A woman dressed in historical clothing giving a pottery demonstration to a group of children and adults outside a white building with a sign that reads 'POTTERY.'

Youth Programs

and Group Visits

 School Programs   •   Field Trips   •   Summer Camps  •   Adult Groups 

Types of Youth Programs We Offer

Seal of the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation featuring a circular design with six stylized leaves or arrows and the organization's name around the circle.

School Field Trips

Throughout the year, SBTHP offers guided field trips for classrooms and school groups. Teachers can coordinate:

  • Solo Visits: Focus solely on El Presidio, Casa de la Guerra, or Jimmy’s Oriental Gardens for a more in-depth experience.

  • Dual Visits: Combine a trip to El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park with a visit to the Santa Barbara Historical Museum.

Programs are tailored to align with grade-level curriculum and California History-Social Science Standards.

“Our Communities, Our Stories” — 3rd Grade

SCHOOL-YEAR PROGRAMS

A group of children sitting on the wooden floor inside a church or chapel, listening to an older man with white hair, glasses, and a hat, who is speaking or giving a presentation at a table with a red cloth. The altar in the background features religious statues, candles, and ornate decorations, with painted walls and candle sconces.

This immersive field trip experience for 3rd grade students explores the daily life of diverse communities that lived in the Presidio Neighborhood over time. Through hands-on, student-centered activities, students learn more about themselves and their classmates through a historical lens.

Dates Offered (2025):

  • March 20, 21

  • April 4, 10, 11

Session Times: 9:30–11:30 a.m. and 12:30–2:30 p.m

Program Goals:

  • Explore identity and belonging

  • Foster critical thinking and historical understanding

  • Encourage civic engagement

Guiding Questions:

  • Who were the first people in my community?

  • Why did people move to my community?

  • How has my community changed over time?

  • What issues are important to my community?

  • How can I help my community?

A person holding a Jimny's menu with two illustrated women in traditional Japanese kimonos inside a restaurant. The person is wearing a brown shirt with floral embroidery and a name tag that reads 'Dalexa'.
A woman with gray hair and glasses holding a small goat while a young girl reaches out to pet it at a farm.

“Where We Are From” — 7th Grade

SCHOOL-YEAR PROGRAMS

A group of children sitting on the wooden floor of a church listening to an older man giving a presentation or lecture. The church has colorful, ornate altar decorations with religious statues and paintings in the background.

7TH GRADE

Where We Are From is our  7th grade field trip program that encourages students to think about the histories of migration and immigration in Santa Barbara and how their own personal experiences fit into those histories.

Over the course of a half-day site visit to El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park, students participated in activities that asked them to consider the meanings of home and belonging.

This special field trip includes visits and activities at El Presidio SHP, Jimmy’s Oriental Gardens, and Casa de la Guerra.

The experience lasts approximately 1.5 – 2 hours depending on the experience.

Summer Camps

Adult Groups

SBTHP also welcomes adult and intergenerational groups for guided visits to El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park. Whether you're part of a community organization, club, or educational group, we’re happy to coordinate a visit that shares the layered history of Santa Barbara through engaging, place-based storytelling.

Use the form below to inquire about availability and customize your group’s experience.