Miracles for Kids ends 15th annual Surf & Paddle camp for families facing critical illness

Miracles for Kids completed its 15th Annual Surf & Paddle Summer Camp with three water-focused events in Southern California for children with critical illnesses and their families. The program gave families a break from treatment routines and a chance to connect through surfing, paddling and beach activities.

Why it matters: - The camp gave children facing life-threatening illness a chance to spend time outdoors with siblings and parents instead of in treatment settings. - The program is part of Miracles for Kids’ Balance Program, which focuses on emotional support and family connection during critical illness. - The experience paired recreation with respite for families also dealing with the financial strain of a child’s medical care.

What happened: - Miracles for Kids wrapped up its 15th Annual Surf & Paddle Summer Camp after three summer events in Orange County, California. - The series included a learn-to-paddle day at Newport Aquatic Center in August, a surf day at Huntington Beach in August, and a final surf day at Newport Beach on September 12, 2026. - Children, siblings and parents spent time paddling, surfing, bodyboarding, building sand castles and playing beach games. - The final session included a harbor boat water salute for participating families.

The details: - Surf instruction came from Endless Sun Surf School, Waves of Impact and Corky Carroll’s Surf School. - Volunteers from National Charity League, Inc. supported families in the water and on the sand. - Toyota of Huntington Beach and Swift Slip Dock and Pier Builders, Inc. underwrote the summer camp. - Sun Bum donated sunscreen for families. - Perricone Farms provided juices. - Jersey Mike's, Avila's El Ranchito and Fresh Brothers provided lunch after beach activities. - Miracles for Kids described the camp as a way for children to experience adventure, confidence and play while parents and siblings shared meaningful time together.

Between the lines: - The camp is designed as a relief valve for families whose daily lives are structured by medical appointments, treatment schedules and uncertainty. - The event also shows how local sponsors and volunteers can expand the reach of a nonprofit family program beyond cash assistance into direct emotional support. - Autumn Strier, Miracles for Kids co-founder and CEO, said the camp helped families leave illness behind for a few hours and create joyful memories not tied to a diagnosis.

What's next: - Miracles for Kids says the Surf & Paddle Camp remains one of the experiences offered through its Balance Program. - The nonprofit directs families and supporters to more information about the program and camp at the Balance Program and Surf & Paddle Camp. - Miracles for Kids will continue serving children with life-threatening illnesses and their families through financial aid, basic needs, housing and wellness support.

The bottom line: - The camp marked another year of giving critically ill children a rare chance to be kids, if only for a day.