Every child approaches summer camp with a unique personality and perspective.
As a parent, recognizing your child’s camper type can help you find the best camp fit and set them up for a memorable summer. To get more information on suggested camps and others, check out our Summer Camp Directory.
Here are nine typical summer camper types and the traits that make each one special.
THE ANIMAL LOVER
TRAITS: Enthralled by animals and their care. Will happily spend hours learning about different species or volunteering to help feed and groom animals.
PERFECT CAMP: Animal-focused camps, such as those at zoos, aquariums, or farms.
LOCAL OPTIONS: Camp Sea Lab, Monterey Zoo, Ventana Wildlife Society
THE FREE SPIRIT
TRAITS: Go-with-the-flow personality and loves a mix of everything. Equally happy painting in the morning and kayaking in the afternoon.
PERFECT CAMP: General or traditional camps with diverse activity offerings, allowing them to explore and discover.
LOCAL OPTIONS: All Saints Day School, Chartwell School, City of Monterey Recreation, City of Marina Recreation, Pacific Grove Recreation, Summer at Santa Catalina, Summer at Stevenson
THE CURIOUS SCIENTIST
TRAITS: Loves experimenting, asking questions, and learning how things work. Frequently found observing bugs or conducting DIY experiments.
PERFECT CAMP: STEM-focused camps with science projects, robotics, or space exploration themes.
LOCAL OPTIONS: Chartwell School, Monterey Peninsula College, Monterey Peninsula College Summer Camps, Summer at Santa Catalina, Summer at Stevenson
THE CREATIVE ARTIST
TRAITS: Drawn to self-expression through painting, crafting, acting, or music. They can spend hours working on a project and love to show off their creations
PERFECT CAMP: Art, theater, or music camps where creativity is celebrated.
LOCAL OPTIONS: City of Monterey Recreation, The Dance Center, Monterey Jazz Festival’s Summer Jazz Camp, Monterey Peninsula College Summer Camps, PAC REP Dramatic Arts Camps, Summer at Santa Catalina
THE SPORTY ATHLETE
TRAITS: They are energized by competition and teamwork. Whether it’s soccer, basketball, or swimming, they’re happiest when in motion.
PERFECT CAMP: Sports camps or multi-sport programs designed to build skills and foster teamwork.
LOCAL OPTIONS: Basketball Hoop Jones, Carmel Valley Athletic Club, Chartwell School, City of Monterey Recreation, City of Marina Recreation, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Hidden Hills, Hidden Hills, Justin Russo Golf Academy, Pacific Grove Recreation, Rising Star Gymnastics, Summer at Stevenson
THE LEADER IN TRAINING
TRAITS: Naturally steps into leadership roles and loves organizing others. Often found rallying their friends for a group game or coordinating skits.
PERFECT CAMP: Counselor in training programs that build teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills.
LOCAL OPTIONS: City of Monterey Recreation, Monterey Sports Center
THE SUMMER LEARNER
TRAITS: Loves reading, solving puzzles, and engaging in intellectual challenges. Excited by new ideas and enjoys structured learning even in the summer.
PERFECT CAMP: Camps that include math, writing, debate, or history as part of the activities.
LOCAL OPTIONS: Adventures in Writing, Camp Sea Lab, Chartwell School, MEARTH Summer Day Camp, Monterey State Historic Park/Los Exploradores de Monterey Camp, Monterey Zoo, Summer at Santa Catalina, Summer at Stevenson, Ventana Wildlife Society
THE SPORTY ATHLETE
TRAITS: They are energized by competition and teamwork. Whether it’s soccer, basketball, or swimming, they’re happiest when in motion.
PERFECT CAMP: Sports camps or multi-sport programs designed to build skills and foster teamwork.
LOCAL OPTIONS: Basketball Hoop Jones, Carmel Valley Athletic Club, Chartwell School, City of Monterey Recreation, City of Marina Recreation, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Hidden Hills, Hidden Hills, Justin Russo Golf Academy, Pacific Grove Recreation, Rising Star Gymnastics, Summer at Stevenson
THE QUIET OBSERVER
TRAITS: Prefers smaller groups or solo activities. Enjoys watching and listening rather than diving into the action.
PERFECT CAMP: Camps with various activity options, allowing them to engage at their own pace, like nature camps or creative writing retreats.
LOCAL OPTIONS: Adventures in Writing, Chartwell School, Monterey Zoo
THE SOCIAL BUTTERFLY
TRAITS: Makes friends easily and loves group activities. Always at the center of the action, whether group game or campfire storytelling.
PERFECT CAMP: Camps with lots of team-based activities, games, and a focus on camaraderie.
LOCAL OPTIONS: Carmel Valley Athletic Club, All Saints Day School, Camp Sea Lab, City of Monterey Recreation, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, MEARTH Summer Day Camp, Monterey State Historic Park/Los Exploradores de Monterey, PAC REP Dramatic Arts Camps,
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