Join the waitlist and learn about other opportunities to get your grom on the water this summer by emailing [email protected] !
Back for it’s 14TH season in action, SBX (Sleeping Bear X-treme) Junior Waterman Camp is the Great Lake’s Premier Surf Camp for the aspiring waterman! Designed and taught by water enthusiasts to create water enthusiasts.
Every day a new adventure awaits according to the weather. We can not make waves, nor can we change the weather, so at Junior Waterman Camp we take advantage of whatever conditions our mighty Lake Michigan provides!
Based around the power of our beautiful, bountiful lake, this one-of-a-kind camp has a strong emphasis on adaptation – to encourage us to be open to embracing the various conditions of the day to create greater waterman out of ourselves. Through this fluid mindset and focus on the big lake, we strive to instill a respect for the environment while immersing our students in all that is possible within our Great Lakes playground. Water safety is a major pillar at Jr. Waterman Camp, and is prioritized & practiced through each day at camp as we incorporate foundational, and intermediate life-saving skills into each of our lessons.
While we would love to have waves every day, the lake often has other plans, which allows us the opportunity to explore other fun methods of enjoying and expanding our knowledge on the water. Dependent on the mood of the lake, we might go on a surf safari and spend the day sliding freshwater waves. If it’s calm, we might take a down wind-er and see the expansive Sleeping Bear Dunes from a SUP, paddle a winding river, learn to harness the breath and dive to the depths. We might even get to take out the Supsquatch for a spin with new friends.
Regardless of the activity that the day brings on, we’ll have the time of our lives while learning the ways of the waterman. Anything is possible at Jr. Waterman Camp… leave it up to the wind, and some positive energy.
Camp operates Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00am to 3:00pm
Meeting location will depend on the weather and activity of the day. Camp location will be, at maximum, within 25 miles of Empire Public Beach. Parents will be notified of drop-off and pick-up locations by 6:00pm the day prior to each camp day.
Jr. Waterman Camp will run regardless of the weather conditions. We will only cancel if there is thunder or lightning in which case we will move camp from the forecasted storm day to the next, or previous day (Tuesday or Thursday) of that week.
Cost of this priceless experience: $570
Camp tuition is set up to be paid in two payments of $285 each, with the second payment being automatic, one month after your booking confirmation, unless otherwise discussed with Ella at Sleeping Bear Surf.
We are so happy to provide payment plans. While the booking portal requires a 50% deposit down, please contact us if it would be more helpful to pay in smaller increments over a longer period of time. We are also extremely proud to offer scholarship opportunities. If you believe your child may qualify for a scholarship, or if you know of a child that would benefit from participation in this camp, please reach out at [email protected]
What’s included: All daily gear rental, top-quality instruction at an instructor to student ratio of ~1:4, rental coupons for the whole family to use on down-days, exclusive in-store discounts, camp-exclusive swag, and endless knowledge, confidence, & memories to keep fueling your child’s sense of adventure.
What to expect: Jr. Waterman Camp is designed to test, strengthen, and encourage our student’s abilities to embrace the wild of the water, while holding a major emphasis on safety and FUN. This high-energy, high-vibe camp is packed full of various lessons on water safety, stewardship, etiquette, and all things Surf, SUP, Swim, Breath, and Free-Dive. Anticipate action-packed days, that will both challenge your child, and further transform them into competent, passionate Great Lakes Watermen.
For interested students under 12 years of age, you must inquire prior to registering!
We want to ensure that all students are fully capable of participating in all Jr. Waterman Camp activities happily and independently. Jr. Waterman Camp is designed to have a high-level of activity, and we are often faced with challenging weather conditions. Our goal is to foster your child’s love for the water, not deter it. Please reach out to Ella at [email protected] to determine if your child is ready for camp this season!
Terms & Conditions:
Cancellation Policy:
All cancellations have a non-refundable $75 cancellation fee. If cancellations are made within 30 days of the first day of the camp session you are registered for, we are not able to provide any refund unless we are able to fill your spot with another eager camper. All cancellations must be received and confirmed by Sleeping Bear Surf with a written cancellation via email. No refunds or credits are given for no-shows, missed days, late arrivals, or early departures.
Sleeping Bear Surf reserves the right to reschedule the session if we feel that the safety of our students is at risk. Camp days are cancelled or rescheduled by SBS only if there is severe weather such as thunder and lightening.