the redwoods, and along the creeks. Like your kids, I loved looking under rocks, skipping stones, and connecting with other kids in nature. I believe all children deserve access to time in nature, space to follow their curiosity, to play, and to support each other. I have decades of experience in childcare, nature-based education, and rites of passage work. I’ve seen firsthand the powerful benefits of deep, unstructured time in nature for people of all ages. I’m excited to be part of the Ramblin’ team and look forward to being present with your kids and playing together this summer! |
A huge thank you to all of the wonderful teachers who have supported Ramblin' over the years. Ramblin' would not be the program it is today without all of the hard work, dedication, and love you put into teaching and caring for our students. To see our past teachers and where they have gone on in their careers click the button below: