Big Blue Bridge
Spring Break Swim Camp 2026
March 30 – April 3 | Santa Barbara High School
Swimming is a life skill.
It's also a life-saving skill. And right now, too many kids in our community don't have access to either.
Nature, Swim Confidence & Community
This spring break (March 30–April 3, 2026), Wilderness Youth Project and Sea League are partnering to offer something powerful for 24 local children, ages 6-12, with priority enrollment for low-income families from Franklin and Adelante Elementary Schools.
For kids who live just minutes from the ocean, yet often have little to no swimming experience. This camp is about safety, confidence, belonging, and building life-saving skills in a supportive environment.
Help support local kids learn to swim
Many families face barriers to consistent swim instruction — from cost to transportation to access.
The price of this week-long camp is $575 per child. But thanks to scholarships and community support from donors like you, low-income families who receive our highest scholarship level will pay just $28.75 per child.
We are raising $13,800 to ensure cost is not a barrier for our neighbors.
When you donate, you’re giving the gift of confidence in the water for children and their families.
Restaurant Fundraiser: El Sitio
Tuesday, March 10, 8:00 AM - 8:30 PM
15% of all sales at all four El Sitio locations in Santa Barbara & Goleta will be donated back to scholarships for the Big Blue Bridge Spring Break Camp
Download flyer in English / Spanish
How the Week Works
Each day combines WYP’s small-group mentoring and nature-based learning with Sea League’s accessible, beginner-centered swim instruction.
- Morning (8:45 AM – 12:30 PM): Kids spend the first half of their day with WYP mentors exploring outside in local parks, creeks, and beaches.
- Afternoon (1:00 – 4:00 PM): WYP brings participants to the pool at Santa Barbara High School, where Sea League lifeguards guide them through structured swim instruction to prepare them for ocean swimming.
- Pick-up (4:15 PM): Families pick up at Franklin Elementary.
This is not a competitive swim program. It is specifically designed for children who:
- Have never swum independently
- Feel nervous or cautious in the water
- Can swim short distances but tire quickly
- Need stronger safety skills (floating, breathing, recovery)
Apply today
Log in or create an account to apply. Once registered, your child(ren) will be placed on the waitlist.
Priority placement will be given to families from Franklin and Adelante Elementary School, families who qualify for low-income scholarships, and those with the least swim experience.
Families will be notified of their acceptance status by March 13.
Questions? Call or text us at (805) 964-8096 or email us at registrar@wyp.org.
Get in the Water With Us
We’re looking for kind, patient, water-comfortable volunteers to support during swim lessons! Volunteers help encourage swimmers, assist instructors, and bring positive energy to the pool. This is a great opportunity to make a real impact, gain experience working with youth, and be part of a supportive, fun Sea League community.
- When: March 30 – April 3, 1:00 – 4:15 PM daily
- What you'll do: Provide in-water support alongside our lifeguard instructors.
- Why it matters: Lower instructor-to-swimmer ratios mean more individual attention, faster progression, and safer learning for every child.
No need to be a professional swimmer - just a willingness to help, learn, and show up for kids. Community service hours are rewarded for your time.
You can support your neighbors
If you believe every child should feel safe in the water, please consider donating online today.
Together we are building a big blue bridge — from fear to confidence, from access to opportunity, from neighbors to community.
Questions? Contact us at info@wyp.org or (805) 964-8096.
