Destination: St. Lucia
Margo’s favorite places to dive with kids
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Finding My Favorite Dive Destination? It’s Impossible!
For 26 years, clients have asked me, “Margo, what is your favorite dive destination?” As a mother, and now a grandmother, a PADI scuba instructor, and a lifelong ocean lover (I was born in Provincetown, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod!), my response has always been, “All of them!” Each destination I’ve personally chosen for Kids Sea Camp holds a special place in my heart.
Cayman Islands: Perfect for First-Time Family Dive Trips
As a young mother, I fell in love with the Cayman Islands as my son, Robbie, was born in Grand Cayman! I know the islands well, having worked both as a divemaster and a travel agent for many years while living there. With its easy access from the US (multiple daily, direct, nonstop flights!), strong safety record, and family-friendly resorts like Little Cayman Beach Resort and Cayman Brac Beach Resort, it had to be at the top of my list for young divers.
The diving is easy for all levels, with picture-perfect turquoise waters and sugar-white sand beaches you dream about on a cold winter’s day. The picturesque beaches are perfect for building sandcastles, playing volleyball, and relaxing!
Underwater, you’ll find turtles, tarpon, dolphins, and sharks, along with dramatic walls, fascinating wrecks like Captain Keith Tibbetts, and shallow reefs perfect for new divers. The resorts offer spacious guest rooms that give parents privacy while keeping kids close. And don’t forget the exciting land adventures like exploring pirate caves or hiking the bluffs!
The best Caribbean bar food
The food and service at both resorts are excellent, with plenty of family-friendly choices. The chefs create amazing made-from-scratch cakes, pies, and cookies, and there’s even a make-your-own sundae bar! The restaurants serve everything from steaks and lobster to fresh fish and vegetarian delights.
Getting around is easy, whether you rent a car or explore by bike. There’s a spa on each property, and believe it or not, tennis and basketball courts! Relax by the large oceanfront pools, swing in a hammock on the beach, or join in the fun with treasure hunts, pizza and movie nights, and pool games. I enjoy photographing and feeding the giant iguanas, collecting coconuts, and enjoying those lazy afternoons on the beach. There are quaint shops and other restaurants to explore, as well as exceptional flora and birdlife to learn about. The Cayman Islands are known for their history and culture as well as their diving.
Bonaire: Buddy Dive Resort Kids Sea Camp
Bonaire stole my heart with its laid-back charm, friendly donkeys roaming freely, flocks of pink flamingos, and incredible marine life – from wild dolphins and manta rays (yes, manta rays in Bonaire!) to massive tarpon and countless octopus.
My favorite part of the day? Jumping off the dock with my kids when they were young divers to explore the calm, shallow reefs. The white sandy bottom, just 15-20 feet below, felt like a natural guardrail, allowing kids to gain confidence and independence in a safe environment. Bonaire is one of my top picks for large families, with 1, 2, and 3-bedroom villas at reasonable prices and easy access from the States.
Buddy Dive Resort is family-owned and extremely kid-friendly, with an in-ocean training area that minimizes pool time. Besides diving, my favorite activity is Blow Karting (land sailing) – a total blast for adults and kids! There’s also a sunset cruise, walking the plank, karaoke, and live music. Buddy Dive sits right on the oceanfront, offering some of the most effortless diving for families. There are guided shore dives and boat dives just minutes away. And that jump-off-the-dock diving is the best!
When my kids were older, they both had instructor training with Buddy Dive. That was an amazing gift for me to witness and be a part of. Buddy Dive offers internship programs, Reef Renewal, and tech diver training for older kids and divers who want to further their dive training for future careers or fun. Our Buddy Dive Kids Sea Camp offers a variety of training courses during the week for adults and kids. SASY, Seal Team, JOW, AOW, Rescue, Jr. Divemaster, Divemaster, and Instructor courses have all been incorporated into our program.
St. Lucia: Kids Sea Camp Luxury and Adventure
St. Lucia is pure magic! It is one of the most romantic places in the Caribbean. Tom and I love to return to St. Lucia every year. We look forward to being pampered, enjoying some couples’ time, and bringing Kids Sea Camp to a luxurious, romantic place like Anse Chastanet. It’s a dream come true!
When Mrs. Karolin and Nick Troubetzkoy invited me to bring Kids Sea Camp to their world-famous resort, I felt like Dorothy clicking her ruby slippers in The Wizard of Oz! We have the entire resort to ourselves! Some families with older kids ages 15+ also stay at Jade Mountain, Anse Chastanet. That is just another level of romance and one of my favorite places on Earth to stay with Tom.
Imagine exploring vibrant reefs, encountering seahorses, and baby turtles hatching right on the beach. The dinner options let you indulge in world-class cuisine at four incredible restaurants. There’s Emeralds (a vegan restaurant), Balawoo (a treehouse restaurant with breathtaking views), the Jungle Grill, and Apsara Indian restaurant, all featuring Creole and Caribbean flavors.
The accommodations are breathtaking
This resort wowed me from the moment I stepped into my room. The accommodations are breathtaking, with options of one- or two-bedroom units overlooking the magical Pitons and the spectacular ocean, or beachfront bungalows surrounded by lush gardens. Each room is exquisitely decorated at this 4 Diamond resort. The service is out-of-this-world, exceeding expectations at every turn. It’s a constant stream of happy moments in St. Lucia because you are served beyond your expectations at every turn.
Being able to have the kids make and decorate cupcakes with the head pastry chef, as well as the chocolate tasting with the chocolatier! OMG, if you love chocolate, you have arrived in heaven. The chocolate lab, chocolate hands, and foot massage, etc, are beyond enjoyable.
The diving is simply spectacular. From awesome wrecks, local house reef or night dives exploring beautiful walls to the vibrant soft coral gardens, Scuba St. Lucia offers something for everyone. Oh, and you do not need to touch your gear because this is 4-diamond diving, and everything is done for you. It’s called Valet Diving. Then there is the jazzy sunset cruise and live steel drum band, the karaoke and beach BBQ, and I can go on and on and on. This family week in St. Lucia is truly decadent. Every member of the family is pampered and spoiled, and the kids never want to leave!
Belize: Island Paradise and Marine Conservation
Blackbird Caye Resort in Belize, our newest gem (added in 2023), is a private island paradise. We’ve been taking families to Belize since 2011. This perfect location, with its proximity to incredible dive sites, was a game-changer. Imagine being just a 3-minute boat ride from the Wit Concrete Wreck (which can even be done as a shore dive!). The resort is only 6 minutes from the famous Elbow dive site! The Blue Hole, a must-do for any diver, is just an hour away.
My favorite here is the incredible number of eagle ray encounters, along with a big favorite of mine: the loggerhead turtles, which are not shy! Others like to hunt lionfish or go topside; my husband loves to go fly-fishing while I’m off enjoying dives with the kids. The boats are big, spacious, and comfy.
With its pristine white-sand beaches dotted with charming seaside bungalows, its incredible diving, and a focus on marine conservation, Blackbird Caye has become a favorite! Thanks to the owners Garen and Simonyan’s passion for kids and the ocean, it’s a dream come true for eco-conscious families. Garen, a newer dad himself, has integrated educational experiences from the Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association into the kids’ activities. There is marine life learning and excursions as well as presentations throughout the week. The food is delicious, and all meals are made from scratch. Family-style meals are served in the beach restaurant. The sunsets are well spent at the beach bar and pool, reminiscing about the day and resting up for the next day’s adventures.
Belize has so much to offer both non-divers and divers. We can book both pre- and post-trips to the jungle or ruins.
The Philippines diving with whale sharks
The Philippines holds a special place in my heart. I was greeted with a hug and a flower necklace at the airport in Manila. I knew I was in for something special. A quick hop flight over to Dumaguete, and we are in Dauin. This resort has 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units, black-sand beaches, multiple pools, and the most fantastic dive boats I have ever seen. They look like giant water spiders! These boats are made of bamboo, spacious, and offer valet diving, which basically means you do nothing. Hot chocolate, coffee, tea, biscuits, and cookies are served after every dive. Each dive group of 4 people has its own dive guide. The Filipinos are so much fun and love kids.
We get a very special dive that not many in the world get to do: the Whale Sharks of Oslob, which we do on our own private boat and with our own staff. We have a very special Kids Sea Camp Whale Shark Day. It’s one of the few times I can say that we guarantee you will dive or snorkel with a whale shark in Oslob. It’s just a huge wow. I’ve experienced 5 at a time.
Welcome to Apo Island
At Apo Island, the reefs are so beautiful that I actually cried underwater. At 18, the first time I saw reefs this healthy, it was overwhelming. There is a mountain school, a village tour, the Chocolate Hills, zip lining, and many top-side cultural activities planned for the Kids Sea Camp trip. I have packed it with local culinary delights, music, and fun for the entire family.
Planning ahead for the Philippines
We’re planning our Philippines vacation further in advance. The trip has multiple locations, since families travel so far; we maximize their stay with a few trip options. This year, I’ve arranged 6 nights at Pura Vida Homes with Sea Explorers, and 6 nights on Bohol Island at Amun Ini. Both offer opportunities to see whalesharks, macro, and topside fun. From Amun Ini, families can see the world’s smallest monkey, the Tarsier. A cute little furry critter with eyes that look like large AI-generated orbs. For 2026, we are off to Dauin and Cabilao. You can give me a call. I will happily spend as much time as you want telling you about the Philippines. The rooms are beautiful and spacious, and each resort offers incredible cuisine. (See our calendar events)
Indonesia: Luxury Liveaboards and Unforgettable Experiences
For the ultimate dive adventure, Indonesia is a must. Our luxurious liveaboard trips aboard the Arenui offer unparalleled service and exquisite cuisine, all while having access to some of the world’s most pristine dive sites, including Komodo, Raja Ampat, and the Forgotten Islands. The Arenui is truly “perfection,” as described by one of our long-time clients, Marcio Curvelo. With its stunning hand-carved interiors, fine linens, and state-of-the-art dive equipment, the ship redefines luxury dive travel. We offer land excursions, diving, paddleboarding, kayaking, and pre- and post-Bali add-ons to create a truly unforgettable experience.
Why I Choose Each Destination
I hand-pick each Kids Sea Camp location with families in mind. We work closely with each resort and dive operator to create unique experiences. The destinations have their own appeal and unique experiences. All the KSC weeks create a magical family diving experience that gives the kids memories to last a lifetime.
Ready to plan your family dive adventure?
Check out KSC weeks (see link) or read heartwarming stories from our families. (see link)
Kids Scuba Programs for all ages
Kids’ scuba programs at every destination
PADI Seal Team is an excellent program for kids aged 8-10. Kids Sea Camp Inc. offers one of the few 6-day scuba programs in the world that is conducted in the ocean. Our ratio of instructors to kids is one instructor for every two kids. The PADI Seal Team is an enjoyable program PADI created in 2001, based on fun, educational Aqua Missions in the pool. At Kids Sea Camp, we provide SeaLife Cameras for Photo Missions, fun ocean dives for Fish ID Missions, and night pool missions.
We dive everywhere
There are select locations: St. Lucia Kids Sea Camp Inc. with Scuba St. Lucia and Anse Chastanet; Buddy Dive Bonaire; Sea Explorers in the Philippines; and Reef Divers in the Cayman Islands. We take Seal Team kids scuba diving in the ocean and experience the underwater world with mom and dad. Over the past 25 years, we have taught over 4,000 Seals.
As a mom, I wanted a safe and fun way to introduce my kids to a world I loved and wanted to share with them. Kids’ Sea Camp is a great way to teach your children about the underwater world. Many local dive shops offer PADI Seal Team dives and classes, so ask your local dive shop about getting your little ones in the water. Kids have to be 8 years of age to start the scuba programs.
Scuba Rangers
There is also SSI Scuba Rangers, which I know is another excellent kids’ scuba program, although I have not taught it. What’s important for parents to know: Ask good questions. In my opinion, the ratio of instructors to kids in the water should be 1 instructor to 2 kids. Each operator has mandates and guidelines to follow, but you can always ask for a private class if you like my more conservative ratios.
Demand assurance
Ensure your kids want to participate; they should be excited and eager to learn. Discuss clear diving activities with your child’s doctor and ensure they are both mentally and physically fit to participate. Ensure the instructor you pair with your child is kid-friendly. The instructor needs a comfortable level of kid-teaching experience. Ask them how much experience they have. If your child falls in love with the program, keep encouraging them and continue to the PADI Master Seal Program.
Our seals and sassy
PADI seals can dive a max depth of 12 ft with an instructor. Master Seals have a max depth of 12ft with an Instructor. Experienced instructors can acquire waivers to take kids into the ocean. There are a lot of hoops to jump through to make this happen.
Kids Sea Camp has created a bunny slope for the dive industry. It’s been incredible to see how many of them have grown up to love the ocean and further their careers in diving. We have certified over 50 divemasters and contributed to 36+ instructors who started as little SASY or Seals. Many get into environmental sciences, Marine biology, dive law, and other marine careers that make a difference.
By Margo Peyton
Inspiring the next generation of divers
A scuba instructor’s philosophy when teaching kids to scuba dive.
Hello, my name is Margo Peyton. I have enjoyed teaching kids about the underwater world for 26 years. My philosophy as a scuba instructor when teaching kids is to inspire an appreciation and respect for our underwater world. I proactively share my joy, love, and understanding of the fragile marine environment they have committed to learning about. Scuba instructors are similar to other educators, coaches, and adventure guides. We have the transformative power to change a life for the better daily, one family at a time.
I must remember that in today’s world, the effort my students’ parents make to secure access to scuba-diving experiences for their children can be costly and challenging. As an instructor who teaches in the most desirable dive destinations around the globe, I try to make sure I am welcoming and attentive to each student as they arrive, nervous, excited, and hungry to embark on the journey to becoming a diver.
There are a few good points I’ve learned along the way when diving and teaching kids.
1. Share your passion with your students: Tell them what you love about diving and why. I like to talk about zero gravity, being present in the moment, and leaving the surface of my busy world behind.
2. Go Slow: Tell them what you’re going to tell them, tell them, and then tell them what you told them. Use analogies that will inspire and interest kids or make them laugh. Slow down your briefing and add some personal, friendly touches or experiences. Give plenty of time for Q&A. Go slower when demonstrating, descending, guiding, and ascending.
3. Those Tiny Little Ears: Most kids have no idea what equalizing feels like when learning to dive. They have shorter eustachian tubes than adults. I explain to kids what it feels like to land an airplane because all my students experience it when flying. So they get that analogy. I also explained that when they chew gum or swallow in the plane, they equalize the pressure in their ears, and I showed them how to do that with gentle pressure, holding their noses, wiggling their jaws, etc. I see the light bulb click in their eyes at that moment of understanding. It’s crucial to descend slowly, use a line to help them with this process, and over-emphasize pain as a complete stop. I could do a full story on ears, but most importantly, it can take up to 10 minutes for some kids to descend safely as young divers.
4. Instructors can and should ask for assistance when needed: If you have not taught kids or don’t do so very often, ask for a certified helper. Students should never be left alone for any reason, and kids need more attention and time than adult divers. They must be reminded to stay hydrated, apply sunscreen, take shorter breaks, and have additional assistance with carrying and setting up heavy gear. I have a comfort level with no more than two kids at a time, so that is my ratio as an instructor. One hand for each child. If I have three or more, I ask for assistance.
Five more important points
5. Stay super Close: Staying close to kids! This means being able to reach out and touch them. It means understanding that kids can be like mosquitoes underwater. They can move fast, love zero gravity, and fly in any direction. Kids are wowed and distracted by the colors, fish, and each other. They love exploring how fast or slow they move underwater and enjoy being upside down and doing somersaults. I advise you to stay close enough so they can contact you when needed. I like my students close enough to hold on to during training dives, current dives, first-time night dives, and wall dives.
6. Create Good Communication: It’s fun to communicate with kids underwater and teach them about marine life. Always have slates to draw on. I enjoy their writing and communication with me now, as kids should. Have a quick-release clip to attach to your Scubapro wet notes book and pencil to my students’ backpacks. I love their drawings of a fish, which they want to ask me about later, and reviewing their questions that tell a story of their dives. I love teaching kids signs and signals and letting them create new ones to share with their parents. This is one of the most excellent tools to give to kids and parents. Once they start diving together, writing notes can create bonds, preserve memories, and relieve stress.
7. Ask your students questions: Building trust and getting to know your students a little better can make a difference in your dive. I ask how they feel and what they are excited to learn and see today. Ask the kids multiple times if they are too cold, hungry, or hot. Remember to ask if they are nervous and comfortable. I brief and debrief, then ask if they have any questions, and make sure they feel every question is essential and has been answered.
8. Be Patient and allow more time for everything: I run a junior open water class at every Kids Sea Camp as a week-long course. If you’re used to teaching adults, when teaching kids, get out of your head and ensure that everything runs smoothly, efficiently, and as planned. Then, you can make learning fun, take your time, and create memories to last a lifetime with kids.
9 Turn around and have eyes on your students at all times: This is the one thing I find myself teaching and advising instructors the most. You could not take kids to a mall, carnival, or fair and walk in front of them for more than 2 min without turning around and expecting them to follow. The underwater world is like a giant aquarium full of fantastic aliens and critters to be memorized by. The corals, walls, and water are all distractions. Kids need constant oversight. My best instructors spend most of the dive diving backward. You are too far away if you can not see each child’s eyes clearly.
10: #1 question you will have to answer: Why repeatedly? Be prepared to answer this question in detail and often. Think about giving positive, inspiring, and safety-conscious answers. Do I have to take my mask off? Why do I have to wear a wetsuit? Do I have to wear a snorkel? Why can’t I touch that fish? Can I dive deeper? These questions must be answered with care, patience, and thoughtfulness. Try not to give answers that will scare kids.
Most importantly, with kids, you can be the person who changes their lives, inspires their passion, and forever changes their love of the ocean. You are creating a memory that will last a lifetime and have a lasting effect on someone’s world that you may never know about. So make it a positive change.
Margo Peyton Family Dive Adventures and Kids Sea Camp Inc (Our mission)
Mother leads her family to the sea
The treasure of Kids Sea Camp
I have always loved the sea, would read about it, dream about it, and aspire to live beside it one day.
“I can see the sea!!” shouts seven-year-old me from behind the car. It was the highlight of my year. Growing up in inner-city London, UK, our summer trip to Margate, on the coast, was a much-anticipated event. All three children in the back seat competed to be the first to see the sea! I always won!
Meeting Dave
When I met my unique, excellent, and fabulous husband, we didn’t share many common interests. We were far too competitive to take up each other’s hobbies. So we resolved to start something new together. Our honeymoon was in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, and we decided to learn to scuba dive. Imagine our shock when we were presented with books and exams on our honeymoon! (Way before e-learning!). We learned together. And both of us became utterly mesmerized by the underwater world, the beauty, the color, the action of the reef, and the peace in our hearts. The strands of love woven together to create our family tapestry had begun to take shape. Scuba diving was one of those strands.
Dave and I traveled the world on every vacation to dive. We also took up diving in the cold and murky waters of the UK. Loving to be at one with the sea in all its forms: cold, warm, crystal clear, murky green. We loved the camaraderie of diving. The discussions about our underwater adventures. The concern from all of us is for protecting the environment. And the lack of concern for what we might look like as we came out of the ocean, with hair everywhere and snot pouring out of our noses! Diving is a great leveler!
Finding Kids Sea Camp
Fast forward a few years, and we live in Eswatini, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, with two small children. We continued diving. It became more complicated trying to find places where childcare was available to cover the diving parents . I was delighted when a friend from America visited and brought “Scuba Diving” magazine, which Dave and I devoured from front to back. I was drawn to an advert for “Kids Sea Camp,” which sounded like the perfect vacation for our little family! My children, Holly and Zebedee, were only 1 and 2 at the time, but I cut out the advert and saved it, and it came with us halfway across the world as we set up our new home in Bermuda. (See our event calendar)
When Holly turned four, I saw the advert and asked about Kids’ Sea Camp trips. So began our journey into diving as a family and in strengthening that strand of the rope of love that binds us together. I hoped my children would love the ocean as we did, and hopefully even scuba diving, but I had yet to learn how much they would love it!
Our first Kids Sea Camp
We went to Curacao on our first Kids Sea Camp family dive vacation, and after that, there was no question of seeking out other vacations since we had found the winning deal! Kids’ Sea Camp family vacations are amazing! It is an actual holiday for parents, who get to spend time with other like-minded parents who share similar values, a love for the ocean and the environment, and a desire to share this with their children.
The parent boats are a haven of hilarity and fun, which can be enjoyed knowing that your children are having their absolute blast doing PADI SASY, PADI SEAL, or diving on the kids’ boat with the incredibly highly experienced Kids Sea Camp dive team that not only supervised our kids but mentored them, taught them, and became like family to them. From Margo and Tom to Woody, Olivia, and many others, they have inspired, encouraged, and nurtured our kids to love diving and travel.
The kids loved KSC
Watching Holly and Zebedee, then 4 and 5, being taught all sorts of childhood fun by the older children brought me so much joy. They would be carefully watched as they jumped off the dock, ran around the beach, and did crazy stuff like learning new high-five maneuvers from teenagers! It was heartwarming to see “the village raising the child,” and the other children vacationing with us were so kind and loving. It just made for an amazing couple of weeks for all of us!
We were hooked!
Children see things differently from adults and learn alongside other children, furthering their dive education while having so much fun and framing diving with a new perspective. Diving becomes the child’s hobby and the parents’ since they control their decisions, diving, and responses. The children come off the boat full of excitement at what they have seen, what they have done, and what they have achieved. KSC kids share their experiences, forming friendships that can continue throughout the year. The children vacation together and have a great time. They switch the tables around in restaurants so they can eat together, and their world is shared through each other’s eyes, not just the parents’.
The kids connect
Meanwhile, the parents love watching their children connect, enjoying crab racing, shell collecting, sunsets, basketball, hammocks, and hilarity while they sit at the bar and chat through the day, laughing, joking, and sharing some of the challenges of parenthood. Some of my best friends, with whom I have shared the most from my heart, are friends from Kids Sea Camp. I have learned so much from such fascinating people and the challenges they have overcome. I would love to spend the whole year with them, but if it is just a couple of weeks, I will aim to repeat it every year!!
Kids Sea Camp has been much more than a dive vacation to our family. It’s been a place to meet interesting new people and a place to meet old friends with whom we had spent previous Kids Sea Camp weeks. It is a place for children to come together, be kids again, and learn valuable skills while enjoying the fun of new and old friendships. Kids Sea Camp is a space where you feel physically and emotionally safe. It’s great to see old faces you trust, who you know will look after your children, underwater and above the water. It’s a space where you can connect with friends and feel safe to share your anxieties or concerns, as well as your high points and celebrations. Kids Sea Camp is a place to learn from other parents and gain different perspectives on how to approach things.
Oodles of fun
These are the reasons we have gone back to Kids Sea Camp time and time again. The key to a vacation is fun, and Kids Sea Camp has oodles of it. The key to fun is building relationships, and there are plenty of opportunities at Kids Sea Camp.
The side benefits of traveling the world, experiencing other cultures, and occasionally being uncomfortable are, of course, all there as well. Still, they are not limited to Kids Sea Camp and are just a function of traveling with children. However, Kids Sea Camp can make it all stress-free, easy, and safer.
When we returned from Palau on Continental, most of our group was on this same flight. The children started playing together, playing cards, coloring, sharing stories from the week, and keeping one another entertained. We had so many comments from others on the flight about how much of a joy it was to watch them. And asked, “Are you all a big family?” The air stewardesses came and handed out ice cream from first class to everyone! These moments are unique, but at Kids Sea Camp, Tom and Margo Peyton create them in abundance.
Loving KSC is easy
There are not enough positive words to express my love for everything Kids Sea Camp has provided for our family. My children, Zebedee and Holly, both live by the ocean in Australia. Holly became a Divemaster and an instructor through Kids Sea Camp. She is now a PADI Course Director at 21, with over 2000 dives. Holly is working full-time as a dive instructor in Queensland, Australia, whilst also studying at university. She and her partner have set up their own dive company. Learning from and working with Margo and Tom Peyton at Kids Sea Camp was invaluable. They provided a wealth of experience and generously shared their home, hearts, and time. We are so very grateful for the direction provided. Zebedee also loves to dive, but you are more likely to find him out on a surf break in the early mornings than donning scuba gear. (See our Catalog)
Happy 26th Birthday, Kids Sea Camp! A quarter of a century well spent shaping a future generation of ocean enthusiasts and environmental protectors. Thank You!!
By Cathy Wakely
“Diving into Memories: The Danks Family’s Legacy with KSC”
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
August 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
From Rookie to Reef Master, A Journey of Self Discovery Joining the Ocean’s Tribe.
By Olivia Rapisand
My journey started with a cold call to Tom Peyton
It all started in 2016. Tom is the VP of a dive travel company, Kids Sea Camp Inc. I remember asking him whether he was currently offering scuba diving trips in Belize. Then he asked me, “Do you even know who we are?” I was a young, ambitious scuba-diving and fly-fishing sales agent. I worked for a company based in Texas and managed sales for 7 different resorts in Belize. I found Kids Sea Camp through my Google searches, it seemed like a good candidate for dive bookings so I gave them a call. I had assumed every tour operator would want to book Belize, considering the many incredible options I had to offer to adventure travelers. However, I had not realized how much I had yet to learn.
Meeting Tom
All that changed when I crossed paths with the likes of Tom Peyton. Tom is a very friendly and authentic sort of guy; he enjoys talking to most people. He shared countless stories about Kids Sea Camp and what they meant to the dive industry. He was honest that getting Belize on Margo’s agenda would be a slim possibility. She is quite tough when it comes to selecting destinations for KSC. She has very specific points that must be met.
No Diving With Crocodiles
Apparently, back in 2010, Margo had given Belize a chance and picked a property that had been highly recommended to her, but did not cut the mustard, as they say. She requires strict adherence to PADI standards for depth limits and training for kids, along with safety protocols for both land and sea. The resort and dive operators must also have emergency contingency plans in place. Margo is very diligent in ensuring that rooms, boats, transfers, and all activities are adequately prepared to meet the quality and friendliness she expects. Tom gave me a few good, detailed reasons why Belize did not qualify. He said Margo did not have a good experience with crocodiles on the first go-round. That was #1, and the challenge was set. Little did I know that my quest to acquire Kids Sea Camp as a new “client” for our dive resorts in Belize would actually become a career path I never expected to be possible.
Fast forward a year, and I had continued to pester Tom for several reasons; he always took the time to share new and interesting things about the industry that helped me better understand what tour operators expected and needed from suppliers. He also took the time to walk me around the trade show floor and introduce me to many of his connections. The more I learned and absorbed, the more wondrous and intrigued I became with the diving industry as a whole. Tom introduced it as a close-knit family of like-minded people with a common thread.
I remember trying to get in front of Margo at one of the trade shows, and there was a line of people waiting to speak with her. Tom finally interrupted her and gave me a quick introduction. Here I was, walking around the show floor, trying to speak to vendors, and she had a lineup in front of her at her booth. I knew that was what I wanted to strive for, and I wanted to make sure I could cut the mustard to earn her trust. Tom was the key to making that happen for sure; I just needed to be patient. I wanted the family market, and it was one my company needed. In 2017, I decided to make an offer to Tom, so I invited him and Margo on a fully paid, 7-night FAM trip I hosted to come back to Belize and experience what I had to offer. It was quite a journey! (See, you can go next year)
A Life Changing FAM
Tom said he would talk to Margo and try to convince her to take a week to go back to Belize. Honestly, I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but I knew that I was very passionate about working with them, and Tom was on my side. I loved what Kids Sea Camp stood for as a company and its philosophies about engaging children in the underwater world and other cultures. I had a lot of work to do to prepare for their FAM: 7 nights and multiple domestic flights to 4 different resorts. I felt it would be a good match for KSC. Tom gave me some good tips on which components were necessary: connecting rooms, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom villas, beach and ocean access, short boat rides to dive sites, good food, and on-site dive operations with a large enough dive staff to meet kid ratios in the water. I just wanted the FAM to be interesting, fun, and crocodile-free.
Knowing who Margo is today, I am sure she picked up on my inexperience as a diver (during our FAM trip). However, there was something she saw in me back then that really stuck like glue, and she quickly took me under her wing. Returning from our first dive, she plunked one of the KSC fleece beanies on my head after she saw me shivering on the dive boat. She also noticed my cheeks were quite red, so she pulled out her tube of sunblock and applied it to my face, just like my mom would have done when I was a child. Our dives that week were with a new crew; we had just hired a novice captain and a new boat crew. To be honest, it was a hot mess; Tom and Margo jumped right into leadership mode.
Margo’s Way
Margo was the only one of us with a safety sausage, which was needed when we surfaced with a zookeeper full of lionfish out in the blue and had to exit quickly. She monitored my air and time because we were all so excited about how many lionfish I was able to catch. In her Mama-Margo way, she gave us all a lecture after the dive about safety sausages and gave each member of the dive team one to keep. She also talked with them about the importance of navigation, checking currents, and finding diver bubbles based on wind and currents.
Lastly, she gave me a quick dissertation on watching my no-decompression limits and air consumption while better monitoring my depth and time. The new instructor with us also received a “Margo lesson” about safety and lionfish hunting. We all listened to her and took her advice seriously. We all enjoyed the beautiful walls, nurse sharks, loggerheads, and rays those days, and I was happy to say “no crocodiles”. To this day, Margo loves to tell the story about me lionfish hunting. She says I went from Holly Hobby to “Sheba the Sea Warrior”.
I was really worried that I had let them down in terms of the level of safety and care for dives. Margo had basically turned the FAM trip into a dive-staff training and management-consulting session for free. She really took the time to clarify what was needed, not only for KSC but also for the dive team to be successful. With that, friendship and trust were created. The experiences we had together that week created the foundation and admiration we share with one another today.
Working My First Kids Sea Camp Trip
We ran the first of many Belize KSC trips in the spring of 2018. Those 3 weeks were some of the most rewarding and educational experiences of my professional career to date. What amazed me most was actually seeing all the effort and hours of work that go into preparing a KSC trip. We had spent a year compiling all the details of each activity, meal, transfer, rooming list, and dive itinerary. It’s like planning a wedding: once the event begins, the families with their kids bring it to life. Seeing how Tom and Margo pull it all together as a team is awe-inspiring, and the real work starts when the guests arrive. They are like twin conductors, making sure everything runs on time and seamlessly. At least they make it look that way.
The work that goes on in the background is never seen or heard by the guests. Learning how to create life-changing moments for the families, especially the kids, was something I knew I wanted to continue doing with KSC. Margo, Tom, and I came together during those weeks as a team to navigate some difficult situations. I had to learn to prioritize outcomes that would be best for their customers. Through the intensity of those unplanned moments, I realized that they had weathered many storms together, and the level of respect, trust, and expectations that the families who travel with them have for them is well earned. Our three weeks in Belize turned into huge success for their 125 guests and simultaneously was a boot-camp for my team and I.
Kids Sea Camp Magic
Returning to the corporate office, I felt warm and fuzzy about how incredible the three weeks I had just experienced were. Tom calls that feeling “The KSC Magic.”
I loved feeling the challenge while being pushed to my potential. After meeting Tom and Margo and being tested to meet or exceed their expectations, I left feeling an incredible sense of being valued. I wanted to be an important part of a team that enriched people’s lives, made ethical decisions, and made the best choices for happy outcomes. I wanted to be a part of the dream-making that Kids Sea Camp created on every trip. (See our 2026 Catalog)
Later that summer, I picked up the phone and spoke to Tom about the possibility of working with Kids Sea Camp. He said that timing was the universe putting things in their place. Margo’s mom had just been diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer, and she needed help so she could spend more time with her mom for the time she had remaining. Tom told me to give Margo a call, and when I did, I found out her mom had only been given 6 weeks. Margo wanted and needed to be with her as much as possible. I told her that I wanted to be that person to step into her fins so she could be where she was needed, and I did just that.
An Ocean Of Opportunity
I was at a point in my life where I was ready for “real” change. She opened the door to new possibilities, and I said YES! So I packed everything I could into my Jeep, drove with my dad from Texas to South Carolina, and moved in with them for the rest of the summer. I literally took a big breath and told my dad this was going to be one of the best decisions of my life. I don’t know how many of you have ever been around Tom or Margo, but you often feel that way when you spend any amount of time with them.
Kids Sea Camp Special Treatment
The world of working with KSC literally means you have the world on your shoulders! It means that every mom, dad, grandma, and grandpa, along with each child, is treated with thoughtful decisions as if they were your very own family. Each family is an individual consideration and requires attention to their detail, from the size of the scuba tank to dietary needs, special needs, birthday wishes, special occasions, and bed sizes. Then there are the room locations for bad knees, dive-gear valet services for shoulder replacements, private instructors, and guides for special requests. Creating and organizing private moments for proposals and anniversaries.
We’ve done it all. KSC bat mitzvah, underwater weddings, proposals, Lip dubs, singing, dancing, jungle biking, blow-karting, and the list goes on. The life moments that arise, like catering to someone who has been diagnosed with dementia and the family’s wish for their last dive together, or A mother with breast cancer whose last wish was to get certified with her 10-year-old son before she died. Families celebrate the lives of their parents, grandparents, and sometimes a sibling by diving for them as a family. They celebrate a life by getting their children or grandchildren certified and creating new memories together. Grandparents often want to share quality time and create lasting memories for their children and grandchildren. The connectivity and purpose of Kids Sea Camp are massive!
It’s A lot of Work
I am now an integral part of the behind-the-scenes hard work that comes to life on the trips! Margo was able to spend the better part of 9 months with her mom before she passed. She fully trusted me to step into her very large “fins” as Tom guided and nurtured me. Margo charted the course, set the sails, and handed over the wheel. This is now our 6th year together, and I will say my life has been incredible. From the families and suppliers I have met to the value I now feel and the level of adoration that I have for this family and KSC, the journey has exceeded my dreams.
Singing to Keep Your Job
Did I mention Tom Peyton is a rock star? He was the lead singer of his band and published a CD called Heart of the Rose on iTunes. He also had a play go off-Broadway. Are you thinking what that has to do with me? Well, when it came to speaking or singing publicly, let’s just say I wasn’t very good at it. To keep my job, Tom said I HAD TO SING! LOL, yes, that is right!
Tom said it would help break down barriers, build courage, and push me past my discomfort. He said it would make me feel free and help me shed unwanted stigma. So I figured I would let him have it. Tom and I run it together if we are on trips, or I run it on my own when I am not traveling with him. Even though he sings like a real rock star and I, well… I don’t; he encourages me and makes me feel like one. Needless to say, karaoke is a big part of KSC! The good thing about that is everyone’s having fun. Some people are like Tom, and wow, can they sing?
Some people are like me; maybe they are not the best, but they have the most fun doing it. So, if you’re ever on a trip with me, be prepared not to feel intimidated about singing but rather encouraged. If you have something to show, then, for sure, rise to the occasion with Tom.
Margo, Tom, and I have all worked together, running KSC weeks, working in the office, doing trade shows, overcoming global pandemics, creating new programs, finding new destinations, capturing stories, and making dreams come true. Margo has taught me so much about the nuts and bolts of running a travel company that focuses on family. Reviewing every waiver, reading all supplier contracts, negotiating with pricing, and even implementing safety standards for diving specifically for children. She has also taught me how to provide consulting to dive shops and resorts worldwide that want to establish kids’ programs and become more family-friendly.
PADI PRO
In 2021, I became a PADI Instructor at Buddy Dive Bonaire, which was an incredibly fulfilling journey. I now teach children and adults to scuba dive. I contribute to the next generation of kids and adults becoming PADI Pros through the curriculum Margo and I have implemented, as well as the mentorship and training we offer to young adults who join us for the internship programs for new DMs and Instructors.
One of the newest endeavors this past year has been underwater photography, and I love it! Margo has been hell-bent on making me a photo pro, so she gave me her personal Olympus setup from ‘Reef Photo & Video’ in Ft. Lauderdale after she bought herself a new one. It is so much fun now to get to shoot underwater photos together and of each other. She has spent a lot of time teaching me her skills and different techniques to get the perfect shot. I also learned from two other KSC photo pros, Josh Comay and Jesse Alpert, this year. If you had told me when I started with KSC that I would eventually work my way towards not only leading trips but also being the photographer for the trip, I would have thought you were out of your mind. But here I am, spreading my wings further than I ever thought they would go.
Getting Married to Sam
What’s the next chapter…. getting married December 14, 2024! My fiancé, Sam, whom I met after moving to South Carolina, became a diver at Anse Chastanet in St. Lucia in 2021. Of course, his initiation into the tribe involved singing karaoke with Tom. Sam tried to get away with Tequila, a one-word song, but Tom refused to let that pass. He had to encourage Sam’s inner child, and I will say successfully, so Sam is a nonstop karaoke star now.
The Family Tribe
Tom says Kids Sea Camp is a family, and Margo says it’s a tribe; either way, it’s hard to put into words how much gratitude and a sense of purpose I have felt being part of this family-tribe. A few short years ago, I was waiting in line at a trade show to speak with Margo while Tom taught me the ropes of the dive industry.
Thank you to Margo and Tom for trusting me and allowing me to grow within your family tribe.
Dream Vacation: “From Arizona to Anse Chastanet: A Dream Dive Adventure”
KSC is ideal for families
By Heather Shell
If you’re reading this, our family’s story may resonate with your own. My name is Heather Shell, and I’ve been a certified scuba diver for over 30 years. Thirteen years ago, when I met my husband, Andrew, I gifted him a PADI Scuba Diving Course for his birthday. It would be an excellent way to grow closer through a shared passion for diving.
However, living in Arizona meant his initial dives took place in Lake Pleasant, which wasn’t ideal for showcasing the beauty of diving or a dream vacation. Nonetheless, he persevered, and over the next few years, we took diving trips to Mexico and Roatan. Our son, Ari, was very young, and we were unaware of programs like PADI SASY and Seal Team, so we left him at home during these trips. We longed for family vacations, so we set aside diving in favor of pursuits we could enjoy together. Consequently, when we considered enrolling Ari into a Scuba Camp at age 11, my husband and I hadn’t dived in eight years.
Last Hanukkah, we decided Ari wouldn’t attend another summer camp. Instead, we were envisioning a diving vacation together. We considered the impact of his missing summer camps with his friends against an incredible family diving experience. Consulting a travel agent, I initially thought Europe might be our starting point for diving adventures. However, planning a dream vacation there quickly became overwhelming with challenges beyond just acquiring passports. I admit arranging family trips is stressful, especially with Ari’s Celiac disease. The fear of limited gluten-free options, language barriers, and the need to explain cross-contamination risks at each meal could quickly spoil our travels.
Word of mouth recommendation
One evening, over dinner with friends Dirk and Amy Leverant, I expressed our struggles about organizing a trip that accommodated our dietary needs. They recommended a company they’d traveled with called Kids Sea Camp. Dirk and Amy shared their many family travel experiences with Kids Sea Camp, having explored destinations such as Roatan, the Cayman Islands, and Curacao. They spoke of their children’s enduring love for scuba diving and the unforgettable memories made on these trips, emphasizing how easy and stress-free Kids Sea Camp made the planning process.
Amy sent me a link to kidsseacamp.com, and the next day, I spoke with Margo Peyton, the owner, and her son, Robert. They suggested we join the dream vacation to St. Lucia in July 2024. Margo explained that she selects PADI 5-star resorts and thoroughly vets both the dive shops and their staff to ensure they are family-friendly and adhere to best practices for kids and diving. Kids Sea Camp has an on-site team that coordinates with hotels, restaurants, transfer companies, food and beverage managers, activity directors, and dive operations to ensure a seamless vacation.
KSC is ideal for families
Kids Sea Camp proved ideal for our family’s needs. As Ari earned his PADI Jr. Open Water certification at age 11, the camp offered a safe, inclusive environment where he could interact with peers of similar ages and skill levels. Meanwhile, Andrew and I enjoyed adult diving time with other passionate parents. In the afternoons, we reconnected as a family, sharing our experiences from the day. We reveled in Ari’s morning adventures and enjoyed family activities and afternoon dives.
We stayed at Anse Chastanet, a romantic luxury resort with black-sand beaches, beautiful views of the Pitons, and three restaurants catering to our dietary needs. It was everything Margo promised, a true dream vacation. The roomy, beautiful accommodations offered breathtaking views.
Kids Sea Camp prioritized safe, enjoyable diving experiences and catered to dietary needs. On our first evening, we met the dive shop staff, the Sea Camp team, the hotel crew, and, crucially, the head Chef, who assured us they were well informed about our needs and had carefully planned each meal. They even arranged a special gluten-free birthday cake for me.
Dirk and Amy’s recommendation for our family vacation couldn’t have been better. The KSC staff ensured our experience was inclusive and carefree from arrival to departure. Margo and her team were always welcoming and captured photos so we wouldn’t miss any moments. Margo & Tom spend months organizing these dive trips, collaborating closely with local teams, and bringing in presenters and educators like Cristina Zenato and her husband Kewin to engage young campers, enhancing our understanding of Caribbean ecosystems.
Building relationships
Tom Peyton famously says, “What makes Kids Sea Camp special is the relationships that are built,” and we witnessed this firsthand. We met Ken & Jacqueline Langen, who were on their second Kids Sea Camp adventure with their three sons: Ben, 16; Walter, 11; and William, 14. Our families connected quickly, sharing meals and excursions while our boys bonded at the beach. We discovered two of their boys, and Ken also had Celiac, deepening our connection. We were already planning next year’s trip together by the week’s end.
Our choice of Kids Sea Camp has left us beyond satisfied, and we feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of the Kids Sea Camp community!
A rare experience for children to witness
”A magical gift of a baby turtle hatching at Anse Chastanet during Kids Sea Camp”
It is the first night of Kids Sea Camp under the stars of St Lucia. Mother Nature is giving us a magical welcome that night. It is thrilling to lead the kids through this rare and unique adventure. We pack the days with learning about the ocean and a list of fun Anse Chastanet activities. However, Mother Nature planned her learning and fun activity for this particular Kids Sea Camp trip, for all the kids who would become future ambassadors and protectors of her underwater world.
Margo and Tom, the owners of Kids Sea Camp, their photo pro, Brad, and Instructor Woody, brought their moms along on this memorable trip and sat down after introductions. I introduced the chef and GM, myself, and my dive team, and started the Q&A. Guests were excited about tomorrow’s diving and having fun with newfound friends. At Anse Chastanet, our dining is on the beach in the beautiful beach restaurant on the water’s edge. It’s lit with glimmering lanterns and shimmering light patterns along the shoreline. I heard a little girl exclaim she had found a baby turtle. I knew the nest we would be watching is close to ready, but tonight is the night, in the bright moonlight, with all the children present.
A magical night
I gathered all the kids and parents and spoke to them about what they would witness. “Welcome to what promises to be a magical night of wonder for everyone! Tonight, a Kids Sea Camp miracle is taking place. We will be able to watch the baby turtles emerge from the sand and make their way to the ocean. It’s an incredible journey; it is thrilling to share it with you.”
The kids and their parents were on the edge of their seats. “What’s the most exciting part?” asked Noah.
“The most exciting part,” I replied, “is seeing how these tiny hatchlings find their way to the ocean. They face many challenges, but their determination is truly inspiring. We’ll learn about their journey tonight and see it unfold before our eyes.”
As dusk was not yet night, we stood around the nesting area, where gentle red lights lit the beach to avoid disturbing the baby turtle hatchlings. We waited, hoping the turtles would wait for the darkness to protect them. I explained to the kids, “Sea turtles usually hatch at night. The little ones emerged from their nests and headed toward the water, guided by the moon’s natural light.” The moon lit the beach, and there was a lot of artificial light. With her notebook ready, Ella asked, “How do the turtles know where to go?”
“Great question,” I said, “They are guided by the reflection of the moonlight on the water. The natural light helps them find their way to the ocean, away from predators and toward safety.”
We settled in, eyes scanning the sand for more signs of movement. The beach was quiet except for the rhythmic sound of the waves and the occasional call of a nightbird.
Baby turtles on the beach
The kids were holding their breath as tiny heads poked through the sand. It was a nest of baby leatherback sea turtles beginning their incredible journey. I saw the excitement on their faces and whispered, “Look, there they are!”
The hatchlings, no bigger than a child’s hand, began to wriggle and make their way across the sand. Their tiny flippers flapped and moved in unison as they instinctively followed the moonlight reflecting on the water. Ava clapped her hands softly, “They’re so tiny and determined!”
Parents had cameras ready, capturing every moment of the baby turtle hatch. Watching the children, who had been making jokes earlier, were now wholly absorbed in the scene. “This is amazing,” one little boy said, his voice filled with awe.
They faced a few challenges as the 98 hatchlings approached the water’s edge. Gulls swooped down, and the children gasped. I reassured them, “Don’t worry. Despite the challenges, Nature has its way, and many of these hatchlings will make it to the water.” It was incredible how the birds knew what would happen in the next few moments. Their calls got louder as if they were ringing a bell.
Turtle facts
The hatchlings continued to push up through the sand as they began their journey, some moving faster than others. I noticed a little girl watching one particular hatchling green turtle, and Hawksbill turtles lay in June and hatch to pick it up. “Can we help it?” she asked, her concern evident. Leatherback turtles are endangered; generally, only one in a thousand will reach adulthood. 10-15% are eaten by crabs, birds, and reptiles on the beach, and only 25% survive their first few days in the ocean. Witnessing a baby leatherback turtle hatchling is an extremely rare moment. As adults, they can weigh up to 2,000 lb and 6.5′. In St. Lucia, as in most of the Caribbean, green turtles and Hawksbills lay in June and hatch in July & August.
The leatherback population has decreased worldwide by 40%. They are known to return to Grand Anse Beach in St. Lucia. But due to sand mining and poaching, they have migrated to other parts of the island, and this year. Anse Chastanet House Beach is the destination.
As each tiny turtle rose from the sand, we quickly collected them and put them in safety tubs to be released in a safer, turtle-friendly area, where they could not be poached or eaten and had a better chance of survival.
I smiled at the kids, proud of their empathy and understanding. “You’ve all witnessed an extraordinary moment and participated in protecting future generations of leatherbacks. These hatchlings will safely take their first swim into the ocean over the next few evenings. This part is just the beginning for them, and it’s a lesson to us on the importance of protecting their environment.”
Talking about turtle conservation
During the next two days, turtle conservation was our topic. Releasing the baby turtles safely into the ocean. As each of the 98 hatchlings disappeared into the blue, we gathered to reflect on our unforgettable experience.
In closing, I shared my thoughts. “Those baby turtles have shown us the power of determination and the importance of protecting them and their habitat.”
The kids shared their thoughts and feelings, too. They each named a little turtle and wished it an easy journey and a safe return someday. Sarah, still excited, said, “I can’t believe we saw them hatch and go to the sea. I want to help sea turtles and ensure they all have a safe place to live.”
The other children nodded in agreement. At this Kids Sea Camp, as they do each year in St. Lucia, kids learn firsthand about turtle challenges, pollution, plastic, sand mining, and habitat destruction.
Abby, usually full of jokes, was reflective. “It was amazing to see how hard they work just to rise out of the sand. It makes me want to do more to help save their habitat.”
New ocean protectors
I listened to their comments with a smile. “I’m proud of each of you. This experience shows how important it is to care for our ocean environment. You’ve all taken a big step as future ocean protectors.”
The beach cleanup ensured that the beach is pristine and ready for next year’s hatchlings to be buried. Who knew the artificial lights made a difference? And how important the stars shining brightly above are to turtles? Anse Chastanet has always championed conservation in St. Lucia. They manage one of the first marine sanctuaries in St. Lucia.
New voices for the ocean
Tom and Margo say, “Kids Sea Camp creates memories to last a lifetime.” I do feel honored to work with such a wonderful group of kids and their parents. I hope that those experiences will create voices and protectors for the future, and maybe a few more baby turtles will hatch. (See calendar events)
Gigi Merlusca, PADI Staff Instructor and former manager of Scuba St. Lucia at Anse Chastanet
Scuba diving was definitely not on my list.
Kids Sea Camp mom learns to dive at age 61 and logs 90 dives in 6 countries in two years
By Betsy Meade
Scuba Diving, no way! My husband, Doug, and I recently retired after raising our four children. We both enjoy traveling, so we started to think about what the next stage of our lives together should look like. Doug is an active sportsperson who loves adventure, biking, and scuba diving. My travel habits favor sightseeing, beaches, and relaxing. I am willing to try new things, but scuba diving was not on my list.
I am not fond of swimming in the ocean at all. As a child, I was content to sit in the sun and play in the sand. As an adult, I occasionally ventured out into the waves, but I feared all the “creatures” I suspected would be waiting to torment me. On several trips, I attempted to snorkel but never quite got the hang of blowing water out of the snorkel and keeping water out of my mask. As an adult, I was still not interested in encountering any sea life. Scuba diving was not on my list of things to do.
Doug, on the other hand, has been scuba diving for over fifteen years. I spent many vacations happily sitting on beaches, while he scuba-dived during the day. He returned with great stories and pictures of his dives, and I was entertained by learning about his time underwater. Doug enjoyed diving but had mixed emotions, always leaving our family and me behind while on vacation. He often suggested that we get certified and join him, but I didn’t think the kids could do that. I certainly had no interest. So we remained content sitting on the beach until now.
I believed I could not enjoy scuba diving for many reasons; I am claustrophobic, and being underwater would scare me. My fear of not having immediate access to fresh air, and could not wrap my head around the idea that all I needed would be provided in a small metal capsule on my back. I was not a strong swimmer, so I thought currents and waves could be a problem, and the most significant piece of the pie was that I am afraid of sharks, fish, eels, or anything else that moves, stings, or bites.
My mentor, Margo Peyton
Margo Peyton, my neighbor and close friend, is the founder and owner of Kids Sea Camp. Mrs. Peyton would talk to me with so much passion, understanding, and determination about diving. Her beautiful pictures helped me debunk all my fears with her knowledge and experience. And she explained that having well-fitting, comfortable dive gear can make a huge difference in comfort, confidence, and the overall diving experience. She gave me a soft Scubapro mask called a Synergy TrueFit, sized just right for my small face.
Even the mask strap was necessary. She added a sports band that ensured the mask was easy to slip on, remove, and adjust—even underwater. She provided me with a smaller mouthpiece that was more comfortable. Then she outfitted me with comfortable, longer fins that prevented leg cramps and let me move through the water with scuba gear. I had no idea what a difference a fin could make. I was provided a comfy two-piece wetsuit that was easy to get in and out of, stylish, kept me warm, and protected me from stings and sunburn. The BCD was the key to my ultimate comfort. The fit was perfect and easy to use, and it supported my back as needed in the water. Having dependable, comfortable equipment I learned to use gave me so much confidence while I was scuba diving.
Facing my scuba fears
I booked my PADI Open Water class for July 2023 in Roatan, Honduras. I was still terrified of marine life when I arrived in Roatan. The night before my first class, I had tried to convince myself that scuba diving was not for me; all my troublesome thoughts, concerns, and excuses came rushing back. I didn’t want to disappoint Doug or Margo, so I got into the pool. It was my first class. Margo personally hand-picked my dive instructor to fit my needs and fears. I had the most patient, kind, and just wonderful instructor, Kiley Thueson, she was perfect for me.
Some skills were more challenging than others, but Kiley was patient, and I completed the requirements of my confined-water dives. I was excited but extremely nervous for my first open-water dive, as I would see fish. I took a giant stride into the ocean.
There was so much to think about—equalizing my ears, not holding my breath, monitoring my air, the dreaded mask removal skill, and swimming with fish. As I descended, the beauty of the corals and the blue hues of the ocean water amazed and calmed me. I was not afraid of those fish! They also seemed entirely uninterested in me.
Upon completing my first day of scuba diving, I was so proud of myself and started looking forward to the next day. However, after dinner, doubt and fear crept in again. I had to keep reminding myself, “I can do this!” Each day, I again forced myself to return to my class, determined to succeed and overcome more of my fears.
It took three days to become a PADI-certified open-water scuba diver at age 61. I was proud of myself for pushing through and enjoyed diving with Kiley and Doug for the rest of the trip. I enjoyed diving so much that five months later, we called Family Dive Adventures and went back to Roatan, this time to complete my Advanced Open Water certification with another Kids Sea Camp Instructor whom Margo hand-picked, Peter Kockisch. He is from Germany and worked with me on buoyancy, weight placement, fish identification, boat diving, navigation, and a deep dive.
Doug, my diving buddy
Then Doug and I went to St. Eustatius, and after that, we felt prepared for Indonesia. So we went to Lembeh Resort in Indonesia and then to Komodo aboard the Arenui with Margo and Tom. Again, we had private guides and learned so much. We did our first muck dives in Lembeh. Doug and I had to practice keeping our fins up, not stirring up the bottom, and destroying all visibility. And there certainly was a lot to see! We both started taking photos and having fun. In Komodo, we saw dragons on land and had private dives with whale sharks, manta rays, eagle rays, and even some reef sharks. Going on a few night dives required me to overcome a few more fears. Again, with proper equipment and planning, these were fun, too.
How’s that for overcoming fears? I am so very proud of myself. Doug and I are really enjoying this big blue new world we are exploring together. After Komodo, we went to Anse Chastanet in St. Lucia, dove wrecks, and learned to drift dive. Next, we are taking our daughter to Belize with Family Dive Adventures this spring to Blackbird Caye. I’m very excited for our daughter and looking forward to more new experiences, and I now love scuba diving.
Structure and attention to detail—particularly safety—are most important on Margo and Tom’s trips. This was a huge part of my success. Being part of that group and realizing that the instruction specifically addressed many of my concerns played a considerable role in building my comfort, confidence, and enjoyment of diving. Margo uses the same philosophy with her children’s programs.
Becoming certified scuba divers has changed our lives in so many ways. Doug and I explore the underwater world together as buddies. We have fun, travel, and meet new people.
Constantly blowing bubbles — now.
Experiencing this new world with my eyes was much better than looking at Doug’s pictures and listening to his stories. In the past year, I logged 90 dives in 6 countries and experienced a wide variety of sea life, including endless types of corals, sponges, and critters.
I am obsessed with diving now. With every dive, I am becoming a better, more confident diver. With each trip and each new experience, I learn more and overcome more fears. Having Doug as my dive buddy gives me more confidence because he always has my back.
Our calendars for 2025 and 2026 are already filling up with more Kids Sea Camp / Family Dive Adventure trips. We are off to Belize with Tom and Margo in the spring and then getting excited to be back on the Arenui with their Forgotten Islands Trip. While we regret missing out on 15 years of diving together, the last year has been so much fun, and we plan to continue to create new memories on future trips with Margo and Tom. In addition, we look forward to introducing our children and grandchildren to scuba diving with Kids Sea Camp.
I am so grateful to Margo for encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. I never thought that at age 61, I could learn to scuba dive or that I would enjoy it so much.