Visit our other camp blog, too!

Been spending lots of time posting at Aloha's other blog, blog.alohabeachcamp.com, so if you get the chance, please head over there and take a look! But I'll keep posting here, too, and I've got another blog going up soon just for surf camps, so be sure to keep checking back here for more info.

Become a Fan on Facebook!

Aloha Beach Camp is on Facebook! If you're not a fan yet, please become one today. Or at least visit our page right here. We update the page every day, so you can watch new vidoes, see new pictures, get updates from camp and all that. If you want, you can also become my friend since I accept all freind requests. Just type Eric Naftulin into Google and follow the link to my Facebook page!

More boogie boarding!

Can't share enough boogie boarding pictures! Both of these kids are Keiki Campers enjoying the waves at Aloha Beach Camp's Paradise Cove, Malibu beach camp. Both these kids are Keiki Campers enjoying the waves at Aloha Beach Camp's Paradise Cove, Malibu beach camp.

Max on his Boogie Board

We've mentioned this before, but it's always worth repeating. Keiki Camper Maximo S. is only 6 YEARS OLD, and we've never seen ANYONE his age handle a boogie board the way this guy can. He's amazing!

Picture of the Day - Boogie Boarding at Zuma Beach

As we've mentioned before, boogie boarding is a favorite pastime among all Aloha Beach Camp kids. There's virtually no learning curve (so everyone can do it) and it's a total blast. This High Action camper's catching a wave at Zuma Beach.

Is your child goofy footed or regular footed?

Aloha Beach and Surf Camp has a reputation for safety. Protecting your child's safety, combined with delivering one-on-one personal attention for your child, is our number one goal. But sometimes you get more than you pay for.

In this video, TWO Aloha counselors are giving ONE Keiki camper a surfing lesson at Zuma Beach, Malibu. They're also helping her learn whether she's "regular footed" (left foot in front) or "goofy footed" (right foot in front) on the surfboard.

Before your child enters the water, we will give him or her a surfing lesson on the sand and stay with them every step of the way, even in the water. This is the best way to learn to surf!

Where can your child get surfing instruction from two camp counselors at once? Only at Aloha Beach Camp!

ALOHA video of the day

Keiki Camper Jacqueline loves Aloha Beach Camp and your child will love it, too!

Keiki Camp Counselor Joe Rome with camper Drew

Here's a great shot of Aloha Keiki Camp counselor Joe Rome with camper Drew swimming in the ocean at Paradise Cove. We like this picture alot, not just because it shows a happy camper, but also so you can see we often have camper to staff rations of 1 to 1 when we go swimming! What other camp can say THAT?!

Learning to Boogie Board at Keiki Camp

Many kids who attend Aloha Beach Camp don't have too much previous aquatic experience. Our goal is to make things safe and fun for everyone. That's why your camper will ALWAYS get one-on-one personal attention from our counselors. In this video, counselor Kayla Gordon teaches camper Lucas how to boogie board at our Los Angeles day camp Keiki Camp program at Paradise Cove, Malibu.

Parents Sending Kids to Camp, Recession or No Recession

Here's an article that just came out you might be interested in. It discusses how parents are still sending their kids to camp despite the recession.

February 8, 2009

http://www.charlottesvillenewsplex.tv/news/headlines/39294602.html

Going to summer camp is a tradition for many kids, but as parents look at ways to trim the family budget, they must decide if summer camps that cost thousands of dollars are still a priority.

A good indicator of that is how many people attend the area's annual Fun Fair Summer Camp Expo. On Sunday, over 2,000 people swarmed the Doubletree Hotel in Abemarle County looking for camps, and organizers say that's actually more than last year.

7-year-old Ethan Vernatter says he doesn't have much to do in the summer, so he's excited about going to camp for the first time. Ethan's mom, Felipa Vernatter, says sending her son to camp is a priority for her because it enables him to do the outdoor activities like swimming and archery that he loves.

Organizers say the recession may actually be boosting interest. Parents are increasingly busy looking for work or doing extra jobs in the summer.

"We're finding that parents are still sending their children to camps," said Jennifer Bryerton, a publisher at the Albemarle Family Magazine. Her magazine organized the event. "[Parents] need the child care because they're working. There are lots of two-income families."

Camps from out of area like Camp Cheerio on the border of Virginia and North Carolina depend on these expos to get the word out. Their camp costs an average of $1000 a person. So far, parents are willing to pay.

"We are really, really fortunate that so far we haven't seen much of a difference," said Shannan Davis, Program Director of Camp Cheerio.

Some non-profit camps are seeing a difference. Camp Holiday Trails in Charlottesville is a camp for kids with special needs and chronic illnesses. It costs $2500 per child for a two-week session.

"Because of the cost of medical care, most of our families can't afford even close to that, so we offer financial assistance," said Amy Evans, Director of Camp Holiday Trails.

Evans says with the down economy, people are donating less while parents are still sending their kids to camps.

"It's a really phenomenal opportunity for kids to develop a lot of independence and new skills," says Bryerton,"And I think parents plan for that, and that's the last thing parents want to cut if they have a choice."

Video of the Day

Check out Aloha High Action Beach Camp counselor Matt Hollander flying down the Cosmic Water Slide at Zuma Beach, Malibu!

Picture of the Day

Love the picture. Shows how clean the water is in Malibu! If you're looking for a summer camp, you won't find one more fun than camp at the beach!