What is a Learner Endeavor?

Learner Endeavors are new for this 2024-2025 school year and will be led by none other than our extraordinary Coach James. In partnership with Prisma Parent Community - we aim to give our Prisma learners ongoing opportunities for in-person connection several times throughout the year. We anticipate all activities to be in the USA in year one and will aim to rotate these activities throughout the continental USA to make local travel possible for as many learners as possible. We also aim to keep these experiences as affordable as possible. Unlike family meetups, these endeavor weeks are designed to allow learners to be with their peers in-person without the need for their parents to be in attendance while they are at camp. Call it a break for us parents, call it growth for the kids - a win win :)

As Endeavors evolve, our hope is to offer opportunities across different interest areas for unique in-person, in-depth learning opportunities as well as the chance to just accelerate joy and connection amongst our Prisma community.

What is “YMCA Camp Surf” - the first Endeavors second location?

Welcome to Camp Surf. Forty-five acres right on the Pacific Ocean in San Diego, CA. YMCA Camp Surf is one of a kind. Enjoy summer camp at the beach year round. You won't find another facility like Camp Surf anywhere in Southern California. From Pirate's Cove Amphitheater to McKinney Dining Hall to our beachy cabins, this nautical-themed paradise is fantastically unique. Not to mention the quarter-mile of open beachfront to enjoy.

In addition to trained and certified surf instructors, 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. Their naturalist staff hails from across the United States and around the globe. They are hired for science skills, teaching experience, and their enthusiasm.

Where is “YMCA Camp Surf”?

YMCA Camp Surf is located in Imperial Beach, Calif. - approximately 20 minutes from the San Diego airport.

What is the cost?

The cost for January 26th - January 31st is $595 and includes 6 days and 5 nights. This cost includes lodging, meals, and all activities for one learner. Payments will be due in early January. Register here.

Will our kids get their school work done while at camp?

Yes! Led by Coach James - our school days will be hosted at a dedicated space on the YMCA Camp Surf campus where we have been assured of solid wifi connections (which is always a gamble but likely good). With the goal of the school week being both productive and inspiring, learners will attend either their normal workshops or an alternative in-person workshop and accomplish their normal weekly workload. This is “camp school” - just like our “home” school at home. Because we have found focus to be a bit harder surrounded by so many friends - we do expect learners to come into the week ahead of their work on ONE BIG THING (you’ll learn more!)- and expect this will be a great motivator for them all. Coach James will also be planning for motivational tools and meetings to help kids stay on track as well in advance of camp. Win. Win.

What is the anticipated daily schedule?

Being on the Pacific Time Zone - we expect that our days will roughly look like early morning classes + breakfast, school hub before lunch, afternoon activities via YMCA Camp Surf staff, dinner and then a shared group evening activity like karaoke, campfires, dance parties or trivia, etc. We anticipate that activities during the day will be grouped by age and likely cohort to some extent to accommodate different schedules between HS / MS groups. Lights out at a reasonable time and do it all over again the next day :)

Do you need chaperones?

Yes! We will need a limited number of chaperones and at this time are in good shape to cover this initial group! We will be doing a mandated online chaperone training (via a certified provider used for all Prisma staff hires) and background checks in advance of camp week. Chaperones will be needed to stay as the parent in the cabin as well as to attend activities provided by Club Getaway with their group as needed. Chaperones will not be required to lead events, cook, clean etc - just be present and a support for our kids if needed or to help them connect to family at home if needed. Chaperones lodging and food cost will be covered for them - however, we are unable to cover travel or a portion of your learner’s expense at this time.

What is the food like? What about food allergies?

From Camp Surf: Our McKinney Oceanfront Center and Dining Hall is a great setting for meals, board games or socializing with a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean, Point Loma, the Coronado Islands and Imperial Beach pier.

Indoor seating for more than two hundred people, with a shaded, outside patio that can seat an additional hundred-sixty people.

We offer buffet and family style service with most meals prepared from scratch. This is not your typical camp fare! Amenities include:

• Fruit and cereal bar at every breakfast

• Salad bar at lunch and dinner

• Hot entree at all meals

• Buffet and family style meals

• Protein option available for vegetarians

• Fresh fruit at all meals

Delicious and nutritious meals are the focus of the YMCA Camp Surf kitchen! Environmental stewardship is also important, and we carry our respect for the Earth from the kitchen to your table. Camp and school programs eat family style to promote conversation and community. Our weekend guests eat buffet style to support positive smaller group and parent/child interactions. Healthy choices are available for all appetites, from little campers to adults!

We can accommodate special food needs and diets as follows:

• Vegetarian: Our breakfast bar includes fresh fruit, cottage cheese, yogurt, oatmeal, and cereal (soy or cow milk). Our lunch/dinner salad bar offers a healthy selection of fresh vegetables, salads, and fruit. We serve a vegetarian alternative to each main course which is similar, but with a non-meat protein.

• Gluten allergies: We are able to provide some gluten free items such as pastas, pizza, pancakes, breads and desserts.

• Tree nut and peanut allergies: We do not use or buy nuts of any kind, however we do offer peanut butter (kept in the kitchen for requests only). We also label cereals that have been made in factories the process nuts.

• Lactose intolerance: We serve soy milk and can make great dishes without dairy.

• Kosher: We may be able to meet your needs with vegetarian options. Please ask!

• Vegan: We do not provide vegan meals, but can provide a lot of animal-free food. Feel free to ask us.

If we are not able to adequately meet your food needs, we are happy to refrigerate items that you bring in a self-contained and clearly labeled box or cooler to supplement your meals.

If you have any questions or your dietary concerns are not addressed, please feel free to contact Jenna Walker at 720.327.9727.

What kinds of medical care will be available?

Coach James has been a certified Emergency Medical Technician in New Jersey since 2011 and a lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor since 2021. He has extensive experience as a medical director and EMT at day and sleepaway camps (some with as many as 900 campers), an aquatics director, and a first aid and CPR instructor. Whether it’s medication storage/administration or allergy concerns, we will have it covered. After registration we will collect and review medical forms for each learner, and Coach James will happily meet with parents and families to discuss individual medical concerns!

Every learner with an epinephrine autoinjector (Epi-Pen, AuviQ, etc.) or asthma inhaler will have their medication marked with a Medic Mark bag tag and bracelet, provided for free.

What is your policy on phones and computers at camp?

We can’t wait to be at camp and disconnected as much as possible. Phones will not be allowed to be used at camp - however every child attending will have access to call home from their cabin chaperone’s phone and parents will be able to check in with that chaperone so that you know they are succeeding. Kids WILL have access to their computers during school day and will be able to utilize all technology from their computers - so that is certainly another way for them to connect. Our goal is to keep kids safe, present and happy. You can read our phone policy in our learner and parent expectations below.

Can my child fly alone to camp?

At this time, we are not planning to offer unaccompanied minor flights for this Winter Endeavor. Learners that are of legal age to fly alone can explore this option. We are working on a bus or transport from the airport at specific times but it is not guaranteed at this time. The camp is a short 20 minute ride from the airport and easily manageable.

Also - we do think that it could work well for younger learners to fly with older learners on specific flights from specific geographies but would need a parent volunteer to help coordinate this idea.

Will my child get to room with their friends?

Each cabin is anticipated to be grouped by age and sex and will not be more than 3 years apart in age at the elementary and middle school level. We want kids to succeed and therefore will make every effort to try to make sure that every child has at least ONE friend in their cabin with them so that they feel supported by a peer in addition to their chaperones. We want everyone to succeed and we want to have an inclusive cabin culture for all. We will ask you to list 4 fellow Prismarians that you child knows to help make this happen. If your child is new to Prisma or does not have a close friend coming to camp - our goal is to make sure that every cabin is a team that is supportive of all in their cabin! :) Also - the cabins at YMCA Surf Camp will have 10-12 learners in each cabin - so this should really help everyone find a good friend quickly!

When can we officially sign up?

Registration is opening soon. Our parent volunteers will circle back with how to make your payment on or before December 15th, 2024. No payment is due at this time. Because we need to pay for kids in advance, no refunds can be given if your child is not able to attend.

When will payment be due?

By registering your child for camp - you agree to pay 100% of the amount due of $595 for your child to attend camp when billed on December 15th, 2024. No deposit or pre-payment will be needed at this time but we do expect and need FIRM commitments. No exceptions can be made if your schedule changes and you are not able to attend camp.

Are there any meetings prior to camp for parents?

There will be a pre-camp mandatory meeting for parents and campers on Tuesday, November 19th at 7:30pm EST. More details and invites to follow for those registered.

How many kids can sign up?

At this time we expect we can support up to approximately 60 campers for our first session. However, our numbers are completely reliant on available chaperones. If you can’t make this trip - join us back at Club Getaway May 18-23, 2025! This is one of many opportunities that kids can take advantage of to meet their Prisma peers in person and virtually.

Do I have to surf?

Campers will have the option to skip surfing and participate in a different activity - however, we will likely need these commitments in ADVANCE of camp. More info coming soon.

What about water pollution in San Diego?

San Diego and Imperial Beach work every day to make sure that ocean conditions support clean and healthy surfing / swimming in the ocean. Should the water not be deemed at acceptable water quality safety levels, those choosing to surf will be transported via parent volunteer driven vans or pre-arranged transportation to the Mission Beach area of San Diego. This is out of our control and mandated by the YMCA Camp Surf staff.

Will there be lifeguards?

Absolutely. There is no free swimming allowed in the ocean outside of supervised and YMCA Camp Surf certified lifeguard staff.

I have more questions - who can I talk to?

Please contact Jenna Walker at jennawalkerandfam@gmail.com on additional questions, etc. regarding camp logistics, schedules, etc. If you have specific medical questions or concerns about your camper’s individual needs and whether camp will be a good fit this time around, please reach out to Coach James at james@joinprisma.org.