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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.

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! 🎻⭐
CAP is hiring for multiple full-time roles! CAP’s vision is for Northeast Florida to lead the nation in providing essential and accessible arts education that recognizes, grows and amplifies every child’s unique skills and strengths. Join us in shaping the future of arts education in Jacksonville by visiting the link in bio to apply today. ✍️

* Director of Professional Development 
* Grants and Proposals Manager
* Curriculum Writer
* Data Analyst
* Research Assistant
* 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. We look forward to hearing from you!🎉
CAP is hiring for multiple full-time roles! Join us in shaping the future of arts education in Jacksonville by visiting our link in bio to apply today. 

Director of Professional Development | The Director of Professional Development will build and lead the training infrastructure that keeps CAP’s teaching artists, fellows, therapists and program directors performing at the highest level across Arts Ignite, Art Smarts and CAPabilities programs. 

Grants and Proposals Manager | As a member of CAP’s Philanthropy team, you'll manage a portfolio of institutional funders from first opportunity through final report, building the systems and evidence base that strengthen CAP's ability to secure funding and steward every dollar with integrity. 

Curriculum Writer | The Curriculum Writer will be the voice behind CAP’s lessons, curricula and professional development content across various program expertise. It’s a role for someone who can sit with a teaching artist, fellow or therapist, draw out what they know and turn it into high-quality writing that is engaging and classroom ready.

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.🌟
Behind every note played and every song learned is a story of dedication and perseverance. At CAP, our students discover that learning to read music and play an instrument isn’t just about talent, it’s about hard work and grit. The rewards go far beyond the stage, fueling academic growth as well as helping students build focus, discipline, team work and problem solving skills that stay with them for life. 🎻
#CAPkidsjax #ArtsEd #TheArtsAddUp
National Arts in Education Week is a nationwide celebration of the transformative power of the arts in education. This year’s theme—Every Student, Every Community—highlights how arts education not only empowers individual students, but also strengthens entire communities. By nurturing creativity, arts education inspires innovation and collaboration, helping students develop the skills to solve problems and work together. These creative thinkers go on to spark new ideas making their communities more vibrant.

Learn more about how the Cathedral Arts Project is on a mission to make high-quality arts education and therapeutic services the bridge to better grades, healthier futures and a ready workforce at capkids.org! ✨
#ArtsEd #TheArtsAddUp
Calling all visual artists grades 4 - 6 📣  CAP Studio Artists is offering a Fall Session in Drawing & Painting! Guarantee a semester of creativity and growth by enrolling your young artist today. 🎨

When: Thursdays | 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Sep. 17 – Dec. 17, 2026

CAP has partnered with CoRK Arts District to host this program. Classes will be held at the CoRKSHOP at 2689 Rosselle Street, 32204. 

CAP Studio Artists (CAPSA) is an immersive visual art program which provides students with the opportunity to pursue their passion for the visual arts while expanding their creative skills. In this hands-on drawing and painting class, students will explore a variety of artistic techniques, materials, and styles while developing their own unique artistic voice. From sketching and observational drawing to painting with color, texture and composition, students will experiment, create and build confidence in their skills. Spots are limited so register at our link in bio today! 🌟
Do you know a passionate young dancer in grades 4–8? The Cathedral Arts Project Dance Ensemble is now welcoming new members! Led by Jacqueline Peterson, CAP Teaching Artist Fellow in Dance, this select group is made up of current and former CAP dance students who are eager to take their skills to the next level. 

Ensemble members receive advanced training in both classical and contemporary dance, collaborate with guest artists and participate in specialized workshops and performances. Encourage the young dancers in your life to join a community where creativity and growth take center stage. Learn more at our link in bio!👯🩰

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