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Boys and Girls Clubs of Lee County takes on Pirate Cruise

Salty Sam's Marina hosted about 150 campers from the Boys and Girls Club of Lee County this past week

By Nathan Mayberg - Editor | Jul 22, 2021

Salty Sam's Marina donated trips on the Pirate Cruise for approximately 150 children from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Lee County this past week. / Photo by Nathan Mayberg

Loaded on to the pirate cruise ship at Salty Sam’s Marina, the children from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Lee County yelled aargh! They were ready to leave San Carlos Island and trade in their camp routines for a life out on sea with treasure, songs and dance awaiting them.

“The kids had a blast,” said Denise Gergley, CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of Lee County.

Gergley said approximately 150 campers from Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres and Bonita Springs took part in the pirate cruises this past Friday. The campers were split into two groups.

The cruises, the pirate treasure and refreshments were all donated by Salty Sam’s Marina, located on Main Street just off Fort Myers Beach.

This was the first time the marina and youth organization partnered on the cruises. Those who went on the ship Friday were between the ages of 6-15.

Pirates led 150 children from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Lee County summer camp in song, dance and a treasure hunt on the Pirate Cruise from Salty Sam's Marina on Fort Myers Beach. / Photo by Nathan Mayberg

“For some of them, they had never been on the water before,” Gergley said.

On the ship, there was singing, dancing and limbo, she said. “The cast (on the ship) did an amazing job,” Gergley said. There were skits by the pirate actors from Salty Sam’s Marina. “They were all highly engaged,” Gegley said. “They kept the kids so entertained.”

There was a pirate treasure hunt where the children had to find maps leading to the treasure box. The “treasure” included little gems and beads. “It was a unique experience for them,” Gergley said.

There are five locations for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Lee County summer camp. Those who were selected to attend the cruises had been selected for their good attendance and behavior, Gergley said.

“It was an award that they had to work for,” she said.

Salty Sam's Marina donated trips on the Pirate Cruise for approximately 150 children from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Lee County this past week. / Photo by Nathan Mayberg

Gergley described the experience as part of the youth organization’s camp theme “summer of exploration.” Gergley said the camp’s programs have included culinary arts, dance, basketball, karate, drawing and other programs and projects.

“We keep them learning as well and reading,” she said. “We’re really setting ourselves up for growth.”

Pirates led 150 children from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Lee County summer camp in song, dance and a treasure hunt. / Photo by Nathan Mayberg

Salty Sam's Marina donated trips on the Pirate Cruise for approximately 150 children from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Lee County this past week. / Photo by Nathan Mayberg