Kids and diving

25 Years of Kids Sea Camp: An Ocean of Gratitude

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Kids Scuba, Family Scuba Diving Adventures, Kids Sea Camp, Margo Peyton, empty nester travelers

25 years of business success didn’t happen overnight.

From the shores of Provincetown, where the salty air mingled with dreams of far-off oceans, a young Margo Peyton grew, her heart tethered to the sea. Raised by a fisherman father and surrounded by the wonders of whales, dolphins, turtles, and sharks, she knew her path was destined to explore the watery realms that connected the world.

College led to travel and tourism, a scuba certification (a gift from her diving father), and a life-changing stint as a travel agent in the Cayman Islands. But it was motherhood that sparked a new vision. When her children, Jen and Robbie, asked to join her underwater adventures, Margo discovered a void: family-friendly dive resorts were scarce. A seed of an idea began to sprout. Didn’t the dive industry need to nurture the next generation of ocean lovers?

A Chance Encounter

A chance encounter with Carolyn Pascal, then publisher of Skin Diver Magazine, ignited the spark. Sharing their frustration about leaving their children behind on dive trips, they hatched a plan. Carolyn became Kids Sea Camp’s first champion, writing about Margo’s vision to unite families through diving.

The journey began with Sandy and Hans Ullrich of Ocean Encounters in Curaçao, who shared Margo’s passion for connecting children with the ocean. Together, they created the very first Kids Sea Camp. Then Hans passed the torch to Nolo Ambrosi. Nolo and Monica embraced the vision, ensuring the annual event continued.

Meeting Nancy Easterbrook

At a DEMA trade show, Margo met Nancy Easterbrook, a scuba-diving mom with two children. Nancy’s desire to be part of Kids Sea Camp resonated deeply with Margo, especially as it meant bringing the program to Grand Cayman, the birthplace of her son Robbie.  With continued family ties 25 years later, Jason and Sue Belport opened their hearts and doors of the Cayman Islands with family weeks at Little Cayman Beach Resort and Cayman Brac Beach Resort. Football, basketball, volleyball, and diving are family affairs and a permanent home.

Neal Watson, “The Dive God,” became a mentor, guiding Margo through the world of dive travel and introducing her to key players at trade shows like ScubaEx, Our World Underwater, Beneath the Sea, DEMA, Scuba Show, and his own Lauderdale by the Sea event. Neal championed Margo’s cause, urging the industry to support her mission.

The importance of SCUBAPRO

Werner Kurn of SCUBAPRO recognized the need for growth in the diving industry and championed Margo with kid-sized dive gear by SCUBAPRO, who began producing smaller BCDs, tanks, mouthpieces, and wetsuits, equipping Kids Sea Campers for underwater exploration. Bjorn and Sven Harms of SeaLife provided Margo with cameras to capture the magic of these family adventures.  Fraser Purdon became integral to product growth, working with Margo to partner with SCUBAPRO and Sealife, driven by his own motivation. Wife Tracy and daughter Sophie became beautiful parts of the process.

After Ron Kip’s birthday celebration (owner of Bob-Sotos Diving) in the Cayman Islands, Werner and Neal introduced Margo to John Cronin. Cronin’s words of encouragement that her vision was ahead of its time became a guiding light.

Drew Richardson

After John’s passing, Drew Richardson and the team at PADI—Theresa Kaplan, Kristin Valette, Nick Jenny, and Bob Coleman—became pillars of support, helping Margo expand the Kids Sea Camp brand with PADI 5-star resorts around the globe. Margo became a PADI instructor, and partnerships with families like Martine and Ingrid Van der Valk and their children, Michelle, Barb, and Steffie, broadened the Kids Sea Camp family in Bonaire, with Buddy Dive, The Galapagos, and Dominica. Sam from Sam’s Tours in Palau, and Dermot helped Margo bring Kids Sea Camp across the Pacific and created Palau Kids Sea Camp, a 15-year legacy.

Tom Peyton changes Kids Sea Camp

Then came Tom Peyton, who won Margo’s heart and embraced her children. Tom brought music, sports, and boundless love to Kids Sea Camp. Together, they explored new horizons as a family. They added destinations like the Galapagos, Utila, Costa Rica, Yap, Wakatobi, St. Vincent, the Bahamas, and Belize. Tom connected with Luigi from Italy at a Canadian adventure show. This meeting led to an extraordinary brotherhood, friendship, and partnership. Luigi, Mei, and The Arenui, a ship straight out of a dream. Biggs Eggert joined the family, bringing the magic and heart of the Philippines. Karolin Troubetzkoy, recognizing the value of family experiences as a mother and grandmother. She welcomed Margo to bring Kids Sea Camp to the luxurious Anse Chastanet in St. Lucia.

As Margo and Tom’s children grew, so did Kids Sea Camp. Tom left his 25-year career as a newspaper editor to join Kids Sea Camp full-time. New adventures unfolded in Roatan and a lifetime in Fiji, starting with Tom and Margo’s honeymoon. We met, built strong bonds and relationships with Danny Charlton’s family, and with Murex Divers of Lembeh, Manado, and Bangka. Chris Heim with Pura Vida and Sea Explorers of the Philippines.

Welcome to the KSC tribe

Kids Sea Camp became more than a business; it’s a family tribe. Clients became friends, and some became like family. Children who attended camp years ago are now adults, some even grandparents. Kids Sea Camp life’s circle comes full circle, even 25 years later.

There are many to thank and be thankful for, countless individuals. It’s a story of passion, perseverance, and the unifying power of the ocean. It’s a story of gratitude for the incredible people who have made this 25-year journey possible. Oceans connect us all; the Kids Sea Camp family is a testament to that beautiful truth. We continue on this 25th year. We are full of gratitude for all those who have been a part of the journey. Such as Lucy Dunbar, Kiley, Sven, Peter, Tabitha, Nadene, LindaSue, David Benz, Tarkan, Holly, Conrad, Annie, Rogest, Steven Frink, and William Clien.

Our crew — our family

25 years of partnerships have blossomed with leaders of the past embracing the excitement and youth needed in the present. Peter Hughes, Troy Bodden, Bonnie Toth, Maria Hult, Joanne and Zig, Rick Stratton, Brad Nolan, Brett Gilliam, Michele Westmorland, and Tanya Burnett all lent their voices. Cristina Zenato, Woody Tinsley, and Brad Holland became a part of our fabric. 25 years of created memories they will remember for a lifetime.

Safe and easy Kids Sea Camp Travel Tips

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Travel tips, kids sea camp, family dive vacations

It’s important to pack appropriately when traveling with kids on long hauls.

We all know that airports can be a hassle these days, but a little planning and preparation can make a big difference. Try these Kids Sea Camp travel tips to help you breeze right through.

Before Your Trip

  • Sign up for Global Entry.

  • Check your itineraries for seat assignments and add to your calendar

  • Handle any special needs you might have before you get to the airport. Pre-book seats or special meals.

  • Check to ensure the contact and emergency information has been provided to all who need it.

  • Take care of passports, visas, and any other important documents well in advance. Keep a copy of all your documents in a safe place at home and a backup packed with you.

  • Use the online Check-in or airline app for updates. Make sure to download it onto your cell phone. Check in ahead of time to avoid long airport lines.

  • Know the check-in requirements for your airline and destination.

  • Know the requirements for the security checkpoints you’ll be traveling through, and remove any liquids, sharp objects, or anything else listed on the sign before entry.

  • Check security checkpoint wait times and allow plenty of extra time for busy holiday periods.

During Your Trip

  • Check the display screens and monitors in the airport to find your gate.

  • Arrive at the gate early with your boarding pass and eTicket receipt.

  • Keep an eye on the gate display screens as gate changes happen often.

  • Listen closely for announcements at the gates.

Make sure to pack a small carry-on with all your needs:

  • Snacks

  • Book

  • Small pillow

  • Sweatshirt or jacket, as airports can be cold

  • Toothbrush

  • Medications

  • Kids’ games or books, headphones

  • Bottled water was allowed

Adults

  • Contact solution (if needed)

  • Sunglasses

  • Eyeglasses

  • Sweatshirt for flight

  • Any medicines needed

  • Batteries must be placed in carry-on, not check-in luggage

  • Comfortable clothes

  • Favorite book

  • Hand lotion

  • Chapstick

  • Pack your personal valuables with you for up to 1 day’s worth of clothes

  • Single parents traveling with kids outside the country need a notarized letter of “Consent to Travel” prepared before departure

Travel Documents Needed

  • Passports required- Copies of Passports (have one set with you and leave another at home.)

  • C-Card for divers

  • CFAR Travel insurance (See link)

  • Logbook

  • Airline tickets

  • Itinerary

  • Travel documents

  • Paperwork and Forms

  • Waiver form: If your child has any breathing problems or other medical issues, please clearly state them so we can be prepared to accommodate any special needs. We have in the past been able to create pleasant experiences for children with special needs, kids with Asthma, hearing-impaired children, and some autistic children, and we will do our best to ensure any child can experience Kids Sea Camp. We need this information in advance to ensure your child’s safety. You will need a doctor’s note confirming that your child can participate in your chosen program.

  • Prepare as if a bag is lost or delayed.

Other Carry-on Suggestions:

  • 1 bathing suit

  • 1 set of shorts and a t-shirt

  • 1 set of undergarments

  • Sun Block

  • Dive regulator/computer

  • Camera

  • Any item you will need

  • Prescription medications

Suggestions for Packing for Trip:

  • Plenty of sunblocks

  • Level 30-45 waterproof sunblock for kids

  • Insect Repellent

  • Extra-Batteries

  • The film, Disposal cameras (underwater).

  • Converter for electronics. Voltage is 210-240

  • After-sun products, Aloe Vera, etc

  • Small medical kit with Band-Aids

  • Ear drops-swimmers ear

  • Motrin

  • A cough and cold syrup

  • Sudafed

  • Airborne

  • Sunglasses

  • Extra set of contacts

  • Benydril

  • Dive Gear

  • Defog

  • Allergy meds

  • Socks can be used inside the fins

Safety Tips on diving with your kids

by
KIDS AND DIVING, FAMILY DIVE Vacations, Kids Sea Camp

A guide to Safe and Unforgettable diving with your kids.

Dear Scuba Moms and Dads,

Imagine sharing the magic of the underwater world with your children, exploring vibrant coral reefs, encountering fascinating marine life, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Scuba diving can be an incredible family activity, fostering a love for the ocean and building bonds through shared experiences. For 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of diving with families around the globe, issuing hundreds of youth certifications each year. My passion is ensuring that these adventures are fun, safe, and enriching. I’ve compiled this list of helpful tips for diving with kids to help parents navigate family scuba diving and make informed decisions that prioritize your children’s well-being. Please reach out with any questions or to share your own experiences.

Planning Your Family Dive Experience: Key Considerations

One of the most common concerns I hear from parents is the feeling of vulnerability when booking independent dive trips with kids. Stories of close calls and stressful dives are, unfortunately, too frequent. To help you avoid such situations better. Choosing the right dive operator is paramount. Look for operators with a proven track record of prioritizing safety, especially when working with children. 

Here are some critical questions: 

  • Are they experienced in teaching and guiding young divers?
  • Do they offer specialized programs for kids, like Seal Team or Junior Diver courses?
  • What is their instructor-to-student ratio for dives involving children? Are you comfortable with those ratios? My Ratio for kids under 12 is one instructor per 2 kids. Special needs is 1:1
  • Do they have appropriately sized gear for children, including smaller tanks, BCD, and mouthpieces?
  • Does that dive operation follow depth mandates for kids?
  • What safety equipment do they carry on their boats (oxygen, first aid, communication devices)?
  • What is their emergency plan, and where is the nearest hyperbaric chamber?
  • Are all instructors and dive masters current, active, and up-to-date on their training?
  • What is their policy regarding children on their dive boats?

Understanding Youth Diving Standards:

Familiarize yourself with the specific depth and supervision requirements for your child’s age and certification level. This information is readily available on their certification card and through reputable dive organizations like PADI. Don’t hesitate to ask your dive instructor or local dive shop for clarification. Key tips on diving with kids:

  • Children 8+ can experience confined water dives (pool) with programs like the PADI Seal Team and Master Seal Team, reaching depths of up to 12 feet only in a controlled pool environment and under the direct supervision of a PADI Pro. This program is not open water dives unless waivers are provided by PADI to go in the ocean. There are other programs, such as SSI Scuba Rangers and PADI Bubble Maker. Ask your dive operator about the standards for these programs.
  • Junior Open Water Divers (10-11 years old) have a maximum depth limit of 40 feet and must dive with a parent or PADI Pro.
  • 12-year-olds can dive to 60 feet, and with a Junior Advanced Open Water certification, they can explore depths up to 70 feet. However, they can only do this with a parent or a PADI Pro.
  • The recreational diving limit of 120 feet is only reached at age 15. (based on training, comfort, and experience.)
  • Children should never dive with other children without the parent or PADI Pro present.

Parental Preparedness:

Your role as a parent diver is crucial. 

  • A confident and competent diver yourself, with up-to-date skills and knowledge of dive safety protocols.
  • Physically fit and able to assist your child in case of an emergency.
  • Pre-Trip Refresher: A pool refresher before your trip is an excellent way for kids to re-familiarize themselves with their gear and basic skills.
  • Open Communication: Talk to your children about what to expect on their dives. Address any fears or anxieties they may have.
  • Buddy System: Emphasize the importance of staying close to their buddy (you or the assigned dive professional) and maintaining visual contact at all times.
  • Respect for Marine Life: Teach your children to observe marine life respectfully and avoid touching or disturbing underwater creatures.
  • Log Your Dives: Keeping a dive log is a fantastic way to track your family’s underwater adventures and celebrate your shared experiences.
  • Have a Wet Notes pad or something to communicate with your child during the dive.

Essential Do’s and Don’ts:

  • Do: Thoroughly research dive operators. Prioritize safety. Know your child’s certification limits. Communicate openly with your children. Ensure properly fitted gear. Stay close to your buddy. Practice safe diving habits (safety stops, etc.). Respect marine life.
  • Do bring a Pro and a local guide with you on your dives
  • Do some research about all the marine life you may encounter on your dive choice
  • Do hydrate and get plenty of rest before a dive
  • Do share your dive plan with your kids
  • Do make sure you plan your dive and dive your plan
  • Do share any of your concerns with your chosen dive operator
  • Do list any medications or conditions on the waiver forms
  • Check with your doctor to ensure any conditions or medications are approved for diving activities.
  • Have fun and share your positive experiences with family and friends
  • Don’t: Make assumptions about safety practices.
  • Don’t: Hesitate to ask questions.
  • Don’t: Exceed your child’s limits.
  • Don’t: Pressure your child to do something they’re uncomfortable with.
  • Don’t: Compromise on gear quality.
  • Don’t: Forget to check gauges and air supply—neglect pre-dive checks.
  • Don’t forget to be ready and fit, both mentally and physically, before taking your child on a dive.

Scuba diving with your family can be an enriching experience. By prioritizing safety, choosing reputable operators, and staying informed, you can create unforgettable adventures that deepen your family bonds and foster a lifelong appreciation for the underwater world. These tips on diving with kids should help make your next KSC adventure more rewarding.

Kids Sea Camp founder, Margo Peyton

25 year Press Release

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

Kids Sea Camp Celebrates 25 Years of Transforming Family Diving

Columbia, SC – January 23, 2025

Kids Sea Camp, the premier provider of family-friendly dive vacations, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Founded in 2000 by Margo Peyton, Kids Sea Camp has become the leader in ocean education and family dive vacations. Margo has traveled the world searching for the most family-friendly PADI 5-star resorts and operators with whom she partners for her custom-created diving events, offered in 13 countries and spanning 29 trips. These trips bring together like-minded families from around the globe to experience scuba diving, dive training, local culture, and family-friendly accommodations and activities.

Bonaire and the Philippines

With over 8,100 PADI certifications for youth divers and countless incredible adventures. Kids Sea Camp is celebrating its 25th anniversary with special events. The festivities will kick off at Buddy Dive Resort in Bonaire in August. During trips to the Philippines with Sea Explorers Dauin and Amun ini and in Belize at Blackbird Cay we will continue to celebrate.

Each event will feature a multi-night stay, diving, PADI dive training courses, Treasure hunts, three meals daily, live music and entertainment, special presenters, activities, and swag. Kids Sea Camp also invites families to join them for a series of educational workshops and presentations on marine conservation, underwater photography, and dive safety.

“We are so excited to celebrate our 25th anniversary with our incredible community of divers,” said Tom Peyton, Vice President of Kids Sea Camp. “It’s been a long journey since our first trip in 2000. We are proud to be a leader in providing families with unique and unforgettable dive experiences.”

To learn more about Kids Sea Camp and its 25th anniversary events, please visit https://familydivers.com/kids-sea-camp-event-calendar/.

About Kids Sea Camp

Kids Sea Camp is a leading provider of family-friendly dive vacations. Kids Sea Camp offers a variety of programs for divers of all ages and experience levels. The company is committed to providing its customers with safe, fun, and educational dive experiences.

Media Contact

Tom Peyton
Vice President, Kids Sea Camp

The Kids Sea Camp gallery has over 200,000 aqua-based images

 

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.

How Kids Sea Camp enriched my life

by
Fiji, Kids and diving, Kids Sea Camp

Kids Sea Camp has been the greatest family adventure vacation I have ever experienced.

It is scuba diving trips for families who love the ocean and travel. Kids Sea Camp like nothing else I have ever experienced. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing young kids learn to dive with their parents and siblings. These trips have greatly enriched and changed my life because I have become a more confident diver and grown much closer to my own family.

Grand Cayman, our first KSC

One way KSC has enriched my life is by improving my diving skills with each trip. My first family event was in Grand Cayman, where I learned proper buoyancy techniques and the importance of being a role model for marine conservation. I signed up for a digital photography course focused on buoyancy, as well as the PADI Rescue Diver course to improve my first aid skills and be a better dive buddy.

In 2016, I became a PADI PRO dive master during the Buddy Dive Bonaire KSC event. I learned the science behind diving, how to guide underwater, how to assist divers in distress, and how to teach it all.

The second way KSC has enriched my life is through the friendships I have made around the world with the staff instructors, guest speakers, educators, and, of course, traveling families.

I am 18 years old, and there have always been other divers my age to dive and hang out with, and I really enjoy scuba diving with my own family. The memories that have left lasting impressions on my mind are countless.

Singing with Mr. Peyton

In Fiji, Tom Peyton and I had the best time after shark diving. We would entertain families in the afternoons with volleyball; in the evenings, I played the guitar, and Tom sang, which got everyone else singing and dancing too.

My favorite KSC instructor is Woody Tinsley; he is hilarious and makes learning fun. Woody invented the Zombie Apocalypse course and was my PADI dive master instructor. I learned how to teach my dive skills and give dive briefings perfectly. Woody is the kind of instructor I hope to be one day. He is just one of a great team of fun and friendly professionals to learn from. I can honestly say some of the greatest people I have ever met are at Kids Sea Camp.

KSC bonds your family

I have grown closer to my own family through these diving and traveling experiences. On our first trip, my sister had never dived and was afraid. She did not want to learn how to dive. I was able to help her overcome her fears. Now she is a certified diver. Our whole family looks forward to diving together and planning our next KSC trip.

Diving Ulong

The best way these experiences have enriched my life is that, in my eyes, it’s special to dive with my little brother Jason. He has a passion for the sport, just like the rest of our family, and there is no better feeling in the world than teaching someone his age to dive. Jason was 9 for our Palau trip and a PADI Seal. Per Margo’s safety record at KSC, the Seal Team has a special waiver with Margo to dive the Ulong channel.

We would normally have had to split up our family and not have been able to include Jason. At Kids Sea Camp, we can dive as a family.

Not only has diving enriched my life, but it has also enriched the lives of my entire family. Any family can clearly see that dive travel is like attending a living classroom. I think KSC is the greatest family vacation in the world! Families unplug from electronics and reconnect to each other through adventure, diving, and fun. I am grateful for my family and the memories my parents create with us.

The world needs more Kids Sea Camps

I wish there were more people like Tom and Margo (owners of Kids Sea Camp) because they make the world a better place for families. This year, Jason will get certified in Cayman Brac, and our entire family will be divers.

Margo has a passion for teaching kids and parents how to dive together safely. I will continue to dive and travel with my family and hopefully become a PADI dive instructor, so I can change lives, too.

By James Devinney

The treasures to be found at Kids Sea Camp

by
Kids Sea Camp, Dive training, special needs
My Treasure Hunter

My 11-year-old son, Jacob, is a treasure hunter. Wherever we go, his eyes dart here and there, scanning the floor for the next “piece de resistance.” Money is usually his favorite prize, but anything he can find will do. Because of his autism and ADHD, any public place can become a battlefield as he races to pick up newfound treasures. But no land treasure to date has compared with what we found when we attended Kids’ Sea Camp at Buddy Dive Bonaire.

Kids Sea Camp, special needs, ADHD, Kids Sea CampJacob’s love for underwater exploration began with the story of the Edmund Fitzgerald, a cargo ship, he tells me, which was lost in the tumultuous waters of Lake Superior in 1975. Jacob has toured every nearby museum exhibit devoted to underwater sea creatures with rapt attention. One year, his only birthday request was a giant megalodon tooth.

Jacob becomes a Scuba Diver

So it did not come as a shock when Jacob turned 10 this year, and his only request was to become a scuba diver. His dad and I supported his quest. We were well informed about the research on water and its benefits to autistic children. Water therapy is a proven program that helps children block out the noises that overwhelm them. It provides the counterbalance to help them regulate their over-sensitive nervous systems, which may be one reason it decreases anxiety.

Water is wonderful for autistic children

Water is nature’s great equalizer for an autistic child. By extension, scuba diving provides exercise, fun, and therapy, as well as a foundation for developing life skills and confidence. We hope that Jacob will be able to use his new skills and knowledge of the ocean towards a long-term career in oceanography or marine biology, bridging his two loves.

Since Jacob and I have become PADI-certified divers, we have enjoyed exploring reefs and marine life in the Caribbean Islands; however, none were as kid-friendly and pristine as the reefs of Bonaire.

Stumbling upon the website for Kids Sea Camp

I had never heard of Bonaire until I stumbled upon the website for Kids Sea Camp, a family business that has certified more than 8,100 children since its inception. The owners, Margo and Tom Peyton, have brought their love of the ocean, scuba diving, and family together to create the unique Kids Sea Camp program.

Their list of accolades is impressive: No. 1 World’s Best Family Dive Vacation 2014 by Sport Diver Magazine and USA Today Reader’s Choice Award recipient, the Travel Channel’s Traveler’s Best Family Vacation 2015, and the PADI President’s Award of Excellence.

Meeting Margo Peyton

Margo was inducted into the Women Divers Hall of Fame for her contributions to marine education and to children’s diving. But what swayed me to participate in this program with Jacob is that Margo and Tom are parents who created these family trips to enjoy with their own kids. Initially, I was a little apprehensive. After all, we had never met, and this was a weeklong commitment to the company of strangers. But I have always been determined that my hesitations will not impact Jacob’s needs. I wanted him to improve his world through scuba diving, socialize, and have fun, all while enjoying the safety provided by Kids Sea Camp and Buddy Dive.

Student-to-instructor ratios

One of the best parts, I was able to participate in Jacob’s camp too. At Kids Sea Camp, the student-to-instructor ratio is 2:1, enabling dive instructors to spend time teaching the kids and listening to their needs.

In Jacob’s case, Margo arranged his own 1:1 instructor, which enabled him to have his needs met and made his week a huge success. With this level of quality care, I was able to step back and watch him earn his PADI adventure diving certification under the tutelage of others.

Jacob loves diving

It truly was a vacation for both of us, and not only because Jacob was exhausted enough to sleep past 6:30 A.M. for the first time in his life. Each morning started with a Buddy Dive overflowing buffet breakfast. One morning, Jacob grabbed some bread and, at the approval of the staff, went down to the dock to feed the fish. His smile and squeals of delight as the water erupted with schools of fish made the start of the day better.

After breakfast, we split into our own groups. Jacob connected with the other children over a mutual love of the ocean, while I enjoyed diving with other parents. I was able to dive without concern for my son’s safety, a priceless gift to the parent of any child, let alone a young scuba diver with autism.

A vacation within a vacation

Jacob and I reconnected each day at 3:30 P.M., where I learned all about the cool things he had discovered. He would animatedly explain, his eyes dancing and arms waving, the sights of his day including, but not limited to, a small shipwreck, the crabs scuttling along the dock areas, the deep turquoise of a parrot fish, the large pincher on the lobster, the bright spots on the trunkfish and the five turtles he saw glide by him on his dive, as if he wasn’t even there.

“Charlie” the Tarpon

The best adventure for Jacob was the kids’ night snorkel off the dock. His eyes were alight as he shared about the moray eel and “Charlie” the Tarpon, an under-dock resident of Buddy Dive. Because of these amazing experiences at Kids Sea Camp, Jacob developed a deep love of underwater photography. The kids’ diving programs include a photography class and a photo dive with Sealife cameras. This opened up another door for my son to grow his love of the ocean.

One of my favorite things about Kids Sea Camp was the sense of community and inclusivity between the staff and families. The instructors went above and beyond to accommodate their charges. They were available to talk to the parents, joke with the kids, and answer any questions, even if it meant extending their day. The staff participated in the graduation ceremonies, cheering students on as they presented their poems, a Sea Camp tradition where families write a poem about their week at camp.

So often, Jacob’s disability makes him the odd man out, a shy outlier in a room full of children. At Kids Sea Camp, Jacob was part of the action at every turn. Finding Kids Sea Camp was like finding buried treasure. I didn’t know it was there until I stumbled upon it. Now my life and the life of my son are forever changed, so much so that I have already booked our next Kids Sea Camp to return to Buddy Dive Bonaire.

Thank you, Margo and Tom. Our lives are better for having participated in your vision.

By Alyson Herzig, writer, blogger, wife, and Kids Sea Camp mom

How Kids Sea Camp has forever changed my life

by
Robert Peyton, Kids Sea Camp, Tech diving

My life with Kids Sea Camp

Growing up at Kids Sea Camp. As a kid, diving with my family kept me far away from the TV and video games for most of my summers. I made friends in many countries around the world, and I’ve kept in touch with most of them. Kids Sea Camp (KSC) has shaped my life in so many ways. I’m close with my family; we all still dive together every year, and I hope to be a vital part of our company when I graduate from college. 

Starting at six years old

Since I was six years old, I have experienced diving with marine animals in some of the world’s best dive destinations. I have learned to respect all marine life and that we need to take better care of our underwater world. I have learned firsthand how fragile our coral reefs are and how fast they can die if we don’t start paying attention and doing our part. There are some reefs I have been diving on for 20 years, and I can see the damage, the difference in the health of those corals, and the lack of fish life. I have also experienced the opposite in places like Bonaire, Roatan, and St. Lucia, where marine reserves have been created, and both human and environmental impacts have monitored and changed.

Through all my training and travels at Kids Sea Camp, I have not only learned that many endangered marine animals ingest plastic, which is a major cause of death because the plastic can’t be digested and causes them to starve, but I can now do my part to reduce plastic. People enjoy diving because we are guests in a foreign world full of aliens that are not on display in ours. There is quietness, no distractions, and limitless life to observe.

I was a sasy

I started as a PADI SASY with Kids Sea Camp. That was the first program my mom included because Jen was four, and I was 6. SASY was cool because, as the littlest members of a family, you can have your very own BC, tank, regulator, and a full set of dive gear like your mom and dad. You feel like a little person doing big things. We loved the water, and Mom had a harder time getting us out than putting us in. 

A seal

By age eight, I was a PADI Master Seal diving Stingray City in the Cayman Islands, where I was born. A PADI Seal has a depth of 12 feet, but a Master Seal has a maximum depth of 20ft. I was the kind of kid who pushed limits, and my mom loved Seal Team in the Cayman Islands because many dive sites had sandy bottoms at 12 feet and others at 20. So mom did not have to stress managing my depth. She once threatened to put a leash on me underwater. Let’s just say I was not the most obedient child and leave it at that.  

Learning to dive as a Seal Team diver gave me confidence in myself. I was taught through Aquamissions how to clear my mask, exchange my snorkel for a reg, navigate, and, best of all, learn to achieve great buoyancy before becoming an Open Water Diver. PADI Seal Team made me comfortable with a tank on my back and allowed me to get familiar with my dive gear. Seal Team also showed me how to be a good buddy with other 8 and 9-year-olds who were diving.  

A JOW

My Jr. Open Water certification could not have come at a better time. My birthday is in October, so I had to tolerate 3 years of PADI Seal Team. I had logged more than 40 dives as a PADI Seal. To say I was mad that Mom wouldn’t let me get certified the summer before I turned 10 was an understatement. We were in Curacao in the summer of 2005, and Mom signed me up with Tom Peyton for my long-awaited PADI Open Water Certification course. Tom was nervous and uncertain. Mom thought it would bond us together and make us better buddies. She was right. 

Our Thanksgiving trips started because so many kids turn 10 in the fall, and many want to get certified in the year of their 10th birthday. So, Mom put together the first Thanksgiving family scuba trip in 2006 because my sister Jen wasn’t turning 10 until the end of August. So spending Thanksgiving at awesome exotic destinations around the world has been our family tradition ever since. There are several families that travel with us every year, too.

Kids Sea Camp is never dull

The cool thing about traveling with my family is that each destination is a new adventure.  I meet new people and get better at diving. Not to mention that traveling with other families is never dull. As I was growing up, my mom added new courses, activities, and sports to the trips. Kids Sea Camp creates more advanced itineraries to new destinations every year as we get older and demand more fun, more challenging training courses, and more fun. 

There is so much more offered now, and our family has grown over the past 20 years at Kids Sea Camp. New things that mom has added and loves to do, like having spa days and advanced Pro courses, like DiveMaster and special needs training. I’ve included destinations such as jungle biking, black-water diving, Blow-Karting, and tec training. Jen likes destinations where she is with Woody, assisting with Zombie dive training, horseback riding, and beautiful beaches. Tom has added liveaboards and Citizen Science weeks as well as football, basketball, and fly fishing.

For 26 years, KSC has been teaching photography with Sea Life Cameras and Olympus, providing Micro HD video and still cameras along with in-depth photo classes. We document all the trips as I have grown up inside the Kids Sea Camp over the years.

A PADI Pro

My passion is diving, obviously inspired by my mom and childhood. I became a PADI OWSI instructor in 2014 with over 1,000 logged dives. I completed my MSDT, Tec 40, 45, and 50 at Buddy Dive Bonaire in 2016. At 22, I completed my Tec 65 training. My specific passion is Technical diving.

Technical diving means going beyond recreational scuba diving limits. But I say it’s really about the extreme challenges and the excitement of exploring places few people have ever seen. At Buddy Dive in Bonaire, we now offer PADI PRO and Tec courses, as I did. I am 25 now, in college, and I teach at Kids Sea Camps with my family during select summer trips. I enjoy teaching the next generation of divers. 

People ask me which KSC destination is my favorite?

I can’t answer that question because they are all great. It’s the families who travel with us around the world that make each trip so unique and memorable. The Philippines, Indonesia, and Palau are a long way to travel for many families, but experiencing the people, food, history, culture, and diving makes it so worth the travel. Diving deep wrecks, encountering big sharks, mantas, and rarely diving pristine walls or reefs is living the dream.

My mom has been a dream maker for 30 years. She is in the Women Divers Hall of Fame for creating safe places for families to dive together. Kids Sea Camp has more than 8,100 PADI-certified kids and no dive accidents. That is due in part to my mom’s fantastic tenacity.

Kids Sea Camp was built with love

My mom could not have created KSC by herself. She has had a little help from her friends. Mom has been close friends with Paul and Michelle Coolen from Buddy Dive. When Carolyn Pascal was the publisher of Sport Diver Magazine, she loved her mom’s idea so much that she told the whole world about it. Mom practically grew up in the Cayman Islands, where I was born. She has strong personal relationships with all the resort owners and dive operators she works with. She says they are her extended family, and they always have each other’s backs.

My sister, Jen, is a PADI OWSI instructor. She is 23 years old now and in vet school. Jen and I have grown up traveling the world, and it’s kept our family closer. I hate to take all the credit, but I’m sure we were 100% the inspiration for Mom creating Kids Sea Camp. We have had the best life, growing up under the fins of so many amazing people.

One of my favorite parts of the trips is watching the talent presentation at the end. Listening to families share their experiences, and to parents, kids, and others reading poems, doing skits, or singing songs.

My favorite dives are blackwater night dives, shark dives, wreck dives, and Tec dives. I am very grateful for all the international friendships. I cherish the incredible opportunities those friendships have afforded me over the past 20 years.

A special thank you to PADI for sponsoring me, to Buddy Dive Bonaire, Paul Coolen, Mr. G., and most importantly, to my parents for always having my back and for putting such inspiring people and places in my path.

By Robert Peyton, PADI OWSI #340202

Robert Peyton, Kids Sea Camp, scuba diving with Kids, family vacations

Utila, Kids Sea Camp poems

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Poems from Kids Sea Camp weeks in Utila

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

Perfect 10

By The Ward family

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

Whale Shark

By Annie Myron

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

Utilean Waters

By the Schaffer family

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

Passport in pocket

By The Myron family

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

UTILA

By the Tappero family

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

Her first Manta encounter

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Palau, sharks, scuba and kids, family dive vacations, kids sea camp

Finally, a Manta!

I smelled the salty air as I strapped on my scuba gear. I was anxious to get into the ocean. I hoped and hoped and hoped that I would see the one thing I’ve always wanted to see — a manta.
This summer, I was in Yap with Kids Sea Camp, an island in Micronesia, to scuba dive with my family. This morning, I was excited to go scuba diving with my friend, Sophie.  My other friends were scuba diving with their parents, so it was just Sophie, Bill Acker (our instructor), Patricia Mangthin (his wife), and me. Bill had decided that we would go to the manta cleaning station to try to see some manta rays. We had tried so many times that my hopes weren’t very high, but as we got closer and closer to the diving site, they inched higher.
Now, here I was, my hopes higher than the sky. I put on my mask and stuck my regulator into my mouth. As I tumbled into the water, I shivered. The water wasn’t cold, but I always feel chilly when I first jump in. When everyone was in the water, we descended into the ocean.

A manta!

Sophie and I swam through the cool, salty water. We spotted brightly colored fish and little hermit crabs, but no mantas. My heart sank. Just as I was about to give up, Sophie jabbed me in the shoulder. I was about to give her that “what did you do that for?” look when I realized she was pointing at something.  I looked.
“A manta! A manta!” I yelled. I had my regulator in my mouth, so it came out like, “Blubablurbla!”
Patricia waved us over to a better place to watch. The manta ray was so big and graceful as it swam through the blue sea. It had a white belly and a dark blue back. Soon, another one came and joined it.
As we swam back to our boat, I replayed what just happened in my head. My heart was pumping hard in my chest. I was so excited! Yap was the first time I had ever seen a manta ray, but not the last.
By Hannah McClure