Aqualand is a family business. Our family spends as much time as possible thriving in the ocean and waterways of Long Beach and North Orange County. For work, we lead waterman camps on Alamitos Bay, surf camp at Surfside, as well as youth water polo. For play, we try out new things in the water and see if they’re worthy of passing on to our campers. Our interactions are personal and each member of our family of 6 contributes to the experience of Aqualand.
The name came about when we looked at how lucky we are to live in the Aquatic Capital of America. Within a mile or two, almost any water or ocean activity is easily ours. Whether surfing Anderson Street or paddling the canals in Naples, we like to say we are in Aqualand.
Our mission is to safely pass down waterman skills to the next generation and instill a love for the bay and ocean. We promote a healthy and freedom-loving lifestyle and have seen how this holds the key to happiness for our family. We think it will contribute to yours as well.
Welcome to the Aqualand Family,
Matty and Lesley Mitchell
Our fearless leader and the ultimate waterman, Matty sets the bar high and keeps it silly in order to help kids of all ages fall in love with the water and learn skills to last a lifetime.
When you see him, throw out a
“Hi Matty!”
MATTY
Mrs. Aqualand, The Treat Fairy, Bunnington Beach brings the treats, the hugs, the first aid kit and keeps everyone on time and on task. She is proof that her husband, Matty can convert a wakeboarder into a surfer overnight.
LESLEY
Chlo-bro is the older sister who keeps you in line when your parents are out of town and then rewards your good behavior with a ride down the coast in her convertible jeep and a donut.
She’s always down for a race on land or in the water and when she is not swimming or running Varsity Track at LB Wilson, she is accepting run-swim-run challenges from campers and winning every time.
CHLOE
Megan-Lasagna’s skillset is packed to the brim, like a good surf van. She’s sporty, creative, and speaking of, she can pack the surf van with the accuracy of a lifelong State Parks pass holder.
Creatively, Megan can come up with a new game in her sleep (i.e. Meg’s Magic Wave Machine) and somehow,
her team always finds a way to win
during our Olympics.
When Megan isn’t leading campers to Olympic victory, she can be found coaching lacrosse and playing Varsity Lacrosse for LB Wilson.
MEGAN
Big Sister, Kay Kay is a magnet for our youngest campers and it’s easy to see why. She is the oldest of 3 and it shows in her care and concern for our groms.
Scared to swim around the buoy? She will swim next yo you. Need a buddy on a paddle? Hop on her board.
When Kaylee isn’t nurturing our groms, you can find her up and down the coast, exploring the ocean, surfing and swimming Varsity for LB Wilson.
KAYLEE
Our oldest son, YY Mitch learned all of his father’s good habits and none of his bad ones.
He’s a highly skilled waterman and athlete who also puts away his laundry. When he’s not breaking LB Wilson swim relay records or playing water polo, he’s acting as the beach jungle gym and helping kids get into waves.
WYATT
Swella is like that cool cousin who always has something fun going on. The key is that she’s responsible, so your mom lets you go anywhere with her. She has a joyful command of our campers and according to any mother within a mile of her home, she’s always been this way, leading kids to the ocean, helping them get up on surfboards and returning them in one piece.
When Ella isn’t drumming up a game of capture the flag, you can find her involved in ASB for LB Wilson.
ELLA
Madi aka Lil-Madi is everyone’s best friend and big sister.She’s clearly done her big sister duties as she’s never met a younger camper who doesn’t love her. Scared to make new friends at camp?
Lil-Madi can be your first!
Any camper who is paired with Lil-Madi in the canoe, on the paddle board with her, or even just paddling near her will have a fun time singing songs while exploring the canals. Fortunately, she has the voice of an angel.
When Lil-Madi isn’t serenading campers in the Naples canals, you can find her under the Friday Night Lights cheering on Wilson’s Football team.
MADISYN
Big sister to 2 brothers, Saylor Swift or Say Say knows how to keep it fun and rowdy. She’s always smiling and keeps the campers stoked!
Saylor leads camp sing-alongs and can make a friendship bracelet faster than a camper can run to the bathrooms
at Leeway.
When she’s not leading karaoke at camp, Saylor is an active leader in her church’s high school ministry and travels the world with her soccer team.
SAYLOR
Macie aka Mae Mae has a caring heart and a love for all of our campers big and small. She’s the first person to volunteer to help and the last one to leave the work day.
Macie was our first Aqualand camper to earn the Stung But Not Stopped award for continuing to enter the water after multiple sting ray hits.
She’s a great swimmer and started her love for the ocean with family trips to Catalina and summers sailing in the bay. When she’s not running to get campers ice packs, Macie loves collecting jellycats and swimming for Shore Aquatics.
MACIE
Aqualand Interns (nicknames vary) share a love of the water, campers and the Aqualand way.
We have high standards for our interns and enjoy passing along our values, life skills and work ethic through mentorship in and out of the water.
In return, these amazing young people bring the joy and stoke that our campers love to be around.