It’s easy to forget about lunch when you’re packing for a busy camp day, but it’s an important part of making sure your child stays happy and has energy for all the fun.
Lunch at Camp happens every day from 11:45 am to 12:45 pm.
Right after the morning surf session, kids take a break to eat. Instructors help everyone put on more sunscreen before lunch because they’ve already spent a few hours in the sun and water. All campers should bring a healthy lunch and a water bottle from home. If your child is at the Santa Monica camp, you can buy lunch in the morning when you drop them off. You can choose things like pizza, burgers, smoothies, or sandwiches. Lunch usually costs $12 to $20, and you need to pay with cash. After lunch, campers head back to play more games, join group activities, and spend more time in the water for the rest of the day.
Surf, Sun, and the Science of Lunchtime
Lunch is right after the morning surf session for a good reason. By this time, kids have already signed in, listened to safety rules, and spent a long time surfing and playing in the water. They are usually tired and hungry by 11:45 am. This lunch break gives them time to eat, drink water, and rest so they feel better for the afternoon.
This break is important. If kids don’t stop to rest and eat, they can get too exhausted and might make mistakes. Taking a break helps them stay safe, happy, and ready for more fun later.
Lunch is also a time when all the kids sit together and talk. This is when many kids make new friends. At Aqua Surf, we care about your child’s safety and happiness. We make sure there’s always time to rest, eat, and connect with others. That’s why so many kids love coming back to our Camp.
Lunchbox Logic: Packing Power for Camp Days
Campers are asked to bring their own healthy lunch and a water bottle from home. Here are some easy tips for packing lunch:
- Choose foods that can stay in a beach bag for a few hours. Don’t pack anything that must stay very cold or hot.
- Avoid heavy or greasy foods because kids will play again after lunch.
- Pack extra water since kids get thirsty after being in the sun and ocean.
- Add a small snack for your child in case they get hungry later.
- Pack foods your child can open and eat by themselves, because instructors are busy watching the whole group.
Lunch doesn’t need to be fancy. Just send the food your child likes, that’s easy to eat on a beach towel, and that they can handle on their own.
The Santa Monica Catering Option
If making lunch every morning is hard, there is another choice for families at the Santa Monica camp. You can buy lunch at drop-off from a catering menu. The options are:
- Pizza
- Burgers
- Smoothies
- Sandwiches
Lunch usually costs $12 to $20, and you need to pay with cash. This is a good option for busy mornings or if you don’t want to pack lunch at home.
Sunscreen Reapplication During the Lunch Break
Lunch is not just for eating. During lunch, instructors help kids put on more sunscreen. The sunscreen from the morning wears off after being in the sun and water. This way, your child gets extra sun protection every day, and you don’t have to worry about sending extra sunscreen from home.
Half-Day, No Tray: The Lunch Question Answered
Half-day campers do not eat lunch at Camp. The morning (AM) session is from 9 am to 12 pm. The afternoon (PM) session is from 12 pm to 3 pm. Lunch happens between these two times, so half-day campers are not there for lunch. Give your child lunch at home before or after their camp session, depending on which half-day option they are in.
Full-day campers stay from 9 am to 3 pm and eat lunch at Camp. If you are choosing between a full-day and a half-day camp, remember that only full-day campers have lunch at Camp. This can help you decide what works best for your family.
Why Hydration Matters as Much as Food
Kids get thirsty fast after surfing in the sun, even if it doesn’t feel very hot. Sometimes they are having so much fun that they forget to drink water. That’s why the lunch break is important: it gives everyone time to stop and drink. It’s always a good idea to send extra water with your child to keep them hydrated.
What Happens After Lunch?
After lunch ends at about 12:45 pm, the rest of the camp day begins. Kids join in beach games, group activities, or sometimes go back in the water for more surfing, depending on the day’s plan. Lunch is not the end of the fun; it’s just a short break before everyone gets back to playing and learning with new energy.
A Few Tips From the Aqua Surf Team
A few easy tips can help make lunch at Camp go smoothly:
- Write your child’s name on their lunch bag and water bottle, especially at bigger camp locations.
- Freeze a water bottle the night before to help keep it cold longer.
- Pack foods your child already likes and can eat easily. Camp is not the best time to try new foods.
- If you don’t have time to pack lunch, remember you can buy lunch at the Santa Monica camp.
- Pack a little extra food, because being active in the water can make kids hungrier than usual.
At Aqua Surf, lunch is kept simple: it’s a set time for kids to eat, rest, and get ready for more fun in the afternoon.
Lunch at Aqua Surf: Simple and Stress-Free
We want lunchtime at Aqua Surf to be easy for families and fun for campers. With a little planning, your child will have the energy and comfort they need for a great day at Camp. If you have any questions about lunch, what to pack, or the catering option, just contact us! We’re here to help you make Camp a great experience for your child.