SCCF Environmental Educator, Richard Finkel, recently connected the youth of New Horizons of Southwest Florida to the ocean through SCCFs No Child Left On Shore environmental education outreach program. Students had the opportunity to interact with nature in a meaningful way while learning about the value of our marine life and coastal ecosystems. 

Since 2010, SCCF has partnered with Captiva Cruises on “No Child Left on Shore,” an environmental education outreach program that offers field trips to children and teens who, despite living close to the ocean, rarely interact with the marine ecosystem.

“This program is the heart of our mission,” said Finkel. “Being able to work with underserved communities to get kids out on the water and experience nature is how we can help teach children to care about our oceans and inspire them to want to protect them.” 

Twenty middle school students were treated to an incredible dolphin encounter along the way to Cayo Costa State Park aboard Captiva Cruises’ motor catamaran vessel The Playtime.

Students were able to explore the coastlines of Cayo Costa, where they found shells and a diverse array of sea life on the shoreline. Sand dollars, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, tunicates, whelks, conchs, and even a junonia shell were found by students during the outing. 

“Many of our students have never visited the Gulf or seen these types of shells or wildlife,” said Linda Cunning, CEO of New Horizons of SWFL. “This trip helps expand their world beyond just their neighborhood.”

New Horizons of SWFL’s mission is to empower under-resourced youth to reach their full potential through tutoring, mentoring, and faith-building.

“We are so happy to be able to partner with organizations such as New Horizons,” said Finkel. “These organizations are a critical part of helping us reach students and connect them to our oceans.” 

No Child Left On Shore is a part of Sanibel Sea School’s A Chance to Sea program. A Chance to Sea is a program that connects the deserving children of Southwest Florida to our region’s natural environment. 

If you’d like to support this effort, please consider donating to Sanibel Sea School. Visit sanibelseaschool.org/a-chance-to-sea/ to learn more, including how to become an outreach partner. 

Part of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF), Sanibel Sea School’s mission is to improve the ocean’s future, one person at a time.