Maybe I’m victim of a faltering memory. Summer camp of yore, as I recall, was more along the lines of cabins, the outdoors, mosquitoes—actual camping. Occasionally one might find a week-long session on the fundamentals of golf or baseball, but we were involved in both all summer anyway. A glance at the summer activities in Monterey County reveals how far we’ve progressed. In this guide, parents and children can scan a list of programs that vary from mixed media art to scuba diving to adventures in nature and much more. The stories included provide a snapshot of what to expect from organized activities. In the distant past, it was often said—probably with a bit of truth behind it—that summer camp was merely a way to give parents some peace for a few weeks. But as we learned, the decision on which programs to enter is much more involved and beneficial. Robotics instruction, for example, extends a young person’s ability to work as a member of a group to solve problems. Such camps also prepare students for a future that is certain to be more automated. Meanwhile, cooking classes are not only practical and informative, they also inspire confidence as children learn what they can accomplish. But summer can provide a pause to focus on wellness. While society has made advances, the pressures on young people make mental fitness as important for a sound life as physical fitness. And there is always a place for fun under the sun as students develop skills in sailing or soccer. There is a lot to do, and we hope this guide proves useful. Given all the instruction and activity available for young people in Monterey County now, it’s impossible to take a nostalgic “in my day…” turn. Modern families definitely have it better. -Dave Faries BRENT ALMARIO CONTENTS In the Kitchen 10 Mind Matters 16 Robot Challenge 22 Setting Sail 26 Get Your Kicks 32 Summer Camp Listings 36 Founder & CEO Bradley Zeve Publisher Erik Cushman Editor Sara Rubin Project Editor Dave Faries Art Director/Production Manager Karen Loutzenheiser Contributing Writers and Copy Editors Erik Chalhoub, Caitlin Fillmore, Celia Jiménez, David Schmalz Graphic Designers Alexis Estrada, Lani Headley, Kevin Jewell Advertising Keith Bruecker, Diane Glim, George Kassal Business Development Director Keely Richter Cover Photo Monterey Peninsula Yacht Club summer sailing by Michael Fiala The Best of Monterey Bay® is published by Milestone Communications, Inc., a California corporation. The entire contents are copyright 2024. No portion may be reproduced. 831-394-5656. www.mcweekly.com. 8 The Best of Monterey Bay ® family 2024-2025 SIGN UP TODAY: mcweekly.com/signup DAILY NEWS FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS Arts Culture Food News and More DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX DAILY MCNOW_1-3v_fam24_kpr.indd 1 3/20/24 2:56 PM
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