provided to the Santiva Chronicle
This year, Sanibel Sea School is thrilled to offer summer camp in two locations – at the Flagship campus on the east end of the island and at a brand-new location, the Bailey Homestead.
“With COVID still prevalent, we were in search of a location that could accommodate more campers in a safe capacity,” said Director Nicole Finnicum. “We realized that we didn’t need to look any further than just down the road because the Bailey Homestead would meet all of our needs as a safe option for camp. With the open-air pavilion at the Homestead, campers will be able to socially-distance and have access to fresh air all day.”
Part of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation since January 2020, Sanibel Sea School now has use of the sprawling Bailey Homestead grounds where the restored 1896 Bailey home sits on the 28-acre Bailey Homestead Preserve. The preserve includes 19 acres in the heart of Sanibel that is a wildlife corridor and hosts an abundance of native plants and animals.
“Not only is this location enveloped in nature, but also is just about the perfect place to hold a summer camp,” said Finnicum. With wide open spaces, nature trails, a covered pavilion, and a 5-minute drive to the beach, the Bailey Homestead will be convenient, unique, and offer space for many activities.
Camp at the Homestead will have an identical format to the Island Skills camps at Flagship campus. Each day will kick-off with circle time, there will be a Monday morning beachwalk, and campers will practice surf paddling each day to prepare for the epic Friday surf paddle race! Other camper-favorite activities like seining, snorkeling, and macramé bracelet making will also be included in the daily lineup at this location. Drop-off and pick-up will occur at the Bailey Homestead, located at 1300 Periwinkle Way.
Camp at the Homestead will feature 6 weeks of Island Skills camps, including 2 weeks for just the sea squirts (ages 4-6), a Fishing camp for teens, and options for Counselors in Training (CITs) at each Island Skills week. Each day throughout the week, campers will be bused to the beach where they’ll explore the ocean, learn new things, and have lots of fun in the sun, Sanibel Sea School-style. Camp counselors will also have activities planned at Homestead, like shell art, tie dye, or campers can play games on the lawn. At lunchtime, campers will head back to the Homestead to cool off under the shaded pavilion and have a picnic-style lunch before heading back out to the beach for the best time of day – surfing!
There are still some spots available in camp at the Homestead. Sanibel Sea School has more details on specific offerings on the website.
Part of the SCCF (Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation) Family, Sanibel Sea School’s mission is to improve the ocean’s future, one person at a time.
Leave a Comment