Growing Up on Sanibel features James Sprankle. This first of five Sanibel Island documentaries sponsored by Pfeifer Realty Group highlights four generations of people who grew up on Sanibel. The film will features some long–time Sanibel residents who either grew up here, or who moved here in their early adult years, and who raised families here. An additional focus to adults who grew up here takes a nostalgic look back at their experience growing up Sanibel Island. Finally, current “Sanibel kids” are featured, with glimpses into their island lives.
In 1994 James was 9 years old when his family moved to Sanibel Island. Son of Jim Sprankle and Patty Sprankle, James grew up loving nature. He loved going to the Sanibel School because it was surrounded by the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge. We took walks in nature as breaks from being in the classroom.
I was so lucky. I had a really unique experience growing up. Thanks to SCCF and DING DARLING and Tarpon Bay my childhood was amazing. We had "Junior Naturalists" with classes about Shells, Birds, and animals we could find on the island like a scavenger hunt. We loved learning about life and conservation, a love that I still have today. Living elsewhere, you really know how lucky we were to grow up on Sanibel.
I loved being on the water too. We would go to the beach just to be near the ocean. Proms were a big deal and kids would go to big parties to celebrate. For my group of friends, we thought going to Clam Bayou to camp out after prom in Ft. Myers was the coolest thing to do. Yes, we thought that would be a great idea. We parked by the Lazy Flamingo by Captiva and then trudged a couple miles with our gear to camp out. How lucky was I to share my childhood with like-minded friends.
Nature grounds you. It is outside of the material world and so worth exploring and protecting. I'm blessed to have spent many years growing up on Sanibel.
Watch All 5 Sanibel Documentary Films Here: