Ten teenagers from the Eastern Shore are getting a crash course in all things surfing during a nine-day youth camp which is taking place at Camp Brunswick in East Chezzetcook.

The camp, called the Surf Art Project, is being supported by local surf artists and surfers, who are mentoring teens ages 14 to 19 as they learn to shape and sand their own boards, design the art which will decorate their board, and learn to surf.

Led by expert shaper Brent Seamone and local surfer/educator Juel Maerz, the program was created by the Nova Scotia Sea School, an organization devoted to promoting Maritime seafaring traditions and values to young people.

Now in its second year, the goal of the Surf Art Project is to provide youth with a life-changing opportunity to work as a team and push their personal limits as they build something beautiful and functional with their own hands.

Another goal is to inspire community development while focusing on creative art and recreation.

With the generous support of The 4Cs Community Arts Foundation and local partner Halifax Regional Municipality Recreation, the program utilizes the talents of local surf culture including the Quiksilver Surfschool, One Life Surf School, Fist Fulla Fives, the Surfing Association of Nova Scotia (SANS) and numerous volunteer artists, shapers, surfers and youth alumni from the 2009 program.

“This program exceeded my expectations. My child was fed, cared for and educated!” said the parent of former participant. “The hands-on learning and instructors were exciting and inspirational. We can now see her making ocean/marine career choices in the future.”

This year, the Nova Scotia Sea School and its partners have incorporated new creative elements into the program including video/photo documentation, zines, and surfboard art.