The Ocean Literacy and Leadership Camp (OLLC) on Hornby Island has wrapped up another successful year.
The Camp is hosted by Ocean Wise and Navigate NIDES (Comox Valley Schools – School District 71) at the Tribune Bay Outdoor Education Centre.
The program brings girls from all across the province to help increase their knowledge about marine life and stewardship.
Educator and teacher with School District 71, Serina Allison says the camp really brings the girls closer together.
“Not only are they making those relationships with people that they connect with, but from an advocacy and environmental sustainability perspective, they realize that they are not alone.”
The camp also features a beach clean up in Tribune Bay, which is organized by Ocean Wise.
Ocean Wise children and Youth Manager Hailey Renaud says the camp is a great opportunity to show the students just how important the environment is and to help them make changes in their own lives.
“It’s really about connecting youth and trying to inspire them through nature…I want these kids not only to be connected with nature and care about the ocean, but I really want them to feel empowered that they are able to make a change,” said Renaud.
One of the students at this year’s camp, Taryn Ell says the program has helped her understand how important local ecosystems are to preserve.
“The thing I’m taking away the most is how important our environment is, and how important the ocean is, and how our ecosystem is so incredibly important and intertwined and we need to protect that because it’s so crucial to our lives.”
Students who complete both the online pre-camp course and the camp program itself will earn four Grade 12 credits towards their B.C. Graduation Certificate.
To learn more about the Ocean Literacy and Leadership Camp, click here.
