Destination: Philippines

“Diving into Memories: The Danks Family’s Legacy with KSC”

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Kids Scuba, Family Scuba Diving Adventures, Kids Sea Camp, Margo Peyton

Margo often says there are only 17 summers.

She advises others to spend them wisely. Time is the only investment we continually make, yet we never know the balance in our account. The Danks family spends it wisely.

14 summers started in 2007

Kids Scuba, Family Scuba Diving Adventures, Kids Sea Camp, Margo Peyton, older diversAugust 2021, in St. Lucia, was a bittersweet trip for the Danks family. We had enjoyed – been thrilled – 14 consecutive summers together at Kids Sea Camp. Interrupted only by COVID the preceding summer. It was to be the last for the whole family. Three granddaughters had graduated and taken on new interests outside of scuba diving. At ages 19, 19, and 21, getting everyone to make time for summer vacations had become more challenging. But let us start at the beginning.

In 2007, when we learned about and booked our first  KSC through a friend of Margo’s, Heather Crowder. Our KSC adventures began in Curacao. Joe and I (Grandma and Grandpa) had just started scuba diving a few years before. Or two sons had also enthusiastically taken up diving.

The whole family loved Kids Sea Camp Curacao – granddaughters, then 4, 4, and 6, were enrolled in the Kids Sea Camp custom-designed SASY program for 4-7-year-olds. SASY included fun activities like swimming with dolphins, painting, snorkeling, and learning about the ocean through games and presentations. Our sons, David & Mark, were established divers, David’s wife, Mara, preferred snorkeling, and Sharon also enjoyed diving. We loved having the whole family together, and our precious time was spent on a scuba-diving family vacation. 

“Where are we going next year?”

The following year, Margo suggested  Roatan, and the pattern was solidified. The girls enjoyed mastering their swimming skills, snorkeling, and making new friends. Swimming with the dolphins and horseback riding were the girl’s favorite activities. We enjoyed our time together as a family and had plenty of time apart with our adult kids diving and exploring Roatan. On the first day, after the KSC treasure hunt, Ayden asked me, “Where are we going next year?” Her mother was appalled at the question, but Joe and I knew the family was hooked on Kids Sea Camps from that point forward.  

Goodies Boxes

Each year, Kids Sea Camp sends out goodie boxes filled with T-shirts, SCUBAPRO fins, masks & snorkel sets, tote bags, and other gifts for the kids. The boxes create so much excitement about their upcoming trip. We continued to Bonaire at Buddy Dive. At Buddy Dive, here, the girls were introduced to the PADI Seal Team and were able wear scuba gear made for youngsters. They loved the Donkey Sanctuary, turtle hatches, treasure hunts, and pizza movie night. Joe and I enjoyed the relaxed pace of Bonaire, its ease of diving. Buddy is the perfect place to visit with our grandkids, with the ocean just off the dock.  

In 2011, the Danks decided on Grand Cayman as Maia, the oldest, turned ten and became a PADI Jr. Open Water Diver that summer. Grand Cayman did not disappoint; pirates, tug-o-war, bonfires, a treasure hunt, and baby turtles were released. Maia was certified with her open-water dive on the Kitti Wake wreck. Ayden and Kiera were enrolled in the PADI Seal Team and enjoyed dives at Sting-Ray City that week, while Maia got to experience the world’s best 12 ft dive with her mom and dad.  

The Palau Adventure

The quality of service and level of safety that Tom and Margo provide on their trips convinced us to head across the Pacific in 2012 to Palau for our next KSC adventure. We spent two memorable weeks there, and the family was amazed by the diversity of sea life and the cultural interactions along the beautiful beaches and on boat rides. One memorable dive was at the Blue Corner. While the adults were hooked in at about 60 feet, Maia and the other certified kids were at 40 feet, and Ayden and Kiera were doing a Bubble Maker Dive at 6 feet with their instructors. The whole family was watching the shark show at the same time.

All the kids are certified

In the summer of 2013, Kiera and Ayden earned their long-awaited Junior Open Water certifications. It was an incredible memory and time to celebrate that all the kids were certified to dive. The family is so excited about diving together, and each summer, we plan another awesome dive adventure. We bounced back and forth between Caribbean sites, returning to Bonaire Buddy Dive Resort, St. Lucia Anse Chastanet, and the Cayman Islands. The bigger 10-14-day trips to the Pacific, including Yap at Manta Ray Bay, Palau again, Wakatobi (Indonesia), and Fiji all remarkable. All those incredible family adventures eventually led to that final trip as one big family in 2021 to St. Lucia, our 14th year of KSC. 

However,  as luck would have it, that would not be the end of traveling with Tom, Margo Peyton, and the Kids Sea Camp crew. It was just a change in how many of us traveled together. 2021 was a big summer for us; our granddaughter Kiera completed her DM in  Roatan under PADI Instructor Robbie Peyton and then went directly to the KSC IDC in Bonaire. She was joined by friends Kendal, Sydney, Melea, and Mara, who had been through the Kids Sea Camp journey as youngsters. Margo allowed Kiera to intern and teach in St. Lucia in 2021 and again in Belize in 2022. So many friendships, stories, and fond memories were created during that 15-year period.

18 trips later

To date, the Danks have made 18 total trips. The Kids Sea Camp crew provides a wonderful mentorship for the sport of scuba diving. Having spent valuable time with our kids and grandkids over the years, meeting like-minded families, and making lifelong memories, KSC became one of the best choices we made each year for the Danks family.

Tom and Margo have provided amazing, professional, caring leadership for this organization. They have been responsible for providing priceless opportunities for young divers. While our family has grown up. The Empty Nester trips with Margo and Tom have allowed us to continue traveling with them.

Congratulations, Peyton family, on your 25th anniversary of Kids Sea Camp. (See our new 2026 Catalog) Thank you for the cherished memories with our adult children and grandchildren. 

By Carol Danks

 

Worlds Best Family Dive Adventure Vacations

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Peyton family, Kids Sea Camp, diving with Kids, diving with family

Kids Sea Camp an award-winning company

Margo Peyton created this multi-award-winning family adventure travel program, which has contributed to well over 8,100 kids’ and adults’ PADI scuba diving certifications. (see link)

Kids Sea Camp’s (KSC) motto is “Give them a week they will remember forever.” Based on the hundreds of testimonials from kids, teens, and parents who have participated in Kids Sea Camp trips. The company has created dive vacations that are memorable and magical: “Kids Sea Camp has changed my life, and I know it has done the same for others.”

“KSC holds a special place in my heart. It was my true catapult into the diving world.”

“The Kids Sea Camp team went out of their way to create memorable moments that will most certainly last a lifetime.”

Tom & Margo are great owners

Tom Peyton and Margo Peyton have hand-chosen PADI resorts and liveaboards in the Cayman Islands, Indonesia, Bonaire, Roatan, Galapagos, Red Sea, The Philippines, Fiji, Palau, Yap, St. Lucia, Dominica, Belize, Indonesia, Maldives, and more, to host their trips, while ensuring the highest level of standards and safety. Over the past 25 years, KSC has certified over 8,100 divers and has not had a single dive accident.

Staffed by highly qualified professionals. KSC is dedicated to introducing scuba diving, family vacations, and the ocean to kids, teenagers, and their parents. Depending on their age and experience, kids work on various certifications and skills, from snorkeling and SASY to Bubblemaker, SEAL Team, Junior Open Water, Open Water, Advanced Open Water, and PADI specialty and pro certifications.

KSC scuba-diving family vacations include unique activities at each destination. The program includes meals, diving, and other water and land activities such as blow-karting, jungle biking, paddle boarding, culinary classes, cultural presentations, marine presentations, and photography. Like-minded multigenerational families migrate every summer from around the globe to Kids Sea Camp Family dive vacations. These families enjoy making new friends, unplugging from everyday life, and reconnecting with each other.

A KSC dive vacation is the perfect adventure for families who love the ocean and enjoy meeting like-minded people worldwide.

Hassle-Free Trip Planning

Let Family Dive Adventures handle the logistics for your private group or family vacation. They will custom-design the vacation to meet your specific needs and trip type. The trips can include reunions, family holiday celebrations, and memorable romantic dive getaways. (See our KSC events)

The Kids Are Gone—Now What?

Have your kids flown the coop? Why not try an “Empty Nester Travel” vacation? In 2019, Margo and Tom Peyton started living their dreams out loud and put together these thrilling adult group trips. They offer high-end luxury at sumptuous resorts and luxurious liveaboards, like the Arenui. Margo and Tom take adult guests to Africa, Egypt, the Red Sea, Lembeh, Raja Ampat, the Forgotten Islands, Borneo, Komodo, Manado, Bangka, St. Eustatius, Belize, and many more advanced adult trips that tempt their travel palette. 

Contact Info: (803) 419-2556, familydivers.com, dive@familydivers.com

2024 International Scuba Diving Hall Of Fame Award. Margo Peyton (See link) will be inducted into the ISDH this September. The award is for her contributions to the future of diving through the education and dive training of over 8,100 youth divers. And for Margo’s continued commitment to safety for kids and their families.

Counting Shaun the sheep at Kids Sea CAMP

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shaun the sheep, kids sea camp

Shaun the Sheep, a tiny sea slug, has been discovered.

Destination: The Philippines with Sea Explorers, Amun ini, and Kids Sea Camp. Neither my wife nor I had ever been to the Philippines before. Margo and Tom Peyton, fellow dive industry friends, had invited us multiple times. Tom talked about a strange alien life he found mesmerizing and how incredible it would be to experience. It’s just impossible to describe, he said, but mindblowing and life-changing, a world you will become obsessed with exploring.

My first muck dive in the Philippines: Marcio, another guest, fellow photographer, and avid, loyal Kids Sea Camp adventurer, spoke of a sheep. I was curious; he had my attention. The guides you see can show you almost anything you request, but who knows what to request in a land of aliens? Marcio named the critter focus of this trip for himself and piqued my curiosity: Shaun the Sheep.

As I descended below the surface of the clear Philippine water, I was not fooled by the desolate, grey, bare sand. Tom Peyton said, “This is the home for some of the most incredible creatures I will ever see.” With all the colors of the universe residing on the most minuscule of animals, like the hundreds of nudibranchs found here or pygmy squid, and then there are the mesmerizing colors of the mandarin fish. Tom was so correct. The obsession began as I saw the true master of camouflage, the pygmy seahorse. While the Philippines’ underwater world is nothing short of a new planet, one critter in particular stole my heart even before we met: Shaun the Sheep. Marcio showed me a photo from his dive, and I was hooked.

Keep in mind my wife, Cristina Zenato, and I dive with sharks for a living, so it was pretty interesting to watch myself get so excited about a creature I could barely see with the naked eye. When you see how cute this little guy is, you will understand why.

What is Kleptoplasty?

A tiny leaf slug (Costasiella Kuroshimae) that grows to a length of 7 millimeters. They graze on algae, suck up their chloroplasts, and retain them within their tissues, allowing them to supplement their diet through photosynthesis. This process is called kleptoplasty.

How could I not become obsessed with an animal the size of a grain of rice capable of using photosynthesis? To feed my obsession, I needed to learn more. Shaun has multiple siblings, like the Bumblebee-looking (Costasiella Sp), and distant cousins living in the Caribbean.

But how do you find something so small in the vastness of the ocean?

In the same way, you find any small creature in the Philippines, you find its home. Shaun the Sheep lives on a specific algae called Avrainvillea. Find the algae, see Shaun the Sheep. Rest assured, my quest for Shaun the Sheep is not over. I am looking forward to seeing and photographing its Caribbean cousin.

By Kewin Lorenzen

From SASY to Divemaster with Kids Sea Camp

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Kids Scuba, Family Scuba Diving Adventures, Kids Sea Camp, Margo Peyton

SASY — I was only six years old

For as long as I can remember, I have spent every summer traveling with Kids Sea Camp. I lived in Grand Cayman with my family for the first 10 years, when I started discovering the underwater world. My dad enrolled me in the Kids Sea Camp SASY program (surface-supplied air system) when I was six. I remember running around on the beach collecting giant hermit crabs for the crab races and spending the afternoons learning about marine life and the local Cayman blue iguanas through dot painting classes with Margo Peyton and Ron Rogest. They would have us all saying, “One dip per dot and no double dipping!”

My love for the ocean

Kids Sea Camp, Camp, Kids and diving, Margo Peyton

As I got older and became more involved and interested in diving with Kids Sea Camp, I fell more in love with exploring the underwater world through photography. Margo Peyton, owner of Kids Sea Camp, and my dad introduced me to diving and encouraged me to share my story. I loved taking photos and videos of many incredible adventures with my Sealife cameras. Becoming a PADI Jr. Open Water diver at ten on a Yap and Palau trip with my dad, Tom, and Margo Peyton. I don’t think I was as big as the tank I used back then. My open-water dive with Margo was with Manta Rays, sharks, and giant Napoleon Wrasses.

Tom and Margo often had to hold my hands in the big currents because I was so tiny. I thought that was so much fun then. I grew up diving in currents, so as a teenager, I had so much fun body surfing and playing in them as I continued diving and traveling around the world with Tom, Margo, and my family. (See more about us)

My KSC world

My mom, dad, and I have toured most of the KSC World, including the Galapagos, where I lost all fear of sharks and had so much fun playing with sea lions and seeing my first whale shark. Dad and I dove into the Cathedral under Darwin’s Arch and watched Bullsharks and hundreds of Hammerheads go by. In Fiji, I dove with my very first Tiger sharks and more bull and lemon sharks. My mom was not with us on that trip, but when she saw the photos I was posting on my FB, she suddenly realized they were mine, not Dad’s, and that he had me in the water with big sharks.

Experiencing all that Kids Sea Camp had to offer from such a young age inhibited my love for the ocean and diving and made me want to be more involved in this organization and the diving world. Not only has Kids Sea Camp allowed me to travel to excellent dive sites and experience such incredible things, but it has also allowed me to meet some amazing people.

My first Kids Sea Camp

I remember my first Kids Sea Camp: walking onto the pool deck in Grand Cayman and meeting another girl named Holly. We became best friends instantly and were inseparable throughout the whole two weeks. I longed for my Kids Sea Camp summers and for meeting up with Holly; we always wanted to make sure we were on all KSC trips together, and as we advanced in the diving world, our love for the ocean and our friendship grew. Holly became my dive buddy for nearly every dive I did over the years, thanks to Margo and Tom Peyton, who took us on trips. Many other kids did multiple internships with Kids Sea Camp.

As I became more involved with Kids Sea Camp, I learned a lot about SeaLife cameras from Margo and my dad. I hosted a few demonstrations, and Margo worked with me and directed me toward becoming a better underwater photographer. I have always wanted to be a part of the KSC dive team and help further its mission of teaching so many young people about the thrilling sport of scuba diving.

Becoming a PADI Pro

Margo and Tom offered me a chance to become a PADI DM Pro in 2022 at Buddy Dive Resort in Bonaire. They entirely sponsored my program; it was the best place for me to do my divemaster course. The Buddy Dive team was outstanding as they cheered on my attempt at lugging tanks up the dock, and the coral restoration projects there made my dives much more enjoyable.

What greatly added to my experience on every trip was, as always, my Kids Sea Camp instructors. I learned from them and was treated like family. They forever changed my scuba-diving experiences by creating moments I will cherish forever. Being able to not only grow my love of the underwater world and scuba diving but also build such strong bonds through it has been a fantastic experience. Without Kids Sea Camp, I would never have met or made all the incredible friends I still have today. Kids Sea Camp also made me want to keep expanding my diving knowledge and helped me gain a lot of confidence underwater. I hope to continue my adventure with Kids Sea Camp and become an instructor someday. Scuba diving has made me adventurous and courageous, and given me a global perspective.

By Sophie Purdon, I look forward to sharing all that I shared with the next generation.

Kids Sea Camp the Perfect Choice for your Family Dive Vacations.

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Kids Scuba, Family Scuba Diving Adventures, Kids Sea Camp, Margo Peyton, family scuba diving

Join us on unique scuba diving adventures to incredible destinations.

Kids Sea Camp offers a variety of trips for all ages and interests, from beginner-friendly to more challenging family adventures. Family Dive Adventures is a division of Kids Sea Camp Inc., offering a series of customized family-friendly group trips or scuba diving vacations in specific locations worldwide on specific dates. These group family diving events are an excellent way for kids to learn to scuba dive and make new friends worldwide. Families can meet other like-minded families from around the world.

The Lavinsky family was always looking for new and exciting adventures to share with their three young children, ages 4, 8, and 11. When they heard about Kids Sea Camp and Family Dive Adventures, they were immediately intrigued. They had always wanted to learn to scuba dive and thought it would be a great way to explore the underwater world with their kids.

Scuba diving as a family

The Lavinsky family booked a trip to Bonaire with Family Dive Adventures. They were so excited to finally experience the wonders of scuba diving as a family. The kids loved learning how to breathe underwater and exploring the colorful coral reefs and schools of fish. The littlest one participated in the SASY program while the other two became Jr. PADI Open Water divers. The parents were amazed by the beauty of the sea and the ease of learning how to dive. Their kids had a new sense of accomplishment, knowing they could dive with other kids worldwide.

After becoming PADI-certified scuba divers at Kids Sea Camp, the Lavinsky family continued diving and traveling as their kids grew. Mr. Lavinsky was so confident in Kids Sea Camp that he decided to go on a father-son trip to the Galapagos aboard a live-aboard. This impacted his young son so much that he fell in love with marine science and wanted to learn about the world’s oceans and travel more with his dad. They had such an incredible, memorable time on their liveaboard scuba diving adventures with Kids Sea Camp that they decided to book the Caribbean Pearl in Utila to dive with whale sharks and wild dolphins. This time, Mr. Lavinsky brought his then-12-year-old daughter and his 15-year-old son. They did their first kids’ night dive and met other kids from around the world who became lifelong friends.

Kids Sea Camp is UnBelizable

The Lavinsky family went to Belize to get their youngest child certified to dive into the second-largest barrier reef in the world. The kids loved seeing all the different animals, including Loggerhead turtles, Eagle Rays, and Reef Sharks. Each trip they went on was better than the last! They traveled to the Turks and Caicos, dove with wild dolphins, and enjoyed diving together as a family. Palau, Yap, and the Philippines were all incredible trips that created memories to last a lifetime. Last summer, their son, now in college, traveled with Mr. Lavinsky to Indonesia, Komodo. Margo Peyton arranged for Max to spend the remainder of his summer in Lembeh and Manado as an intern with Murex Divers.

Max falls in love with diving

The family is always fascinated by the unique wildlife, stunning scenery, and excursions they take on each adventure. Max fell in love with the Philippines when he went with Kids Sea Camp to dive with thresher sharks at Monad Shoal and with whale sharks in Oslob. His mom loved watching the kids enjoy St. Lucia as she enjoyed jungle biking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling the fantastic pitons and walls. They have traveled each year, creating everlasting memories and watching their children grow to be confident ambassadors of the underwater world.

Over 20 trips with KSC

The Lavinsky family has been on over 20 scuba diving adventures with Kids Sea Camp, and they have provided their kids with a living classroom with a global view. If you think about it, you only have 17 summers with your kids. Families love that Kids Sea Camp caters specifically to them, and they appreciate the experienced, knowledgeable staff on each trip.

The Lavinsky family has made lifelong friendships on each trip and continues to nurture those friendships today. The kids are grown and in college, and the Lavinsky family can now enjoy the empty-nest trips created by Family Dive Adventures. Parents can continue to travel and enjoy the other parents they have met along the way. Some of the kids are now PADI scuba instructors. During the summer months, when not in college, they work with Kids Sea Camp, teaching the next generation of divers.

Family Dive Adventures has been rated #1 in family dive travel for 25 years. Kids Sea Camp has a reputation for providing excellent service and safety. They offer a variety of trips to suit all ages and interests. Family Dive Adventures is the perfect choice if you are looking for a family-friendly scuba diving adventure.

Kids Sea Camp is one giant family reunion

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Dive training, Philippines Kids Sea Camp, family vacations, kids and diving

Kids Sea Camp is a family

After a few trips, our family made friends from all over the world. Now, it’s like attending a big family reunion with people I feel like I’ve always known. The resorts and dive staff make you feel special and offer jaw-dropping experiences. 

Without the experience of traveling around the Kids Sea Camp (KSC) world over the last 5 years, I simply would not be the same person. Seeing the world through diving has taken me far beyond what I would learn in my own school or community. It has given me more life skills, introduced me to new places and different cultures, and allowed me to learn about the world above and below 1st hand. (The online catalog)

Our first few trips

My first trips were to Bonaire, Roatan, and Utila. They were a blur of blow-karting, zip-lining, zombies, and wild dolphins. Even though I was young then, I participated in so many amazing activities and made friends I still dive with today, like Kai Hunsicker and Max Lavinsky. (Our calendar of events)

Kids Sea Camp, Kids and diving

When I was 9, my mom signed me up for the KSC PADI Seal Team program. She was worried the dive gear wouldn’t fit me because I was so little. KSC owner Margo Peyton told Mom she had plenty of small tanks and BCs available for all kids my size. I loved every minute underwater, experiencing zero gravity. I liked listening to the sounds of fish munching on the reef. The training course is on every KSC trip, so I can become a better diver. As of today, I have completed my PADI JOW and AOW courses and became a PADI Jr. Rescue Diver at Buddy Dive in Bonaire. I completed my Master Diver Certification in the Philippines with Sea Explorers last summer. Next year I turn 15, and I’m excited about taking my PADI Jr. Dive Master course in Dominica.  

I am grateful for my Kids Sea Camp family

I have to say, I am very grateful that my parents, who are long-time scuba divers, wanted to keep diving and include me. We make KSC our annual family vacation. KSC is definitely not just for kids! 

Sometimes, I think my parents (Beth and John Burkhard) have more fun than anyone. Margo and Tom Peyton (my aunt and uncle in this giant family) strive to make each vacation personal and focus on family fun for everyone. They even gave my parents and Kai’s parents some extra privacy on our trip to the Philippines, which meant Kai and I got our own room. It was awesome!  

Tom usually sets up all the sporting activities on trips, like volleyball, soccer, and football, and he gets everyone going with basketball, too. He and Woody like to host Karaoke or ocean trivia after dinner.

Chasing critters with Tom

Nemo, Clownfish, Kids and diving, Kids Sea Camp

Tom is one of the best underwater guides ever. You will always see crazy little critters while following him around the reef. The big stuff, I’m better at finding, like the Giant Manta I spotted in Dauin and then in Oslob, I did a giant stride off the front of the Banka boat and landed right in front of 2 big whale sharks. Seeing whale sharks that close was a jaw-dropping experience! In case you can’t tell, the Philippines trip was my favorite KSC trip.

Some of the really important things I have learned include equalizing my ears. Margo took the time to show me multiple ways to do that. She taught me to slow down, descend, and dive at my own pace. Tom says, “When you dive slowly as he does, you will see so many more critters.” 

Becoming a rescue diver

In my rescue course, I learned the importance of dive planning and being a prepared, observant diver. I have learned how to avoid and solve potential problems. The KSC instructors make learning fun by applying the theory to everyday scenarios. There is always a speaker or a presentation during our trip. My favorite talk was about ocean trash because I learned the impact of plastic and pollution and how bad it really is. Woody had us all do a beach cleanup for plastic as part of the Zombie Apocalypse diver program. 

The trips also include local cultural activities, such as cooking, dancing, or visits to a village or school. We bring sneakers and school supplies for the local kids. That was one of the highlights for me because I got to help other kids and learn how kids in other countries live. We learn about their history, culture, and language, and that really inspires me. 

Humbling experience in the Philippines

At the Mountain School in the Philippines, their dances told us a story of their life. The respect they have for their elders and the pride shown in their family and schools made me appreciate all the more what my school and family provide for me. I have met so many foreign people who are so humble and grateful to meet me. They are all so happy, despite having so little compared to what I have in the US. I don’t look at my life the same since I started traveling around the world with my family.

A new chapter in our lives as parents. Morgan is now 19, and we are off to the Galapagos in 2025 without him joining us this time. His diving career has taken a right turn to a driving career!

Who is Morgan Burkhard?

  • Indianapolis, IN (December 14, 2024) 
  • Morgan Burkhard, one of motorsport’s brightest emerging talents, has officially signed a three-year contract with Czabok-Simpson Motorsport (CSM) to drive the Porsche Cayman Clubsport GT4 RS in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge. 
  • The 19-year-old driver has already made a name for himself with an impressive rookie campaign in the TCR class, piloting the Hyundai Elantra N for VGRT in 2024. CSM is committing to both developing and showcasing Burkhard’s immense potential on one of motorsport’s most competitive stages. CSM Co-Owner Stephen Simpson expressed his enthusiasm for the addition of Burkhard to their team:

“Morgan embodies the qualities we value most in a driver—raw talent, unrelenting drive, and a level of maturity that exceeds his years. He’s already proven himself capable of competing with the best, and we believe this is just the beginning of what he can achieve. We’re thrilled to welcome him to the CSM family and look forward to building something special together.”

He remains grounded and deeply appreciative. “To have this opportunity at 19 years old, and so early in my career, is truly a dream come true,” said Burkhard. “Driving a Porsche in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge is something I’ve dreamed of since I first watched the 24 Hours of Daytona as a kid. Now, being part of a program with Czabok-Simpson Motorsport—a team that shares my passion for excellence and competition—feels surreal. 

My KSC giant family holds a very special place in my heart. They have supported me, taught me so much, and given me the world to love. 

Morgan Burkhard and Beth Burkhard

Family diving in the Philippines; Malapascua, Cabilao & Dauin

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Thresher sharks, Philippines, kids and scuba scuba diving children, family dive vacations, Family Dive Adventures, Scuba Diving

The owner’s favorite destination to dive

The Philippines is hands down my favorite place for diving over the past 30 years. I personally feel it’s perfect for kids of all ages. We work only with Sea Explorers, as I feel they are the only kid-friendly, safest operator for kids in the Philippines. Most of their Philippines staff are parents, and they just really get the concepts of Kids Sea Camp. 

Malapascua is Thresher’s heaven

This destination is an add-on pre-trip to our Kids Sea Camp main week. We are here specifically to dive with the Thresher sharks that come up from the deep each morning to a cleaning station at 70ft. It’s one of the most humbling and majestic dives I have ever done. Watching these beautiful sharks with tails as long as their bodies, shimmer through the water as they pass overhead. This dive is a WOW for anyone who loves sharks. 

Diving in Malapascua is not for little kids to dive. Having said that, we can and do arrange for younger kids to be watched while parents are diving. We offer Malapascua for 3 nights, with a 2-day add-on. The resorts are located in a beautiful village on an amazing white-sand beach. Pura Vida Resort and Buena Vida Resort are the two resorts we use. Buena Vida Resort is a luxury Spa and offers vegan and Paleo foods, yoga, etc. and is located in the Village and a 3 min walk to the beach. Ocean Vida Malapascua Resort in the Philippines is oceanfront and features the Sea Explorers dive show on-site, with 1 restaurant. 

Kids can be accommodated with child care at either resort while parents are diving. Diving here starts at 5 AM in the morning. We put Malapascua first because jet lag is a bonus here, as most people are waking up around 4 am.  So, diving for kids age 12+ and adults starts at 5 A.M., out to Monad Shoal for 2 dives, and back by 9 A.M. for breakfast. The rest of the day is spent enjoying the beach and village, etc. There is no pool at this resort.

Amun ini is in Ando on the island of Bohol 

This is a beautiful boutique resort with a large beach and an infinity pool. It is a 5-star resort about 2 hours from Cabilao, and TAG is the airport to fly into for both this property and Cabilao.  Amun ini mostly features macro diving. The rarest of nudibranchs, octopus, and pygmy seahorses are the norm to see on dives.

Dauin Pura Vida Homes and Pura Vida Resort with Sea Explorers

We will include a trip to Oslob to snorkel and dive with whale sharks. Little kids will be supervised and allowed to come and snorkel. We also have a dive excursion to Apo Island and a tour to the Mountain Village School. Dauin is our main Kids Sea Camp event, and we have a lot going on there from SASY to Seal Team (in the ocean), Jr. Open Water courses, specialty courses, Whale Shark Aware, and even a Dive Master program. Families from all around the world attend, bringing kids ages 5 to 18. The younger kids’ programs here are heavily supervised with 1 instructor to every 2 kids in the water. The rooms offered are 1,2- or 3-bedroom villas with ocean and garden views at Pura Vida Homes. These are the luxury rooms in a private area we have chartered, featuring private pools, a swim-up bar, and beach access. 

Some guests can also choose to stay at the sister property just next door, attached to Pura Vida Homes, called Pura Vida Resort. This resort offers lower-priced hotel rooms. Guests can stay longer, arrive earlier, or even visit Dauin Kids Sea Camp. There are lots of options. We can also arrange individual trips outside our Kids Sea Camp events year-round and create a custom family trip for you on other dates that better fit your schedule.

I hope this information helps you decide whether to travel with us to the Philippines this year.
Margo Peyton

Top 5 best family dive adventures with younger divers ages 4-16

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Top 5 dives for family, The Philippines, kids Sea Camp, kids and diving

MARGO PEYTON’S: Top 5 best family dive adventures with young children, plus many more.

1. Bonaire: This island is at the top of my kid-friendly list because of many of the condo properties, such as Buddy Dive, Capt Don’s, and Bel Mar. They are perfect for larger families, offering 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom villas. Buddy Dive, in particular, offers the Buddy Dive Academy, with PADI programs such as SASY for kids age 5-7, PADI Seal Team for kids age 8 & 9, and Jr. Open Water, Jr. Advanced, and even Jr. Rescue.

Their staff is well-trained with oodles of experience with kids. Not to mention, Bonaire is one of the calmest, clearest, and easiest places to dive in the world. Parents and their certified youngsters can jump right off Buddy Dive’s dock and enjoy a nice, easy dive. Since kids aged 10 and 11 have a 40-foot max depth, it’s often hard to find places where the sandy bottom does all the work at 40 ft.

Here, parents can relax and enjoy their kids diving with tarpon, turtles, schools of colorful tropical fish, and, of course, the coral nursery trees. Bonaire also has lots to do topside for families, including one of my favorites, Blow Karting on the world’s largest salt track! Bonaire caters to every level of diver and is one of our more affordable programs.

2. St. Lucia: I just love bringing families to this island. It’s world-famous for honeymooners, but now that the honeymooners have children, they can return to celebrate with the whole family. Some of the best diving is below the famous Pitons, and there are some great wrecks for teen divers to explore. It’s crazy cool to dive some of those volcanic formations and pinnacles under the sea. Kids especially love Superman’s Flight, one of the best drift dives on the island. Anse Chastanet is perfect for both diving and non-diving families. They offer paddleboarding, kayaking, sunrise and sunset yoga, volcano hiking, jungle biking, and, of course, scuba diving.

Did I mention chocolate tasting and farm-to-table culinary classes with cupcake decorating? How about live music and jazzy sunset cruises? And if that’s not enough, every May and June, you may be lucky enough to catch the sea turtles nesting on the Anse Mamin Beach. I have also been fortunate to catch the sea turtles’ hatch in late July and August. We released 98 baby turtles 2 years ago, and it was amazing! During the Kids Sea Camp weeks at Anse Chastanet, kids can learn to dive, do SASY or Seal Team, and explore the protected marine sanctuary.

American, Delta, and United Airlines all offer daily nonstop flights from the US, making it one of the easiest places to reach. There are 1- and 2-bedroom Piton-view rooms, as well as beach-level rooms for families. Dive St. Lucia is very family-friendly. All dives are guided, and the ratio for kids is 1 instructor or Dive Master to every 2 kids. It does not get any safer than diving with Dive St. Lucia.

3. The Philippines is also high up on my list with Sea Explorers, and I would just tell you that taking kids to dive with Whale Sharks in Oslob, turtles at Apo Island, and to experience the largest to the smallest marine animals on one trip is truly life-changing. Pura Vida Homes is perfect for families. We sell out for Kids Sea Camp every year. Traveling in a private guided group is the way to go here, with an experienced dive team including Margo, Tom, and Bigs.

Top 5, Palau, kids and diving, family dive vacations4. Palau: Yes, I know it seems a long way to go, but Palau is definitely a Wow! Kids love JellyFish Lake; it’s the only time they don’t have to be afraid because the jellyfish don’t sting. It’s a rare opportunity to see the 8th wonder of the world! Palau is also one of the few places in the world where kids can safely learn about and dive with sharks, manta rays, and other big marine life. Many of the dive sites are in shallow water, easy for all to enjoy.

5. Fiji: To me, Fiji is all about family. It is all about love and children, music and dance, food and friendship. It’s a place where culture becomes an integral part of the trip.  Kids have so many opportunities to interact with the local villages and local children. It’s a very humbling experience and for sure an educational vacation. I believe there is one resort that stands out for its Luxury 5-star service and diving: Jean-Michel Cousteau’s resort. The name kinda says it all. 1- and 2-bedroom villas are perfect for families, with the Point Bure for families of 5. There is shore diving and spectacular reef and shark dives. JMC has a full-service, kid-friendly dive team. They can cater to any diet and are also special-needs-friendly. I have had great experiences at Castaway Island and Beqa Lagoon as well, but I would for sure say JMC is absolute perfection for kids.

With beautiful over-water cabanas and a private lagoon to snorkel or paddle board, it’s perfect for families that want peace & tranquility. Mayan Princess offers 1 and 2-bedroom oceanfront villas with full Kitchens. The dive sites are 5-10 minutes away, and the boats are large and spacious. Both locations offer excellent in-ocean training areas for Seal Team & SASY. All-inclusive resorts are an easy way to budget your trip and get the most for your money!

PLUS FIVE

I know you only asked for 5, but since kids and diving are my life, I’m going to give you a few bits more. For liveaboards and kids, you can’t beat the Rocio Del Mar Team in the Sea of Cortez and Socorro. They are like papas in the water with kids and families, and really have an outstanding safety record. We offer a full-boat charter, so it’s all about the kids. Dancing with sea lions and giant manta is an amazing liveaboard experience for kids and parents alike.

 Roatan: The Bay Islands continue to be one of the dive world’s hidden treasures. The marine park has blossomed, and since its inception, there has been a huge comeback of turtles, large schools of fish, grouper, and lobster. There are so many shallow sites and beautiful beaches to explore. My two favorite properties for families are Turquoise Bay Beach Resort and Mayan Princess, both all-inclusive, owned and operated by local families. The staff is super kid-friendly at both resorts and dive operations, with Mayan Divers and Subway Divers offering lots of smaller tanks and kids’ gear. Turquoise Bay offers free horseback riding every day and has just completed a total resort renovation.

I did not talk about the beautiful Cayman Islands, where my own son was born and where my kids learned to dive, because everyone already knows how awesome they are. They’re easy to get to, lots to do, and a great choice for so many reasons.

 All of the above are featured Kids Sea Camp destinations. That does not mean that’s all there is out there; it just means those are the ones I feel are best suited for our younger divers, SASY and Seals.

Taking your kids on dive adventures around the world is giving them a living classroom to learn in. It’s giving them a global view of the world and all its possibilities. It’s taking their dreams and making them a reality, a priceless family bonding adventure.

Kids Sea Camp has contributed to over 8,100 youth certifications and taken over 350 families a year diving. We have a perfect safety record, with zero accidents. Please join our Kids Sea Camp family at one of these locations this year. Cherish the opportunity to dive with your kids while they are still young. It’s one of the most beautiful, forever memories you can give them.

Margo Peyton, Owner, Kids Sea Camp & Family Dive Adventures
PADI Instructor 57474

Grandmother uses KSC for quality family time

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Grandmother divers, family dive vacations, kids sea camp

Discovering Kids Sea Camp is a real gift to my family  

My two adult sons, Danny and Chris, are divers, and they convinced me, 25 years ago, to become a PADI-certified diver.  When they married their wives, Celenie and Stela, they also joined the adventures and became divers. Over the years, I had made taking dive trips with my sons and their wives a top priority for quality family time. 

When my grandkids came along, much to my sadness, the family dive trips came to an end. Then one day, as I was thumbing through Scuba Diving Magazine, dreaming of taking dive adventures with my grandkids, I discovered Kids Sea Camp. 

Kids Scuba, Family Scuba Diving Adventures, Kids Sea Camp, Margo PeytonI immediately called and shared my find with my sons, and suggested we start taking family dive trips again. They were all for it, and in 2013, we were off on our first trip — to Palau Royal Resort and diving with Sam’s Tours and Kids Sea Camp.

The grandkids were 3, 7, 7 & 10. Benjamin, Sophia, and Hunter started SASY with Margo, while Jackson, at age 10, joined the PADI Jr. Open Water Diver class. We, the adult kids, felt like we had gone to heaven. We enjoyed diving during the days while the kids had fun learning with other kids. It was absolutely PERFECT for everyone! There are times set when adults and kids dive or snorkel together, too. Because of owner Margo Peyton’s expertise, instructor training, and perfect safety record with kids, she is granted a special waiver to dive in the ocean with PADI Seal Team kids aged 8 & 9 worldwide. 

Kids Sea Camp in Fiji

We have traveled with Kids Sea Camp to Fiji, where the kids had run of the entire resort, and while Benji was still in SASY, Hunter and Sophia advanced to the PADI Seal Team classes. We had lots of interaction with the local people, and everyone on staff was not only helpful, warm, and hospitable but also genuinely interested in our experience.  When we were leaving Fiji, my grandkids were crying and hugging the very special people they had come to know and love. Hunter even said (while sobbing), “How can I possibly leave these people?”  You know your grandkids have had a life-changing experience when their emotional reactions are so intense, and they don’t want to leave. 

In the summer of 2017, we traveled to Kids Sea Camp Philippines with Sea Explorers. My second grandson, Hunter, became a PADI Jr diver and joined Jackson diving with the other certified kids. We now have 3 generations of divers in our family, diving together. 

It seemed impossible to top Palau or Fiji, but Margo & Tom managed to do it yet again. As always. The Pura Vida Homes resort was luxurious, and the staff and service were nothing short of excellent. I had a torn ankle tendon prior to the trip, and a divemaster was always right there on the ladder to help me take off my equipment and hand it up. The Banka boats were the coolest and most spacious dive boats I have ever been on. 

Whale sharks in Oslob

We all went to Oslob Island, where we swam and dove with EIGHT whale sharks!! An absolutely mind-blowing experience and a memory created that we, as a family, will never, ever forget. How many families get to have an experience like that?

Each trip is better than the last. Kids Sea Camp sets the bar high with dive operators. Margo runs her trips with expert organization, safety, and professionalism. I love the many interesting and fun outings, events, and activities planned for us to enjoy as a family, out of the water. 

All of our trips have been, as the MasterCard commercial says, “priceless.”

I know for absolute certainty that our next trip will be another amazing adventure filled with precious family time, diving, and unforgettable memories. 

Sophia and Benji are next to get certified, then we will all be a family of divers again. Owners Margo & Tom Peyton provide a very personal experience, from planning your trip to assisting you every step along the way. Tom and Margo arrange visits to local schools or villages, provide special-needs care and special-occasion surprises, give educational presentations, and so much great family time. 

In Palau, Margo set up a spectacular helicopter ride over the Rock Islands for us. The result of all the personal service is why we keep coming back! It’s impossible to put into words how these unique family dive adventures have bonded our family and created memories for me with my grandkids that will last them a lifetime.

We have experienced fascinating cultures and explored new worlds so very different than our own. Each of these trips has expanded our knowledge, appreciation, acceptance, and love of people from all over the world. At the end of each trip, Margo Peyton and Brad Holland have left us memories to last a lifetime, documented in their photo gallery on www.familydivers.com. 

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Tom and Margo, Peyton, for creating Kids Sea Camp, the gift of being able to dive and travel with my kids and grandkids.

Story by Vicki Singley

Philippines: The jewels of the visayas sea

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Kids Scuba, Family Scuba Diving Adventures, Kids Sea Camp, Margo Peyton, Whale Sharks, Family Scuba Diving Vacations, Family Dive Adventures, The Philippines

Welcome to the jewel of the Philippines

Our children’s world has become much larger as today’s technology helps us to engage “virtually” in ways we never dreamed possible. However, beyond our smartphones, there is still a big, beautiful, real world out there. It’s filled with the kind of learning and adventure that expands our hearts and minds in a way technology cannot. The adventure in the Philippines is a jewel of a diving vacation.

When we travel with our children, we provide them with personal experiences that they’ll carry with them for the rest of their lives. If you’re eager to plan your next scuba diving adventure as a family, here is the latest off-the-beaten-path treasure that Tom and I have just explored and that Kids Sea Camp has approved.

Islands in the Visayas Sea

Upon landing on the main island, Cebu, we were met with friendly smiles and helpful hands. Biggs Eggert with Sea Explorers provided us cool face cloths, bottled water, and hugs. We quickly headed to board a Banca boat, which reminded me of a giant bamboo water spider; it was spacious and smooth sailing, like a mystical chariot to our first dive location.

Malapascua has become well known as a premier dive destination fairly recently

This tiny island, just a little more than a mile long, is home to several villages that exist either directly or indirectly to support the growing dive tourism industry.

I have read that Malapascua is the only known place on Earth where one can dive with the endangered thresher sharks and, as I prefer, in a natural setting on seamount cleaning stations at Monad Shoal. Biggs said we would dive with the sharks at sunrise, and as crazy as that sounds, it was not hard at all. Jet lag combined well with the time lag, and we were wide awake and ready to dive at 5 A.M.!

Thresher sharks

Thresher sharks have been on my wishlist for many years, and seeing them on every dive far exceeded my expectations. The shoals also attract devil rays, pelagic fish, and hammerheads; more than enough to thrill any diver. Families can enjoy diving the coral gardens, coral walls as well as further-out sites including Gato Island and Kemod Shoal.

Malapascua has at least 20 dive operations and hotels situated along Bounty Beach; however, Tom and I found only two properties we would deem as family-friendly. Ocean Vida and Buena Vida both have connecting rooms, family-friendly food, and kid-friendly staff. Ocean Vida is oceanfront, and Buena Vida is right in the middle of the local village, hosting an amazing spa and restaurant that would please any palette. Gourmet breakfasts, vegan and vegetarian dishes and fresh seafood are featured.

Sea Explorers a PADI five-star IDC

Sea Explorers, a PADI five-star IDC, is our No. 1 pick for diving and island hopping throughout the islands of the Visayas Sea. Exceptional service and knowledge, smaller dive gear, tanks sized for kids, and a well-trained staff for all levels of divers. They easily accommodate big-rig photographers, single families, and large groups like ours. Each Banca boat offered hot coffee or tea, warm face cloths, fresh fruit, and baked bread upon returning from our dives. To top it all off, I never touched my gear; it was rinsed and set up perfectly adorned atop my nitrox tank, awaiting my return. Heaven! I have to say, nothing made the staff happier than to see the smile on our faces, and I guess that’s why the Sea Explorers’ tagline is “Dive with a smile,” because we certainly did.

Negros Island was our next stop

We were beyond surprised when we arrived at Pura Vida Homes. Fourteen luxurious two-bedroom villas are handcrafted with rich hardwoods and have breathtaking views of the mountains and sea. The resort sits on a beautiful beach with three infinity pools, a restaurant, a gym, a spa, and a wedding chapel.

Being that it was our 10th wedding anniversary, we could not resist the opportunity to renew our vows at sunrise. Owner Chris Heim was delighted to give me away. Biggs accepted as my maid of honor, and the local pastor presided, as his lovely daughter sang. I have no words for how special Sea Explorers made us feel throughout our trip. They treat everyone like family.

There were mountain villages to explore, and infinite pristine reefs teeming with fish to dive, like Apo Island, which provided endless views of colorful soft corals, punctuated with my favorite, turtles! We could have stayed a month and not been bored.

Whale sharks

On our way to Bohol aboard our Banca boat, Dako, we were able to dive in 35 feet of warm, clear water and observe these gentle giants feeding on krill. I had only been diving with whale sharks in the Galapagos, and it was fabulous in these much warmer waters. Kids and families can snorkel or dive anytime during their stay.

Amun Ini is a small 16-room, five-star dive resort and the most luxurious little gem we found yet. Family-owned and family-run.  Amun Ini means “This is mine,” and I can understand why, as anyone would want to claim it for themselves. A beautiful, private white sand beach, infinity pool, and large, spacious rooms greeted us at this eco-friendly, holistic, and organic scuba retreat.

Did I mention it’s kid-friendly?

The owner’s daughter and her husband are the gourmet chefs, who create local dishes that will tantalize your taste buds and make you feel like you’re dining in one of the top 10 restaurants in the world. Did I mention it’s kid-friendly? The chef’s two little girls, ages 3 and 5, joined us each day. I loved seeing the smiles on their faces when I told them about Kids Sea Camp and all the kids we would return with to play together in the ocean.

Beyond diving, I must mention the things Tom thought were more than noteworthy. Everyone in the Philippines plays basketball,  and they are really good at it too! Tom played a few games after diving with the dive team, and it was almost as good as the diving.

In addition, there are sunset massages, culinary classes, yoga, and kayaking. We also enjoyed the many hugs from some of the happiest children we encountered throughout our trip. These are humble people who prize family and each other above all things.

The diving had the most incredible, healthy, and vibrant reefs I have ever seen. Biggs asked me if I wanted to do some muck diving. I had read about this type of addictive diving, hunting for the tiniest of critters on the sandy bottom. I found tiger shrimp the size of a grain of rice, multicolored frogfish the size of a gumball, and pygmy seahorses, all well camouflaged to the eyes of any would-be predators.

Cabilao Island, our next stop via the Chocolate Hills

The hanging bridge and a zip line to stay at Pura Vida Cabilao. Another spectacular Sea Explorer resort with 2O spacious oceanfront suites, more breathtaking views, and completely surrounded by endless coral walls. The unlimited shore diving offered many opportunities to encounter a wide range of tiny critters, turtles, rays, sharks, and even schools of wild dolphins.

This boutique island resort offers a personal closeness that is perfect for small groups and the Kids Sea Camp. The dining offers a personalized touch with a menu prepared to please.

A welcoming, safe, and smile-driven island

All in all, we have given a good chunk of our hearts to the Philippines, as we found it to be one of the most welcoming, safe, and smile-driven places we have encountered to date. If you’re ready to take a break from your virtual world, I invite you to taste experience to the utmost, to teach your children to reach out without fear to explore a world that will bring their imagination to life.

Join us for an extraordinary journey to the Philippines. I encourage you to open your children’s eyes to humility, happiness, and a new way of looking at life that they will remember forever.

By Margo Peyton, President of Kids Sea Camp Inc.