Experience school at the beach
Thousands of students experience the excitement of the Outdoor and Environmental Education (OEE) program at YMCA Camp Surf every year, exploring coastal ecosystems, understanding natural resources, and improving outdoor and group building skills. Our naturalist staff hails from across the United States and around the globe. They are hired for science skills, teaching experience, and their enthusiasm.
Our program is designed for 4th through 6th-grade students, but can be tailored to any age group. Students spend from 3 to 5 days participating in hands-on classes such as Marshes Aren’t Mellow, Kelp Connections, Hop Into Habitats, Jetty Rocks, CSI (Critter Skull Investigation), Estuary Exploration, Sea Survival, Orienteering, Beach Bound, and more. Evening activities provide fun and fellowship for students, teachers, and parents.
- Affordable programs
- Unique location – beach, wetland, and intertidal communities
- Fun outdoor experiences that reinforce learning and discovery
- Students love our fun classes.
- Teachers appreciate our curriculum which aligns with California and Arizona State Science Content Standards.
To check availability, pleace contact Payton Schoonmaker at [email protected] or call (619) 423-5850 ext. 1884.
Leadership Development
Students build trust and confidence through high-energy, challenging experiences in a safe environment.
Build unity and develop teamwork for peer counseling, sport teams, academies, and other school groups. Our staff lead problem-solving and low ropes initiatives to facilitate communication and build leadership skills. Shared leadership keeps the cost low and allows time for your training or speakers.
To check availability, please reach out to our Program Director, Payton Schoonmaker, at [email protected] or Program Coordinator, Bolling Winborne, at [email protected].
Teacher and Parent Info
The School Planning Guide – information and forms you need to help you get ready for camp!
Individual Forms
If you just need a form out of the guide to email or copy, choose from the following list:
Roster Form
Parent Letter/Equipment List
Map of Camp
Outdoor Education Goals Questionnaire
Outdoor Education Interest Form
If you'd like to bring a group to one of our overnight camps' Outdoor Education programs, please fill out and submit the interest form below. Once received, we'll reach out via email over the next few business days to continue the conversation.
If you have any issues, please reach out to our Program Director, Payton Schoonmaker, at [email protected] or our Program Coordinator, Bolling Winborne, at [email protected].