INSPIRING FUTURE CONSERVATIONISTS: CHILDREN IN THE WILDERNESS ECO-CAMP IN NAMIBIA

Sixty young learners from seven schools across Namibia’s Kunene Region recently embarked on an unforgettable six-day Eco-Camp in the Ehi-Rovipuka Conservancy, an initiative led by Children in the Wilderness (CITW) Namibia. Designed to ignite a passion for conservation, the camp provided an immersive experience in environmental education, leadership, and adventure.

“These camps are about far more than just learning; they’re about inspiring young minds to embrace conservation,” said Agnes Tjirare-Kerii, Wilderness Namibia Impact Manager. “By taking children out of their everyday classroom environments and exposing them to the wonders of nature, we are shaping future leaders who will advocate for wildlife and environmental protection.”

Founded in 2001, CITW is a non-profit organisation and an award-winning environmental and life-skills programme managed by leading conservation tourism company Wilderness. As the flagship initiative of its ‘Educate’ Impact pillar, CITW aims to inspire and educate children living in and around the concessions where Wilderness operates.

“In the past decade in Namibia alone, we have hosted more than 600 children across 16 Eco- Camps,” Agnes explained. “Beyond these camps, we currently run weekly Eco-Clubs, engaging up to 400 children from 10 to 15 schools. These initiatives provide even more young people with the opportunity to learn about the environment and their role in preserving it.”

The recent camp at Ehi-Rovipuka, which borders Etosha National Park, was structured into two sessions, allowing Eco-Mentors and facilitators to focus on smaller groups. This setup provided each child with an opportunity to engage in a variety of activities, ranging from setting up tents and tracking wildlife to teamwork exercises and leadership-building challenges. The aim was to foster a deeper understanding of Namibia’s ecosystems and their conservation.

“One of the highlights for the campers was undoubtedly the day trip to Etosha National Park,” Agnes shared. “They had the chance to see some of Namibia’s most iconic wildlife, including elephants, zebras, and springboks. A particularly thrilling moment came during a lion-tracking activity, where the children witnessed a lion in its natural habitat – an experience that makes the importance of conservation truly tangible.”

The camp also provided physical and mental challenges, such as a mountain-climbing expedition, reinforcing lessons on perseverance and teamwork. On the educational side, interactive workshops tackled pressing environmental issues like soil erosion, deforestation, and sustainable agriculture. Practical activities, such as planting trees, helped demonstrate how small actions can have a lasting impact on their communities.

“It was incredible to see how these young learners grasped complex environmental concepts through hands-on experiences. These lessons will stay with them long after they’ve left,” said Agnes.

As the camp drew to a close, the children packed up their tents, cleaned the campsite, and participated in a heartfelt closing ceremony, where they received certificates of attendance. More than just a token of participation, these certificates symbolised their commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship.

“I truly believe that the impact of Children in the Wilderness extends far beyond the camp itself,” Agnes concluded. “These children return home not only with new knowledge but with a renewed sense of purpose – to protect and cherish Namibia’s natural heritage for generations to come.”