Kids Summer Programs That Inspire the Next Generation of Divers by Margo Peyton

They’re my absolute favorites because they meet kids exactly where they are – whether they’re 8-years-old and just discovering the underwater world or in high school and dreaming about a future in marine science careers.

1. The New PADI Seal Team Program – My Absolute Favorite for the Youngest Divers

If you want to light that first spark of wonder in kids, this is the one. The new PADI Seal Team program is bright, colorful, and packed with 20 fun “AquaMissions” that take kids from PADI Seal all the way to PADI Master Seal. Kids must be 8-years-old to join, and it’s the very first step into real scuba diving. They get to use actual BCDs, regulators, fins, masks, snorkels, and gauges – all in the safe, shallow confined water of a swimming pool.

Why I love it so much: It turns learning into pure adventure. The materials are fresh and kid-friendly with bright colors and cool visuals. Instructors use a fun log book filled with stickers, and there’s an awesome Code of Conduct that teaches respect, safety, and ocean stewardship right from the start.

For dive shops – this is pure gold:

• It’s perfect for a one-week summer camp format – easy to schedule, affordable for families, and incredibly fun.
• You can run multiple small groups in your pool and watch the families roll in to try something new and exciting for their kids. This ties into outfitting them with their first set of scuba gear as well.
• Creating a space for young divers welcomes back parents who stopped diving when they had kids – suddenly, the whole family can be at your shop again.
• It builds a real community that keeps coming back year after year.

Parents will love it because their children are learning real skills, meeting other kids, and having the time of their lives in a safe environment. Kids love it because they feel like real divers from day one. In my experience, Seal Team is the “bunny slope” for the entire dive industry – it gets kids hooked early and turns them into certified divers (and future customers) for life.

2. PADI AWARE’s Global Shark & Ray Census – Perfect for High-School & College Kids Who Want to Make a Real Difference

For older kids and teens who are curious about marine science, environmental law, shark conservation, or simply want to be part of something bigger, this is the program I’m most excited about right now.

Launched in 2026 by the PADI AWARE Foundation, the Global Shark & Ray Census is the world’s largest diver-led data collection program. It’s a true citizen-science initiative run in partnership with Blancpain and James Cook University. Divers (and snorkelers) simply log every shark or ray they see – species, number, size, behavior, and location – through the easy-to-use Conservation Action Portal (CAP).

The data goes straight to scientists and governments to help protect sharks and rays (one-third of which are currently threatened). It also supports sustainable shark tourism and helps measure how well Marine Protected Areas are working.

Why I’m so excited about it for kids: It turns every dive into real science. High-school and college students get to contribute meaningful data that actually helps the ocean. It builds awareness, gives kids clear action plans, and empowers them to become change-makers. It’s perfect for teens thinking about careers in marine biology, environmental law, conservation, or any field where they want to make a difference.

For dive shops, this is a fantastic opportunity:

• You can offer the updated AWARE Shark & Ray Conservation Specialty (a quick two-dive digital course) that ties directly into the census.
• It brings in older kids and teens who might not have been interested in “just diving” but love the idea of being citizen scientists.
• It creates repeat business – kids come back to log more sightings and share their data.
• It positions your shop as a leader in conservation, which families really appreciate and talk about.

Both programs are easy to run, require minimal additional equipment, and give you powerful stories to share on social media and in your newsletters. More importantly, they give kids exactly what they’re craving this summer: real adventure, real learning, and the chance to be part of something bigger than themselves.

If you’re looking to fill your summer schedule, bring families back into your shop, and help grow the next generation of passionate divers and ocean stewards, these two programs are the ones to run.

I’d love to hear how they go for you – feel free to tag Kids Sea Camp or drop me a note and let me know which one your shop tries first.

Here’s to a fantastic summer filled with happy kids, bubbling regulators, and a healthier ocean for all of us.