The last week of June at Sanibel Sea School, campers discovered that sometimes the smallest details can tell the biggest stories. During Spiral & Strike: Lightning Whelk Week, they dove into the fascinating world of one of Sanibel’s most iconic shells and uncovered the incredible science behind shell formation.

Campers learned that snails can be left-handed or right-handed. While most gastropods have right-handed (dextral) shells, the lightning whelk is one of the rare left-handed (sinistral) species.

“We also explored how mollusks build their shells using calcium carbonate secreted from an organ called the mantle, and how the foods they eat can create their beautiful colors and patterns,” said Camp Coordinator Annie Clinton.

Of course, learning at Sanibel Sea School always happens through hands-on adventure. Campers created colorful spiral tie-dye shirts, examined shells under microscopes to compare bivalves and gastropods, and played energetic predator-prey games to understand lightning whelk’s place in the food web.

They even became snails themselves by creating winding trails in the sand, burying shells along the way, mapping their routes, and challenging another team to follow the clues and uncover their hidden treasures.

Playful twists on the spiral theme continued with creative sand art and a camp-wide Minute-to-Win-It competition where campers completed challenges using their non-dominant hand. A shell scavenger hunt rounded out the week’s activities, giving campers a chance to practice identifying many of the species that make Sanibel one of the best shelling destinations in the world.

And, of course, no week at Sanibel Sea School would be complete without our favorite field experiences. Campers spent plenty of time surfing, seining, exploring the beach, and simply enjoying being in the water.

“One of my favorite things about our camps is how naturally science and play come together,” shared Clinton. “Whether campers are identifying shells on the beach, spotting a live snail while snorkeling, or cheering each other on during challenges, they are constantly asking questions and making discoveries.”

For many campers and several staff members, the highlight of the week was a visit to our neighbors and Sanibel Wild Mile partners at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. A lot of our campers had never been before, and it quickly became one of the week’s most talked-about experiences.

“Everyone was wishing we could have stayed longer,” shared Summer Camp Counselor Jake Raterman. “The touch tank and the octopus were definitely favorites, especially the gooey sea hares. The staff at the Shell Museum were wonderful with the kids and incredibly knowledgeable. It was a great experience all around.”

From unraveling the mystery of left-handed shells to following snail trails across the beach, Lightning Whelk Week reminded campers that every shell has a story to tell. On an island famous for its shells, there is no better classroom than the shoreline itself!

Learn more about our camp programs here>>>