NASSAU, BAHAMAS- Sustainable Me and Change the Tune have announced the return of Sustainable Studio, their flagship summer camp, with a new format and an inspiring partnership. For the first time, the camp will take place at the GTR Campbell Small Island Sustainability Research Complex at the University of The Bahamas’ Oakes Field Campus, running from August 4 to 15, 2025.
Now in its third year, Sustainable Studio has evolved into a two-week immersive experience designed to engage students aged 8 to 16 in sustainability, social justice, and innovation. The camp uses hands-on, project-based learning to inspire creative problem-solving and community-minded leadership.
“This new location is a perfect match for what we want to achieve,” said Ava Turnquest, president of Sustainable Me. “It allows us to expose students to higher education and career pathways in sustainability while raising awareness of the incredible research being done at the GTR Campbell Complex.”
The collaboration with the University of The Bahamas marks a major step forward in Sustainable Me’s youth programming. In addition to hosting the camp, the partnership paves the way for a pilot after-school club in the 2025–2026 academic year. The club will offer students ongoing mentorship, leadership development, and opportunities to pursue student-led research projects that support the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr. Welsh-Unwala shared, “We are excited to host the Sustainable Studio summer camp at the GTR Campbell Research Complex. Sustainable Studio is doing important work to expose Bahamian youth to the concepts of sustainability and social justice. We hope this partnership inspires students to return to UB in the future to pursue degrees in science and sustainability.”
As part of the collaboration, UB faculty will be invited to serve as guest speakers, and UB students can apply for two internship opportunities supporting curriculum delivery and camp operations. These internships provide valuable, hands-on experience in youth engagement, education, and sustainable development.
Sustainable Studio is built on four foundational pillars: people, planet, peace, and partnership. The program empowers young Bahamians to become leaders and changemakers. Previous camps have featured guest experts including marine scientists, tech innovators, entrepreneurs, and environmental advocates who brought the SDGs to life through engaging workshops and challenges.
Campers have taken on projects ranging from building sand cities and creating recycled plastic models to launching social justice campaigns and pitching sustainability startups in a Shark Tank-style showcase. These experiences build confidence and help students see their potential to make real change.
“We’ve seen how transformative this experience can be,” said Kya Nguyen, vice president of Sustainable Me. “Our new format lets us dive deeper into what matters most, helping students connect with real-world sustainability challenges and design solutions that make a difference.”
The 2025 camp will continue to integrate the SDGs through critical thinking, fieldwork, and youth-led innovation in areas such as climate justice, circular economies, digital activism, and sustainable entrepreneurship.
