Kids are naturally curious about the deep blue yonder.  They question the strange characteristics of marine life and try to grasp the concept of the moon’s effect on the tide.  Some dream of sailing around the world one day, where they might discover hidden treasure on a long, lost, sunken pirate ship.  Spending summer days at the shore is a must.  Take advantage of the following activities to make the most of your family’s time there this year. 

For 5-7 year olds, Surf Academy’s Beach Kids Bodyboard Camp will provide an introduction to body boarding mixed in with beach games, arts, crafts and more ocean fun.  Part science lesson, part physics class, this camp will teach your kids the relationship between the moon’s gravity and the tides as well as how to navigate the waves and recognize rip currents.  Older kids ages 8-17 can register for their Kid’s Surf Camp.  Campers will enjoy surfing, ocean swimming, paddling, body boarding, body surfing, beach games and ocean safety.  All equipment is provided at both camps, which are located in Santa Monica and Huntington Beach. 

SEACAMP, based in San Diego, is a great choice for budding marine biologists.  Campers participate in marine science activities to get a closer look at the inhabitants of the ocean.  On-site lab facilities include a running seawater system, an aquarium with touch tanks and a live shark tank.  Kids start off in SEACAMP I where they are introduced to the labs and learn about specific types of marine life.  All lab-based activities are then further explored in the field.  They learn about shallow bay ecology while kayaking and do an oceanographic experiment on boogie boards.  They even spend a full day at Sea World and take a snorkeling trip as part of their studies.  Campers then graduate to other levels of SEACAMP where they advance to more scientific experiences.  Sessions are open to campers entering 7^th through 12^th grade. 

You’ve probably heard the Chinese proverb about teaching a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime.  Ensure you’re child will never go hungry when you enroll him in the Fishing Course at Newport Sea Base.  Students will be introduced to fishing concepts, learn how to handle equipment and practice their skills.  Registration is open to 11-18 year olds.  Classes meet daily for one week, ending with a deep sea fishing adventure that’s sure to be eagerly anticipated.

Also at Newport Sea Base, Beginning Sailing Classes are offered for ages 8-18.  The younger kids (8-11) are introduced to the basics, including the parts of the boat and other information such as rigging, finding wind direction, steering and capsizing.  Older kids (11-18) focus more on terminology, rigging and safety.  Developing key concepts and boat-handling skills is the goal for this age level.  Both classes meet every weekday morning for two weeks.

Or if you’d rather not bother with having to repeatedly drop off and pick up your child from day camp, there’s the option of sending your 10-18 year old to spend five days aboard The American Pride.  Summer Sea Camp aboard this historic schooner promises so much fun, your child will be talking non-stop about it for the rest of the summer.  Not only will campers be taught to sail, they’ll be constantly engaged with activities they’ll be dying to tell you about when they get home.  In the presence of on-board experts such as a marine biologist, an anthropologist and a historian, there will be always be an answer to your child’s questions.  A trip like this is bound to raise many.

Perfect for visually oriented kids who appreciate the beauty of their surroundings, the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum offers a day camp in Seaside Photography.  Designed for shutterbugs 9-11 years old, this class covers the basics of photography to prepare kids for their seaside photo hunt.  After shooting stills, scenics and close-ups, they will choose their favorite shots to exhibit in their end of class photo show.  Camera and film are provided.

Older kids interested in marine science will think the one-day Job Shadow Program at the Aquarium of the Pacific is right up their alley.  It’s hard for kids to really know what they want to do when they grow up without real life experiences to draw upon.  This program takes some of the mystery out of being a Marine Mammalogist or an Aquarist.  It is not at all a boring lecture series.  Instead, future mammalogists will delight in hands-on experiences as they learn the tricks of training the animals, go behind the scenes and prepare food for the seals and sea lions.  Aquarists-in-training will feed the fish and marine animals, meet the dive team and learn to clean and maintain the exhibits.

One of the best parts of parenthood is helping your child satiate those natural curiosities.  Witnessing their mastery of certain concepts creates proud moments to reflect on after they’ve grown up.  You’ll always remember the summer they learned to surf, fish or sail.  And so will they.

Images courtesy of Newport Sea Base/Orange County Boy Scouts, The American Pride and the Aquarium of the Pacific.

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