| What’s the best way for your child to be safe, | | | | aquatic camp experience. |
| have fun and beat the summer heat? Sign them up | | | | “For example, jet skiing, wakeboarding and fishing |
| for a water sports or aquatic camp! | | | | camps often take place at lakes or rivers. They |
| Summertime and aquatic activities go hand-in-hand. | | | | don’t require a beach or ocean for kids to have |
| According to Theresa Torrone, a volunteer for the | | | | fun.” |
| American Camp Association (ACA), “Water sports | | | | When asked about surfing camps, Torrone said, “I |
| camps are one of the fastest growing segments of | | | | suppose if you want to learn to surf, or attend a surf |
| the specialty camp field within the summer camp | | | | camp, you’ll need to find a water sports camp at |
| industry as a whole. There’s a water sports camp | | | | the beach. But even if you don’t live by the beach, |
| for kids and teens everywhere.” | | | | you can go to an overnight surf camp. There are a |
| Also known as aquatics sports camps, water sports | | | | number of them across the country.” |
| camps generally offer surfing, jet skiing, wakeboarding, | | | | To find a list of water sports camps, Torrone |
| boogie boarding, body surfing, parasailing, swimming, | | | | suggests contacting the American Camp ACA. |
| inner-tubing, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, boating and | | | | “The ACA’s a great resource. Whether |
| related activities. | | | | you’re looking for a surf camp, jet skiing camp, |
| What if your child doesn’t have previous | | | | wakeboarding camp, or just a swimming camp, the |
| experience with these activities? Torrone says not to | | | | ACA can provide you with a list of accredited |
| worry. “Most water sports camps accept kids from | | | | programs all over the country.” |
| every aquatic background, so your child can participate | | | | Torrone says you can also look on the Internet. “If |
| and enjoy the activities safely and have fun no matter | | | | you want a surf camp, SurfCampSearch.com, a free |
| what.” | | | | online surf camp directory. If you want an all around |
| To cover your bets, however, Torrone says to | | | | aquatic sports camp experience, including surfing, try |
| “always check with the camp director first just to | | | | Aloha Beach Camp in Los Angeles. And last I |
| be sure.” | | | | checked, and also have comprehensive listings of |
| Sometimes parents think a water sports camp is out | | | | water sports camps everywhere so you can find a |
| of the question if they don’t live close to the ocean. | | | | great program.” |
| But Torrone says your kids can still get the full benefit | | | | Whatever camp you choose, it’s always wise to |
| of attending a water sports camp no matter where | | | | involve your child in the decision-making process. “If |
| you live. | | | | your child is involved in picking the water sports camp |
| “Some of the premier water sports camps in the | | | | they’ll eventually attend,” she said, |
| country use lakes, reservoirs and pools as their | | | | “they’re going to end up loving it that much |
| primary activity base. The ocean is fun, but it’s | | | | more. |
| definitely not essential to enjoying a premier | | | | |