Blog

Blue Star Families & CAP: Supporting Military Families in Jacksonville

Manatee encounters at the Jacksonville Zoo | Photo by Zstopstudios

On April 11, 2026, CAP and Blue Star Families Jacksonville hosted its second annual CAP Military Family Day at the Zoo in honor of the Month of the Military Child and America 250!

Military-families-at-Jacksonville-Zoo-2026

Families gathered for a day of creativity and animal encounters | Photo by Zstopstudios

More than 400 military family attendees came out to enjoy the arts-based exploration of the Jacksonville Zoo & Botanical Gardens.

A dance party and CAP String Orchestra performance greeted attendees at the Zoo’s newly opened VyStar SkyScape Entrance, and activities placed throughout the park—including drumming, balloon drawing, face painting, improv theatre games and more—kept the creative energy up all day.

CAP string orchestra plays for military families at Jacksonville Zoo

CAP String Orchestra kicks off Military Family Day at the Zoo | Photo by Zstopstudios

Blue Star Families is an organization focused on strengthening military families by connecting them with their neighbors to create vibrant communities of mutual support. By working with other organizations on events such as this one, CAP expands its reach to engage young people wherever they are.

Thank you to volunteers from RS&H and Danis.

View all the photos on CAP’s Facebook and Flickr pages.


Want an invite to our next event? Enroll your student in a CAP program today, and sign up for our emails to stay on top of all the happenings and impact at CAP.

For media inquiries, please contact media@capkids.org.

Dance is more than movement, it’s a spark for growth, confidence and connection. Research from the National Institutes of Health shows that group dance helps young people develop the five C’s: Creativity, Critical Thinking, Confidence, Collaboration and Communication.

When students come together to dance, they’re not just learning steps, they are building friendships, strengthening their well-being and discovering their voices. 🩰✨
Have you ever felt the magic of singing in a choir? When young people lift their voices together, something truly special happens; friendships blossom, confidence grows and a sense of harmony fills the room. The greatest gift of all? Pure joy! 🎶
No matter which art form your child chooses, whether it's music, visual arts, theatre or dance, they’re building valuable life skills like creative thinking, confidence and collaboration that stay with them for life.

Beyond these benefits, the arts offer something truly special: the pure joy and fulfillment that comes from learning how to do something you didn't know you could do. There’s nothing quite like watching a child’s face light up with pride as they achieve something they never thought possible. ✨
CAP is hiring several full-time Teaching Artists! You’ll have the unique opportunity to blend your artistic passion with a commitment to educational excellence. Visit our link in bio to apply today. ✍️ 

🌟Teaching Artist Fellows in Music, Theatre and Visual Arts
🌟Creative Arts Therapist
🌟Board Certified Music Therapist

Voted one of the best places to work in Jacksonville, CAP offers a culture of creativity and collaboration in the heart of Downtown Jacksonville. Join the CAP team to support its mission to provide arts education that impacts children and young adults for the rest of their lives. We look forward to hearing from you!
Cathedral Arts Project made a major announcement during a special press conference this morning. We are deeply grateful for the support of our community as we continue to expand arts education for children and young adults across Northeast Florida and beyond! Read the full press release at our link in bio.✨
We are setting the stage for an exciting announcement at Cathedral Arts Project...stay tuned for news you don't want to miss! ✨
#TheArtsAddUp #CAPkidsjax #Artsed
October is National Arts & Humanities Month, an annual celebration of the creativity and culture that enriches our lives. This month we honor the power of the arts to inspire, connect and transform our communities. Whether you’re picking up an instrument, a paintbrush, dancing to your favorite song or supporting local arts programs, YOU are part of this vibrant movement. 

Learn more about how CAP instructs, instills and inspires through standards-based instruction in dance, music, theatre and visual arts for students across educational settings in our Northeast Florida communities by visiting our link in bio.🌟

#NationalArtsAndHumanitiesMonth #TheArtsAddUp #CAPkidsjax
CAP is HIRING a full-time Board Certified Music Therapist! As a member of CAP’s Music Therapy team, you’ll have the unique opportunity to create meaningful change in young lives through the therapeutic application of music. 

Through your expertise and compassion, you’ll guide students on a journey of inspiration and growth, using music as a powerful tool for emotional expression, development and academic learning. Apply today at our link in bio!🎵
October is National Arts & Humanities Month, an annual celebration of the creativity and culture that enriches our lives. This month we honor the power of the arts to inspire, connect and transform our communities. 

In celebration, here’s a glimpse of our dedicated young musicians in the CAP String Orchestra Ensemble, working hard and learning together on a Saturday morning! 🎻⭐

JOIN THE CAP MAILING LIST