Cultivating a Generation of Conservation Leaders
Aventureros is more than just a youth program; it’s a journey of discovery and stewardship. Hosted by the Vermilion Sea Institute, this year-round initiative nurtures local students in Bahía de Los Ángeles, guiding them to explore and cherish the marine and terrestrial wonders that surround them. We firmly believe that with exploration comes wonder, and with wonder comes inspiration—a spark that ignites knowledge, care, and protection. Through hands-on experiences like learning to swim, snorkel, survey invertebrate species, set camera traps, participate in beach clean-ups, and engage in marine plastic research, our mission is to cultivate the next generation of conservation leaders.
Our curriculum, driven by the participants themselves, takes students outdoors for enriching, fun-filled activities. Summer months focus on water exploration skills such as swimming, water safety, snorkeling, and rowing, while winter brings opportunities for hiking, field trips, and campouts. Every adventure we embark upon is designed to weave team building, leadership, and conservation skills into every young heart and mind.
This year, more than ever, our impact has rippled beyond our shores. Our ‘Aventureros’ have evolved into community leaders, fostering scientific knowledge and being sought-after for their expertise. We’ve also extended our reach to provide open educational support for all. Thanks to the dedication of volunteers, the generosity of donated resources, and the unwavering support of contributors like you, we’re establishing a thriving community hub and learning center that will leave a lasting mark on local youth and, ultimately, our precious wildlife.
While ‘Aventureros’ was once a dream, and later envisioned as a summer endeavor, today we call upon you to help us make it a year-round reality for our youth and community. Your contributions enable educational activities, provide essential supplies, and keep our pantry stocked with healthy, accessible food. Together, we’re nurturing the bonds between people and the extraordinary desert and sea ecosystems that make Bahía de Los Ángeles an ecological wonderland. Thank you for joining us in this inspiring journey
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“My dream for each of these kids is that if they wish to stay in Bahía, they can do that – while also supporting themselves, their families, and the natural ecosystems.”
– Meghann McDonald,
Executive Director
Aventureros in Action
Depending on the time of year and on their school schedule, the Aventureros collaborate to create unique adventures that always provide opportunities for participants to grow and learn. Connection to each other and to our natural world is what connects us to the program. But the real objective is to nurture young people who are becoming stewards of our environment and active participants in our community. Together, we learn to communicate with others with whom we may not agree, think critically about complex issues, and advocate for ourselves.
Call For Volunteer Instructors
Interested in becoming a volunteer instructor? CONTACT US and begin a conversation about how you could bring your own week-long curriculum to VSFS in Bahia de Los Angeles to share with the Aventureros. We can’t wait to learn from you!
Aventureros Plastic Study
Aventureros Plastic StudyAventureros Plastic Study In the summer of 2020, our Aventureros began studying the plastics on their beaches. Check out this StoryMap to learn more!
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Community Collaboration
We intentionally partner with local, national and international conservation efforts to learn about, participate in, and promote care for the natural environment. The students have contributed to research on sea turtles with Grupo Tortuguero, microplastics with The Big Microplastic Survey and the University of Washington and other projects through ProNatura and the Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegida. Although each partnership is unique, in most cases Aventureros are trained in science protocols and are then tasked with contributing local data to worldwide research efforts.
Photo by Courtney Baxter
The Story
To engage with the marine bioreserve, one must have the necessary water skills,equipment and resources that few in this community have access to—especially local youth. Recognizing this, we began informally inviting local children to join our data collection efforts when there was an open seat on a boat. Word spread quickly and soon we had a small group of eager participants who jumped at every opportunity to learn about and explore the world around them. Fittingly, they began calling themselves “Aventureros” or the “Adventurers” and it stuck!
Now, thanks to the support of our donors, the Aventureros are a permanent part of the Vermilion Sea Institute. Each week brings new learning, and we are so grateful for this community of powerful, curious and spunky change agents.
Designed by the Aventureros.
Brought to life by Ben Brose.
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Header photo by Courtney Baxter. Logo by Ben Brose.