Adventure Leaders Make Waves at Avalon Underwater Cleanup

Adventure Leaders carefully sort and log trash collected by divers as part of the Avalon Underwater Harbor Cleanup, contributing valuable data to global marine research.

In February, the Adventure Leaders of Healthy Footprints Adventure Community journeyed to Catalina Island for a weekend of camping, conservation, and youth-powered science. The trip was centered around the 43rd Annual Avalon Underwater Harbor Cleanup, a renowned event that brings hundreds of certified divers and volunteers together to remove marine debris from the seafloor.

This year, 260 divers participated in the cleanup, recovering more than 1,336 pounds of trash across three dive sites, and rescuing 57 marine animals entangled or trapped in debris. At our assigned site, our youth leadership program, the Adventure Leaders, collaborated with divers to collect, weigh, sort, and log an incredible 567 pounds of that total.

The event is much more than a cleanup. Every item pulled from the harbor is documented and reported to the PADI AWARE Foundation’s global database, where it contributes to a growing body of data that helps shape marine protection policy and raise awareness about ocean pollution.

Our participation was made possible through our ongoing partnership with BleuWorld, a marine conservation nonprofit founded by Kayla Feairheller, who is also part of the HFAC team of educators. Students were mentored by scientists, conservationists, and volunteers who emphasized the importance of personal action and collective impact.

Kayla shared, “Cleanups like these are a good reminder of our individual impact on the ocean. When students are able to measure the amount of debris found on the seafloor, they see just how important it is to use less and recycle more. They are reminded about their individual impact and they leave feeling inspired to make a difference and to spread the story. The Avalon Harbor Cleanup is a small ripple in the global movement inspired by PADI AWARE and when students like yours get involved, it creates lasting waves of change for the ocean.”

Before the cleanup began, our youth leaders camped inland, ready to rise early and serve the ocean they’re learning to protect.

Our youth left Catalina feeling deeply fulfilled, empowered by the knowledge that their actions mattered. They participated in real-world science, built confidence as environmental leaders, and strengthened their connection to the ocean and one another. For many, it was their first time working in direct collaboration with divers or contributing to a global conservation database.

The students who took part in this trip are part of our Adventure Leaders program, a yearlong environmental leadership initiative for youth ages 10–17. Adventure Leaders take part in conservation service projects, outdoor skill-building, public engagement events, and team-based challenges while developing confidence, responsibility, and a passion for environmental stewardship. They are the heart of our community, and each year they step up to lead by example.

We’re grateful to BleuWorld and Plaine Products for sponsoring student travel, to PADI AWARE, Jack Fishman, and the Avalon Harbor Cleanup team for welcoming youth participants, and to Love Catalina Island for camping guidance. Thanks also to Cat Cookie Co. for offering plant-based meals in Avalon, and to our trusted gear partners at NEMO Equipment, Mystery Ranch, and the Outdoors Empowered Network for making sure our students were well-equipped for the adventure.

This trip was part of Healthy Footprints Adventure Community’s year-round commitment to building confident, capable youth leaders through environmental education and hands-on stewardship in the outdoors. Adventure Leaders grow into their role through consistent participation, teamwork, and a shared commitment to conservation.

Thanks to the families who are able to contribute in full, and to our donors and gear sponsors, we’re able to make experiences like this accessible to a wider range of students. Together, you’re helping create an inclusive and impactful community where all youth can grow into leaders, regardless of financial background.

Learn more about our Adventure Leaders Program or explore our upcoming Catalina Summer Camp (July 28–30, 2025).

Want to support more youth-led conservation projects like this? Make a tax-deductible donation here.

The Avalon Underwater Harbor Cleanup is co-hosted each year by Catalina Divers Supply and the Avalon Rotary Club Foundation. Proceeds from the event benefit the USC Hyperbaric Chamber, the Avalon Rotary Club Foundation, and Avalon Beautiful’s Casino Dive Park improvement project.