Kids Sea Camp Family Dive Adventures for Curacao
All itineraries point to Curacao Their vacations were set, it was a go Kids Sea Camp bound, all full of hope But some remain on the ground, trying to cope After all families were finally here- All fears disappeared as we had Nolo to guide us with our gear. We learned to paint fish on a board Using dots as art, to bring all in accord Yet-Rotten Ronnie continues to wave his paintbrush as if it were a sword The kids were dropped at the Sea Aquarium to learn & play While all the divers were aboard the Curacao Star with Brian & Remy that day. The currents were swift, full of corals, turtles & fish Another great day of diving, leaves on in a tranquil state of bliss. The next day was dolphins kissing kids & swimming with rays While the next dive site was Mushroom Forest that is known as a beautiful maze. From cookouts ,to lookouts, to movies & more The kids have a good time enjoying the shore. New “Seals”, “Sasys” & “Open Waters” there are friends for sure gathered from afar Cheers to all & here’s to a good wreck May next year bring us back for another sneak peek! By: HOLT ROBINSON, DAWN MARIE & CAMBELLK Kids having fun I Interesting facts picked up along the way, D Dreadfully unhealthy snacks, S Snorkeling & swimming all day. S Stunning beaches & clear water, E Eating hamburgers & fries, A Always having fun! C Could we ask for more? A Amazingly – no! M Margo, many thanks P Painting creative sea creatures with Rogest a blast! By: DANIELE SINNIGER
TO THE SEA with GRANDPA & KIDS Off to Curacao with Grandpa & 6 kids, Grandma in tow keeping watch over all. Action abounds between sea Camp & the water It was a challenge they all conquered while having a ball. Jumping in the water, learning about the sea’ Diving with sea creatures, & “I’ve got to be me” For me a book, Grandpa the sea, & for both the stories of the kids & the sights that they see. It’s been a perfect time with the grand-kids for Grandpa & me By: PHYLLIS SALTZGABER
There was a man from down under Who spoke with vigor & great thunder, He was passionate about dots, The kids from Sea Camp loved him lots, That’s why they call Ron the world’s 8th wonder! By: MATT WHETTON
Brian was kissed by a seal He didn’t have that much appeal He was scared half to death By the smell of its breath A residue of its last meal In Texas our weather was damp So we came to Margo’s Sea Camp Kids diving fish pools Parents dive too-that rules We suspect this vacations a champ. In art camp the lessons used dots From Ronnie of kidding was lots From dolphin & coral He oft found a moral & taught it to teens, youngsters & tots Brian, he put on a tank Into the blue sea, he sank To make friends with the critters & never need sitters At Sea Camp the whole staff we thank! By: JOHN & BARBARA COOMBS
VIBRANT CURACAO Rugged desert coastlines Azure colored waters Children learning, laughing Adults pursuing their passion Friendly people everywhere Breezy sunny days Kids kissing dolphins Divers spotting yellow stingrays Kids Sea Camp Nolo’s Ocean Encounters Dive guides & instructors A blessing to mothers & fathers Ronnie, artist, comedian A bouquet of flowers He & Curacao A pallet of vibrant colors By: LISA GIBERSON
THE TALE OF ANWACO July’s filled with adventure for three Under the blue Curacao sea Little pleasures make me feel alive I watch my kids do their 1st ocean dive Can’t-miss the sparkle of excitement in their eyes A parrotfish, double dotted damsels, dolphins & bubbles that rise Racing from boat to class to shore the fun never ends Only builds with a passion for their new found friends Happily embracing all that is new & thrilled at the prospect of KSC year two! By: ANNE COCHRAN
Sitting on the bus Waiting for fish to smile at us We’ve had so much fun here Maybe we’ll be back next year! Kids can now dive It’s great to be alive By: KARIN SINNIGER
I WANT TO BE AN ART STAR I’m through with standing in line for dives I’ll never get in. It’s like the bottom of the pool & I’m never gonna win. Life hasn’t turned out quite the way I want it to be. I want a brand new boat on an episode of Cribs & a bathroom I can play baseball in. & a king-sized tub big enough for 10 plus me. I need a credit card that has no limit & a big bad gym with a bedroom in it. I’m gonna fly my jet at 37,000 feet I want a new travel bus filled with new art in it. A star on Hollywood Boulevard Somewhere between Margo & Nolo is fine with me I’m gonna treat this life with fortune & fame I’ll even cut my hair 7 change my name Cause we all just want to be a dot art star To live in Royal resorts & driving 15 boats The kids are impressed easy & the diving comes cheap While I stay skinny cause I just won’t eat & we’ll hang out at the coolest sites & of course, we’ll be with the movie stars Every new gold digger is gonna end up there & every playboy bunny with her bleach blond hair Hey Hey I want to be an Art Star Hey Hey I want to be a Dot-Stick Art Star (NICKELBACK TIM & ALEX HILL & AMY GAUNT)
Boogie Board with Dolphins Boogie boarding is really cool Especially when the Dolphins are pushing you. Their noses touch my feet so soft Their strength carried me across The water rushed cold against my skin I really loved playing with my new friend By: ALEX BLUTH
As I step in the ice cold water I saw the dolphins race up to us all I step into the water with all my gear & feel the smooth texture of their glistening skin It was so cool, we saw all the fish Then it was time for boogie boarding It was the best time of my life By: SAMMIE BLUTH
Like fish from distant oceans We gathered in schools; curious we seek to teach our fry- To share in the wonder that is the sea. We learn our colors from nudibranchs & sponges- We learn to count with the octopus & starfish From the seals, we feel the warmth & love that a hug & a kiss brings. The Dolphins teach us form & grace & how to work as a team. This short semester has made a lasting impression on us, & left us with something priceless-friends By: BARRY BLUTH
There was a young boy named Zebedee Who took to Kids Sea Camp his teddy Teddy wanted to dive Zebbie said “you’re just five” I don’t think we are quite ready. By: The Wakely Family
There was a young man from Boston Who had 3 children but lost ‘em He went diving one day & saw a stingray & his kids came out of his bottom! By: ZEBEDEE WAKELY
There was a young man named Rogest Who was Kids Sea Camp’s special guest He painted with dots Which the kids loved lots & the parents thought he was the best By: DAVE WAKELY
Smiles in the sunshine Inviting friendships to last a lifetime Amazing seaside adventures Breaths were taken safely underwater Jewels in the sand Sweet smells of ocean breezes Imagination takes us away Anemonies flourish amongst the coral Barracuda lure in dark shadows. Jellyfish effortlessly glide with the ocean tide Smashing waves crash against the rocks Intense starlight lightens the black night All asleep above & below Believing in the possibilities tomorrow brings Journeys which elevate the soul. By: JEN BLUTH
Sunrise; sons sleep Hot gold sun; warm blonde sons. Beating sun; swimming sons. Sun setting; sons fading. Sun down sons down By: CONNIE WARASILA
World spins thru the nite Morning comes we pick our site What will today’s pleasure be? Shark, seahorse, eel? It matters not, sun, salt air, boat ride R as good to me. Today no dive, but Willemstad quite the delight Vayanara smiles so brightly A Grolsh bucket to go! That’s right, Tomorrow we leave, an afternoon flight Forget it soon? Not quite By: PETER WARASILA
It had been a long year to July 07 Back to Curacao, was like a return to heaven. The diving was great, the water a bit icey The sealife seemed different because the currents were dicey. Our Divemasters great, both Remy & Bram Teaching us to read currents, now that was the bomb. The warning was made clear, however, beware of the calm, To the Producer, we went, all ready for a show. A change of plan was made necessary, to waters slower, To Saba, we went, but little did we know Instead of calm waters, we were in for quite a go, We entered the water to see puffers, eels & the elusive pudding wife. Once the current did catch us we had the dive of our life. From Divemaster to Novice, or resort diver in school, The current that day reminds us all, The seas are still Neptunes to rule. By: BRYON & MICHELE TINGLE
WHAT IT IS I once met a man in Curacao who asked me to paint a fish I tried & I tried as hard as I could to grant this man his wish I explained to him from the very start That my efforts probably wouldn’t end in art He started me out with a blob of paint But what I created, art it ain’t A dab here, a dab there He worked his magic everywhere To my surprise & probably his We made this creation “what it is”. By: Scuba DAD
CURACAO & KIDS SEA CAMP: A GLIMPSE OF HEAVEN I discovered Curacao & Kids Sea Camp in 2002 Sierra, like her dad, fell in love with the ocean so blue, We returned again in 2003 For we just had to again, be so near the sea. In 2004, I brought the whole family of four, What a wonderful time, not one minute a bore. In 2205 the kids & I did not dive, In 2006 Rylee & I truly needed a fix So we visited Roatan & were surrounded by bliss. So here we are in 2007, I can’t help but feel, that we are rehearsing for heaven. 2008, Margo, just tell me where & the date! By: GEORGE GARDNER
KSC KSC We’re having a total ball KSC KSC It’s the best fun of all KSC KSC We love it very much But how we really wish that we could speak Dutch. KSC KSC The staff have been just swell KSC KSC They’ve taught us, so well KSC KCS The kids have learned to dive & now I come to notice we have all survived! KSC KSC The sun has shone each day KCS KCS The wind blew us away KCS KCS We’ve all been thinking dots & now we want to very THANK-YOU lots & lots By: CATHERINE WAKELY(she sang this)
Sixteen kids, six days, some would say a recipe for disaster And after Sunday morning, many of the teachers were thinking The week couldn’t go faster But after yelling & screaming & throwing 3 in the shark pen We shaped & trained 16 wonderfully behaved kids. We molded our fingers & fed sharks food. We painted pictures with some crazy energetic dud Sea lions kissed us & we had a pizza movie night I wouldn’t show the movie jaws & to the kids that wasn’t right. The teenagers joined us & we told them our song was hip But it seemed some would rather watch paint chip But the Sasy & Seal kids were at their craziest Everyday arriving at their coolest & zaniest Dr. Quin with his dance moves & the many songs he would sing Kenny G with his love of lemon sharks & their sharp fangs. We had ourselves a pirate named Zebedee & a quiet little girl in his footsteps named Holly. Katie & Courtney became two close cats We even had a tall redhead named Mac Susanne & Jordan decided to come back for another year & we had plenty of peanuts waiting, for Morgan here We had some kids with a few allergies Russian Mark with his bread & Sam with his dairy We had an adventurer named Hayden who gave us a scare & his brave brother Kelin who would probably pet a bear Andrew brought out the spiked hair on Wednesday night & now 6 days later I’m not sure if I say Let’s name right & now it is Friday& thank goodness we all survived Especially Elise, Femi, Joanne Steve & I We had so much fun & enjoyed every day Your kids were really awesome in every single way Thank you so much for trusting us with your kids Come back to Curacao we would love to see you again By: NATHAN
KIDS SEA CAMP: LEVEL FIVE The four fine groups of this academy, Do not complete its full anatomy, There is a fifth, for your information, Having much to do with transformation. It’s one of Kids Sea Camps secret features, That some kids actually become sea creatures, Indeed, there’s a bit of magic about Which the finest kids can’t do without: Out in the channel, they begin to wish, That each will become a beautiful fish, An admixture of love, joy & passion, Reshape their forms in amazing fashion: Pluma, chromis, palometa, snapper Tarpon, basslet, tang, wrasse, hind or grouper: Into these, & more, they metamorphose, & dazzle themselves in colorful shows. The teachers don’t mind, they’re all fish themselves, & spend their time in watery delves, & parents? Well, they’re unaware of this tack, For, by sundown, most kids-most- have changed back. So, keep your eye peeled, in seeking a thrill, Look closely around, you might see a gill. By: DWIGHT BROOKS
PARADISE FOUND There is a place not far away’ A bit of paradise, called Curacao. & on this Isle, you cannot go astray, With friends from Ocean Encounters to guide the way Nolo the wise one sets the tone for the day, Chris the pirate, lets you know it’s time to play. There is Rogest, the Artist, dabbling in paints, Adrian & Mar with the patience of saints. Without Margo & Joanie, where would we be? Certainly not diving in an ocean or sea. Respect for the ocean, & life-changing ways, Will stay with our children, all of their days. We thank-you for a week of memories & fun A family vacation that cannot be outdone! By: the DURINGER FAMILY
Up with the sun I’m diving with Mum! Where is my buddy? I do not know! Oh, is that her sinking to the depths below? Ocean Encounters to the rescue- Thank goodness for Brum He says to stay at 40 feet max! Oh thank goodness now I can relax! What did we see? A lemon, a nurse, a ray, not me! But the following creatures we observed in the sea Fishes, coral, & eels galore Seahorses, squid & so much more! & where is Kenneth? With Ron of course- You know he doesn’t just paint While swimming in the pool we learned he’s a saint. His patience with kids is beyond compare His smile, & laughter show that he truly does care. Kids Sea Camp is almost done What will we do next to equal the fun? By: MISSY GILL
Please take a magical journey with me overland & into the sea Through the magical waters of the ocean floor Into enchanted depths none but we explore Deep within our aquatic forest Time will be still though only for us Look for a wrasse or squirrelfish as they gather A seahorse, turtle or tang if you’d rather Butterflyfish, parrotfish, & damsel galore Dazzle our senses & we’re eager for more Nudibranch, shrimp & such tiny things or the flight of a squid on translucent wings The oceans mystery our eyes reveal A giant coral caressed by an eel. An ancient wreck from a time long past Transformed by the sea it’s beauty surpasses We will drift & watch the sun rays glisten with the sea’s magic, we will be christened Beautiful creatures in blue waters so vast A blossoming passion to protect & make last. The oceans mysteries have brought us together Eternally there we shall stay forever. For our souls now enlightened must stay Our hearts joined with the ocean this day. The ocean’s given us haven & shelter Given us a time where real-time won’t falter A place where we only can be who we are and learn of our world from a sea star. Till we return from the enchanted ocean floor Out of the magical depths we got to explore Down the beach & from beyond the blue sea From the magic journey taken with me We are back where time is time again As the shore disappears around the bend Till the day when you again grasp my hand So together we’ll return to our magical land By: DEANNA BERNSTEIN
A poet I’m not But I’ve got to jot Down some words about Sea Camp What can I say We’ve had some great days Having spent most of them thoroughly damp By: DAVE WAKELY
Why Can’t Fish Swim Backwards Why do flamingos drink upside down With a smile & then with a frown Why don’t dolphins sleep Half their brain is always awake Half-shut down, dormant & deep Why are barracudas so misunderstood They look so scary But they are just seeing who’s in the neighborhood Why do parrot fish spend their nights in a bubble They hide from predators & keep out of trouble Can dots of color form a scene A seahorse, a fish All red, yellow & green Can a child accept our answers to questions they ask O do they keep asking & keep us on task By: RENEE ROBERTS
When we go home to Arizona We’ll miss the cool ocean breeze When we’re sweating in the desert We’ll miss being by the sea When we’re stomping on the scorpions We’ll miss swimming with the fish When we’re swimming in the pool For scuba diving we will wish When we go back to school We’ll miss the Seal Team Compared to all we’ve done here How boring it will seem! So next week when we’re in Phoenix And it hits one hundred ten We’ll wonder why we live there Instead of this coo heaven! By: TERI JONES
Our trip to Curacao was grand, A quiet ocean & warm sand To jumping dolphins galore We only wish to have more. Too much water from diving A day on the beach we were striving We found a pirate & his treasure, This trip was quite a pleasure. We celebrate the year ewe were free, We watched fireworks over the sea. The kids were kissed by a sea lion, From wave to wave the fish were fly’n. The Sea Aquarium was very cool, We watched the sharks swim in their pool. Our week at Kids Sea camp was a blast, Our memories here will forever last. By: the SHILL Family
I go swimming in the sea I really hope nobody pees Look there are fishies all around me I really want some iced tea The feeling I love is to be free Won’t you come with me To Kids Sea Camp next year and divers we will be By: Scuba Dad
You say, Rotten Ronnie, I, pardon, some say scrawny Ronnie I say hold your seahorses, I’ve seen him in action Children respond with positive reaction! He paints with a smile Children swarm around all the while The Sea Camp children are his canvas Did I mention he’s a painter of dots? People make journeys to his spot! A few say Ronnie’s paintings bring them bliss, Sadly, Ronnie’s dots put the masses into divers narcosis! By: KEN GILL
From here to there From there to here Kids Sea Camp is everywhere Mask & snorkel, wetsuit & fins Lotion, sunburn, bites on our shins No matter. We love it, we’re having a ball Kids Sea camp is the best of all!! By: CATHERINE WAKELY
I go in the ocean to see The creatures beneath the sea, Sometimes I pee To set myself free, So if you see yellow water around me You better flee!! By: HARRIET SMITH
THE CURACAO KIDS SEA CAMP SONG We are here at Kids Sea Camp Kids Sea Camp Kids Sea Camp We’re gonna have lots of fun Kids Sea Camp Curacao Swimming, splashing Everyday Everyday Everyday Sea Lion kiss & Dolphin swim Kids Sea Camp Curacao Learning, laughing, meeting friends Meeting friends Meeting friends Blowing bubbles, seeing fish Kids Sea Camp Curacao Parents diving on the boat, On the boat On the boat Fun for all the family Kids Sea Camp Curacao!!!!! By: Monica Ambrosi
Poem By Kids Sea Camp Teachers Sunday morning 5 teachers arrived, a little tired Ready for the worst, 30 kids extremely wired But tons of devil children would not be the case Rather 12 little angels ready for the saltwater taste Ok, ok angels might not be the right word How about.. after saying 3 times, we’re all on board. Little ones, big ones & a few from Breezes A few learning to swim & a teacher with weird sneezes Mia’s busted chin & Sloan’s perfectly spiked hair Kiela & Ayden swimming with stingrays when at first they wouldn’t dare Baylee’s golden locks & Emily’s texas twang Neither little girl was to be afraid of the dolphins fangs Cody earned a nickname,very appropriate, it was shark bait Veronica wanted to know about sea lions, until mammal day she couldn’t wait Benni joined us late, it seemed diving was not her style She came over to learn nurse shark facts from Kalah’s paper pile We had a fearless young snorkeler named Maia the brave And a returner named Jason, who remembered all from past Kids Camp days We learned a bit of Dutch & Papia Mentu too Some boys overcame their fear of gills & Baylee learned some new moves But Sea Camp is over, it must come to an end Luckily no kids had to be thrown in the shark pen Thank you parents for trusting us with your kids We had a great time we hope to see you again
KIDS SEA CAMP Sounds in the distance from kids as they play Metal tanks clanging from across the way The rustle of palms in the wind never stops A cooling breeze fights the sun till it drops Turquoise waters lap at white coral sand A tiny crab lifts it’s claws & makes his stand Little lizards dart about like little lizards do Little boys chase the as long as they’re in view Faces from around the world mingle here Drawn by the sea that we long to be near Busy lives challenge us to not lose sight Of the wonders around us day & night Whether viewing new worlds beneath the swells Splashing in the surf or collecting shells The sea connects us all in some special way And our kids show it now even as they play By WEGRYN
KIDS SEA CAMP 2 Like a very funny moment That suffers from retelling These musings of paradise Won’t be nearly compelling But how can simple words Ever hope to describe The soothing sound of trade winds As they rustle through the palms? And what prose might one compose That would ever stand a chance Of painting the water color That is seen from boat & beach? Or the thrill of a first dive? Or the wonder of the reef? The smile of kids playing Or a sunset while you eat? And what of all the moments That happened through the week? When you tasted salt water Because Christian said it’s sweet? When you swam with a school of fish? Or watched an octopus retreat? And how can one forget the time When Kees fell off the boat? No, these words won’t have much hope Of even slightly conveying, or partially portraying All the wonderful new memories That we have from Kids Sea Camp By the WEGRYNS
KIDS SEA CAMP 2007 Could just be a slice of heaven When Kees made the dive bell ring, We would all give the dive gear a fling, Over the side of the dive boat we did drop On the way to Mushroom Forest our eyes would pop. All the lovely creatures great & small Our fearless Dive Masters (Kees, Guillermo, Chris) showed us all. U-boat & other tales from Chris, fact or fiction? Doesn’t really matter, they showed us some action. Our junior divers who knew nothing became certified Thanks to guidance from instructors who deserve to be sanctified. They pushed & led & prodded each one to study Then master the skills to dive with a buddy. Our smallest ones too were treated with care Their interest in marine life gave them wide eyed stares. They learned to snorkel, swim& fin Then said lets go back next year & do it again. Most important of all, you brought our families together For vacation on an island with beautiful weather. So lets aim for 2008 Because I know Margo’s Sea Camp will certainly be great! By NEIL BRYSON
With apologies to Master Card Swim lessons for a 7 year old who can’t swim Cost- I don’t want to know Yearly condos at various ski mountains Cost-don’t ask, don’t tell Kids Sea Camp- Grand Cayman Cost- I may never retire Junior Open Water Certification – Kids Sea Camp-Curacao Cost -I will never be able to retire Boarding a terrain park rail & diving on Scuba with your grandson Priceless! By CJ WARSO
Bon Bini One week to an island called Curacao, by U-boat we came, ask Chris how. 5 adorable water bugs called Kiera, Aydeen, Maia, Baylee, & Emily- Little Sasy’s in more ways than one Our enthusiasm abounds as we jump up & down Next to the Seals, although I think fish be more like it. 3 be boys Cody, Jason, & Sloan, 3 be girls, Mia , Karah & Veronica You have taken your first step in the world of corals of color. The Juniors astound with their prowess deep down, may yards Our Jonathan & Sylvia, Blair & Stephen & to Adrian, Chantal, & Sherman Our thanks for 4 C-cards The 4 Teens of Robbir, Erin, Ben & Abigail As they chase fish around, their specialties abound. Lest we forget 2 Dolphin trainers, Stephanie & Jennifer Blend science & showmanship for memories forever. We have studied & splashed, kissed dolphins & partied We found good treasure & new friends & memories forever This new adventure will continue as we swim, dive, play May we always remember this special Graduation day By Carol Warso
Every Morning we dropped off our kids With the crew of Kids Sea Camp They took them away & had lots of fun & eventually brought them back They had fun in the sun & played with Dolphins Pelicans & sea lions too They learned how to snorkel & learned how to scuba Our thanks to the Kids Sea Camp crew Christian, Kees Lionel & Robbie Took the old folks out to dive Christian , Kees Lionel & Robbie Brought all the old folks back alive We saw lots of fish & beautiful coral Some tugboats & the wreck of the Superior We dove a sight called Mushroom Forest That makes most other dive sites inferior Kees finished that night by falling off the boat A secret I’m sure he’d like to keep Perhaps they will name a dive site in his honor They could call it the site Dive Masters Leap We had a grand time, one we’ll never forget Many thanks to Kids Sea Camp Curacao Thanks to Margo, the Resort, & to Ocean Encounters Sadly our vacation is all over now But the memories will never end By Scott Kattenbaugh
Early last Saturday, we all flew away To dive & swim & play all day. Seeing old friends, & making some new Including the crazy folks on the crew Margo’s in charge , Chris tells tall tales Kees with his fall, Nolo knows sales. Divers on board, wrestling with gear Watermelon refreshes, but it can’t beat cold beer. Small boats & big made beautiful wrecks, Sea horses, lobsters, eels by the peck. Hard & soft coral, “shroons on the sea floor Trumpetfish, parrotfish, trunk fish galore. As the non-diver, my schedule was full With shopping, snorkeling, sleeping by the pool. Some days I couldn’t even finish a book I hardly had time for a Sea Quariam look. Sea Camp is great! Couldn’t ask for more! Drop the kids off-dive from boat or shore. Somehow the kids whiled away the hours. Wait! Sea Camp is theirs, not ours?!? Artwork & games, barking like seals, Flamingos & shark jaws, big moray eels. They learned about coral & fish of the sea From Nathan, Joann, Alisa & Femi Then, on Tuesday, the biggest surprise of them all: Dolphins to push kids, the big & the small. They gave kids sweet kisses, accepted big hugs The kids swam around them like small water bugs. Now we come to the close of a wonderful stay Filled with lots of adventures, day after day. So we say goodbye, but only for now To Kids Sea Camp-Curacao By David, Joe, Carol, Sharon & Mark Danks & Mara Harrell
With Apologies to Pink Floyd’s Another Brick in the Wall Part 2 We don’t need no decompression We have buoyancy control PADI Masters in the classroom Teach us not to dive alone. Hey! Juniors-leave those fish alone All in all it’s another great dive on the wall Having a ball, another Junior on the wall. We have seen some new crustaceans Dolphin kisses & lots more Kids Sea Camp in Curacao To us, the wonders of diving have been shown Hey, Juniors leave that coral alone! By Sylvia Ellins
A Curacao Haiku Curacao waters Unbelievable beauty Always to return By Amy Adair
Oh to be like a fish under the sea & have a new dive buddy, Stephen to go scuba with me. By Stephen Panosian
In Curacao is Kids Sea Camp, Where all of our kids go, Parents spend the mornings, Diving, no deco. Kids swim with dolphins & turtles, In the protected bay, Parents dive with sharks & eels, To test survival skills that day. The week is over much too fast, It’s almost time to go, We can’t wait for the hot bus trip, & custom lines that move so slow. Thanks to Ocean Encounters & Christopher, For memories & good times, & to Margo & her crew, for having us do this rhyme. By Cathy Kaltenbaugh
T’was the eve of Kids Sea Camp when all through the resort, The urchins were stirring, those in their rooms & them in the port. The dive gear was laid in the locker with care, in hopes that Margo soon would be there. The divers were anxious with kids off to bed, With visions of seahorses stuck in their head. Orientation was first from Chris & his team, Away to Ocean Encounters & the boat…Am I in a dream? We boarded the vessel my ears were all clear, There were plenty of tanks but not one single beer. With a hint of an accent, good humor & wit We knew in a minute Masters Jeremiah & Kees would soon be a hit. Swifter than anchors divers were deep in the hole, & when they ascended the dive masters took a role. On board, Roy & Norma, Don & Kelly are here, On Joe, On Cathie everyone ready, start switching your gear. There’s Wendy & Mike, on Scott & on Pam, Not everyone yet, there’s more if we can. On John & Sam, On Barbara & Josh Have we left someone out there? Not likely but oh my gosh! Lana is coming but getting on late, Travis is here so it wasn’t a play date. Julies not on board, she’s feeling a bit cruddy, But Karl’s okay cause Bruce is his buddy. We’re all on deck grab hold before you fall, Captain off again, off again to the next reef wall. Dive after dive so much marine life to be aware, The parents are playing with their children in good care. The end of the week will come quickly now, Sea Camp Curacao staff, stand up.. Please take a bow. By Karl Guaardsmoe
Here’s my poem short & sweet One I’m sure just might be beat. Of sun, sand, surf & fun, We all are wondering when it’s begun. & as the days grow to a close, I sit here & start to compose. For if it were not for Margo here, All we’d do is sit in the sun & drink beer. But instead, the kids come to learn & play, While Mom & Dad dive the day away. The kids are learning sea life galore, & return telling stories never to bore. The time to go is drawing near, & having to go is what the kids fear. Mom & dad say “we’ll come back to dive another day” With sun, sand, surf & tots, We offer Margo a big “thanks a lot” By Scuba Mom & Dad
My Vacation Wish If I had one wish for a vacation I would take my family to a tropical destination Where the sun is bright, The breeze is right, & we are immersed in the sights & sounds of another nation. Where my kids would learn to love the sea & enjoy it’s wonders just like me. Where dolphins become friends & we see through a lens That adventure in life is the key. It would be a place where family matters most Where memories are made & laughter flows. Where you don’t have to take a chance To steal a moment of romance & I am inspired to poetry & prose. I have found such a location, This tropical destination, It is Margo’s dream fulfilled, & it is more than it’s billed Kids Sea Camp is my wish for the ultimate family vacation. By Travis Rice
Fresh salt air Fresh salt air Algae in my hair Smelly dive gear Ears that won’t clear Sea lion kiss that smells like fish 6 months of Sea camp would be my wish Beautiful fish in every bay Sunny & breezy day after day A seahorse, a turtle, a puffer, 2 cow So many sights that make you say wow Waves that crash & lull me to sleep 7:30 bedtime without a peep Dolphin chatter, sea lion roar Is next week open? We’re ready for more! By VanDyke
I must go down to Curacao again I must go down to Curacao again To the lonely sea & the sky & all I ask is a dive boat & Ocean Encounters to steer her by & the wheels kick & the winds sing & the small waves breaking & all the waterlife around me Oh how my body is shaking By The divemasters Jeremy & Kees
Coral are red Oceans are blue Our kids are in Kids Sea camp, We wish we were too! By Norma Twyman
We flew to see Curacao’s beautiful blue waters Bringing our dive gear& our two daughters. This poem did not start with the usual red roses, But by mid-week we all had sunny red noses. We met a dive master who’s name was Jeremiah Who helped me whenever I said “where am I ah?” He & Kees showed us a big boat that was sunk It was a great treasure & not a piece of junk. On the very same day we saw a big green eel, Both daughters were kissed by a big black seal. Each day of Sea camp for our girls was a blast, Too bad the week went by so incredibly fast. And now at the end there is but one last thing to do, That is thank Margo & all the Sea Camp crew! By Roy Twyman
Paige & Jenna went to Sea Camp The joy in their faces The look in their eyes Was beyond any expressions That Mom & dad could surmise. They learned how to snorkel & they made new friends But most of all they made Memories that would never end So the only thing left to say is Wow, we had a wonderful day!! Everyday!! By Cathie Solcani
It’s Kids Sea Camp at Curacao 2007 For our daughter & us, it’s a little like heaven Swimming with dolphins & hunting for gold Diving along coral reefs of colors so bold Smiles on kids faces, laughter in the air Each day brings new stories at dinner we share Alas, we must leave, but we just can’t wait For Kids Sea Camp at Curacao, 2008 By Julie Guaardsmoe
As I sit here in my “coveted chair” by the sea, I listen to the wind & watch the swaying palm tree I think about this unforgettable trip & I don’t want my mind to slip So I may always remember these wonderful days By Scuba Mom
We took the red eye out from L.A. So we were a little weary on that first Saturday After sleeping for 12 hours we awoke with a shout & ready to see what Kids Sea Camp was all about. We had a great time, even when Christian stopped by, his eyes full of glee, & proudly announced “ I need you to write a little poem for me” The diving left us filled with wonder, can we do it again soon, We will be left to ponder Especially the dive to Mushroom Forest, which left us wanting for more But the ride back was a little rough , with Mike asleep on the floor. Then one day after a day of diving, I went to the pool looking for a chair I thought I found a good one until Carl called out “don’t try it” Because all of Lana’s things were there. When we head back to work next week, we will be rather blue But I am so proud of my girls, who are not afraid to try something new By Scott Brooks
Sea Camp Papiamento Bon dia click dolphins each day at first light Bon nochi roar sea lions on our walk home each night Danki to Brohm, Jeremiah, & Kees for showing us Turtles eels & rays Te otro biaha to our new diving friends May your families blow bubbles with smiles that don’t end Nathan- the pied piper- you are hopi bon If Sea Camp could spare you we’d take you home To Margo, the greatest, who treats us so dear We say wak bo otra ana or see you next year. By Josh Van Dyke
An Ode to Our Instructors:
You have all been so kind & increased the sea knowledge in my mind I’d like to thank-you but I can’t find The appropriate words to let you know how blind My adoration for your patience & time So the best way is for me to mime ( I love u) & stop babbling on with this terrible rhyme. By Scuba dadI’d like to think of at least 50 thank-yous a day Thanking God for all my blessings in everyway So here are some thank-yous I have from this week. First thank-you for Margo & all she has done In making Kids Sea camp so much fun. Thanks for the counselors for keeping our kids safe at school You are friendly, patient, & I hear “very cool” Thanks for the dive staff you are so nice You took us neat places & showed us awesome sights Thanks for all the friends we have met We hope to see you all again At the next Sea Camp & thanks for Michael who started diving Because I know in his heart He would rather be biking & for my kids whom I love with all my heart & the smiles on their faces Which I know won’t soon part By Wendy Hand
It’s time to get started on my poem There’s not much time before we have to go home Diving with you guys was a blast But it felt like the week went by too fast. At Sea Camp our kids had great fun & they were kissed by a sea lion that weighed a ton. Ill never forget the bus ride when I passed out, & my wife stood up & let out a shout. But it’s sure nice to travel with a personal EMS crew, Especially after a day of diving & being hit by a canoe. So thanks a lot for helping me & spending some time together under the sea. I’m happy that I made so many friends, & I’m happier that I didn’t get the bends. So enjoy your family & your flight home, Because this is the end of my poem By Michael Hand
We work & we toil Hoping someday to make it to foreign soil. But where , oh where Parents want to go here & the kids want to go there. We search high & low But still unsure of where to go. Alas it is found & we are Kids Sea Camp bound Will it be all that we hope & dream? That is something that remains to be seen. Well the time has finally come & I believe we are all in need of some fun. We love the sand We love the heat The staff at Kids Sea Camp can’t be beat The diving is wonderful But friends & family will never believe Who shed the most tears when it is time to leave. By Pam Brooks
