FORT MYERS, Fla. - s4story -- Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County and Sanibel Sea School teamed up this summer to provide local youth with hands-on learning opportunities.

Children and teens attending the Summer Enrichment Program at Park Meadows Community Club in Fort Myers explored marine habitats and sea life. Sessions were held in classrooms at the club and coastal areas along Sanibel Island, and covered sea turtles, crabs, echinoderms, mollusks, fish and other sea life typically found in Southwest Florida. Club members also dissected squid and fish, created sea turtle artwork, netted in the gulf and even surfed.

One lesson offered opportunities to learn about the region's different species of crabs, including hermit, horseshoe, blue, purse, spider and speckled crabs. Club members interacted with live crabs and exoskeletons to strengthen the hands-on learning experience.

"Our goal with the summer program is to extend learning beyond the school year... minus the homework," said Denise Gergley, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County. "We are especially excited about the partnership with Sanibel Sea School because it created additional opportunities for children to learn about the coastal habitat and marine life that surround us in Southwest Florida."

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Sanibel Sea School, which is part of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, offers a variety of camps, courses and customizable experiences that foster intimate connections with the ocean planet and a wellspring for lifelong stewardship. The organization provided its summer programs at no cost to Boys & Girls Clubs. Through hands-on learning, participants gained a stronger understanding of marine ecosystems, including animals, people, plants, land, ocean and weather.

"At Sanibel Sea School, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to connect with the coast in a meaningful way," said Shannon Rivard, youth education director. "We're thrilled to partner with the Boys & Girls Club and provide campers with hands-on experiences that inspire curiosity, confidence and a lifelong appreciation for nature. We look forward to working together to share a summer of joyful memories for the next generation of ocean stewards."

Park Meadows Community Club is located at 1900 Park Meadows Drive in Fort Myers. Visit BGClee.org/our-clubs or call 239-922-5202 for more information.

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About Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County

Established in 1974, Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County serve children and teens through school-based, neighborhood and community club locations. The nonprofit's mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. After-school and summer programs focus on five core areas: education and career, service and leadership, health and wellness, the arts, and sports and recreation. For more information, please visit BGClee.org or call 239-334-1886.