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Gen Z Fiji: Climate Change Adaptation & Community Enhancement Training Course (South Pacific)
Discover. Adapt. Empower. Belong.
What if one gap-year experience could change the course of your life forever? What if one adventure could help you forge lifelong connections, leave a meaningful impact on the world, and totally transform your skills, lifestyle and sense of direction once you return home? Gen Z Fiji is so immersive that you don’t just visit Fiji, you become a part of it and it becomes a part of you.
A three-stage plan to transform your life
ACT 1: Foundations of Community & Leadership: surrounded by an all-star cast of mentors at your Fireside Home Base, you’ll dive head-first into an intensive “complete a climate change adaptation and community enhancement course built on social justice, Indigenous knowledge, leadership, and food sovereignty. You’ll gain skills that are relevant for post-secondary education and future travel. But more than that you’ll gain perspective about your role in this world, the impact of meaningful relationships and how to navigate your future. Oh, and you’ll become fluent in the ways of Fiji, bula bula and vinaka.
ACT 2: Immersive Community Projects + Roots of Civil Engineering in Sustainable Design (Vanua Levu: agroforestry, coral gardening, Existing Ridge to Reef Project)
ACT 3: THE GREAT BEYOND: Lifelong Connections and Opportunities: Fireside Adventures has been going strong for 20 years. Our mission has always been to "create a summer experience that never ends"... community is the key. This trip is only the beginning. From university & job applications to karaoke parties & wedding speeches… Jeff, Barnsy and the Firside gang have your back. We are here to place the tools in your hands to live a healthy, successful and fulfilling life as an adult.
COURSE DATES:
May 01 –28, Jul 22–Aug 21 and Sep 01–30
AGES 18- 30 (co-ed)
LOCATIONS: Fiji
PRICES (CAD)
Early Bird Price: $6800.00 + GST
Regular Price: $8800.00 + GST
*Early Bird discount ends on January 30, 2025
*Minimum 8. Max 12 to run
Includes:
– Pre-course check-in (zoom conference with attendees)
– Direct contact with our Duke of Edinburgh Award Centre
– 24/7 instruction & support by instructors/mentors
– 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
Does not include: Flights to and from Fiji, anything not mentioned above.
More info: office@firesideadventures.ca
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Meet your mentors
Hi there! That’s right… we are leading this trip. Not tour guides... the leaders of Fireside Adventures, Pacific Ark and Nanumi Au themselves: Jeff, Arno, Jen & Koli. Just like you, we were once curious young adults swept away on epic gap years and adventures. Gen Z Fiji is a labour of love. We truly believe this is the best experience a young adult could have on a gap year experience.
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.
“You have a lifetime to be a grown-up, but only a short time to explore the world as a youth. Make it count
Your sustainability engineer, mentor & local adventure leader: Arno Roös, civil engineer and Founder of Pacific Ark
I founded Pacific Ark with a vision to integrate sustainable development, community empowerment, and eco-tourism. Through initiatives like water and sanitation, bamboo construction, Agroforestry, syntropic farming, and permaculture, we partner with local communities to promote environmental conservation and regenerative design while offering immersive, impactful adventures.
“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”
Your community, host and Fiji Base Camp: Jennifer and Kolinio Samuta, co-founders of Nanumi Au
Jen and Koli invite you into their eco-village and community. They are more than hosts; they are teachers, storytellers, and cultural ambassadors. Their village-led approach ensures you experience the true heart of Fiji, where community, tradition, and nature thrive.
“True immersion in Fijian village life offers perspective on the most simple, yet important things: community and nature.”
Course Itinerary
Gen Z Fiji is uniquely designed to deliver an immersive and skills-oriented experience. Check out the full breakdown of what’s included with tuition, and feel free to compare with others. We believe you’ll find this course to be exceptional in both value and experience.
Fireside's Contribution to the Gen Z Course
Workshop Overview: Building a Foundation for Navigating a Changing World
The Fireside Gen Z Course is designed to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge to navigate the complexities of a world increasingly shaped by climate change. Through immersive experiential learning, we aim to build a solid foundation in outdoor skills, community engagement, and climate change education. Our goal is to foster resilience, adaptability, and a deeper connection to the natural world, while empowering participants to become proactive and thoughtful leaders in their communities.
1. Community Outdoor Experiential Education
Participants will develop practical outdoor skills while learning the fundamentals of community building through:
Team-building activities that strengthen group dynamics.
Workshops introducing the principles of experiential education, inspired by thought leaders like Glasser’s Choice Theory and Kurt Hahn.
Learning frameworks such as Tuckman’s Five Stages of Group Development, providing tools for navigating group dynamics effectively.
2. Creative Toolbox: Tools for Tough Times
This hands-on workshop equips participants with essential strategies for working effectively within communities and families. It emphasizes tools for collaboration, problem-solving, and maintaining resilience during challenging situations.
3. World Bound Curriculum
A key component of the course, the curriculum introduces participants to climate change education, including:
Understanding the science behind climate change and its global impacts.
Exploring the critical importance of adaptation strategies and how to communicate these effectively.
Preparing participants to engage in meaningful conversations and actions that address climate change.
4. Check Your Head - Wake Up
An interactive workshop designed to ground participants in the realities of climate change and inspire actionable steps. Using hands-on activities, participants will develop a deeper understanding of their role in creating sustainable solutions.
5. The SOLO Experience
As part of a land-based learning practice, participants will prepare for a 48-hour solo experience on a secluded beach. This transformative component fosters:
Self-reflection, journaling, and meditation practices.
A profound connection to nature and personal growth.
A commitment to Leave No Trace principles, reinforcing environmental stewardship.
6. Essential Participant Agreements
The course begins by setting clear, non-negotiable agreements to establish:
A high-functioning and respectful group environment.
A shared commitment to mutual learning and optimizing the fun factor for everyone.
Standards that support personal and collective growth throughout the program.
Ok… so why Fiji?
Fiji is becoming one of the South Pacific and Oceania’s best landing pads for young people looking for travel & gap years.
It’s a hotbed for opportunities to build climate change-based skills with genuine local and universal relevance.
Home to the most open communities, immersive culture, amazing people, and breathtaking landscapes.
The ideal place for young people to develop their character and self-efficacy…. backpack adventuring, community service projects, and endless comfort-zone-expanding moments, all at your fingertips.
Because of Jen, Koli, Arno, and the incredible communities Fireside has been welcomed into connection with people and nature makes our world a more meaningful home.
Why should I even do a gap year?
For generations, young people have taken the chance, saved up their money, taken gap years and gone backpacking to far-off and amazing places. Why? To connect with new cultures, discover who they are and give themself an enriching experiential form of learning.
What’s different from previous generations is that young people care more than ever about truly unplugging and finding a raw sense of belonging & meaning that isn’t available in the modern hustle and bustle. Fiji is where the magic lives on.
Why This Matters for Gen Z
This course is uniquely designed to meet the needs of Generation Z—a generation facing unprecedented challenges posed by climate change. By combining experiential learning with outdoor skills, climate education, and team-building principles, participants will gain:
The confidence to adapt and thrive in uncertain conditions.
Practical tools to build and sustain resilient communities.
A deeper understanding of how to balance individual growth with global responsibility.
This first stage of the course lays the groundwork for empowered leadership, meaningful collaboration, and action-oriented learning—ensuring participants leave with a strong sense of purpose and capability to navigate the world ahead.
And what makes this experience so special?
Deep Cultural Immersion
Live and work alongside the Mataqali Natiliva community of Nanumi Au. This isn’t tourism—it’s an invitation to become part of a community that values connection, tradition, and sustainability.
Mentorship from Leaders
Learn from Jeff, Arno, Jen, Koli and many other leaders who are passionate about sustainability, leadership, and community development. Their stories, skills, and guidance will shape your understanding of the world.
Hands-On Learning with Impact
Engage in projects that matter—designing eco-friendly structures, practicing permaculture, and enhancing community resilience. Your work contributes to lasting change.
An Adventure for the Soul
Beyond the skills and service, this course offers adventure, personal growth, and moments of awe. From scuba diving to hiking, every experience pushes you beyond your comfort zone.
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)
Newly planted mangrove saplings to protect a small island from beach erosion. Photo: Nature Bro – John Surendra / Pacific Ark
Photos: our partner Suncoast Adventures. Click to enlarge.
Photo: Nature Bro – John Surendra / Pacific Ark. Click to enlarge.
Photos: Jeff / Fireside Adventures. Click to enlarge.
Photos: our partner Suncoast Adventures. Click to enlarge.
Photo: Kristen Kellogg / ATTA
Photo: Kristen Kellogg / ATTA
Photo: Kristen Kellogg / ATTA
Photo: Cédric Jean-Baptist / ATTA
Photo: Kristen Kellogg / ATTA
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.
