Children Visit Lighthouse

On the left are children from the Eastpoint Headstart program with Visitor Center Volunteer Marty Ray. On the right are girls from Brownie Troop 333 at the Lighthouse.

On Friday, December 5, 2009 children of all ages visited the Cape St. George Light.

The day began with the arrival of 20 children, ages three and four, from the Headstart programs in Eastpoint and Carrabelle. Visitor Center volunteer Marty Ray hosted the little ones at the Visitor Center & Museum, and Assistant Lighthouse Keeper Jim Dunkin helped them climb the lighthouse. Marty said the young students espcially enjoyed operating the light on the model lighthouse in the museum!

Later that day, 36 sixth-graders from the ABC School in Apalachicola added a stop at the lighthouse to their field trip.

And at 4 p.m. Franklin County Brownie Troop 333, Daisy Girl Scout Troop 200, and Junior Girl Scouts all climbed the lighthouse. The Girl Scout programs are recent additions to youth offerings in the County, and the troops members are enthusiastic and energetic. Their visit to the historic Cape St. George Light will contribute to their merit badge projects.

As night fell, parents and children gathered in Lighthouse Park for the arrival of Santa Claus on an SGI Fire Truck and the Lighting of the Lights on Franklin Boulevard and in Lighthouse Park. While the rainy weather kept the crowd smaller than usual, about 40 children came to tell Santa about their Christmas wishes. Each child received a toy in the event sponsored by the St. George Island Business Association. The chilly rain didn't dampen the spirits of the participants, and it sure made the hot chocolate and coffee taste especially good!

The Cape St. George Light is open for climbing at no charge to student groups from Franklin County. Staff at the Lighthouse and at the Visitor Center & Museum always enjoy the opportunity to share this important part of our maritime history with our young people.

Posted by Administrator - Saturday, 12/05/09, 07:22 AM - Comments - Category: News