With the School District of Lee County’s last day on May 30, F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva is working with families to ensure they have plans for children during the summer that keep them safe and active.
For those who qualify, F.I.S.H. offers scholarships to send youths to summer camps throughout the county. The Summer Youth Scholarship Program offers limited financial assistance for families who cannot afford the rising cost of summer childcare and camps.
“Many households struggle to find balance between work and childcare, particularly during the summer months. Some facilities that closed due to Hurricane Ian have not reopened, while others are open with less staff meaning fewer children can attend,” Social Services Director Nitza Lopez said. “Summer months for island employees can often bring about a reduction in hours at work for our neighbors, and with rising costs it’s becoming difficult to afford childcare.”
F.I.S.H. helps to ease the burden by providing assistance with the scholarships.
“We offer scholarships for summer programs every year to ensure children remain active and in enriching environments when they’re out of school,” she said.
F.I.S.H. is in close contact with area camp directors on and off island so it can provide families with appropriate options. Additionally, it has partnered with Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church and Camp Noah this year to provide a free camp from June 3-7, when other camps are not available.
“We work with the Sanibel Recreation Center, Sanibel Sea School, CECI (Children’s Education Center of the Islands), CROW (Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife) and others, as well as off-island camp locations, so that our families have an array of options,” Lopez said. “It’s all about finding a balance that makes sense, keeping children engaged and, most importantly, keeping them safe.”
The program is supported by donors and grant funding.
An island connection through residency or employment is required, and scholarship assistance is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The F.I.S.H. Social Services Department determines eligibility for need-based financial assistance through a review of a family’s income and expense documentation. Scholarship amounts vary depending upon the length and cost of the program and family’s financial status. Available funding is limited, and scholarships may cover only a portion of the cost.
For more information, contact Lopez at 239-472-4775.
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