Ever since the BBC aired the episode of the Blue Planet, which highlighted the effects plastic pollution had on our oceans, the need to understand how with use plastic has become a major issue. The LEGO Group have already started to look into sustainable plastics to replace what they currently use but they are also partnering with various organisations to help highlight the effects we have on our planet and educate the next generation through play. Their latest partnership is with the Ocean Heroes Bootcamp, which is a youth leadership program co-founded by various organisation including Captain Planet! It’s great to see LEGO® use their reach to highlight a good cause, but I know we are all secretly hoping for a Captain Planet LEGO set.
The LEGO Group Announces Partnership With Ocean Heroes Bootcamp to help inspire and develop the conservationists of the future
The LEGO Group today announced a partnership with Ocean Heroes Bootcamp, a youth leadership program co-founded by award winning non-profits Lonely Whale, Captain Planet Foundation and Point Break Foundation. Ocean Heroes Bootcamp is dedicated to empowering and inspiring future generations to protect our precious oceans. The collaboration will see the LEGO Group bring creativity and learning through play to the annual bootcamp which attracts more than 300 young people from 20 countries.
Mari-Louise Jonsson, Senior Director, Responsibility Engagement at the LEGO Group said the Group was honoured to be part of the Bootcamp and to work with its young Ocean Heroes.
“Children are passionate about protecting the environment and we believe we have a responsibility to help them. LEGO play is about equipping children with skills to tackle 21st century problems, and there is nothing more urgent than building a sustainable future. The partnership is part of our Planet Promise – to have a positive impact on the world and society children will inherit. Engaging children around the issues which shape their future is key to fulfilling this promise.”
Ocean Heroes Bootcamp was co-founded by Lonely Whale, Captain Planet Foundation, and Point Break Foundation in 2018 with the aim to give a voice to the next generation environmentalists. The 2019 Bootcamp will take place in Vancouver, British Columbia at the end of June. More than 300 young people from 20 countries aged between 11 and 18, will come together to learn more about the challenges facing the environment and how to create their own environmental campaigns.
Dune Ives, Executive Director at Lonely Whale said:
“We are pleased to have the LEGO Group onboard. A company that shares our values, LEGO Group cares deeply about creating a sustainable future and giving children the confidence and tools they need to succeed. Their expertise in creativity and using play to solve problems and generate ideas will inspire our passionate and dedicated ocean heroes.”
In addition to running sessions on how play can help in the ideation process of creating ocean campaigns, a LEGO Group representative will serve as an official pitch panel judge. Here, ten (10) youth selected by their peers will pitch their campaign to an expert panel of judges to also include Lonely Whale co-founder and UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador Adrian Grenier, international environmental advocate Laura Turner Seydel, Litterati Founder Jeff Kircschner, Turning Green Founder Erin Schrode and James Bartram of Ocean Wise.
Mari-Louise said: “We can’t wait to see what ideas this year’s bootcampers will create – we are looking forward to being inspired!”
For more information about Ocean Heroes Bootcamp or the work of its partners, VISIT HERE.
To find out more about the LEGO Group’s sustainability efforts, VISIT HERE.
