Sanibel Sea School hosts Coral Reef Week
The Sanibel Sea School’s Coral Reef Week 1 was filled with sunshine, wildlife encounters and personal growth as 15 campers — ages 13-14 — explored one of the world’s most unique marine ecosystems.
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) Youth Education Director Shannon Rivard shared leadership of the annual expedition with marine science educators Emily Pipkin and Stevie Hyle on the weekly overnight camp in the Keys.
The adventure began with a stop in Everglades National Park, where park rangers led campers on a slough slog or wet walk. Alongside SCCF Policy Director Matt DePaolis, they learned how the Everglades, Florida Bay and the coral reefs of the Keys are all connected through water.
The Sanibel Sea School reported that understanding the relationship helped to set the stage for the rest of the week, showing how the health of one ecosystem depends on the others.
CAMPING AT PENNEKAMP
From there, they settled into their group campsite at the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
Each morning, campers boarded the park boats and headed offshore to snorkel on the third largest reef tract in the world. For many, it was a milestone experience; most of the group had never snorkeled on a coral reef before.
Campers encountered a variety of marine life, including sharks, a giant southern stingray, multiple species of colorful parrotfish, smooth trunkfish, spiny lobsters, sea stars, lettuce sea slugs, flamingo tongue snails, Christmas tree worms and more.
On one of the boat rides, the group was treated to the sight of a sea turtle swimming nearby.
SNORKELING, SEAGRASS MONITORING
Afternoons were spent snorkeling closer to shore in seagrass meadows, where campers completed two hands-on labs. One focused on the upside-down jellyfish, exploring its life cycle and symbiotic relationship with algae.
The second introduced campers to seagrass monitoring techniques while highlighting the critical role healthy seagrass beds play in supporting coral reefs and countless marine species.
FRESHWATER, ICE CREAM
Thursday brought one of the week’s favorite traditions: treat day. After another morning on the reef, campers cooled off with a refreshing swim in a freshwater pool before celebrating the week’s adventures with ice cream and souvenir shopping.
CAMPFIRE, REFLECTIONS
Each evening, the learning continued around the campfire with “Species of the Day” discoveries, discussions about coral biology and conservation, and laughter during the Tent Cup games. Between the silly challenges and friendly competition, campers formed friendships that made the week even more memorable.
Many campers also shared meaningful reflections during the week.
– Spending several days camping helped them recognize everyday comforts that they often take for granted, from cold drinking water and air conditioning to a comfortable bed at the end of the day.
– Others reflected on how much their parents and guardians do for them at home, expressing a new appreciation for the care and support they receive every day.