Immokalee kids have a ball with ‘Big Buddies’ on Marco Island beach
More than 100 second graders from Immokalee’s Guadalupe Center traded their classrooms for sand and shells during the nonprofit organization’s annual Friends Day. This long-standing tradition pairs students with adult mentors for a day of outdoor learning at the Hideaway Beach Club on Marco Island.
For more than 25 years, the event has brought together students and volunteer “Big Buddies” for hands-on lessons along the shoreline.
The children took turns participating in activities led by staff from the Big Cypress National Preserve, the YMCA of Collier County, the Marco Island Shelling Club, Kids 2 Camp and the Marco Island Fire Department – from wildlife viewing to beach games.
The day is an expansion of the Guadalupe Center’s after-school tutoring program, which serves students in kindergarten through second grade in Immokalee. Program leaders say experiences outside of the classroom help build reading and math skills by building confidence, curiosity and social-emotional development.
Children at Guadalupe Center in Immokalee enjoy a day on Marco Island during the annual Buddy Day.
More than 100 Immokalee kids ‘had a blast’
The Hideaway Beach Club has hosted Buddy Day for years, providing space, staff and volunteers from the beachfront community. Guadalupe Center leaders say the partnership is key to maintaining the tradition. Additionally, the center’s Katie Valentin said, “The weather was great and they really had a great time.”
Beyond a day at the beach, this day is intended “to show kids that their community believes in them,” said Bill Dempsey, president of the organization’s board of directors. “The long-standing partnership and hands-on involvement of the Hideaway Beach community makes this experience possible.”
Volunteers spent the morning guiding students through activities, answering questions about local wildlife and ecosystems, and helping with crafts. For many children, this outing was a rare opportunity to explore the coast up close.
Volunteer Emily Osterhaus works with one of the Guadalupe Center students during Buddy Day/
Lunch was provided by Boar’s Head, Sysco and Mr. Green’s Produce.
Founded more than 40 years ago, the Guadalupe Center serves more than 2,000 students each year through early childhood education, after-school tutoring, summer programs, and college and career readiness initiatives. The Immokalee-based nonprofit aims to help students build a strong academic foundation and expand opportunities beyond high school.
Learn more about the Guadalupe Center
More information is available at GuadalupeCenter.org or by calling 239 657‑7711.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Immokalee second graders enjoy ‘Buddy Day’ on Marco’s Hideaway Beach
