The beach offers unique opportunities for kids to experience camps of a different kind. In addition to traditional camp opportunities, there are summer programs here that allow kids to discover the ocean and learn to surf.

Here is a round-up of summer camp activities for kids in Wilmington and at Wrightsville Beach.

Not a resident but vacationing at my beach this summer? This is for you, too. While Wrightsville Beach, has more than enough activities to keep the whole family busy for a weeklong beach trip, sometimes parents just want to relax and enjoy a few hours of the day without any responsibilities.

Enrolling the kids in summer camp while you’re here can be beneficial for all! From surfing to acting, this area offers a plethora of camps that will keep the kids entertained and the parents stress-free.

Surf Camps

This is, of course, the most unique offering we have. Named one of the top surf towns in the world by National Geographic, Wrightsville Beach is the perfect place to learn to hang ten.

Surf camps are available to children of all ages and they make individual attention and coaching from professional instructors a priority. Crystal South Surf Camp encourages visitors to learn about safety in the ocean, paddling technique and proper surf stance and etiquette. WB Surf Camp offers both day camps as well as overnight camps for teens. Indo Jax Surf School offers weekly surf camps throughout the summer, as well as standup paddleboard classes.

These require that your child be comfortable in the water, with basic swim skills. Most are ages 7 and up. There are some fun exceptions, though. WB Surf Camp offers the Guppy Ocean Adventure Camp, designed for children ages 6 to 10, to teach kids about ocean safety and the many components of the coastal environment. Kids in the Guppy Ocean Adventure Camp earn a Junior Ocean Safety Certification (which those parents with scouts understand the appeal of). Additionally, Indo Jax has designed a new program for kids ages 4-7 to introduce them to the ocean for the first time.

And don’t let the kids have all the fun! There are adult surf camps as well as family lessons at nearly all of these.

Traditional Camps

Vacation Bible Schools are half day programs that revolve around church teachings, of course, but also crafts, songs, dancing, and outdoor activities. They are usually free or a very nominal suggested donation. Find your favorite church and see if they offer a VBS.

The local YMCA camp is was amazingly affordable and full of diverse activities and themes. 

Cape Fear Academy summer programs, while not as budget-friendly as the YMCA, have amazing topics and stellar staff. These are a fantastic opportunity for kids to explore a topic they love in detail.

Sports & Dance Camps

 Wilmington Hammerheads soccer camp is a special experience. Campers play on a professional-sized pitch. The coaching is usually superb.

Halo Hoops is a very popular league in the area for kids with a knack for basketball.

The Wilmington Sharks baseball camp is always popular with kids who love baseball. Held at the Sharks’ stadium, campers get to attend a camp during camp week.

And, of course, we’re at the beach and we love to relax, so there are definitely yoga camps all around! Longwave Yoga offers a yoga, ukelele and surf camp for kids ages 7 to 11.

Wilmington Ballet Company & Dance Theatre hosts a summer dance intensive for those with prima ballerinas in their homes.

Vacationer Specials

Visitors staying atWrightsville Beach hotels have kid’s camps right at their fingertips. The Holiday Inn Resort Wrightsville Beach’s KidsClub has daily activities for four to 12-year-olds. Each day has a specific theme and involves crafts, games, and dinner and a movie.

Blockade Runner Beach Resort brings kids together June 1 through August 30 with its summer program, Sandcampers Kid’s Club. Sandcampers will offer several new programs this year, including Animal Encounters with the nearby North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher and new daily themed camps. The camp was recently featured by USA TODAY as one of the best resort kid’s clubs in the country.

If your kids want a break from the salt and sand, though, the Wrightsville Beach Parks and Recreation Department offers programs for everyone, throughout the summer. Most camps take place at the Fran Russ Recreation Center, located in the heart of Wrightsville Beach. The Art and Jewelry Camp takes place for one week in June, July, and August. Students get hands-on experience in painting, bead making, mosaic glasswork, wirework and more. For the littlest actors and entertainers, Creative Performing Arts Camps are held periodically throughout the summer and are led by professional actor, L.J. Woodard. Kid’s Cooking Summer Camp teaches participants creative, simple recipes with hands-on preparation, as well as healthy eating habits and good nutritional choices.

Other Good Options

Truly, it is hard not to take advantage of the marine life we have at our fingertips (toe tips?). It is what makes this area so special. The UNCW MarineQuest camp offers options for kids ages 4 – 17 to get familiar and work with the aquatic ecosystem here. It celebrates all things fishy and salty.

The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher may not be huge but they have a big heart for service to the community. Camps are for kids ages 4 – 17 and are all about providing children access to coastal animals’ natural habitats, adaptations, and care. The older bunch gets to snorkel and surf fish.

Whatever camp you find, enjoy the special nature of our area and have fun!

*Special thanks to Wilmington & Beaches CVB for providing some of this information and good pictures of kids-in-action!