Sanibel Sea School’s youngest campers are off to a wild start this summer as our Sea Squirts camps for ages 4–6 officially launched on June 8 at our new location: Children’s Education Center of the Islands (CECI). Marine Science Educator Austin Wise is leading a team of three talented Preschool Camp Counselors at CECI this summer: Jazmin Ramirez, Maddie Lovell, and Jack Sergeant.

“This exciting partnership brings together two organizations that share a deep commitment to nature-based education, hands-on learning, and the support of healthy early childhood development,” commented Shannon Rivard, Sanibel Sea School Director. “We are thrilled to be working alongside CECI to connect our youngest explorers with the wonders of Southwest Florida’s coastal environment.”

During the first week, campers learned about ospreys and their chicks. Sea Squirts immersed themselves in the lives of these remarkable birds through hands-on exploration and imaginative play.

Campers searched for wildlife while netting and exploring, examined bird bones with magnifying glasses, created osprey talon prints in clay, and even spotted an osprey diving for fish. They also tested their engineering skills with nest-building activities and enjoyed plenty of silly games and outdoor adventures.

While campers still enjoy all of the favorite Sanibel Sea School activities, traditions, and staff they know and love, CECI has proven to be the perfect home base for our youngest learners. The campus offers endless opportunities for discovery, including a large outdoor play yard filled with free play experiences such as a mud kitchen, slackline, playgrounds, bicycles, swings, and even mangroves that children help care for. Multiple indoor classrooms and a screened porch overlooking conservation land provide comfortable spaces for learning, while nature trails surrounding the campus invite exploration.

The partnership between Sanibel Sea School and CECI feels like a natural fit. Both organizations believe children learn best through meaningful experiences in nature, guided by curiosity, creativity, and play. We are excited to see this partnership continue to grow and are grateful for the opportunity to share this special space with our campers.

Two weeks of Sea Squirts camp remain: June 15–19 and June 22–26. We look forward to welcoming more young adventurers for a summer filled with exploration, discovery, and connection to the coast.

There’s still time to join in on the fun this summer. Sanibel Sea School, part of Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, offers camps for ages 4 to 17. Learn more and sign up here: https://sanibelseaschool.org/programs/camps/