26 YEARS
OUR PHOTO ISSUE
THE FORGOTTEN ISLANDS Margo Peyton
THE GALAPAGOS Margo Peyton
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“GIVE THEM A WEEK THEY WILL REMEMBER FOREVER”
THE JOY IN THE JOURNEY It’s not just a destination it’s a REUNION
Dear Friends, Families, and Fellow Ocean Lovers,
I often say to my peers that although children make up 20% of the world’s popula- tion, they are 100% of our future. This truth drives everything I do. In these divisive times, we must focus on what unites us: our shared love for our children and the ocean. Together, we can create a vibrant future, for both. Kids Sea Camp each year is on mission to educate families about the fragile marine environments they dive and inspire the next generation to be torchbearers of the sea. Each destination we choose reflects our commitment to a family-focused learning environment where safety is paramount. We partner exclusively with family-owned PADI dive resorts and operators that share our values, providing a personal touch that makes every trip feel like coming home. At the heart of Kids Sea Camp is our extraordinary dive team—passionate individu- als who have become family. They are not just educators; they are mentors with big hearts, adapting to a child’s needs with kindness, a grandparent’s needs with grace and dignity, and offering a top level of expertise wrapped in fun. Their dedication and commitment to a positive and personal experience change lives. It has been said a thousand times: Kids Sea Camp isn’t just a destination—it’s a reunion. Whether through our land-based resort escapes or liveaboard voyages, we reconnect families with one another and the natural world. For those seeking meaningful travel experiences, our company has formed lasting bonds with the resort owners and operators we partner with, providing families with an exceptionally personal and heartfelt vacation like no other. As we celebrate 26 years, Tom and I, along with the entire Kids Sea Camp team, thank you—our extended family—for being part of this legacy. You have helped us forge connec- tions, protect the ocean, and inspire a brighter future for all our children and grandchildren. Thank you for voting us #1 in the world each year in Family Dive Travel.
As I sit down to write this letter for our 2026 brochure—a vibrant tapestry of 100 pages filled with moments captured from our journeys above and below the sea—I am over- whelmed with gratitude and reflection. Twenty-six years ago, I started Kids Sea Camp (KSC) with a simple, heartfelt dream: to create a living classroom for my own two children, Robbie and Jennifer. I wanted to share the wonders of the ocean with them, immers- ing them in its beauty, lessons and wrap it all with love of family. What started as a mother’s passion has blossomed into something much greater—a global community built on love. Kids Sea Camp is a single connecting point bringing families from around the globe to- gether with a shared commitment to the next generation and our underwater world. Tom and I set out together to unite families through scuba diving adventure travel. We believe that the underwater world can serve as a bridge for stronger bonds and a deeper appreciation for our shared passion. For over 2 decades, we have witnessed the magic unfold: more than 8,100 children, including our own, have been certified as PADI divers, with thou- sands more continuing their diver education alongside parents and grandparents. These young explorers have become torch- bearers for the oceans future, carrying forward the values of conservation and stewardship instilled through Kids Sea Camp and PADI programs. Kids Sea Camp has become the “Bunny Slope” of the diving industry—a gentle, safe entry point where families can unplug from daily stress and rediscover and reconnect to one another. I witness with a full heart, grand- parents sharing stories with wide-eyed grand- children, parents experiencing their child’s first breath underwater, and siblings forging unbreakable ties amid coral gardens and turquoise waves. We have connected families from around the world, turning strangers into lifelong friends through shared adventures, from Bonaire’s calm shores to the Galapagos’ wild depths.
Margo and Tom Peyton Tom and Margo are set to
commemorate an extraordinary 20 years together in 2026. Throughout their journey, they have lovingly raised two wonderful children and have shared their profound passion for the ocean and family, leaving a lasting impression on everyone they encounter. Margo is a vibrant force of nature, radiating energy and enthusiasm in everything she does. Her dedication to teaching and inspiring future generations of divers is nothing short of remarkable.
Over the years, she has played a pivotal role in the certification of approximately 8,100 eager young divers, guided 50 aspiring
Divemasters, and mentored
36 exceptional PADI Instructors. Last September, her achievements were honored when she was inducted into the prestigious International Scuba Divers Hall of Fame in Grand Cayman, a testament to her unwavering commitment to the diving community. Tom holds the title of a proud PADI Divemaster. Margo lovingly describes him as being made of pure love, embodying a spirit that thrives on joy and meaningful experiences. His infectious enthusiasm creates unforgettable memories and brings a sense of joy to every adventure they embark on together. Margo and Tom weave a colorful fabric of connection, uniting like-minded families across the globe through their incredible, life-changing experiences in the breathtaking underwater world. They inspire others to embrace the wonders of the ocean and the bonds that bring people closer together.
With heartfelt gratitude, Margo Peyton
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BONAIRE Margo Peyton
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“KIDS SEA CAMP MAGIC”
Kids Sea Camp cultivates family relationships through authentic, high-quality, ocean-ori- ented experiences. We encourage children to engage respectfully with each other and the marine life they are learning about. We specialize in uniquely cus- tomized itineraries and education- al programs designed to accommodate diverse family needs. Our award-winning com- mitment to personal attention ensures the safety and comfort of young divers. We inspire children to build con- fidence by fostering trust through comprehensive training and travel experiences, bringing together adventurous families who seek meaningful vacations that connect them to the outdoors.
YOUR PERSONAL TRIP CONCIERGE
other special needs, including divers with diabetes. The primary language spoken is English; however, we have a pool of multilingual PADI instructors worldwide, and with notice, many languages can be accommodated. OUR MORAL COMPASS Twenty-four years of taking kids diving without a dive accident is not just luck, but hard work and dedication. Our record and reputation speaks for itself. We work with family-friendly, experienced and knowledgeable professionals. We require standard PADI, travel, medical, and KSC waivers like any other adventure sport. Our waivers are there to inform you that we provide authentic experiences with natural wildlife and marine life encounters. We are not a theme park and there is no plexi-glass. However, these waivers do not relieve us of our moral obligation
We are here to serve you and make sure your family vacation is the best it can be. Our Kids Sea Camp family vacations are hosted by Tom and Margo Peyton, along with our other longtime team of PADI professionals. We are here to cater to your personal needs. This may be extra support with the kids, a drive to the grocery store, a one-on-one dive training session, help with a camera, help getting over a fear, needing a refresher course or a demonstration of dive gear. SPECIAL NEEDS We are special-needs friendly. We can make most wishes come true with advanced notice and detailed information we need to make it safe. Kids Sea Camp has been able to cater to disabled divers, high-functioning autism, hearing-impaired divers and
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KIDS SEA CAMP FUN FACTS
Empty Nester Travel: The newest division of our company. Taking adults to The Galapagos, Red Sea, The Arenui and all around the world 26: The age of Kids Sea Camp. 6: The number of kids Woody has as of 2025 40’: The maximum depth for a 10 or 11 year old certified diver. SCUBAPRO: Is our top choice for scuba diving gear. Deep down you want the best! September 4th 2026 Robbie Peyton & Tanvi Shah’s Wedding Day, Kenya 6: The number of photographers shooting for KSC now: Margo, Rob, Josh, Bigs, Kiley, Jesse. 100: The number of pages in this brochure
8,100+: The number of PADI youth certifications created by Kid Sea Camp as of Jan. 2026 2: The number of years Kiley has been working with Kids Sea Camp 60: The age Margo turns on October 24th Seal Team: A PADI program for kids age 8 & 9 who can learn to scuba through aqua missions in the ocean at KSC. 26: The age of Kids Sea Camp 2026 4: The number of charters aboard The Arenui in 2026 10: The minimum age limit required to become a PADI Jr. Open Water Diver 3: The number of Hall of Fame awards Margo has received: DEMA, WDHOF and ISDHF
to keep you safe! Safety is our No. 1 priority, and fun is No. 2. No other company like Kids Sea Camp exists because we make it personal. We work hard to ensure you’re in the water with family-friendly dive experts. Kids Sea Camp is the only tour company in the world dedicated to taking young divers and their families on advanced dive trips, like the Galapagos, Belize, Raja Ampat, Komodo, Palau, Indonesia, or a multi- island tour in the Philippines. Kids can experience the biggest and the smallest of marine animals. We include jungle biking, culinary classes, citizen science, internships, and local outreach. We provide education to families
through facts and hands-on experiences with hopes of removing fears created by false information. Our trips require participants to respect each other and our underwater world. Safety is our area of expertise. UNPLUGGED You will find that kids pay attention and become present when they know they won’t see what they are about to do with you on TikTok or Netflix later. You will gain peace of mind as a family and make new friends. Some say oceans separate us, but we believe they connect us all. Enjoy a full week off the grid and disconnect from your virtual worlds while reconnecting to
each other and the underwater world. We all need to unplug and relax. Kids Sea Camp is the ideal week to disconnect and recharge. SPECIAL OCCASIONS Let us know how we can serve you better. We can make any occasion memorable, such as underwater wedding ceremonies, unique custom- made birthday cakes, celebrations, romantic private anniversary dinners, or KSC family reunions.
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“THE MOM FACTOR” BECAUSE SAFETY MATTERS
“THE MOM FACTOR” Margo Peyton has been a travel professional and ocean advocate since 1986, she has curated extraor- dinary adventures both above and below the water. Embracing moth- erhood in 1994, Margo envisioned sharing her passion with her chil- dren, Robbie and Jennifer, and con- necting them to families worldwide through shared experiential family dive vacations.
THE DILEMMA Margo’s vision required family- friendly dive resorts and qualified kid-friendly instructors and dive operators, which were not readily available.. THE CREATION Margo took the initiative, crafting personalized itineraries and PADI training programs with each Kids Sea Camp location. Collaborating with select resort partners, she estab-
lished an industry-leading standard for child safety and dive instruction. Her ongoing commitment includes fostering a global network of family- friendly dive resorts that uphold her values and safety standards. Margo tirelessly educates parents, instruc- tors, and the dive community on best practices when teaching and diving with kids, emphasizing the same unwavering moral compass that guided her as a mother. In her words, “Kids Sea Camp is
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OUR MISSION: To inspire families to dive and travel. Provide educational activities and empower children and their families to explore the underwater world to- gether. Reconnect kids to the outdoor world and each other through fun, safe, responsible interaction. To provide environ- mentally conscious family scuba-diving vacations. OUR VALUES: We provide a strong focus on building lasting friendships and strengthening family bonds. We nurture relation- ships and treat each other with respect. We consider our re- sponsibility as divers for our impacts on land and sea ecosystems. We give back to the many communities our families meet around the globe. We strive to create more responsible, confident, well-trained, and educated divers.
BUILDING TRUST Margo’s complete trust in her resort partners and her extraordinary travel- dive team, many of whom are parents and PADI Pros, is the cornerstone of Kids Sea Camp. They recognize the im- mense responsibility entrusted to them by Margo, the parents, and the children they have the privilege to inspire..
not just a business; it’s personal.” A sentiment truly understood only by those familiar with Margo’s drive and dedication. PRIORITIES Safety is Margo’s paramount con- cern. She prioritizes partnerships with local, family-owned PADI dive resorts, recognizing their shared commitment to fostering and nurturing the future generation of divers. Child safety al- ways comes first.
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PADI COURSES : SASY: age 4-7 Seal & Master Seal Team: age 8-9 Discover Scuba: age 10+ Jr. Open Water: age 10-14 Jr. Advanced Open Water: age 12-14 Open Water: age 15+ Advanced Open Water: age 15+ Reactivate/Refresher Jr. Rescue: age 12-14 Rescue diver: age 15+ Master Scuba Diver: age 15+ Deep Diver: age 15+ Wreck Diver: age 15+ Jr. Divemaster age 15+ Divemaster: age 18+ Instructor: age 18+ NITROX: age 12+ SPECIALTY COURSES: Kids Sea Camp Zombie Apocalypse Peak Performance Buoyancy Coral Restoration Reef Renewal Digital Photography & Videography Navigation, Night Fish ID, Alt Light Boy Scout Merit Drift, Boat Project AWARE Shark AWARE Whale Shark & Manta AWARE Underwater Naturalist Lionfish Tracker Equipment Free Diving DPV Mermaid Emergency Oxygen Provider
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OUR AREA OF EXPERTISE: KIDS! TRAINING
DIVING AND TRAINING For 26 years, parents and
confidence while mastering important safety concepts and skills. At Kids Sea Camp, you can trust that the instructors teaching your kids are held to diving’s highest standards. Kids aged 4-18 participate in specialized age-appropriate, performance-based dive courses and activities. They can progress at their own pace as they demonstrate mastery of specific skills essential to being a scuba diver. Kids earn their certifications in encouraging and well- supported learning environments. It is our goal to encourage families to learn about and explore the underwater world together. They experience marine life safely and respectfully. We pride ourselves on
creating more aware, confident, and capable divers. Our programs fall under strict educational standards. PADI takes a proactive approach to quality management and randomly surveys divers to ensure courses meet our high standards and divers’ expectations. There is no other organization world wide that provides what we do for young children and their families on a family vacation. Kids Sea Camp has achieved the “dive industries World’s Best” status for over 20 years. KSC received The PADI President’s Award of Excellence and was rated by Nat Geo Kids as “Best family dive vacation.”
grandparents have entrusted us to care for the most cherished people in their lives — their children and grandchildren. That is why we choose the highest level of quality in dive training and instruction: PADI. The reality is that for adults to have a stress-free dive vacation, they must feel confident and comfortable leaving their kids in our hands and they do! The KSC and PADI systems of diver education are the most reliable, structured systems in diving. Our dive programs are designed to make learning enjoyable and safe. Under the guidance of professional PADI instructors, your kids will gain
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KSC IS NOT JUST FOR KIDS
“KIDS SEA CAMP IS SO MUCH MORE THAN THAT” SOPHIE QUAST-JONES, KSC AMBASSADOR
By Sophia Quast- Jones KSC is for family but also the perfect place for young adult divers aged 13-19 who are ready for some independence, advanced adventure, continuing education, and want to have memorable experiences with other teens. I’m getting ready for college soon, and this summer, I enjoyed diving with my family, grandparents, aunt, and uncle at Roatan KSC. Spending a week together diving was one of my best experiences with them. My dad is a military doctor, so I have grown up moving around quite a bit. We lived in Guam for many years, and that’s when my mom read about Kids Sea Camp and booked Palau in 2012. Since then, each year, my parents, myself, and two younger sisters, Helen, age 15, and Zoe, age 13, pick a KSC dive trip; land-based or liveaboards are on the table and open for discussion. Kids Sea Camp trips are held in the best dive destinations worldwide. I have been to KSC Palau three times with Sam’s Tours, Fiji KSC at Bequa Lagoon Resort, Roatan KSC at Mayan Princess, and the Sea Of Cortez KSC
“Citizen Science: a week with the Quino El Guardian.
put down. Being in the moment is more fun than worrying about what everyone is doing back home. I have found that I can easily handle being “Unplugged” in exchange for adventure. My parents surprised me with a Quino El Guardian trip to Mexico this past summer on a KSC “Citizen Science” week. It was double sweet because my best friend Mo was my roommate and dive buddy. We had several other girls our age onboard as well. The week was full of science and extraordinary encounters with whales, sharks, and sea lions. I met (Mo) Momo Hudes on a flight to KSC Palau in 2013. We really bonded and became dive buddies and best friends. Adding shipmates to that relationship this past summer set the bar high for planning our next adventure. Our parents have faith and trust in Kids Sea Camp, allowing us to embark on our own adventure. Momo and I joined the liveaboard in the Sea of Cortez. The two of us journeyed through many airports and had to find our way around without our parents. This was
A GREAT PLACE FOR KIDS There are many KSC followers year after year, like my family, and there are always new families, dive staff, and great people to meet. That’s the magic of this organization Margo Peyton created 25 years ago for her kids. My mom enjoys underwater photography, and Dad seems to relax and enjoy the quiet of being submerged on a dive boat where the business of everyday life can’t reach him. My sisters love the water and look forward to these trips, as there are many things to do and diving. I think we all agree that having other kids our age on the trips to hang out and share adventures with has been the best part. I love to travel with my family, but diving with other teens from around the world, learning about new cultures, creatures, and ecosystems—and discovering myself—is why I want to keep coming back. On these trips, the cell phones actually get
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MAGIC MOMENTS I was asked by Margo Peyton, who inspired me to write this, to list a couple of my “favorite moments.” A few that came to mind were: One evening on The Quino El Guardian, after a day dancing with sea lions, I was quietly observing another radiant sunset, and just 100 feet in front of the boat, a Finback whale breached out of the water,, making its splash shimmer with gold’s, reds and reflecting a kaleidoscope of similar colors off its body as it landed. I recall swimming off a moonlit beach in Roatan at night after watching fire dancers with
an incredible opportunity for me to grow as an individual, step out of my comfort zone, and put the years of travel training Mom had provided to use.
GREAT PEOPLE I had never been on a
liveaboard, so seven days at sea was an intimidating adventure. I had the most eye-opening and liberating trip of my life, and Momo and I met some incredible people. We were made to feel apart of the KSC family. Our dive guide, Juan, was called “Dad,” as he looked after all of us like a father would his very own children.
new-found friends. The views speeding through the Rock Islands of Palau on the bow of our dive boat, cutting through the turquoise waters that reflected the beauty of the floating Islands. I’m not technically a kid anymore, which is why I say, “Kids Sea Camp is so much more than that.” I can’t wait to continue diving, discovering, and connecting these adventures into college, career, and beyond.
and I learned so much about marine animals, plankton, and diving from a liveaboard. I have many mentors, including my dive masters and instructors, who have become part of our family lore. I remember each fabulous venue with nostalgia and their lasting, endless impressions in my mind.
KSC staff and photo-pro Brad Holland became “Cool Uncle Brad.” Linda Sue Dingle, AKA “Mom,” from Scuba Diver magazine, helped us feel at home on the ship, especially when she busted out goody bags of American flags, red, white, and blue tinted glasses, and “I love America” signs for the 4th of July Party she threw for us. Mo
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THE FORGOTTEN ISLANDS Margo Peyton
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LAND & SEA: FROM BLOW KARTING, BASKETBALL, FLY FISHING TO KARAOKE! WE HAVE FUN STAYING DRY! KIDS SEA CAMP IS MORE THAN DIVING We have the best surface intervals on the planet 17
THE MARRIAGE OF LAND AND SEA Tom is the land, and Margo the sea. Families have traveled with Margo because of her diving expertise and love of the ocean. However, over the years, Tom Peyton has enhanced the beyond-diving part of Kids Sea Camp, creating more fun for families with other passions.
BASKETBALL Being from the Midwest, Tom has been shooting hoops since he was a kid, and it’s almost a religion for him. He will get a pick-up game going if there’s a court around. It does not matter the country or the language — Tom connects the world through basketball. TOM’S PASSION & PEACE Sometime during the week, you will find Tom has gone fishing — his place for peace; his passion is fly-fishing. There is always an open invitation for anyone to join, from beginner to expert. Tom always brings a
second rod. (Catch and release only.)
MUSIC, POETRY, SINGING Tom is a singer, songwriter, and
professional artist. He loves to encourage creativity and often gets karaoke going on the week. Tom also enjoys impromptu jam sessions for anyone wanting to bring a guitar or other instrument you may play. Feel free to bring your music and your voice, and be ready to have fun jamming by the beach at night. Each week ends with a poetry presentation or skit.
VOLLEYBALL Tom gets the games rolling in the
afternoons, either on the beach or in the pool. The most popular game is parents vs. kids. It is always fun when the dive staff wants to join in on the volleyball game, too!
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SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE: Football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, sailing yoga, blow karting, spa, painting, poetry, zip line, horseback riding, culinary classes, fly- fishing, jungle biking and paddle boarding!
LAND-BASED FUN
2026 Special Events 2026 OCEAN WISHES: 5K RUN THE FOR THE OCEAN BONAIRE THANKSGIVING Buddy Dive Resort November 21st - 28th
A MAGICAL GIFT FROM MOTHER OCEAN
THE TURTLE HATCH UNDER THE STARS GIGI MERLUSCA, KSC COORDINATOR
By Gigi Merlusca On our first night in St Lucia, Nature gave us a magical experience—sea turtles. As the KSC coordinator, I, Gigi, was thrilled to lead the kids through this special adventure. Our days were packed with learning and fun, but this particular night held something truly magical—a chance to witness sea turtles hatching and making their way to the ocean. During dinner, the hotel staff excitedly announced, “Good news! The turtles are hatching!” A SPECIAL NIGHT I gathered the kids and parents and spoke with enthusiasm. “Welcome to what promises to be a night of wonder, everyone! Tonight, we have a special treat. We’ll head to the turtle nesting area to see if we can witness the baby turtles hatching and going to the ocean. It’s an incredible journey, and I’m thrilled to share it with you.” The kids and their parents were on the
do the turtles know where to go?” “Great question,” I said, “They are guided by the reflection of the moonlight on the water. The natural light helps them find their way to the ocean, away from predators and toward safety.” THE HATCHLINGS We settled in, eyes scanning the sand for any signs of movement. The beach was quiet except for the rhythmic sound of the waves and the occasional call of a night bird. Suddenly, a soft mound of sand began to shift. The kids held their breath as tiny heads poked through the sand. It was a nest of baby sea turtles beginning their incredible journey. I saw the excitement on their faces and whispered, “Look, there they are!” The hatchlings, no bigger than a child’s hand, began to wriggle and make their way across the sand. Their tiny flippers flapped and moved in unison as they instinctively followed the moonlight reflecting on the water. Ava
edge of their seats. “What’s the most exciting part?” asked Noah. “The most exciting part,” I replied, “is seeing how these tiny hatchlings find their way to the ocean. They face many challenges, but their determination is truly inspiring. We’ll learn about their journey Tonight and see it unfold before our eyes.” As dusk turned to night, we walked to the nesting area, where gentle red lights lit the beach to avoid disturbing the turtles. We set up a small camp on the sand and waited. I explained to the kids, “Sea turtles usually hatch at night. The little ones will emerge from their nests and head toward the water, guided by the moon’s natural light.” With her notebook ready, Ella asked, “How As they slept, I knew this experience would inspire them to become lifelong advocates for the ocean and its incredible creatures.
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clapped her hands softly, “They’re so tiny and determined!” Noah had his camera ready, capturing every moment. I watched as Liam, who had been making jokes earlier, was now wholly absorbed in the scene. “This is amazing,” he said, his voice filled with awe. As the hatchlings approached the ocean, they faced a few challenges. A seagull swooped down, and the campers gasped. I reassured them, “Don’t worry. Despite the challenges, Nature has its way, and many of these hatchlings will make it to the water.” The hatchlings continued their journey, some moving faster than others. I noticed Ella watching one particular hatchling that seemed to struggle. “Can we help it?” she asked, her concern evident. I gently shook my head and explained, “It’s important to let nature take its course. The hatchlings need to complete this journey independently to develop their strength. Our job is to observe and learn while ensuring we don’t interfere.” THE ESCAPE The KSC campers watched in awe as the tiny turtles reached the water’s edge. The cool waves gently lapped at their flippers,
guiding them into the ocean. Each hatchling that reached the water was greeted with cheers from the kids. Ava said, “It’s like they’re starting a new adventure. I hope they make it!” I smiled at the kids, proud of their empathy and understanding. “You’ve all witnessed an extraordinary moment. These hatchlings are taking their first steps into the ocean, and this journey is just the beginning for them. It’s a reminder of the importance of protecting their environment.” As the last hatchlings disappeared into the waves, we gathered to reflect on the experience. I started, “Tonight, you’ve seen something incredible. These baby turtles have shown us the power of determination and the importance of protecting their habitat.” The kids shared their thoughts and feelings. Noah, still excited, said, “I can’t believe we saw them hatch and go to the sea. I want to help sea turtles and ensure they have a safe place to live.”\ KIDS WANT TO LEARN MORE Ella nodded in agreement. “I’ve learned so much about their journey. I want to learn more about how we can help protect them and their nesting sites.”
Liam, usually full of jokes, was reflective. “It was amazing to see how they made it to the water. It makes me want to do more to help the environment.” I listened to their comments with a smile. “I’m proud of each of you. This experience shows how important it is to care for our environment and all the creatures that live in it. You’ve all taken a big step as future protectors of the ocean.” As the night drew to a close, the kids helped clean up the area, ensuring the beach was as pristine as they had found it. We returned to our rooms, the stars shining brightly above, and drifted off to sleep with dreams of baby turtles and the vast ocean. The Turtle Hatch on their first night in St Lucia was a magical experience, and I felt honored to have shared it with such a wonderful group of kids and their parents. They witnessed the beauty and challenges of Nature and learned the importance of being guardians of the environment. As they slept, I knew this experience would inspire them to become lifelong advocates for the ocean and its incredible creatures. Their journey had just begun, but the memories of the baby turtles’ first steps into the sea would stay with them forever.
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BONAIRE
2026 TRIPS: April 4th - 11th, June 20th -27th & June 27th - July 4th THANKSGIVING:November 21st - 28th 2027 TRIPS: July 31st-August 7th &August 7th -14th
THE RESORT This family-owned and operated resort has the casual, relaxed atmosphere you want in a family vacation. It is an unhurried, unspoiled natural diver’s paradise with spectacular sunsets, easy diving, and crystal-clear water. THE DIVING If you want to fall in love with diving, become a better diver, and want to dive safely with ease as a family- welcome to Buddy Dive Bonaire. You can jump off the dock to enjoy large schools of fish, shallow wrecks, and relaxed diving with newly certified kids. The water is warm, and the view is fantastic. The dive team here is the best in the Caribbean! Most are parents themselves, so kids’ safety is a priority. Buddy Dive is a PADI five-star Career Development Center.
THE PACKAGE 7 nights at Buddy Dive Resort in 1, 2, or 3-bedroom condos and 3 meals daily. Adult dive packages include 11 or 6 boat dive packages with unlimited shore diving and free Nitrox. Truck rental is included with the 6 boat dive and unlimited shore diving packages. Certified kids choose between the Adventure Diver, Advanced Open Water, Reef Renewal or Rescue courses. WHAT’S INCLUDED: A guided night dive, pizza movie night, treasure hunt, donkey safari, island tour, blow karting, photo classes, poetry presentations, kayaking, slacklining, tubing, continuing education courses for the certified kids, wreck dives, all kids dive rental gear, t-shirts, sealife cameras to use, photo dives for kids, slideshows and a coral restoration presentation.
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WHY BUDDY DIVE?
1. 1, 2 and 3 bedroom oceanview villas 2. The #1 kid-friendly dive staff in the Caribbean 3. Blow karting, tubing and the Donkey Safari 4. Jump off the dock 24 hour diving 5. The easiest destination for new and beginners divers!
$ 2,950 FROM
Rates based on 2 adults in a 1-bedroom, one- bath condo, 11 boat dives and unlimited shore diving Divers education: SASY, PADI Seal Team, JOW, AOW, Rescue, Jr. Divemaster, Divemaster, IDC and Coral Restoration Additional options: Equipment Specialist,Tec, PADI speciality diver courses
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BECOMING A DIVER
IS THIS A DREAM? NO, IT’S KID’S SEA CAMP ATHENA GENONE, KSC AMBASSADOR
Athena Gennone, age 10 Pale rays of tropical daylight filter through blue-tinted water as a ball of thin silver fish passes me by. Underneath, there are long streaks of flourishing orange corals stretched out, trees planted into the sandy floor. Is this a dream? No, it’s Kid’s Sea Camp! My mom and I are at Buddy Dive on the beautiful island of Bonaire. It is more than a tropical family dive vacation; it’s a mother and daughter adventure that changed my life. Here’s my experience of becoming a diver at the Kids’ Sea Camp! I woke up on August 10th with the excitement of this new world in my eyes. This wasn’t a regular vacation day; this was the day I started my PADI Jr. Open Water (JOW) course at Kids’ Sea Camp! When I was dressed and ready, I walked out of our brightly coloured orange and yellow room that vibrantly stood out from the surrounding view of turquoise water. I see the unearthly, gentle water lapping at the wooden dock to the left. My mom and I walked past
the Blennies restaurant while enjoying the turquoise views before turning to the staircase to the dock below. As we walked down the steps, we saw the Kids Sea Camp and Buddy Instructors (Vanessa, Madi, Sven, Joe, and Mark), who waved to us from beside a round wooden table, topped with a large umbrella and a sign that said “JOW class.” They were warm, welcoming, and as lovely as anyone could ever be. They were helpful and kind, always lending a hand, but also allowed me to be independent and gain experience doing things for myself. Before I did the open-water dives in the ocean, I had to complete my confined training dives in the pool. The Camp this week had a full JOW class of twelve kids from ages 10 to 15 with 4 PADI Instructors and other divemaster assistants as well. On my first day, I learned how to set up and use my dive gear, such as my BCDs (buoyancy control devices), regulator and
gauges, air tanks, fins, masks, and snorkel. The first day was challenging, and I felt as though I’d never get it, but as the course progressed, I was required to take apart and reassemble my gear many times, and I began to understand. Over the three days of the course, I had it memorized in my mind and was ready to go each morning. I was so excited towards the end of the week to show my mom that I could get my gear set up and ready to jump off the dock and enjoy a dive with her. During my course, I learned the PADI diving skills and basic hand signals that evolved as we progressed toward becoming certified JOW Divers. The very first morning, I remember sliding my fins on for the first time and stepping into the shallow end of the pool with my gear on. We were split into our four groups, always with our instructors and buddies. We were practicing in the pool the skills we would do again in the ocean. My first breath underwater felt as if I was floating in divine heaven, the sun rays
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glimmering like golden gates through the water in front of me. On the day of my first open-water dive, we finished setting up our gear, had a dive briefing, and then a snack of green grapes. I remember my excitement bubbling inside me as I walked down the metal staircase that led into the calm, clear ocean. The weight of the shiny grey tank decreased as I slipped into the water. I slid my long fins onto my feet as tiny waves lapped at my chest. My BCD, inflated with air, helped me stay afloat as I paddled over to my buddy, who waited patiently for the rest of us to join. I dipped my face into the salty seawater and saw a bright teal parrot fish scuffling among the white sand and chipped pieces of coral that lay upon the bottom. My vision was a bit clouded by a light cover of fog that blanketed the inside glass on my mask. When my head bobbed back up, Madi was looking at me expectantly. “Sorry,” I mumbled silently as she began to speak. The instructors briefed us on what we would be doing underwater. We discussed the dive plan and signals, we held our deflator hose in the air and descended. I learned to equalise my ears. I watched my buddy’s face light up as a small school of sparkling fish swam underneath us. One of them stopped to examine my fin, then kept swimming. My buddy Hadley was already ahead of me, waving for me to pull myself away from the extraordinary sights that I wanted to enjoy more of. The other instructors and kids were diving alongside in their buddy teams as we headed to the training area. Vanessa turned to check on me as I had stopped again to observe two little angelfish swimming side by side. She asked, “Okay?” by making the okay sign with her hands. I nodded, making the same signal back to her. As we passed a thicket of colorful coral, a huge yellow spotted eel emerged from its hiding place. Vanessa pointed to it, gave the diving group time to look at it, and we moved on. Another group of KSC kids, recognizable by their Scubapro dive gear, followed, their fins kicking through the water eagerly as they passed us by. We descended to 20ft. I equalized my ears again. My buddy looked at me with a bit of concern in her eyes as she too equalized and then signalled, ‘Okay?’. I did the signal back to her. We then watched a school of silverfish
how we did each skill, one at a time, and with big high-fives after each one of us completed. After our skills were done, Vanessa would take us on a short, fun dive. She pointed into crevices to show us an octopus, and we saw white Spotted Drumfish and little fish called Sargent Majors. Vanessa loved pointing critters out to us, and we would bundle around her to peer at them, creating a pod of young divers. After the fun dives, although only for a few minutes, we would head back the way we came. My heart always sank as we came closer and closer to the end of our precious dives. I was snapped out of my thoughts one dive, when my buddy rapidly tapped me and pointed to something exciting, like a long, white and yellow-spotted eel dancing on the sand below. On another dive, I looked up to see a massive silver fish with dark silver stripes jotting out from its stomach and back, it was almost bigger than me. A Tarpon! My blue- gray eyes widened, and I signaled “cool” to my buddy, falling behind in the group as I stared at the Tarpon, its long fin disappearing into the water. Diving is so mesmerizing. Twenty minutes could fly by, and it felt like twenty seconds. At the end of each dive, we headed to the Buddy Dive metal staircase that spiraled out of the water and up to the dock in front of us. Vanessa signalled “Okay?” to the diving group, and she would instruct us to ascend slowly. We all provided a final “Okay” back to her as she lifted her inflator hose above her head, and we copied her like clones to the surface. I inflated my BCD, feeling my weight lighten as I stopped kicking my legs. Vanessa, taking her regulator out of her mouth, congratulated us on a class well done, and she climbed the stairs to the dock. She waved for us to follow, and I removed my regulator from my mouth. “That was so awesome!” I exclaimed happily after every dive. Friday afternoon, while walking back to our room, past the Blennies restaurant and the turquoise water and white sand beach, the colorful lizards scuttling along our path, the tropical birds singing melodies from the palm trees rising to the still bright sun, I shared with my mom about my days. I thanked her for this experience, it would stay a fond memory in my head and a special place in my heart forever.
that parted as they swam by us. My instructor, Vanessa, stopped again to check on us and then turned to point out a tiny spotted drumfish in a cleft inside a piece of coral. We finally reached the training area, my instructor signalled to me to demonstrate the mask removal and replacement skill. If I didn’t have a regulator in my mouth, I would’ve groaned louder than the blue whale calls. This was not my favorite skill. I had practiced taking my mask off many times in the pool, but I reluctantly nodded and peeled my mask off my face, squeezing my eyes shut tight to keep out the salt water that would soon surround my face. I felt my instructor’s hand gently holding me so I grasped my scuba mask strap and pulled it over my head, pressing my mask against my face at the top, looking up, blowing air from my nose, and clearing. When the flooding salty seawater had been emptied out of my mask, I opened my eyes. Vanessa gave me an enthusiastic high five and continued to ask the other students to clear their masks one by one as well. This was After the fun dives, although only for a few minutes, we would head back the way we came. My heart always sank as we came closer and closer to the end of our precious dives.
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BONAIRE Rob MacKichan
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ST. LUCIA
ANSE CHASTANET 2026 TRIPS: July 25th - August 1st and August 1st - 8th 2027 TRIPS: July 3rd-10th and 10th -17th
THE RESORT Nick Troubetzkoy and his wife, Karolin, dreamed of combining St. Lucia’s mountainous beauty and sweet sugar beaches with divine luxury, creating Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain Resorts in St. Lucia. You will discover a serene place where your family’s love and laughter can be carried down a black sand beach and whisked to the top of a piton mountain by the warm sea breeze. Extra-large beach or hill suites underscore the visionary, innovative, sometimes whimsical side of Nick Troubetzkoy. In one suite, the balcony is built around a Red Gommier tree; in another, a flamboyant tree drapes its red blossoms around the balcony. Some have the fourth wall entirely open to piton mountains or ocean views. Beach-level rooms are the only air-conditioned rooms on the resort. THE DIVING The Anse Chastanet house reef is rated the best dive in St.
Lucia, which is home to more than 150 species of fish and offers divers superb macro photography with unlimited guided shore diving. Night dives are always a highlight of the week. Pizza movie night is offered to the younger kids while parents and teens go diving. You are pampered by Scuba St. Lucia, a PADI five-star dive center, and a DAN dive safety facility. Dive below the majestic cloud-piercing pitons and around multiple sunken ships. THE PACKAGE 7 nights, 12 boat dives, private boats, 1-night dive, PADI courses stated, jungle biking, three gourmet meals daily, tennis, cupcake decorating, sugar plantation hike, jazzy sunset cruise, soft drinks and smoothies, chocolate tasting, paddle boarding, yoga, kayaking, and a beach party for the closing ceremony. SASY & Seals are in the ocean 100% of the time.
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WHY ANSE CHASTANET, ST. LUCIA? 1. Turtle hatches and wild dolphins. 2. Sunset cruises with Piton Mountain views. 3. Enjoy the luxury of a 5 Diamond resort that is family friendly. 4. Jungle biking, yoga, diving, paddle boarding.
2027 THANKSGIVING: November 20th-27th
$ 3,900 FROM
Rates based on 2 adults in a Superior Hillside room Divers education: SASY, Seal Team, PADI Open Water, Coral Restoration, Project Aware Additional options: Volcano excursion
Sailing lessons Spa treatments
FOREVERYOU renewal of vows culinary classes, Upgrade to Jade Mountain.
FEARS OFTHE OCEAN TURNSTO JOY
AT 61 ,WIFE AND MOTHER BECOMES A DIVER BETSY MEADE, KSC AMBASSADOR
By Betsy Meade My husband, Doug, and I recently
life. Once, as soon as I got in the water, I saw a jellyfish and immediately got back on the boat. FACING MY FEARS Doug has been diving for over fifteen years. I spent many vacations sitting on beaches while he ventured off scuba diving for one or two days. He returned with stories and pictures of his dives, and I was entertained by hearing about his time underwater. Doug enjoyed diving but had mixed emotions about leaving me and the family to go diving while we were on vacation. Although he suggested that I get certified and join him, it was something that I did not think I could do. I was content sitting on the beach and looking at his fascinating pictures. There were many reasons why I believed I would not enjoy scuba diving.
I am claustrophobic, and I knew being underwater would scare me. I was afraid of not having immediate access to fresh air. I was not a strong enough swimmer. The thought of swimming with sharks and even fish terrified me. So many excuses. Margo Peyton, a close friend and owner of Kids Sea Camp, talked with me with passion, understanding, and determination that finally dispelled each of my concerns. She gave me enough confidence to overcome my fears, so I signed up for the PADI Open Water class in July 2023 in Roatan, Honduras. LEARNING ABOUT BUBBLES I was terrified when I arrived in Roatan. The night before my first class, I convinced myself that scuba diving was not for me. However, the following day, I did not want to explain to Margo
retired after raising four children. We both enjoyed traveling, so we started thinking about where we wanted to go and what we wanted to do together. Doug is active and likes adventure, biking, and scuba diving. I favor sightseeing, beaches, and relaxing. I am willing to try new things, but scuba diving was definitely something that I had ever thought I would do. I was not fond of swimming in the ocean. As a child, I was content to sit in the sun and play in the sand. As I grew older, I occasionally ventured out into the waves, but I was afraid of all the “creatures” waiting to torment me. On several vacations, I attempted to snorkel but never quite got the hang of breathing through a snorkel or swimming with sea
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and Doug why I dropped out before even starting, so I got in the pool for my first class. I had the most patient and wonderful teacher, Kiley Thueson. Some skills were more complex than others, but I was pleased to successfully complete the requirements for the first day’s confined water dives. My first open-water dive was that afternoon. I was excited but extremely nervous as I did a giant stride into the ocean. There was so much to think about - equalizing my ears, not holding my breath, monitoring my air, the dreaded mask removal skill, and swimming with fish. As I started to descend, the beauty of the coral and sea life amazed me. I was not afraid of the fish! Upon completing my first dive, I was proud of myself and started looking forward to the next day of diving. However, doubt and fear started to creep in after dinner about completing the class. Could I really do this? I was not sure. The next morning, I got up and forced myself to return to the pool and to my class, determined to be successful and complete the course. After three days of instruction and diving, I was a PADI-certified Open Water scuba diver
at age 61. I was proud of myself for completing something that I thought I could not do. Less than six months later, in December 2023, I returned to Roatan to complete my Advanced Open Water certification with Peter Kockisch. Kids Sea Camp’s structure and attention to detail - particularly to safety - were very important to my success. Being part of a group and realizing that the instruction specifically addressed many of my concerns played a massive role in building my comfort and enjoyment of diving. Becoming a certified scuba diver has opened a whole new world to me: an underwater world that is beautiful, intriguing, and like nothing I have ever seen. Experiencing this new world with my eyes was much better than Doug’s pictures and stories. MAKING UP FOR LOST TIME In the past year, I logged 90 dives in 6 countries and saw a wide variety of sea life, endless types and colors of coral and sponges, and the critters that live on and in them. From whale sharks and manta rays on a trip to Indonesia on the exquisite Arenui liveaboard to octopus, tiny seahorses, and nudibranchs while
muck diving at Lembeh Resort, I am obsessed with diving now.
DIVE BUDDIES FOREVER Scuba diving is an activity that
Doug and I can do together. It is so much more fun to have these shared memories. We have learned how to be dive buddies. Having him as my buddy gives me more confidence when diving because he always has my back. Our calendars for 2026 and 2027 are already filling up with more Kids Sea Camp & Family Dive Adventures trips. While we regret missing out on 15 years of diving together, the last year has been so much fun - and we have plans to continue to create new memories on future Kids Sea Camp adventures. In addition, we look forward to introducing our children and grandchildren to scuba diving with Kids Sea Camp. I am so grateful to Margo for encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. I never thought that at age 61, I could learn to scuba dive or that I would enjoy it so much.
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