Phase 2 Report: YES Actors Camp

The Young Environmental Sustainability Actors (YES Actors) Camp brought together 16 students from Distinct Jubilee Academy and Ore-ofe International School, alongside five GMI team members and a teacher representative, for a three-day immersive environmental leadership experience at the Forest Centre, IITA. The camp combined experiential outdoor activities with structured learning sessions to deepen students’ understanding of environmental sustainability while building teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

Participants engaged in hands-on activities such as tent setting, a nature-based treasure hunt, forest walks, and birdwatching, which strengthened their connection to the natural environment and fostered collaboration. These experiential components were complemented by guided exercise, meditation, and reflective devotion sessions that promoted holistic well-being and focus throughout the camp.

Through expert-led discussions, students explored practical everyday climate action, examined environmental challenges within their schools and communities, and developed locally relevant solutions. Interactive sessions addressed climate change, environmental responsibility, and the interconnectedness between human existence and the natural world. A highlight of the program was the eco-play, where students dramatized environmental advocacy, taking on roles as activists and community members defending their land from unsustainable exploitation. This activity enhanced their communication skills, civic awareness, and confidence.

Working in groups with assigned mentors, participants were tasked with designing realistic climate action projects using a defined budget to address specific environmental problems in their schools or communities. They developed proposals outlining the issue, proposed solutions, implementation strategies, and cost considerations, culminating in formal group presentations. The students demonstrated creativity, critical thinking, and strong ownership of their ideas, reflecting both the knowledge gained and their growing commitment to environmental stewardship.

Overall, the YES Actors Camp successfully combined environmental education, leadership development, and practical project design, equipping participants with the mindset and tools to act as sustainability ambassadors within their communities.