Registration is now open for Los Niños de Monterey, the summer day camp that California State Parks runs for kids entering grades 3 through 6. Dates for this year’s two Monday-through-Friday sessions are June 12-16 and June 19-23.

The program will be held at the Pacific House and the Memory Garden and led by State Parks Guide Callista Turner, who also manages the educational programs during the regular school year. Activities include hands-on period crafts, games, and toys, plus tours of other historic sites in Monterey. The children are transported back to the early 1800s, dressing in period attire, enjoying songs and dances of early California, preparing and eating special foods, and even learning some Spanish vocabulary. Each session, which is limited to just 16 boys and girls, concludes with a “fandango” where day campers get to showcase what they’ve learned and share the keepsakes they’ve made with family and friends.

Cost per child for the entire week is $145, payable by check, and is due at least two weeks in advance. Scholarships are available for families that demonstrate need. Applications are available online (click on School Programs - Los Niños) or at the Custom House Store. Applications can be mailed in or dropped off in person to the Custom House Store or the MSHP office next to Pacific House.