Regent Seven Seas Cruises
& Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society present:

Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program

 An exclusive program designed for young guests aboard the Paul Gauguin

2009 June through August,  and December Holiday Departures

2009 Cost:  $249 per child

A unique, ground-breaking program that introduces young travelers (ages 9 - 17) and their families to extraordinary natural wonders while demonstrating imaginative ways to build environmental sustainability into their lives back home. The program aims to give young participants direct, hands-on experiences and knowledge of marine and terrestrial eco-systems, while emphasizing the critical importance of conservation.

Join us for an ambassadors of the Environment adventure and discover, snorkeling on coral reefs, exploring rainforests, observing marine mammals in the wild and discovering mysteries of Polynesian culture.

An important focus of the program are the reefs of French Polynesia – among the most beautiful in the world!  Our young Ambassadors will learn first hand that these reefs are like a city under the sea full of life, mystery and valuable resources for people.  In this living laboratory, participants will discover lessons that directly apply to how we can live more responsibly on the planet.  We will learn about the wisdom of traditional Polynesian culture and how these people lived in harmony with nature and all while having fun! 

Goals:

• Have fun while participating in a series of educational adventures.

• Inspire curiosity and appreciation for the underwater world through exploration and discovery.

• Develop an understanding of Polynesian culture and the value of traditional knowledge.

• Encourage critical thinking and informed action toward responsible and sustainable living.

• Promote and understanding of connections:  land to sea, humans to nature, people to people, and present to future.

• Have fun!

Activities:
The Ambassadors of the Environment program uses experiential education in the marine and terrestrial environments to learn how nature works, to appreciate traditional Polynesian culture, and discover what sustainable living means.  Our young Ambassadors will:

• Snorkel pristine reefs

• Hike rainforest trails

• Explore ancient temples (marae)

• Learn how black pearls and vanilla are cultivated

• Understand how a volcanic island can sink into the sea and become a coral atoll

• Learn from Polynesian youth how to paddle an outrigger canoe, prepare traditional food and dance Polynesian style

• Learn how we are all connected to coral reefs and what can be done to protect them

• Play team-building games

By providing an adventurous learning environment, we strive to create young Ambassadors who understand the value of nature, how we are connected to coral reefs and how we can live more sustainable lives.  Our Ambassadors are encouraged to share their new skills and knowledge when they return home.

Staff:
Our naturalists have college degrees in natural or environmental science, are over age 21, have had experience working with young people, and are first aid/CPR and lifeguard-certified.  They are trained and qualified by Jean-Michel Cousteau’s team members who have had extensive experience conducting Ambassadors of the Environment programs in other parts of the world.

The official Ambassadors of the Environment web site (www.aote.org) will also provide background information on the family of Ambassadors programs being conducted around the world.

Make sure your kids have the most exciting adventure and learning experience possible.  Enroll them in the Paul Gauguin Ace possible.  Enroll them in the Paul Gauguin Ace possible.  Enroll them in the Paul Gauguin Ambassadors of the Environment Program.

Participation in this program is for children aged from 9-17, and participants must be competent swimmers.