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Monterey County Camp Information

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As the premier print and digital resource for families in Monterey County, Monterey Bay Parent is your go-to destination for comprehensive and up-to-date summer camp information. Our extensive camp directory and insightful articles are designed to help you select the perfect camp experience for your child, ensuring a memorable and enriching summer.

Discover the Perfect Camp in Our Extensive Directory

Our carefully curated camp directory features an array of summer camps across Monterey County, catering to a wide range of interests and age groups. Whether your child is passionate about sports, arts, music, science, or outdoor adventures, you’ll find detailed information on camps located in Salinas, Monterey, Seaside, Marina, Pacific Grove, Carmel, and Pebble Beach. Each listing provides essential details to help you make an informed decision, ensuring your child embarks on a summer adventure tailored to their interests.

Expert Articles to Guide Your Summer Camp Journey

In addition to our comprehensive directory, Monterey Bay Parent offers a wealth of articles penned by experts and experienced parents, addressing various aspects of the summer camp experience:

For the most up-to-date information on summer camp for 2025, our March print issue will feature a print directory as well as numerous articles about camp. You’ll be able to read it in print or on our website after March 1.

To learn more about camps, don’t miss the Monterey Bay Parent Summer Fun and Camp Expo at Del Monte Center on March 29. from 10 am-2 pm You’ll be able to chat with camp directors in person to find out what’s available for the coming summer. Plus, there will be activities for kids including face painting, arts & crafts, and giveaways. It’s all free!

Keeping Your Tween or Teen Busy This Summer

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Summer break presents tweens and teens with a valuable opportunity to explore, learn, and grow outside of the traditional classroom setting. By engaging in activities such as volunteering, internships, travel, creative pursuits, sports, and summer classes, teens can make the most out of their summer vacation while gaining valuable experience and skills that will serve them well in the future.

Here are six suggestions for tweens and teens that will fill their summer days with meaningful activities.

VOLUNTEER WORK

Encouraging tweens and teens to volunteer their time for a cause they’re passionate about is not only a fulfilling experience but also helps them develop empathy and social responsibility. Whether it’s volunteering at a local animal shelter, helping out at a community garden, or participating in environmental clean-up initiatives, giving back to the community instills important values while providing hands-on experience and exposure to different perspectives.

CREATIVE PURSUITS

Summer break is the perfect time for tweens and teens to explore their creative interests and talents. Whether it’s writing, painting, photography, music, or theater, engaging in creative pursuits not only nurtures self-expression but also fosters problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and innovation. Encourage your teen to enroll in workshops, join local clubs or online communities, or simply dedicate time each day to pursue their creative passions.

SPORTS AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Staying active and spending time outdoors is essential for both physical and mental well-being. Encourage your teen to participate in sports leagues, outdoor adventures, or recreational activities like hiking, biking, swimming, or rock climbing. Not only do these activities promote physical fitness and teamwork, but they also instill important life skills such as discipline, perseverance, and resilience.

SUMMER CLASSES OR WORKSHOPS

Many schools, community centers, and organizations offer summer classes or workshops covering a wide range of topics, from academic subjects to practical skills and hobbies. Whether it’s learning a new language, mastering coding skills, or exploring culinary arts, these classes provide teens with opportunities for personal and intellectual growth, as well as the chance to meet new friends with similar interests.

COUNSELOR IN TRAINING PROGRAMS

For young teens who are too young to stay home alone but too old for regular camp, a counselor-in-training program may be the perfect solution. The programs are usually offered at a discount from the full camp pricing. Participants help counselors with various activities both hands-on with the children and behind the scenes. It’s excellent experience and may help your tween get a job at a camp once they are old enough for employment.

Encourage your teen to step out of their comfort zone, embrace new challenges, and seize the opportunity to make this summer one they’ll never forget.

Helping Shy Children Thrive at Summer Camp

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Entering into new activities can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience for any child. For those who are naturally shy, the prospect of starting at a new summer camp can feel particularly daunting. As parents, our role becomes pivotal in helping our shy children navigate these transitions with confidence and ease.

Here are some strategies to support your child as they adjust to their new camp:

ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR FEELINGS It’s essential to recognize and validate your child’s emotions. Let them know that feeling nervous or anxious about trying something new is completely normal. Encourage open communication by asking them how they feel about the upcoming activity and assure them that you’re there to support them every step of the way.

GRADUAL EXPOSURE

Start by discussing what the camp experience entails and why it might be enjoyable. Consider visiting the location beforehand or meeting the instructors to familiarize your child with the environment and the people involved. This can help alleviate some of the uncertainty surrounding the activity.

LEAD BY EXAMPLE

Children often look to their parents for cues on how to navigate unfamiliar situations. Demonstrate confidence and positivity about the new activity, even if you have your own apprehensions. Your enthusiasm can be contagious and provide reassurance to your child that they are capable of facing new challenges.

ENCOURAGE SMALL VICTORIES

Celebrate every small achievement along the way. Whether it’s initiating a conversation with a new friend or mastering a new skill, acknowledge your child’s efforts and praise their progress. Positive reinforcement can boost their confidence and motivate them to continue pushing their boundaries.

ROLE-PLAY SCENARIOS

Practice social interactions and problem-solving skills through role-playing. Create scenarios related to the activity, such as introducing themselves to other participants or asking questions during the session. This interactive approach allows your child to build confidence in a safe and supportive environment.

FOSTER PEER CONNECTIONS

Help facilitate friendships by encouraging your child to interact with other participants. Encourage them to find common interests or engage in collaborative activities during the sessions. Building positive relationships with peers can significantly enhance your child’s sense of belonging and enjoyment in the new activity.

FOCUS ON ENJOYMENT OVER PERFORMANCE

Remind your child that the primary goal of participating in the activity is to have fun and learn new things. Encourage them to focus on the experience rather than worrying about meeting certain expectations or achieving perfection. Emphasize that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process and an opportunity for growth.

BE PATIENT AND PERSISTENT

Overcoming shyness and adjusting to new activities takes time and patience. Be supportive and understanding of your child’s progress, regardless of how slow or incremental it may seem. Stay consistent in your encouragement and provide ongoing support as they navigate their way through the new experience.

Helping shy children adjust to new activities requires empathy, patience, and proactive involvement from parents. By creating a supportive environment, acknowledging their feelings, and gradually exposing them to new experiences, we can empower our children to step out of their comfort zones. With our guidance and encouragement, they can develop the confidence and resilience needed to embrace new challenges and enjoy their summer at camp.

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.

How To Get Your Preschooler Excited for Summer Camp

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“Who’s excited about camp?”  

My twin toddlers looked up at me with perplexed expressions on their faces. They had no idea what I was talking about.

Since they were already signed up, I wanted to make sure they had fun.

Here’s how I got them excited about camp:  

  • Go To The Library. Go to the local library with your aspiring camper and check out every video and picture book regarding the topic. You can also look on YouTube for camp videos or songs or stream the videos online through your library. The idea behind this is to create excitement and help them to understand what to expect. You can also talk about your own camp experiences.
  • Hit The Stores. With the camp list in hand, we went to the local mall and shopped for the items. They loved picking out their favorite towel, bathing suit and sunglasses. I even let them buy a new backpack just for camp. While we shopped, we discussed the different activities they will participate in at camps like swimming and sports.
  • Learning About Friendship. When you are at home playing games like Candyland with your kid, talk about things like taking turns and how to have conversations with new kids. You can ask your kid questions like, “What are some things you can talk about with kids your age?” Or ask them, “What are some ways to make new friends?” You can also read books or watch movies about friendship.
  • Play Camp Games. You can play some camp games at home to get them excited and prepared. One common camp game is mini Olympics. You can set up some different types of races like relay races. Another suggestion is to create a scavenger hunt with camp-related items like a backpack and sunglasses. After you are done you can cook up some s’mores.
  • Go Swimming. If your child’s camp offers swimming lessons or free swimming, you will want to take your child swimming beforehand to discuss water safety and to help reinforce that swimming is fun. A lot of kids fear going into the water when they first take swimming lessons, especially when there are tons of kids splashing around. By taking your child swimming before camp starts you will ease some of these anxieties.
  • Schedule A Visit. Most camps will offer an open house or orientation to help your child understand what camp will be like. This is a perfect time for your kid to ask questions and meet counselors or other campers. If possible before camp starts set up a play date with some kids that are going to be at the camp. It will make it easier during drop-off if they recognize some familiar faces.
  • Create A Countdown. My kids love countdowns for holidays like Christmas and vacations. You can keep track of the number of days until camp starts by using a countdown calendar, countdown app or create paper chain links for the number of days until camp starts that you tear off every day. This helps to build excitement and prepare them for when the big day will occur.

Who’s excited about camp?

After I did all of the suggestions with my twins, when I asked the question again, they both jumped up and down with excitement. And when they attended camp they loved it.

Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Parents Magazine, and many other publications. You can find her at Twitter @CherylMaguire05.

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