A Chance to ‘Sea’

Bringing Ocean Love to Messina Children’s Center

Itwasn’t just any normal afterschool day for the group of 6- to 8-year-olds at the Joseph H. Messina Children’s Center, an early-learning center for lowincome students in Fort Myers.

This day was special because the kids would be getting a visit from Sanibel Sea School Marine Science Educator Annie Clinton.

Once a month since 2019 — minus a hiatus due to Hurricane Ian — Sanibel Sea School staff have traveled to the Messina Children’s Center to provide kids with interactive and observational education programs and meaningful outdoor experiences.

"With many of these students coming from underserved communities, they may not have as many opportunities to connect with nature in a measurable way. Some haven’t even had the chance to see the ocean or spend time on the beach, even though they live only 30 minutes away,” Clinton said. “Our staff have a blast spending our time with these kids and bringing the ocean to them."

Excited squeals and chatter quickly erupted in the room as Clinton corralled the class around her for a lesson about the fish of Southwest Florida. The children were eager to share what they already knew as they formed a circle for a competitive, handson activity — a matching game designed for identifying local fish species.

“Who knows what type of animal this is?” Clinton asked the group. “I’ll give you a hint: It has hundreds of teeth, and it can grow them back throughout their lifetime!”

The students engaged in a productive discussion about sharks and their anatomical features, and everyone had the opportunity to discuss their favorite sea creatures. To close the afternoon, the children went outside to play a game of “Sharks and Minnows.” As several participants implored Clinton to stay longer, she assured them she’d be back the following month.

Connecting All Kids With Nature

In addition to the Joseph H. Messina Children’s Center — part of Child Care of Southwest Florida — Sanibel Sea School also regularly works with underprivileged children at The Heights Foundation/The Heights Center and Pine Manor Improvement Association.

“Our goal for these outreach programs is to connect the deserving children of Southwest Florida to our region’s natural environment,” said Sanibel Sea School Director Shannon Rivard.

In this spirit, Sanibel Sea School never turns a child away from its summer camps due to financial need. This year, nearly $30,000 in scholarships have been granted, thanks to generous donations and an annual fundraiser.

“We are committed to providing experiential opportunities to local youth and strongly believe that learning outdoors builds self-confidence, encourages trust, and ignites curiosity and wonder,” Rivard said.