Junior Lifeguard Camp - Lifeguard Training Certification
How would you like to spend two weeks in beautiful southeastern North Carolina surfing and getting your American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Certification? Do you have the desire to become
eligible for the ultimate summer job as a lifeguard? Learn water and land rescue skills along with other professional lifeguard responsibilities.
In our "learn by doing" Lifeguard Camp, you will also fine tune your ability to predict, select, and judge waves. This program is designed for absolute beginner to intermediate surfers ages 15 - 17 that want to become educated in saving lives and learning skills that make them eligible for jobs all over the United States. When you’re not participating in our lifeguard training, you will be spending time in the warm waters of Topsail, Wrightsville, and Carolina beaches improving your surfing skills.
By the end of this camp, you will have learned what it takes to be an American Red Cross Certified Lifeguard as well as improved your knowledge base of surfing and oceanic processes.
Activities include:
- Extensive daily surfing instruction at perfect beginner beach breaks
- Taking a marine biology tour of the North Carolina Aquarium
- Learning about turtle rehabilitation at the world renowned Sea Turtle Hospital
- Discovering how your boards are made during a guided surfboard factory tour
- Earning your American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification
- Learning professional lifeguard responsibilities
- Practicing USLA approved ocean rescue methodologies
- Becoming eligible for fun summer jobs such as a pool lifeguard or camp counselor
Below tuition includes lodging in air-conditioned cabins , all meals, 24-hour same gender adult supervision, shuttle to and from the Wilmington International Airport (ILM), equipment, lifeguard certification, professional surfing instruction (3:1 student to instructor ratio), daily transportation, WB Surf Camp t-shirt, activity fees, Sea Turtle Hospital donation, Surf Camp’s Pre-Surf Stretching Guide, Surfing Etiquette Guide, Sea Turtle/Coastal Conservation Guide, surftificate of achievement, and 8” x 12” group photo. For more specific information about our teen overnight surf camps or to secure your spot now, please call toll free 1.866.844.7873 . Enrollment is limited to 10 students per session.
2012 Dates:
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Itinerary
DAY 1-2: CAMP KICK OFF AND INTRO TO SURFING ON TOPSAIL ISLAND
Camp starts off with orientation, team-building games, and visiting the main breaks we’ll be surfing during camp. After covering all the important aspects of learning how to surf, it’s on to catching our first waves!
DAY 3-4: SURF WRIGHTSVILLE & TOPSAIL BEACHES, NC AQUARIUM, SURFBOARD FACTORY
Surfing is the leading activity these first few days, as camper’s skills improve each session. Now we’ll start earning community service hours through beach cleanups. We’ll tour the North Carolina Aquarium with its 200,000 gallon open ocean tank and watch surfboards being designed and built at the SOD Surfboard Factory.
DAY 5-6: TOUR SEA TURTLE HOSPITAL, SURF SESSION, LUAU
We’ll follow our surf sessions up with a special tour of the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital and exploration of the salt marsh where we’ll get hands-on knowledge through clamming, crabbing, and pulling seine nets. We celebrate the first week with an awesome luau cookout in the park with food, games, limbo & hula contests, prize giveaways and more! Next it’s back to camp for a good night’s sleep in preparation for our first day of lifeguard certification classes tomorrow!
DAY 7-8: SURF SESSIONS, LIFEGUARD CLASSES, IN-WATER TRAINING
The day kicks off with a morning surf session. After, we’ll head to the YMCA pool for our first American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification class. We’ll spend most of the day here, completing our pre-test skills and then learning about injury prevention, facility safety, patron surveillance, and emergency preparations. Next, we’ll be getting into the heart of our certification curriculum as we learn about providing care to victims, breathing emergencies, and cardiac emergencies. After our classroom session, we’ll head down to Wrightsville Beach and hop back on our boards for some more surf time.
Day 9-10: FIRST EXAM, IN-WATER TRAINING, SURF TOPSAIL ISLAND
Today we’ll take our first exam on Chapters 1-4, then practice rescue skills in the pool. You’ll be performing exercises such as the slide entry, two-person assist using a backboard, and multiple victim rescues. These are critical skills that you must complete in order to pass your final exam. Next, we’ll head to Topsail Island for some water time. You are now consistently catching waves on your own, getting longer rides and maybe even some barrels. Throughout the past ten days, you have felt your confidence level increase with every surf session.
Day 11-12: FIRST AID TRAINING, SECOND EXAM, FINAL EXAM REVIEW, SURF SESSION
Today, we’ll learn about providing First Aid for soft tissue injuries, fractures, stings, insect bites, and other situations you may be faced with in the future. We’ll complete our second exam, then learn about head, neck, and back injuries. After completing this course, you may feel drawn to the medical field because of all the experience you are getting during this training. We’ll review for the final exam and then get our final surf session in. The connection you’ve formed with the ocean over the past two weeks is so strong that you cannot wait to get home and tell all your friends about your new passion!
Day 13: FINAL EXAM, CAMP HIGHLIGHTS, CLOSING FAREWELLS
It is time to take your final exam which includes a written test and demonstrating the rescue skills you’ve been practicing in the pool. Next, we’ll head back to camp to pack up and prepare to leave. As you bid farewell to your instructors and fellow campers who have become like family, you realize that although you are leaving them behind, it is not forever. Next summer is right around the corner! Epic surf sessions with lifelong friends, learning the incredible skills to earn your lifeguard certification, and forming close connections with your instructors…this experience has been one you will never forget!
Pictures
Accommodations
During camp, your home away from home will be Wilmington’s premier KOA Campground. Located just minutes from several of our favorite surf breaks and less than a mile from our WB Surf Camp Headquarters, the KOA is nestled in the woods among the longleaf pines, providing the perfect retreat for our campers after a fun day of surfing and ocean exploration. The KOA offers us many terrific amenities, including an outdoor pavillion, swimming pool, and our own bonfire pit - perfect for cooking up tasty s'mores.
We'll be staying in cozy, air-conditioned cabins, each with their own relaxing porch. Each camper has their own bed, and cabins are gender-specific with counselors rooming in adjacent cabins. Linens are not provided; each camper will need to bring a pillow, set of twin sheets, and either a sleeping bag or blanket.
The KOA is the perfect location as it is centrally located in Wilmington. It sits right at the heart of all of our activities and is an incredible launching pad for everything we do during Teen Overnight Camp from surfing and exploring to hitting our favorite restaurants each night.
Reviews
Hannah, Durham, NC – “I did not know what to expect when coming to WB Surf Camp. It changed my life and I am so happy I came!”
Mary Ellis, Raleigh, NC – “WB Surf Camp has helped me lots. I have gained new confidence in myself.”
David, Huntington, NY – “WB Surf Camp was a truly amazing experience, easily the best two weeks I have ever had and was disappointed it had to end so soon. The staff was very helpful and fun to be around. The scheduled activities were a true joy and were a great addition to the experience.”
Jack, Bunnlevel, NC - “I gained knowledge of the ocean, ocean safety, marine life, and values of respect as well. This really helped me grow a lot. I am pleased with the program, its foundations, its staff and my new knowledge of the ocean. Thanks.”
Greg, Sparta, NJ – “I'm positive I want to come back next year, and would like to consider working with WB Surf Camp. I'm undecided on whether I want to come to Eleuthera or do another program. My instructors were awesome, and I loved the campers.”
FAQ
If I have never surfed before, is this camp for me?
About 90% of our students have never surfed before, let alone held a surfboard. Our program’s dynamic curriculum is tailored for beginners. The only prerequisites are to be ready to have the time of your life and be able to swim.
Where will I be surfing?
We have a choice of three barrier islands 30 minutes or less from our accommodations. We surf a wide variety of locations, and we choose the beach with the best conditions for all of our participants.
What does lifeguard certification do for me?
Lifeguard certification is simply a wise and amazing investment for anyone who spends any amount of time in the water. Learning water and land based rescue skills can save lives. You will also have the advantage of being eligible for a lifeguarding job back home.
Does it guarantee me a lifeguarding job?
No. As each lifeguarding position around the country is different, so are the requirements for each of them. These can include such things as assessments and/or tryouts. Being certified does not guarantee you a summer job, but is a great first step in learning the skills necessary and becoming eligible to apply.
Is my lifeguard certification good in any state?
Yes. Because we use the American Red Cross, your certification will be recognized anywhere you go in the country.
How long does my lifeguard lertification last?
Your American Red Cross Lifeguard certification will last three years from the date of completion.
Do I still get to surf during the certification process?
Yes. We will continue getting to explore the many beaches around the Wrightsville area to find the best conditions outside of classtime.
What kind of non-surfing activities will we be participating in?
- Guided tour of the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
- Tour of the Sea Turtle Hospital
- Salt Marsh exploration: fishing, seine netting, crabbing, clamming and species ID
- Hands-on marine science and seminars
- Community service projects
- A night of movies and bowling
- Volleyball and other beach games
- Luau on the finale night of camp with food, hula & limbo contests, prizes, music, and lots more!
Will there be pictures of me surfing that I can purchase?
Our instructors will be taking some photos throughout the week, but we highly recommend that you bring your own camera. You will receive an email about purchasing Surf Camp’s photos in the weeks following the end of camp.
What are the ages of your overnight campers?
Ages range from 12 to 16 and vary by session. Please check the online schedule for which weeks are dedicated to which ages.
How old are the campers I will be rooming with?
Roommates are grouped together by age in order to enhance the overall level of comfort.
What is the nearest airport and do you have a shuttle service?
The Wilmington International Airport (ILM) is only 15 minutes away. Our counselors meet inbound campers right at baggage claim, then shuttle them to our accommodations. On the way home, counselors stay at the airport until each camper’s flight has taken off. Our office stays attuned to any delays or cancellations to make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible.
What if I can’t get in by the set check in time?
In order to avoid missing any planned activities, campers should try to
get in by 2:00 pm on the first day and leave between 12:30 – 1:30 pm on the last day of camp. Please contact our Program Coordinator to discuss arrivals and departures outside of our preferred times.
How much spending money should I bring?
We recommend campers bring $50 to $75 per week of camp. This is for souvenirs or gifts they wish to purchase while at camp.
Do you have insurance?
We carry a comprehensive insurance package, including general liability.
