August 3–7 marked one of the final weeks of summer camp at Sanibel Sea School, with multiple campuses running, and many of our campers getting in their last big week of summer fun before heading back to school.

And what better way to spend it than getting up close and personal with one of the ocean’s most fascinating groups of animals: jellies!

Throughout the week, campers dove into the science behind these mysterious drifters and learned that jellies are members of a group of animals called Cnidarians, all of which possess specialized stinging cells called cnidocytes.

Inside each cnidocyte is a structure called a nematocyst: a tiny, harpoon-like mechanism used to capture prey and defend against predators. When triggered, the nematocyst fires a coiled thread with incredible speed, making it one of the fastest movements in the animal kingdom!

Campers learned how these cells are activated by tiny hair-like structures called cnidocils and how the resulting sting can deliver toxins that help immobilize prey or deter potential predators.

Of course, learning about jellies is even more fun when you can get creative with them!

Campers crafted their own jelly models using half coconuts, dried grasses, and other natural materials, then built models of individual stinging cells using slipper shells, modeling clay, string, and more.

They also got an up-close look during a moon jelly dissection, examining the anatomy of one of the species we commonly encounter around Sanibel. Campers even found live sea nettles floating in the water throughout the week, giving them a chance to put their new jelly knowledge to use in the field.

“We also talked about jellyfish stings and the fact that not all jellies pack the same punch. Moon jellies, for example, are common around Sanibel and have a relatively mild sting, while box jellies, most famously found in the waters around Australia, can have much more potent venom,” said Izzy Lutz, Marine Science Educator. “Campers learned how important it is to give jellies their space and how to safely respond if a sting occurs.”

While the weather provided plenty of challenges, with frequent storms keeping campers indoors at times, a little rain didn’t get in the way of a good week. There were plenty of indoor games, beach games, tag, laughter, and the classic summer camp shenanigans that make these final weeks so memorable.

And whenever the weather cooperated, we headed outside for some of our favorite Sanibel Sea School traditions: seining, snorkeling, surfing, and exploring.

What We Hope Campers Take Away

One of the week’s most special moments was our traditional Soul Float. Campers and educators joined together in a big circle and let the current carry us, taking a moment to simply lean back, breathe deeply, relax, and listen to the sounds of the sea.

It’s a simple tradition, but one that captures so much of what we hope campers take away from their time at Sanibel Sea School: a sense of connection and comfort in the ocean.

As summer camp begins to wind down, we’re grateful for the weeks of sandy feet, salty hair, new discoveries, big laughs, and memories made together. Jellies Week may have been stormy, but our campers proved once again that there’s no bad weather that can stop a good summer adventure!