Aqualand of the Free began as a family endeavor rooted in a simple truth — our family feels most at home in the water. We spend as much time as possible exploring and learning in the ocean and waterways of Long Beach and North Orange County, and that shared passion naturally grew into the programs we now offer to the community.
Through our work, we lead waterman camps on Alamitos Bay, surf and ocean programs along our local coastline, and Seal Training and Junior Guard preparation experiences. Outside of camp hours, we are still students of the water — trying new activities, refining skills, and discovering what is worth passing on to the kids and families we serve.
While Aqualand started with our family of six and our immediate community, it exists to benefit many more. Each of us contributes to the experience, and we strive to keep our interactions personal, welcoming, and grounded in community.
Why the Name Aqualand
The name came from a realization of how fortunate we are to live in what’s often called the Aquatic Capital of America. Within just a few miles, nearly every kind of water activity is accessible — from surfing local breaks to paddling through the Naples canals or exploring Alamitos Bay.
To us, this unique coastal environment feels like its own world — a place where the water is part of everyday life. We call that world Aqualand.
Our Mission
As a California public benefit organization, Aqualand of the Free exists to safely pass down waterman skills to the next generation and foster a lifelong connection to the bay and ocean.
We aim to expand access to aquatic education for children and families from across Los Angeles County, Orange County, and surrounding communities. Our programs are designed to build confidence, teach practical safety skills, and nurture respect for the coastal environment.
We are committed to keeping our programs accessible by maintaining affordable rates and offering scholarships and discounts to families whenever possible, ensuring that more children have the opportunity to participate regardless of financial circumstances.
Aqualand of the Free is transitioning to a California public benefit nonprofit organization. Our state and federal applications are in progress, and we continue to operate our youth water education programs during this process.
At the heart of our work is the belief that time in the water encourages resilience, joy, and a sense of freedom — qualities that have shaped our family and that we hope will positively impact the families we serve.
Welcome to the Aqualand community,
Matty & 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
Chris Schooley, known as "Sergeant Schools" at Aqualand, has extensive experience in fitness and personal development. He’s the Uncle you can trust to protect your life!
After serving in the 2nd Battalion 5th Marines during Desert Storm and Somalia, he taught Elementary Physical Education for 13 years and coached soccer, baseball, and football for over 15 years, fostering children's health and confidence. Now at Aqualand, he focuses on teamwork, fitness, and mentorship in Seal Training, emphasizing ocean safety and waterman confidence.
SGT SCHOOLS
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
Now, full time lifeguard and Aqualand substitute instructor, 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 manning her chair as a LB lifeguard. In her free time, she’s driving up and down the coast, exploring the ocean.
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 (most of the time).
When he’s not playing water polo for CN Marseille, he’s acting as the beach jungle gym and helping kids get into waves.
WYATT
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
LB WIlson .
MACIE
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 studying at UCSB!
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
PENN
Our son, Penn, Penny or Yung-Pennington can most often be found at the Wilson H.S. baseball diamond, but growing up in the Mitchell house has him in the water often.
Penn is a big brother to our 2 girls and has a caring heart and lots of fun with them.
He’s a favorite of our young male campers who cheer when he can squeeze an Aqualand shift in around his sports.
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.