The connections that we all have forged extend far beyond our immediate family.
By Janet Severo 2025
When I booked my first family vacation to Roatan with Kids Sea Camp over 20 years ago, I had no idea that it would become the cornerstone of our most cherished memories. Before becoming a parent, I had spent many years working in the dive industry. However, after having children, I found it increasingly challenging to continue diving and traveling. I wasn’t sure if I would ever pursue my passion for diving again. But when I discovered Kids Sea Camp, everything changed. What began as a simple desire to introduce my children to the wonders of the ocean quickly evolved into a series of adventures that would shape who we are, both as individuals and as a family.
Over the years, Kids Sea Camp has taken us to some of the most breathtaking corners of the world, from the vibrant coral reefs of the Caribbean to the remote islands of the Pacific, such as the Cayman Islands, Utila, Bonaire, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Yap, Palau, and Fiji. But more than the places we’ve visited, it’s the bonds we’ve forged, the lessons we’ve learned, and the growth I’ve witnessed in my children that stand out most vividly.
Our journey with Kids Sea Camp began in the turquoise waters of Roatan. It was there, surrounded by the vibrant coral reefs and the gentle rhythm of the Caribbean Sea, that my family first dipped our toes into what would become a lifelong love for the ocean. The trip was filled with excitement and curiosity as my children experienced the underwater world for the first time.
That first trip also marked a personal milestone for me. Having once been an avid diver, life’s demands had caused me to set my passion aside. But Kids Sea Camp reignited that spark, allowing me to resume diving and, more importantly, to introduce my children to the underwater world that had captivated me for so long. It was also on this trip that we met the Barrett family, who quickly became like family to us. Our children together coined us the “Severetts,” a blend of our last names, marking the start of many shared adventures and a deep, enduring friendship.
As our journeys with Kids Sea Camp continued, it became clear that these trips were about far more than just exploring new destinations—they were about deepening the bonds within my family and with the new friends we made along the way.
Each adventure brought us closer together, as we learned to rely on one another, share in the joys of discovery, and create memories that would last a lifetime. Our annual trips with the Barrett family, both underwater and on ski slopes, became a cherished tradition that enriched our lives and deepened our friendship. Over two decades of traveling with Kids Sea Camp, one of the greatest joys was witnessing the remarkable growth of my children. It took several years and many Kids Sea Camp adventures, but when each of my children turned 10 and became certified, we officially became a family of divers. From their first tentative steps into the ocean to becoming confident and accomplished divers, each trip marked a new chapter in their development. My oldest child was certified as a diver in the stunning waters of Fiji at the tender age of 10—a milestone made possible by the nurturing environment Kids Sea Camp provided.
The experience and care shown by Margo and her team ensured a safe and inspiring certification process, one that I trusted completely despite the young age. Similarly, my twins embarked on their own diving journey, achieving their certifications in the rich, diverse waters of Palau when they were just 10 years old. Their prior experience with the program’s Sassy and Seal courses gave them not only the necessary skills but also the confidence to dive into deeper adventures. These early certifications were not merely about learning to dive; they were about building a foundation of confidence, responsibility, and environmental stewardship that they would carry with them for years to come. The experience of diving with my children has been nothing short of magical. Witnessing their transformation from novices to skilled divers who often outperform adults has been a profound joy. The exceptional training they received not only made them competent but also confident and respected divers, accustomed to the intricacies and responsibilities that come with exploring marine environments. Their prowess underwater is a testament to the high-caliber training provided by Kids Sea Camp, where safety and respect for the ocean are paramount.
My son Max’s journey to becoming a Dive Master through KSC is a testament to the profound influence these experiences had on him. He started as a young child with wide eyes and a bubbling curiosity about the marine world. He embraced every opportunity to learn and explore. His progression from participant to leader was not just about acquiring diving skills, but also about developing responsibility, resilience, and a deep respect for the ocean.
S
imilarly, my daughters, Quin and Sydney, found their own paths through these adventures. Whether it was learning underwater photography, participating in marine conservation projects, or overcoming fears of sharks, they both carved out a niche that reflected their unique passions and talents.
An equally important aspect of their growth was the formation of meaningful relationships with children from around the world. These relationships have endured over the years, long after these trips have ended. This global network of friends has enriched their lives, providing diverse perspectives and ongoing connections that span continents.
The connections that we all have forged extend far beyond our immediate family. Tom and Margo have become dear and cherished friends, and relationships with other KSC families have grown deeper with each trip. We were part of a larger community, connected by our love for the ocean and our meaningful memories with our children. They make it feel like you’re not just a group of travelers – you are a part of their family.
Diving alongside my kiddos, watching them grow to navigate the waters with grace and experience, fills me with pride and amazement. These moments underwater are not just dives; they are treasured experiences, shared breaths of life that deepen our bond with each other and our connection to the underwater world.
One of the most cherished outcomes of our two decades with Kids Sea Camp has been the deep and enduring friendships we’ve formed, particularly with the Barrett family.
Our connection went beyond shared dives and travel adventures; it extended into our daily lives, with long drives to spend holidays together and countless celebrations that have cemented our bond over the years. The synchronicity of having children the same age, including twins who were only a year apart, created a unique and profound connection. Our children grew up together, sharing not just vacations but life milestones. The Barrett family became more than friends; they became an integral part of our extended family. This kinship provided a support system built on mutual understanding and shared experiences, enhancing the joy and helping us overcome the challenges of raising our children.
Reflecting on two decades of adventures with Kids Sea Camp, it’s clear that these experiences have been far more than just holidays; they’ve been life-shaping adventures that have brought my family closer, broadened our horizons, and deepened our respect for the ocean and our planet. Even now, with my children in their 20s, they still eagerly ask if we can plan another Kids Sea Camp trip. This enduring enthusiasm is a testament to the lasting impact of these experiences.
As many of us, long-time Kids Sea Camp Empty Nesters, have seen our children grow up, it’s been another incredible part of life, embarking on the new opportunities offered by Family Dive Adventures and their empty-nester group trips, Personally, having embarked on over 30 trips with Tom and Margo, these adventures have become a significant part of my life. They not only keep me diving but also allow me to reconnect with many familiar faces and explore stunning new destinations, and continue to dive with my adult kids.
This summer, Max and I went on a mother-son trip to the Galapagos with Family Dive Adventures, a Kids Sea Camp extension for grown families. At 25, Max joined me for one of our first adult-focused adventures, diving in the open ocean where hammerhead sharks circled, whale sharks glided, and humpback whales breached nearby. The Galapagos’ wild currents demanded advanced skills, but we were true buddies. Max looked after me, checking my gear with care, but his awe was palpable. “Mom, you’re an incredible diver,” he said, watching me navigate a drift dive with ease. “You’re the best dive partner.” That moment—swimming side by side, marveling at a school of sharks—cemented a new bond. For Max, the advanced diving was inspiring, sparking excitement for more adventures with me. “I can’t wait to dive with you again,” he said, his eyes bright with possibility.
Moving forward, I plan to continue my dive adventures with them. Each trip offers a chance to rekindle old friendships and create new memories in the world’s most beautiful underwater environments. I have enjoyed empty-nest trips with Margo and Tom to Africa, the Philippines, and I am looking forward to Borneo and beyond.
Whether by myself or with my family, the call of the ocean is irresistible, and the camaraderie of Kids Sea Camp and Family Dive Adventures is irreplaceable.
Janet Severo is a lifelong diver and mother of three, whose family has explored the world’s oceans with Kids Sea Camp for over 20 years. Learn more at familydivers.com.
