Sanibel Sea School provides youth camp highlights
When Lee County Public Schools are closed for select holidays, the Sanibel Sea School offers a Community Camp for ages 6-13. Held on Oct. 16, the recent camp’s theme was “Fish Tales and Fin Adventures,” where campers learned about the world of fish and their adaptations and behaviors.
The day began at Sea Grape, where the youths got to experience net fishing. They learned how to use a variety of nets and how to safely interact with live marine animals. The campers also learned how to paddle a surfboard, turn around and pop up on their feet.
After the surfing session, it was time for some creative expression. Using shells collected from the beach, the youths created their own fish art. It also helped the campers learn about fish anatomy as they walked through each fin and body part.
Youths had the opportunity to dissect a preserved perch under the guidance of their counselors. The campers learned about the external and internal anatomy of the fish, exploring structures like gonads, intestines, stomach, swim bladder, liver, esophagus, heart and gills, even the lens behind the retina.
The youths then headed back to the beach for a lesson on how sound behaves underwater versus on land. They partnered up, with one camper blindfolded, and the other made noise using shells. The activity allowed them to observe how sound traveled differently underwater and on land, sparking discussions about the science behind it.
The free Community Camp Days program is a part of the A Chance to Sea Program.
Part of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation family, the Sanibel Sea School’s mission is to improve the ocean’s future one person at a time. For more information, visit sanibelseaschool.org.