VB Sea Camp FAQ

 

What are the camp times? All Sea Camps run from 9 AM to 4 PM. You need to send your camper with a full lunch and a big water bottle. We provide granola bars for snacks and extra water. All campers also get a Sea Camp t-shirt.

How do I register? Please open the Sea Camp Registration pdf to print out a copy of the registration form and send it to us with your payment. Make checks payable to Oyster Reef Keepers of Virginia, or ORKV. Please send a separate registration form for each camp or child that is attending. You can also contact us and request that we send you the registration form via email. We will send you a confirmation email after receiving your registration form and camp payment. We will send you a full packet of information early in the summer that will include your itinerary, what to bring and what to expect list, contact information etc. Camp payment is refundable if you cancel by June 1.

What are the Drop-off and Pick-Up Locations? We will be using a host of drop-off and pick-up locations in the Shore Drive area including First Landing State Park trail center off Shore Drive and the public boat ramp at the western side of the Lynnhaven Inlet. We will send you a full agenda with detailed directions in June.

What Safety and Supervision are provided? : Safety is our ultimate goal, and is in the forefront of every decision we make. All Sea Camps are led by a trained outdoor education expert. Bob, Laurie and Kathy are all parents of young children as well, which adds perspective. All Sea Camps have several trained and experienced counselors on hand. Your child will be supervised at all times.

What Swimming ability do campers need? All students will be wearing a properly fitting life jacket when we are in the water. Everyone wears pfd’s no matter how shallow the water is. Therefore, your camper does not need to know how to swim, but campers should enjoy being in or near the water, since we will be in the water daily. We will demonstrate how to properly wear a life jacket, and require students to wear them for all activities except surfing where they will use ankle leashes to connect them to their floating surfboards.

Do campers need Kayak and/or SUP experience? Your camper does not need to have any previous kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding experience, however they must be interested in learning these activities. We will instruct all campers about kayak and SUP technique and safety.

What happens in Inclement weather? We do everything possible to run every day of Sea Camp. We continue with programs in the rain as long as students are not cold. We get off the water and off the beach if we hear thunder or see lightning, wait the storm out in a safe location and then resume our outdoor activities when possible. We get rained on at times and this leads to fun Sea Camp memories.

What if my camper wants to attend Multiple camps? We often have campers attend 2 or 3 weeks of Sea Camp during a summer, and I have yet to see one of these avid youngsters lose interest. Every day and every week is different due to changing tides, currents, weather and group dynamics so each week is unique and there’s always something new to see.

What are the Parking Fees? First Landing State Park and the Lynnhaven Inlet boat ramp charge a nominal parking fee if you intend to park and leave your vehicle. There is no charge to simply drop off your camper and pick them up.

Questions: contact Bob Carroll at vbseacamp@yahoo.com or 757-323-4212