Sometimes you just have to push on even when others can't see what you see...this is something one young woman with a passion for the underwater world and family travel learned by trial and success. Now, 11 years later Kids Sea Camp President and Woman Scuba Diving Hall of fame diver Margo Peyton not only gets to share her vision quest but also has gotten to see it soar beyond her wildest dreams. What began as one scuba mom's quest for family dive adventure drawn out on a restaurant napkin has now become a legacy.
Kids Sea Camp, corporate based in South Carolina, provides families with ocean oriented adventures in exotic dive destinations and liveaboards around the world. Those signing on for the sea based eco adventures are treated to a full week of dive events and educational programs for families with kids age 4-16. Families are treated to 7 nights worth of accommodations, diving, meals, whale shark safaris, Mantas, white water rafting, zip lining, sailing, surfing and many other activities and fun. The adventures cater to both adults and kids. Kids take part in PADI diver and other Specialty courses all while learning about the ocean's. Families come bacl each year to dive with each other and meet new families with kids that dive.
"When I began years ago, not many resorts could understand the concept of catering to kids," Peyton said. "The resorts didn't look at kids as an incredible worthwhile clientele that would grow their client base for years to come. I had to do the foot work and show the value for the destination as a whole that kids aren't difficult or costly and could benefit them for today and tomorrow." Peyton says now with her ability to fill their resorts for 2-3 solid weeks every year with families, they resorts get it, and they love the fun change of pace with kids.
Kids Sea Camp has really blossomed. Peyton says. "We have contributed to over 4,000 certified PADI youth divers and thousands of specialty certs for and adults. Kids Sea Camp was given an Emmy award for best educational kids programs with Kids Guides," "It has been stated by Rainer Jens a National Geographic writer, who attended with his family, to be one of the best family adventures ever.
The main objective of Kids Sea Camp is to promote and educate with a strong focus on conservation. This is accomplished while providing a safe family friendly place for families to enjoy the underwater world together. Kids attending the camp are challenged and motivated while having fun in their age appropriate programs. Students share encounters with multiple marine animals and activities guided by a staff dedicated to teaching in safe professional hands on setting.
PADI Programs such as SASY which is snorkeling for kids age 5+, SEAL TEAM, the first stage of scuba diving, experienced in a confined environment for kids age 8+, PADI JOW Certification, for kids 10 and up and a Teen Ocean Discovery program which offers specialty certifications like digital photography, all offer young people age 10-16 a chance to really get their feet into the water in a positive way. All certified diver kids this year get a free DC1200 SeaLife Digital underwater camera with photo clinics and photo dives to help them share their experiences and show their talent.
Dive News Network Publisher Rick Stratton and his family have taken advantage of attending Kids Sea Camp and he can't say enough about his experience. "My daughter Amanda is a fish anyways but being able to take her someplace where the entire family could get involved in the learning process and she could get really excited about attending was just plain cool," Stratton says. "We could not have asked for a safer environment through which Amanda could explore the water."
Kid Sea Camp is now held in Costa Rica at Ocotal, Grand Cayman with DiveTech, Palau with Sam's Tours, the Galapagos and Bonaire with Buddy Dive and Utila with Laguna Beach all offer the kids and their families varied adventures. This year in Bonaire Kids Sea Camp is sponsoring the first young adult diver program. For kids who are 14-17 years old. Kids Sea Camp is growing with along with the kids, offering them something that contributes to their future, PADI programs allow for the earning and college credits. Margo Peyton is especially excited about the Bonaire trip this year because there are great things happening in that part of the world's oceans. "Buddy Dive has been rejuvenating and growing the reefs is Bonaire and will be introducing this to the families," Peyton says.
Kids Sea Camp has trips to many different world destinations. For more info on Kids Sea Camp visit www.familydivers.com email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 803-419-2556 and ask to speak to Margo. ■
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