CAMP SPOTLIGHT: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Students at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Camp Lookout went feet first — because head-first wasn’t allowed — into the waters of Sarasota Bay June 16.

The lesson for the day involved getting a little messy in the name of marine exploration. Campers and counselors waded in the waters of Sarasota Bay with dip nets, scooping up marine life. As students scooped up minnows and plants, they stored them in temporary boxes that hung on lanyards around their necks.

The campers spread out but quickly congregated the moment another exclaimed, “I got a fish!”

The typical camp day consists mostly of exploring the outdoors plus a few indoor activities, according to camp teacher Shawn Karper. Campers have the run of the gardens, especially the Ann Goldstein’s Children’s Rainforest Garden, with specialty “huts” designated for activities.

“We try to be outside as much as possible,” Karper said. “There is just so much cool new stuff with the huts throughout the Ann Goldstein’s Children’s Rainforest Garden. Yesterday, they found a giant moth in the cave.”

On the rare occasion that students are in the classroom, they’re adding to their Camp Lookout logs or putting together crafts. In anticipation of Father’s Day, students made cards and fish hats.

The camp lasts three weeks. During the first week, students explore the marine life of Sarasota Bay. The second week is dedicated to learning about the epiphytic plants and bonsai trees on the property. In the final week, students learn about the insects that can be found throughout the gardens.

Camper Jaydnn Bachmann tried to swipe up a fast-moving lizard with her net. It got away, but she insists it was “this close.”