The young people of La Paz have never been short on energy, urgency, or ideas when it comes to protecting their environment. Many are eager, even impatient, to take on the challenges facing their communities. But for some, turning that motivation into lasting action can be difficult without access to the information, resources, and connections they need.
From August 26–29, 2026, Planeteers and Planeteer Alliance Club leaders from across La Paz, Baja California Sur, came together for environmental leadership Bootcamp Trainings and a youth-led WATER Meetup. Powered by Captain Planet Foundation’s Planeteer Alliance, this programming brought together 53 young people from six local clubs, creating space for young people to deepen their environmental knowledge, build connections with fellow changemakers, and explore practical ways to address the issues affecting their communities.
Hosted by Captain Planet Foundation’s Planeteer Alliance team, including Program Manager Becca Bullen, Regional Coordinator of Mexico Natalia Moragrega, and Wisdom Council member María Fernanda Lara, the week was designed to help young people transform their passion into action. With support from local club leaders, participants gained access to real information, practical tools, and new opportunities to strengthen their leadership and take action in their communities.
Turning Passion Into Action
Across the Bootcamp Trainings, youth from Guardianes del Medio Ambiente (Andale La Paz), Californios Verdes (Ecology Project International), EcoXipe, Guardianes del Arrecife (Efecto Arena), Jóvenes Líderes por el Océano (Sustainable Ocean Alliance), and the Programa de Liderazgo en Conservación (CBMC) took part in activities about climate change, campaign strategy, and how to ignite systems-level change.
Younger participants explored the causes and effects of climate change through fun hands-on activities. This was best exemplified when introducing the ‘Root Cause Analysis’– a critical-thinking exercise to identify environmental problems. A live demonstration modeled how picking up trash doesn’t solve the problem of pollution long-term if its root cause isn’t addressed. This critical thinking exercise sparked a discussion about possible longer-term solutions such as public education, anti-littering policies, and better waste-separation access.
One participant shared that the next time they visit the beach, they’ll be paying closer attention to whether there are enough trash cans and enforcement against littering — a small but telling sign of how the lesson shifted how they see their community.
The session closed with a True or False game, a reflection and a visit to the recycling center Ándale La Paz’s own youth had built the year before as part of their club project powered by Planeteer Alliance— proof of what their energy can accomplish with the right support.
Older youth engaged a bit differently, conducting their own Root Cause Analyses and exploring strategies for change through policy, market, and behavior. A climate anxiety and artivism activity gave that restless energy room to breathe, as participants used sticky notes to share how they feel about the planet’s future and what gives them hope.
Members of Jóvenes Líderes por el Océano and the Programa de Liderazgo en Conservación clubs at the Bootcamp trainings
When asked how they feel about the future of the planet, participants shared the following:
- “I feel anxious and hopeful about the future.”
- “It overwhelms me, but I feel hopeful we can still build a better future if we come together.”
- “I’m worried people aren’t taking action, and that time will run out.”
When asked what gives them hope for the future, participants shared the following:
- “Youth participation.”
- “Knowing there are people committed to change.”
- “The small projects and clubs starting up in my community.”
The group was then able to hear from Natalia and María Fernanda, who represented La Paz at COP30 in Belém, Brazil in November 2025. The pair were able to share what had inspired and frustrated them at the international climate conference, and how bringing youth voices into these global spaces helps generate more hope and action.
A Youth-Led WATER Meetup
On Friday, August 28th, the EcoXipe team hosted a WATER Meetup at Playa La Posada with 22 young people from the Planeteer Clubs. Participants identified the water-related issues weighing most on their community, including the lack of an efficient drainage system and drought. As part of their Meetup’s action, participants ran cleanup transects along the beach, collecting around 1,194 cigarette butts and over 1.6 kg of additional waste.
As the clean up exercise wrapped up, the group gathered to reflect on the waste, potential solutions, and how youth can be centered in those solutions.
Perhaps the most meaningful outcome of the week was simply the chance for young people from different clubs to spend time together, recognizing themselves as part of something larger: a growing community of young environmental leaders across La Paz.
The Bootcamps and WATER Meetup didn’t create passion for the environment among La Paz’s youth, that passion was already there. What changed was their access to information, resources, community, and a clearer sense of how to turn their energy into action.
Young leaders from La Paz’s Planeteer Alliance Clubs are now putting their training into practice. On September 26, they will bring their peers together for an EARTH Summit as part of Planeteer Alliance’s Global Summit Series. From designing the program to planning and executing the event, they are taking the lead and putting the skills they developed through the Bootcamp Trainings to work.