Big Blue Bridge Spring Break Camp Teaches Kids to Swim on the Eastside

Partnership provides swim confidence, mentorship, and scholarship access for Eastside youth

Wilderness Youth Project (WYP) and Sea League are partnering this spring break to offer the Big Blue Bridge Spring Break Camp, a week-long program designed to build water safety, swim confidence, and belonging for 24 students, ages 6-12, with priority registration for low-income families from Franklin and Adelante Elementary Schools.

The camp will take place March 30–April 3 and combines WYP’s small-group, nature-based mentoring model with Sea League’s beginner-centered swim instruction at the Santa Barbara High School pool.

For many children living just minutes from the ocean, access to consistent swim lessons remains limited. Big Blue Bridge was created to help close that gap, prioritizing safety, confidence, and supportive instruction.

“Every child in Santa Barbara should be able to learn to swim,” said Lauren Winnewisser, Development Director at Wilderness Youth Project. “We are excited to partner with Sea League to help children feel safe in the water, confident in themselves, and supported by their neighbors.”

A Two-Part Daily Experience

The week follows a predictable rhythm that helps children feel secure and supported. 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.

Sea League’s teaching philosophy emphasizes comfort before skill, technique before speed, and safety before distance. Children are never pressured; progress happens through encouragement and small, supported successes.

Designed for Emerging Swimmers

Big Blue Bridge 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 water safety skills

This is not a competitive swim program. The focus is safety, comfort, and confidence first.

Community-Powered Access

According to the American Red Cross, 79% of kids in low-income households can’t swim. In households earning under $50,000, nearly 4 in 5 children have few to no swimming skills. Cost is the barrier. Big Blue Bridge removes it.  

The price of this week-long camp is $575 per child. But thanks to scholarships and community support, low-income families who receive our highest scholarship level will pay just $28.75 per child.

WYP and Sea League are currently raising $13,800 to fully fund the program and ensure that cost is not a barrier for families.

They are also looking for community volunteers to support our swimmers each day of camp by providing in-water support alongside our lifeguard instructors. No teaching experience necessary – just comfort in the water and enthusiasm for helping kids succeed.

“We live in a beach town. We believe every child and their family deserves to feel safe in the water and enjoy the beautiful beaches, creeks, and rivers nearby,” said Winnewisser. “Community support makes that possible.”

Community members can learn more, register, volunteer or contribute to the scholarship campaign at: wyp.org/big-blue-bridge 

About Wilderness Youth Project

Wilderness Youth Project fosters confidence, health, and a lifelong love of learning for young people and families through active outdoor experiences and nature-based mentoring. Programs take participants to creeks, beaches, mountain trails, and open spaces throughout Santa Barbara’s front country, building deep and lasting connections — to self, community, and place. Learn more at wyp.org. 

About Sea League

Sea League prioritizes mentorship and nature connection over competition. Their approach nurtures physical, emotional, and social growth, encouraging children to bond with nature and each other in a supportive environment. This method cultivates a lasting appreciation for the ocean alongside valuable life skills. The Sea League is fiscally sponsored by Wilderness Youth Project. Learn more at thesealeague.org.