F.I.S.H. to offer summer scholarships for children

The last month of school has arrived, and students are happily planning for summer break while parents are beginning to evaluate summer programming and camps for their children during the 10-week break.
F.I.S.H. if Sanibel-Captiva’s Summer Youth Scholarship Program provides partial financial assistance for children’s summer camp sessions through various funding sources. The program is made possible through support from private donors and grant funding from the Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Foundation.
“Summer programs, now more than ever, play a crucial role in the development of school-age children,” Program Director Kathy Y. Monroe said. “The structure that these programs provide are invaluable to the family and are enriching, educational, and of course, fun for the children.”
The island summer programs include:
– Captiva Yacht Club Sailing Program
June 17-28 and July 15-26; Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For ages 8 and older
– Children’s Education Center of the Islands Summer Program
June 3 to July 26; Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
For pre-kindergarten
– Sanibel Summer Recreation Program
June 3 to Aug. 2; Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For first through eighth grade
– Sea School Program
June 3 to Aug. 9; Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For ages 6 and older
– Community House Cooking Camp
July 29 to Aug. 2 and Aug. 5-9; Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to noon
For ages 8 and older
– Island Skills Camp at Canterbury School
June 10 to July 26; Monday-Friday
June 10-14, July 1-3 and July 22-26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
June 17-21, June 24-28, July 8-12 and July 15-19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
– Fishing Camp at Canterbury School
June 10-14; Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For fifth through eighth grade
– Paddleboarding Camp at Canterbury School
June 24-28; Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For seventh through ninth grade
As in years past, the Captiva Island Yacht Club and its members donated scholarships to the youth summer sailing camp. The camp introduces youth to the great sport of sailing, beautiful waters and wildlife. Based on need and eligibility, scholarships will be offered to families as determined by the F.I.S.H. Social Services Department.
“There are so many wonderful opportunities that offer a learning experience and appreciation for the unique environment we live in,” Monroe said. “We are pleased to be able to provide assistance to children who will benefit from the adventures of summer camp on Sanibel and Captiva. We understand that families sometimes face economic challenges and must make difficult choices. Our hope is that no child is deprived of a summer camp opportunity because of this. Thank you to our donors and grantors for giving children the chance to experience camps here on the islands.”
Scholarship assistance is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The F.I.S.H. Social Services Department determines eligibility for need-based financial assistance through a review of a family’s income and expense documentation.
Scholarship amounts vary depending upon the length and cost of the program and the family’s financial status. Available funding is limited and scholarships will cover only a portion of the tuition cost.
For more information and to determine eligibility, call Kathy Y. Monroe at 239-472-4775.