FISH OF SANCAP takes great care to recruit, train and work with community volunteers that help facilitate their programs.  During summer months, however, volunteerism dwindles as folks return to their northern homes and travel during the summer months.

 

FISH is actively seeking volunteers for all programs. Opportunities can be located on the volunteer platform POINT, https://pointapp.org/orgs/2509. “We encourage everyone to check the FISH profile on POINT frequently, as we’re adding new opportunities often,” notes Maria Espinoza, Executive Director, FISH.

 

As FISH develops summer programming for community youth, additional volunteer opportunities will develop. New this year is Camp Noah, a youth summer program for children in grades K-5. FISH, in partnership with Camp Noah and St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, will offer this camp beginning June 3-7. “We are grateful to both Camp Noah and St. Michael’s for providing this important offering to our community,” continues Espinoza. “St. Michael’s has graciously agreed to provide the venue, and Camp Noah will offer their curriculum, supplies, a camp t-shirt, preparedness backpack, blanket and more.”

 

Camp Noah is a nationally acclaimed program where children in communities impacted by disaster can experience the power of hope and healing through a proven resiliency curriculum that includes creative activities and play.

 

Children begin the day with a large group gathering full of songs, skits and fun. Mornings are spent in groups for discussion, art projects, journaling, recreation and snacks. After a nutritious lunch, kids spend the afternoon hearing stories, playing games, watching puppet shows, and doing arts and crafts. The day ends with more songs, skits and fun during a large group closing with new friends.

 

While Camp Noah usually takes place over five days, its impact on a child can last a lifetime. There is no fee for Camp Noah, and lunch is provided. Before and after care hours will be available for a fee.

 

FISH is seeking volunteers who enjoy working with kids to help facilitate the June 3-7 camp. Volunteers are needed during camp hours – 8:30am – 4:00pm — as well as during before care and after care hours [hours to be determined]. Volunteers need to provide to a background check and will be trained prior to the camp session.

 

Volunteer shifts will be split into two shifts per day, with an additional shift for before/after care.

 

Additional information about Camp Noah including a participant registration link will be provided in the coming weeks. All participants must register ahead of time, and the camp can accept up to 50 children.

 

For additional information on Camp Noah registration and volunteer opportunities, please contact Manuela Martinez, Disaster Administrative Director, at 239-472-4775 or [email protected].

 

For more information on volunteering with FISH, reach out to the organization at 239-472-4775 or visit their POINT profile at https://pointapp.org/orgs/2509.

 

For additional information on the FISH organization and their programs and services, please contact Maria Espinoza, Executive Director at 239-472-4775 or visit their website at www.fishofsancap.org.

 

Photo:

Camp Noah kids with volunteer

 

 

 

FISH of Sanibel-Captiva has been a ‘neighbors helping neighbors’ organization on Sanibel and Captiva for over 40 years. As a social service organization, FISH has been ground zero, in recent years, from natural and environmental crises to the impacts of COVID and now, for catastrophic Hurricane Ian. FISH offers something for everyone—if there is not a service in place for unmet needs of community members, they work to meet it through their expansive regional network. In addition to their Long-Term Recovery program, FISH continues to offer programs representing their four major pillars – Food, Island Based Education, Social and Senior Services, and Helping Hands.

Although FISH has grown from the grassroots organization it started as, it remains a network of ‘neighbors helping neighbors’; a group of community members committed to the betterment of the islands and southwest Florida community by assisting one neighbor at a time. FISH is proud to say that 86% of every dollar donated goes directly to programs and services including but not limited to:

  • Long-Term disaster recovery
  • Emergency financial assistance
  • Food pantry
  • Non-emergency transport
  • Temporary loan of health equipment
  • Hurricane preparedness information
  • Daily hot meals program

 

More information about FISH is available online at fishofsancap.org, as well as Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). For details about hurricane recovery and other services, contact Maria Espinoza, FISH Executive Director, at (239) 472-4775.