Is it a whale? Is it a dolphin? It’s an Orca! These famous marine mammals, known as ‘killer whales’, are among the most powerful and intelligent animals in the world’s oceans. Often associated with whales, orcas are actually the largest species of dolphin!  Although related to whales, due to their tapered, beak-like mouth and hydrodynamic body shape, they are far more similar to their dolphin counterparts than most other whales.

Orcas are found in every ocean around the world, making them the most widely distributed dolphin. As a result, there are many populations of orcas, most of which will never interact and have specialized their hunting and foraging behaviors to their environments.

For example, the main diet of Antarctic populations consists of seals, which are also intelligent, fast animals. The local seals will find protection atop floating icebergs, which, for most predators, makes them untouchable. The local orcas, however, use a technique called wave-washing in which they work together to push the seal into the water. The pod identifies their target and creates a battle line to charge at the seal and its iceberg, but at the last minute, they duck underwater. The momentum of their charge sends a wave hurtling towards the seal, making the surface too slippery and sending the seal scrambling into the water.

Due to past population culling, orcas are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which has allowed most populations to bounce back to healthy, balanced levels. Unfortunately, the population of orcas that live in California up to Alaska is critically endangered and has been protected under the Endangered Species Act since 2005. Due to their range, this group of orcas is also protected under Canada’s Species at Risk Act.

These animals are highly social! Most of them live in groups called pods, and they tend to stay with the pod for life. Orcas, like other dolphin species, use a series of clicks and whistles to communicate with one another. These sounds can travel far distances in the water, which is very useful for a group of animals that rely so heavily on teamwork for hunting.

These powerful predators are famous for good reason! They are highly intelligent, highly social animals who deserve our love and protection.

Sources

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/killer-whale

https://oceanconservancy.org/blog/2019/03/13/orca-not-whale/

https://www.antarctica.gov.au/about-antarctica/animals/whales/killer-whale

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/animals-up-close-wave-washing-killer-whales#:~:text=Speeding%20toward%20a%20seal%2C%20orcas,seal%20off%20the%20ice%20floe.

Article Written by Izzy Lutz

Foreword by Austin Wise:

Ever since I was a kid, I have had an innate infatuation with animals. I was constantly playing with animal toys, particularly ocean animals. One day, my parents introduced me to the movie Free Willy, which centers around a young boy forming a bond with a captive Killer Whale named Willy and doing everything he can to help return the animal to the wild. I was hooked. From that day on, I was obsessed with Killer Whales, wanting to learn everything there is to know about them. As a marine scientist now, I have come to learn about the 10 fascinating ecotypes of Killer Whales, their vast differences in prey and hunting grounds, and their extraordinarily social and complex way of life. Any chance I get, I am happy to talk anyone’s ear off about these amazing creatures.

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Launching from Bowman’s Beach two hours before sunset, the group set out, gliding quietly through winding mangroves as the day began its slow transition into evening. The stillness of the water and the softening light created the perfect backdrop for an immersive coastal experience.

“The wildlife did not disappoint. The group was treated to an active evening of bird sightings including night herons, cormorants, and ospreys flying overhead,” recalled Wise. “One of the most memorable moments came when we found a live adult horseshoe crab. The group was surprised to learn that, despite its name, the horseshoe crab isn’t a true crab at all, but is more closely related to arachnids.”

Midway through the paddle, the group pulled ashore for a relaxed beach walk. Participants found themselves immersed in Sanibel’s renowned shelling, many leaving with bags full of treasures to add to their collections. The simple joy of searching the shoreline, paired with hands-on learning about local marine life, made for a meaningful connection.

As the sun dipped toward the horizon, the group paused to take in the view: an expanse of glowing sky reflected across calm waters. Several participants remarked on the peacefulness of the experience.

“We participated in the inaugural Sunset Paddle, and it was AMAZING,” shared paddle participant Beth Emmendorfer. “Austin was an amazing teacher/guide and shared great information regarding the wildlife, the Gulf, and the seashells. It was a relaxing, fun evening for our family. I would recommend everyone visiting the island to check out SCCF and the Sanibel Sea School to see what they have to offer.”

Two additional sunset paddles are scheduled for May 14 and June 3. Those interested in experiencing an evening on the water can learn more and register here: https://sanibelseaschool.org/programs/families-and-groups/

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As part of a broader mission, Child Care of Southwest Florida operates ten high-quality, nonprofit learning centers across Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, and LaBelle, while also empowering families through scholarships and financial assistance. The Fort Myers-based Joseph H. Messina Children’s Center supports families through free VPK programming, with care available both before and after school.

Together with Sanibel Sea School, the center has been working since 2018 to expand access to enriching educational opportunities for children who might not otherwise experience them. This partnership has connected thousands of deserving students to Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems.

Sanibel Sea School educators have used program vans to bring school-age children to the beach for immersive field trips and have regularly visited the center to bring marine science directly to students on campus.

During the current school year, educators have visited monthly to deliver hands-on lessons and activities tailored for VPK students.

On April 21, Marine Science Educator Izzy Lutz led students through a “creature feature” to meet live animals from Sanibel Sea School’s aquariums. They learned about two groups of animals, beginning with crabs, including a large hermit crab and a spider crab.

Students observed their unique features and gently touched their carapaces (outer shell) as they learned about their habitat. The experience continued with echinoderms, where students examined the colors and textures of a purple sea urchin and a sea star.

“Next, we took our learning outdoors with a lively game of ‘echinoderm tag,’ reinforcing the concept of sea star regeneration as they played and learned together,” said Lutz.

Sanibel Sea School will return to the Joseph H. Messina Center in May for its final visit of the school year, with plans to resume monthly programming in September. These continued visits ensure that students remain engaged, curious, and connected to the natural world around them.

Programs like this are made possible through Sanibel Sea School’s scholarship fund, which helps remove barriers and create opportunities for children to experience the coast in meaningful ways.

Learn more and support A Chance to Sea here.

Part of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF), Sanibel Sea School’s mission is to improve the ocean’s future, one person at a time.

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“Programs like these are a cornerstone of the ongoing partnership between Sanibel Sea School and The Sanibel School. By working with students across all grade levels, educators can reinforce classroom learning while fostering a deeper connection to the local environment,” said Shannon Rivard, Sanibel Sea School Director. “Students not only gain scientific knowledge, but they also develop a sense of stewardship for the coastal ecosystems that make their island home so special.”

For the 6th graders, the focus was on classification and taxonomy: the science of grouping living things. But this wasn’t a lesson confined to textbooks. Students rolled up their sleeves and dove into a classification lab featuring vertical oyster gardens — habitats teeming with life. As they carefully examined the structures, students discovered a surprising diversity of organisms living among the oysters, including mussels, barnacles, sponges, shrimp, and various types of algae.

Guided by Lutz, students used observation and critical thinking to sort them into their respective phyla. Along the way, moments of wonder and excitement filled the room. When students learned that a single oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water a day, one exclaimed, “50 gallons?! That’s crazy—I didn’t know they could do that.”

Others were equally amazed by the biodiversity they uncovered. “I can’t believe all those animals live in there!” one student shared, peering closely at the tiny invertebrates.

Meanwhile, 7th graders explored an entirely different, but equally fascinating, subject: plankton. Students examined water samples under microscopes, learning how to identify both zooplankton and phytoplankton. They formed hypotheses about which samples would contain the most plankton, setting the stage for scientific inquiry and discovery.

Working in small groups, students rotated through microscopes, eagerly scanning their samples. Excitement bubbled up across the classroom as discoveries were made. “I see something!” one student called out, followed quickly by, “So that thing is alive? That’s so cool!” These moments of realization highlighted the power of hands-on learning to bring abstract concepts to life.

Part of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF), Sanibel Sea School’s mission is to improve the ocean’s future, one person at a time.

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Working closely with teachers ahead of the visits, educators designed the experience to align with the classroom curriculum and science standards while providing students with meaningful, hands-on opportunities to explore coastal ecosystems. The day’s activities focused on comparing plant and animal structures, adaptations, and the unique ways living things survive in their environments.

Throughout the day, students rotated through a variety of interactive field stations that encouraged close observation and scientific thinking. While exploring seagrass beds with dip net and a seine nets, students discovered marine creatures hidden beneath the surface and compared the anatomical features that help different species thrive.

“One especially memorable moment came when a student discovered a sea star while walking the shoreline,” shared Jordyn Sateren, Marine Science Educator. “Amazed by the movement of its tiny tube feet, the student carefully observed the animal before gently returning it to the water.”

A highlight for many students was participating in a dogfish dissection, where they compared sharks to bony fish and learned how specific adaptations help different sharks survive in the ocean.

During a wrack line investigation, students sorted and examined the organisms and plant material they had collected earlier in the day, discussing the ecological importance of each species before observing specimens under a microscope. The day also included camouflage games and creative activities where students designed their own animals using survival traits inspired by nature. After a full day of activities, students wrapped up the experience with extra beach time and surfing just for fun.

“Because UptheGrove Elementary is located more than an hour from the coast, it’s really special that this group gets to stay with us all day and maximize the beach time,” shared Shannon Rivard, Sanibel Sea School Director. “For many students, this was a rare opportunity to experience the Gulf Coast firsthand.”

The excitement and wonder of the day were impossible to miss. Educators shared that they heard countless remarks of “best day ever” and “best field trip ever” as students boarded buses to head home.

Experiences like these are made possible by Sanibel Sea School’s scholarship fund, which supports A Chance to Sea programs. Please consider donating to help more students connect classroom science to the natural world in unforgettable ways while building curiosity, confidence, and a deeper appreciation for coastal ecosystems.

Learn more here: https://sanibelseaschool.org/a-chance-to-sea/

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Jack Sergeant

Where are you from? I’m from Sanibel.

What’s your favorite sea creature? Tarpon because they’re my favorite species to target fishing, they’re magnificent to see on the hook

What are you most looking forward to this summer? I’m most looking forward to bonding with kids and making them love the water

You’re planning your next trip. Are you headed to the beach, mountains, forest, or desert? For vacation I’m headed to the beach to surf

What is your favorite outdoor activity? My favorite outdoor activity is surfing

If you had a theme song, what would it be? If I had a theme song it would be seabird by the innovations

Anything else you’d like to share with us? I’m so excited for the summer!

Bella Moon

Where are you from? I’m from Fort Myers, Florida!

What’s your favorite sea creature? My favorite sea creature (at the moment) is a parrotfish because of their vibrant colors and importance to reef and beach health!

What are you most looking forward to this summer? Getting to explore the biodiversity that Sanibel island has to offer with the most awesome campers! 

You’re planning your next trip. Are you headed to the beach, mountains, forest, or desert? Right now it would be the mountains- I’ve been wanting to try camping with pretty views.

What is your favorite outdoor activity? Too hard to pick between paddle boarding, snorkeling, and shelling.

If you had a theme song, what would it be? “Take it easy” by the Eagles-my favorite song of all time that’s great for jamming out but also a reminder to live in the moment and not let the little things overwhelm you!

Anything else you’d like to share with us? I’m currently earning my bachelors in biology at Florida Atlantic studying environmental science and am the event coordinator for the FAU Sustainability Club! I’m a southwest Florida native but I enjoy traveling all over.

Jake Raterman

Where are you from? I’m originally from New Jersey, but I moved to Sanibel in 2018!

What’s your favorite sea creature? My favorite big sea creature is an orca because they’re so smart and my favorite little creature is a wentletrap because they’re so intricate.

What are you most looking forward to this summer? I’m most excited to play (and win!) capture the fish, and to work on my bird identification skills. 

You’re planning your next trip. Are you headed to the beach, mountains, forest, or desert? I haven’t gone skiing in a few years, so I’d like to go to the mountains and get back on the slopes. 

What is your favorite outdoor activity? Sitting in a big ol pile of shells digging for treasures.

If you had a theme song, what would it be? Hot Wings from the movie Rio. 

Alissa Maenner

Where are you from? I am originally from Janesville, Wisconsin, but I went to University in Ås, Norway, and I lived there for many years.

What’s your favorite sea creature? My favorite sea creature has to be the jellyfish, and I am hoping to see some mushroom cap jellyfish when working at Sanibel Island.

What are you most looking forward to this summer? I am most looking forward to creating connections with kids and discovering different marine animals each day! Additionally, I am very excited to teach about the importance of conserving Sanibel’s mangrove ecosystems. 

You’re planning your next trip. Are you headed to the beach, mountains, forest, or desert? If I were planning my next vacation, I definitely would be going to the beach. I always feel the most at peace when by the ocean.

What is your favorite outdoor activity? My favorite outdoor activity would be paddleboarding. I often like going paddleboarding early in the morning during sunrise. In Wisconsin, I would paddleboard on the lakes and watch the herons in the morning. In Florida, I am excited to do some paddleboarding in the ocean and in estuaries to observe the beauty of Florida’s natural environment.

If you had a theme song, what would it be? If I had a theme song, I would pick an ABBA song like Waterloo. I love the song, and I will always have such a neighborly love for the Swedish pop stars. 

Anything else you’d like to share with us? I am very excited to work with the SCCF at the Sanibel Sea School, and I cannot wait to meet everyone! 

Elisabeth Ressler

Where are you from? I am from Armagh, Pennsylvania, but I am currently going to college in Laramie, Wyoming.

What’s your favorite sea creature? My favorite sea animal is a Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle. I think they are so beautiful and I admire their resilience.

What are you most looking forward to this summer? I am most looking forward to sharing my knowledge and passion for the planet and marine ecosystems with the campers. 

You’re planning your next trip. Are you headed to the beach, mountains, forest, or desert? If I were to plan a trip, I would go to the Pacific Northwest to experience the mountains and the beach in one. I have never been and I heard it is beautiful!

What is your favorite outdoor activity? My favorite outdoor activity is hiking and hanging out by the water. It would be even better if I could hike to a lake!

If you had a theme song, what would it be? Choosing a theme song for myself is so difficult but I think I would go with Silver Lining by Mt. Joy, because I like to find the silver lining in everything I can.

Anything else you’d like to share with us? I am so excited for this summer. It is going to be awesome!

Riley Stevens

Where are you from? I am from Fort Myers, Florida.

What’s your favorite sea creature? Snook, because I grew up catching them around Sanibel.

What are you most looking forward to this summer? Sharing my love for water and the outdoors with the Sanibel Sea School camp members.

You’re planning your next trip. Are you headed to the beach, mountains, forest, or desert? Mountains! I would be going fly fishing in Blue Ridge, Georgia.

What is your favorite outdoor activity? Fly Fishing

If you had a theme song, what would it be? Huntin, Fishin, And Lovin Every Day by Luke Bryan

Anything else you’d like to share with us? I am so excited for this summer. It is going to be awesome!

Tom Bredlau

Where are you from? I am from Millburn, New Jersey

What’s your favorite sea creature? My favorite sea creature is the sunfish, I find its appearance both funny and unique.

What are you most looking forward to this summer? This summer, I am most looking forward to exploring my passion for the ocean and educating youth. 

You’re planning your next trip. Are you headed to the beach, mountains, forest, or desert? If I were planning my next trip, I would have to choose the mountains. As much as I enjoy the beach and swimming, hiking, camping, and skiing are activities I can’t live without! 

What is your favorite outdoor activity? My favorite outdoor activity, as mentioned, is camping. One adventure I want to have this summer is a camping trip in the Everglades.

If you had a theme song, what would it be? My theme song would probably be the NFL Main theme song, it’s exciting and energetic and I love football.

Monika Schneider

Where are you from? I am originally from Ohio, but I just recently moved to Cape Coral!

What’s your favorite sea creature? My favorite sea creatures are Orcas because of how intelligent and interesting they are!

What are you most looking forward to this summer? I am looking forward to sharing my love of the ocean with other people!!

You’re planning your next trip. Are you headed to the beach, mountains, forest, or desert? Since I get to work at the ocean everyday, I would love to visit the mountains. 

What is your favorite outdoor activity? While i’m not a pro, my favorite outdoor activity has to be surfing! 

If you had a theme song, what would it be? My theme song is definitely Surf Crazy from Teen Beach Movie!

Kaley Junkin

Where are you from? Born and raised in Fort Myers!

What’s your favorite sea creature? Spotted Eagle Ray, they are majestic and beautiful. Rare to see, but ive been lucky enough to spot a few “flying” off the point of the lighthouse beach on Sanibel!

What are you most looking forward to this summer? Getting to share my two passions, teaching children and marine science. Also, seeing the faces of the kids when they discover something new or try something new for the first time!

You’re planning your next trip. Are you headed to the beach, mountains, forest, or desert? Absolutely the beach, it’s my second home, or Disney World, that’s my third home!

What is your favorite outdoor activity? Fishing or boating

If you had a theme song, what would it be? Coastline by Hollow Coves

Anything else you’d like to share with us? I am a 5^th grade math and science teacher and I love my job! My husband, Michael, and I used to live on Sanibel for 3 years. It was our first home together and we are so blessed to have been able to live in such a beautiful place. We lost our home to Hurricane Ian, but it taught us to be grateful for every moment we have and cherish life!

Jazmin Ramirez

Where are you from? Fort Myers, FL

What’s your favorite sea creature? My favorite sea creature is the Flapjack Octopus because they have their own brand of camouflage, and they are so cute that researchers once considered naming a species Opisthoteuthis adorabilis.

What are you most looking forward to this summer? I am most looking forward to creating lasting memories with all the campers and watching them fall in love with learning!

You’re planning your next trip. Are you headed to the beach, mountains, forest, or desert? I am heading to the forest! 

What is your favorite outdoor activity? I love to hike and take photos of all the sights!

If you had a theme song, what would it be? Come On Eileen by Dexys Midnight Runners

Anything else you’d like to share with us? I am currently attending FGCU, majoring in Special Education, and I am excited to gain more teaching experience through this amazing opportunity!

Maddie Lovell

Maddie Lovell is a frequent visitor of Sanibel Island and is looking forward to spending her summer working here. She is a rising senior double majoring in Psychology (with a focus in Child Psychology) and American Sign Language at Kent State University. Maddie is excited for this opportunity to work in Southwest Florida’s unique coastal ecosystems while fostering curiosity, confidence, and environmental stewardship in young learners.

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Deep Sea Octopus

Researchers at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute have observed a species of deep-sea octopus (Graneledone boreopacifica) brooding the same eggs for four and a half years – this is longer than any other known animal! The female octopus keeps the eggs clean and safe while they develop. Researchers at MBARI never saw her leave the eggs or eat anything. Most female octopuses only lay one set of eggs in their lives and then pass shortly after. This long brooding period ensures that the babies are fully developed and able to survive on their own once they hatch. (1)

Sperm Whale

Recently, the first recorded birth of a sperm whale was documented, showing that, instead of giving birth alone, they use a complex social network to help them through the process. Because sperm whales spend most of their lives far away from humans in the deep sea, there is a lot that we don’t know about them. This footage shows a mother giving birth, accompanied by a cooperative group response from other female sperm whales. Individuals surround the mother in a protective formation, suggesting that birth is a shared responsibility. (2)

Manatees

Manatees are dedicated mothers, teaching their calves everything they need to survive on their own. Female manatees have a gestation period of about 12-13 months and usually give birth to only one calf. Newborns can start nursing almost immediately and may continue to nurse for up to two years. (3)

References

1. https://www.mbari.org/news/deep-sea-octopus-broods-eggs-for-over-four-years-longer-than-any-known-animal/
2. https://indiandefencereview.com/sperm-whale-birth-filmed-for-first-time/
3. https://savethemanatee.org/manatee-moms-nurturing-the-next-generation/

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On March 17, Sanibel Sea School hosted a special afternoon field trip for students enrolled in the Pine Manor Improvement Association’s after-school program in partnership with the Children’s Advocacy Center. With school out for the week, this trip offered a meaningful way to stay engaged, active, and connected to nature.

Marine Science Educators Jordyn Sateren and Austin Wise picked students up directly from the Pine Manor Community Center and provided transportation to the beach, removing a common barrier and making it easier for families to say “yes” to opportunities like this. From there, the group headed to Bunche Beach Preserve, a dynamic coastal habitat in South Fort Myers perfect for hands-on exploration.

Timing the trip for low tide gave students the chance to spread out across the exposed mudflats, where curiosity quickly took over. Armed with dip nets and a sense of adventure, they began exploring tide pools, flipping rocks, and wading through the shallow water in search of marine life.

“We found tons of pipefish, tiny shrimp, small fish hiding in the algae, and more than 50 horseshoe crab molts,” noted Sateren. “Despite chilly temperatures and steady wind, the students’ enthusiasm never wavered. Some students mentioned that they had been counting down the hours until it was time for Sea School.”

This field trip is part of a long-standing partnership between Sanibel Sea School and the Pine Manor Improvement Association, which dates back to 2011. Over the years, the collaboration has taken many forms — from Saturday programs for teens to the current after-school offerings — each designed to serve the evolving needs of the Pine Manor community.

The Pine Manor Improvement Association plays a vital role in Fort Myers, providing coordinated services, events, and programs that support nutritional needs, job training, family connection, and community safety. As a neighborhood identified by the Lee County Board of County Commissioners as in need of direct social service assistance, Pine Manor benefits from partnerships that expand access to enriching experiences like this one.

By bringing students to the beach at no cost during a time when many programs pause, this field trip reflects a shared commitment to equity and access, and the belief that every child deserves the chance to explore, learn, and feel a sense of belonging to the coast.

Learn more about A Chance to Sea programs and how you can support them>>>

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Allen Park has been bringing students to Sanibel Sea School since 2016, building a long-standing partnership rooted in connecting classroom learning with meaningful, hands-on experiences. As a Title I school, Allen Park Elementary participates in Sanibel Sea School’s A Chance to Sea initiative, a donor-supported scholarship program. The program is designed to ensure that all students have access to high-quality environmental education.

During their visit, students rotated through three different learning stations, each tailored to support their curriculum and spark curiosity about the natural world. Schools can choose from a variety of experiences in Sanibel Sea School’s course catalog, enabling teachers to align field trip content with classroom goals.

One of the most popular stations brought students into the shallow Gulf waters, where they used handheld nets to search for marine life. With guidance from Austin Wise, Marine Science Educator, students worked together to catch and observe creatures while learning about their biology and behavior.

“At the shoreline, we scooped up handfuls of wet sand and discovered coquina clams burying themselves with their gooey foot,” recalled Wise. “Moments later, excitement rippled through the group when a student made a new discovery of her own. She shouted, ‘It’s moving! I’ve never seen a hermit crab before. Everyone gathered around to gently take turns letting the tiny crab crawl over their hands before returning it to the water.”

These kinds of experiences are at the heart of Sanibel Sea School’s mission. Since July 2025, Sanibel Sea School has provided nearly $40,000 in tuition assistance for school group field trips. And as the school year continues, the momentum behind these impactful experiences is only growing.

“We have 18 more schools scheduled to visit before the end of the academic year, bringing hundreds more students out to the coast for hands-on exploration,” shared Sanibel Sea School’s Director, Shannon Rivard. “It’s important to us that our programming continues to be accessible to all schools and students. To do that, we need support from the community. If you value the work we’re doing, please consider donating to our scholarship fund.”

Through programs like these, Sanibel Sea School continues to inspire the next generation of ocean stewards, one field trip at a time.

Learn more about field trips here and donate here.

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“Art is an incredible tool that can be used to spread our mission and to evoke not only emotions, but actions from the community, and that is what this camp aimed to do.” Shared Clinton.

Campers started the week by making their own sketchbooks to fill with their ideas and plans for the week’s projects. With a focus on sustainability, we repurposed used book covers and sewed new pages in. Each morning, the group set out on adventures, exploring the environment through nature walks, seining, and snorkeling. After getting salty and sandy, the campers took their inspiration to paper, forming their ideas for three projects: clay sculpture, acrylic painting, and a collage.

“The week started off a bit cold, but that didn’t stop the campers from diving into the chilly waters to learn more, and just as the week became warmer, the campers grew into their own and became an inseparable little group of artists”, remarked Clinton. “They shared ideas for art and made bonds that will hopefully last a lifetime.”

“As the campers explored different ecosystems and art mediums, their curiosity and confidence grew each day. The most memorable part of the week was watching them encourage and compliment one another’s artwork. It was a vivid testament of the way art can bring us together and provide an outlet for expression”, shared Hyle.

At the end of each day, campers brought their ideas to life through their projects and worked diligently to prepare for Friday’s gallery show. They carefully displayed each of their projects, made labels to describe them, and happily stood by them as their parents and other staff walked around, marveled, and asked questions.

“Nothing makes me happier than seeing the smiles on the campers’ faces as they finish a week of camp, ecstatic to share all their memorable moments from their time here,” says Clinton.

This spring marked the first time Sanibel Sea School offered a week-long camp during Lee County’s spring break, an exciting milestone we hope will become a lasting tradition. Looking ahead, we plan to introduce a new specialty camp each year, all rooted in our mission. It’s a meaningful way for us to explore fresh ideas, engage a wider range of interests, and continue growing our Sanibel Sea School family.

Learn more about our other week-long camp opportunities over the summer here. https://sanibelseaschool.org/programs/camps/

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