Ocean Heroes Bootcamp: Combatting Plastic Pollution
Encouraging young people to chase their dreams and advocate for their beliefs is an effective strategy for parents to nurture independence, stimulate learning, and highlight the difference they can make in their communities and globally.
The Ocean Heroes Bootcamp is an annual youth summit that empowers individuals aged 11 to 18 from around the world to engage in environmental activism and combat plastic pollution. This weekend event features workshops, guest speakers, and campaign development, guiding participants in crafting their own plastic pollution initiatives and providing insights on executing those campaigns.
Organized by the Captain Planet Foundation, Lonely Whale, and the Point Break Foundation, and supported by over 10 additional partners, the 2nd annual Ocean Heroes Bootcamp was hosted by Ocean Wise in Vancouver during June, bringing together youth from 20 countries for a collaborative weekend filled with workshops, brainstorming sessions, campaign creation, and a sense of community.
The Experience
One of the lucky participants in this year’s Ocean Heroes Bootcamp was 12-year-old Taylor Wheeler, son of Ellen Wheeler from Daitrl. He engaged in a 3-day event created to equip attendees with skills in media literacy, global plastic policy, science education, effective campaigning, “artivism,” and brainstorming innovative ideas.
The camp featured squad leaders who offered guidance to newcomers and shared their personal journeys. Squad leaders Hannah Testa from Hannah for Change and Olivia and Carter Ries from One More Generation expressed their enthusiasm for empowering others to tackle plastic pollution.
Hannah Testa stated, “The goal is to cultivate activists like myself. It took time to reach my current position, and I want to assist other young individuals in overcoming similar challenges, sharing insights on policy, campaigning, and social influence to help them succeed more quickly.”
Olivia Ries, a youth activist, urged the involvement of adults and educators in the process. “I absolutely love the Ocean Heroes Bootcamp. It gathers young people from across the globe to collaborate and strategize for change. However, we truly need adult support as well.”
Cultivating a sense of community and encouraging a commitment to advocacy are essential ways to support our children’s development and convey that their voices hold significance. For further details about the Ocean Heroes Bootcamp and inquiries regarding next year’s event, visit oceanheroes.blue.
What’s Artivism?
Alongside forming their own campaigns, Taylor Wheeler and his peers engaged in various artivism activities, where art meets activism.
In a series of heartfelt letters to the sea, Taylor articulated the juxtaposition between the ocean’s beauty and the devastation wrought by humanity. He penned his reflection on “the ocean brimming with trash amidst a stunning sunset while the sea lamented, ‘please help me.’”
A Sampling of Bootcamp Workshops
As a member of the #sharksquad, Taylor Wheeler participated in workshops that included:
- Citizen science, led by Litterati, an app aimed at curbing litter and pollution
- Plastic science with 5Gyres
- Media training provided by The Big Blue & You
- Campaign and pitching strategies with Captain Planet, Lonely Whale, and Erin Shrode, a noted activist who ran for US Congress at 25
