Teens are often a catalyst for changing the world. And per a 2014 JWT survey, 76% of “Generation Z” youth (those born between 1994 and 2010, who are currently ages 7 to 23) are concerned about the human impact on the planet and believe they can operate as a change agent.
Youth naturally have an understandable and keen concern about the future of our planet. They also thrive when given the opportunity to get out into nature, and are often adventure-seekers.
So our Oceans Adventures program not only introduces teens to a variety of unique and stunning environmental habitats, both under the sea and on land, and helps them become aware of some of the problems facing the planet and possible solutions—all while learning to sail and having our trademark amazing adventures at the same time!
Our program often provides a youth’s first exposure to marine environments such as pristine coral reefs thriving with fish, and astoundingly lush tropical rainforests with cascading waterfalls.
But they come to learn that such delights, critical to the survival of the planet, are often endangered by man’s mistakes and the demands of civilization. However, all is not bleak.
The mission of the Lawrence Anthony Earth Organization is to reverse the decaying environmental conditions on the planet and we do that through both hands-on projects and through education.
An underlying principle behind the Earth Organization ‘s successful resolution of environmental problems is what we call Cooperative Ecology (Co-Eco™). “Ecology” is a word that refers to the relationships between organisms, each other, and their environments. Cooperative Ecology™ (Co-Eco™), a word coined by our Founder, world-renowned conservationist and author Lawrence Anthony, is the concept that all life forms are interdependent, and to the degree each individual co-operates (works together) with others and with the natural world, each has the best chance of living a long and healthy life.
When the Earth Organization looks into an environmental problem, we look carefully at the whole situation, embracing all entities and factors involved, including such things as economic concerns and the health of the natural environment. We look at all the options, and seek solutions that work for everyone. So far we have found workable solution for every environmental problem we’ve looked into.
Part of our educational program in the Oceans Adventures program conveys this concept of Cooperative Ecology as the guiding principle we use to address environmental issues.
However, this viewpoint of cooperative and constructive decision-making also extends to every aspect of life. Youth will see how it can be applied to one’s interactions with the family and in other personal relationships, decisions about one’s work, financial choices, involvement in community activities—as well as one’s interaction with the natural world.
Teens joining us on our voyages, learning about the environment and this concept of Cooperative Ecology, come home better able to work with others, with a viewpoint of teamwork and how to resolve issues so that all may benefit, giving them a key tool to be more successful in life.
And young people with personal understanding of why our environment needs to be safeguarded and how its problems can be effectively resolved bodes well for the future of the earth, our home.
That’s why the Earth Organization is offering this wonderful opportunity for our future leaders, as part of our overall strategy to reverse the decline of the planet and animal kingdoms and our environment.
Join Ocean Adventures for the wonderful experiences and adventures—but you’ll come away with so much more!
