Our Summer Teachers

Margot Kandarian

A Los Osos native who loves spending her free time outdoors, Ms. Kandarian is a preschool teacher with Little Wonders at SLOCA. She is wilderness first-aid trained and has experience backpacking and camping all over the west coast. Last summer she solo hiked part of the Pacific Crest Trail in Oregon, and is planning another solo hike on the PCT in Washington this summer.

Jennifer Perneel

For another year, Jennifer and Peter Perneel will be leading the Novel Adventures Camps! They are both beloved teachers who love running these now-famous camps. Peter, a local middle school teacher with a fondness for puzzles and puns, will be leading the older kids' camps. Jennifer, a SLOCA teacher who will never give up her love of children's books, will be running the camp for younger campers.

Peter Perneel

For another year, Jennifer and Peter Perneel will be leading the Novel Adventures Camps! They are both beloved teachers who love running these now-famous camps. Peter, a local middle school teacher with a fondness for puzzles and puns, will be leading the older kids' camps. Jennifer, a SLOCA teacher who will never give up her love of children's books, will be running the camp for younger campers.

Vanessa Veiock

Mrs. Veiock earned degrees in journalism and Spanish, and then earned her master's degree in education while researching the effects of language tracks on student relationships. She ultimately developed a collaborative science curriculum to foster intergroup relationships. After that, she traveled the world to learn from teachers in other countries, and then came back to the states and taught elementary school classes. She is now teaching a popular enrichment class at SLOCA titled "Interdependence" that includes art, storytelling, yoga, and friendly discussions. Clicking on the "link" icon below takes you to her former website, which has more information.

Cade Newman

One of our most popular teachers, Mr. Newman has been teaching UMS English and history at SLOCA for four years, after teaching 15 years in the public school system. A longtime resident on the Central Coast, Cade earned his English degree and masters in education at Cal Poly. He's the advisor of UMS Student Council, and often leads outdoor events like Campertunity.

  • Teacher: Margot Kandarian
    Grades: PreK-8 (students of other ages can be invited; see below)
    Days: Monday-Friday
    Time: 8:30am-12pm
    Location: Various locations (see below)

    Ms. Kandarian will meet the children at a different trailhead every day take them on a hike and teacher them various "survival skills," such as pitching a tent, reading a compass, building a fire, plant identification, and basic safety. Along the way, there will be several little activities and group discussions as well.

    High school students are invited to participate! They should know, though, that there will be younger kids in the group, and they may even be asked to step up as mentors. In any case, this is great training for kids of any age to prepare for camping trips.

    This class is also open for parents who might like to join their child (especially the younger ones) free of charge -- technically, you'd be a chaperone, but you're invited to enjoy the hiking and the wondering along with the kids.

    Email Mike at [email protected] with requests or questions.

  • (CLASS FULL)
    Teacher: Margot Kandarian
    Advisor: Merideth Eades
    Grades: Preschool through 1st grade
    Days: Monday-Friday
    Time: 9am-2pm
    Location: SLOCA

    Fairy Tales open the door to a magical world of wonder. Come join us as we experience together the thrill of slaying a dragon, the heroism of rescuing a beautiful princess, the anticipation of climbing a beanstalk to a giant’s castle, and the rewards of friendship with seven dwarves.

    Created and overseen by our own Merideth Eades, SLOCA's Margot Kandarian will share a variety of fairy tales with the children, and lead them through a wide range of related activities.

  • Teacher: Jennifer Perneel
    Grades: 1-4
    Days: Monday-Thursday
    Time: 8am-1pm
    Location: SLOCA

    Novel Adventures is back! This summer, campers will be testing their super spy sleuth skills while following in the steps of none other than Sherlock Holmes!

    Note: If a student wanted to attend Rock-climbing Camp at The Pad at 1pm, we would be fine with them leaving early (or arriving late). It's possible that transportation could even be arranged.

  • Teacher: Cade Newman
    Grades: 5-12
    Time: 1:30pm-4:30
    Days: Mon-Fri
    Location: Various trailheads

    Five days, five different trails, five different short stories to read and discuss in the shady breeze -- while snacking on snacks, of course.

    Note: We are not able to provide transportations to the trailheads. Students will need to be dropped off and picked up at the various locations, which will be announced well in advance.

  • Teacher: Margot Kandarian
    Advisor: Merideth Eades
    Grades: Preschool through 1st grade (in fall of '19)
    Days: Monday-Friday
    Time: 9am-2pm
    Location: SLOCA

    Fairy Tales open the door to a magical world of wonder. Come join us as we experience together the thrill of slaying a dragon, the heroism of rescuing a beautiful princess, the anticipation of climbing a beanstalk to a giant’s castle, and the rewards of friendship with seven dwarves.

    Created and overseen by our own Merideth Eades, SLOCA's Margot Kandarian will share a variety of fairy tales with the children, and lead them through a wide range of related activities.

  • Teacher: Jennifer Perneel
    Grades: 1-4
    Days: Monday-Thursday
    Time: 8am-1pm
    Location: SLOCA

    Novel Adventures is back! In this 2nd week, campers will enjoy the wonder of mixing literature with adventures. We're still deciding on the exact stories (we have it narrowed down to 3 great options), but we know that the young campers are in for a week of exciting fantasy and adventure.

    NOTE: This is not the same exact camp as last week. There will be different stories and different activities; students are welcome to attend both!

  • Teacher: Peter Perneel
    Grades: 5-8
    Days: Monday-Thursday
    Time: 8am-1pm
    Location: SLOCA

    Novel Adventures is back! In this 2nd week of the summer, campers will take a turn into the world of fantasy as the older campers enjoy adventures like those of Milo and Tock in The Phantom Tollbooth.

    NOTE: This is not the same exact camp as last week. There will be different stories and different activities; students are welcome to attend both!

  • Teacher: Vanessa Veiock
    Grades 5-12
    Days: M-F
    Time: 1pm-4:30pm
    Location: SLOCA

    Taught by SLOCA enrichment teacher, Vanessa Veiock, Sun Trees is a yoga, creativity, and community-building camp that she's led on several occasions in other locations. We're excited that she's bringing it to SLO!

    A more expansive description (with photos) can be found at Ms. Veiock's website: www.wanderasana.com.

$0.00

  • By selecting this option, I give permission for SLOCA to charge my account through SmartTuition.

  • By selecting this option, I acknowledge I will send a check to SLOCA (165 Grand, 93405, write in care of Mike Godsey). The registration will not be complete until we receive the check but we will hold your spot for one week after submitting this form.

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