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Monterey Bay Parent » March 2024

Tide Pool Time!

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EDITOR’S NOTE: This article received a Gold Award from Parenting Media Association in the category “Family Fun.” The photography that accompanied the article taken by Dawn Alva, Andrea Breznay, and Beau Jackson also received a Gold Award.

About four years ago, my family discovered tide pooling. A friend describes tide pooling as “a gymnastic rock hopping scientific exploration.” I could not have said it better myself!

Tidepooling in the Monterey Bay is easy, and with just a few essential tips to ensure safety for your kiddos, yourself, and our marine friends, you’ll embark on a journey of discovery that will leave lasting memories for the whole family.

WHERE TO GO

We have miles of rocky shoreline. When the tide goes out, you’ll find the intertidal zone with its rock depressions and holes that trap water and sea animals. There are different zones and each holds different wonders. The zone farthest from the water is perfect for toddlers and those with unsure footing. The lower zones, closer to the water, are great for older kids and adults, as they have slippery and sharp rocks.

WHEN TO GO

The best time to go tidepooling is when the tide is at its lowest, but many do not even know what that means. The tide level is measured in numbers; the bigger the negative number, the better. You can find out when the daily low tides are by checking online. I use National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s tide predictions at tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov. Pro tip: The magic hour for exploring is one hour before a negative tide. Here, you’ll witness the wonders of the pools as they are uncovered.

WHAT  TO BRING

The best part about tidepooling is that you don’t need anything other than a good pair of shoes! Wear closed-toe, gripping athletic shoes or hiking boots. Waterproofing is helpful but optional. Stay away from open-toe water shoes like Crocs or water sandals.

WHAT YOU MIGHT FIND

HERMIT CRABS. Despite their name, hermit crabs are found in groups of a hundred or more and cover the bottom of the high pools. If you watch these quirky creatures, you will see all kinds of interesting personalities and behaviors. The best part? Unlike most sea creatures, these small wonders are safe to pick up. Their pint-sized pincers pose no threat, making them the perfect tide pool find for toddlers.

MONKEYFACE EELS. When you hear shouts of excitement, it is because someone has discovered a monkeyface eel. They love to hide between rocks, adding an element of surprise to your exploration. The thought of an eel makes me squirm, but despite their eel-like appearance, they are a type of fish called a prickleback. When kept moist, these fascinating fish can breathe air and survive out of water for up to 35 hours.

SCULPINS. Look closely, and you’ll notice small fish darting around the pools. These are sculpin fish. We have many types in Monterey Bay. These speedy swimmers can camouflage themselves, a fascinating trait to evade predators.

SEA STARS. The star of the tide pool is the sea star! Little and big kids delight in these beloved inhabitants in different sizes and colors. My daughter’s favorite is the ochre sea star. They are usually large, purple or orange, and have five arms. Because there are so many different types of stars, our treasure hunt includes finding sea stars with different numbers of arms. Be forewarned, there are even sea stars with up to forty. Fun fact: sea stars can regrow their arms if they lose one. But here’s a crucial tip—never take them out of the water. Sea stars need water to breathe; even a moment out of their home can be harmful to them.

ANEMONES. If you get to the lower pools, you will find anemones. These gorgeous creatures are called the flowers of the sea, and for good reason. There are so many types and colors. If you see them when sunny and submerged in water, they can appear big, bright, colorful, and almost glowing. They can even live out of water, so watch your step! Out of the water, the big ones appear dark green and drooping, but the small ones look like small, dark green circles. Now, here is the tricky question: Can we touch them? Anemones sting fish to catch their dinner, but most anemones are not large enough to sting us. If you gently touch a few tentacles, you will feel a sea flower hug as they wrap around your finger.

There are many more amazing plants and animals in our Monterey Bay pools. Please remember, as you set out on your marine adventure, that we are the protectors of the ocean. Embrace this magical place while instilling the importance of the ocean and how to protect our friends in it. Tidepooling isn’t just for kids. Unleash your inner child as you clamber over rocks, feeling the ocean breeze and sea salt on your face. Always prioritize safety, but get out there and have FUN!

To learn more about tidepooling in Monterey Bay, check out this story and video from our Adventures With Archie blogger, Beau Jackson.

Camping With Your Family

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Whether tent camping, RVing it, glamping, or something in between, there is no better way to connect with your children. Slowing down, unplugging, and being present while out in nature are gifts to gain that will keep giving.

As avid campers and adventure enthusiasts before becoming parents, my husband and I knew we wanted to explore the great outdoors with our children. With trial and error, we found a routine that worked for us and helped us make the most wonderful memories in nature. I encourage every family to try camping, no matter your experience level. Whether tent camping, RVing it, glamping, or something in between, there is no better way to connect with your children. Slowing down, unplugging, and being present are gifts that keep giving. You will never regret getting out there and trying it, even if the best part is laughing at the unpredictability of camping with kids.

PLANNING

My most significant piece of advice is to plan. Camping has always been a summertime family favorite, but with its boost in popularity during the pandemic, reservations have become more and more difficult to make. Most national parks open their booking six months in advance, and they fill up rather quickly. If anyone in your family has special needs, make sure the accommodations are appropriate, as most campgrounds have handicapped spaces available. At the beginning of the year, my husband and I sit down, look at our full-year calendar, decide where we want to go, and set reminders on our phones for when we need to make online reservations. Sometimes, we get exactly what we want, and sometimes, we have to improvise, and those adventures usually turn out to be our favorites.

WHAT TO PACK

Once you have your reservations, it’s time to start your packing list. With our first baby, we waited until she was eight months old and brought everything but the kitchen sink. We soon found that most of the things we brought were unnecessary. Our second baby was camping at six weeks old, and we were much more confident in our preparation. Check the weather and temperature for your destination to pack your clothing items accurately.

Children play games with sticks, rocks, and things they find at the campsite. So, we have a designated box of camping toys. That way, they only see these toys a couple of times a year, and it’s fun every time. Some of their favorites light up at night. Think of things that only take up a little space, but the whole family can enjoy: frisbee, paddleball, board games, cards, soccer, shovels, buckets, etc. We also love to bring markers and coloring books. My exceptions to this rule are books and stuffed animals. My kids bring their books and stuffed animals because those are their favorite comfort items. Our kids have had a great time picking out their sleeping bags, flashlights, and camping chairs. It also gives them a sense of responsibility and that they are participating in the camping setup. My advice for setting up your camping experience is to get started as soon as you arrive. That way, you know where everything is in the daylight.

Regarding food, we always make a menu ahead of time. Snacks are free for all, but the main meals are planned. We don’t veer far from our usual diet, so the kids have few surprises, and everybody gets the fuel they need for all the activities. Like the special toys, I add a couple of “camping only” treats that the kids look forward to. Using their regular lunch boxes makes packing for the day’s excursion simple. Also, even if your kiddos are no longer in diapers, wipes are worth their weight in gold when you are camping with little ones.

CAMPING GEAR

Everyone’s needs are different when it comes to gear. Do you like to sleep on air mattresses or pads? Do you like to hike with backpacks or strollers? There are no correct answers; customize your experience based on your preferences. Every parent needs a fully stocked first aid kit while camping. I also recommend headlamps for adults because nothing beats hands-free lighting when walking back and forth to the bathroom. Research the attractions near your campsite ahead of time. Will there be swimming? Camping by a lake or river is one of the best ways to enjoy camping with kids. Swimming all day makes for happy and healthy kids who get a good night’s sleep. Make sure to start the conversation about water safety now.

ACTIVITIES

You can search for kid-friendly hikes, ranger talks, and sightseeing, but also keep some time open for letting the kids lead the way. You’ll be surprised what they can come up with! One of our favorite camping traditions is the “rainbow scavenger hunt.” Help your child find a natural item for each rainbow color for this activity. This is a great time to identify plants we don’t touch. For example, poison oak is red at certain times of the year. A pocket-sized field guide can come in handy for this activity. When all your items are found, bring them to a picnic table and create a rainbow. This can start so many wonderful conversations with your kiddos. Is this item the same color all year round? Do animals use this item for shelter? After a warm meal, you can put on some layers and sit around the fire. Traditional s’mores are always fun, or you can put all the ingredients in an ice cream cone wrapped in tin foil and warmed on the fire for a less messy option.

Star gazing is one of our favorite things to do to wrap up the evening. When we are home, we are usually indoors before it gets dark, so we seize the opportunity while camping to soak up the beauty of the night sky. It is truly breathtaking to look up at the sky with no light pollution and appreciate the vastness of the universe with your children. Talk about the constellations with your kids before your trip. Bring a laminated constellation map if they seem interested. Who can find the Big Dipper? This really helps bring perspective to my husband and me after what can sometimes seem like a merry-go-round of work, school drop-offs, laundry, and life. Meanwhile, the kids are practicing their planet identification skills.

COMFORTS OF HOME

There is a lot of fun during the day, but as soon as the sun sets, my kids need comfort from home. For that reason, we keep our bedtime routine as close to normal as possible. A portable white noise machine and night light (both USB rechargeable) have been our favorite nighttime items for the kids. We have found that rechargeable items are much easier to use than battery powered. Batteries are one more thing to lose or forget. Just make sure you have a full charge before you leave home, and if you need to recharge, you can use your car or external battery.

No matter our destination, our camping trips have become some of our most precious memories. We always come home happier, less stressed, and more connected. We also come home dirty, tired, and with lots of laundry, so always give yourself some extra time to land comfortably at home. Camping truly is for every person, every ability, and every family.

KAYLA MYERS is a veterinary technician, freelance writer, nature enthusiast and mother of two adventurous toddlers. Kayla was born and raised on the peninsula and currently resides in beautiful Carmel Valley with her husband, children and menagerie of four legged friends.

Is Your Child Ready for Overnight Camp?

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My husband and I met as summer camp counselors at Camp Quien Sabe in Toro Park. He was a counselor to the oldest campers in the WE (work experience) program, and I was a counselor to the youngest campers. We have been married for 17 years and have two sons of our own. For us, overnight summer camp will always be important.

But is your camper ready for summer camp? How will it benefit them, how do you help make it the best experience possible, and how will you choose a camp?

Benefits of Overnight Camp

Former Camp Quien Sabe director, Susie Klinefelter, shared some benefits of an overnight camp experience.

  • Campers will make friends, which can build into lifelong friendships. Kids will share an important sense of belonging with their group and will bond through their new memories and experiences.
  • Overnight camp is a great opportunity for kids to spend time in nature and get off their screens. They will learn about local flora and fauna, see animals, get fresh air, and exercise.
  • Campers will learn important skills at camp. These are varied based on the type of summer camp you choose for your child but can include skills such as building fires, cooking outdoors, and hiking safely. Learning new skills helps build confidence and a sense of accomplishment.

How to Ensure a Happy Camper

Once you’ve decided that overnight camp is for you, you want to make sure your camper has a positive experience away from home.  Klinefelter suggests that children practice sleepovers at friends’ or family member’s houses before trying an overnight camp. She emphasizes, “Sleepaway camp should generally not be the child’s first time away from home.”

  • Consider sending a comforting item with them that might help ease possible homesickness, such as a stuffed animal, blanket, or family picture.
  • Some camps also offer camp visits or virtual tours prior to the camp experience, so check to see if that is an option if you think that will ease some pre-camp jitters.
  • To help your camper stay organized and lessen stress, pack together so your child knows where everything is. Consider using individual bags for each outfit.

Central and Northern California OVERNIGHT CAMPS

  • CAMP QUIEN SABE is offered through the City of Monterey and is held at the Toro Regional Park Youth Overnight Area. The camp is over 70 years old, and campers will enjoy swimming in the pool, canoeing in the lake, and sleeping under the stars. Campers ages 7–11 enjoy the regular camp experience, which includes hiking the trails of Toro Park, arts and crafts, and nightly campfire activities. The Environmental Team experience is for 12-year-olds, and the Work Experience program is for campers ages 13–15.
  • CAMP OCEAN PINES is an inclusive summer camp in Cambria that was established in 1946. It strives to “accept every child for who they are and help them grow into who they want to be.” Campers stay in an enclosed cabin and have access to 50 different activities from tie-dyeing to kayaking to archery. Teens ages 16–17 can check out the Teen Leadership Program, focused on building skills needed in college, internships, and future jobs.
  • STEVENSON SUMMER CAMP offers many many diverse summer experiences for grade levels kindergarten through 12 at their Carmel and Pebble Beach locations. This camp has been providing memorable experiences for campers since the 1970s. Specifically, the Camp at Pebble Beach offers day camp and residential camp experiences for grades 5–8. Campers will be challenged academically and beyond with STEM workshops and art projects. There are also outdoor activities and field trips available.
  • CAMP NATOMA has been offering campers in grades 1–11 a rustic camp experience in the Adelaida mountains west of Paso Robles since 1941. Camp Natoma prides itself in providing a quality and safe experience for all campers, which includes archery, drama, geocaching, and more. Campers swim daily and enjoy an interactive campfire experience nightly
  • SUMMER AT SANTA CATALINA offers day and overnight camp experiences for girls ages 8–14 at their campus in Monterey. Girls will get to choose their own schedule with classes ranging from cooking, STEM, and arts and crafts. Campers are also given leadership opportunities at all ages, and the Catalina CREW (Confident Resourceful Empowered Women) begins in grade 9.
  • KENNOLYN CAMPS has been offering camp experiences in various locations, including their Santa Cruz camp. Children in grades 1–12 have access to various activities, including horse and animal care, diving, guitar, and LEGO building. Campers will sleep in cabins surrounding the Town Square area in a 450-acre area in the Redwood forest.

Q & A With Local Monterey-Area Camp Directors

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Gain some inside info from our question and answer session with three experienced local camp directors.

Did you attend camp as a child? If so, what was your favorite part?

AA I attended an overnight camp a couple of times. My favorite part was the same that I hear from our campers: the camp community!

KC Yes! Summer camp was always a highlight! I have fond memories of building Rube Goldberg machines and spending most of my summer days playing sports from sunrise to sunset. Camp allowed me to try new things, gain confidence, and build friendships.

MT I attended our Playground Program during the summer and enjoyed all the sports and outdoor games.

What is the role of a camp director in a nutshell?

AA Facilitate everything that goes into creating a memorable and meaningful camper experience and provide opportunities for girls to try new things, grow within themselves, and, of course, have fun.

KC Create a vibrant and inclusive camp culture, uphold safety standards, and provide support to staff members. They’re also involved in communication with parents, community outreach, and budget management. Ultimately, they play a crucial role in shaping the camp’s mission, fostering a supportive environment, and facilitating memorable experiences for all.

What should parents/guardians think about most when choosing a camp?

AA Camp philosophy and values, inclusion and diversity practices, safety measures, programming, communication protocol, facilities, registration flexibility, and lastly, camper independence and personal growth.

KC Camp values, safety, diverse and inclusive programming, as well as a friendly and welcoming environment.

Pros and cons of trying new camps versus sticking with old favorites?

AA New camps offer campers the opportunity to meet new friends and try new activities. Familiar camps let campers build on existing friendships and relive favorite traditions.

KC New camps provide an opportunity for fresh experiences, diverse activities, and the chance to meet new friends. New camps encourage campers to step out of their comfort zones, foster personal growth, and expose them to a broader range of interests. Potential downsides include the uncertainty of the camp experience, adjustment challenges, and the risk of not meeting expectations.

MT New camps mean new experiences that allow a child to discover different interests but could cause some anxiety. Old favorites provide consistency, comfort, and confidence.

What recommendations would you make for a first-time camper? For others?

AA Support your child no matter what they are feeling—nervous, excited, or both—by asking questions and modeling curiosity. Ask: “What sounds like an activity you will enjoy?” “What is something you are wondering about?” “I wonder what you will get to try?”

KC Have an open and positive conversation with the child about what to expect. Discuss the fun activities, new friends, and the supportive staff to alleviate any concerns.

MT Definitely prepare your child beforehand and be supportive. Open communication with the staff is key.

For a shyer child

AA It’s important to understand that every child has different social needs, and these needs can change over time. In the all-girls community of Summer at Santa Catalina, we intentionally design our camp days to encourage connection across interests and age groups.

KC Encourage participation in smaller group activities initially to help build comfort and connections.

MT Prepare your child and be supportive as well as communicative to the staff. Shyer children need to be eased into activities. Finding a friend who they can connect with helps.

For a more active kid

AA Look for a camp with adventurous activities and the ability to try something new. Our campers love picking their own classes—taking a marine biology class, ceramics, sports, and dance, all in one day!

KC Choose camps that offer a variety of high-energy and physically engaging activities to keep the child stimulated and excited throughout the camp day!

MT Make sure that the program fits offering more things outdoors and a variety of activities with smooth transitions.

For an artsy little one

AA Summer at Santa Catalina offers a wide variety of visual and performing arts activities starting at age 7, and our musical theater program is open to campers ages 8–14.

KC Ensure the camp environment is supportive of self-expression, allowing the child to embrace and showcase their creative side.

MT There should be a variety of activities that allow the child to express themselves and be creative while also getting them to come out of their comfort zone and explore something new.

For an older child

AA Look for camps that offer leadership opportunities. Our goal is for campers to identify their own leadership strengths and styles while building inner resources to grow from conflict and failure.

KC Consider camps with specialized programs that align with their specific interests, whether leadership, adventure, or academic pursuits. Encourage your child to actively engage with peers through games, team-building, and shared experiences.

MT Definitely look for ways that your child can gain leadership skills while still having fun.

JESSICA THIBAULT is a communications/events professional and Monterey Public Library Friends & Foundation board member. She leads the 2023 Monterey Military Babies group, is a trained Mothers and Babies Program facilitator, and is an RRCA-certified running coach.

Wild About California Wildflowers

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Every year in late winter/early spring, Californians discuss the possibility of a superbloom. Will we see a profusion of gorgeous wild colors on the hills and in the fields of our state this year? In some years, the wildflowers have been so abundant that they were visible from space. Will 2024 be one of those years?

During a superbloom, hillsides, meadows, and even desolate desert landscapes burst to life with an explosion of color as countless wildflowers bloom simultaneously. From the iconic California poppy to lupines, goldfields, and beyond, the variety of flowers in bloom is as diverse as the state itself.

The truth is that no one knows when a superbloom will occur. An actual superbloom is rare based on various factors, including rainfall patterns and temperature fluctuations. A superbloom needs an exceptional combination of factors—such as ample rainfall followed by periods of warm weather—to create the perfect conditions for wildflowers to flourish.

The experts at DesertBloom aren’t predicting a superbloom but say, “The influence of Hurricane Hilary in August 2023, which brought substantial rain and flooding to Southern California desert regions, has set the stage for potential floral abundance.”

The best times to see wildflowers in California can vary depending on the region and prevailing weather conditions, particularly rainfall patterns. However, there are some general guidelines to consider when planning a wildflower-viewing trip:

Spring (March to May) is typically the prime wildflower season in California, especially in regions with plentiful winter rains. March and April are peak months for many areas, with hillsides and meadows bursting with colorful blooms.

Coastal areas and lower elevations often see wildflowers earlier in the season, while higher elevations and desert regions may peak later in April or May. Desert wildflowers, such as those found in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park or Joshua Tree National Park, often bloom earlier in the year, starting as early as early March in some years. Peak bloom in desert regions typically occurs in March or early April, but it can vary depending on temperature and rainfall.

Coastal regions, like Point Reyes National Seashore or Big Sur, experience wildflowers blooming later in the spring. Cool, moist conditions support diverse coastal wildflowers, with peak bloom occurring from March through May.

In mountainous regions, such as the Sierra Nevada or the San Gabriel Mountains, wildflowers bloom later in the season as snowmelt feeds streams and creates lush meadows. Peak bloom in these areas typically occurs from May to July, with alpine flowers like lupines and paintbrushes dotting the landscape.

In some areas, especially those with cooler climates or later rains, wildflowers may continue to bloom into late spring or early summer. Additionally, certain species, such as California poppies, can bloom intermittently throughout the summer in response to favorable conditions.

Regardless of whether or not this year brings an official superbloom, plan to pack your camera, lace up your hiking boots, and embark on an adventure amidst California’s wildflowers!

Therapy and Support Resources for Children With Special Needs in Monterey County

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Once a child receives a medical diagnosis of a disability, a new chapter of parenting and advocating begins: seeking out and starting therapy programs and supportive services. Parents often encounter unexpected roadblocks: Programs are full and not taking on new clients, available appointments do not align with your schedule, there are long wait times, they are out of network, and thus, out of pocket (and often very expensive). Sometimes your child’s disability does not qualify for services with your insurance coverage, even though the therapies would benefit them.

These barriers are very difficult emotionally, financially, physically, and mentally. It’s taxing and frustrating to get your hopes up and find services that can benefit your child, just to hit a roadblock or realize it isn’t feasible in your schedule or finances. Give yourself grace without guilt and realize these answers and services may not be immediate. A mother with two young children with autism spectrum disorder describes her years-long journey of obtaining a diagnosis and parenting as “harder than I ever anticipated and expected.”

Tips on finding resources for therapies and supportive services:

DISTRICT EVALUATIONS THROUGH YOUR SCHOOL DISTRICT

The US Department of Education is responsible for enforcing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and protects the rights of every child to receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE). “The IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education, and related services to more than 7.5 million (as of school year 2020–21) eligible infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities. Infants and toddlers, from birth through age 2, with disabilities and their families receive early intervention services under IDEA Part C. Children and youth ages 3 through 21 receive special education and related services under IDEA Part B,” the US Department of Education explains.

Your child is entitled to an assessment for services, so reach out to your school district to book an appointment. This is the first step to see if a child should receive related services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, accommodations 504s, and IEPs.

SAN ANDREAS REGIONAL CENTER (SARC)

San Andreas Regional Center is a community-based, private nonprofit corporation funded by the State of California to serve people with developmental disabilities and their families who reside in Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz, and Santa Clara counties.

They provide a plethora of services, some of which include client/parent support/behavior intervention training, day care services, durable medical equipment, home health support, and out-of-house respite services. Eligible conditions include intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, and a “fifth condition” (see website for more details). To apply for services, view a detailed list of services and descriptions, and schedule an intake interview, visit sanandreasregional.org.

Figuring out what services, supports, and therapies your child needs is a challenging roller coaster of emotions, often filled with obstacles outside of our control.

Take one step at a time, one appointment at a time, and recognize those are steps forward in a long journey ahead and never underestimate the hard work you are devoting to help and advocate for your child.

Parenting OC