AKR Scubacamp for Kids

[IzzyTahil]

Hi everyone

I was wondering if anyone has done the scubacamp for their children at AKR? Your comments, thoughts, or alternative resort will be appreciated. I've been to AKR and liked the way they ran their operations and my impression is that their scubacamp program appears to be well thought out and organized. My son turns 6 in Dec and I was thinking of taking him to AKR during his school break. It will be only the 2 of us so Im wondering if what Im thinking is "doable." Has any single parent on this board done this?

Thanks!

 

[AllenG]

A child's temperament is the key determinant. My daughter did the camp when she was 7 or 8 and was mostly entertained by it. But she had extensive prior travel experience overseas, so nothing about Roatan was a stretch for her.

The kids liked the dolphins, horseback riding and swimming, but the remainder of the entertainment was a bit light. Also, a 6 y.o. is not going to be compliant with expectations re insect repellant, such that it's a question of when, not if, no-see-ums will be an issue. Also, will your child be able to deal with the distinctive cuisine? While it is not traditional Honduran food, it also isn't traditional American cooking.

On the up side, the schedule is fantastic re letting you dive and still do things with your child. The non-camp staff are outstanding in working with/engaging/entertaining the children. Many years and many trips later, my daughter still speaks of Carla as a friend of the family. And Marvin (in charge of the horses) is great with kids. When one's child hooks up with other children at the resort, one can almost feel comfortable re letting them have run of the resort, although, obviously a 6 y.o will be somewhat different.

Single parent at AKR? Not a problem. The AKR staff become like family and the typical AKR guest is not a 20-something party-hearty dude who is unable to relate to/put up with one's child. I've done it as a single parent many times and enjoyed it each time.

And what better way to orient your child to diving! My daughter got certified at age 10 during an AKR visit and has been hooked ever since. Now 12 y.o., she just got back from Cape Ann (Massachusetts) a few minutes ago, having completed her advanced diving!

If your child has the temperament, I say go for it!

Allen

 

[cnctina]

My 6 year old daughter did the kids camp and had a blast. The staff at AKR is first class. They keep the kids very busy doing all kinds of kids stuff, mostly water related activities like snorkel diving and dolphin encounters. There was even classroom learning activities at RIMS. I would have enjoyed doing the kids camp myself if they had let me.

She liked the food, no problems with bugs, and mom and dad dove there brains out.

Have fun, Brad.

 

[Doc]

Excellent idea getting the chillins interested early! It's a great family sport, just have them grow up to afford and pay for your trips!

AKR offers enough other stuff for the kids to do that it should keep them pretty busy. Just keep them sprayed down with enough DEET to cause chromosomal damage and they'll be fine. Sit them down and have a heart to heart and explain that this is their only salvation and that they MUST continue to spray themselves at set times. Tip the "leader" and supply them with a spray can for junior. Bring Benadry spansules as well as Benadryl lotion. Give him a Benadryl at 6pm (as a simple prophylaxis) and I guarantee you can make a new little brother for him at full volume and he won't even wake up to go potty. Drugs good- miserable kids: bad!

Nearby AKR is also the Iguana farm and the West End area. There is much better shallow water snorkeling/diving/shore diving at pretty much so any other resort, but AKR is more conducive to the kids, so that more than offsets this deficiency. The food will not be an issue, contact the resort agency and have them lay out the kids menu- I'll bet you can get a burger and fries most any time.

They will most undoubtedly enjoy the Dolphin pens.

 

[IzzyTahil]

Thanks for the repliles. I have looked at other "scuba camps" and, to AKRS credit, their day-to-day itenarary is detailed and well thought out compared to other dive ops in th Carribean. I enjoyed my experience there, and know my boy will also.