Every summer Atlantis Dive Center runs Kids’ Camp, a week-long chance for kids ages 10-18 to learn to scuba dive. Discounted for locals, Kids’ Camp is a great way to get Keys kiddos in the ocean and appreciating their own backyard. My instructor certification and their camp just happened to fall within the same week.

It was really valuable for me to work with these nine awesome young people in the pool, classroom and in open water. I got to see first-hand some of the most common obstacles new divers run into and how to solve them simply. I also learned the group management skills of ADC handling the pool scene that could have quickly descended into chaos.  I felt privileged to share the excitement of introducing each student to the underwater world.  At the end of the week, blustery ocean conditions turned our open water sessions into a small rodeo! I love the indomitable spirit of kids including more than one trooper who hopped right back into a BC after donating some lunch over the rail to Neptune.  I learned a lot from the class and appreciate all their energy and great questions.

I’ll be finishing up my SDI/TDI Instructor certification tomorrow, and am looking forward to further developing my teaching skills with new students.  Congratulations to the 9 newest divers in the world!

 

And a more accurate portrait!