Fitness By the Sea makes parents wish they could be kids again. “Who wouldn’t want to boogie-board, swim with the dolphins, jump over the gymnastics vault, get their faces painted as a favorite animal or just have a fun, silly, unforgettable day on the beach?” said camp co-owner Eric Colton.
He also noted that campers, ages five to 14, are allowed to participate in as many or as few activities as they choose. “Kids love that aspect, because their school environment is so structured.”
In 1999, Colton started a camp for adults, but after a suggestion from a client, opened a children’s camp in 2000 at Will Rogers State Beach, next to lifeguard tower 14 (across from Potrero Canyon). The camp was an immediate success and Fitness by the Sea now has eight locations: Malibu, Pacific Palisades (2), The Jonathan Club (2), Santa Monica, El Segundo and Hermosa Beach.
The Pacific Palisades camps run June 10 through August 30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with extended care available in the mornings and afternoons.
“We are really grateful for the support of the public and private schools in Pacific Palisades, as well as the families who have attended camp over the past 13 years,” Colton said. “We strive to provide the safest beach camp, an experienced staff and incredible growth opportunities for our campers through fun, creative and exciting activities.”
The camper ratio is 6 to 1 on land and 3 to 1 for surfing. The trained and experienced staff (average age 28) consists of parents, teachers and coaches who serve as positive role models and love working with children.
Safety is paramount: all counselors are CPR- and first-aid certified. While counselors play in the water with the children, on-staff lifeguards monitor the scene from the shore. Additionally, there is backup by County lifeguards, always on duty adjacent to each camp.
Sun safety measures are also emphasized, with repeated applications of sunscreen and huge cabañas for shade.
Colton and his wife Billie, the camp’s co-owner and administrative director, realize that younger campers sometimes need special attention and activities that cater to their needs. Each day, optional “tadpole” games are offered just for the youngest campers.
In addition to choosing from water sports such as surfing, boogie-boarding and swimming, campers can select team sports like Capture the Flag, dodge ball, soccer and volleyball. Children who prefer individual activities can hone their skills in martial arts, fencing, gymnastics and dance. For youth with artistic inclinations there are crafts, nature walks, face painting, dance, drums, sand castles, balloon animals, magic and theater games.
“Our emphasis is on friendship, fun and personal growth,” Colton said. “Over the last 13 years, we’ve been able to positively impact the lives of more than 13,000 kids by helping them discover their interests and abilities, and by promoting an active lifestyle.”
Children are encouraged to learn by doing and to be themselves without fear of discrimination or scrutiny. They are urged to take safe risks, push their own limits, and discover their unique abilities.
Colton works on-site every day supervising staff and facilitating program development. Since graduating from UCLA in 1990 with a degree in economics and a background in kinesiology and theater, he has received certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine, the American Academy of Health and Fitness Professionals, the American Council on Exercise, and the Apex Fitness School of Nutrition and Resistance University.
After meeting Colton, Billie left her real estate career to concentrate on Fitness by the Sea. The couple, who live in the Palisades, have three daughters: twins Maia and Willow, 6, and Violet, 3.
Visit: fitnessbythesea.com or call (310) 459-2425.
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