From Mar. 16 – 20, Annie Clinton, Camp Coordinator, and Stevie Hyle, Seasonal Marine Science Educator, led a week-long camp called Art for the Ocean Week at Sanibel Sea School’s Flagship Campus.

“Art is an incredible tool that can be used to spread our mission and to evoke not only emotions, but actions from the community, and that is what this camp aimed to do.” Shared Clinton.

Campers started the week by making their own sketchbooks to fill with their ideas and plans for the week’s projects. With a focus on sustainability, we repurposed used book covers and sewed new pages in. Each morning, the group set out on adventures, exploring the environment through nature walks, seining, and snorkeling. After getting salty and sandy, the campers took their inspiration to paper, forming their ideas for three projects: clay sculpture, acrylic painting, and a collage.

“The week started off a bit cold, but that didn’t stop the campers from diving into the chilly waters to learn more, and just as the week became warmer, the campers grew into their own and became an inseparable little group of artists”, remarked Clinton. “They shared ideas for art and made bonds that will hopefully last a lifetime.”

“As the campers explored different ecosystems and art mediums, their curiosity and confidence grew each day. The most memorable part of the week was watching them encourage and compliment one another’s artwork. It was a vivid testament of the way art can bring us together and provide an outlet for expression”, shared Hyle.

At the end of each day, campers brought their ideas to life through their projects and worked diligently to prepare for Friday’s gallery show. They carefully displayed each of their projects, made labels to describe them, and happily stood by them as their parents and other staff walked around, marveled, and asked questions.

“Nothing makes me happier than seeing the smiles on the campers’ faces as they finish a week of camp, ecstatic to share all their memorable moments from their time here,” says Clinton.

This spring marked the first time Sanibel Sea School offered a week-long camp during Lee County’s spring break, an exciting milestone we hope will become a lasting tradition. Looking ahead, we plan to introduce a new specialty camp each year, all rooted in our mission. It’s a meaningful way for us to explore fresh ideas, engage a wider range of interests, and continue growing our Sanibel Sea School family.

Learn more about our other week-long camp opportunities over the summer here. https://sanibelseaschool.org/programs/camps/