June 2026

Dear Sx3 Family,

Summer has arrived, and with it comes our favorite sounds of the year: the pitter-patter of sandy feet, the giggles as new friendships form, and the excited cheers of surf teams heading out in hopes of claiming the coveted Golden Coconut. Across our campuses and around the island, Sanibel Sea School vans are cruising the roads with surfboards in tow, and nearly every beach, bay, and nature trail seems to have a group of curious young explorers nearby, eager to see what the day might bring. It truly is our favorite time of year, and we're so happy to welcome another summer of ocean adventures.

Our first week of camp was filled with memorable moments. At our Flagship Campus, campers celebrated manatees, spending their days exploring the world of these gentle marine mammals through hands-on activities and plenty of time in the water. Over at SCCF Headquarters, a small group of returning high school students kicked off A Week in the Field 2, diving into mangrove restoration research and helping contribute to SCCF conservation efforts. Along the way, they were treated to a special reminder of why this work matters when they found themselves sharing the water with a sea turtle for a while before she gracefully swam back out into the seagrass.

We also celebrated the launch of an exciting new partnership with Children's Education Center of the Islands (CECI), welcoming our first week of Sea Squirts campers to their new summer home. Our youngest ocean explorers spent the week learning all about ospreys while creating, exploring, and embracing the coast's wonder.

While summer camps may be in full swing, our daily programs continue, too. Through August, we'll continue offering day courses, Sea Squirt classes, field trips, family private sessions, beach walks, and more. Every day brings a new opportunity to connect with the ocean, whether that's catching a wave, exploring a mangrove forest, discovering tiny creatures in a dip net, or simply slowing down long enough to notice the magic that's all around us.

Thank you for following along with us this summer. We can't wait to share more stories, discoveries, and ocean encounters from the weeks ahead.

With gratitude and sandy feet,

Shannon Rivard

Sanibel Sea School Director

Counselors Prepare for a Safe and Successful Summer

As we geared up for our busiest season of the year, the safety and well-being of every child who joins us for camp was a priority for staff training. While summer camp is filled with fun, exploration, and unforgettable experiences, those experiences are only possible because of the extensive preparation and training that takes place behind the scenes.

New Partnerships, New Adventures: Summer at CECI

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). Read more about this partnership rooted in connection to nature and hands-on exploration.

Take a Staycation & Support Sanibel Sea School!

A local rental property is donating 15% of its proceeds to support Sanibel Sea School this summer! Learn how you can turn a relaxing staycation into an opportunity for ocean love and unforgettable memories!

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Marine Science Monday:

Christmas Tree Worms

In Florida’s coral reefs, it is Christmas year-round with an abundance of Christmas tree worms! Scientifically known as Spirobranchus giganteus, these tropical worms are identifiable by their spiral plumage, bright color, and skittish behavior.

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WATCH THE REEL

SCCF Partners with Trailways for First 'In Community' Camp

On May 19, our education team partnered with Trailways Camp's first 'In Community' camp for adults with special needs for a morning of beach exploration, arts and crafts, and a hands-on marine biology lesson. The 20 campers also adopted mangroves from SCCF upon arriving at Sanibel Island Beach Resort for a three-night stay. We were thrilled to be one of many community partners that provided experiences during the first-ever overnight camp on Sanibel for this underserved island population.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

EXPERIENCE OCEAN MAGIC:

Book a Day Course!

Ignite your child's passion for marine life while inspiring a deeper understanding of our oceans with our 3-hour marine science adventures. Dive into over 30 captivating marine topics, from dolphins and seahorses to mangroves, engaging in games, experiments, and shoreline explorations.

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EXPLORE, CONNECT, DISCOVER:

Book a Private Program

Looking for a unique experience this summer? Explore the beauty and complexity of marine ecosystems — by land or by sea! We offer customizable ocean experiences for families, groups, and more.

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SANIBEL SCHOOL PARENTS:

New After School Opportunities

Attention all Sanibel School parents! We have some exciting additions to our After School Program for next school year. It's never too early to start planning your child's after school adventures! Registration opens July 1.

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Summer Camp Spots Available!

We have a few spots left in select teen camps (ages 13-17) this summer! See the list below and grab them before they’re gone.

JUNE

Teen Camp: Wahine Toa; Jun. 22-26 (HOMESTEAD CAMPUS) - 3 spots left
CIT: From Stream to Sea - Bull Shark Week; Jun. 29 - Jul. 3 (HOMESTEAD CAMPUS) - 2 spots left
CIT: Spiral & Strike - Lightning Whelk Week; Jun. 29 - Jul. 3 (FLAGSHIP CAMPUS) - 1 spots left
Teen Camp: Have Paddle, Will Survive; Jun. 29 - Jul. 3 (HOMESTEAD CAMPUS) - 2 spots left

JULY

Teen Camp: Keys Coral Reef Week; Jul. 13-17 - 6 spots left
CIT: Grinning with the Fish Week; Jul. 13-17 (FLAGSHIP CAMPUS) - 4 spots left

AUGUST

CIT: Shells without a Twist - Slipper Snail Week; Aug. 3-7 (HOMESTEAD CAMPUS) - 4 spots left

Lee County goes back to school on Aug. 11, but for our traveling or homeschool families, we still have space in the following camps:

Island Skills: Into the Deep Sea Week; Aug. 10-14 (FLAGSHIP CAMPUS)
Island Skills: Tuned into Toadfish Week; Aug. 17-21 (FLAGSHIP CAMPUS)
Island Skills & CITs: Muddy Feet, Happy Hearts - Fiddler Crab Week; Aug. 24-28 (FLAGSHIP CAMPUS)

Save on SCCF & Sanibel Sea School Merch This Summer

SCCF is thrilled to be a part of Love Sanibel Back again this year! Wear your LSB pin and receive 10% off plants and retail at our Native Landscapes & Garden Center and 10% off merch at Sanibel Sea School!

Get 20% off all merchandise at Sanibel Sea School's Flagship campus the week of June 29-July 3 (Must use the sale word "Fireworks" for 20%)!

SEE ALL OF OUR PROGRAMS

SUPPORT OUR SANDY BUCKET SCHOOL

Part of the SCCF Family,

Sanibel Sea School's mission is to improve the ocean's future, one person at a time.

SCCF is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) founded in 1967 on Sanibel Island, Florida

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