OCEAN GUARDIANS
Nature • Survival • Storytelling • Creative Expression
Overview
Duration
1 Week
Location
Da Nang, Vietnam
Program Cost
$450
Program Overview
The Junior Summer Creative Camp is a nature-based, experiential learning program designed for teenagers aged 12–18, combining outdoor survival skills, environmental awareness, creative arts, and ethical storytelling.
The program is hosted across Son Tra Peninsula, Da Nang coastline, and C4C/VEN facilities, with strict safeguarding, trained facilitators, and age-appropriate pedagogy.
Accommodation & Training Facilities
VEN Volunteer House:
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Volunteers stay at the VEN & C4C Volunteer House, a welcoming community space.
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The VEN office & training center is located on the first floor.
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Volunteers share the house with participants from other VEN and Catalyst for Change (C4C) programs,
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allowing for cultural exchange.
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Enjoy evenings at the beach, home-cooked meals, and explore Danang!
Have any questions?
Check out our FAQs section! The answer might already be there.
TO THE SEA: Water Safety, Freediving & Ocean Art
Location: Da Nang beaches & nearby rivers
Age Group: 12–18
Requirement: Basic swimming ability (assessment on Day 1)
Learning Objectives:
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Build confidence in open water
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Understand ocean dynamics and risk
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Learn self-rescue and water safety
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Develop creative relationships with marine materials
Key Activities:
Water Safety & Open-Water Skills
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Understanding currents, tides, and “strange water flows”
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How to react when pulled by rip currents
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Self-rescue techniques and calm-breathing
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Introduction to freediving principles (breathing, equalization, safety buddy system)
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Swimming in non-pool environments (sea, river) under supervision
Creative Output – Ocean Art:
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Ethical collection of seashells, sand, drift materials
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Ocean-inspired visual art (sand painting, shell mosaics, mixed media)
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Environmental discussion on marine protection
Final Output:
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Ocean-themed artworks
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Group reflection on human–sea relationships
SAFEGUARDING & WELLBEING (CRITICAL FOR JUNIORS)
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Age-segmented groups (12–14 / 15–18 where needed)
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Small group: 8 - 16
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Clear parental consent & medical forms
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Trained facilitators + water/forest safety professionals
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Daily check-ins and reflection circles
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No unsupervised free time in field locations
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Trauma-informed and youth-centered facilitation
PROGRAM VALUE (WHY THIS IS STRONG FOR PARTNERS)
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Unique positioning: Sea
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Strong alignment with experiential education trends
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Scalable for:
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Local youth
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International juniors
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Sending organizations (like Have A Dream)
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Clear modular pricing and scheduling
