Cultivating Baja Conservation Leaders for Tomorrow

If you have been following us for the past few years, you may remember that the pandemic in 2020 presented us with a unique opportunity to connect with the local community in a new and exciting way- the Aventureros program; a local youth program driven by the wants, needs and interests of the community at large. A huge initiative we could not have done without support from many of you!

Four years later, this program continues to thrive! We have a growing group of new participants every year, and this summer we have had some little ones hanging out with us and learning to swim! Many of the original Aventureros are now respected young adult leaders within and beyond the Bahía de los Ángeles community and this summer, we are creating an opportunity for our most skilled young leaders to participate in a one of a kind ecotourism internship with Vermilion Sea Institute!

We are launching the Guia (“guide” in English) Internship Program for 17 of our Aventureros. These are young adults that have incorporated themselves into the VSI family both through participation in Aventureros, and also through their own community involvement.  The Guias Program is an ecotourism internship that brings these young adults behind the curtain to work side by side with core Vermilion Sea Institute staff during our busy season to learn the effort and nuance it takes to create the VSFS guest experience. The best jobs in town are in tourism, the highschool focuses on tourism and hospitality, VSFS sets the standard locally for responsibility in eco tourism, so expanding the aventureros program with a Guia internship this summer was a natural progression.  Every group brings its own magic to VSFS and it is a joy and an honor to incorporate these Guias in each group to share and add to that magic.

As the summer season beckons, we're bubbling with excitement to share the latest springtime escapades and triumphs of our remarkable Aventureros youth program, where thanks to your unwavering support, these young conservationists are diving deeper into hands-on learning experiences that are shaping them into the future leaders of conservation. Since our last update in January, our Aventureros have been on a whirlwind of activities that have sparked their creativity, cultivated practical skills, and fostered a deeper connection to the environment around them and to one another. We're excited to share a breakdown of their adventures with you, but first, we need to share about reaching a significant milestone!

This year, our Aventureros program celebrates a significant milestone as older Aventureros step into leadership roles, guiding younger members through activities such as snorkeling, providing step-by-step guidance on preparation (picking the right equipment with the right fit), execution, and cleanup. Witnessing their growth, dedication and ownership in the program has been inspiring, emphasizing our commitment to nurturing future conservation leaders. We're immensely grateful for the support that enables these achievements and excited for the continued impact of our Aventureros family.

Picking up from our last newsletter, in January, our Aventurero chefs took charge of the kitchen, whipping up delectable dishes like crepes, twice-baked potatoes, and even boneless chicken wings. These cooking sessions aren't just about culinary delights; they're about instilling healthy and sustainable eating habits while honing practical kitchen skills.

Our spaghetti dinners continued to be a hit, with our Aventureros leading the charge in fundraising efforts. Witnessing the community gather over plates of pasta, all in support of our cause, was truly heartening and a testament to the power of unity and shared purpose.

February was a month filled with creativity and exploration for our Aventureros. They delved into crafting sustainable Valentine's Day roses and mastering the art of sushi-making, both led by fello Aventureros, showcasing their ingenuity and resourcefulness. Additionally, they fostered their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit through crafting hand puppets from recycled socks and participating in an online photo contests.

March was an unforgettable chapter for our Aventureros as they ventured into the wilderness, immersing themselves in the desert, sea and snow capped mountain ecosystems. Embarking on a transformative field trip to San Pedro Martir National Park, this remarkable journey was made possible by the fruits of their labor from the spaghetti dinners. In a heartwarming display of initiative and unity, the kids collectively decided to utilize the proceeds to experience the wonder of snow firsthand! Taking charge of every aspect, they meticulously planned the trip, from packing essentials to preparing food, and led the entire expedition. Their enthusiasm and leadership shone through as they embraced the adventure with open arms. Amidst beach cleanups and enlightening environmental education sessions, they're not merely absorbing knowledge about conservation—they're actively becoming stewards of our precious natural ecosystems.

April brought a heightened awareness of plastic pollution, with our Aventureros delving into crafts that transform debris into treasure. With beach cleanups and plastic awareness initiatives, they're championing the fight against marine debris.

And now, as May unfolds, our Aventureros are gearing up for the summer season by honing their snorkeling skills and preparing to collect valuable data on fish and invertebrate species. It's a testament to their dedication and passion for marine conservation.

None of these incredible achievements would be possible without your generous support. Your donations have fueled our Aventureros' journey, empowering them to make a tangible difference in the world around them.

As we look ahead to the rest of the year, we're filled with excitement to dive back into the sea and grateful for the opportunity to continue adventuring with the next generation of conservation leaders.

Thank you for being a vital part of our Aventureros family and for believing in the power of youth to create positive change in our oceans and beyond.

Links:

• Learn More About the Aventureros Program
• Follow the Aventureros on Instagram
• Follow the Aventureros on Facebook