This summer, Sanibel Sea School is thrilled to reconnect with an important community partner through our A Chance to Sea program: the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County.

“We began forming a partnership in 2022 with a shared goal of providing meaningful coastal and marine science experiences for local youth,” shared Sanibel Sea School Director Shannon Rivard. “We were excited to continue working together, but like so many in Southwest Florida, we found ourselves focused on recovery following Hurricane Ian. At the same time, the Boys & Girls Club was also undergoing renovations at their Park Meadows facility, putting our programs on hold.”

Now, as our community continues to return to a sense of normalcy, we are excited to bring this partnership back to life and create new opportunities for children to connect with nature.

Throughout the summer, campers from the Park Meadows Club will join us for four field trips to our main campus, where they’ll participate in hands-on marine science experiences at the beach. From exploring seagrass beds to observing marine life up close, these field trips give campers the opportunity to learn in the best way possible.

Not every child will be age-eligible for the field trips, so, in an effort to engage all campers, Marine Science Educators will also visit the Park Meadows Club each week throughout the summer, bringing marine science directly to their facility. Activities are designed to engage learners of all ages and include everything from crafting sea turtles out of sea grape leaves to observing live sand dollars and dissecting fish to explore anatomy.

Our first field trip took place on June 16, and it was a fantastic start to the season.

“The kids were great! They were enthusiastic and asked loads of questions,” shared Marine Science Educator Izzy Lutz. “Despite the heat, they never complained and enjoyed exploring squid anatomy.”

Another staff member, Emily Pipkin reflected on the day’s energy. “It was a beautiful morning; the water was calm, and spirits were high. It was hard to tell who was having more fun at some points—the campers or their chaperones!”

Programs like A Chance to Sea help ensure that all children have opportunities to experience the wonder of the coast.

“We are deeply grateful to Sanibel Sea School for their generosity and commitment to enriching the lives of our Club members,” shared Boys & Girls Club of Lee County CEO Denise Gergley. “Through this partnership, our youth have the opportunity to explore Southwest Florida’s unique coastal environment, spark new interests, and create experiences that will stay with them for years to come. We are proud to work alongside an organization that shares our dedication to helping young people learn, grow, and thrive.”

To support our mission of improving the ocean’s future, one person at a time, consider donating to our scholarship fund: https://sanibelseaschool.org/support-us/