What’s wrong with kids having fun during the summer? Nothing. Let children ages 4 to 14 boogie-board, swim near the dolphins, jump over the gymnastics vault, get their faces painted as their favorite animal and just have a great day on the beach. Fitness by the Sea offers this and more, right here locally at Will Rogers State Beach.
Camp founder Eric Colton said that all the camp focuses on “growth, caring and Endless Fun,” but “the kids just call it ‘the time of their lives! We encourage children to ‘learn by doing’ and our experienced staff members are there to serve as mentors during all activities.”
Designed for children from 4 to 14, the camp allows campers to choose from more than 80 activities.
Physical sports such as baseball, volleyball, kickball and Capture the Flag help kids develop interdependence, confidence and sportsmanship.
Arts and crafts, dance, face painting and music help foster creativity, imagination and self-expression, while surfing, swimming and boogie-boarding promote an active lifestyle, self-esteem and perseverance.
Gymnastics, boxing, cheerleading and martial arts all cultivate self-discipline, determination and courage.
“We believe that active kids are happy kids,” Colton said, noting that many of the kids who have come to his program proclaiming not to have an interest in sports, find a niche that they love.
This is a place a kid can reinvent him/herself. Many come to the camp with labels, such as nerd or jock. Encouraged to try other activities, they soon discover that they may not only be good at basketball, but also good at painting, something they had never tried.
Founded in 2000, Fitness by the Sea has become synonymous with excellence in the field of day camps. The FBS formula for success blends an experienced and spirited staff (average age 28) with dynamic and creative activities, offered in an encouraging, nurturing environment.
Counselors constantly work with kids, encouraging them to go outside their comfort zone, which ultimately results in increased self-confidence.
Safety is a number-one priority. “The former Chief of L.A. County lifeguards called FBS the safest beach camp he’s ever seen,” Colton said. “A staff-to-camper ratio of 6 to 1 is strictly maintained, and during surfing, we maintain a ratio of 3 to 1 to further improve our safety measures.” Sunscreen is applied liberally and often.
Because they are also parents, the Coltons understand the importance of allowing campers to make their own choices. A recent study by the American Camp Association revealed that kids need more opportunities to practice leadership and decision-making, which is key at Fitness by the Sea.
With the camp’s growing popularity, Fitness by the Sea has expanded to four locations: Palisades at Will Rogers (June 13 to September 2), Palisades North (June 20 to August 12), Santa Monica (June 13 to September 2), and at the Jonathan Club (June 20 to August 28—members and sponsored guests only).
Camp runs from 9:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., with extended-care available in the mornings and afternoons from 8:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Parents can register their children for a minimum of five days and these do not have to be consecutive days.
The Coltons, who live in Pacific Palisades, have three children. Twins Maia and Willow are 9 and younger sister Violet is 6. The sisters are often among the campers at the Will Rogers location.
Call: (310) 459-2425 or visit: fitnessbythesea.com or e-mail: info@fitnessbythesea.com
Eric and Billie Colton, owners of Fitness by the Sea, with twins Maia and Willow and sister Violet. Photo courtesy of Eric Colton
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