Tom Peyton

Paul Zanelli: Diving back into life

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Special needs, Handicapped divers, Kids Sea Camp, Assisted diving, Family Dive Adventures, Scuba Diving, Kids Sea Camp, Kids and scuba

Diving, no matter what

I am Paul Zanelli, a volunteer fireman and EMT for over 35 years, a husband, father, and now an amputee. I had spent 33 days confined to a hospital bed after crushing my right foot during a home project.

A tough morning

When I opened my eyes the morning of December 23, 2016, minus a leg. Looking up at the hospital room TV to see a one-legged superstar running a Spartan race. It was as if God were trying to show me a new world of possibilities. Christmas was spent in the hospital with my family and friends. So many people came to visit, and as much joy as that brought me, it was hard to see the pain and sorrow in their eyes. I was out of pain! Thinking to myself, I did not need them to feel sorry for me. So I became determined to stay strong and lead a normal life.

I came home from the hospital on December 27 with equal measures of hope and fear. One of the first people to reach out to me was Margo Peyton, owner of Kids Sea Camp, and her call was the start of a new and wonderful relationship with her, my family, and diving.

The KSC solution

I met Margo and her husband, Tom Peyton, the year before at Kids Sea Camp (KSC) in Roatan, Honduras. It had been a dream come true for us. Cindy Zanelli and I were avid divers for over a decade, but after having children, dive trips were replaced with Disney and water parks.

We stumbled upon KSC when the kids turned 10 and wanted to dive too. In Roatan, we dove and made friends with other adults, while the kids were getting certified and making friends of their own. It felt great for all of us to finally be diving together. We planned to dive, which is a big part of our lives, and had booked another KSC trip for Spring Break 2017 in Dominica, at the Fort Young Hotel and Buddy Dive Dominica.

While lying in the hospital bed in December, the doctors told me there was no way that I would be diving in April. It was only 4 months away, so I sadly told my wife to cancel our family vacation, and in perfect Cindy form, she said NO!

We are going diving

Keeping that trip scheduled was one of the best decisions ever. The Zanelli family needed this trip. I wanted to show my kids (and myself) that life would be as good or better than before. And what made it all come together was this unexpected call from Margo. She had been following my story on Facebook, with lots of love and prayers throughout.

Margo called to tell me she had made all the arrangements for me with a handicap room, an HSA instructor, some big, strong dive guides to help me in and out of the water, and anything else I could possibly need to make this work. She even arranged the land excursions that ensured no far walks for me or a path where I could be driven to the top of the fort or waterfalls. To top it all off,  she even purchased me a Sub Gravity underwater scooter through her not-for-profit foundation, Oceanwishes.org.

Margo the problem solver

The scooter was small, compact, and easy to use. It could be used with one or two arms. The scooter provided assistance diving if I got tired, and was a whole lot of fun. Margo loves challenges and is one of the most loving people I have ever met. She proudly proclaimed, “Paul, we got this!” and with that, launched me into getting back in shape and continuing to plan our dream dive trip to Dominica.

Margo and I connected in NJ at the Beneath the Sea Dive Show in March. She was elated to see me walking with my new prosthetic leg and introduced me to ‘Dive Heart’ to get neutrally buoyant fins to fit my new foot. I was excited about the Scuba Pro fins and meeting some great people who were already doing what I was still dreaming about.

Diving in Dominica

We arrived in Dominica just 4 months after my surgery. I was walking on my new prosthetic, carrying the underwater scooter, and a swim prosthetic (Aqua Leg) strapped to my backpack. Fort Young Hotel was beautiful and located right on the water, with our room overlooking the ocean. Buddy Dive was ready and waiting for me. I spent the first full day trying out my new Aqua leg, learning to use my new dive gear, and getting comfortable diving. Niels, who runs Buddy Dive, was ready to assist in any way, so  I jumped in for a checkout dive off the dock.  That was the greatest feeling in the world, my friends. I cannot describe the freedom and joy I felt getting back in the water and descending to depth, and diving again. After my awesome check-out dive, it was game on!

I had my family around me, and that family now included the Whites and the Peyton’s. The Zanelli family just got bigger. We were so fortunate to have the friends we met last year in Roatan, Jay & Lisa White, and their boys, reconnect with us in Dominica. They brought an extra scooter and a shared passion for hunting Lionfish. Cindy, Lisa, and Margo were focusing on underwater photography, and the kids were scootering around together and having a blast. Life was great again!

‘We Got This’ mentality.

Buddy Dive in Dominica accommodates every level of diver, and it was easy for the kids and me. We enjoyed diving with adults on our own boats in the mornings, then diving as a family in the afternoons. We had fun looking for Sperm whales, and I even jumped off the top of the Buddy Express boat with all the kids! Abby and JAZ took a digital photo class with Margo and shot some amazing underwater images. We ate fresh Lionfish fritters and ceviche each night.

Margo and Tom always put safety first, and that made our trip stress-free. It was just what my soul needed, and all made possible by Next Step Orthopedics and Kids Sea Camp’s ‘We Got This’ mentality.

It was hard to say goodbye, but we are busy planning our next KSC trip to Belize next March! The Zanelli family will be back in the water!

Story by Paul Zanelli, father, husband, diver, EMT, fireman, and all-around inspirational human being. See Paul’s profile in Sport Diver.

Wakatobi poems 2017

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Poems from the Kids Sea Camp at Wakatobi

Here are poems from the 2017 Kids Sea Camp week from the week at Wakatobi resort. 

(Sung to “My Favorite Things”)

Unknown author

Black-banded sea kraits and large tiger cowries.

Leaf fish and stonefish that scoot cross the floor seas.

Whip coral.
Gobis and yellow jawfish smiles for all,
These creatures dive traveled the miles,
Schooling black snapper and Chromis wearing jammies,
Bubble coral shrimp and anemone fish families,
Hawksbills and spotted rays that fly if, on wings, these are a few of my favorite things,
When the dive ends,
when its surface time,
when we need a break,
I can’t wait to go back to the restaurant resort to eat what the staff has baked,
Pancit and dragon fruit and fresh tuna poke,
Josh Comay’s photo tips,
our, kids singing karaoke,
sarong tying lessons and a village tour stop,
Kids Sea Camp, Wakatobi really does rock.
So if you’re thinking about a family trip and really want to dive,

Ask Margo and Tom about Wakatobi resort for an adventure to come alive.

KSC Wakatobi
By Joe Abad Santos
When you go diving in Wakatobi many feet below.
Did you check your dive tank and your buoyancy?
Get your dive mask so you can see?
We’ve got the best dive crew and made some new friends,
what else would I need?
Did you see the cool cuttlefish,
that ever elusive cuttlefish,
Diving in Wakatobi
We went exploring the reefs every day, 
3 boats dive per day,
Tiger flatworms nudibranchs, spotted rays,
nemo clownfish and a shark that swam away
So many creatures so weird and so cool,
what else did you see?
Did you see that seahorse, 
that tiny pygmy seahorse diving in Wakatobi?
Here at Kids Sea Camp, 
kids learn how to dive with friends from near and far.
Adventures and great food are guaranteed.
Margo and Tom in-charge of all that you’ll need.
You won’t have any worries,
you will have a blast,
Oh, when can I come back?
To the best diving for trip adventures of a lifetime.
Diving at Kids Sea Camp!

Kids Sea Camp news: Poetry recount!

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Poetry Recount!

A formal request for a recount comes the day after the annual poetry contest in St. Lucia.

Dateline: Columbia, South Carolina, Kids Sea Camp offices

In a rare and unusual request, an anonymous letter was sent to Tom Peyton, Vice-President of Kids Sea Camp and Family Dive Adventures, on Saturday, November 29th. The letter clearly states a feeling of discrimination from the “non-divers” by the Kids Sea Camp “all divers” panel that could possibly impact the choices made by the judges.

The poem in question was written and performed during the poetry night on Friday, November 28th. In fact, the team, in protest, would like to relinquish their prizes. This is the first time in the 15 year history of the contest such a request has ever been made.

“We are looking into the seriousness of the accusations,” Tom Peyton responded to the letter, “It is our corporate policy to look into any dissatisfaction with any of our families. Even the appearance of any prejudice would be considered a major issue for us. We have a private investigations team dealing with the issue.”

The protest letter even calls into question the accuracy of Peyton’s homemade clap-o-meter. The device, made from the Vice-President’s two arms, two hands and ears, reflects the power of the applause by the group. “My clap-o-meter, yeah, it’s part of the issue,” Peyton laughed, “We have been looking for an affordable replacement for it for years. But we have not been able to find a solution.”

When asked about changing the outcome of the contest, Peyton responded, “We believe in our contest and the outcome will not change. But, it doesn’t mean some sort of corrective action isn’t going to take place.”

Utila, Kids Sea Camp poems

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Poems from Kids Sea Camp weeks in Utila

Here are the poems from the Kids Sea Camp weeks in Utila. Kids Sea Camp has a poetry presentation every Friday night at the closing celebration.

Perfect 10

By The Ward family

Oh, beautiful Utila, what an adventure you’ve been,
Laguna Beach resort has earned a “perfect 10.”
The whole staff was so kind, the crew second to none,
Underwater or on land we couldn’t have had more fun.
Critters and creatures everywhere, with no rhyme or reason,
They even found us Whale sharks and it’s not even the season.
The mosquitoes and no-see-ums tried to spoil our dives,
But the Zombie Apocalypse had them running for their lives.
Every dive was amazing, there’s no way we couldn’t win,
Kids Sea Camp Utila, we can’t wait to do it again!

Whale Shark

By Annie Myron

Whale shark, Whale shark
What do you see?
I see a human snorkeling by me.
Whale shark, Whale shark spots to and fro,
Whale shark where did you go?

Utilean Waters

By the Schaffer family

Up from the depths of the Utilean waters,
A majestic spotted beast glides past.
Up on deck of the boat, we sought her,
Mask, fins, and snorkel put them on fast.
Jump into the water and follow her down,
Hold our breaths with cameras steady.
Aim, point, and shoot for the best picture in town
But if you blink your eyes, she will be gone already.

Passport in pocket

By The Myron family

Come, divers, come snorkels,
All family and friends.
It’s off to Kids Sea Camp,
Where the fun never ends.
Passport in pocket,
Dive bag in hand.
The adventure begins,
When our feet touch the sand.
A sweetheart named Margo,
Is there from the start.
A smile so big,
And a magnificent heart.
A bold guy named Woody,
Takes our kids for a dive.
We all think ourselves,
Please bring’em back alive.
A Whale shark, a seahorse,
Our week comes to an end.
We leave Laguna Beach resort
Having made a new friend.
She walks on four legs,
And Coco’s her name.
She surely belongs,
In the Dog Hall of Fame.

UTILA

By the Tappero family

U: Unlimited fun diving, fishing, kayaking, horseback riding and four-wheeling.
T: Terrific times seeing whale sharks, rays, turtles, eels and many exotic fish. Special Thanks to all who work for Laguna Beach resort for all the hard work and great service this week.
I: Intense pressure, learning the Zombie Dive and Water signs. Thanks to Woody and Kevin for all the hard work.
L: Landing and having fun with all the interesting families from all over the world. Hope we see you all again at another Kids Sea Camp.
A: Awesome time on a great vacation, thanks to Margo for all the hard work to make this such a wonderful vacation for all of us.

Kids Sea Camp poems from Costa Rica

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Ode to Ocotal poems in Costa Rica

Poems from Kids Sea Camp in Costa Rica at Ocotal Dive Resort.

Ode to Ocotal

By the Sutherlands family

Diving days, sharks, eels,
enormous rays,
even turtles in the haze.Hot and cold, cold and hot,
Thermoclines in every sport.
Pat Patel, rain like hell,
Can’t get a towel in Ocotal.
Neighborly sounds through the door,
Hope to god we didn’t snore.Up and down the steep incline,
could have used a zipline.Volleyball in the pool,
all the kids acting cool.Surfing beach, youngster good,
Parents doing what they could.Meeting early, leaving late,
Next time let’s just plan for eight.
Mud spa, riding horses,
Zooming down the zipline courses.
Margo home with her back,
Nanette kept it all on track.No Wakely’s here to make a rhyme,
We’ll all have a chance this time.Now we’re dome with river rafting,
Last activity poem crafting.Enjoyed the time we all spent here,

Perhaps we’ll see back next year.

Kids Sea camp again

By the Olsen family,

Summer again, Kids Sea Camp— it’s now five years,

Lots of diving, beautiful fish and never a fear.Food, friends, and fun—much to learn and share,
With Nanette and “Scuba”, we have a care!
White tips, puffers, starfish, and eels galore,
Great diving, many photos, new sites to explore.
Beautiful country, nice people, sunsets of very hue,
Great week all-in-all, except for the early curfew.Up the hills we went, fine horses to ride,
Then to the bottom, we zipped—a total glide.Rafting last day, great week for all,

Flying home tomorrow —safe travels to all!

Costa Rica Pura Vida

By the Suwczinsky family

A pool with a view; a bar with drinks,
Smoothies made whats on hand;
rum tequila and coconuts found in the sand.Uphill, downhill;
diner breakfast and lunch,
“What, there was a shuttle?” asked a tired diver from the bunch.
Visibility is clear, no surge at times;
great dive masters and a little thermocline,
Four boats, three dives a day, sharks, eels and lots of rays.
It’s raining, it’s pouring; surfing is anything but boring;
push up stand up, ride the waves, guys,
Keep your balance, for the Tamarindo vibes.Slather on the volcanic mud; Jacuzzi spa, then rinse with suds,
A horse ride up a scenic hill; the thirteen ziplines for a thrill.Whitewater rafting with a 12-foot drop,
Paddle backward, forwards and then a stop.We talk to teens via morse code,
Then brought them home, although they had to be towed.A slamming bathroom door made long trips on the bus,
After all that — “All-inclusive” is a plus.As the week in Costa Rica ends,
We say goodbye to new and old friends.We are all so different, but share our love to dive,

And agree on one thing — curfew is 8:45.

Filed Under: KIDS SEA CAMP MAIN, KIDS SEA CAMP PARENTS POEMS, Poetry

The Danks return to Kids Sea Camp, again!

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Back to Kids Sea Camp again and again

The poem was written by the Danks family on Kids Sea Camp Grand Cayman. The Danks family, all ten of them, have been to at least 10  of our family weeks. The Danks use the Kids Sea Camp weeks as a family reunion. 

Ayden: Making new friends is always the best
And ditching our parents — they’re such a pest

Kiera: I got my C-card — yippee! hooray!
But my dad is my dive buddy? Boo hoo…no way!

David: I learned how to rescue, or so I’ve been told
But pulling Jim from the water just made me feel old.

Mark: Rebreathers & tec, scooters & more
I love trying gadgets, but they leave me so sore.

Maia: On our night dive, we saw a huge crab
Wait — not me! — it’s Avery you should grab!

Liz: Not quite an Ironman, but still a nice feat
Getting certified here was quite the treat.

Joe: Camera in hand, the fish are so sneaky.
At least I can’t lose my dive buddy Squeakily!

Carol: You’re oh so clever, you think you are funny
But watch out for sharks, Mister Chummy!

Mara: Not going diving is sometimes quite hard
Naps, books, and painting fill my dance card.

Sharon: Turtles & eagle rays, lobsters & eels

Ragtime found the lionfish, so where’s our meal?

For seven straight years, the Danks has come back
Doing our part to keep Kids Sea Camp in the black.

Galapagos Family Adventure poems

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2011 Galapagos Poems during a Kids Sea Camp

Here poems from the Galapagos liveaboard adventure during Kids Sea Camp. KSC host a poetry presentation every Friday the night of the closing celebration.

The Stookey Bunch (to the Brady Bunch theme)

This is a story

Of a family named Stookey

That was sailing with five very crazy kids

Christian and Nelson were so frightened

Until the KSC staff walked in

The kids were whining-

Putting on their thick wetsuits

And the water was choppy, rough and cold

But when the sharks, rays, and dolphins swam by

It was all worthwhile

Then the whale shark

Took our breath away

As he silently glided by

Then much too quickly the dive was over

And the strong panga guys arrived

Back to the ship for coco and snacks

We’ll  need to add more weights to our belts

But it’s all worth it to dive at Darwin

We wish it would never end

This is the end of our story

But not the end of our diving adventures.

Teaching our children to love the oceans

So they can protect it!    

The End

The Quest

By John Coniff, (12)  & Vanessa Clark

We came to Darwin’s Arch from far and wide

Hoping to see a whale shark, but so far been deprived.

The current is strong,

Our wait has been long.

We’ve seen eels, hammerheads. Tuna and even an eagle ray,

But our quest has been held at bay

Our parents promised us at least one

Before our trip to the Galapagos was done.

Nelson’s videos are awesome but not enough,

We want the real stuff!

We will listen closely for Christian’s shaker,

Only that won’t be a faker.

Tomorrow will for sure be the day

That whale sharks did pass in the blue and made us say    

HOORAY!!!!

The Galapagos

By Cristina & Carlos Castello

A longtime dream

Finally enjoyed

With my kid

and all the members Of the friendly crew

Are showing us the wonders of this beautiful sea.

Hammers, “Galapagos” turtles and seals, dancing with the dolphins’

Surrounding me!!

And coming out of the blue, here is what we see,

A whale shark for me.

Kids Sea Camp Roatan Poems

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Laguna Beach Resort Poems 20111

K- ids having fun every day
I- n the water bright and early
D-olphins for all
S-harks for some

S-un shine abounds
E-el’s down deep
A-ndrea rocks!

C- alderone rocks too!
A-nd rough seas
M-akes for
P- lentiful FUN!

By: Denice Tappero

Our family came here from the “Highlands”
To spend time in these beautiful islands
Drinking beer by the glass, here in hon-dur-as
And will leave these good islands a smiling
Rotten Ronnie is the best his pirate name is Rogest
We think at times he’s lost his mind!
You’ll Think he’s crazy but he’s really kind!
Our family loves it by the sea
We are as happy as can be
scuba diving is so much fun
We won’t go home until we are done

By: Robert Parker

R-eef diving in search of colorful fish
O-cean clear and blue greatest wish
A-bstract art with rotten Ronnie he’s the best
T-ropical island –so much to do no time to rest
A-nimals – paco the parrot and peter the monkey
Our new best friend
N-ever enough week sad to see the end

By: K. Van Dike

The same kid, from Bermuda
Who wanted to see a barracuda
Went diving one day
and got lost on the way
and ended up in Cuba

By: Holly Wakely

There was a young man from Bermuda
Who wanted to see a barracuda
He does the best that he can
he went to Utila
At Kids Sea Camp he learned
How to scuba

By: Zebedee Wakely

To Bay Islands we made the trek and got
To dive on a big wreck
But the best part for our whole group
Is the Kids Sea Camp troup
About the ocean, the kids learned much
Seeing dolphins, fish, turtles and such
To Rogest and Margo and everyone thanks
So much

By: Doris & Bob Schaffer

 

Parent Poems Grand Cayman Thanksgiving

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Kids Sea Camp Family Dive Adventure weeks Grand Cayman with Cobalt Coast

A beautiful week filled with photography, sea scooters, Sasy, PADI Seal Team, Jr. Open Water, Advanced Open Water, diving on the Kittiwake and Stingray City, real Cayman Islands pirates to sword fight with on the beach and a turtle to release.

Anything & Everything (FIRST PLACE WINNER!)

We’ll try anything
With Kids Sea Camp, anything
‘Cos it means everything you see

Will you paint your face?
Anything
Have a hermit crab race?
Anything
Crack a treasure case?
Anything
Steal a Pirate Vase?
(You betcha mate!)

We’d do anything for good dives, anything
And we’ll go anywhere with you.
Would you try Cancun?
Anything
Maybe Truk Lagoon?
Anything
How ‘bout Fiji soon?
Anything
Even Timbuctoon?
(And back again)

We’d risk life and limb
To keep on in the swim
Yes we’d do anything
Anything?
Anything for you

Would you sing a song?
Anything
Though your voice is wrong?
Anything
And your lines are long?
Anything
And your lyrics pong?
(I’m here aren’t I?)

Yes we’d do anything
For you dear anything
Yes, we’d do anything, anything for you!

By: The Snyder/Hopkins Family

A POEM (SECOND PLACE WINNER)

I landed in heaven with Cameron and Dani,
Five days have gone by, though it seems not that many.
We’ve made some new friends and had a great time,
Now I’ll share them with you, in painfully bad rhyme.
We met Christian the comic and his tall friend Rajim,
With Shelley and Steve, they’re a helluva team.
We scratched Mojo the dog and Stepped on tuffy the cat,
chased groupers and turtles, and the occasional gnat.
I learned when I don’t know the answer, or a word may escape me,
No need to search Google, I just need to ask Jamie.
We released Hunter the turtle to his new home in the sea,
fell in love with two angels named Helen and Jenny.
We saw Bonnie’s Arch and the U.S.S. Kittiwake,
Got stingray facials, and ate carrot cake.
We dove from the boats and we dove from the shore,
And drank Ironshore Bock and smoothies galore.
Cobalt Coast is delightful, Arie’s soup is sublime,
Plus we ate enough French fries to last a lifetime.
To all our new friends we must soon say goodbye,
We’ll board our plane and to home, we will fly.
And to Kids Sea Camp, you will see us again,
If not by next summer, then as soon as we can.

By: Tom DeLuca

The Erickson Family Thanksgiving! (Third place winner!)

An email from Margo
Had us packing our cargo
Thanksgiving in the sun
What could be more fun?

When we got to Cayman
We thought it might start rainin’
Kids started comin’
The entertainer was hummin’

Our youngest got certified
Mom & Dad nearly cried
The oldest learned to use Nitrox
And we all listened to interesting talks

We dove in Stingray City
Those who didn’t, I pity
Next was the wreck, Kittiwake,
Surely it was not a fake!

We released Hunter, the turtle
Hoping he faces not a single hurdle
Painting with Margo and Tom
Now that was “the bomb”

At the garden was a huge iguana
So happy it was not hot as a sauna
Diving with fish galore
And much, much more!

Tomorrow we’re off to the wave park
Oh, did I say we saw a shark?
Please don’t shed a tear
Just say see you next year!

By: The Erickson’s

Thanksgiving in Cayman

Once upon a winter night,
We arrived in Cayman, what a sight!
It didn’t take long to meet new friends
I’ll be so sad when this week ends

Breakfast, then our 2-tank dive
Post-dive smoothies made us feel alive
Napping on the beach then diving on the reef
Man, it’s the life!

Every night upon the shore
We played card games requiring explanations galore
Little ones shot their water guns
While their parents read in the sun

Teaching Carly slang like “ya’ll” and “bless her heart”
I know that together or far apart
There will be memories we won’t forget
You know the kind where we say, “Facebook it!”

Thanks to the staff at Divetech
Kittiwake was the only day with a wreck
Thanks to all the staff
For helping us read our dive computer graph

Most of all
Thanks to Margo,
If not for her there wouldn’t be Cayman tags on our cargo
When I said I’ll miss everyone from this week

My mom said, “No fear,
Just say, see you next year!”

By: Sydney Erickson

Gobble, gobble, cluck, cluck
The free roaming chickens
On Grand Cayman
Just got plucked

Bubble, bubble, hiss, hiss
Arie’s Thanksgiving turkey
Is something that
we would not miss

Eight years and countin’
And we can’t wait for more
Margo, Tom, Robbie & Jen
Always have something in store

Fish there are many
Turkey just one
But memories and friendship
Will never be done

By: The Fiest Family
Grand Cayman
Thanksgiving with Kids Sea Camp and Margo Peyton

There once was a host named Arie
Whose hospitality was always so “starry”
His greetings were heartfelt
His food tightened our belts
And Kids Sea Camp was really his party

By: Bob Schmidt

Dressing the Turkey

We are about to carve the turkey
When we see such a fright
My three-year-old baby sister
Has dressed it with delight

She put a red bow on it
She put it in a dress
She gave it little tapping shoes
It’s really such a mess

She gave it her winter gloves
So it wouldn’t get cold
She gave it dad’s pilot pin
Now it looks very bold

But she thinks it’s missing something
She looks where it should have a face
Then she goes and gets something
She took her doll’s head and put it in that place!

By: Jordan Weber

Some families are into football
They cheer loudly for their team
Some families like movies
And stories that play across the screen

Still, others are into music
And some are into books
Others count their status
By the number of envious looks

Other families set their clocks
By the chime of the dinner bell
And something family gatherings
Are another level of ——

And then there are those like us
Who hear the calling of the sea
Whose hearts rise
with the tide

Happy to be with our family
The ocean in its beauty
Cerulean and Cayman blue
beckons us to join, it sings a hypnotic tune

It says, “Gather your children together,
And bring them to me.
I’ll show them the wondrous beauty.
They will imprint on me.”

The ocean has it all
There is never a dull moment
Deciding ‘air’ or ‘Nitrox’
Is our only time of torment

Watching our kids learning
Each skill we celebrate
And when they master buoyancy
Well, we always knew that they were great

And when it’s time to go
We say, “Until we meet again”
The ocean will always call us back
To our family and our friends

By: Denise Weber

As the sun sets on Cayman
I say that I am a very lucky man
To see a splendid array of fish
Which at the start was my only wish

Margo, Tom, Nancy and Arie
Welcomed us with warm hospitality
Gave us an ocean, a pool, a Cobalt Coast
Now they are truly a splendid host

As little Romain learns scuba diving
We find it hard to believe he’s really growing
As the ocean takes him further and further
Valerie and I grow prouder and prouder

Now that Romain is certified
Our family together is ready to dive
Ready to explore the underwater
Drift down, dream and discover

Thanks for the adventure Kids Sea Camp
Thanks for making our son a champ
Hard to believe he’ll soon be a teen
But our love for him will always be seen

By: Gary Hufbauer

Grand Cayman: Family Dive adventure poems

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Grand Cayman Kids Sea Camp with Cobalt Coast

www.familydivers.com for more information on dive trips and family weeks

Our First  Trip This year our family went to camp, not just any trip was this, we were hoping for bliss When we arrived the air was so damp We were worried it might rain Thankfully the sun shined bright Which made the week alright You would not believe the knowledge the kids would gain! Swimming, snorkeling, and diving they did You’d think they’d be wiped out But every day they were out and about And would you believe they saw a Squid? After 10 years, divemaster Steve showed the way From sleeping turtles & lobster under the sea To the Kittiwake and eels… we let them be But the best of the best, a squadron of 9 eagle ray! As the week comes to an end Our family is sunburned and tired We were hoping for bliss but only got the kids wired And they keep asking and asking “when are we coming again?”

By Jennifer Halleck

Cobalt, Sapphire, Aqua Blue Cayman Island Water Hues. Bonfire, Pirates, painting, smores Kiddos paradise to explore Regulator, mask, fins, BC Checked, rechecked (for me) by Capt.  Steve Turtle, lionfish, stingray, eel, Coral Reef Treasures excitingly revealed Family, new friends a community Kids Sea Camp packaged wondrously!

Round bubbles drifting upward Blue ocean beckons onward Warm sun shines down Tropical breezes blow Eagle rays, parrotfish, turtles, & grouper Kittiwake, Round Rock, Orange Conch & others New friends, old friends, lionfish & Guy Harvey Nancy, Steve, Margo & Arie Water warm & very pleasant Kids Sea Camp, Grand Cayman 2011

Fish  Turtles   Sharks  Sad  Mad  Glad  Happy  No Matter What I love Kids Sea Camp And all the people here I’m lucky I have another week Because Diving Rocks!!!!

By Sophie 

I am from Mexico & other Tall Tales We heard about Sea Camp a long time ago. Before we had Sophie, we knew we would go. We waited until the time was just right We paid our deposit and booked a long flight. When we arrived, we were shocked to see There were not one, not two, but three Sophie’s! While we were here, Sophie told many tales Of when a shark bit her hand, & she swam with the whales. She claims she’s from Mexico, but we know it’s not true. We checked her passport, she was born in Peru! She was born in October, or was it November? We thought it was may, but we can’t remember! She may tell you a jellyfish has stung her eve But don’t ask her parents , because she knows they’ll lie! So tonight we leave Sea Camp and return to our lives We met wonderful people & had many great dives. Our girl learned of sea creatures both big & small, While we dived the Kittiwake & the North Wall. A big thanks to Margo for driving the bus And the staff for taking such good care of us This week is now over, but already we plan To return to Kids Sea camp as soon as we can! By Marlene Wens Back on ’07,  we first took a leap Looking for wonders & fun in the deep Curacao, Roatan, Bonaire & now here The children are growing & trying new gear Eagle rays, turtles, lionfish , eels Who knew that on Cayman we’d even see seals? Zipping around on scooters so fast All I wanted was for it to last. This year I dove 12 feet from the top Why does Kids Sea Camp have to stop? The tank may be heavy, but just on the dock Down at depth, I think “stingrays rock!” Whether form shore or from boat, the snorkeling’s so dear. Lobsters & squids, barracuda so near Canyons & and flats, reefs & the wall Provide endless pleasures for one & for all The people amazing, the staff so dandy Jenny, Shelly, Margo, Arie , & Andy The swimsuits are drying, they’re now only damp But we’re sure to return to Kids Sea camp.

By Dank Family

We come to the land of Cayman To search for good times & laughs We found Kids Sea camp Where adventures are endless And Margo supplies fun for all ages Diving all day & all night We find fish of all kinds of Groupers, rays, and flounders galore Taking pictures of them in the crystal blue ocean While zigging & zagging on our scooters We feast on good food While sharing stories of our findings We then graduate earning certificates a plenty Then comes time for leaving the beautiful island To say goodbye, sadly we say farewell to our new friends And leave the island of Cayman

By  Jacobson Family

Return to Grand Cayman, We returned to Grand Cayman for Kids sea camp again. Greeted by Arie & his welcoming  grin. Fond memories poured down like the afternoon rain. So many adventures, we couldn’t wait to dive in. Parting ways with our girls as the morning arrived, We hoped at days end they’d recall  we’re alive. My wife & I diving while renewing our love The love for each other & creatures not seen from above. Sword fighting with pirates & even Mom’s tug of war Father/daughter night diving then eating some smores. Cameras form Sealife, painting, scooter-diving and turtles galore How could we possibly ask for anything more? The smiles on the faces of the kids say it all Instuctors, Divemasters, hotel staff & the rest All make Margo’s Cayman Sea Camp the best!

By James Gourley

Pristine blue waters & powder white sand, The perfect backdrop for this undersea land Beneath the sea is where you’ll find me! Exploring a world where there’s much to behold Of fish, rays & turtles  & coral like gold. And I will tell tales of sunken sails, &  of reefs full of creatures with glistening features At the end of the day when it’s time to depart My memories will stay fond in my heart.

By Lisa & Jaidyn Jaacks

Cayman Sea camp Now how can you not smile When  you hang around Sea Camp for awhile , got dives going for mile after mile It’s just Grand Cayman style While the Cobalt Coast takes care of your child, you can nap or dive or go hog wild from the back Of the boat called the Altitude , Ask why it is spelled that way, or is that rude? All week long we’ve seen turtles, squid & eels, & the kitchen staff has made great meals We’re so worn out we hit the bed by eight, but to do it again tomorrow, we just can’t wait! The USS Kittiwake is a really great wreck, let’s dive it again…what the heck Tomorrow  we will dive with Rays in the City that will make our hair look pretty The kids built a raft they hoped to sail, threw it off the dock for an epic fail! I got to keep on diving & going full steam, next year with Kids Sea Camp is our new dream Margo & Sven that’s our team Step into the water & check the whole scene when it comes to bubbles well,  I’m a friend Like my scuba with the Dive tech team

The Comay Family