Sanibel Sea School leaders decided not to re-open 2020 summer camps this week after a recent spike in COVID-19 cases and higher positive testing rates in children and teenage populations. 

Instead, the Sanibel Sea School will offer limited half-day classes, family private sessions, and private stand-up paddleboarding sessions as in-person options in July and August. 

After canceling all June summer camps and moving to virtual options, Sanibel Sea School announced that they would reopen for in-person camps on June 29. However, out of an abundance of caution, they have decided to rescind their opening. 

“We must do everything in our power to keep our staff and campers safe and we feel that this is the responsible decision for our community,” said Sanibel Sea School Director Nicole Finnicum. “We are saddened that we won’t be able to offer our regular camps, but we will welcome our summer campers back with open arms in 2021.”

Sanibel Sea School’s half-day classes are 3-hours long, hands-on, and will involve field trips to the beach every day. Subjects such as dolphins, fish, wading birds, barrier island, waves, and more will be offered once or twice daily at the Flagship campus and at their satellite campus at the Sundial Resort.

Day classes for children ages 6-13 will be limited to nine participants with one marine science educator leading the group. Sanibel Sea School will also offer a limited number of Sea Squirts classes for kids ages 4-6. These classes will be limited to five participants. 

Family or stand-up paddleboarding private sessions will be offered by appointment. 

Sanibel Sea School educators will be implementing the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus in their programs and will incorporate social distancing, utilize face coverings, and thoroughly sanitize classroom spaces in between sessions. 

“We have decided to continue with our half-day classes because we can limit the number of participants in each program and be able to close between sessions to disinfect our spaces and gear,” Finnicum said. “With fewer people in our facilities, we will greatly reduce the risk of transmission and exposure for our participants and staff.” 

If you are interested in half-day classes, you can register on Sanibel Sea School’s website (https://www.sanibelseaschool.org/sanibel#sanibel-programs). If you’d like to schedule a private session, please email info@sanibelseaschool.org. 

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.