Review is ONLY for summer camp. I don't know anything more about this business as we only used for 1 week during summer 2023.
SUMMARY: It was not what we were expecting. I was hoping they kids would get more out of it. Especially from early interactions and enthusiastic communications with the instructors. However, kids not wanting to go back on day 2 imo is disappointing because i was really excited about this for them. As a parent to a young teen with ADHD, I was also proud he at least tried but based on feedback he felt it was an experience for maybe a younger audience of learners and he also didn't feel comfortable at times so on the last day I let him skip and he at the very least had a nice 4 days at the pool with his buddies and a couple of other kids he had met over the summer from other events (so I've updated my rating). As a parent, and as an aside, I was disappointed with some of the comments i learned were passed & about discussions related to politics. There's a time and place. I didn't address it because I learned about it after camp concluded.
PRICE POINT: IMO, overpriced for what i understood it actually ended up being. No certification is included and that's important to know. Somewhere along the line that did not translate well and maybe I misunderstood the last day would offer an opportunity to sign up to continue for a certification that was optional. While we didn't opt in to this for those interested: If so, you must pay additional for this extra time and a test. Also- recommendation/tip: You need to buy stuff like fins, masks, snorkel etc and while they say they have these things they did recommend to get our own for sanitary reasons. I searched a few places including pro shop as suggested including getting a starter set for $60-79 at a larger sporting store chain. BUT- I'd recommend using the used items if you are uncertain if your child will enjoy this unless you don't mind. Send them with some sanitizer wipes if it brings comfort.
LOCATION: Someone's Backyard pool. When I enrolled I was told by a guy referring to himself as a captain that they use a pool at a beach club in the Wrightsville surrounding area. I'm not as familiar with the area as at the time I was new to the area but when we got the location it was a private home/pool. This was a random location (though nice neighborhood) near Masonboro loop. While closer for us not for others we referred. For some kids this is probably more comfortable vs in front of others so to some this could be a pro.
COMMUNICATING: I kept checking for updates. I enrolled very early on to be fair so there was quite a bit of stretch in time too. A lot of forms we had to complete including indemnification of injuries, medical disclosures etc. So please read thoroughly. We got ours when I inquired a few days before camp week started and was told they used wrong email for me. Meanwhile we only use one email so I'm unsure what happened. That said they didn't require a doctor form be signed etc so we lucked out there or we would've not been ready.
PHOTOS: Was hoping for some photos to share here to give a sense of what they did. I was told they had so many photos but it's been several weeks now and we've recvd none. Ever though i was told they were included. I followed up again recently but instead of photos of my child, i received an invite to join a local business networking site to write a recommendation for them. So at this point assuming there aren't any photos included. If there are and i get some for us, I'll update this section, as applicable.
Overall experience rating I must attribute to my not doing enough up front research and didn't take a big piece of advice I usually give many other families (especially having run one of the largest parenting networks in the northeast for years!!) so I'll close my review with that.... "Simply speak and ask other parents about what they or their kids thought of the entire experience before enrolling." Parents are WONDERFUL resources for honest feedback from interactions through participation. read more