experiences every year. This summer, a new overnight event for older campers has been added to the lineup. On July 17, Pinecone campers and their families are invited to enjoy a dinner, movie, educational activities and a sleepover inside of the museum. Space is limited for the event, so museum staff encourage families to sign up early. For information and to register, visit pgmuseum.org/camp. California State Parks will also host a series of camps this summer. Sponsored by Monterey State Historic Park Association, “Los Exploradores de Monterey” will be held in downtown Monterey and include two separate day programs dedicated to handson learning and exploration of local history and nature. Campers will visit historical buildings and colorful gardens through activities such as games, toys, crafts, food, songs, dances, nature observation and interactive guided tours. Other experiences include whale watching, ocean exploration, candle making, calligraphy and more. For information, visit parks.ca.gov. Meanwhile, the Salinas Public Library hosts the Natural Science Discovery Camp, which will be headquartered at the El Gabilan Library for a week in July. The Ventana Wildlife Society will teach about local habitats, from the woodlands to the shorelines, for children ages 8-12. For information, visit library.salinas.gov or email theresar@ci.salinas.ca.us. These are just a few of many available outdoor experiences focused on nature, and all have benefits. Murphree says she enjoys seeing how the campers are transformed by the end of their time at camp. “Seeing them shuffle in at the beginning of the week, shy and uneasy, but by the end they’re really happy, running around, they’ve made new friends,” she says. “They learn that they’re safe in these spaces, and that the natural world is always available to them.” WWW.MONTEREYCOUNTYNOW.COM 13 32 SURF RENTALS PROUDLY SERVING OUR COMMUNITY SINCE 1986 Alexa Sorensen - Age 7 When Bill is in town he knows where to shop for all the killer stu ! Sorensen Family CELEBRATING 40 YEARS SERVING OUR COMMUNITY MONTEREY BAY’S LIFESTYLE STORE SINCE 1986 OTB_2-3v_FG26_gk.indd 1 3/19/26 11:00 AM
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