SINGLE DAD
I’M A BELIEVER IN KIDS SEA CAMP!
By Scott D. Jones, Presi- dent of divenewswire.com I’ve worked in the scuba diving industry since 1991. In that time, I’ve gotten to know Margo Peyton, the founder of Kids Sea Camp. Kid’s Sea Camp is an international, multi-generational phenomenon that has intro- duced nearly 8,000 youngsters to scuba diving over the past 20 years. Over the years, Margo has often asked me to come and participate in one of her week- long events. While sincerely interested in joining her and her team in interesting places like Bonaire, Grand Cayman, the Philippines, and Roatan, one key issue remained - I DIDN’T HAVE A KID. That all changed in 2014. My son, Stephen, is a “late in life blessing” who is the best thing to ever happen to me. Stephen is eight years old now and eager
for new experiences. I’m thankful that Margo and her husband, Tom, invited us to Bonaire for the Kids Sea Camp event at Buddy Dive Resort this summer. Having been part of enough group dive trips and resort experiences that could fill more than a few logbooks, I consider myself “A Believer” in Kids Sea Camp. Staffed by highly qualified and motivated professionals, Kids Sea Camp took care of everything – something I can now appreciate as a parent in a much better way. I didn’t have to worry about meals or activities. Would he have fun? You bet! In short, I dropped him off at 8:30 and picked him up at 3:30 daily. I could enjoy the island, some div- ing, good food, and then spend the evenings with my son. While it was tempting to “disappear” for a few hours, Tom Peyton warned me to “stay involved so you don’t miss anything.” He wasn’t kidding. Ste-
phen was doing the PADI Seal Team and SASY programs with six youngsters. Every day, he would share something different that happened that day, and not everything involved the water! In fact, one of his favorite activities was “hunting” lizards and iguanas with his camera, together with his new best friends Caleb and Logan, who had traveled from Wisconsin. Strong bonds were formed - Stephen and his friends were already discussing next year’s Kids Sea Camp. His diverse schedule of activities during the week included a visit to a Donkey Sanctuary, “Blow- Kart racing” (kite surfing) on the other side of the island, swing- ing off the deck (literally) of the Samur Sunset Cruise vessel, and enjoying custom-made omelets each morning for breakfast. It’s easy to see why so many families participate in Kids Sea Camp year after year. Having Stephen join my family
later in life meant I had more re- sources and time to spend with him. There is a natural inclination to buy him “STUFF”. But I’ve learned that the essential things I can share with my son aren’t physical. Actual experiences are what’s important. The more memorable experiences, the better. In this case, experiences that will last a lifetime – for both of us! This proud father selected one of his favorite islands, Bonaire, to introduce his son to the underwater world. My associates throughout the dive industry were thrilled and encouraged following Stephen’s giant strides into scuba via social media. During the week at Kids Sea Camp, I watched my son learn how to assemble and organize his personal (snorkel) gear provided by Seac USA. I smiled when he knew how to dive down and pick up various items now, if I could just teach him not
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