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Although the mention of day camps might typically conjure up images of arts and crafts and rec-center programs, there are other venues to consider. For instance, those who live on the coast can take advantage of the sun, the waves and the beach, and the challenge to campers to discover skills they never knew they had.
Nearly 550 children ages 10 to 17 participated in programs held at the city of Boca Raton’s three major beaches in the summer of 2011. Take a look and see if there’s anything you might be able to implement. And keep in mind that just because you don’t live in Florida doesn’t mean you can’t re-create a beach in a land-locked locale and have fun!
Junior Lifeguard Program--Led by the city’s ocean-rescue staff, the program teaches basic ocean-rescue techniques, lifeguard skills, and first-aid procedures. It focuses on the variables that make guarding the ocean different from being in a pool environment, such as how to navigate rip currents as well as how to use hand signals and teamwork to make a “save.” The five-week program at Spanish River Park had 85 participants last summer--its 17^(th) year in operation.