— from Amy M. Nesler for San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau —
It is a truth universally acknowledged that there is nothing cuter than videos featuring kids (except maybe baby animals). Kids talking about the environment? Even sweeter! “Island Kids Explain” is an educational video series created by the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau that harnesses the cuteness of local kids to promote stewardship, and was recently acknowledged by the Destination Marketing Association of the West (DMA West) as a ‘Best New Idea.’
Four destination marketing organizations received this achievement award in a recent competition with their colleagues from the West. Sponsored by DMA West, the annual Best Idea Program showcases innovative projects and creative marketing strategies as submitted by DMA West members. Along with the Visitors Bureau, the other winners were Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory, Discover Flagstaff, and Visit Oakland.
Following the seven principles of “Leave No Trace,” this video series and corresponding page on the Visitors Bureau website (visitsanjuans.com/island-kids-explain) encourages visitors to the San Juan Islands to be mindful and respectful travelers. These interview-style videos target areas of greatest visitor impact–the importance of fire safety, proper garbage disposal, and respectful wildlife watching. The goal of this video series is to address the environmental health concerns of the San Juan Islands in a fun and entertaining way in order to preserve and protect the islands.
Island Kids Explain videos:
Trash Tips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNYf3jUeh8E
Fire Safety: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pK6Kb2wWO8
Respecting Wildlife: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIPSNbS_Z-g “Island Kids Explain” is the latest stewardship education effort created by the Visitors Bureau. For more information on the Visitors Bureau’s other initiatives, go to www.visitsanjuans.com/responsible-travel-tips
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These videos are so moving, and true…from the mouths and minds of our kids. It’s so simple. Listen.
Cute. But, why are you using children to market ($$$) our shared environment? I get the overt message; don’t litter… but? Tourism under any other name is still tourism. Wanna do something good for our environment… defund the San Juan Islands Visitors Center. There’s better places to put the money.
I went to the link and watched the 3 kid videos. (I was surprised that 4th of July wasn’t mentioned in Gus’s video as a major wildfire danger and disturbance to wildlife and pets.
I wonder about using children’s innocence and cuteness factor for “destination marketing” – “selling” the islands is the goal, right? Enticing more real-estate buyers to buy up land and strain our water systems and make more “vacation destination” vacation rentals and tidy profits – usually in the UGA where we have seen wholesale destruction of our wetlands and forests and further exacerbating income disparity, making it even more impossible for workers to find affordable rentals and live here. Who will clean the toilets, tend the gardens, cook and serve the food? Will they have to be barged here soon?
I don’t like the idea of using children and cuteness/innocence to “sell” our islands. Somehow, this feels smarmy; unethical – but then, so does selling the islands and promoting unlimited growth.