NEWS RELEASE **VICTORIA, BC.** - Ocean Networks Canada (ONC), an initiative of the University of Victoria, has teamed up with BC Girl Guides to introduce girls and young women from age 5 to 18 to the wonders of the ocean beneath the surface and to inspire their natural curiosity in marine sciences. Regardless of where we live, the ocean affects us in ways we may not realize—from the food we eat, to the weather we experience. The [Ocean Aware Provincial Challenge](http://bc-girlguides.org/Documents/BC/program/OceanAware.pdf) is a series of fun, science-based activities designed to encourage Sparks, Brownies, Guides, Pathfinders and Rangers to think about how the ocean influences us, and how we influence the ocean. A Provincial Challenge is an additional and elective Girl Guide resource that reflects the unique interests of girls across the country. Currently there are 30 challenge crests offered through the BC Girl Guides program. Girls explore the seven principles of [Ocean Literacy](http://oceanliteracy.wp2.coexploration.org/) to complete the Ocean Aware Challenge. Some of the activities include: making a glowing deep-sea fish, creating an ocean circulation ‘water cake,’ trying to hear like a whale, conducting science experiments and completing numerous service and imagination challenges. When completed each girl will be presented with an Ocean Aware Challenge crest, a colourful patch she can sew onto her camp hat or blanket.