A Tropical Summer Sea Camp

Summer camps have a lot to offer your children. One of the finest is Sea Camp located in the tropical Florida Keys. Where better to spend a summer vacation that surrounded by tropical waters and swaying palm trees. Swimming, Sailing, Sail boarding, Scuba Diving and marine sciences are all included in the camp curriculum.

Sea Camp is a unique summer camp option. Situated on Big Pine Island in the center of Florida Keys your children will be treated to a memorable learning experience. Learning to scuba dive on the United States' only living coral reef is truly special.

The camp facilities are on the southern end of Big Pine Island at the end of Newfound Harbor road. If you are not aware, Big Pine is home to the endangered Key Deer that frequent the camp. These miniature deer provide plenty of humorous stories for the campers as they and the camp cats compete over food bowls.

The camp counselors may provide a few antics too, but they are all well train professionals. All are certified in first aid, boat handling, scuba diving and lifeguard training. The staff's list of special certifications include, dive master, dive instructor, marine biology and lifeguard instruction. These counselors truly enjoy working with the kids and it shows.

I know because in the summer I run one of the boats for certification dives when available. The staff and the students were the brightest spot of my last summer. I have never met a more interesting group of young people.

Lifeguard training for the campers is an addition to the curriculum. This is a fine opportunity for the kids to learn a valuable skill for anyone loving water sports.

The marine sciences or science class is centered on tropical species that abound in the Keys. Bonnet head sharks, Mangrove Snapper, Spiny Lobster, hermit crabs and the living coral are but a few studied. The camp boat basin is a fish sanctuary loaded with dozens of fish species. One hundred pound plus Tarpon feeding on the mullet often interrupt the tranquil existence of the snapper, parrotfish and mullet. Not a sight any camper will soon forget

Bonnet head sharks caught during fishing classed are released in the shark pool by the mess hall. These sharks are fed daily while in their temporary captivity. At the end of the camp session the bonnet heads are released to the wild again.

Snorkeling, one of the skills required for all scuba divers is taught in a sheltered saltwater pond on site. While training, the students have qualified instructors plus a lifeguard on duty. A fully certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) serves as the camp nurse and is on the property at all times.

Sail boarding, or sailing on a modified surfboard is very popular with the kids. Classes take place in Newfound Harbor right at the camp when there is enough wind available.

Sea Camp has a fleet of vessels for all the campers needs. The "Flattops" were custom built on site. Their tri-hull design is extremely stable and perfectly laid out for the snorkel and scuba activities. The bird fleet, smaller skiffs were also manufactured on site and serve as chase boats for the sailing and sail boarding classes.

As with all camps there is a mysterious story at Sea Camp for the campers to relate. The fate of Flattop Seven! Some stories allude that Flattop Seven was attacked and sank by a giant squid while scuba diving Looe Key one fateful day. On a moonlit night when the waters are crystal clear, it is said that Flattop Seven and its lost crew can still be seen. The truth may never be known.

The culmination of the camp session is a final certification dive on Looe Key. Looe Key is one of the finest scuba diving locations in all of Florida Keys. The area is a SPA or Sanctuary Protected Area. The abundance of tropical species living on the reef never fails to awe the newly certified scuba divers.

If you or your children between the ages of 8 and 21 are looking for a fun and educational summer camp experience you must consider Sea Camp. With forty years of satisfied alumni, Sea Camp has a highly respected reputation. For more information click on Sea Camp's link supporting links below.