Sanibel Sea School wrapped up an unforgettable week of Winter Camp from Dec. 29 through Jan. 2, welcoming 39 campers and 11 Counselors-in-Training. Campers dove into a week themed around one of the ocean’s most iconic and mysterious animals: the orca.

Also known as the killer whale, orcas are fascinating apex predators. From their role as the largest members of the dolphin family to their complex communication and hunting strategies, orcas captured the campers’ attention and curiosity.

Though sightings in the Gulf are rare and research is limited, campers learned that an estimated 267 orcas may inhabit the deep offshore waters, making these elusive animals all the more intriguing.

“This week we started things off with a bang as we raced against each other in a scavenger hunt,” shared Sx3 Camp Coordinator Annie Clinton. “Campers worked together within their groups to solve clues and search for five orca pieces spread throughout campus. Everyone jumped right into this activity, and it surely set an incredible tone for the week as they all returned from their adventures with big smiles on their faces.”

Campers learned how researchers identify individual orcas by the unique shapes of their dorsal fins and saddle patches, and practiced these real-life research techniques through observation games and challenges. Using hydrophones, campers listened closely to clicks and whistles, gaining insight into how cetaceans communicate, hunt, and navigate.

The week was also packed with creative expression, including tie-dye with bold black-and-white twists and a collaborative orca mosaic that will soon be transformed into a table and displayed at our Flagship Campus.

“It will be something that campers can look forward to seeing year after year when they return for more ocean adventures,” said Clinton.

Nature, as always, provided its own magic. During one beach trip, campers stood just feet away as a dolphin surged through the surf, splashing dramatically before darting back into the Gulf — a jaw-dropping moment that left everyone in awe.

Midweek brought a true winter camp rite of passage: cold weather. As temperatures dropped, campers leaned into the challenge by pulling on wetsuits for polar plunges and surf practice before racing back to campus to warm up with mugs of hot cocoa. The cold pushed campers and staff out of their comfort zones, creating memories that were equal parts resilience and joy.

One especially powerful moment came during one of Sanibel Sea School’s most cherished traditions: the annual ‘Give Your Worries to the Sea’ ceremony on New Year’s Eve. Campers and staff gathered to reflect on the year behind them, sharing joys both big and small — travel adventures to places like Scandinavia and St. Lucia, summiting mountains, starting dream jobs, and even the exciting milestone of starting kindergarten.

There were victories for the ocean, too, including the celebration of green sea turtles being downgraded from endangered to species of least concern.

The ceremony also made space for challenges. Campers quietly wrote down their worries before heading to the beach, where they symbolically released them to the sea. What they didn’t know was that the ceremony would end in a surprise splash battle — running, cheering, and playing together in the chilly Gulf waters.

One camper, out of breath from laughter, summed it up perfectly: “That was the highlight of my year.”

The week concluded with a traditional surf paddle race.

“One of the campers mentioned that he had always gotten last place in surf races before,” Annie recalled. “He wasn’t upset — he was hopeful. As a team, we encouraged each other and decided to help him break his losing streak. It really showed the true spirit of Sea School and how kindness can go a long way. He ended up winning first place!”

From icy swims and hot cocoa to cetacean science and heartfelt reflection, Winter Camp 2025 was a one for the books. A powerful reminder of what makes Sanibel Sea School so special: immersive experiences, growing through challenge, and finding joy and connection by the sea — even on the coldest days.