Every summer, Surfing Madonna Oceans Project hosts an incredible surf camp for kids with special needs at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas. This program, which is completely free to all participants, is an opportunity for these youths to build their self-confidence as they learn a new skills in the water and experience the healing power of the ocean.
Children with special needs hold a special place in my heart. I've spent a lot of time helping in my mothers special needs classroom and always leave feeling full of love. Though it takes a lot of energy to keep up with 15 little ones, I always have so much fun giggling with the kids and leave with a fuller heart. As a special needs teacher, my mother has a profound love and compassion for guiding and encouraging her students to not only learn new skills but to have fun and love themselves!
When I found an opportunity that allowed me to combine my appreciation and deep connection to the ocean with my interest in supporting special needs children, I knew I wanted to get involved. It was an incredible experience and everyone - volunteers, parents, children, and passerby's had ear-to-ear grins all morning. I can't wait to spend time with this group again next summer.
