20 Young Ocean Explorers Dive into Sea Camp Adventure

An image sent to us by Ripples to Waves.

By R.Butcher. Updated 1:31 p.m., Tuesday, September 9, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Twenty young ocean explorers joined Sea Camp 2025 on Union Island, a week-long programme hosted by Ripples to Waves, designed to inspire future ocean advocates through hands-on learning, field trips, and marine adventures.

Sea campers, aged 8 to 12, took the plunge into a week on Union Island, diving into the marine world of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. They engaged with presentations on ocean careers, coral reefs, and mangrove forests, as well as the mysteries of the open ocean.

Along the way, they met some of the sea’s residents, including whales, dolphins, turtles, sharks, and seabirds, as well as the professionals who work to protect them.

Sea Camp was hosted by Ripples to Waves, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), in partnership with the Caribbean Cetacean Society (CCS) from Martinique. The programme blends playful learning, marine science, and real-world exploration.

The goal was to connect the islands’ youth to the ocean and spark confidence, curiosity, and care for the sea. One of the week’s highlights was a mini scientific expedition, where the campers became marine scientists aboard the Cesam Floreal, a catamaran and Sea Camp partner from Martinique. They collected data on weather, seabird sightings, and marine traffic, though no whales or dolphins were spotted this time.

They also visited Tobago Cays Marine Park, where many sawm with sea turtles and stingrays for the first time.

The camp’s return was especially meaningful as Union Island continues to recover from Hurricane Beryl.

Ripples to Waves said: “This year’s return to Union Island was particularly meaningful. As one of the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Beryl, many families are still in the process of rebuilding. For the island’s youth, Sea Camp offered not only a learning experience but also joy, connection, and a sense of normalcy. By inspiring young minds and nurturing their love for the ocean, Sea Camp helps plant the seeds for a brighter, healthier future—one we can all protect together, as a community connected by the sea.”

The organisation extended its deepest gratitude to the presenters, volunteers, organisers, and funders whose support made this week of adventure possible.

This information was sent to us by Ripples to Waves.