An insurance firm has teamed up again with a youth conservation charity for students to explore the environment from its campus on Burt Island in Hamilton Harbour.

Waterstart, which formed in 2001 to teach young people water skills and environmental awareness, announced a three-year partnership with Aspen Bermuda to further its experiential learning programme.

Aspen has pledged $50,000 annually, after backing Waterstart for the same amount for two years from 2021.

J.P. Skinner, the director and founder of Waterstart, said that the company’s continuing support would help the group to continue giving students “immersion in nature”.

“Our island campus supports thousands of students from all of Bermuda’s middle and high schools to explore the principles of environmental protection.

“Having Aspen’s commitment for the next few years is a huge step towards enacting our mission.”

Anne Kermode, Waterstart’s education officer, said that students got “a direct connection with the environment” at its campus on the island.

“Students are encouraged to unlock critical thinking skills and a problem-solving mindset because, being away from the comfort of the mainland, they observe first-hand the issues that Bermuda is facing.

“Students are invited to think outside of the walls of the classroom to solve challenges relevant to their future.”

She added: “It’s a fun and dynamic environment to teach in, and we are grateful to Aspen for helping us to maintain our commitment to our children.”

Mark Pickering, the chief executive of Aspen Bermuda, said that the company was committed to supporting youth education and environmental stewardship.

He said that Waterstart’s platform is highly effective at advancing progress in a number of areas — providing hands-on learning across a diverse student base in critical areas of marine protection, the reintroduction of threatened species and experimentation in off-grid operations.

“Having met many Waterstart alumni, interns and current students, I can attest to the benefits the programme has on increasing the awareness and knowledge of our local environment, as well as enhancing important social skills for participants.”

Mr Pickering said that Aspen was “thrilled to invest in the programme’s expansion and support the ambition to increase the number of youth able to gain from the valuable experience Waterstart provides”.