Little Groms Surf Camp

Little Groms follows a repeatable beach-and-water routine that keeps ocean awareness connected to hands-on practice. Campers begin with a group warm-up and stretching, then review the day’s ocean conditions. Instructors cover currents and daily safety topics before the first water session. Children then practice surfing, swimming, boogie boarding, and bodysurfing with instructors encouraging steady progress at each camper’s comfort level.

After the first water session, the group pauses for a snack and rest. Beach games add an active break on the sand before campers return to the ocean for a second water session. Across the week, instruction reinforces how to recognize rip currents, read waves, understand tides and changing conditions, use boards safely, follow surf etiquette, respect other people in the water, and stay within designated safe areas.

The camp is structured as a week-long introduction to ocean skills rather than a single surf lesson. Repetition gives children multiple chances to connect safety discussions with real conditions at Moonlight Beach. Surfboards and boogie boards are provided, and families supply a wetsuit, snack, water, and dry towel. Both morning and afternoon camp options use the same general program approach.

Campers should pack a snack and water each day so they can rest and recharge between water sessions.

Ocean safety is built into the camp routine from the start of each day. Campers warm up, discuss current ocean conditions, and learn about currents and daily safety topics before entering the water. Instruction covers how rip currents work and how to navigate them safely, how to read waves and changing conditions, awareness of tides and currents, surf etiquette, and board control both in and out of the ocean.

Campers are also taught to stay within designated safe areas, communicate with instructors, remain with the group, respect other people in the water, and care for marine life and the beach environment. Instructors encourage children to progress at their own pace and do not push them beyond their comfort level. These safety ideas are reinforced throughout the day as campers move through two water sessions. Moonlight Beach, the camp location, has year-round lifeguard services according to the City of Encinitas.

Campers work with experienced instructors who focus on ocean safety, surfing technique, and gradual skill development. Little Groms uses small-group instruction and encourages each child to progress at a comfortable pace rather than being pushed into activities before they are ready. Instructors guide the warm-up, ocean-condition discussion, safety lessons, and water sessions while helping campers build confidence gradually in the ocean. The City of Encinitas activity guide lists Brent Stephens as the instructor for Little Groms summer camp sessions at Moonlight State Beach.

Parents can send questions through the Little Groms website contact form or call Concept Surf Shop, which handles Little Groms camp calls. The camp site directs families to the City of Encinitas registration system for online enrollment. Program details, including camp hours, meeting location, what to bring, and the registration link, are also published on the Little Groms summer camp page.

Both drop-off and pickup take place at Moonlight Beach. Summer camp is offered Monday through Friday in a morning option from 9:00 AM to noon and an afternoon option from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, with shortened holiday weeks possible in the City schedule. Campers must bring their own wetsuit, plus a snack, water, and a dry towel each day. Little Groms provides surfboards and boogie boards for camp use, although campers may bring their own boogie board. Families are directed to City of Encinitas online registration for enrollment.