New Horizons Of SWFL - New Horizons of Southwest Florida https://newhorizonsofswfl.org Empowering Tomorrow's Generation Today Tue, 08 Jul 2025 15:10:40 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1 https://newhorizonsofswfl.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/admin-ajax-150x150.png New Horizons Of SWFL - New Horizons of Southwest Florida https://newhorizonsofswfl.org 32 32 Leading Through Service https://newhorizonsofswfl.org/2025/07/08/leading-through-service/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=leading-through-service Tue, 08 Jul 2025 15:04:38 +0000 https://newhorizonsofswfl.org/?p=9988 Super Teens Lead Through Service at Bonita Springs Assistance Office This summer, students from our Super Teens Leadership Camp embraced leadership not only in words, but in action: stepping up to serve their community in meaningful ways. Super Teens, club directors, and Bonita Springs Assistance Office team and volunteers—ready to serve together! It all began […]

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Super Teens Lead Through Service at Bonita Springs Assistance Office

This summer, students from our Super Teens Leadership Camp embraced leadership not only in words, but in action: stepping up to serve their community in meaningful ways.

Super Teens, club directors, and Bonita Springs Assistance Office team and volunteers—ready to serve together!

It all began during the first week of camp, when Caily Martin, Director of Operations at the Bonita Springs Assistance Office, visited the students to share about her organization’s mission. Inspired by her words, the Super Teens decided to volunteer at the Assistance Office’s evening food pantry and the response was incredible.

Across three Thursdays in June, students served in every part of the food distribution process:
– Packing and labeling groceries
– Loading food into cars in the drive-thru
– Translating for Spanish-speaking families
– Welcoming and supporting clients along the way

Participation grew each week, with 35 students volunteering the first time and 49 by the final visit.

Our dedicated club directors were with the Super Teens every step of the way, providing guidance, encouragement, and mentorship—helping turn these service hours into powerful leadership lessons.

Together, they made a big impact:

  • 94 households served

  • 348 individuals supported

  • 11 new households welcomed

  • 30 students registered for school supplies

  • 18 babies signed up for free diaper deliveries

“The kids did such an amazing job—they were so helpful, so polite, and so fun! Can’t wait to have you back.” — Caily Martin, Director of Operations, Bonita Springs Assistance Office

Super Teens hard at work packing and preparing food to support families in need.

“Caily and I can’t stop talking about how much fun we had working with the camp kids. They were an amazing group; everyone wanted to help in whatever way they could.”— Grace Farris, Program Assistant

Even more inspiring? The Bonita Springs Assistance Office invited our Super Teens to return and volunteer again, this time on their own time or alongside their families. That’s how much of an impact they made.

This pantry project was just one of several impactful service experiences during the 2025 Super Teens Leadership Camp. Each opportunity helped our students grow in character, compassion, and confidence.

At New Horizons of SWFL, we believe in nurturing servant leaders who grow in faith, leadership, and love for their neighbors. This summer, our Super Teens lived out the values we hold dear: serving others not for recognition, but because it’s what God calls us to do.

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
— 1 Peter 4:10

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Bonita Springs Assistance Office for their generous partnership and for welcoming our students with open arms. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of families throughout our community.

Teamwork in action: Super Teens and Bonita Springs Assistance Office volunteers working side by side.
Super Teens at the delivery station: packing cars, welcoming families, and providing translation support.

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]]> Exploring Nature’s Wonders: A Day at Cayo Costa Island https://newhorizonsofswfl.org/2024/11/29/exploring-natures-wonders/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=exploring-natures-wonders Fri, 29 Nov 2024 17:18:46 +0000 https://newhorizonsofswfl.org/?p=7922 An unforgettable adventure made possible by Captiva Cruises Arriving at Cayo Costa Island! Our students and chaperones were excited to begin a day filled with exploration and unforgettable memories Have you ever explored a place so beautiful it takes your breath away? On November 16, 2024, New Horizons of SWFL students had the opportunity to […]

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An unforgettable adventure made possible by Captiva Cruises

Arriving at Cayo Costa Island! Our students and chaperones were excited to begin a day filled with exploration and unforgettable memories

Have you ever explored a place so beautiful it takes your breath away? On November 16, 2024, New Horizons of SWFL students had the opportunity to experience the natural wonder of Cayo Costa Island, thanks to the generosity of Captiva Cruises.

The day began with an island adventure like no other. Students combed the shoreline in search of unique seashells, played in the soft sand, and soaked in the beauty of this untouched paradise. The laughter and excitement of the group filled the air as they connected with nature and discovered the simple joys of exploration.

On their way to adventure! Students excited for a day of exploration.
Students start their seashell search
Learning about their seashell finds with Richard, our guide.

The journey back to Captiva held another surprise. In the middle of the ocean, the students stopped to learn about the fascinating marine life of Southwest Florida. With guidance from Richard, our expert guide from Captiva Cruises, they observed, held, and studied a variety of fish species, gaining a hands-on appreciation for the ecosystem. At the end of this incredible experience, the fish were gently returned to their ocean home, reinforcing the importance of conservation and care for our environment.

Holding a puffer fish!
Christopher showing off the big seashell he found!
A beautiful starfish found during our adventure.

This unforgettable day was made possible by Captiva Cruises, whose generosity allowed our students to experience the wonder of Southwest Florida’s natural beauty. Moments like these inspire curiosity, foster learning, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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