Registration & Extended Camp Hours
1. Do I need an account to register for camp?
Accounts are required for all camp registrations. They also are recommended for all website users so that their experience is more streamlined and complete.
2. What is the age range for camp?
3. What is the difference between the 9:00 to 1:00 camp and the 9:00 to 3:00 camp time frames?
In the morning, campers stay in small groups according to age and rotate between camp activities (surfing, body boarding, skim boarding, paddle boarding, beach games, etc). Campers who stay until 3:00 return to the beach after lunch for less structured free time. They are always, always, with a counselor but are welcomed to enjoy the activity of their choice, whether practicing surfing skills, body boarding, building sandcastles, looking for shells, or the like.
Regardless of the time frame, a camp shirt and bag, daily lunch with a drink, and Friday’s surf competition and pizza party are included with each registration.
4. What's included with my camp registration?
Camp fees include: All registration costs, all water sports equipment, lunch with a drink Monday thru Thursday, and a pizza party and surf competition on Friday. Also included is a Cowabunga Camp UPF-rated sun shirt, which must be worn each day of camp, and a Cowabunga Camp beach bag, in which campers may keep their personal items if desired.
5. What size camp shirt should I order for my camper?
Camp shirts run a bit larger than regular t-shirts. Please refer to the chart below before adding their size to the registration form.
6. What is the cancellation policy?
Because we are very careful to maintain an excellent Counselor to Camper ratio and, in that regard, secure our staff well in advance of each week, our Cancellation Policy is as follows:
Ten or more days prior to your camp start date – 100% refund.
Nine days before through the Friday before your camp start date – 50% refund.
Saturday & Sunday before your camp start date – All registration fees and charges are non-refundable.
7. Am I able to change my camp week once I've registered?
If you need to change the date for which you originally registered, you may contact us at 772-334-7873 with your request and we will be happy to make the change for you as long as there is availability in the week you desire. Please note, however, that the deadline for date changes with no financial penalty is ten days or more prior to your original camp date. After that time, a percentage of the registration fee as outlined in the cancellation policy will be charged to your account since our staff will already have been secured for the upcoming week.
8. Do you offer any special camp discounts?
We offer a 10% Sibling Discount for campers of the same family registered for the same week within the same account. It is important to note that one camper must pay the regular full camp price for the sibling discount to apply.
No special code is necessary for this discount. It is automatically generated when the required parameters are met and all campers are being registered at the same time. However, if same-family campers are being registered at a date later than the original registration, the Camp office must be contacted at 772-334-7873 to arrange for the discount PRIOR to the secondary registration.
9. Do you offer a multiple week discount?
Yes we do! With Spring Break and summer camps combined, a camper’s first 4 weeks are regular price, the 5th and 6th weeks are discounted 10%, the 7th and 8th weeks are discounted 15%, and the 9th, 10th, and 11th weeks are discounted 20%.
10. What if my child misses a day?
Due to the popularity of our camp and the standards by which it is run, we are unable to make substitutions or offer refunds for full or partial days missed during a camp week.
11. Am I able to register for a partial week?
We usually do not offer partial week registrations because, to maintain our camper-to-counselor ratio, a partial-week camper will occupy a spot that a full-week camper may desire.
However, in certain circumstances (i.e. out-of-town visitors) and on weeks that are not close to being filled, we may be able to accommodate you. Just give us a call at 772-334-7873 to discuss plans and costs. If we are able to offer a parial week option, adjustments to our site must be made to allow the registration.
1. Which sunscreen is best and how will it be applied during camp hours?
It is extremely important that campers have quality protection under the strong Florida summer sun. A surf-specific, waterproof sunscreen with an SPF factor of at least 30 is a MUST! At Cowabunga Camp, we have sunscreens available for purchase that we have tested and stand behind. However, any sunscreen proven to be effective and water resistant to 80 minutes is acceptable.
IMPORTANT: Please be sure campers arrive each morning with sunscreen already applied. Throughout the camp day, campers will be reminded by counselors to reapply. Younger campers will be assisted in the process. However, Cowabunga Surf Camp cannot be responsible if campers don’t heed our recommendations or if inferior sunscreens are used.
2. Are you concerned about the water quality?
In recent years, much publicity has been given to Martin County’s water quality. If there is ever a publicly-addressed question or concern about water standards, Cowabunga Surf Camp daily examines the government testing results of our Jensen Beach waters at the Martin County Environmental Site, accessed by CLICKING HERE.
Campers’ safety in all regards is our foremost priority at Cowabunga Surf Camp. With that goal in mind, we take all safeguards possible within reason.
3. What if my child doesn't swim well?
Campers never enter the water without a supervising counselor and other, supporting counselors in the immediate vicinity. When surfing, the camper:counselor ratio is at least 3:1 and with younger children, even lower. Furthermore, campers are not taken into waters over their head, as the counselors must be able to stand to assist with water sports.
If you have a serious concern about your child’s swimming skills, please be sure to contact the Camp Manager or Camp Administrator by email so that we may make arrangements for additional supervision.
4. Are there lifeguards on the beach?
Our camp beachfront location is carefully chosen to be the safest option for campers of all ages. Dependent upon water depth, currents, and underfoot conditions, camp may be held from the mid-point of Jensen public beach to the north end. Although we may not be immediately in front of the lifeguard stand, the lifeguards keep a close eye on our campers, facilitated by the bright sunshirts that they are required to wear while at camp each ad every day.
5. What do you do if it rains?
If it rains while we are on the beach and there is clearly no threat of lightning, we will continue our beachfront activities.
However, in the case of any threatening weather, we are alerted by the nearby lifeguards and all campers and supervising counselors leave the beach immediately in an organized manner, returning to either the large covered pavilion or to the BungaBus until the threat is well past.
6. What is the procedure if my child gets hurt at camp?
Counselors are trained to report to the Camp Manager or Camp Administrator any injury, regardless of their own perception of its severity. If the injury requires any type of First Aid, it is administered by the Camp Manager or Camp Administrator and the Emergency Contact(s) listed on the camper’s registration form is called immediately.
If the injury requires care beyond standard First Aid, the lifeguards or medical professionals are immediately contacted, as are the Emergency Contact(s) listed on the camper’s registration form.
7. What if my camper needs to take medication during the camp day?
If a camper needs to take any medication during the camp day, it must be brought in its original packaging, clearly marked with the camper’s full name. If it is a prescription, it must be in the prescription bottle that displays the camper’s name, the medication, and the dispensing instructions.
We require that all medications brought to camp, both prescription and over-the-counter, be kept by the Camp Administrator in the Camp Office so that it is safe and easily accessible by the administrative staff only.
IMPORTANT: NO MEDICATIONS, whether prescription or over-the-counter, may be kept in a camper’s backpack, regardless of the camper’s age or competence to take it.
Extended Camp Hours
1. What if I register for a half day but my child wants to stay for a full day?
A camp registration week may be extended from a half day to a full day for a $25 additional fee. For staffing purposes, this must be accomplished prior to the start of the camper’s week.
Once your camp week begins, we are happy to extend a camper’s day from half to full day on a daily basis for a charge of $15 per day.
2. What do you do during extended care and how much does it cost?
Extended care is offered from 7:30 to 8:30 am and from 3:15 to 5:15 pm. The cost is $15 per hour (or any part thereof) per child. Extended care may be purchased online through your account but please note that 24-hour notice is required to assure proper supervision.
Morning and afternoon extended care is held under the large, camp pavilion where campers will participate with a counselor in quiet activities such as watching G-rated movies, doing simple crafts, etc.
3. What if I am late for pick-up?
Half-day campers not picked up by 1:15 will accompany full day campers back to the beach and will be charged the Enhanced Day rate of $15.00 for a full or partial afternoon session.
Full-day campers not picked up by 3:15 will be charged the Extended Day rate of $15 per camper per hour or any part thereof.
We realize traffic may be challenging on some days requiring a late pick-up but in fairness, our staff must be paid regardless of the situation and we thank you for your understanding.
Lunch & Refreshments
1. What if my camper doesn't like the lunch provided?
We do our best to offer many lunch choices but if there are none desired or if a camper has specific dietary restrictions, he or she is welcome to bring his or her own lunch. Please understand that we have no on-site refrigeration facilities and that no refunds will be given for campers choosing not to use our camp lunch program. We do not offer any gluten-free options at this time.
2. Do you take water breaks during the day?
Between each activity rotation, which lasts approximately 30 minutes, campers are required to take a short water break. They are directed to the Cowabunga Surf Camp beachfront tent under which coolers of clean, fresh water are located and from which campers may fill their personal water bottles, also kept at that location.
Here, we emphasize again how important it is to write your camper’s name on his or her belongings so they are not confused as another camper’s.
3. Besides lunch and water, are other drinks or snacks provided?
One drink will be provided each day, ordered daily and served along with lunch. Choices are Gatorade, juice, or bottled water.
Please be sure your camper eats a nutritious breakfast before arriving at camp as no food or snacks will be provided until lunchtime. If you feel as if he or she will need a snack between drop-off and lunch, you may send an item that does not need refrigeration and one that is not effected by the heat. Your camper may bring it to the beach and keep it under the tent with his or her shoes and water bottle.
Please note, however, that Cowabunga Surf Camp or any of its employess will not be responsible for its loss, damage by sun, sand, or water, or if it should be confused by another camper as their own.
General Questions
1. What should I bring to camp?
Campers only need to bring the following each day when they attend camp: A towel, inexpensive flip flops, very good water-resistant sunscreen (at least 30 SPF), and a refillable water bottle, all clearly marke with the camper’s name. We will have plenty of fresh drinking water on the beach for refills.
Campers should wear their bathing suits but may bring a set of dry clothes to change into if desired. Most campers don’t change unless they are staying for Extended Care.
2. Cell Phones and Electronic Devices
IMPORTANT!
Because of the broad variety of our camper’s ages and personal internet interests and browsing habits, cell phone use will not be permitted during all camp hours, including during lunch. It is difficult, if not impossible, for our staff to monitor what is being shared via the internet and photos, and the use of cell phones and all other electronics is a significant distraction to the camp program as well.
If your camper chooses to bring a cell phone or any electronics to camp, please know that the devices must remain in the camper’s personal camp bag or backpack between the hours of 8:45 am and 3:15 pm. Additionally, bringing them will be at the camper’s own risk, since Cowabunga Camp is an inherently wet environment and many, many other campers are in the program each week. Furthermore, we do our very best to keep campers’ personal belongings separated and safe, but it has happened that bags are confused by campers.
The Cowabunga Camp pavilion will be staffed at all times while campers are at the beach, so personal belongings will be secure. However, Cowabunga Camp assumes no responsibility whatsoever for the loss or damage of any personal belongings, especially electronics and related accessories.
The camp phone (772-334-7873) is always available for camper-to-parent/guardian contact when necessary or, certainly, in the case of any emergency.
3. What if my child forgets their camp shirt?
Essential for your child’s safety, it is mandatory that camp shirts are worn by every camper each day. Campers (and counselors as well) may not be on the beach during camp hours without one. If a camper arrives at camp without a camp shirt, another must be purchased at the camp store before they are able to participate in camp activities. The replacement cost of a short sleeved shirt is $30.00. A long-sleeved replacement is $40.00.
4. What if I have my own surfboard, skim board, or body board. May I bring it?
We supply all the necessary equipment for a full, fun day at camp but you are welcome to bring your own equipment if you would like. However, as groups rotate throughout the morning, equipment will be left on the beach, unattended, while another activity is being enjoyed. Cowabunga Surf Camp cannot or will not be responsible for any loss or damage to personal equipment.
5. Is it OK if I bring a phone or electronic games to camp?
IMPORTANT! CAMPER CELL PHONE / ELECTRONICS REGULATION.
Because of the broad variety of our camper’s ages and personal internet interests and browsing habits, cell phone use will not be permitted during all camp hours, including during lunch. It is difficult, if not impossible, for our staff to monitor what is being shared via the internet and photos, and the use of cell phones and all other electronics is a significant distraction to the camp program as well.
If your camper chooses to bring a cell phone or any electronics to camp, please know that the devices must remain in the camper’s personal camp bag or backpack between the hours of 9:00 am and 3:15 pm. Additionally, bringing them will be at the camper’s own risk, since Cowabunga Camp is an inherently wet environment and many, many other campers are in the program each week. Furthermore, we do our very best to keep campers’ personal belongings separated and safe, but it has happened that bags are confused by campers.
The Cowabunga Camp pavilion will be staffed at all times while campers are at the beach, so personal belongings will be secure. However, Cowabunga Camp assumes no responsibility whatsoever for the loss or damage of any personal belongings, especially electronics and related accessories.
The camp phone (772-334-7873) is always available for camper-to-parent/guardian contact when necessary or, certainly, in the case of any emergency.
6. Are parents or family members able to watch what goes on at camp?
Absolutely! You are always welcome to observe the fun! However, for safety’s sake, we request that when you are on the beach, you always wear a camp wrist band, available at the onsite Camp check-in table. Our staff will then know that you are a camper’s family member, rather than an onlooker or passerby, and that it is safe for you or your camper to approach one another. We also do our best to closely monitor those who take photos or videos of our campers, a privilege afforded only to those wearing a wrist band.
Additionally, for the operation of our camp and for your own comfort when you visit, we request that you remain outside the boundaries of our camp activity area. Be sure to bring a chair and an umbrella as well if you plan to stay for an extended time! Its hot at the beach in the summer and, for security and to facilitate camp procedures, our camp tents and surrounding area must be reserved for campers and camp supplies and activities.
7. What if my child leaves something behind at camp?
Each morning, we provide a “lost-and-found” table in front of the check-in tent. Likewise, we do our best to reconnect items left behind after a camp week, calling parents or guardians when the camper’s name is in or on the item. However, if no name can be found, we keep items for 2 weeks before donating them to a worthy beneficiary.
Affordable
At $15.00 per hour per child, aftercare is an affordable solution when you need more time for yourself.
Flexible Schedule
Only 24 hours notice is needed to ensure we have counselors available to give your child personalized care.
Supervised Childcare
Your child will be cared for by our friendly staff in a safe and comfortable indoor environment.