FLAGLER BEACH, Fla. — For the first time, the Rotary Club of Flagler Beach is teaming up with the outreach organization UrbanSurf4Kids to help foster and at-risk children learn how to surf and enjoy the water.
- Surf camp on Flagler Beach helping at-risk kids
- Kids get to learn surfing fundamentals, build relationships
- Rotary Club, UrbanSurf4Kids looking for volunteers
“Our goal with surf camp is to provide water therapy activity for children who may never get a chance to swim in the ocean, to get a surf lesson,” said Brenda Wotherspoon of the Flagler Beach Rotary Club.
Each Friday for the last three weeks, volunteers traveled from all over to guide the kids into the water to not only teach them the fundamentals of surfing, but to also build a relationship with the children that they might not have otherwise.
“I wanted to come out and give a little back, but I got back more than I gave," said Mike Fair, a volunteer. “We’re an authority, but we are friendly, we are here to help. We are not pushing them, we are coaching them."
But the program, in its inaugural year, needs more help to keep running.
“It's very difficult to keep a consistent group of volunteers because most of them do have jobs so we are constantly in need," Wotherspoon said.
However, it's not only surfers that can make a difference.
“We need people to help with crafts out of the water, so even if you aren’t a surfer, this is a great opportunity to make a change in these children's lives,” said Wotherspoon.
It's sparking changes that the kids’ loved ones are already noticing.
“It's their confidence. It’s them blossoming, it's them trying to find out what they really, really like," said Joyce Valencia, the mother of one of the camp participants Jaydan. "I never thought Jaydan would get up on the board, and today he is all over it and loves it.”
Volunteers are needed just two hours per camp, 9:30 a.m .to 11:30 a.m., that takes place in Flagler Beach at 6th St. South (in front of Tortuga’s) on Fridays -- June 28; July 12, 19, 26; and August 2.
Surfers can volunteers and out of water volunteers can participate for one camp or as many camps as their schedule allows.
Volunteers can sign up at UrbanSurf4Kids’ website.