Kids Sea Camp

Family Dive Vacations with Kids Sea Camp is Always Our First Choice

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Kids Sea Camp, Family Dive Adventure, kids and diving, families that love diving

I ain’t going diving

When I first started dating my husband Mark, I remember one of our first dates, picking him up from Shaw’s Cove in Laguna Beach. The waves crashed against the shore as I waited for Mark to emerge from the inky blackness of the Pacific. He was night diving, one of his many “gear-intensive” hobbies that initially intimidated me. Snowboarding, mountain biking, scuba diving—activities that seemed a world away from my own. Watching his figure rise from the depths, I remember thinking, “I will never do that.”

Kids Scuba, Family Scuba Diving Adventures, Kids Sea Camp, Margo PeytonBut never say never! Thirteen years and hundreds of dives later, we were seasoned divers exploring underwater worlds from Fiji to the Galapagos. With his passion for underwater photography, Mark had even traveled to the Bahamas to participate in shark photography expeditions, capturing incredible images of tiger sharks, hammerheads, and even the gentle giants of the sea—whale sharks.

“Give them a week; they will remember forever

In 2016, amidst the dazzling displays of dive gear and exotic destinations at the Long Beach Scuba Show, one booth stopped us. A banner proclaimed, “Give them a week; they will remember forever,” and we knew we had to find out more. It was Kids Sea Camp, and it promised family dive vacations that combined underwater exploration with cultural experiences and adventure activities. Our kids, Lucas and Lucy, were 12 and 6 then. We’d always leave them with family when we traveled, but sharing our love of diving sparked an irresistible excitement. (See the KSC gallery)

Our first Kids Sea Camp adventure took us to Buddy Dive on the beautiful island of Bonaire in 2017. The island welcomed us with water that was so clear and blue that it felt like swimming in a dream. Lucas, all of 13, enrolled in the Kids Sea Camp PADI Jr. Open Water program with other kids his age. This Junior Open Water Certification allows kids aged 10-14 to dive to 40 feet with a PADI pro or a certified parent. Seven-year-old Lucy joined the SASY program, designed for kids aged 4-7 to master snorkeling on the surface and learn about the ocean with other kids.

KSC is perfection in Bonaire

The Kids Sea Camp format was perfect. Each morning, we’d drop the kids off at their 8:00 A.M. scuba class with other kids their age, then hop on an adult-only boat for a day of diving with like-minded parents. The kids, meanwhile, were busy with all sorts of activities—blow-karting, jungle biking, kayaking, and of course, learning the fundamentals of scuba diving. In the afternoons, we’d reunite as a family, often ending the day with drinks on the beach, watching a horde of kids diving and splashing in the crystal blue water. There was something magical about seeing them put down their iPads and phones, engage with other kids, and genuinely appreciate paradise.

Bonaire ​i​s not just about diving. We visited the Donkey Sanctuary. The sanctuary cares for over 700 rescued donkeys, including a nursery. Kids Sea Camps’ visits help keep the facility open and provide food, water, and medical care to the island’s population. The kids are loaded into trucks and armed with bread and carrots to feed the curious donkeys. Nothing is funnier than watching one of your kids get a full face lick by a donkey, or better yet, lose a flip-flop to an over-ambitious creature.  We ​also enjoyed sailing on a sunset cruise aboard an authentic pirate ship, with rum punches in our hands​ and plenty of jumping off the plank upon our return.

Welcome to Roatan

We also ventured to Kids Sea Camp Roatan, Honduras. We enjoyed another incredible week of diving, zip-lining through the jungle, and visiting Gumbalimba Park. In this privately owned eco-adventure park, we interacted with iguanas, macaws, and white-faced monkeys. Lucas did his first night dive and even got to dive with reef sharks, all with private instructors and experienced kid-friendly staff. Lucy, at 8, transitioned to the PADI SEAL program, the next step to becoming a junior open water diver, which prepares kids with basic skills and buoyancy through fun Aqua missions. The kids even received free SCUBAPRO dive gear, including BCD, fins, masks, and snorkels!

We loved the safety, quality, and ease of traveling with Kids Sea Camp so much that we also took our family to Grand Cayman. One of the highlights was Stingray City, a nature preserve in 10 feet of shallow, clear water where we swam with stingrays. Grand Cayman is also home to a turtle sanctuary with over 2,000 turtles. Lucy got to interact with baby turtles in a shallow pool.

Back to Bonaire

In June, we returned to beautiful Bonaire. This time, we were able to dive together as a family—a long-awaited dream come true! Lucas joined the PADI Advanced Open Water program with other teenagers. He completed a night, Peak Performance Buoyancy, boat, photo, and shore dive to earn his PADI certification. Lucy finally became a PADI Junior open-water diver earlier in the week, so we had plenty of time to dive together as a family and with her new dive buddies. As a mother, watching your 11-year-old confidently descend to 40 feet is a heart-warming experience. Witnessing your 16-year-old diving comfortably and easily in 80 feet of water is even more so. In addition to diving, donkeys, and dock diving, Bonaire is also known for its kite and windsurfing. The kids even got to pilot land-based blow-karts and cruise around a tire-lined track. Kids Sea Camp offers a full week of engaging activities with plenty of time together and apart.

In my opinion, there’s nothing better than Caribbean sunsets, salty ocean breezes, and night skies brimming with stars. We’re blessed to share our love of the ocean with our children and take them on underwater safaris to undersea fantasy worlds. Between the scuba diving, family karaoke contests, and sandy, exhausted kids, I couldn’t ask for a better family vacation than Kids Sea Camp provides each year.

Kids Sea Camp is always our first choice

Our family continues to choose Kids Sea Camp as our #1 choice for family vacations. Lucy completed her PADI Advanced Open Water course in the Philippines. ​The whale sharks were a wow! We dove as a family in Oslob, coming face-to-face with whale sharks in calm, clear water. And how do you ​possibly top that? Palau for our very first Kids Sea Camp liveaboard trip! Outstanding! ​Manta, sharks, wild dolphins, and the Rock Islands. We’ve created memories with Kids Sea Camp to last a lifetime​ and continue each year.

By the Chapman Family

 

Bound not just by blood but shared passions

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Kids Sea Camp, PADI JOW, OW, Diving with kids

The joy of becoming a scuba diver and a family of scuba divers.

Not long ago (2015, to be exact), my sister, Reagan, asked me if I wanted to go scuba diving in Fiji with her and my nieces, Lauren and Lucy.

“Of course, I immediately said it’s Fiji; who wouldn’t want to do that”?

Little did I know how that trip would change my life and my views on traveling, the world, different cultures, and the beautiful people that I would meet along the way.

Kids Scuba, Family Scuba Diving Adventures, Kids Sea Camp, Margo PeytonWe arrived in Fiji, not knowing anyone else. We realized quickly that we had no clue what we had gotten ourselves into. From the moment we arrived, we were surrounded by the Kid Sea Camp Company (KSC) and a group of like-minded people who shared not just a common interest in travel and an undeniable passion for scuba diving, but also for diving with their kids. It felt as though I had stepped into a vibrant tapestry of kind, friendly, welcoming, creative, and inspiring people. Each person we met fostered a camaraderie I didn’t know we could share.

By the end of the trip, what surprised me most was how quickly I formed deep connections with the Kids Sea Camp staff and families. We talked about the next KSC trip and making sure the kids would meet regularly. The discussions were not just about pursuing our passion for diving, but nurturing the friendships we had begun to cultivate on the first trip. It was as if we had just created a new family.  But really, this new family was the KSC family. A family one bound not by blood but by shared passions.

Ten years later

Ten years later, and ten years of the world’s best family dive trips all over the world, and what I remember the most are the friends that have become family, the kids that I watched grow into beautiful, kind, caring, and generous humans, and the company that made it all possible. Diving has brought me joy. (See gallery)

You see, Kids Sea Camp is about diving, connections (karaoke, volleyball, basketball, food, volunteering, laughing, crying), cultures, and education. These kids (and adults) have emerged into cultures, people, the ocean, marine life, and different communities. It’s an education that evolves beyond the classroom, where the classroom is the ocean, the reefs, the animals, and the respect for something so powerful yet peaceful. I remember every dive and learning about the marine life, but honestly, more important to me is that I remember the before, in-between, and after every dive, when we were laughing together over shared challenges, celebrating different achievements, and even brainstorming ways to get together again. “Family” is what Kids Sea Camp has created outside our “immediate” family. I look forward to our future gatherings, knowing I have a supportive network of people who inspire and challenge me to grow.

It’s incredible how a simple passion can lead to such meaningful relationships.

As an early Kids Sea Camper, “I didn’t have my own children,” and my wife did not dive. I was learning to dive on trips with my sister and nieces, and I loved that I quickly became “Aunt Jen” to

Kids Sea Camp, Sasy, Seal, Diving with kids

most of the kids. I have genuinely enjoyed watching each of them grow and still have connections with each of them. Now that my wife and I have our child (he just turned 3), we talk all the time about the excitement of sharing our dive passion with him. It’s like holding a treasure chest, filled with all the joy and fulfillment diving has brought you, and wanting nothing more than to see your little one dive in and discover the same magic you just spent watching other kids enjoy over the last 10 years.

He is already talking about seeing sharks one day and having his cousins Lauren and Lucy, Uncle Brian, and Aunt Reagan take him underwater. I can’t help but think about these moments. The excitement that I have shared with all the other kids will now be shared with my child. To be able to take him on the Kids Sea Camp journey. A journey that is more than diving. One where he will someday be my dive buddy. One that is nurturing his curiosity. One with a company where I know he will be taught what is important, to respect the ocean and others, and taught by the safest and most respected company in the industry, working with children. It’s like he will be getting an additional education through experiences with different cultures, races, and values, which is one of the most important gifts we can give him.

Kids Sea Camp cares for and serves all types of families

I will close with this. Kids Sea Camp “gives families a week they will remember forever.” It is a business that cares for and serves all types of families. This is one of the reasons my family, my wife, and our son will continue to be part of their family. The joy of diving starts and ends with Kids Sea Camp.

By Jennifer Yee

 

Progressing with confidence and capability

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

Our experience with Kids Sea Camp has been nothing short of extraordinary.

By Quinn Ross

As a family that values travel and exploration, especially in connection with nature and the ocean, we sought something unique to foster a sense of adventure, learning, and togetherness. Kids Sea Camp not only met these expectations but has exceeded them in every imaginable way. Kids Sea Camp family diving vacations have given us something extraordinary—the gift of shared memories, deep friendships, and an appreciation for the marine world we carry wherever we go.

A profound connection

The Kids Sea Camp Staff is remarkable

The staff is another integral part of what makes Kids Sea Camp so exceptional. Every team member exudes passion, warmth, and professionalism, from the dive instructors to the activity coordinators. They go above and beyond to ensure that each child and family feels supported, safe, and encouraged to embrace new experiences. Watching Greyson interact with them has been a joy, as it’s clear they foster a learning environment that is both fun and educational. These are not just staff members— they are mentors, guides, and friends who make every moment memorable. Their genuine interest in each family’s journey enhances the camp’s sense of community.

Speaking of community, one of the greatest treasures we’ve gained from Kids Sea Camp is the friendships forged during these trips. It’s rare to find a space where families from all over the world come together with a shared sense of adventure, curiosity, and respect for the ocean. The camaraderie built during these trips is authentic and lasting. We’ve connected with people who share our values, and the bonds we’ve formed extend well beyond the camp. Greyson has made friends who inspire her, while my spouse and I have also found deep connections with fellow parents who understand and share our love for diving and travel. The magic of Kids Sea Camp lies in its ability to bring people together, creating relationships that transcend geography and time.

Margo and Tom have created a movement

At the heart of this incredible experience are Margo and Tom Peyton, the visionary owners of their work. They have built something far beyond a business or a camp; they’ve created a movement, a way for families to connect with each other and the natural world in a meaningful way. Margo and Tom’s passion for diving, conservation, and family is evident in every aspect of their work. They’ve poured their hearts into creating an environment that fosters learning, growth, and fun in a way that is both deeply personal and profoundly impactful. On a personal level, we’ve come to know them not just as the brilliant minds behind this campbut as individuals who genuinely care about the families they serve. They’ve become essential figures in our lives, and we cherish their friendship.

Kids Sea Camp is more than a vacation

Ultimately, Kids Sea Camp has provided us with far more than just a vacation. It has been a transformative experience for our family, shaping our view of the world and deepening our connection to each other. We are profoundly grateful for the adventures we’ve had and the memories we’ve made, and we look forward to continuing our journey with Kids Sea Camp for years to come. It truly is a one-of-a-kind gift that will stay with us for a lifetime.

Kid Sea Camp Trips: Mayan Princess Roatan, Seal Team for Greyson, age 8, 2022, Little Cayman Beach Resort, Little Cayman, Master Seal Team, age 9, 2023, Anse Chastanet, St. Lucia, PADI Jr. Open Water course, age 10- 2024, and on to St. Eustatius for 2025. (See calendar of events for KSC weeks)

Kids Scuba Programs for all ages

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Kids Sea Camp, diving with Kids, diving with family

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

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Kids Scuba, Family Scuba Diving Adventures, Kids Sea Camp, Margo Peyton, Kids and scuba training

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)

“From singing to Lip Dubs a family I never expected to be a part of”.

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Kids Sea Camp, kids and diving, empty nesters, family and diving.

Our Family Under The Sea

I first fell in love with the undersea world when I was seven. OK, I am fudging that a little bit because I can’t remember exactly how young I was, only that I was very young and that it was in that kindergarten- or elementary-school-age window that I saw, on television, my first-ever Jacques Cousteau Undersea Special. I was immediately hooked on the idea of becoming a diver. From that moment on, I knew that somehow, someway, I would get certified to dive and that it would become a big part of my life.

Kids Scuba, Family Scuba Diving Adventures, Kids Sea Camp, Margo PeytonFast forward to 1994, when I finished medical school and, for the first time in my life, had a real income. I finally took the first step toward that long-held dream and became a certified open-water diver. A few years later, I got my girlfriend, Saundra, hooked on the sport. We became lifelong buddies when I proposed underwater during a dive trip in Guanaja, Honduras (we even had goldfish bowls as centerpieces instead of flowers at our wedding!). 

Married to the sea

Saundra and I dove worldwide whenever we could, and like many other couples, the undersea world became one of the most important things we did together.

In 2005, our diving careers had to pause with the arrival of our firstborn child, Sam. Then, in 2009, twins Adam and Lauren showed up, and we became a family of five. We still managed to dive every once in a while, but nowhere near as often as we had or as we wished, and we had to leave the kids at home.

Sasy and Seals

When Sam was 8, we learned about an SCUBA program for children offered by our local dive shop, and I don’t think you could have contained my excitement when I learned that kids could get certified at age 10! We immediately signed her up, and she took to it with more exuberance than I could have hoped. We later learned from Margo Peyton that Kids Sea Camp and many dive shops also offer the SASY snorkel program for kids ages 4-7 and the PADI Seal Team for kids ages 8 & 9.

However, Kids Sea Camp is one of the few in the world to take those kids to the ocean. Most dive shops offer those programs daily and in a pool. Margo has made an entire week of fun out of them for youngsters, so moms and dads can go diving while younger kids are having a blast in the undersea world.

Needless to say, as soon as Sam was 10, we got her certified, but like so many others, we quickly found that diving with kids is not as easy as getting them certified. Few operators were willing to accept the liability of diving with children, and those who did often lacked the experience or skills to make parents feel completely comfortable.

Finding Margo

And so it was in 2018 that, like so many others who came before us, Saundra and I found ourselves one evening entering that fateful combination of words into the Google search bar: ‘diving with children’. Of course, we landed immediately on the one and only Margo Peyton, and our lives were forever changed for the better.

Kids Sea Camp immediately appealed to us, but with our kids attending a private school whose holiday calendar seemed to be offset by every other school system in the country, none of the dates aligned well with our availability. Margo was undeterred. She set us up for a week at Buddy Dive in Bonaire, a location Saundra and I knew well. And so, in April of 2018, we found ourselves on our first-ever Family Dive Adventure. Sam dove with us and our private guide, arranged by Margo, while the twins took their first Seal course and took to the sport as enthusiastically as their big sister had.

More than friends

The next year, we found a KSC week that worked with our school schedule, so we jumped at the chance to attend a Cayman Islands Kids Sea Camp. There, we met three people who have become some of our closest friends: Tom, Margo, and Olivia. (See gallery)

Over the years, we have been on seven more KSC trips to the Galapagos, Cayman Islands, Bonaire, St. Lucia, Roatan, the Philippines, and the Turks & Caicos. All have been extraordinary. Over that time, our children have become exceptional divers. When we took them to the Galapagos, the dive boat staff commented privately to me on how impressed they were with Adam and Lauren, two fourteen-year-olds of small stature who could dive as well as any adult in challenging conditions. I replied that it is entirely attributable to the incredible program that Margo and Tom have developed. Without the two of them guiding and hosting us, I would never have felt comfortable letting my children dive on a liveaboard or anywhere else!

Scuba training, Kids and scuba, Kids Sea camp, Kids Sea CampThe struggle of 2020

Of course, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing with beautiful sunsets, and the year 2020 brought not only the COVID-19 pandemic. But 2020 also brought us a diagnosis of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma for Lauren at the worst possible time. The love and friendship of Margo, Tom, and Olivia during those difficult months meant the world to us and is a shining example of how they view their relationships with their customers as more than just business interactions but as real investments in people and long-lasting connections. 

What makes it so personal? Tom’s KSC karaoke, singing with Sam, and encouraging her and me to share our voices with the world. Then, the entire KSC team helped me create a surprise Lip Dub in St. Lucia for my wife on our anniversary. What a fantastic memory they left us with. We have made many new friends and enjoy reconnecting with them and meeting others on each trip. Kids Sea Camp and the undersea world have become a part of a family that was never expected. 

Empty Nesters, here we come

 We continue to travel with Kids Sea Camp as a family, Sandra and I. We also enjoyed an Empty Nester trip to Indonesia with Margo and Tom, a photo-intensive journey we both enjoyed. I’ve been exploring underwater photography, and that trip to Lembeh gave me a glimpse of our future. It will be a little while before we are empty nesters, but when we are, Margo and Tom have given us a glimpse into what it could look like. We have already booked a 2029 “Why Not” trip aboard the Arenui with them. (See Calendar)

Kids Sea Camp is very much like an extended family. “Give them a week, and they will remember forever.” Give yourself an experience you will cherish, and open your family to limitless possibilities in the undersea world.

By Jeff Sankoff

Mother leads her family to the sea

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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

sea, Kids Sea Camp, kids and diving, family dive adventuresWhen 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

Kids Scuba, Family Scuba Diving Adventures, Kids Sea Camp, Margo Peyton, Philippines family dive tripsThese 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

 

“A safe place to dive as a family”

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

Healing with Kids Sea Camp

My husband Doug and I have been scuba diving for the better part of 25 years. Before having kids, we enjoyed diving together around the world. Diving has always been a pleasant temporary escape from the everyday world for us. It provides a quiet peace we have not often found on the top side. Doug and I are retired US Marines. When we had our sons, we stopped diving like most families.

Kids Scuba, Family Scuba Diving Adventures, Kids Sea Camp, Margo PeytonWhen our youngest turned 10, the age PADI allows kids to become Jr. Open Water Divers, we heavily fostered both boys’ interest in becoming certified divers. Doug and I were very excited to have our boys as dive buddies; it was a long-awaited dream come true. Josh and Sam started their course at home, at our local dive shop, and then we flew to Jamaica to complete their PADI courses.  We quickly learned (before finding Kids Sea Camp)that most of the dive industry does not seem to cater to youth divers safely. Smaller gear and experience were hard to come by.

After the certification process we experienced in Jamaica, we felt it was rushed. Those dive instructors were not nurturing and clearly did not understand the difference between a child and an adult student.  After waiting over 10 years to dive with our kids, we wanted them to have a safe, fun, positive experience. We did not want them to be scared; unfortunately, that was precisely what had happened in Jamaica. After returning from that trip, we began searching for what we, as parents, considered a safer option.

Finding Kids Sea Camp

That is when we found Kids Sea Camp, and what a fantastic find it was. A place where families from around the world could come together and meet other like-minded families and enjoy a safe, fun scuba diving family vacation. There was plenty of time together with our boys to enjoy, while there was also time apart. Our first Kids Sea Camp was in the Cayman Islands in 2019. Josh and Sam met other certified divers to have fun and make new friends. They dove with knowledgeable, kid-friendly instructors who improved their diving skills and kept them safe. Throughout the trip, we all had fun with karaoke, Pirates, treasure hunts, and many other family activities. Doug and I had a worry-free trip and enjoyed scuba diving with our boys on the family dives and with other parents on the adult dives. Doug and I could not have been happier watching the kids bond, sing, dive, laugh, and enjoy daily. (See our gallery)

Sudden devastation

Sadly, shortly after that wonderful week, tragedy struck our family, and our oldest son, Josh, passed away. This devastated our family, and it was next to impossible to navigate the best way to move forward and experience joy again, for Sam’s sake. If that wasn’t enough, COVID showed up. An understatement would be to say it was a challenging time for us. Grief is not a straight line, and we all have our way of dealing with pain. As a family of three now, we have come together and supported each other, understanding that we each have our own path. One by one, we decided that it was time to live our lives while remembering our beloved Josh.

Remembering Josh with diving

Doug was the first to take a step forward and asked us to attend another Kids Sea Camp. This resonated with us because it was when our family last had a joyful time with our son, Josh. It would feel good to get back in the water again and experience that quiet, healing peace of the sea we all longed for.

Doug and I wanted to continue diving and hoped Sam would enjoy being our buddy. We agreed on St. Lucia Kids Sea Camp, where we met Margo and Tom. I was still deep in grief while Sam was 12. And was hesitant to dive after everything that we had been through. Margo paired him up one-on-one with a very nurturing Kids Sea Camp instructor. We relaxed, watched, and let the Kids Sea Camp magic unfold. Before we knew it, Sam was in the water (with me tagging along) on fabulous dives where he seemed to enjoy every minute. Doug and I enjoyed diving with Sam and his instructor throughout the trip. We have continued to go on more family dive trips with Kids Sea Camp, and we always dive with Sam whenever we want.

Kids Sea Camp kindness

As you can imagine, we had some difficulties throughout this time in our lives. But the KSC staff was always ready and willing to allow us the private space we needed whenever we needed it. Sometimes that meant not diving and doing other things together as a family; sometimes it meant diving with Sam on the kids’ boat and taking additional courses to learn more about diving. Nothing was ever forced on us; we were encouraged to go at our own pace, march to our drum, and do what we wanted when we wanted. (See our new Catalog)

Over the next few years, we became ready to live and experience more, so we decided to try Fiji. Margo told us about the world heritage sites and the amazing diversity in diving there. They shared the spiritual beliefs, nurturing behavior, and personality traits of Fijian culture. The thought of the music, beauty, and peace that Fiji could bring to our family convinced us to go. I loved the vibrant reefs and fabulous topside views. I had also begun to work in a fulfilling job back home, assisting homeless veterans; that, along with the support of my family, allowed me to progress in my grief journey. Diving is my peace, and I could do it every day. I love to think and daydream while seeing the underwater world. I am grateful for KSC and the world of destinations they offer.

Sam took longer to process our tragedy.

Sam was very young when we lost Josh, and losing your brother is a difficult and unique journey to work through. There were many times that Sam chose not to dive and to be in his own space, and that was okay. As much as we wanted him to embrace diving as we did, he needed to make his own decisions. Diving was not to be forced; we gave him the space and time to focus on what was more important to him. Doug and I love diving; it brings us peace and joy. After a few years, we decided to go on a trip with Tom and Margo without our son. He was now old enough to stay home. Sam took a week to decompress from his demanding school schedule, while Mom and Dad had a fabulous week diving in Little Cayman. That was one of the hardest things to do, and we missed him every day; however, it was healing for all 3 of us.

This past year, Sam decided to join us in Belize and enjoyed diving with the other teens and us. It was fantastic to see him enjoying diving again. I hope he will develop a love of diving that rivals mine, and we will keep offering him the opportunity to dive and travel with us. He needs to find his passion. Doug and I love traveling and diving with Kids Sea Camp and the staff. What this company offers to families is personal, unparalleled, and priceless.  Margo, Tom, and Olivia feel like family to us. We have made lifelong friends with too many other divers to mention.

Doug becomes an Instructor

PADI, Tom Peyton, Kids Scuba, family Scuba diveing vacationsDoug and Tom began the journey to become dive masters a year ago in the Philippines, and just recently, in 2024, Doug became a PADI instructor and will, hopefully, as we advance, be a special part of the caring dive team that helped our own family grow and heal.  I will tag along for my peace of mind, and we will buddy up with Sam when his schedule allows.

We will be forever grateful for the last week we shared with our beloved son, Josh. We have so many memories and photos to look back on from that first week and the eight additional trips we’ve been on with Kids Sea Camp. I hope to have many more. We continue to travel this grief journey, but we have KSC for peace, fun, new friendships, and opportunities.

By Jessica Donnell

Dream Vacation: “From Arizona to Anse Chastanet: A Dream Dive Adventure”

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Kids Sea Camp, dream vacation, kids and diving

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

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Baby Turtle Hatch, Kids Sea Camp, st. lucia, kids and diving

​”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.

A​bby, 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