Disney Cruise Line Summer Camps Inspire Children to Care About the Planet

Hi, I’m Rebecca, the new manager of public affairs at Disney Cruise Line, and I’m excited to be a Disney Parks Blog author. I will keep you up-to-date on the latest happenings at Disney Cruise Line, including the progress of the Disney Fantasy, the impact of our community outreach as well as our environmental and conservation efforts like this eco camp for children in the Abaco Islands.

This summer, scientists and educators working near Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay spent the season leading hands-on activities, taking field-trips and even exploring the famous blue waters of The Bahamas – all in the spirit of conservation.

As part of a long-term project, Disney partnered with Friends of the Environment, a local nonprofit, to plan and host summer eco camps for children in the Abaco Islands. Sponsored in part by Disney Cruise Line, the camps included classroom instruction and interactive programs designed to inspire children to care about the planet.

From the basics of recycling and saving water to learning how to snorkel for the very first time, campers focused on exploring the unique environment in their own backyards. They even visited Abaco National Park to swim in a blue hole, a unique and naturally occurring pool of fresh water that “floats” on a level of salt water below.

Camp culminated with a special visit to Castaway Cay, where campers were able to get up close and personal with native stingrays, learning about the animals from Disney researchers that call the island home.

In all, more than 150 Bahamian children took part in the camps that showcased the importance of appreciating and conserving the natural environment for future generations.

Check out this video recap of the experience.