Kids’ Kolumn:
Wet n’ Wild Summer Camps
Anyone with school-aged children knows that the countdown has officially begun. We have now entered the final weeks of the 2016-2017 academic year, and our long-suffering students couldn’t be more excited. No more teachers, no more tests and, most importantly, no more homework! Just two months of pure, unadulterated fun – unless, of course, there’s nothing to do. Your child’s summer fun can quickly become a summer flop if they don’t have any activities lined up to keep the days from melting together and rolling by. Prevent any summertime boredom this season by signing your kids up for a fun summer camp on Tybee. Two of the island’s top watersports schools are offering cool summer camps so kids can have fun-in-the-sun while learning a new skill. Keep reading for the scoop on summer camp Tybee-style.
2017 Summer Waterman’s Camp
North Island Surf and Kayak specializes in all things kayaking, surfing, and standup paddleboarding. Their highly-trained and knowledgeable staff are ready to help your kids make a splash this summer at their Waterman’s Camp. This week-long camp will take place June 12 –16 and runs from 9 am to noon daily. Camp attendees will learn surfing, paddleboarding and kayaking fundamentals from Tybee’s very best while gaining an appreciation for the island’s natural ecology. Safety is a top priority at the Waterman’s Camp, so parents can rest assured. All instructors are CPR and First-Aid certified.
The Waterman Camp costs just $50 per day or $200 for the week. The cost includes all sports and safety equipment and snacks. Your child must be able to swim to in order to participate in the camp. North Island Surf and Kayak asks that participants come prepared with sunscreen, bathing suits, appropriate shoes – no flip flops, please – water, and a strong desire for adventure. Download the Waterman’s Camp Registration form, and sign your child up today!
Photo from East Coast Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding Summer Camp
East Coast Paddleboarding is also offering an exciting opportunity to kids this summer. At their Paddleboarding Summer Camp, kids will float atop the ocean surface while seeing deeper into the sea than ever before. Standup paddleboarding, or SUP, has taken the watersports world by storm for its unique perspectives and ancient Hawaiian roots.
At the camp, participants will learn about water safety, balance, proper paddling technique and the coastal environment. And they’ll put all that knowledge to good use in paddling exercises and games. Instruction will take place in flat water and in small waves, so children must be able to swim.
All SUP instructors at East Coast Paddleboarding are certified by the National Surf Schools & Instructors Association, and they’re also fully-qualified lifeguards, so no worries parents; your kids are in good hands. The week-long program is affordably-priced at $220 per week or $50 per day. And you can enjoy discounted rates during holidays! The Paddleboarding Summer Camp is offered several weeks this summer from May through August. Check out the camp page for a full list of dates. Camp runs daily from 8:30 to 11:30 am. Kids ages 7 to 16 are welcome to enroll. East Coast Paddleboarding has also teamed up with the Islands YMCA and the Tybee YMCA to make this camp accessible to more kids throughout the region. Members can contact their respective YMCA branch for more information.
Photo from North Island Surf & Kayak
Surf Summer Camp
East Coast Paddleboarding is also offering their Surf Summer Camp from May 30 – June 2 and June 12 – 16. This fun summer camp teaches participants surf techniques and etiquette, equipment familiarization, and proper wave selection all while maintaining an emphasis on ocean awareness and respect for the natural environment. Children must be between the ages of 7 and 16, and they must be able to swim. Like the Paddleboarding Summer Camp, pricing is $220 per week or $50 per day. The Surf Summer Camp runs from 8:30 to 11:30 daily. Your child is sure to soak up the sun and catch some waves this summer with this unique and exciting opportunity. Download the form and register your child today!
About the Author:
Chantel Baul
Chantel Baul is a Savannah native with a knack for writing and an ever-growing curiosity. She received her BA in English and Professional Communications from Armstrong State University, and when she’s not writing she’s serving the country as a US Army Reserve Officer. She’s an NPR nerd/foodie with a deep passion for all things travel, sustainable living and fun.
