World Bound South Pacific: Fiji Climate Change and Cultural Leadership Course

 

TOSO VATA: WORKING TOGETHER

Come with us on a NEW adventure to Fiji, a land of endless adventure and hospitality, for a remarkable 21-day youth leadership course & adventurous journey. This is an experience like no other, combining youth leadership, climate change education, and immersion in Fijian culture. Along the way, we’ll discover breathtaking island landscapes, underwater wonders, and new friends and inspiring educators in Fijian communities.

Fiji is renowned for its pristine beaches and waters, diverse cultures and landscapes across 333 islands, the 3rd largest coral reef in the world, countless hiking trails within their incredible highlands, exotic foods, and limitless adventures for all ages.

But there is even more to be found in Fiji than natural beauty and adventure…

What truly defines Fiji?

Fiji is world-renowned for its philosophy of honouring happiness, finding contentment with life, and embracing one another as friends. With so much happening in the world, Fiji encourages you to slow down, put your phone away, and connect with the vibrant and welcoming spirit of everyday life. Fiji is a place where warmth isn’t only weather but radiates from the smiles and easy laughter of those who call it home.  Thanks to our amazing partners, Fiji is also full of opportunities for meaningful place-based community projects for our World Bound to roll up their sleeves and experience sustainability and climate action first-hand.

A bad day in Fiji is better than a good day anywhere else.

DATES: Jul 27 – Aug 15,  2025
LOCATIONS: Fiji 
AGES: 13–18 (co-ed)*
*Also available for 18+. Contact us if interested.

PRICES (CAD)
Regular Price: $8529.00
*Prices do not include flights to and from Fiji

Includes:
– Pre-course check-in (zoom conference with attendees)
–  Direct contact with our Duke of Edinburgh Award Centre
– 24/7 instruction & support by Fireside staff
– Most meals
– All accommodation (dorm, glamping,  tenting, homestay)
– Private ground transportation
– Flight coordination (flight not included) for Fiji
– Group camping equipment
– Admission into all activities based on itinerary
– Scuba Diving certification
– World Bound curriculum, World Bound Certificate of Completion, and t-shirt

Does not include: Flights to and from Fiji, anything not mentioned above.

More info: office@firesideadventures.ca

 

Course Itinerary

 

Experiences and objectives you won’t want to miss:

  • Observing first-hand the impacts of climate change on Fijian ecosystems and culture and how local people are adapting.

  • Learning through Fireside’s experiential, hope-based World Bound Climate Change Curriculum and leadership course that has been used in the Amazon, the Yukon, Japan, and Italy.  

  • Connect directly with Fijian educators, knowledge keepers, advocates, adventurers, and sustainable tourism operators to learn how to go beyond being a visitor to becoming a welcomed guest.

  • Participate in a range of outdoor leadership and adventure activities including hiking, snorkelling, diving, expeditions, camping, cooking, sports, and skill-building (social, life, and leadership). 

  • Learn through taking action during community projects and homestays related to safeguarding island ecosystems, identifying protected areas, exercising our climate leadership responsibilities, enhancing awareness of sustainable management and decision-making, developing collaborative communication skills, and being present and self-aware of our time, experiences, and purpose in Fiji.

  • Learn and use the language of Fiji (something that you can only truly feel once you’re there). Bula is the Fijian greeting meaning ‘hello’, or ‘welcome’ - you'll hear it over and over again.. It also has many deeper meanings including ‘life’ and ‘health’. Vinaka means ‘thank you’ - another word you’ll hear a lot. However, this ‘thank you’ is not a shallow expression but indicates that the speaker shares a deep-felt gratitude towards the other.

 

A New Collective of Leaders in Climate Action

“Indigenous perspectives bring generations of knowledge to sustainable living and nature conservation, providing valuable insights to help address climate change.” 

We’ve finally found it…
For years, Fireside has been searching for a vibrant, safe, and inspiring location in the South Pacific where youth can learn about the impacts of climate change, continue their leadership development, explore how people and communities are adapting, and see first-hand how Indigenous South Pacific communities are leading the way in land- and water-based solutions. Learn about our Climate Change Curriculum.

Fiji is a leader in climate change & cultural education 

Fiji continues to demonstrate unbridled leadership on the frontlines of the impacts of climate change and cultural education worldwide. Our World Bound Fijian collaborators - who we consider friends - are all committed to sustainable and regenerative tourism through best practices, adhering to Indigenous perspectives and rights, and connecting young people to water- and land-based learning. 

Photos (above): Our partners Suncoast Adventures

Photo: Kristen Kellogg / ATTA

Photo: Kristen Kellogg / ATTA

 

Meet your adventure family

Your leader, companion and connection to Fiji: Jeff Willis, founder of Fireside Adventures 

Since 1991, I have developed and led camps and expeditions throughout Canada, Japan, Germany, Colombia, Ecuador, Yukon, Peru, Italy and the Arctic. My love of outdoor experiential education, years of experience in youth and family work, and passion for environmental education and social justice led me to create Fireside Adventures.

When I became a dad, I realized my kids did not have access to climate change education at school and/or summer camp, so I created the World Bound climate change expedition series while reworking our Explorer Series and introducing Fireside's Salty Express, Ocean to Mountains and Earth Roots experiences for school groups.

 

Your community, host and Fiji Base Camp: Jen and Koli Samuta, co-founders of Nanumi Au

Nanumi Au is an Eco Village located in Navutulevu, on the land of our Mataqali Natiliva community. We focus on building community and regenerating the land. We understand many want true adventure (outside of typical tourism, resorts and hotels) and to meet the locals so we work closely with our village and local businesses to create a unique, fun, authentic and eco-aware experience.

Being village-led and run, showcasing our way of living (in an organic way, not touristic or commercialized), building relationships, and exchanging ideas and experiences will result in pride and retention of our people and culture in the village. Hosting visitors like Gen Z Travels is a way of keeping our young people in the village and not losing them to employment that can otherwise only be found in the towns and cities.

True immersion in Fijian village life gives + returns perspective about the most simple, yet important things in life: community and nature.

Your ocean explorer and stewardship team: Suncoast Adventures

We revolve our business around the ocean, so we try to use more sustainable practices and approaches. We offer are fishing, spearfishing, snorkelling, dolphin watching, and explorations in one of Fiji's few Marine and Island protected parks. Our Team has 30 years of experience in Rakiraki exploring from the Ridge to Reef. In addition, our popular Catch and Cook adventure demonstrates our ancestors' way of feasting. It’s a healthy family affair with teamwork being the key component.

We are collaborating with Fireside Adventures to empower this generation to step outside the box of the digital world, improve their life skills and reconnect with that inner wild child. In Fiji, family is the cornerstone of society, weaving a strong sense of unity and support into the fabric of island life. 

"Na Wasawasa Maravu e Sega ni Bulia na kaiwai"… A Smooth Sea Never Made a Skilled Sailor.

Your climate science & hiking experts: Marita & Matt, co-founders of Talanoa Treks

We are a dedicated hiking social enterprise partnered with four Indigenous (iTaukei) communities: Nabalesere, Navai, Naga and Nubutautau. Talanoa Treks was founded in 2013 and our first year was spent in extensive talanoa with each community to ensure that it was shaped to their aspirations. Talanoa means to tell stories and share wisdom. It conveys the ethos that travel, when done right, can be a respectful exchange of ideas and cultures, that transforms our understanding of ourselves and the place we are visiting.

We live in an age of noise and distractions. Travel has the power to be transformative. We know that Fireside Adventure Travel ensures that visitors are coming with an open mind and heart - ready to listen, learn and to talanoa :-) 

Photo: Kristen Kellogg / ATTA

Photo: Cédric Jean-Baptist / ATTA

Photo: Kristen Kellogg / ATTA

Photo: Kristen Kellogg / ATTA

 

Your Fiji Base Camp: Nanumi Au Eco-village

“Nanumi Au is an Eco Village located in Navutulevu, on the land of our Mataqali Natiliva community. We focus on building community and regenerating the land. We understand many want true adventure (outside of typical tourism, resorts and hotels) and to meet the locals so we work closely with our village and local businesses to create a unique, fun, authentic and eco-aware experience.”

Nanumi Au translates to “Remember Me”, because everyone who leaves Fiji leaves with Fiji etched in their mind, soul and spirit

Vinaka vaka levu,
Jennifer and Kolinio Samuta,
Co-founders of Nanumi Au Eco-village

Village activities at Nanumi Au include:

  • Hunting and gathering (Twice a week – including 1 market trip, 1 island trip) – for a ocean/paddock to plate experience BUT also this is what the men and women in the village do to feed their families (all seafood caught will be eaten during the week and excess shared with the village)

  • Traditional Fijian cooking experience (meals cooked daily by the village women in the communal kitchen and small lovo cooked every Friday night by the men, which provides a hands on experience – leads to the final celebratory LOVO FEAST)

  • Weaving classes (pandanus to mat)

  • Medicinal garden learnings

  • Udre Udre Cannibal chief tomb visit

  • Vuli meke (cultural dance lessons) – leads to the final celebratory MEKE NIGHT

  • Hike to Vodovodo

  • River  and Mangrove forest tour by paddle board/kayak

  • LOVO FEAST + MEKE Night (Ceremony + celebration with the village)

 

Virtual tour: see for yourself

Too many great photos for one webpage! Take a look below to explore the amazing images Fiji provides. Note: some activities pictured in this album may not be part of your trip.

Our World Bound Climate Change Curriculum

World Bound: South Pacific is about connecting Fijian and South Pacific perspectives of leadership, culture, adventure, and climate change education for youth ready for something meaningful, intentional, and challenging. 

No, we aren’t going to bombard them with dark and gloomy discussions of a climate change apocalypse. No, we aren’t going to give them fluffy affirmations and take them on a journey of false hope. We certainly aren’t going to bore them with international policies that have no relevance to their lives. What we’re going to do is give youth what they want and need: meaningful skill-building and leadership training from outdoor leaders and educators who will truly prepare them for real, hands-on climate activism.

We do this through our World Bound Curriculum, a set of place-based, outdoor-oriented educational modules that will inform this expedition. This curriculum is driven by our five World Bound Pillars, described below. For more detailed information about the curriculum, please visit our World Bound Curriculum page.

Photo: our partner Talanoa Treks

 

Pillar 1: Integrating Climate Change Principles and Perspectives (South Pacific)

Indigenous and Local Knowledge: Engage with a range of perspectives of the best of Fiji friends such as Talanoa Treks, Barefoot Scuba Diving. Namumi Au, Pacific Ark, and Sun Coast Adventures. This is a full immersive and experiential learning experience with various Fijian communities. 

Intercultural: Fiji is one part of a complicated and integrated South Pacific region that is at the forefront of Climate Change and Cultural Education. Culture defines identity, community, and decision-making. 

Conservation: Learning alongside educators, conservationists, and knowledge keepers of why conservation is one of the most important “tools” in the climate leadership toolbox.

Photo: Jeff Willis / Fireside Adventures

 

Pillar 2: Exploring Real-world Environments

Highlands environments: Fiji’s islands are home to many mountainous lands that have been transformed by humans and introduced species. We will hike through high peaks and dense forests, encountering the unique organisms of Fiji’s highlands. 

Ocean environments: The South Pacific Ocean is home to an incredibly diverse variety of plant and animal species. This includes the Great Astrolabe Reef - one of the largest in the world - that will reshape your idea of the underwater world. 

Island environments: Fiji is comprised of 333 islands spanning a huge area. Each island has its own cultural history and ecosystems, reflected in the villages and cities that have been built there.

Photo: Jeff Willis / Fireside Adventures

 

Pillar 3: Giving and Connecting within Communities

Learn traditions, language, and crafting skills directly from Fijian communities during a multi-day homestay experience

Give back while learning through participating in community-based reforestation and conservation projects.

Connect with youth both from Fiji and from around the world to build lifelong connections.

Photo: Nature Bro – John Surendra / Pacific Ark

 

Pillar 4: Strengthening Life, Social, and Leadership Skills

Wilderness exploration skills (navigation, hiking, snorkeling, camping, scuba diving)

Cooking skills

Sustainable, community-run agricultural practices

Language skills (Fijian)

Leadership skills (collaborative communication, team-building exercises, solo experience, and risk management)

Photo: Nature Bro – John Surendra / Pacific Ark

 

Pillar 5: Sustaining Climate Action through Solution-focused Approaches

Goal-setting and life-planning activities

Connection with sustainability activists, business owners, and more

Membership in the World Bound Youth: Climate Ambassador community

Membership in the Vancouver Outdoor School Youth Network

Internships as a climate ambassador and mentor in local sustainable businesses and future expeditions

 

Photo: Nature Bro – John Surendra / Pacific Ark

It's a Life Changing Experience