2025 Surf Therapy Camp and Ocean Exploration Days

Surf Therapy Camp and Ocean Exploration Days

The Surf Therapy Camp Program and Ocean Exploration Days are 4 hours per session during the months of April – October. Each Ocean Exploration Day offers a morning or afternoon session. These free one-day experiences provide respite for caregivers and offer a day of healing and joy for children in crisis. The transformative power of the ocean, the healing benefits of nature and the partnership with hundreds of community volunteers create an unforgettable outdoor experience.

Does Your Child Qualify?

· Children ages 5-18 years old.

· Is your child experiencing symptoms of PTSD related to or is a survivor of domestic violence, abuse, neglect, abandonment, exploitation, and/or other complex traumas.

· Does your child live in foster care, kinship care, a group home, transitional living, in an adoptive family or with grandparents raising grandchildren?

· Is your family low-income, qualify for free or reduced lunch, a single-parent household and/or has your child experienced trauma?

· *If you responded “yes” to the above, this program is designed for your child.

Who Can Apply?

The legal guardian must register each child and complete a waiver for each attendee. Referrals to this program are often made by social workers, case managers, therapists, pediatric psychiatrists, CASA’s, group home staff, foster care agencies, and those that are involved in the healing journey for children who have been removed from their biological parents due to various forms of maltreatment.

What Does a Surf Camp or Ocean Exploration Day Entail?

· Wetsuits, rash guards, and surf boards are available for use for each child.

· Children will be paired on a 1:1 or 2:1 ratio with a volunteer surf mentor for a two-hour surf therapy session.

· Children/youth who do not want to surf can stay and play in the sand or on the beach/park with a volunteer mentor. Lawn games are provided.

· Each beach day is themed and often includes music, demonstrations, motivational speakers, occasional freebies and a complimentary lunch are offered to all registered attendees, including volunteer surf mentors.

· Nonprofit, community, and business partners often collaborate to provide resources, employee volunteer groups, giveaways and more.

· Caregivers are required to stay as this is not a drop-off camp. Families should plan to bring beach chairs, umbrellas, water, towels, swim clothes, sandals and appropriate beach needs.

Next Steps

Through the support from generous grants, donations, business sponsorships, and fundraisers, this program is free for children and their immediate household.

1. Registration for Families and Children.

2. Registration for Volunteers.

3. Sponsorship or Collaboration Inquiries.

4. Event Schedule.

5. Join our mailing list.