Once upon a time, in the sun-kissed, alligator-notorious state of Florida, where oranges grow fatter than a sun-hogging beach bum, and the sun shines brighter than a disco ball at a gator's tea party, a motley crew of adventurous kids embarked on an exciting sailing escapade. These weren't your ordinary, video-game addled, candy-craving youngsters. Nah! These were the formidable Florida Mariner Munchkins! The kids, with their sunblock-slathered noses and captain hats cocked at a jaunty angle, were often seen chirping like seagulls and leaping from one boat to another like capering dolphins. They had a quirky mentor, a one-legged, exuberant pelican named Paddy. He was a crackling bag of feathers, with a laugh louder than a thunderclap, and a knack for spinning wild tales of his time battling monstrous sea-squids and conga-dancing lobsters. Paddy trained the Mariner Munchkins to steer the boats around pesky pirate seagulls, dance to the rhythm of the untamed waves, and navigate through the maze of coral reefs that sparkled like sunken treasure under the turquoise Florida waters. The sails of their little boats would flutter in the wind like the wings of giant flamingos running off with their dad's barbeque sandwiches. With the salty sea breeze in their hair and a sparkle in their eyes, these kids were more than just Florida's youngest sailors; they were the giggling guardians of the vast, whimsical waters. Oh, the tales they would tell! About the time they raced with the Delirious Dolphins, or that day when a band of rogue crabs tried to hitch a ride to Bora Bora. Each day was a new chapter in the grand adventure of sailing in the vibrant, wild, and just-a-wee-bit-wacky waters of Florida.

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best sailing programs in Sarasota, FL

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We are thrilled to bring you some fantastic news! For the first time, we are launching our STEM Summer Camp Program in Torrance, marking our debut in the South Bay and Orange County areas. This is a significant milestone for us, and we hope it's just the beginning of our journey to expand to many other locations. This summer, we are offering your child an unprecedented opportunity to dive deep into the fascinating world of STEM. Our camp will be buzzing with interactive experiments and creative challenges to fuel your child's curiosity and keep them engaged. It's an ideal environment for kids who have an insatiable desire to learn, explore, and grow. We also want to stress our commitment to small group learning. In order to ensure that every child gets the focused attention they need, we're capping the number of spots available. Don't let your child miss out on this incredible opportunity at our exciting STEM Summer Camp. Book their spot today! Our special Science Club program is meticulously designed to cater to children from grades K-6. Each lesson in the Club SciKidz program is crafted to engage students in activities like observation, measurement, identifying properties, and conducting experiments around life, earth, and physical science concepts. Each unit is thoroughly researched by our team of science educators, with valuable inputs from teachers and children. The result is a set of lessons that not only entertain students but also foster genuine learning. Join us for a summer of science that promises to be full of fun and learning!

Torrance, CA 90501
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Sarasota Youth Sailing was founded in the late 1970s by Kathy Waggener, and began with seven students in the first class. In 1980, the organization was incorporated as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation. Sarasota Youth Sailing provides a unique opportunity for children to explore the world of sailing. The original Clearwater Prams provide an exciting experience for children to explore the waters of Sarasota Bay. With singlehanded Laser Sailing, children can explore the waters independently. Sarasota Youth Sailing is a great way for children to gain confidence and develop skills that will last a lifetime. With the guidance of Kathy Waggener, and the support from the organization’s 501 (c) (3) status, children can be sure that they will be in good hands.

Sarasota, FL 34236
4.3(5 reviews)
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We have become a vibrant, world-renowned marine research institution, recognized by our peers for our commitment to ocean exploration and conservation. At our institution, we recognize that the future of our oceans is inextricably linked to the future of our planet, and our research and education programs are focused on finding solutions to the most pressing challenges facing our oceans today. We strive to empower our children and future generations with the knowledge and skills they need to create a brighter future for the marine environment. Together, we will work to find the answers in the ocean that will help us protect and conserve it for generations to come.

Sarasota, FL 34236