35 Years of

Making Waves

This year, Shake-A-Leg Miami proudly celebrates 35 years of empowering individuals through the power of the sea. For over three decades, we’ve been making waves for generations, bringing families together, inspiring young sailors, and creating inclusive opportunities that ripple across time. From our earliest campers to today’s leaders, our legacy continues to grow with every wave we ride.

Summer Camp Has Begun! 

A Season of Friendship, Fun, and Discovery 

Summer is officially underway at Shake-A-Leg Miami! On June 9, we kicked off another unforgettable season of adventure, learning, and connection on the Bay. With the sun shining and sails up, campers of all abilities are diving into new experiences, building friendships, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. 

Each week of camp brings a fresh theme designed to inspire curiosity and confidence.

Week 1: Safety Week laid the foundation, with campers learning about boating basics, water safety, and how to take care of themselves and each other while exploring the ocean environment. 

Week 2: Marine Mechanics & Motion – STEM on the Water, our young explorers took a deeper dive into science and engineering. From building simple machines to understanding propulsion and buoyancy, kids got hands-on with real-world applications of STEM, all while enjoying the beauty of Biscayne Bay. 

Week 3: Engineering the Elements – Power from Water, where campers will learn about renewable energy and discover how water can be a powerful source of electricity and innovation. 

Behind every exciting activity is a community of supporters—staff, volunteers, parents, and donors—who help make it all possible. Thank you for giving our campers a summer full of joy, discovery, and transformation. We can’t wait to see what the next weeks bring! 

We also operate an Adventure Island summer camp. Campers spend days on the island exploring nature, sailing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, and having lots of fun.

This is a fee-based program that operates weekly.

We invite kids of all abilities to participate.

Christopher & Dana

Reeve Foundation Visit 

On June 3, we welcomed Maria Fonseca from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation for a special visit to Shake-A-Leg Miami. It was a meaningful opportunity to share our Marine and Hospitality Vocational Program in action and highlight the people who bring it to life.

Maria toured our campus and saw participants building hands-on skills and engaging in activities that reflect our mission of inclusion and opportunity. Her visit reminded us how powerful community support can be in expanding access and changing lives.

We’re grateful to the Reeve Foundation for their continued commitment to empowering individuals living with paralysis—and for helping amplify the work we do every day.

Celebrating Freedom

Juneteenth Parade at

Shake-A-Leg Miami 

On Wednesday, June 18, Shake-A-Leg Miami proudly celebrated Juneteenth with a joyful and spirited parade along the waterfront. Campers, staff, and families came together to honor this important day in American history, commemorating the end of slavery and celebrating freedom, unity, and resilience. 

With music, handmade signs, and vibrant energy, the parade became a powerful moment of reflection and celebration. Campers learned about the significance of Juneteenth through storytelling and creative expression, then marched together in unity—honoring the progress made and reaffirming the ongoing commitment to justice and equality.

Thank you to everyone who made this celebration so special. Moments like these remind us of the power of community and the value of shared history. 

Bay Day Recap

Sun, Smiles, and Service with Apple Miami

Under sunny skies and a refreshing breeze, we welcomed an amazing group of volunteers from Apple Miami who helped make the day truly unforgettable.

Together with participants of all ages and abilities, we shared meaningful moments on the bay through adaptive sailing, kayaking, and shoreline fun. Laughter, connection, and a few joyful splashes filled the day.

After the activities, we gathered for snacks, cold drinks, and great conversation by the water. We’re deeply grateful to the Apple Miami team for their enthusiasm and community spirit, they truly embodied the heart of Shake-A-Leg Miami.

Coming Up at

Shake-A-Leg Miami 

🎧 New Podcast Episodes Weekly

Don’t miss our new podcast, led by James Diaz! Tune in every week on Spotify and YouTube for inspiring stories and community highlights. Just search Shake-A-Leg Miami.

✨ ADA Celebration - July 25

It was 35 years ago that President George HW Bush along with a bipartisan group signed the ADA into law. We'll be hosting a celebration and educating the students about ADA and how it has opened society to people with disabilities. We will have guest speakers along with performances by the summer camp participants.

🌊 SCI Bay Day – July 26

Join us for a special day on the water with our Spinal Cord Injury Support Group. Adaptive watersports, connection, and fun by the bay!

✨ More to Come

Summer camps, community events, and volunteer opportunities are in full swing. Stay tuned and get involved! 

💙 Thank You for Being Part of Our Community 

Together with the City of Miami, The Children’s Trust, Batchelor Foundation, Janie Fund and other who donated along with you —our volunteers, families, partners, and supporters we have been able to create a community of caring people. Your involvement helps us create life-changing experiences on the water for individuals of all abilities. 

If you believe in our mission and want to help us continue making waves, please consider making a donation today. Every gift—big or small—goes directly toward empowering lives through access, adventure, and inclusion.

 
The Shake-A-Leg Miami Team