Kids Sea Camp, Palau, was the best trip of my life
The wake-up call pings in my ear, I slowly turn over to answer it, and it’s then that I realize that this will be the beginning of the most amazing 7 days I’ve ever spent as a diver. I’m in Palau, Micronesia- the eighth wonder of the world!
Although exhausted from the flight over from the west coast, through Honolulu, past Guam, Yap, and finally, after some 26 plus hours, we all arrived. Upon arrival, the tired guests are met with a warm welcome at the airport, then shuttled to the hotel, where they check in and go straight to bed.
Like Christmas morning
On Sunday morning, everyone jumps out of bed like a kid on Christmas morning. Anticipation is running at an all-time high because today we are going to the world-famous Jellyfish Lake. A quick boat ride, then a hike- 20 minutes uphill, 20 minutes downhill, and at last, you see it- a beautiful, pristine lake tucked deep away in the Rock Islands. A lake filled with thousands of prehistoric jellyfish that do not sting, but wait patiently to be joined for an afternoon swim.
Hundreds of years without any natural predators have enabled these angelic creatures to discard their protective stinging tentacles and live an almost uninterrupted life in Jellyfish Lake. We all don our masks, fins, and snorkels and slip into the water. Being surrounded by thousands and thousands of these amazing creatures is truly incredible. There are so many jellyfish surrounding us- all we have to do is reach out our hand, and we can feel one swimming by. This is something we will never forget.
Fun in the Mud
Just when we think this day can’t get any better, we are treated to a fantastic snorkel trip at Palau’s famous Milky Way reef. Seeing all the beautiful, tropical fish sends our hearts soaring- this is truly paradise, and we are so glad to be here. But the snorkeling isn’t the only cool thing about this spot- the shallowest point is made up of limestone mud, a wonderful, fascinating mixture that was once exported to spas and salons all over the world. However, due to conservation efforts to protect this beautiful land, one must now travel all the way to Palau to experience its wonderful healing effects. We all cover ourselves in the mud and relax while we bake ourselves in the sun.
Mud baths
Once the mud hardens, we slip off the boat and rinse off, asking one another, “Do I look ten years younger?” After our “mud baths,” we all head over to a beautiful white sandy beach where we enjoy a fantastic lunch and a birthday party. Stefan is turning 12 years old. The afternoon is filled with cake and ice cream, songs and laughter, screams of delight and, of course, a dip in the beautiful blue water.
The President of Palau
That night, everyone attended the Opening Ceremony, where we were all in for a wonderful surprise! The President of Palau, Johnson Toribiong, was in attendance along with the Minister of State, Minister of Tourism, Chief of Staff, and Palau Visitors Association board members. The President gave a wonderful speech and then took the time to come around and visit with each kid! What an honor! How many people ever get to say that they met the President? Dinner was fantastic, and then we all sat down and watched a great performance by the Ngermid dancers. This trip has already been amazing- and it’s only the first day!
Monday is our first “dive day,” and so everyone is up early to eat breakfast and then those who need to head over to the dive shop to get fitted for their SCUBA PRO rental gear. Everyone sets up their gear, then gets on the boat for their in-depth dive briefing. The adult and teen divers head out to begin their two-tank boat dives. Back at the resort, Sydney and Max are just starting the Jr. Open Water program. The SASY and Seal Team kids were having fun as well- learning skills which will help to make them great divers in the future, and having a blast painting. During the week, everyone gets a chance to paint and take home a beautiful masterpiece. Just something to remember the amazing week.
The SASY and SEAL TEAMS were in full stride
Sydney and Max were All-Stars passing with flying colors and earning their certification on Thursday. This was extra special because Friday was Family Day, which meant diving with their parents. The SASY and SEAL TEAMS were in full stride, learning the beginning stages of becoming a SCUBA diver. Graduating as Master SEALS were Sofia and Cam. Kids Sea Camp had total coverage with Nick and Tom from Sam’s Tours filming and taking pictures. Also flying around was Annie Crawley. Taking pictures and video of all the families, kids in programs, candid shots, and even working on a project of her own, “Dive into Your Imagination,” Ocean Annie.
The diving
The amazing week continued to get better as kids graduated, friendships forged, and stories traded. For the divers, this is where heaven fell into the sea. They enjoyed dives at the “German Channel,” which was home to Manta Rays and other large critters. “Blue Corner” housed big sharks, Eagle Rays, and more Manta’s. “The Drop Off” was an incredible wall with Butterflyfish, Wrasses, Angels of all kinds, brilliant colored coral, Moray eels, and much more. With each dive, the mantra was, “That was the best dive ever.”
As the week began to come to a close, each moment became increasingly precious. There was marine art throughout the week with Michael Gellinsky, treasure hunts for the SASY and SEAL TEAMS, informative talks with Sam’s Tours, and Ron ( Lei )from Palau. There was a movie night for the kids while adults went on a night dive.
The closing party
Friday arrived, and the much-anticipated Beach Party and Poems were finally here. This is always a wonderful way to wrap up a fun-filled week at Kids Sea Camp. These poems are always full of comedic and serious takes on the week’s events and individual antics. Talent is always abundant, filled with surprises and laughter.
Each family writes a poem about their experience while vying for a DC1200 SeaLife camera as the winning prize for the best poem. This year’s 1st place and the DC1200 SeaLife camera belong to Jennie. 2nd place and a DC Mini to John, and 3rd and 4th place, receiving a Body Glove dive bag. This contest is always tough to judge. To Kids Sea Camp, all are winners!
Saturday was tour day, and for most, a guided kayak tour through the Rock Islands sounded just right. Four hours of incredible sightseeing and exploration were breathtaking. The amazing tour ended at Mandarin Lake for some snorkeling. It was a perfect ending to a fabulous day. Saturday night was the closing ceremony at the Dive shop. Another feast, with awards to the SASY, SEALS, and Jr. Open Water grads.
New connections
As the night came to a close, all the families began to load onto the buses. Tears were shed. Long hugs were given. Emails and phone numbers were exchanged. Everyone knew that this week would never be forgotten, their new friends would be missed, and their lives would be forever changed. For tonight, they leave Palau, Micronesia.
Although exhausted from the flight over from the west coast, through Honolulu, past Guam, Yap, and finally, after some 26 plus hours, we all arrived. Upon arrival, the tired guests are met with a warm welcome at the airport, then shuttled to the hotel, where they check in and go straight to bed.