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Students, staff describe Wave Warriors surf camp as wellness program that boosted confidence
Summary
District staff and Aspire students reported on a four‑week Flow surf camp for about 20 Aspire students, describing benefits for mental health, confidence and social skills; staff said they hope to scale the program and employ local youth as instructors.
Staff and students described a Flow surf‑camp program presented to the Santa Paula Unified board on Sept. 24 as a wellness and socialization initiative that ran for four weeks over the summer with roughly 20 Aspire students.
A district school‑psychologist‑identified presenter said the program focused on wellness and water‑immersion therapy, and highlighted benefits including increased confidence, social connection and improved mental health. Several student participants and program leads told the board the experience introduced many students to the ocean for the first time and helped some improve school engagement. The presenter said the program employed at least one local student during the summer and that the district is exploring ways to scale the program for more Aspire students.
Trustees thanked students and staff; one trustee called swimming ‘one of the best life skills’ and another asked about scaling and water‑safety logistics. Program staff said scaling and insurance were among the operational items they worked through and that they plan to pursue expansion and continued community partnerships. The board heard the presentation for information and did not take formal action on program funding at this meeting.
