Serving Up Skills & Confidence: How 805 Beach Inc. Helps Kids Thrive Through Volleyball | ParentNooz

Planning your child’s after school schedule just got easier. Noozhawk’s ParentNooz After School Activities Guide is your curated roadmap to the wide range of programs available to local families — from academic enrichment to sports, arts, and beyond.

To give parents a deeper look at what’s out there, we connected directly with leaders from Santa Barbara’s most dynamic after school programs. These interview style features offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the activities, philosophies, and benefits of each organization.

In this spotlight, we chatted with Ariana Garner, co-director of 805 Beach Inc., to learn how they’re helping kids grow strong, smart, and bold through this year’s lineup of offerings.

805 Beach Inc.

Question: What variety of afterschool activities do you offer to students?

Answer: 805 Beach offers after school beach volleyball clinics designed to keep beach volleyball skills sharp or for those trying beach volleyball for the first time. Our skill-based groups ensure every player gets exactly what they need to improve.
These are offered in the Fall and the Spring in addition to our 10 week Summer Camp program!

Q: Which age groups can participate in your afterschool programs?

A: 9 -17 year olds.

Q: In what ways do your activities support children’s developmental growth?

A: Builds Strength & Coordination – Playing on sand improves balance, agility, and overall fitness.

Boosts Confidence & Resilience – Kids develop mental toughness by facing challenges like tough drills, playing against opponents and the outside elements.

Teaches Teamwork & Communication – Playing with new teammates challenges kids to develop clear communication styles.

Improves Focus & Decision-Making – Fast-paced play sharpens concentration and strategic thinking.

Encourages a Healthy, Active Lifestyle – Being outdoors and moving consistently promotes physical and emotional well-being.

Q: What sets your afterschool programs apart from others in the community?

A: Just like our summer camp, we’re committed to creating a positive, safe, and healthy environment where kids can be outdoors, connect with others, grow individually, and stay active. We’re also proud to be one of the most affordable programs around—keeping costs low so more families in our community can participate.

Q: Could you share a few success stories or parent/student testimonials about your programs?

A: Thank you so much for Eva’s wonderful experience on your camp. She learnt so much there. Your coaches were great at teaching the kids in a fun way. As we came from Ireland for the Summer with Our 10 year old, it was lovely to see her mix in with kids her own age and older on the beach playing volleyball. -Camper’s mom

Seems like Harper is really enjoying learning volleyball skills! Thank you for teaching and encouraging the next generation. ❤️❤️

Thank you so much for having Eden at your beach camp this summer. She had so much fun and learned a lot!

Q: What steps do you take to ensure the safety and well-being of children during program hours?

A: Coaches take responsibility for each kid in their group for the whole clinic– they greet kids upon arrival and wait for them to be picked up by an adult in the bathhouse parking lot.

Q: What training and qualifications do your staff members have to work with children?

A: Our coaching staff are all CPR, first aid and epi pen certified. Each coach has been finger printed, test for TB and have completed the coaches training provided by the parks and rec. department.

Q: How do you integrate educational components into your afterschool activities?

A: We integrate educational components by combining physical activity with skill-building, teamwork, and decision-making. Each session includes goal-setting, communication exercises, and opportunities to reflect on progress.

We also weave in lessons on sportsmanship, responsibility, and leadership—all of which support personal growth beyond the sport of beach volleyball!

Q: Can you walk us through a typical day or session in your program?

A: At check-in, players will be assigned to a court based on their skill level. Upon arrival at their designated court, coaches will greet them and introduce them to their group.

Each session will begin with a fun icebreaker challenge to help players get to know one another and their coach. After that, the coach will introduce the skill focus for the day.

On the first day, we’ll be working on passing and ball control. Coaches will break down the technique, followed by targeted drills to reinforce the skill. Water breaks will be scheduled throughout the session. We’ll wrap up with a fun challenge or game play that highlights the day’s skill focus in action.

Q: How do you help children who may feel shy or reluctant to join in?

A: We focus on creating a welcoming, low-pressure environment. We greet each child by name and pair those who are shy or hesitant with a supportive partner or small group. We use fun, low-stress icebreakers to help them ease in and give positive feedback to build confidence. We’re patient and supportive, allowing kids to join in at their own pace.

Q: How do you keep parents informed about their child’s progress and experiences?

A: We keep parents informed through regular communication via email and personal check-ins. We provide updates at pick-up, share highlights from sessions, and let parents know about progress or any concerns. For special moments or achievements, we love sharing photos or quick messages so families feel connected to their child’s experience.

Q: Are there any special events, showcases, or seasonal highlights kids can look forward to?

A: Kids can look forward to our 4th clinic, where they’ll team up and showcase the skills they’ve built over the first three sessions. They can also get excited for our summer camps—week-long experiences filled with training, games, and a fun Friday tournament that brings together players of different ages and skill levels.

It’s a great opportunity to highlight the teamwork, communication, and volleyball skills they’ve developed through our 805 Beach clinics and camps.

Q: What is your approach to managing behavioral challenges or conflicts during activities?

A: 805 Beach does not tolerate any bullying of any kind. We take a proactive, respectful approach to managing behavior. There are clear expectations from the start and we keep activities engaging to prevent issues.

If challenges arise, they will be address calmly and privately, helping the child reflect and take responsibility. When needed, we involve parents to work together on a solution. Our goal is always to support growth—both on and off the court.

Q: What enrollment options and pricing do you offer for your afterschool programs?

A: Pricing is $125 for residents and $137 for non residents.
There is one scholarship awarded for each session.

Q: How do you gather and use feedback from families to improve your offerings?

A: Feedback is always welcomed– after ach session parents are emailed an anonymous survey with a series of questions about their kids experience in our clinics. We take this data to improve our offerings so we can provide the best experience possible for the community.

Click here to learn more about 805 Beach Inc.!