provided to The Santiva Chronicle
Sanibel Sea School, part of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF), has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Sanibel-Captiva Kiwanis Club to support free educational programs for local youth in the 2025-26 school year.
This generous funding will help Sanibel Sea School continue its mission to improve the ocean’s future, one person at a time, by providing hands-on, experiential marine science education. The grant will cover operational costs for classroom visits and field trips with students from The Sanibel School and the Children’s Education Center of the Islands (CECI), as well as one of Sanibel Sea School’s free Community Camp days.
Together, these programs provide high-quality, nature-based learning experiences that inspire curiosity, confidence, and a lasting connection to the ocean — at no cost to local families.
“Thanks to the generosity of SanCap Kiwanis, we can continue breaking down barriers to nature education and provide meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities for island youth,” said Shannon Rivard, Sanibel Sea School Director. “Their continued support strengthens our entire community.”
Community Camps hold special meaning at Sanibel Sea School. They began as “Hurricane Camp” in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in 2017, when schools were closed for an additional week, but most parents had already returned to work. Staff quickly organized a free week of camp to provide childcare and comfort for families during a challenging time.
“The success of that effort inspired the creation of ongoing Community Camp days, which continue to serve local families on federal holidays while fostering a deep appreciation for the ocean,” said Rivard.
The next Community Camp will take place on Jan. 19, 2026 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day), made possible thanks to SanCap Kiwanis’ support.
For more information about Sanibel Sea School programs, visit sanibelseaschool.org.
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