An Ocean Hero is a young person who is passionate about the health of the ocean and planet, who is willing to put that passion into action in the form of an impact campaign. The Ocean Heroes Bootcamp was designed to provide these young activists with the skills, tools, resources, and relationships to be effective leaders and advocates.

Ocean Heroes Bootcamp (OHBC) is a global gathering of youth activists committed to working for a healthy ocean. OHBC is an annual event of the broader Ocean Heroes Network, the mission of which is to empower existing and emerging youth leaders to create their own campaigns to take action against ocean plastic pollution. The campaigns created by Ocean Heroes support the achievement of UN SDG 14.1 by 2025.

Starting in 2021, a rising Ocean Hero or someone who has joined Bootcamp before but has not submitted a campaign plan and earned 500 points will first need to complete Ocean Heroes Basic Training. This is a 6-hour online training that also includes a one-hour live session where you'll have a chance to discuss what you learned with other rising Ocean Heroes.

Ocean Heroes Basic Training will provide young people new to the Ocean Heroes Network with the foundational knowledge and skills for creating an effective impact campaign for the ocean, and to get the most out of Bootcamp experience. The Basic Training is made up of 12 online modules that will help you develop your Big Ocean Hero Idea. You will also be expected to join a one-hour live virtual discussion with other rising Ocean Heroes to discuss your ideas. At the end of Basic Training, you will have the opportunity to submit your Big Ocean Hero Idea, which serves as your application to Ocean Heroes Bootcamp.

In 2021, there will be at least FOUR Bootcamps. The first global Bootcamp will be held June 24-27. There will also be two Bootcamps specifically for Plastic Tide Turners - one for youth across the African continent July 22-25; one for youth across India August 5-8. There will also be a Caribbean Bootcamp in October (exact dates to be announced).

Until the global pandemic subsides and it is safe to be in-person, Ocean Heroes Bootcamps will take place virtually. Ocean Heroes who register (including having their guardian submit the Participant Waiver) will be granted access to a password protected, unpublished website where all activities and tools will be accessible. This means you will need to have access to an internet enabled device and web access.

Youth between the ages of 11-18 are invited to apply for Ocean Heroes Bootcamp. If you're a little younger or a little older, apply anyway!

Nope! Our top priority is to keep Ocean Heroes Bootcamp accessible to any person who wants to participate. All you need is access to the internet and an internet-enabled device to join Bootcamp!

After Ocean Heroes Bootcamp, the work begins! Once you have completed Bootcamp, you will be invited to submit your Ocean Heroes Campaign Plan, which is your own plan for creating change in your community. After that plan has been approved, you are an OFFICIAL Ocean Hero and part of the Ocean Heroes Network!