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January 13th, 2021
Surf Camp & COVID-19
(This page will be updated as the situation develops. Last update: January 2021)
What you should know about Surf Camp and Covid-19
Surf Camp operated successfully and without any known Covid-19 exposures in the 2020 season. We did this by adhering to a strict set of health and safety measures and modified operating procedures, with our practices informed by the latest public health recommendations.
Surf Camp will be opening for the 2021 season under a similar set of health and safety measures and additional operational precautions. While we are hopeful that with the further advent of the Covid-19 vaccine, the situation will be better in 2021 than it was in 2020, we are planning conservatively for a season much like we had last year.
- SURF CAMP (DAY CAMP):
- Opening in a reduced capacity with group sizes initially limited to a max of 24 kids (the same capacity as 2020).
- Special drop-off and pick-up procedures as implemented in 2020.
- Daily health screening upon arrival.
- Reduced sharing of equipment.
- No indoor rain day option. If the situation is drastically improved by the summer, we may consider an indoor back-up, but are currently planning to operate without.
- Additional open-air tent space.
- New cleaning procedures.
- Mask wearing required at drop-off, pick-up, and around parking lot and concession.
- All out-of-state participants required to self-quarantine in Maine for 14-days prior to attending or provide documentation of a negative Covid-19 test result in compliance with State guidelines.
- ADULT SURF CAMP:
- Opening at normal capacity — max of 12 people.
- Daily health screening upon arrival for all participants.
- Reduced sharing of equipment.
- New cleaning procedures.
- Mask wearing required around the trailer for gear distribution.
- All out-of-state participants required to self-quarantine in Maine for 14-days prior to attending or provide documentation of a negative Covid-19 test result in compliance with State guidelines.
- SURF LESSONS:
- Opening for Saturday morning group lessons limited to a maximum of 8 people in two groups of 4.
- Available for Private Lessons during the week (minimum of 3 people required to book).
- Health screening upon arrival.
- New cleaning procedures.
- Mask wearing required around the trailer for gear distribution.
- All out-of-state participants required to self-quarantine in Maine for 14-days prior to attending or provide documentation of a negative Covid-19 test result in compliance with State guidelines.
MAY 23, 2020 – 11:45am UPDATE
Last week we conducted a survey of our enrolled campers to determine the interest in opening camp. We also received guidance from the state and in response to that guidance have developed a Covid-19 Operating Strategy that we believe will allow us to operate safely in a limited capacity.
As a result of overwhelming positive feedback from parents, and the review of guidance and development of health and safety plans, we have made the decision that Surf Camp will open for 2020 with some size reductions and operational changes.
If you are signed up for day camp, you have already received communications regarding our plans.
If you are signed up for or interested in Adult Surf Camp or Surf Lessons, please note the following:
- Participants must meet state of Maine 14-day self quarantine rules.
- Participants must respect new operating procedures that will be shared in the coming weeks.
- Participants will need to complete new indemnity waivers.
- All participants will be required to complete a health check each day upon arrival for their program.
Our number one priority is the health and safety of our participants, employees, and broader community and we are taking many steps to have a safe season!
MAY 13, 2020 – 8am UPDATE
We wanted to give a quick update to everyone in the Surf Camp community. We are STILL awaiting guidance from the State of Maine (expected this week) on what re-opening requirements for Day Camps will look like, which will be very important for us in determining how we re-open, what that looks like, and if it is feasible. We are cautiously hopeful and currently planning accordingly for a modified season.
All enrolled Day Camp participants should expect to receive an important email from us later in the week. We will be sending out a COVID-19 Planning Survey that will be a crucial component of our re-opening strategy.
APRIL 21, 2020 – 5pm UPDATE
We know that the current pandemic situation is at that top of your minds and want you to know that preparing for and responding to these events is also our current top priority at Surf Camp.
As a result of the ongoing pandemic situation, Surf Camp is forming various contingency and health safety plans for the Summer 2020 season. No final decisions have been made at this time as to what changes will need to be implemented or whether the season will proceed as scheduled. We will follow the health and safety guidance issued by state and local health authorities as that guidance becomes clear.
We are currently developing plans for the following scenarios:
- Full Season of Camp: if the health situation continues to improve and we are able to operate a full season of camp, we are developing plans and protocols to decrease health risks at camp. These plans, while still under development, include new drop-off and pick-up protocols, new health screening measures prior to the start of camp, enhanced cleaning and decontamination procedures for camp equipment, additional health safety training for staff, and adaptations to our in-water teaching methods.
- Limited Camp Season: we are developing contingency plans to open camp later in the summer if necessary, and considering the possibility that depending on the health situation, the size of camp may need to be reduced to allow for additional physical distancing measures or in response to guidelines from the state health department.
- No Camp Season: in the event that camp is not able to open because of the health situation, in addition to thinking about how we can make 2021 the best season of camp ever, we have developed an updated refund policy including credits for the 2021 season.
In the meantime, we are continuing to accept enrollments for the 2020 season. However, because of the current unknowns, we have stopped requiring or requesting full payments to hold reservations. We have also temporarily stopped accepting payments for balances on 2020 camp tuition and developed a specific COVID-19 Refund & Cancellation Policy. Our policy is as generous as possible, yet still bound by the financial realities and uncertainties created by the crisis.
Please feel free to reach out at any time with your questions or concerns, and we will continue to update this page as more information and guidance becomes available.
We hope you and your families are staying healthy and safe and we can’t wait to see you all on the beach sooner rather than later!
Tags: successfully
January 14th, 2020
Surf Camp is Open for 2020!
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Tags: Adult Surf Camp, surf camp
January 10th, 2017
2017 Surf Camp Program Dates
2017 is here and we are off and running planning another summer full of programs for kids, teens, and adults of all ages! Enrollment for most programs begins on January 15th.
Surf Camp
Day camp for kids and teens aged 9 to 15. Weekdays 9am-3pm. $469 per week.
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Adult Surf Camp
4-day evening program for adults aged 21+. Mon – Thu, 5:30-7:30pm. $375 per week.
| 2017 Adult Surf Camp Dates | |
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Surf + Climb Camp
Weekend day camp for kids & teens aged 9 to 17. Saturday/Sunday, 9am-3pm. $219/pp.
2017 Surf + Climb Camp Dates
- Session #1: July 01st – July 02nd
- Session #2: July 22nd – July 23rd
- Session #3: August 12th – August 13th
We will of course also be offering both group and private surf lessons for kids and adults of all ages (9 and up). We offer half-day group surf lessons every Saturday morning from 9am to noon at Scarborough Beach, in addition to offering private and semi-private lessons Tuesday – Friday mornings starting in July. These are booked through our website and will become available for reservations starting in February.
January 23rd, 2016
Introducing Surf + Climb Camp
For the 2016 summer camp season, I’m excited to announce a collaborative weekend offering in conjunction with Salt Pump Climbing in Scarborough.
Salt Pump opened their new facility in the fall and the idea was hatched when I started climbing as an alternative to flat surf days. Being new to climbing, I found the challenge of climbing stimulating, and with many of Salt Pump’s staff also being surfers, it became clear that the symbiosis between surfing and climbing is strong.
Both surfing and climbing emphasize a relationship with our environment, and while each activity is usually enjoyed with other people, both are essentially individual pursuits that illicit total focus and presence of being.
There’s also a healthy physicality to both surfing and climbing that requires mind and body be in tune with one another in order to succeed and progress.
As a result, I’m happy to introduce a series of Surf + Climb Camps that will take place over the weekends: these Saturday/Sunday programs will run from 9am to 3pm, starting out at Scarborough Beach to take full advantage of light morning winds (good for the surf) and then heading over to Salt Pump after lunch to climb.
As far as I know, it’s the first program of its kind in Maine. We have three weekends scheduled with a maximum of 12 people in each program:
- July 02nd/03rd
- July 16th/17th
- August 20th/21st
The program is designed to accommodate surfers and climbers of all levels. In the ocean, participants will learn from our team of experienced surf instructors and at the climbing facility, we will all learn (myself included) from the equally experienced climbers at Salt Pump. It’s going to be a ton of fun and I hope you’ll join us!
More information and online signups are available on the Surf + Climb page of our website. I look forward to seeing you in the water and ‘on the wall!’
- Dustin
- Learn More About Surf + Climb Camp
Tags: Climbing Camps, Maine Summer Camps, Surf + Climb, Surf + Climb Camp, Surf Camps
January 2nd, 2015
2015 Surf Camp Dates and Sign Ups
As we welcome the new year, it’s already time to start thinking about your summer plans. We have finalized our 2015 Surf Camp dates (below) and remind everyone that we start accepting sign ups on January 15th! Starting on that date, you can sign up here: Surf Camp Online Application.
2015 Surf Camp Dates
- Session #1 – June 22nd – June 26th
- Session #2 – June 29th – July 03rd
- Session #3 – July 06th – July 10th
- Session #4 – July 13th – July 17th
- Session #5 – July 20th – July 24th
- Session #6 – July 27th – July 31st
- Session #7 – August 03rd – August 07th
- Session #8 – August 10th – August 14th
- Session #9 – August 17th – August 21st
We can’t wait to be back here!
Tags: 2015 season, camp dates, surf camp
June 30th, 2014
2014 Kicks Off With Great Weather, Fun Waves
With the 2014 season of Surf Camp now underway, the first week of camp launched us off in good form with beautiful weather and fun waves throughout the week. We visited Sprague Hall on Thursday morning to avoid a thunderstorm and kick back with a movie, but otherwise it was sunshine all week. Check out the photos here:
Tags: camp photos, maine surfing, surf camp 2014, surf photos
April 26th, 2014
Fun Morning at the Green Neighbor Family Fest/Urban Runoff 5K
Even though it rained, we had an awesome morning at the Green Neighbor Family Festival in support of the Urban Runoff 5k and clean water education here in Maine.
And they’re off! hundreds of runners are taking part in the 3rd annual @UrbanRunoff5k in Portland. pic.twitter.com/OxGP2XfAgJ
— Katie Thompson WMTW (@KThompson_WMTW) April 26, 2014
The event brought out an incredible array of local businesses and organizations that are working to help keep Maine’s rivers, lakes, and oceans clean. We got lots of people on our ‘indo board’ in lieu of surfing and were able to share some of the things that we do at camp in support of the environment: beach clean-ups, education, and minimizing our environmental footprint, to name a few.
Being around so many inspiring people stimulates our thoughts on what we can do at camp to further integrate environmental awareness into our programs… we’ve already got some new ideas. Thanks to everyone who stopped by!
Tags: environmental awareness., events, green initiatives, green neighbor family festival, urban runoff
December 20th, 2013
There’s still time to give surf for the holidays!
Still can’t decide what to give? A gift certificate for SURF LESSONS or SURF CAMP will surely be one of the most unique and exciting gifts under the tree this year.
If you’re doing last minute shopping, purchasing a surf camp gift voucher is INSTANT — just check your email — and we make it easy for the recipient to book their lesson or week of surf camp anytime they want. See you in the water!
December 4th, 2013
Making a Positive Impact in 2014
Surf Camp is committed to passing on the good karma that we’ve been fortunate to receive in abundance over the years. In addition to making scholarships available for camp, we are constantly supporting charitable activities and causes that are important to our social and environmental ethic. For the 2014 season, Surf Camp has already donated two weeks of day camp to important causes.
So far we’ve pledged a week of camp in support of the Urban Runoff 5K, an event to raise awareness of water pollution and raise money in support of clean water education in local schools. After all, our camp only exists thanks to the beautiful clean water off our coast — and we are committed to keeping it that way for generations to come. The 5K is April 26th, 2014 — two days after Earth Day — and you can learn more about it at the Urban Runoff website.
In addition, we’ve donated a week of a camp to the Woodfords Family Services “Families in Focus” auction. Woodfords provides community based services and support for people with special needs and their families, including preschools for children with special needs, in home support services, and peer support groups.
Here’s to hoping 2014 brings good waves and good karma to all!
February 9th, 2013
2013 Camp Dates Posted!
The 2013 camp dates are now online and accepting applications! 2012 was, as those of you who joined us know, an incredible year. Tons of sunshine, warm weather, and some really great swells rolled through to make it one of the best summers ever. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that 2013 will bring more of the same! Sign up today!
Tags: camp dates