ABOUT OUR FOUNDER

Hello! I’m Mr. Johnson!

I hold a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and a Single Subject Credential in Physical Education, along with a Master’s degree in Global Education, where I focused on researching various educational models and their benefits. For the past eight years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching all grades K-5, gaining valuable experience in how children learn and grow.

I founded Whale Adventures to provide kids with consistent opportunities to connect with nature. Beyond my own observations of the profound impact outdoor experiences have on children, extensive research also emphasizes the importance of active engagement in nature. Since 2020, I’ve been running this program in various locations across Southern California, creating exciting adventures that allow children to explore the outdoors, build friendships, and develop a deeper appreciation for the world around them.

Outside of teaching, I love to surf, hike, run, camp—pretty much anything that gets me outdoors! My passion for nature fuels my commitment to helping kids experience the same joy and benefits of the natural world.

WHALE stands for Wholesome, Hands-on, Active Learning Education, reflecting our commitment to providing children with immersive, nature-based experiences that promote growth, exploration, and a lifelong love of the outdoors. To my friends, I’m affectionately known as Dale the Whale, which inspired the name of our program and embodies the fun, adventurous spirit we aim to share with every child.

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TESTIMONIALS

  • The experience we had with Mr. Johnson organizing these hikes was amazing. It was wonderful to see a teacher so involved and dedicated to his students, showing them that nature walks can be both fun and educational. My son and I loved it—he was always excited to know he’d be spending the weekend with his teacher and friends. It was great talking with other parents and seeing the kids connect during the hikes. They were excited about the next adventure and eager to plan the next get-together. I really wish I had a teacher who organized activities like this when I was in school! It’s clear how much Mr. Johnson cares for the kids and wants to show them experiences that go beyond the classroom. We were even lucky enough to see a horse on the trail! The owner let the kids pet it and shared a bit about the horse—it was such an exciting experience for everyone. If you’re planning to join, make sure to wear hiking shoes (or old shoes) since you’ll be walking through some mud and creeks. It’s a lot of fun, and seeing my son enjoy it makes it even better!

    — Vanessa R

  • My family and I have gone on two nature hikes with Mr. Johnson, and both experiences were fantastic! Without even realizing it, the kids were learning important lessons in team building, accountability, and responsibility—all while exploring and having fun. Mr. Johnson pointed out a poison oak plant and explained how to identify and avoid it, showing his knowledge and responsibility. My husband and I truly appreciate how dedicated he is to interacting with and teaching our kids, while also giving them the space to be kids and enjoy the experience.

    — Eileen C

  • Mr. Johnson was my son's 5th grade teacher and always organized weekend hikes. Everyone calls him the fun teacher at school because his passion for educating kids and supporting their success truly shines through. He’s also a trusted outdoor educator. Don’t hesitate to join Whale Adventures LLC and get your child outdoors!

    — Jackie V