Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph Evers.
Hi Joseph, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Lobster Jo’s was founded in 2020 by Joseph Evers while he was a student at UC Santa Barbara, with the goal of creating an affordable, community-centered summer camp that gave kids the opportunity to explore, play, and learn outdoors. What began as a small beach camp has grown into a network of programs throughout Santa Barbara County, including Beach, Art, and Skate Camps, as well as after-school programs at schools and districts throughout Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Montecito.
At the heart of Lobster Jo’s is the belief that every child deserves opportunities to build community, discover new interests, and express themselves. Through activities like surfing, skating, arts and crafts, beach games, and outdoor exploration, campers are encouraged to try new things, develop confidence, and create meaningful connections with their peers. Today, Lobster Jo’s continues to grow while staying true to its mission of inspiring curiosity, creativity, and tomorrow’s leaders through fun, accessible youth programs.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges Lobster Jo’s has faced was losing our long-standing camp location at East Beach. After operating there for several years, the City of Santa Barbara decided not to renew our recreation contract for the 2026 summer season, citing “program safety” and broader programmatic and operational considerations. The decision came as a surprise to our organization and our community, especially after years of working closely with the city and serving local families.
The decision created significant uncertainty for our staff and families and required us to quickly find an alternative location. We were fortunate to receive overwhelming support from parents, campers, counselors, and community members, many of whom spoke at a Santa Barbara City Council meeting about the importance of Lobster Jo’s to the community. Rather than allowing the setback to stop the program, we adapted and secured a permit to operate at Goleta Beach for the 2026 season.
While losing East Beach was a difficult obstacle, it ultimately demonstrated the strength of the Lobster Jo’s community and our ability to adapt. Moving forward, we are focused on continuing to provide accessible, outdoor programs for local children while building new partnerships and opportunities throughout the Santa Barbara area.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Lobster Jo’s Beach Camps?
I founded Lobster Jo’s in 2020 while I was attending UCSB, starting with a small beach camp and a vision of creating a place where kids could spend their summers exploring, playing, and building community outdoors. Since then, we’ve grown to offer Beach, Art, and Skate Camps, along with after-school programs through school districts and private schools throughout Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Montecito.
What sets Lobster Jo’s apart is our emphasis on genuine experiences and connection. We give kids the opportunity to try new things—from surfing and skating to art and outdoor exploration—while building confidence and friendships along the way. We’re also proud to employ local college students and alumni who bring their own energy, creativity, and passions to our programs.
More than anything, I’m proud of the community we’ve created. Families come back year after year, campers grow with us, and our staff becomes part of the experience. Even when we’ve faced challenges, including losing our longtime East Beach location, the support from our families and community has shown me how meaningful Lobster Jo’s has become. Our goal is simple: give every child the opportunity to explore, express themselves, and have a great time doing it.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to never be too quick to judge, especially when working with kids. There is almost always something happening behind the scenes that influences the way a child behaves, communicates, or responds. Running Lobster Jo’s has taught me to be more patient, listen first, and try to understand what might be behind a behavior rather than immediately reacting to it. That mindset has made me a better leader and has helped me create a more supportive environment for our campers and staff.
Pricing:
- Beach Camp is $320 a week
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lobsterjosbeachcamp.com/
- Instagram: @lobsterjosbeachcamp
- Facebook: @lobsterjosbeachcamp
