Cowabunga Camp is held on the south end of Hutchinson Island in Jensen Beach, Florida.  Our exact location is at Jensen public beach, on Ocean Boulevard (A1A) about halfway between the Jensen Beach Causeway round-about and Hutchinson Shores Resort (3793 NE Ocean Blvd).  

When arriving, please look for our lime green and orange Camp bus — the BungaBus — in the large, paved parking lot.  Our camp “headquarters” will be the large pavilion just across that lot.  On Monday mornings, we welcome and check-in campers at the tents just in front of the pavilion.

For questions or further directions, you may view a map on the LOCATION & CONTACT page of this website by CLICKING HERE or you may call the Camp office at 772-334-7873.

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.

A FREE download of your camp week highlights is included with each registration as well.

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.

A FREE download of your camp week highlights is included with each registration as well.

Camp shirts run a bit larger than regular t-shirts.  Please refer to the chart below before adding their size to the registration form.

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 or a free re-registration to any other camp week with availabiity.

Nine days prior to your camp start date through the Friday before your camp start date – 50% refund.  Re-registration MAY be an option, depending upon availabilities.

Saturday & Sunday before your camp start date – All registration fees and charges are non-refundable and re-registration is  not an option.

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, above, will be charged to your account since our staff will already have been secured for the upcoming week.

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.

Yes we do!  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, and 10th weeks are discounted 20%.  Discounts, however, are not stackable, so when a sibling discount is warranted, only the larger discount will apply.

Multiple week discounts are not automatic and will be adjusted by the Camp office either prior to or following your camp registration. 

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.

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 availabilities.  If we are able to offer a partial week option, adjustments to our site must be made to allow the registration.

2026 Partial Week Rates, all full day only, are as follows:
1-Day Camp: $200
2-Day Camp: $280
3-Day Camp: $330
4-Day Camp: $370

Costs for 4-day holiday weeks are somewhat reduced from the above charges.

* Sibling discounts do not apply to partial week registrations.

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.

We do strongly request, however,  that campers do NOT BRING SPRAY SUNSCREEN of any kind to camp.  Being applied outdoors, the spray is carried by the wind and effective application cannot be guaranteed.  Further, the spray travels to other campers who breathe it in.  It is especially bothersome and displeasing if reapplied during lunch when it settles on other campers’ food.

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.

Colored “sunscreens” (i.e. Zinka) may not be worn or used at camp.  Although they are fun for the camper who brings them, they usually are not effective at blocking the sun’s damaging rays and are not retained on the skin, easily rubbing off onto the camp shirts and clothing of other campers and staff members, as well as their own.

We do offer Surf Yogis in our camp store, which we have sold for years because it is well-proven to be an extremely effective sunblock that stays where it is applied and can be used on wet skin.  It has a grey-lavender tint.

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.

Essential for your child’s safety, it is mandatory that current-year 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 $35.00.  A long-sleeved replacement is  $45.00.

We supply all the necessary equipment for a full, fun day at camp but campers are welcome to bring their own equipment if they would like.  However, as groups rotate throughout the morning, equipment not included in the camper’s current rotation 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 and, as well, cannot monitor or restrict the use of a camper’s personal equipment by another camper when the owner is enjoying an alternative activity.

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.

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.

Campers never enter the water without a supervising counselor as well as 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 deep waters, as our 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 or phone (772-334-7873) so that we may make any necessary arrangements for your camper.

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 Martin County lifeguards keep a close eye on our campers, facilitated by the bright sunshirts that they are required to wear while at camp each and every day.

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, during extreme conditions, to the Cowabunga trailer until the threat is well past.

We always do our best to provide the full range of activities that campers and parents expect. However, many of our activities depend on ocean conditions. When the surf is extremely rough or there is a large swell, we may need to modify some activities to ensure everyone’s safety. In those situations, our goal is still to provide a fun, well-rounded, and memorable waterfront experience.

On the other hand, when the ocean is very calm and waves are small, our counselors get in the water with campers and help them catch even the smallest waves by pushing them on surfboards while continuing to teach proper surfing techniques. We also keep campers engaged with creative activities such as slip-and-sliding into the ocean, riding on the Max Mat, and participating in surfboard-related games and challenges.

Ocean conditions typically change throughout the week. Flat days often develop more surf as tides and weather patterns shift, while rough conditions frequently settle down. Although it is possible, it is very uncommon to experience five consecutive days of either extremely rough surf or completely flat, wave-free conditions.

If your camper will be arriving late or leaving early, PLEASE notify Melissa, the Camp Administrator, either at check-in or by phone at 772-334-7873.  Pre-notice, unless in the case of an emergency, is especially important.  For security, campers must be checked in and out electronically and we will need as much notice as possible to do so.  All early pickups must be accomplished at least 45 minutes prior to the end of the camper’s camp day.

If your camper should want to leave camp early for any reason and it has not been previously arranged, it is imperative that they make us aware of their intent.  This applies to all ages.  For security purposes, even if they are an older camper with their own cell phone, we do need to know that they desire to leave prior to their scheduled time.  Because of our “no cell phone” policy, we will either call you for pick up or escort your camper to a private place where they can make the call.  A camper may not call you directly without  consent from either the Camp Director or Camp Administrator.

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 parent is called first.  If they are not available, the Emergency Contact(s) listed on the camper’s registration form will be contacted..  In that regard, please be sure that all names and phone numbers listed in your Camp account are up-to-date and accurate.

If an 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.

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 a climate-controlled beachfront location 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, where it might be accessible to another camper.

Our Discipline Policy is posted on this website, located under Camp Information on the main navigation bar, accessed directly by CLICKING HERE.

If you would like to discuss any personal concerns or issues, please contact Melissa, the Camp Administrator, at 772-334-7873.

Extended care is offered from 7:45 to 8:45 am and from 3:15 to 5:15 pm.  The cost is $15 per camper per hour (or any part thereof).  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. We do not take campers back to the beach without express authorization from the transporting parent since pick-up times may be altered due to the parent’s schedule.

Half-day campers not picked up by 1:15 will accompany full day campers back to the beach and will be charged the Extended 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 Aftercare 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.

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. 

It is important to note that each morning and throughout each day, campers are reminded to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.  However, we are not able to monitor every camper’s water intake, so it is very helpful if family members remind them also. 

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.

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 take 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.