ONE BIG FAMILY REUNION FORGING CONNECTIONS BEYOND MY IMMEDIATE FAMILY JANET SEVERO, KSC AMBASSADOR
By Janet Severo When I booked my first family vacation to Roatan with Kids Sea Camp over 21 years ago, I had no idea that it would become the cornerstone of our most cherished memories. Before becoming a parent, I had spent many years working in the dive industry. However, after having children, I found it increasingly challenging to continue diving and traveling. I wasn’t sure if I would ever pursue my passion for diving again. But when I discovered Kids Sea Camp, everything changed. What began as a simple desire to introduce my children to the wonders of the ocean quickly evolved into a series of adventures that would shape who we are, both as individuals and as a family. Over the years, Kids Sea Camp has taken us to some of the most breathtaking corners of the world, from the vibrant coral reefs of the Caribbean to the remote islands of the Pacific, such as the Cayman Islands, Utila, Bonaire, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Yap, Palau, and Fiji. But more than the places we’ve visited, it’s the bonds we’ve forged, the lessons we’ve learned, and the growth I’ve witnessed in my children that stand out most vividly. Our journey with Kids Sea Camp began in the turquoise waters of Roatan. It was there, surrounded by the vibrant coral reefs and the
gentle rhythm of the Caribbean Sea, that my family first dipped our toes into what would become a lifelong love for the ocean. The trip was filled with excitement and curiosity as my children experienced the underwater world for the first time. That first trip also marked a personal milestone for me. Having once been an avid diver, life’s demands had caused me to set my passion aside. But Kids Sea Camp reignited that spark, allowing me to resume diving and, more importantly, to introduce my children to the underwater world that had captivated me for so long. It was also on this trip that we met the Barrett family, who quickly became like family to us. Our children together coined us the “Severetts,” a blend of our last names, marking the start of many shared adventures and a deep, enduring friendship. As our journeys with Kids Sea Camp continued, it became clear that these trips were about far more than just exploring new destinations—they were about deepening the bonds within my family and with the new friends we made along the way. Each adventure brought us closer together, as we learned to rely on one another, share in the joys of discovery, and create memories that would last a lifetime. Our annual trips
with the Barrett family, both underwater and on ski slopes, became a cherished tradition that enriched our lives and deepened our friendship. Over two decades of traveling with Kids Sea Camp, one of the greatest joys was witnessing the remarkable growth of my children. It took several years and many Kids Sea Camp adventures, but when each of my children turned 10 and became certified, we officially became a family of divers. From their first tentative steps into the ocean to becoming confident and accomplished divers, each trip marked a new chapter in their development. My oldest child was certified as a diver in the waters of Fiji at the age of 10—a milestone made possible by the environment Kids Sea Camp provided. The experience and care shown by Margo and her team ensured a safe and inspiring certification process, one that I trusted completely despite the young age. Similarly, my twins embarked on their own diving journey, achieving their certifications in the rich, diverse waters of Palau when they were just 10 years old. Their prior experience with the program’s Sassy and Seal courses gave them not only the necessary skills but also the confidence to dive into deeper adventures. These early certifications were
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