Our Mission
Surfing Madonna Oceans Project is a community who are inspired by
Mark Patterson’s Surfing Madonna mosaic.
His artistic vision and spirit of environmental preservation encourages us to share our skills and resources to promote public displays of artistic expression, create experiences of joy in natural environments, promote ocean awareness and save the ocean for all to enjoy.
Special Needs Surf Camp 2021 by Tucker Allen
Our Vision of Hope
Our vision of human wholeness is for everyone to be empowered to experience nature as a beloved, shared partner in a healthy lifestyle of physical rejuvenation, creative inspiration and joy.
We want everyone to be connected to the arts through
participation and appreciation, regardless of economic status.
We value the vital well being that joyfull experiences in nature brings, and want that access to be available for all including underserved communities.
We belive everyone benefits from the experience of self respect that comes from volunteerism.
WHAT WE DO
PROTECT & SHARE
OCEANS
We help protect our ocean by creating ocean advocates through youth education programs, marine mammal safety initiatives, and beach clean ups.
ARTS
We share our resources and create opportunities for local artists by giving awards, producing programming and creating opportunities for the public to share in the arts.
COMMUNITY
Surf camps for giving those families in need a chance to share the joy of riding waves and enjoying our precious resource. Contributing to great local programs for all.
Surf Camp
Surf Camp begins June 14, 2025! We are sold out in Encinitas and have a few spots left for Oceanside! To get on the waiting list please contact
We love our volunteers! Join us for a joyous experience! The volunteer registration is open!
Surf Camp for
Special Needs Kids
Helping The Community
Surf Camp for Kids with Special Needs Every summer, Surfing Madonna Oceans Project hosts an incredible surf camp for kids with special needs at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas. This program, which is completely free to all participants, is an opportunity for these youths to build their self-confidence as they learn a new skill and have fun! Participants receive one-on-one surf instruction at these camps which happen twice a month from May to September. For many of the children, surfing is a dream they never thought possible for them. Realizing this dream can be life changing.
Arts Programming
Reinforcing our Commitment
Surfing Madonna Oceans Project is a 501c3 nonprofit based in Encinitas, California and was officially formed in 2013 by Robert Nichols and Mark Patterson (artist of the Surfing Madonna mosaic). The specific purpose for forming the nonprofit was to conserve, maintain and promote the public display of art and to promote environmental conservation efforts. Future projects include partnerships with local arts groups, direct awards to local artists and a series of articles in local news outlets promoting the arts.
Ocean Ecology
Creating Ocean Advocates
At Surfing Madonna Oceans Project, we are dedicated to inspiring the community to visit and enjoy the beautiful ocean! Check out some videos of snorkeling right off the Encinitas coast!
We want to empower everyone to have access.
We want to encourage everyone to help with beach clean-ups.
Saving the Ocean is by no means an easy feat, but through cooperation and community empowerment we believe we can facilitate progress in this area. We are always striving to make a difference, and invite you to learn more and lend your support.
Contact
Surfing Madonna
Get in touch with Surfing Madonna Oceans Project to learn more about our Arts Programming, Surf Camps, Ocean Preservation, and Challenge Events.
1106 2nd Street,
Suite 301
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 917-5291
Our Sponsors
Successful Collaborations
Thank you Revcomm Foundation
For Choosing Us to Win the "Grant Tank" Event!
Join local philanthropic investors, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and passionate community changemakers for Grant Tank event presented by RevComm Foundation. During this fun and unconventional spin on ABC’s hit show Shark Tank, RevComm Foundation will invite local nonprofit organizations to pitch their mission and vision to an audience and most importantly an assembly of generous philanthropic “Sharks”. This interactive event will give nonprofit organizations a chance to secure the funding needed to further their mission.
Supervisor Joel Anderson District 2
In Support of "Ocean-Earth-Air" Art & Poetry Exhibit
The Team of Supervisor Joel Anderson presented each of the participating artists, poets and band members with a certificate of recognition in addition to financial support of the show with a Community Enhancement Grant. "Ocean-Earth-Air" was a juried regional show about our beautiful, fragile and fascinating world. Over 100 artists and poets from across California were juried in to showcase their work on the environmental theme during the month of April 2023 with the reception on Sunday, April 23 of Earth Day weekend.
California Coastal Conservancy
Explore the Coast Grant
Enthusiastic thanks for the opportunity to continue to provide our Special Needs Surf Camps to the communities of San Diego, Riverside, Orange and Los Angeles! Receipt of this grant will allow us to provide access to the coast for underserved communities and show them a fantastic day exploring the coast with supervised surf instruction, sand play and interactive fun with our many teen and adult volunteers for the summers of 2023 and 2024!
Board of Supervisors for District 3
San Diego County
Community Enhancement Grant
Thank you to the Board of Supervisors for the County of San Diego District 3! The award of this grant will help us continue to provide Special Needs Surf Camps and Arts Programming to the communities of:
Carlsbad, Encinitas , Rancho Santa Fe, Harmony Grove, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Torrey Highlands, La Jolla, Sorrento Valley, Carmel Valley, Rancho Penasquitos, Mira Mesa, University City, Pacific Highlands, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, Ocean Beach, Point Loma, Midway, Little Italy, Coronado
Community Enhancement Program
San Diego County
Community Enhancement Awards - Third District of San Diego County
2016/2017
2017/2018
2018/2019
2019/2020
2021/2022
Community Enhancement (CE) grant funding from the County is used to stimulate tourism, promote the economy, create jobs and improve quality of life for eligible local non-profit entities.
Neighborhood Reinvestment Program
San Diego County
Neighborhood Reinvestment Program
Third District of San Diego County
2016/2017
2017/2018
Neighborhood Reinvestment grant funding from the County is used to provide grant funds to County departments, public agencies, and to non-profit community organizations for one-time community, social, environmental, educational, cultural or recreational needs.
Ultima Hydration Replenisher
Donations of Ultima
To live your ultimate life you need to replenish what gets used up along the way. Ultima Replenisher is your daily hydrating electrolyte drink, water enhancer and all around refresher. Give your body the nutrients and flavor it craves with none of the sugar, carbs or calories. Available in powdered electrolyte mix cans and electrolyte packets.
Bare Republic
Everybody Under The Sun.
Donations of Bare Republic Sun Screen and Hand Sanitizer
We make safe, Adventure-ProofTM sunscreen to help our favorite people enjoy the outdoors with zero worries. Every clean-ingredient formula is thoughtfully designed to protect you, the people you love, and the environment.
Wittenberg Financial and Insurance Services Inc.
July 20, 2022 Surf Camp Sponsors
Since 1984, we have been serving San Diego County by helping individuals achieve their financial goals and dreams. Whether you are looking for retirement plans, 401k, 403b, or simply financial growth, using our expertise we are confident we can help you with your future plans!
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Reach Therapy
Special Needs Surf Camp Sponsors Summer 2022
Reach Therapy was founded on the belief that every child deserves a bright future regardless of
their need or disability. We are North County San Diego's ABA experts and are here to educate, support & provide a shoulder to lean on.
We Create Individualized Blueprints for Future Success for Children with Autism & Other Developmental Discorders
Kayla Mosca Foundation
Special Needs Surf Camp Sponsors Summer 2022
OUR MISSION:
Supporting families with an individual affected by Rett syndrome and related disorders by providing financial, emotional, and resource support to enrich their lives.
Life doesn't have to stop because of a disability! We have gotten so much fulfillment out of seeing Kayla enjoy adaptive activities and we would love to pass that along to other families.
Wilkinson & Finkbeiner
General Programming Sponsor
The San Diego family law attorneys at Wilkinson & Finkbeiner have represented clients across San Diego County for the past 10 years. Our highly experienced and compassionate team of attorneys specialize in divorce and family law issues and fight for the best possible results for every client. Reach out to our team of San Diego divorce and family lawyers for expert legal support with your case.
