Summer Camp, Surf Camp … Top Summer Camp That’s a Surf Camp?

By T.H.Pankey

When we think of summer camps all sorts of images come up; trees, evening campfires, swimming pools. We don’t usually ever think of beaches and surfboards though, when we think about summer camps. Could you ever imagine that a summer camp would be about beaches and surfboards!

Surf Camp Inc., located in Wrightsville, NC, has a summer camp most people wouldn’t dream of in a million years! A summer camp that’s a surf camp! Who’d a thunk it. You’d have to ask Rick Civelli, marine science teacher and the founder of Surf Camp Inc.

Ever since 1995 when Rick developed a marine science educational learn to surf program for the local aquarium he’s been teaching folks, young and old, how to surf with an eye to ecological awareness. From all of this teaching and his education in Environmental Studies and Coastal Geology came Surf Camp Inc.

The camp, which by the way isn’t just for kids, has lots to do. Of course there’s activities associated with environmental learning and surfing, but island-hopping! How cool is that! And we’re not just talking about the islands off the beautiful North Carolina coast, either. They take their camps to places like Costa Rica and Hawaii, too!

In 2002 Disney came to them. That’s right! In 2002 Surf Camp Inc. was selected by Disney as the only surf camp in America to promote their 2002 summer blockbuster, Lilo and Stitch. Disney even went so far as to partner with major radio stations across the country and gave away Ultimate Surf Camp Adventures at Surf Camp Inc. as grand prizes to winners in each of those cities.

Every day Joes aren’t the only ones that have received free get-aways to Surf Camp. Not so long ago, Surf Camp Inc. was selected by an exclusive NYC talent and brokering firm to be included in the VIP Celebrity Gift Baskets that were given out after a party attended by quite a few celebs. Carson Daly, Christina Aguliera, Justin Timberlake, Lisa Marie Presley, Mary J. Blige, Sheryl Crow, Ethan Hawke, Ed Norton, Selma Hayek, Alicia Silverstone and Ashanti, to name a few, have all received a Surf Camp t-shirt and a week at Surf Camp.

Many publications have taken notice of Surf Camp, too. Time Magazine, Women’s Day, Fine Living, SG Surf Snow Skate Girl Magazine, Travel and Leisure, National Geographic, and yes, Surfing Magazine among others have all written stories about Surf Camp Inc.

So why not you? Many kids nowadays would relish the idea of their summer camp get-away being at Surf Camp. Moms and dads, whole families, individuals and couples alike can all enjoy a summer camp that’s not your average experience. Surf Camp Inc. has programs expertly designed with everyone in mind, from age eight to adult. And with an instructor to student ratio of 3:1 and 2:1 for children, you’ll be up on a surfboard in no time.