Children learn by watching others. What those others are doing, and how they are doing it, however, is key. We’ve all learned bad habits growing up that we can probably blame on others. On the flip side, learning from positive role models is vital for our future success. Life skills can be instilled through countless different means. In this guide, families can discover some of those ways locally. It’s no secret that we live in a spectacular corner of the Earth. Being immersed in Monterey County’s scenic beauty is something many pine for, yet many of us take for granted. Learning about the natural world around us is good for our health, especially for developing children, who too often find themselves cooped up inside glued to the screen of whatever devices they may have. Whether they walk, crawl or roll on two wheels, it’s important for young minds to interact with the outdoors. Still, the indoors have a lot to offer—especially the stage. Learning how to act in a large production is not just for entertainment purposes, but it carries through nearly every aspect of life in public. Health doesn’t just apply to the mind and body, but also to bank accounts. Beyond financial literacy, there are many out there working to ensure children of all abilities have equal access to the world. You can learn more about all of these topics in the pages that follow. -Erik Chalhoub COURTESY OF SPECIAL KIDS CONNECT CONTENTS Founder & CEO Bradley Zeve Publisher Erik Cushman Project Editor Erik Chalhoub Editor Sara Rubin Features Editor Dave Faries Art Director/Production Manager Karen Loutzenheiser Contributing Writers and Copy Editors Caitlin Fillmore, Celia Jiménez, Pam Marino, Johanna Miller, Agata Popęda, Katie Rodriguez, Aric Sleeper Graphic Designers Annie Cobb, Lani Headley, Kevin Jewell Advertising Keith Bruecker, Diane Glim, George Kassal Business Development Director Keely Richter Cover Illustration Annie Cobb The Best of Monterey Bay® is published by Milestone Communications, Inc., a California corporation. The entire contents are copyright 2026. No portion may be reproduced. 831394-5656. www.montereycountynow.com. 10 Out in Nature 14 Life’s a Stage 20 Pocketbook Check 24 Teams on the Trails 30 Always Able 34 Summer Camp Listings 8 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® FAMILY 2026-2027 Subscribeto the newsletter: montereycountynow.com/subscribe Go to montereycountynow.com Daily news from our family to yours NEWS • ARTS ENTERTAINMENT FOOD • DRINK CALENDAR Fresh Local News Served Daily
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