The Ocean Literacy and Leadership Camp is an award-winning outdoor learning retreat for young women ages 15 through 18. The camp takes place July 14-19 at the Tribune Bay Outdoor Education Centre on Hornby Island. Photo supplied

A unique outdoor education adventure for high school female students throughout the province returns this summer to Hornby Island and space is filling up quickly.

Following the incredibly successful 2018 inaugural camp, Tribune Bay Outdoor Education Centre in partnership with Ocean Wise and Navigate NIDES (Comox Valley Schools – School District 71) are offering another exciting outdoor experience that focuses on environmental stewardship.

The Ocean Literacy and Leadership Camp (OLLC) is an award-winning outdoor learning retreat for young women aged 15-18. The camp takes place July 14-19 at the Tribune Bay Outdoor Education Centre on Hornby Island.

“Not only is Hornby Island a pristine oasis but an amazing place for growth and education,” said Taylor Kropp, a 2018 participant. “I was tested and pushed both mentally and physically and learned so much about our planet and myself.”

The all-female, six-day, five-night camp focuses on ocean literacy and ecology to enhance and increase knowledge about marine life and stewardship.

Participants will gain a strong understanding of the leading environmental issues affecting our oceans today and be inspired to take part in a global effort to protect our waters.

A pre-camp online course is required for all registered participants and can begin anytime in the month of April. Participants who successfully complete the online course and camp program will earn four Grade 12 credits toward their B.C. graduation certificate.

As a special feature, this year’s camp will include a focus on inspiration. Several guest speakers with a variety of skills, experience, education, and background will be sharing their message of encouragement and how to face leadership challenges no matter what the issue or cause. Internationally acclaimed inspirational speaker Talli Osborne, known for her spunk and vitality, will deliver the keynote address and spend a portion of the week interacting with participants.

The 2019 camp includes:

• Hands-on workshops with Deep Bay Marine Field Station

• Motivational talks from local, Canadian environmentalists

• Potential opportunity to connect with the local MLA and learn about changing government legislation

• In-depth knowledge on oceans delivered by Ocean Wise

• Interactive leadership training on Hornby Island to emphasize pre-camp online course work

Cost for the camp is $630 per person. All meals, accommodation and program material are provided.

Transportation is available from Vancouver Island, from the Powell River Ferry terminal in Little River, and from the Departure Bay ferries terminal in Nanaimo.

The camp is open to a maximum of 40 participants. For more information and to register, visit http://tribunebayoutdoored.ca/school-academies/