Motivating young individuals to chase their dreams and advocate for their beliefs serves as a significant method for parents to promote autonomy, foster learning, and highlight the influence they can have on their communities and the broader world.
The Ocean Heroes Bootcamp is an annual global youth summit aimed at equipping participants aged 11 to 18 with the tools they need for environmental activism, particularly in the battle against plastic pollution. Over a weekend filled with workshops, keynote speakers, and campaign strategizing, this bootcamp guides participants in crafting their own initiatives to combat plastic waste and teaches them how to activate these campaigns effectively.
Sponsored by the Captain Planet Foundation, Lonely Whale, and the Point Break Foundation, along with the support of over 10 partner organizations and hosted by Ocean Wise in Vancouver, the 2nd annual Ocean Heroes Bootcamp unfolded in June, bringing together youth from 20 different nations for a collaborative weekend of workshops, brainstorming sessions, campaign development, and community bonding.
Experiencing the Bootcamp
Among the fortunate participants this year was 12-year-old Taylor Wheeler, son of Intomodel’s Ellen Wheeler. He immersed himself in the three-day event crafted to equip attendees with essential skills across various fields such as media literacy, global plastic initiatives, scientific learning, strategic campaigning, “artivism,” and idea development.
The bootcamp also featured squad leaders who were there to guide newcomers through the weekend and share their personal journeys. Squad leaders, including Hannah Testa from Hannah for Change and Olivia and Carter Ries from One More Generation, were enthusiastic about imparting their passion and dedication to combating plastic pollution.
As Hannah Testa emphasized, “The goal is to nurture activists like myself. It took me time to reach this point, and I want to assist other youths in bypassing the challenging periods, offering them insights on policy, campaigning, and social impact. We are in a position to mentor them, so they can accelerate their journey.”
Olivia Ries, a youth activist, urges adults and educators to step in and assist. “I adore the Ocean Heroes Bootcamp. It brings together young people from around the globe to collaborate and strategize for change. But we also need adult support.”
Cultivating a sense of community and promoting interests in change and advocacy serve as powerful support mechanisms for our children as they evolve, imparts the message that their voices matter. For more information about the Ocean Heroes Bootcamp and details on next year’s event, visit oceanheroes.blue.
Understanding Artivism
In addition to developing their individual campaigns, Taylor Wheeler and his peers engaged in various initiatives focused on artivism, an intersection of artistic expression and activism.
In his “love letters to the sea,” Taylor articulated the stark contrast between the ocean’s enchanting beauty and the devastation wrought by human actions. He poignantly noted, “the ocean filling with trash beside a stunning sunset while the sea pleaded, ‘please help me.’”
A Glimpse at Bootcamp Workshops
As part of the #sharksquad, Taylor Wheeler participated in workshops such as:
- Citizen science, led by Litterati, an app aimed at tackling litter and pollution
- Plastic science presented by 5Gyres
- Media training facilitated by The Big Blue & You
- Campaign and pitching strategies coordinated by Captain Planet, Lonely Whale, and Erin Shrode, a notable activist who ran for US Congress at the age of 25
