provided to The Santiva Chronicle
On May 19, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s education team partnered with Trailways Camp’s first “In Community” camp for adults with special needs for a morning of beach exploration, arts and crafts, and a hands-on marine biology lesson.
The 20 campers also adopted mangroves through SCCF’s Adopt-a-Mangrove Program upon their arrival at Sanibel Island Beach Resort for a three-night stay.
“We were thrilled to be one of many community partners that provided experiences during the first-ever overnight camp on Sanibel for this underserved island population,” said SCCF Adult Education Director Jenny Evans
SCCF’s Sanibel Sea School marine science educators led campers through exciting seine and dip netting experiences on the shore, where they caught fish, snails, crabs, and more.
“We bring small, portable tanks with aerators to keep on the beach so that we can temporarily hold creatures for closer observation,” said Educator Izzy Lutz. “At the end of the session, we release everything back to the water.”
The campers also enjoyed beachcombing and a scavenger hunt where they explored different zones of the beach, including the wrack line left by the last high tide, the intertidal zone, and the surf zone where the water meets the beach.
“One of the campers loved the idea of spelling things out with shells, so we spent time writing cute messages,” added Lutz.
They also decorated frames with natural beach materials, including shells found by the campers, into a mosaic design. The campers even got their hands slimy through a hands-on squid dissection for an immersive and fascinating lesson in marine biology.
“Our campers experienced much more than a day at the beach. Through our partnership with SCCF and Sanibel Sea School, they explored marine life, discovered beautiful Sanibel shells, learned science through hands-on activities, expressed their creativity through art, and most importantly, embraced the opportunity to nurture and give back,” said Jamie Senkeleski, Executive Director of Trailways Camp.
“Watching our campers proudly adopt mangroves that they will care for and return for planting in six months was incredibly moving. It gave them a meaningful role in protecting the environment while demonstrating that everyone has the ability to make a lasting difference in their community.”
SCCF plans to continue partnering with Trailways Camp for on-island day experiences, such as the mangrove planting, as well as other day camps featuring beach-related activities. And, for the return of the annual in-community camp next May.
Aside from it being a very meaningful experience for the campers and SCCF educators, the volunteers who accompanied campers as buddies also had an unforgettable experience.
“The educators spent time identifying shells for the campers. A couple of campers were interested in collecting the shells with holes to make a necklace. Educator Izzy explained the shells with many holes were caused by sponges, whereas the shells with single perfectly round holes were made by creatures with a saw-like tooth,” said Volunteer Paula Friedman. “This intrigued the campers, and they smiled at the thought of such a funny-looking animal. One camper exclaimed that her time down at the beach was the best day she had ever had. It was an amazing morning and a wonderful experience for both the campers and the volunteers.”
SCCF’s mission is to protect and care for Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems. Learn more at sccf.org.
Trailways Camp’s mission is to enable adults with special needs and those who care for them to grow their social, emotional and spiritual relationships. Learn more at trailwayscamp.org.
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