Planting the seed of our youth divers
Margo’s journey began with a simple seed planted by her father as she grew up exploring the waters off Cape Cod, Massachusetts. From her father’s fishing boat, she learned how to swim and befriend marine life much larger than herself, nurturing her love for the ocean. Margo’s passion for travel flourished, leading her to live in Grand Cayman for several years.
As a single mom working in the travel industry, she was determined not to leave her kids behind while continuing to explore the world above and below water. “There must be other dive travelers who feel the same way,” she thought. With PADI’s SASY, Seal Team, and Junior Open Water certifications gaining momentum, Margo embraced the idea of kids learning at their own level. These engaging programs created opportunities for parents to return to diving and make new friends.
Margo Peyton sought out PADI 5-Star Dive Resorts willing to create a new type of experience—a week where kids could learn to breathe underwater in a safe, fun environment while enjoying the unique aspects of the island. “Starting with just six families in Curacao in 2000, I began to envision how we could create one-of-a-kind adventures for families worldwide. We added more weeks with carefully planned itineraries every year, allowing six-year-olds and their 60-year-old grandparents to share unforgettable experiences.”
How Did the Dive Industry React?
The dive industry initially responded with skepticism regarding children diving and families participating in a traditionally male-dominated sport. However, together with supportive industry partners, children’s equipment and wetsuits were manufactured by SCUBAPRO, and underwater cameras were made accessible by SeaLife. Dive magazines introduced the concept in print and encouraged families to join in. Divers who had set aside their carefree dive travels after marrying and raising families suddenly had new opportunities to consider. As interest from divers grew, Margo expanded her PADI 5-Star resorts and liveaboards network, prioritizing safety at every turn. She committed to comprehensive PADI training and became a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer and accomplished photographer.
How Has Kids Sea Camp Evolved Over Time?
“I wanted to ensure that in addition to dive training, all our families would take away valuable lessons about the reefs and marine life and how to protect them for future generations.” By incorporating PADI Aware learning materials, scheduling beach clean-ups, and hosting evening talks on topics ranging from lionfish hunting to shark protection, both young and old minds opened up to new perspectives on responsible diving.
We also established the Ocean Wishes Foundation, dedicated to promoting, protecting, and preserving our underwater world for future generations. The foundation sponsors training grants for kids, supports marine life protection efforts, and facilitates reef restoration activities worldwide. Protecting our children’s future — and that of their children’s children—is essential to us.
Additionally, our Kids Sea Camp weeks and Family Dive Adventures have evolved. Our original Kids Sea Campers are over 30 years old, many have kids of their own, and their parents—now empty nesters— may not want to give up the joy and community of traveling this way. Thus, we now offer a variety of “Empty Nester” adventures for adults, while engaging extended family members, including active grandparents, has also become an increasing trend. Alongside our long-time resort partners in the Caribbean, we now provide exotic luxury liveaboards and access to more remote destinations.
What Has Been the Most Unexpected Result?
“I’ve always focused on making each day, week, and year the best possible. I haven’t taken much time to reflect on what these early experiences have meant in the lives of these children over time. Occasionally, however, a seed of an idea, an activity, or a piece of equipment I shared with a young child many years ago manifests in the most remarkable ways.
Recently, while in Grand Cayman with family and friends for my induction into the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame, I felt nostalgic about all the years we ran Kids Sea Camp weeks at Cobalt Coast Resort and Dive Tech. I was compelled to visit and reminisce. While the resort was closed, the dive shop was open, and a young man named Kameron greeted me with a smile. I explained how I spent many years bringing families to that location. He listened politely and then mentioned that he, too, had spent time on the same dock with friends as a young boy. He recalled the groups of kids arriving every summer, although he and his friends often got shooed away when guests were around. I assured him that I would never have sent them away and that I usually brought extra masks, fins, and snorkels to local kids on the dock for them to keep. Kameron continued to smile, and our conversation carried on from there.”I took in this moment, knowing that what I set out to do 25 years ago has had more far-reaching effects than I could have imagined. And, as it usually only happens in movies, Kameron was on the stage with me, as MC and Local Emerging Honoree, when I was inducted the very next night!’
WOW!
With 8,000 youth certifications during hundreds of Kids Sea Camp weeks over the years, there is no stopping Margo. She is an active member of the Women Diver’s Hall of Fame, has received the PADI Lifetime Achievement Award and the DEMA Reaching Out Award, among others. What she values most, however, is seeing the results of her efforts, those simple acts of kindness, smiling right back at
her. One child at a time.
By Carolyn Pascal